Emma Webb Park renovations near completion, ribbon-cutting planned in October
Kinston officials say major improvements at Emma Webb Park are nearly complete, with a community ribbon-cutting expected in late October.
Recreation Director Scott Alston told the City Council on Sept. 2 that work already finished includes a splash pad, new playground, basketball court, roof upgrades, and an amphitheater stage. Additional lighting, signage, and walkway connections are expected in the coming weeks.
“We’re looking at potentially a ribbon cutting around the 23rd of October,” Alston said. “We’ve still got some things to do, but we think we can get it all done and have a nice opening ceremony.”
Council members praised the progress but also raised questions about earlier phases of the project, particularly the amphitheater design and limited scope of the splash pad. “When we talked about the amphitheater, the original design was a semicircle with descending seating,” Councilwoman Felicia Solomon said. “Now it’s just a platform and a hood. My question is—what happened?”
Alston responded that higher-than-expected demolition costs cut into available funds. “The demolition of the pool was a lot more than what I think was estimated,” he said. “When I got hold of the project, we had half the funding left, and we had to work within our framework.”
As part of the finishing touches, Alston said the splash pad will be resurfaced in the off-season with a non-slip material specifically designed for water play areas, similar to the one at Fairfield Park. “It’ll be a non-slip surface, with an All-American City logo as well,” he said.
Mayor Pro Tem Antonio Hardy commended staff for salvaging the project: “People used to say, ‘Are y’all just going to let Emma Webb Park go to nothing?’ Through collaboration, we were able to get that place looking real nice.”
Despite concerns, officials agreed that the park is a significant upgrade. “We had a guy walking the track the other day, and he just thanked us for how much it had improved,” Alston said. “We’re hoping next summer people will know it’s there and it will get used heavily.”
The city plans to announce final ribbon-cutting details later this fall.
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