Park & Recreation
Park
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 began 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 large, open field, and a gravel parking lot were completed in 1994. These projects were funded entirely by Village funds. Also in 1994, the 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 read below.
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, and a softball backstop. The Village received additional LWCF grant funds in 1996 in the amount of $12,000.
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.
On May 18, 2008, a Tobacco Farming Museum was officially opened in the historic tobacco barn located in the park. The barn was originally built in 1885 and was donated to the Village by Mr. W. G. (Jack) Doub in 1992. This museum showcases the history of tobacco farm and is open for tours, on a seasonable basis. For more information about the museum, please call Village Hall or drop by to pick up a brochure.
In July of 2008, the Village completed the addition of a wireless internet connection for public use by park patrons. This service is monitored to prevent inappropriate access and will work throughout the park grounds and buildings.
The Village Park is a wonderful place to visit and bring your family, and 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 here.
Little Free Library – A Little Free Library was constructed and installed in the park in the fall of 2017 as a Girl Scout Gold Award project by Miss Elise Colburn. Stop by: take a book, leave a book!
Movie in the Park – The movie, WONDER, will be shown at the gazebo on Friday, June 8th at dusk. Rain date is Saturday, June 9th. WONDER is a great family film! Mark your calendar for future movie nights on July 20th and September 14th.
The Village Park is maintained by our full-time employee, Doug Hood, and the weekend park attendant is Ms. Sue Hunter. Ms. Hunter oversees all reservations at the picnic shelter, gazebo, and community center. For reservation information, please call Village Hall 336-983-0029 to check availability.
Park facilities are open to the public every day, with the exception of holidays. 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 is available for private rental, and contains two conference rooms, a kitchen, a large main room, and a stage. 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 use. All rental contracts and scheduling are handled through Village Hall and all contracts must be signed and fees paid before the rental is official. To inquire about facility rentals, call Village Hall at 336-983-0029 or email clerk@zsw.kzh.mybluehost.me. In order to view the facilities available for rent, room setups, resident and non-resident contracts, please click on Park Rentals.
