From an afternoon of kayaking on Lake Wilson to cheering on the Wilson Tobs baseball game at Fleming Stadium, recreation opportunities in Wilson are abundant. Residents enjoy time outdoors at more than 30 public parks, hitting the links at one of several area golf courses, playing soccer at the Gillette Athletic Complex, or swimming at one of the city's pools - including a dome-covered facility for year-round use.
Wilson boasts an impressive recreation network: 30+ public parks, three recreation centers, a 10-screen movie theater, multiple golf courses, a bowling alley, four reservoirs for boating and fishing, more than 30 tennis courts, 26 pickleball courts, and two public swimming pools.
Natural beauty is never far away, with bike trails, birding trails, rose gardens, and preserved green spaces reflecting Wilson's agricultural heritage. The city's reservoirs not only provide drinking water but also serve as popular destinations for boating, fishing, and kayaking.
Built in 1939, Fleming Stadium remains a summer highlight, with seating for about 3,000 fans. It is home to the Wilson Tobacconist (tobs for short), a collegiate summer baseball team in the Coastal Plain League. The stadium also houses the North Carolina Baseball Museum, celebrating the state's baseball history.
Youth sports thrive through local schools as well as community organizations like the Wilson Youth Soccer Association (WYSA) and the Wilson County Youth Athletic Association (WCYAA). The City of Wilson's Parks & Recreation Department further offers programs and leagues for residents of all ages.
The J. Burt Gillette Athletic Complex, opened in 2005 and expanded in 2009, spans 113 acres and includes regulation-size soccer fields, baseball and softball fields, and walking trails. Its Musco lighting meets NCAA specifications, making it one of North Carolina's premier tournament venues. The Complex also has a spacious field house with full bathrooms and a concession area.