View as a webpage / Share

What's Happening in Parks & Recreation?! - January 2025

Explore our Exciting Events Lineup!

Discover a wide variety of activities, from energizing fitness classes to enriching cultural programs, exciting youth events, lively festivals, competitive athletics, and relaxing rounds of golf. Our events are crafted to suit every interest, guaranteeing a season filled with fun and community connection. Don’t miss out — join us for an unforgettable season!

Halyburton Park - 4099 S. 17 St - 910-341-0075

• The next Animal Ambassador Feeding is scheduled for January 8, 2025 from 4:00 - 4:30 PM at Halyburton Park. Please call 910-341-0075 for questions!

• The Little Explorer's Program (All About Animals) is scheduled for January 10, 2025 from 10:00 - 10:30 AM at at Halyburton Park. Please call 910-341-0075 for questions!

• Halyburton Park's Birding Trip to Carolina Beach State Park is scheduled for Thursday, January 16 from 9 AM - 12 PM. 

• Halyburton Park's Walk & Learn Series' Wellness Walk is scheduled for Saturday, January 18 from 11 - 12 PM. This event will be held at 4099 S. 17th Street (Halyburton Park). 

• Halyburton Park's Winter Bird Identification Program is scheduled for Wednesday, January 22 at 8:45 AM. Participants to meet at Halyburton Park (4099 S. 17th Street).

  ---

Davis Center at Maides Park - 1101 Manly Ave - 910-341-7867

• The Davis Center's FREE Zumba program, offered by GoingFit, Inc., is scheduled to host its second session on January 11, 2025. This program will be offered on the days and times listed on the flyer and will be broken into two different sessions. 

• The Davis Center's newest adult program, Stitches & Loops, is scheduled to begin on January 8, 2025. This intro to crocheting and sewing course will be offered from 10 AM - 12 PM on the days listed on the flyer and website. 

• The Davis Center's Kids Night Out program, offered quarterly, is scheduled on the dates listed on the flyer. This program is $5/person.

  ---

Fit For Fun Center - 302 S. 10th Street - 910-341-4630

• The Fit For Fun Center's Tiny Heroes program is scheduled on the following dates: January 13 & January 27. This amazing pre-school program is definitely going to be amazing. Please join us!  

• The Fit For Fun Center's Little Leaps program is scheduled on the following dates: January 7 & January 14. Register now! Hop to it! 

• The Fit For Fun Center's Sensory-Friendly Play Sessions are scheduled on the following dates: January 11, March 15, & May 17. 

Upcoming Special Events

• Please join us for MLK Fun Day on January 18, 2025. Due to the construction of the second gymnasium - and the addition of the Commercial Kitchen - this event will be held at the Davis Center at Maides Park. See Event Directory listing here. 

• In addition to partaking in celebratory festivities, join us in painting a new mural for the Davis Center! The mural will celebrate the park’s past and present. All ages are welcome. Register below (please use keyword 'mural'). 

• Please join us for DREAMS Family Art Nights! Beginning on January 16, 2025, families are invited to come together for a creative and fun-filled evening of art-making. Each month features a new theme and activities, providing a welcoming space to explore different art forms, spark imagination, and create lasting memories as a family. Program runs from 5:30 - 7:00 PM (Maides Park & Halyburton Park).  

• Please join us for Junior Play Day on February 8, 2025. This program is designed to introduce the game of tennis to kids and teens ages 5 - 17! Register here.

  ---

  Cultural Programs & Events (Click title for flyer)

• Join Wilmington’s Parks and Recreation Department in painting a mural for the Davis Center at Maides Park! Participants will engage in the painting of a mural for the Davis Center and its namesake - Derick G.S. Davis. Painting scheduled for January 18, 2025 (MLK Fun Day) at the Davis Center (1101 Manly Ave).

• Join Wilmington’s Parks and Recreation Department in painting a mural for the Sherriedale Morgan Fitness Center! Participants will engage in the painting of a mural for the Sherriedale Morgan Fitness Center and its namesake - Sherriedale Morgan. Painting scheduled for February 15 & 22, 2025 at the Davis Center (1101 Manly Ave). 

• Join Wilmington’s Parks and Recreation Department in visiting the Temple of Israel. Participants will engage directly with history, view historical artifacts, and explore elements of Jewish culture and faith. This program is scheduled for January 27, 2025. 

• Join Wilmington’s Parks and Recreation Department in hiking along the Road to Freedom. Participants will hike along the same route brave United States Colored Troops marched (through present day Halyburton Park to the Cameron Art Museum). As we retrace their steps you’ll learn about the natural history of the park and how the landscape effected these men’s lives personally and on the battlefield. This program is scheduled for February 21, 2025.

• Join Wilmington’s Parks and Recreation Department in learning about Architectural History! Participants will visit iconic landmarks, historic homes, and hidden gems. Led by a knowledgeable guide from Historic Wilmington Foundation, this tour offers a unique glimpse into Wilmington’s past and its architectural beauty. This program is scheduled for March 15, 2025.

• Join Wilmington’s Parks and Recreation Department in learning the Origins of Urban Landscaping. Participants will talk about how cities come to be while answering questions like - "Why can I identify an American city as different from a European city?"; "Why are many downtown trees the same species?"; And even:  "Why is there so much pollen?". This program is scheduled for May 3, 2025. 

• Join Wilmington’s Parks and Recreation Department in a Walking Mediation Program. Participants will engage in a 45-minute guided walking meditation that combines mindfulness and gentle movement. Discover the calming effects of nature, enhance your focus, and find peace with every step. All levels are welcome—bring comfortable shoes and an open mind! This program is scheduled for May 21, 2025. 

• Join Wilmington’s Parks and Recreation Department in their Veteran's Creative Arts Program! Participants will showcase their talents through visual arts or creative writing. Come and share your experiences, connect with fellow veterans, and celebrate the healing power of creativity. This program is scheduled for January 7 - May 27, 2025 at the Davis Center at Maides Park (1101 Manly Ave).

December 2024 - How FESTIVE!

December 2024 was an action-packed month for Wilmington’s Parks and Recreation Department! 

From the Fit For Fun Center's Dino Dig Event to the 21st Annual Holiday Parade & Tree Lighting at Riverfront Park, December was filled with family-centered fun and fiery passion! What a way to end 2024!

21st Annual Holiday Parade & Holiday Tree Lighting  (December 5 & 8, 2024)

With just shy of 80 entries for the parade, the Annual Holiday Parade was a raging success for Special Event staff. In addition, staff saw a significant surge in Tree Lighting spectators this year!

Fit For Fun Center's Dino Dig Event (December 13, 2024) 

The Fit For Fun Center hosted a steg-tacular Dino Dig event on December 13th with a total of 117 participants. Families enjoyed an outdoor dino fossil dig site, indoor dino activity stations, cretaceous café dino-snacks, and meeting the special guest Rexy! 

Our beautiful parks stayed busy with families cooling off and enjoying the onset of the chilly weather, while our community centers flourished, bringing specialized activities to all. We were also busy planning for the MLK Fun Day at Maides Park (January 18, 2025) & DREAMS Family Art Nights (beginning on Thursday, January 16) at Maides Park. These events will feature a variety of age-appropriate activities for youth! 

Thank you to everyone who participated and made December 2024 unforgettable. Here’s to more adventures and fun in our amazing parks and recreation programs!! 

Lanier Tree Services to Begin Stump Grinding Contract in January 2025

Lanier Tree Services was scheduled to start work on the city-wide stump grinding contract the week of December 16, 2024. However, delays in underground utility locating services have pushed the start date to the first week of January 2025.

The contract involves the removal of 330 stumps of varying sizes, ranging from 7 inches to over 90 inches in diameter. These stumps are located within city Right-of-Ways, and the project is expected to take several weeks to complete.

This contract does not include all stumps in public rights-of-way. Existing stumps not listed here will be removed either by City crews or under another contract. As part of the city's ongoing commitment to urban forestry, street trees will be replanted in appropriate locations following stump removal, in alignment with the annual planting contract.

Residents should anticipate the work at the 330 designated locations and are encouraged to contact the city’s forestry department with any questions or concerns.

Parks & Recreation Programming

Cultural Programs In addition to our parks, trails, and indoor/outdoor recreation facilities, the City of Wilmington's Parks and Recreation Department offers a myriad of cultural programs that highlight what makes Wilmington such a vibrant city. Parks, by the beginning of the 20th century, began to be utilized for dance, theatre, and even film. Today, there is an astounding influx of artistic and cultural activity in parks. From large-scale festivals to long-term residencies with arts organizations and partners, our cultural programs strive to revitalize the role parks play in our lives. Check out our program opportunities below and join us!  Learn more about our programs here!

Athletic Programs Embark on a journey of sportsmanship and camaraderie with our Athletics programs, designed to challenge and inspire. For those seeking a more leisurely yet engaging experience, our athletic events and programs offer a touch of friendly competition. Learn more about our programs here!

Adult & Active Adult Programs Immerse yourself in a world of creativity and celebration with one of our adult/active adult programs. Our Adult Events provide a platform for the older generation to connect, learn, and have fun in a safe and engaging environment. Learn more about our programs here!

Youth & Teen Programs From invigorating Nature Camps to enriching Cultural Programs, engaging Summer Day Camps, vibrant Festivals, thrilling After-School Programming, and leisurely play at Fit For Fun, our summer events cater to a wide range of interests. Learn more about our programs here!

Nature Programs The City of Wilmington’s Parks & Recreation Department offers a variety of programs that align with North Carolina Science Standards. The educational programs offered by the trained staff of the Halyburton Nature Center focus on basic science concepts and local nature themes. Designed to engage participants in hands-on learning, our nature programs allow for first-hand experiences in outdoor habitats, creating a relationship of respect and stewardship between participants and the environment. Join our staff for a fun and exciting nature program and explore nature in Wilmington! Learn more about our programs here!

Seasonal Camps & Programs The City of Wilmington’s Parks & Recreation Department offers a wide array of seasonal programming opportunities. We believe that camps should provide the user with a safe environment in which to develop new skills and talents. Camp-based programming is also a place where children, and teens, develop a variety of social skills useful for conflict resolution and leadership. Join us in this special type of seasonal program where we all come together to have fun!   Learn more about our programs here!

Preschool Programs The City of Wilmington’s Parks & Recreation Department strives to offer programming opportunities for all! For that reason, the Fit For Fun (FFF) Center exists for those between the ages of 0 and 5. The FFF team of committed and passionate youth educators provides a warm and safe environment to best support children’s natural curiosity and enthusiasm for learning. Check out their programming opportunities below!    Learn more about our programs here!

Special Olympic Programs Special Olympics New Hanover County provides year-round training in 27 sports, local and regional invitational competitions, social events, recreation activities and more to children and adults with intellectual disabilities. Special Olympics provides opportunities for athletes to compete in inclusive and accessible activities while keeping programs safe for all. Learn more about our programs here!

Open Gym Programs Hey Wilmington! It’s time to gear up and hit the courts because our Davis and MLK Community Centers are open and ready for you! Whether you're dribbling, shooting, or just having a blast with friends, we want you to have the BEST time ever!  Here’s the scoop on what you need to do and what to avoid: ✅ Do: Check in and Display ID: Make sure to check in and show your ID upon entry. Be Respectful: Let's keep the good vibes going—respect each other and the space! Follow Age Requirements: Stay within the age guidelines for your safety and fun! Alert Staff: If you see anything that needs attention, let our friendly center staff know. Wear Athletic Attire: Dress for success in appropriate workout gear. Sporty Shoes Only: Athletic shoes are a must on the courts—no street shoes allowed! Keep Belongings Safe: Keep track of your stuff; the center isn’t responsible for lost or stolen items. Have Fun!: Most importantly, let loose and enjoy every moment! 🚫 Do Not: No Eating or Drinking in the Gym: Keep snacks and drinks out of the gymnasium. No Alcohol, Drugs, or Tobacco: Let’s keep it clean and safe—no substances allowed. No Weapons: Leave firearms, knives, and other weapons at home. No Gang Paraphernalia: This includes bandanas, hats, and specific clothing. No Hanging on Nets or Dunking: Dunking is for officiated games only—respect the equipment! No Damaging Property: Any damage is on you, so treat the facility with care. No Fighting or Horseplay: Keep it friendly and positive—no abusive behavior or language! Let’s make every game, every visit, and every moment count. We can’t wait to see you all out there having an amazing time!   View schedules here.

NC Accessibility Grant Survey - Fit For Fun Center

Help Us Build a Better Playground! We’re applying for a grant to replace the aging playground at the Fit for Fun Center with a new, inclusive one—and we need your input! Take our quick survey: LINK Join us on Jan. 13th at 10 a.m. at the Fit for Fun Center for a public information session. Events Directory Listing. More information here.