What's Happening
2024-25 Registration Dates
TOT Soccer Registration = July 1, 2024- August 9, 2024
Soccer Registration = July 1, 2024- August 9, 2024
*Registration for ages 13-15 will take place in the spring of 2025*
Flag Football Registration = August 12, 2024 - September 20, 2024
Football Registration = August 12, 2024 - September 20, 2024
Cheerleading Registration = August 12, 2024 - September 20, 2024
Volleyball Registration = September 3, 2024- October 11, 2024
Basketball Registration = October 28, 2024 - December 6, 2024
Blastball Registration = January 20, 2025 - February 28, 2025
Softball Registration = January 27, 2025 - March 14, 2025
Baseball Registration (ages 13-14) = March 31, 2025 - May 2, 2025
MISSION STATEMENT
Our mission is to improve the quality of life for all Bladen County residents by providing a wide variety of leisure and cultural activities, special events, excellent facilities and services that encourage health, fitness, relaxation, enjoyment and learning.
We strive to enrich and improve the well-being and quality of life for present and future Bladen County generations through the sound planning, development, maintenance and preservation of quality programs and an excellent recreation staff.
We support and encourage the F.U.N. Principles in all our Youth Programs.
Fun - Making sure every participant has fun while learning to play the game the right way.
Understanding - Every participant will learn the proper rules of the game and the concept of teamwork, self-esteem and good sportsmanship.
Never Quit - Participants learn to work hard and never give up no matter what the score.
RECREATION PROGRAMS
Youth
DIXIE BOYS BASEBALL - League play begins in May and ends in July for boys ages 13-14. Games are played at the Bladen County Park.
BLASTBALL (T-BALL) - League play begins in late March/early April and ends end of April. League is for boys and girls ages 3-5. Games are played at the Bladen County Park.
COACH-PITCH GIRLS SOFTBALL - League is for girls - ages 5-7. League play begins in April and ends in June. Games are played at the Bladen County Park.
FASTPITCH GIRLS SOFTBALL - League is for girls - ages 8-10, 11-12 and 13-15. League play begins in April/May and ends in July for all ages. Games are played at the Bladen County Park. All Leagues are Fast-Pitch.
YOUTH SOCCER - For children ages 5-12. League begins in late August/early September and ends in October. All games are played at the Bladen County Park. League age divisions are 5-6, 7-9, 10-12. A league for ages 13-15 will be offered in the spring.
TOT SOCCER - For children ages 3-4. League begins in late August/early September and ends in October. All games are played at the Bladen County Park.
YOUTH FOOTBALL - League play begins in mid-October and ends in late November. League age divisions are 7-9, 10-12. Games are played at the Bladen County Park.
FLAG FOOTBALL- League play begins in mid-October and ends in late November. League is for boys and girls ages 5-7. Games are played at the Bladen County Park.
YOUTH CHEERLEADING - League play begins in mid-October and ends in late November. Age groups are 7-9 and 10-12. Cheering will be for our Youth Football League. All games are played at the Bladen County Park.
YOUTH VOLLEYBALL - League play begins late October/early November and ends in mid-December. Age groups are 8-9, 10-11 and 12-14. All games are played at King Street Gym in Elizabethtown.
YOUTH BASKETBALL - Children ages 6-12. League age divisions are 6 years old, 7-9, and 10-12. League play begins in January and ends in March. Games are played in the King Street Gym in Elizabethtown.
*Please note - These dates are subject to change if deemed necessary by Bladen County Parks and Recreation Administration.
Adult
CO-ED VOLLEYBALL - League play begins in March, ages 18+.
GYM RENTAL - Gym is available for rent after office hours and on weekends for basketball and volleyball.
Community
CRAF Grant (Community Recreation Assistance Fund) The CRAF has been established to aid communities within Bladen County in setting up and conducting active sports programming in their communities for children ages 17 and under. Contact the Recreation Department 910-862-6770 for more information.
CUT OFF DATES
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Basketball - January 1 of Tournament year.
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Baseball - April 30 of the Tournament year.
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Soccer - August 1 of the Tournament year.
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Football - August 1 of the current year.
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Cheerleading - August 1 of the current year.
- Volleyball - October 1 of the current year.
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BlastBall (T-Ball) - April 1 of the current year.
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Softball - December 31 of the previous year.
Fee Schedule
| Youth Soccer |
$35.00 |
| Tot Soccer |
$30.00 |
| Youth Tackle Football |
$40.00 |
| Youth Flag Football |
$40.00 |
| Youth Cheerleading |
$35.00 |
| Youth Volleyball |
$35.00 |
| Youth Basketball |
$35.00 |
| BlastBall (T-ball) |
$30.00 |
| Girls Fast-Pitch Softball |
$35.00 |
| Girls Coach-Pitch Softball |
$35.00 |
| Dixie Boys Baseball |
$35.00 |
| Dixie Pre-Majors Baseball |
$10.00 |
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| Adult Co-Ed Volleyball |
$30.00/per player |
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| Gym Rental |
$20.00/hour |
| Field Light Rental |
$20.00/hour (all fields) |
| Shelter Rental |
$60.00/all day |
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$30.00/half day |
FACILITY & EQUIPMENT RENTALS
General Information:
When not in use for department-sponsored activities and programs, department facilities may be rented by the public.
To ensure proper processing, facility rental applications and fees should be submitted at least two weeks prior to the desired date of rental.
Please come by the Parks & Recreation Department for further information.
Facilities available for rent:
(1) Gymnasium
(4) Baseball / Softball Fields
(4) Tennis Courts
(2) Picnic Shelters
(1) Soccer Field
(1) Football Field
(1) Outdoor Basketball Court
All equipment will be reserved on a “first come, first served” basis at the gymnasium. A refundable deposit is required for overnight use or from Friday until Monday.
RETURN CHECK POLICY
A service charge of $25.00 will be assessed for each check returned INSUFFICIENT FUNDS. Payment for returned checks will be accepted in cash only.
ACCESS STATEMENT
The Bladen County Parks & Recreation Department encourages everyone in the community, including those with disabilities, to participate in all the programs included in this program guide. The Department will provide support services to assist in meeting the individual accessibility needs of persons wishing to participate in Department Programs. Our access statement is in compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act. (ADA)
VOLUNTEERS
The Department recruits over 500 volunteers each year to assist with its programs. Volunteers assist the Department in many ways including youth basketball and baseball, specialized workshops, Special Olympics, Senior Games and more. Please call us if you are interested in volunteering with the Bladen County Recreation Department.
ADOPT-A-PARK PROGRAM
We encourage groups and individual citizens to participate in the beautification of our County Park and Recreation facilities. Projects can include the design and development of flower beds or gardens, or trail enhancement. Groups and individuals interested in sharing their skills and ideas should contact Grant Pait at 862-6770.
RECREATION ADVISORY BOARD MEMBERS
Robert Mazur
William Corbett, Chairman
Kenneth Daniels
Ken Hunt
Michael Dove
Daniel Peterson
Walter Powell
Chris Tatum
Kyle Bostic
Erica (Huffman) Sutton
Mark Gillespie
Nicole Kinlaw
