New Concession And Restroom Facilities Open At Onslow Pines Park

Onslow County Parks and Recreation Opens New Concession and Restroom Facilities at Onslow Pines Park

After several years in the planning, Onslow County Parks and Recreation is pleased to announce the opening of its new concession and restroom facilities in its flagship park site at Onslow Pines Park. The project began in the summer of 2009, as residents representing the Southwest Baseball and Softball League initiated fundraising efforts to replace the aging concession and restroom facility at the almost 35 year old park. "This was a case where some of the park's most loyal users and supporters saw a need and offered their help to improve the facilities," says Recreation Supervisor Rick Perry. The initial fundraiser, the 2009 Halloween Spooktacular was an immediate success. Featuring a haunted hayride, mini train, and other family fun activities, Spooktacular, has grown into one of Parks and Recreation's most popular events.

With the support of its patrons and community sports league, the Parks and Recreation Department submitted a budget request for fiscal year 2011-2012 to provide funding to complete the design plans and construct a 2,300 square foot concession and restroom facility that would accommodate the patrons attending baseball and softball tournaments, as well as the many special events hosted by the park each year, including the Annual July 4th Freedom Festival.

Recognizing the need to enhance and improve the facilities for its thousands of users, the budget request was approved by the Onslow County Board of Commissioners.

"This is a great example of a private/public partnership. Working with the support of the community, the County was able to move forward with this much needed project," said Onslow County Board of Commissioners Chairman W.C. Jarman. Perry echoed his sentiments stating, "In the true spirit of recreation, this project would not have been possible without this team effort. We deeply appreciate the citizens who initiated this project and the financial support provided by the Onslow County Board of Commissioners."

Almost three years to the day from the launch of the fundraising effort, the new concession area was open to the public during the 2012 Halloween Spooktacular celebration.

"Everyone was extremely pleased with how well the facility turned out and we are grateful for the support that has made it a reality," said Perry.

Onslow Pines Park is located at 1244 Onslow Pines Road in Jacksonville.