Ivey, Pate, and Avery to be honored with field dedication at Fairfield Park

George Ivey, Thurman Pate, and Ed Avery were honored by the Kinston Lenoir Parks and Recreation department at a field dedication ceremony at Fairfield Park. Photo: Kristy Bock/Neuse News.

George Ivey, Thurman Pate, and Ed Avery were honored by the Kinston Lenoir Parks and Recreation department at a field dedication ceremony at Fairfield Park on Monday evening. Director Corey Povar shared these three would have their names permanently etched into the park’s grounds.

“We are naming the one with the grass infield Thurman Pate Field. The field next to Vernon Avenue is going to be George Ivey Field, and the concession stand is going to be named Ed Avery’s Dog House,” said Povar.

The fields were formerly known as “Field #1 or Field #2”.

George Ivey was honored by the Kinston Lenoir Parks and Recreation department at a field dedication ceremony at Fairfield Park. Photo: Kristy Bock/Neuse News.

George Ivey served the citizens of Kinston and Lenoir County for many years. Ivey was the site director of Fairfield Center from 1955 to 1959.

“Some of the best memories of George’s contribution for the love of baseball are shared among so many families through his leadership in the “Tee Ball Program” in Kinston/Lenoir County,” said Sue Ellen Maddux, Parks and Recreation Commission Chair. “George Ivey is indeed an icon for all youth and their desire to participate in the love of sports.”

Thurman Pate has served the Kinston/Lenoir County citizens as well for a great number of years, having served approximately 37 years at various positions with the Kinston/Lenoir County Parks and Recreation Department. Having served as Site Director for Fairfield Park and has contributed countless hours to organizing youth sports activities.

Thurman Pate was honored by the Kinston Lenoir Parks and Recreation department at a field dedication ceremony at Fairfield Park. Photo: Kristy Bock/Neuse News.

“Kinston/Lenoir County Parks and Recreation has been the host for numerous local, regional, state and even national tournaments through his years of service,” said Maddux. “His efforts have contributed greatly to the economical impart for our city and county and what a nice way to say “thank you” to such a dedicated individual.”

The concession stand at Fairfield Park will be named to posthumously honor Ed Avery, who served tirelessly as President of Kinston Youth Baseball for numerous years. Kinston Youth Baseball is a support organization for baseball activity at Fairfield Park. Avery spent countless hours in the concession stand selling “ballpark fare” to all who came to enjoy a good hotdog and a good game of youth baseball.

Ed Avery was posthumously honored by the Kinston Lenoir Parks and Recreation department at a field dedication ceremony at Fairfield Park. His daughters stood in for Avery. Photo: Kristy Bock/Neuse News.

“Ed was indeed the greatest “volunteer” to work and serve families of our community and steered his volunteer team to raise much needed funds to reinvest in Fairfield Park,” said Maddux.

Through his work at the concession stand, funds were raised to build and pay for the current concessions stand.

“In today’s world Ed would definitely be considered a ‘giving GIANT’ who worked so hard to make the Fairfield baseball arena a better place for all to enjoy,” said Maddux.

“These three men are legends in the Kinston/Lenoir County Parks and Recreation industry and all deserve this honor,” said Povar.