You’re driving through Havelock, North Carolina, and you see a sign for Walter B. Jones Park. Most folks just keep on driving toward the coast. They figure it’s just another patch of grass with a slide. Honestly, that’s a mistake. If you actually pull off Highway 70 and head behind the Public Safety building on Governmental Avenue, you find something that isn't just a "city park."
It is a 12-acre hub that basically keeps the local community sane.
There is a weird thing about the name, though. If you Google it, you might get confused. Half the results talk about an addiction treatment center in Greenville, and others point toward a historical park in Jacksonville, Florida. It’s a bit of a mess. But the one in Havelock? That is the heartbeat of this Marine Corps town. It is named after the late Congressman Walter B. Jones Jr., a guy who was pretty much a legend in Eastern North Carolina for his fierce independence and support for the military.
Why This Isn't Just Your Average Playground
Most people think a park is just for kids. They’re wrong. The Walter B. Jones Park in Havelock is famous locally for its "Imagination Station," but the real story is the inclusive playground. In 2016, the city went all-in on a $450,000 project funded by Trillium Health Resources.
This wasn't just adding a plastic bucket swing and calling it a day.
They installed a Liberty Swing. It’s this massive, heavy-duty piece of engineering that allows a kid in a wheelchair to actually experience the sensation of swinging without having to leave their chair. You need a key to use it—you can grab one from the Recreation Center—but it changed the game for families who used to have to watch from the sidelines.
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The ground isn't that nasty, splintery mulch either. They used poured-in-place safety surfacing and engineered wood fiber. It’s soft. It’s bouncy. It’s expensive, but it means fewer scraped knees and better accessibility for strollers and walkers.
The Sports Scene is Intense
If you come here on a Saturday morning, be prepared for chaos. The good kind. The park has:
- Regulation-sized soccer fields.
- A massive football field.
- Lighted basketball courts that stay busy well after dark.
- A baseball and softball complex.
Basically, if it involves a ball and a whistle, it’s happening here. The city’s Parks and Recreation department runs everything from Pop Warner football to youth lacrosse out of this spot. It’s where half the town’s kids learn how to lose gracefully and win loudly.
What Nobody Tells You About the Walking Track
There is a walking track that circles the perimeter. It sounds boring. It isn't. Because Havelock is so tightly tied to Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point, you aren't just walking in silence.
You’ve got AV-8B Harriers or F-35s screaming overhead.
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It is loud. It is "the sound of freedom," as the locals like to say. If you’re looking for a meditative, silent yoga retreat, this is not your place. But if you want to see a community that is deeply, unapologetically military-focused, this track is where you’ll see active-duty Marines running their PFTs alongside retirees and moms with jogging strollers.
The Events That Actually Matter
If you’re just visiting, you might miss the two biggest things that happen at Walter B. Jones Park.
First, there’s the Havelock Chili Festival. It’s been running for over 30 years. People take this seriously—like, "don't-talk-to-me-until-the-judging-is-over" seriously. The winner usually heads off to the International World Chili Championship. It’s a massive sea of tents, smokers, and some of the best (and most dangerous) chili you’ll ever eat.
Then there’s National Night Out. In August, the Havelock Police and Fire departments take over the grass. They bring out the big ladder trucks and the K-9 units. It’s one of those rare times you see the whole town—civilians and military—hanging out in one spot without a formal agenda.
Survival Tips for Your Visit
Don't just show up and expect everything to be open.
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- The Liberty Swing Key: If you need the wheelchair swing, don't wait until the weekend when the office might be closed. Call the Rec Center at (252) 444-6429 ahead of time.
- Parking is Tricky: There’s plenty of it, but it’s tucked behind the police station. If you see a bunch of patrol cars, you’re in the right place.
- The Sun is Brutal: While the playground has some integrated shade structures (those big Ionix Helix Towers), the fields are wide open. Bring more water than you think you need.
The Legacy of Walter B. Jones
It’s worth mentioning why the name is on the sign. Walter B. Jones Jr. represented this district for decades. He was known for being a "maverick." He’s the guy who famously pushed to rename French Fries to "Freedom Fries" in the House cafeteria, then later became one of the biggest critics of the war in Iraq.
Naming the park after him wasn't just a political gesture; it was about honoring someone who lived and breathed Eastern North Carolina. The park reflects that—it’s sturdy, it’s functional, and it’s built to serve the people who actually live there, not just tourists passing through to the Crystal Coast.
Getting the Most Out of Your Trip
If you’re planning to visit, don’t just stay for ten minutes. Bring a cooler. There are picnic shelters with grills that are first-come, first-served unless they’re reserved for a birthday party.
Honestly, the best way to experience it is to go on a weekday evening right before sunset. The heat breaks, the jets are usually done with their heavy training sorties, and the whole place feels like a classic American town square.
Actionable Next Steps
If you’re in the area or planning a move to Craven County:
- Check the Havelock Parks and Rec website for the seasonal sports schedule so you don't get caught in the middle of a 200-person soccer tournament.
- If you have kids with sensory needs, go early—around 9:00 AM—before the "Imagination Station" gets too crowded and loud.
- Look up the dates for the Havelock Chili Festival; it usually hits in October and is the absolute best time to see the park in its full glory.
Walter B. Jones Park might not be a national landmark, but for a town like Havelock, it's the glue. It’s where the community shows up. Whether you’re there for a high-intensity workout on the track or just to let the kids burn off energy while F-35s circle overhead, it’s a spot that definitely earns its keep.