The Aberdeen Town Board heard a presentation Monday on the town’s 10-year Comprehensive Parks and Recreation Systemwide Plan, a roadmap designed to guide facility upgrades, programming, and funding strategies as the community continues to grow.
“The Aberdeen Parks and Recreation Department’s mission is to enrich the leisure experiences and quality of life for Aberdeen citizens by providing accessible park facilities, creative and diverse recreation programs, quality cultural events, and safe public parks and facilities,” writes Adam Crocker, Parks and Recreation director. “In other words, we are here to help your family enjoy their lives through quality spaces and recreational opportunities. … This 10-year plan is the road map to which we accomplish this.”
Currently, the Parks and Recreation Department oversees seven parks, totaling 127 acres, and an “adequate and useful community building.”
The plan follows months of research, site assessments, benchmarking against national standards, and extensive public engagement. At its core, the plan addresses how Aberdeen can balance its historic identity with the needs of the population.
Survey Results and Community Priorities
Research was gathered through a scientific survey, community engagement inventory analysis, focus groups, and a statistically valid survey.
During the statistically valid survey, packets were mailed to a random sample of Aberdeen households, and 331 responses were collected, which exceeded the target of 300.
The Priority Investment Rating (PIR) weighed both the importance residents placed on certain amenities and the extent to which they felt needs were unmet.
Top facilities rated as priorities included:
*Paved trails and greenways (PIR 200)
*Natural-surface hiking trails (PIR 178)
*Outdoor amphitheater (PIR 125)
*Outdoor water feature or splash pad (PIR 121)
*Water sports access (PIR 121)
*Community garden (PIR 114)
*Dog park (PIR 111)
*Downtown multifunctional space (PIR 110)
Top activities identified as priorities included:
*Aquatic programs (PIR 198)
*Art programs (PIR 183)
*Fitness and wellness programs (PIR 173)
*Special events and festivals (PIR 167)
*Outdoor concerts (PIR 161)
*Indoor concerts (PIR 146)
*Water sports (PIR 135)
*Adult athletics (PIR 134)
*Canine recreation (PIR 129)
*Pickleball (PIR 119)
The plan sets out short-, near-, and long-term goals across six main areas: facilities, trails, recreation programming, public awareness, staffing, and funding. Recommendations include conducting condition assessments of existing park amenities, upgrading outdated restrooms at Aberdeen Lake Park, and eventually expanding the Aberdeen Recreation Center.
The town will also seek coordination with the North Carolina Department of Transportation to prioritize sidewalk and greenway connections. Future projects could include adding benches, lighting, and parking at trailheads, as well as securing easements for long-range trail expansion.
Recreation programming is expected to broaden in scope, starting with more nature-based activities such as guided hikes and garden workshops. Near-term goals call for more flexible offerings for busy families, which was requested by survey participants, while longer-range efforts could add seasonal programs in late fall and winter.
In the short term, officials propose creating a unified look for park signs and outreach materials. Over time, new technology such as QR codes and interactive displays could connect visitors to real-time information about park amenities.
The findings indicate that residents value a diversity of amenities, balancing active spaces with quieter areas for relaxation. This adaptability will guide future investments to ensure the park system remains welcoming and flexible as the population grows.
Additionally, the plan highlights the importance of accessibility, particularly for residents with disabilities, and the need for inclusive programming that “reflects a diversifying community.”
Crocker reiterated that the department will continue to seek public feedback as the plan is implemented. “We are excited for this plan to help us with this, but also for you to continue to let us know your thoughts and needs,” he writes. “These plans, our work, and your input is how we will continue to grow together in recreation, in community, in life, and in fun.”
A proposal to adopt the plan has been entered for the next board meeting, where the board will be able to make a motion to officially adopt the plan.
~ Article and photo by Sandhills Sentinel Assistant Editor Abegail Murphy. Abegail has been writing for Sandhills Sentinel since 2021.
