Ceremony scheduled for November 3 as part of federal neighborhood transformation initiative

GOLDSBORO, N.C. — The City of Goldsboro will hold a groundbreaking ceremony for the West Oak Pocket Park at 10 a.m. Monday, Nov. 3, at 103 N. Carolina St.

Part of Federal Choice Neighborhoods Initiative

The West Oak Pocket Park is part of the Choice Neighborhoods Initiative, funded by a grant from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development to transform the West Oak neighborhood, in partnership with the Housing Authority of the City of Goldsboro (HACG). The initiative aims to create new housing, improve public spaces, and provide economic and educational opportunities in the area.

Funding and Partnership

As a partner in the Choice Neighborhoods Initiative, the City of Goldsboro has committed $55,000 of Community Development Block Grant funds toward the pocket park’s development. The Housing Authority will cover the remaining $123,000 of the $178,000 total project cost.

The park’s location was selected for its accessibility, and the City’s Parks and Recreation Department will be responsible for its maintenance.

A Model for Future Development

Mayor Charles Gaylor expressed enthusiasm about the project, noting its innovative approach to urban green space.

“We are excited to make additional investments in our city park system right where families are entering and exiting the city every day,” said Mayor Gaylor. “This park is of a novel style new to our system, and it will serve as a model for what could be. Seeing how the community uses and enjoys this space will allow the city to consider this format for other areas as part of the larger Parks and Recreation Master Plan.”

The mayor also acknowledged the collaborative nature of the project: “We are grateful to our partner, the Housing Authority of the City of Goldsboro, in this project and look forward to considering a larger Choice Neighborhood plan in the future.”