In response to
a community-wide survey which indicated the strong desire for
recreational facilities, the Village of Tobaccoville purchased
14 acres of farmland adjacent to Village Hall in 1993. The first
phase of park development was started in 1994 and included site
grading and seeding of the land. Two acres of the parcel were
set aside for the future construction of a community center.
A 1/3 mile walking trail, a softball field, a football/soccer
field, and a gravel parking lot were completed in 1994. These
projects were funded entirely by Village funds. Also in 1994,
a Park and Recreation Committee (PARC) was formed to advise
the council on issues concerning the future development of the
Village Park. This committee continues to function in regards
to long-range park planning issues. In order to learn more about
this committee, please use the following link (PARC).
The naming of the park was based on a community-wide citizen
survey. "The Village Park" was chosen by a
unanimous vote of the Village Council.
The second phase of park development was partially funded by
a Land Water Conservation Fund (LWCF) park grant. Grant funds
in the amount of $48,000 were awarded to the Village in 1995
and aided in the construction of a picnic shelter with restrooms,
the extension of the walking trail, the construction of a playground,
the addition of grills, picnic tables, bleachers, football/soccer
goal posts, and a softball backstop. The Village applied for
and received additional LWCF grant funds in 1996, and $12,000
was awarded.
Additional projects completed in the park include tennis and
basketball courts, several arbors with swings, 2 horseshoe pits,
soccer goals, an upper gravel parking lot, a gazebo, a vending
building, and extensive plantings of trees and shrubs each year
as dictated by the master planting plan. The 5,000 sq. ft. Alice
Watts Tuttle Community Center was dedicated on September of
2001, and a Veterans Memorial was dedicated on November 11,
2002.
The Village Park is a wonderful place to visit and bring your
family. The recreational facilities are designed to fit in with
the natural surroundings and picnic areas. The mostly rural
atmosphere of the community surrounding the park enhances its
natural beauty. In order to view the park facilities, attractions,
and surroundings, please click on the following link. (Park
Pictures) For a list of rules and regulations concerning
the park, click on (Rules and
Regulations)
Almost all park facilities are open to the public every day
during normal operating hours. The picnic shelter and gazebo,
while available for public use during normal park hours may
also be rented by individuals or groups. The community center
too is available for private rental, and contains two conference
rooms, a kitchen, a large main room, and a stage. The community
center also is equipped with a sound system. Each rental in
the community center is set up to specification prior to the
rental. All facility rentals are attended by a park employee,
who inspects the facility both before and after it's use. All
rental contracts and scheduling are handled through Village
Hall and all contracts must be signed and fees paid to the Village
Clerk before a rental is scheduled and a contract is finalized.
To inquire about facility rentals, you may phone Village Hall
at 336-983-0029 or you may e-mail the Village Clerk at (clerk@tobaccovillenc.org).
In order to view the facilities available for rent, room setups,
and both resident and non-resident contracts for the gazebo,
picnic shelter, and community center, please click on (Park
Rentals).
The Village Park
is located at 4225 Tobaccoville Road, located behind the Tobaccoville
Post Office and Tobaccoville Village Hall.
Current operating
hours:
6 a.m. - 9
p.m.
The park staff
is made up of Dale Hauser, Public Works and John Harris and
Henry Tompkins, Part-Time Park Assistants. They are responsible
for operating and maintaining the Village Park to the highest
standard possible. If you have questions concerning the maintenance
of the Village Park you may e-mail the park staff at (publicworks@tobaccovillenc.org)
Click on (Park Staff) for a photo
of the staff.
