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Wilson This Week -- July 16, 2025 |
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Celebrating Parks & Recreation Month
This July marks the 40th anniversary of National Parks and Recreation Month, and here in Wilson, we're joining cities across the country in celebrating the power of parks to bring people together. This year's theme, Building Together, Play Together, is a reminder that parks and recreation are more than playgrounds and fields — they’re essential to the health, happiness, and economic vitality of our city.
We're Building Together
Wilson Parks and Recreation is investing in the future of our city with several park upgrades underway, including:
- New Barnes Street Community Center (formerly Pender Street Center)
- New playground equipment at Freeman Park
- New playground equipment at Weaver Bailey Park
- New playground equipment at Washington Carver Heights Park
- Facility improvements at Reid Street Community Center
- Greens replacement at Wedgewood Golf Course
- New lighting and paved trail at Lake Wilson
Our team of recreation professionals are also working behind the scenes year-round to run dozens of community programs and summer camps that help Wilson's children grow, learn, and connect.
We're Playing Together
From youth sports to dance, fitness to senior programs — camps and recreation activities are helping Wilson residents of all ages make new memories. Every time a neighbor signs up for a water aerobics class, or a child scores a goal on the soccer field, we’re strengthening community ties.
Did you know?
- Wilson Parks & Rec serves over 23,000 participants annually across camps, leagues, and programs.
- We maintain around 4,700 acres of public parkland.
- Over 30 full-time staff and several seasonal workers and volunteers make our programs possible.
Parks Are Essential
Parks and recreation services:
- Promote physical and mental health
- Provide safe spaces for families to gather and play
- Support economic growth by making Wilson an attractive place to live, work, and visit.
Get Involved
Watch our Welcome to Wilson: Parks & Recreation YouTube playlist to learn more about our Dog Park, Walking and Running Paths, Pickle Ball & Golf, or Kayaks, Boating & Fishing.
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Council meets Thursday
Wilson City Council will hold its only meeting this month on Thursday, July 17, beginning at 7 p.m., at Wilson City Hall, 112 Goldsboro St. You can view the agenda at this link.
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Watch online or in person
The public is always welcome to attend meetings, but we also make them available to stream live or watch afterwards. The link below will go live shortly before the meeting starts Thursday.
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Championship baseball returns to Gillette
Wilson will be hosting hundreds of Little League players, coaches and staff, parents and other family members over the next two weeks so be prepared to see many, many out-of-state license plates and longer lines at local restaurants.
This is the 4th year Wilson has been home to two Tournaments of State Champions. The TOSC for ages 8-10 begins Friday with a ceremony at J. Burt Gillette Sports Complex, followed by quadruple headers Saturday, Sunday and Monday. The quarter- and semifinals will be Tuesday, and the finals on Wednesday.
Then the TOSC for ages 11-12 kicks off Friday, July 25, and finishes up Wednesday, July 30.
The 8-10 TOSC matches championship teams from Virginia, Florida, West Virginia, South Carolina, Tennessee, Georgia, and two teams from North Carolina, Myers Park (Charlotte) and North State (Greenville).
The 11-12 lineup will be announced later this week, but again it will be teams from Virginia, Florida, West Virginia, South Carolina, Tennessee, Georgia, and two teams from North Carolina.
These are important events for Wilson's Parks and Recreation staff who always give everyone the red carpet treatment. But they are also great business for many Wilson hotels, restaurants and other businesses, which will be busy for two weeks.
Here's how you can help:
- Come out and watch the action. If you happen to be near Gillette, stop by and watch a few innings. It's free and fun, and the stadium has huge fans and shaded seats.
- Be patient. The visitors will mean longer lines at your favorite coffee shop, ice cream store or restaurant. Pro tip -- avoid the national chains for the next two weeks and eat at locally owned places.
- Be friendly. Say "Welcome to Wilson" if you see a group of tired parents and hyper boys. The adults will appreciate the kind words. We want these tournaments coming back year after year. Wilson has earned a wonderful reputation, we just have to reinforce it.
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Yacht Club concert will close Gig in the Park season
The final Gig in the Park concert this year will be Thursday, July 24, 6-9 p.m. at Vollis Simpson Whirligig Park and will feature Camel City Yacht Club, rescheduled from an earlier date by rain.
The Winston-Salem-based five-member group is making its Wilson debut. They are known for smooth "yacht rock" hits - think Christopher Cross, Hall & Oats, Peter Frampton, and James Taylor.
Gig in the Park concerts are family-friendly and free - just bring your lawn chairs, blankets, and good vibes. Food trucks and beverages (with ID) will be ready.
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Mark your calendars for National Night Out
We are excited to share the Human Relations Office and the Wilson Police Department are partnering again to host National Night Out on Tuesday, August 5, 2025, 6-8 p.m. in Toisnot Park. The rain date will be Friday, August 8. Toisnot Park provides the shade trees, easy parking and more visible in the community.
Community agencies can submit your booth application early to tmathis@wilsonnc.org; the deadline is Monday, July 28.
National Night Out is a nationwide community celebration. Participating agencies include the Wilson Police Department, Wilson Fire/Rescue Services, Wilson County Sheriff’s Department and a wide variety of emergency services.
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