Havelock's Park and Recreation Department offers a wide variety of program opportunities for people of all ages. The key components for delivery of these programs are the Recreation Center and its adjoining 50 acre athletic complex, the Havelock Senior Center, and a number of parks that are operated and maintained throughout the city.

The Recereation Complex is located off Highway 101 and was dedicated in 1989. It includes eight baseball / softball fields and has multiple facilities for soccer, football, lacrosse, and tennis. A key addition to the complex came to fruition in September 2002 when the Recreation Center opened its doors. Boasting numerous amenities, the Recreation Center is at the hub of all activities held on or at the complex. Weekly high and low impact aerobics, self-defense, and Pilates / Yoga classes are offered on site, and the 1800 square foot fitness center, open to the public Monday through Saturday 6 am - 10 pm and Sunday 1 pm - 9 pm, gives individuals interested in health an opportunity to reach their goals. A one-mile walking trail, encircling the complex itself, was dedicated and opened in early 2009, giving fitness enthusiasts a chance to run, walk, and shed a few pounds at their own leisure.

Sports-related activities keep the complex lively on a year round basis. Local athletic leagues offer varius sports and administer their leagues on the facilities at the complex. These agencies include: Baseball, Softball, Football, Soccer, Lacrosse, and Basketball. Havelock T-ball plays its games at  Racide T-ball complex, introducing its variation of America's pastime to a younger generation. The Recreation Department is in charge of its own Adult Slow-Pitch Softball League, offering the program twice a year, and runs an eight-week Summer Day Camp Program that has become a "rite-of-passage" for local youths age 6-12.

The renovation  in 2003 of the old post office located on Trader Avenue added a new dimension to recreation in Havelock, as it was converted to a Senior Center. Activities at the Havelock Senior Center include the universally popular game of bingo, card playing, knitting / crocheting, various line-dancing and ballroom dancing, and a popular series of monthly socials abd dabces that allow members over 55 to "cut a rug" and "boogie on down".

Neighborhood parks offer a splendid and peaceful day away from the office or the stresses of work. Many of these facilities have shelters available for rentals, making them the ideal spot to have a family cookout, family reunion, or birthday party. Often varioius citywide special events are held in the parks such as the Annual Easter Egg Hunt and the Annual Christmas Tree Lighting at City Park; as well as the July 4th Freedom Festival and the Annual Chili Festival sponsored by the Havelock Chamber of Commerce at Walter B. Jones Park.

So if you are just visiting the area, or have lived here all your life, know that the dedicated Parks and Recreation staff is working hard to give you the best recreation experience possible. Future plans call for an expansion of the Recreation Center by including locker rooms and an additional 1000 square feet of floor space to the Fitness Center.

Should you have any questions, comments, or suggestions, please contact Havelock Parks and Recreation at (252) 444-6429 or (252) 444-6439. Here's to a fun and positive recreational experience! 

The city borders the Croatan National Forest, which offers hiking, hunting, fishing, paddle trails and swimming. Nearby, ocean beaches attract tourists during the warm months. The ocean, the broad Neuse River and nearby Pamlico Sound make the area a boater’s paradise. Three 18-hole golf courses surround the Havelock/Cherry Point area.