🌳 KINSTON WANTS YOUR IDEAS — CITY BEGINS REDESIGN OF PARKS AND ASKS RESIDENTS FOR SUGGESTIONS

Kinston is entering a new chapter in its effort to rebuild, beautify, and modernize its public spaces — and this time, the city is asking residents to help shape the future.

City leaders and local revitalization groups have already begun major upgrades at several parks, including the redesign of All American City Park, a key green space at Blount and North Queen Streets. The project is part of a broader downtown revitalization effort led by Downtown Kinston Revitalization (DKR), which aims to transform underused areas into welcoming, family‑friendly spaces.

According to DKR leadership, the redesign will mirror the successful Shirley Herring Memorial Gateway project and will include new landscaping, improved lighting, and features that make the park more inviting for families and visitors.

At the same time, the city is working from the Kinston/Lenoir County Parks and Recreation Master Plan, a long‑term guide that sets goals for future improvements, capital investments, and programming across all parks in the region. The plan is designed to shape the next 10–15 years of park development — but city officials say community input is essential to make sure the upgrades reflect what residents actually want.

Kinston has already secured grant funding for major upgrades at Emma Webb Park, a historic community space that will receive new amenities as part of a $1 million renovation project. With momentum building, the city is now turning to the public for ideas on what should come next.

Residents are being encouraged to share suggestions on:

• New playground equipment

• Splash pads or water features

• Walking trails and fitness stations

• Lighting and safety improvements

• Seating, shade structures, and picnic areas

• Art installations and community gathering spaces

• Accessibility upgrades for seniors and people with disabilities

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City officials say the goal is simple: build parks that reflect the people who use them.

Kinston’s parks have served generations of families, and with new funding, new leadership, and new energy behind revitalization, the city is making it clear — the community’s voice will shape the next generation of public spaces.

— Quarla Blackwell