Elm Street Park | Greenville

Elm Street Park is one of Greenville, North Carolina’s most important and versatile community parks, designed to provide a comprehensive range of recreational, sports, and leisure activities for residents of all ages and abilities. It acts as a major recreational hub in the city, supporting active lifestyles and fostering community interaction through its extensive facilities and programs.

1. Location and General Overview

Elm Street Park is situated at 1055 South Elm Street in Greenville, making it easily accessible from many neighborhoods and close to downtown Greenville. The park covers approximately 30 acres, offering ample space for multiple activities simultaneously. It serves both local families and organized sports leagues, acting as a social and athletic cornerstone for the community.

2. Sports Facilities

The park is especially well-known for its comprehensive sports amenities, catering to a broad spectrum of interests:

Stallings Stadium: This is one of the park’s flagship facilities, a modern softball stadium that hosts significant events, including the Little League Softball World Series since 2021. The stadium includes:

234 chairback seats for comfortable spectator viewing.

A climate-controlled press box for media and event operations.

Two elevated spectator decks offering premium views of the field.

A small picnic area nearby for families and groups to gather.
Stallings Stadium elevates the park’s profile as a venue capable of hosting national-level sporting events.

Baseball Fields: Elm Street Park has lighted baseball fields, including the Sarah Vaughn Field of Dreams, which is designed to be fully accessible. This field accommodates athletes with physical disabilities, promoting inclusivity in youth sports.

Tennis Courts: The park offers three lighted tennis courts, maintained to support casual play and organized matches. The lighting extends usable hours into the evening, accommodating various schedules.

Pickleball Courts: Reflecting the growing popularity of pickleball, Elm Street Park provides six lighted pickleball courts. These courts are free to use and attract players of all ages and skill levels.

Additional Sports Facilities: The park includes courts and spaces suitable for lawn games like shuffleboard, bocce ball, and horseshoes, encouraging social and casual sporting activities.

3. Playgrounds and Inclusive Recreation

Elm Street Park emphasizes accessibility and family-friendly recreation through its two playgrounds:

One playground is designed for children aged 5 to 12, featuring traditional equipment like slides, swings, climbing structures, and interactive play elements.

The other playground is fully accessible, built with inclusive equipment that allows children with disabilities to participate alongside their peers, promoting equitable play opportunities.

The park’s playgrounds are regularly maintained and offer safe, engaging environments for kids, making it a favored destination for families.

4. Picnic and Leisure Areas

Elm Street Park provides multiple picnic shelters and tables scattered throughout the grounds. Many shelters come equipped with:

Barbecue grills suitable for family cookouts and group gatherings.

Shaded seating areas ideal for resting during play or enjoying meals outdoors.

These spaces encourage socialization and provide venues for community celebrations, birthday parties, and casual meetups.

5. Community Center — Drew Steele Center

Situated directly across from the park is the Drew Steele Center, a multipurpose facility that complements the park’s outdoor offerings. The center features:

A weight room and fitness equipment, allowing visitors to pursue strength training and wellness indoors.

A temperature-controlled gymnasium that hosts sports leagues, fitness classes, and community events.

Restrooms and an outdoor classroom space, facilitating both convenience and educational programming.

The center frequently organizes and supports community activities such as the “Movies Under the Hoops” series, a popular outdoor film event during warmer months, enhancing Elm Street Park’s role as a cultural and social gathering place.

6. Trails and Greenway Connectivity

Elm Street Park is integrally connected to Greenville’s broader outdoor trail system. It links directly to the Green Mill Run Greenway, a multi-mile paved trail system that follows the natural course of Green Mill Run and eventually connects to the larger South Tar River Greenway network.

This connectivity allows visitors to:

Access the park via pedestrian or bike routes.

Combine trail running, cycling, or walking with recreational and sports activities.

Enjoy natural scenery along waterways and wooded areas.

The greenway integration underscores the city’s commitment to promoting active, environmentally friendly lifestyles.

7. Accessibility and Community Impact

Elm Street Park is fully designed to be accessible for all users. Its inclusion of an accessible playground and the Field of Dreams exemplifies a focus on serving people with disabilities. The park also supports organized sports leagues for children and adults, making it a central site for youth sports development in Greenville.

Community impact is significant:

The park provides a safe, affordable venue for physical activity, promoting health and wellness.

It serves as a gathering place for families, schools, and community organizations.

Hosting regional sports tournaments, especially at Stallings Stadium, attracts visitors and contributes economically to the local area.

8. Maintenance and Future Plans

The City of Greenville’s Parks and Recreation Department oversees the maintenance of Elm Street Park, ensuring that facilities are clean, safe, and operational year-round. Regular improvements focus on enhancing accessibility, updating equipment, and expanding recreational offerings.

Future development ideas often include expanding multi-use courts, improving lighting and landscaping, and increasing community programming to meet the evolving needs of Greenville’s growing population.

Conclusion

Elm Street Park stands as a comprehensive and inclusive recreational destination within Greenville. Its diverse sports facilities, accessible playgrounds, supportive community center, and connection to regional greenways make it a vital asset for residents. The park not only promotes healthy lifestyles and active recreation but also strengthens community bonds through sports, events, and outdoor leisure. It reflects Greenville’s commitment to creating welcoming, multi-functional spaces where everyone can engage, relax, and enjoy.