Parks and Recreation provides year-round programs for various age groups to enhance the life for Blowing Rock citizens and visitors. Included in the recreation activities and events are a summer day camp, a pool program, weekly park activities and programs, a gym program, special community events, and other related activities.

The summer day camp was established in 1987. Historically, day camp has had an attendance of approximately 80 children per week. Although many of the day camp activities are conducted at the Town’s park facilities (Memorial Park, the swimming pool, Davant Field, etc.), local field trips are also scheduled to take advantage of area recreational opportunities.

In addition to the day camp, the department also operates a summer park program at Memorial Park and Davant Field. Some of the scheduled programs include tennis, basketball, volleyball, softball, playground activities, family fun activities, as well as special events and tournaments. The goals of the programs include participation, sportsmanship and fun.

The Grover C. Robbins Memorial Swimming Pool is one of only two outdoor, public-use swimming pools in Watauga County. The facility includes one large, multi-use pool and a smaller wading pool. The pools are heated. The pool facility also includes shower and dressing facilities, restrooms, and a concession area with snack and drink machines.

The Recreation Department has four full-time positions: the Parks and Recreation Director, a Assistant Director, a Parks Maintenance Technician, and a Landscape Specialist. In addition to the permanent positions, there are a substantial number of seasonal positions.

Parks and Recreation

Parks and Recreation programs continue to increase in attendance each year, and include both Blowing Rock taxpayer and non-taxpayer participants. A few examples of the increased participation were seen at the Halloween Festival, Christmas in the Park, and the Golden Egg Hunt.

Blowing Rock is the only Recreation facility offering Kinder programs for children ages 3-5, in Watauga County. When the programs began, only one session of 20 children each season was offered. Currently two full sessions are offered each season, with a waiting list of children wanting to participate. Kinder programs include Basketball, Soccer and T-ball. The same applies to the Jr. NBA Basketball program, which has seen a 100% participation increase from 2001 to 2003.

The adult programs have been just as successful. Both the Adult trips and Dog Training registrations fill up quickly and have excellent evaluations. Trips and programs offered for our adults change based on input from our participants.

Landscape

This department is also responsible for the landscaping in Broyhill Park, Cannon Gardens, Memorial Park, and other Town-maintained planting areas. Staff works very closely with various civic organizations such as Blowing Rock Appearance Advisory Commission and the Blowing Rock Garden Club.

A primary goal of this department is to develop, beautify, conserve, and maintain a system of parks which will assure quality leisure opportunities for all that reside and visit Blowing Rock.