East Carolinian

Issue date: 2/17/09 Section: Features

Media Credit: Travis Bartlett

Over the Tar River on the northwest side of Greenville is a secluded piece of land called River Park North. Located 2.5 miles from ECU's campus, the park is a convenient traveling distance for students.

Imagine being able to escape the city without actually leaving it. That is River Park North.

This 325-acre park is located at 1000 Mumford Road -- accessible through Greene Street and Highway 33.

Open year-round to the public, River Park North offers picnicking, fishing, nature trails and boating -- perfect for all outdoor enthusiasts.

It is also home to the Walter L. Stasavich Science and Nature Center. The center has a 70-seat theatre, a 10,000 gallon aquarium filled with freshwater fish, a vast display of seashells, live snakes, a display of various wildlife mammals and a "turtle touch tank" where visitors can touch live turtles.

Films are shown in the Science and Nature Center's theatre by request and include an introduction to River Park North, animals in North Carolina and special occasion films such as a recent film on the endangered red wolf.

There are five fishing ponds stocked with catfish by park officials between the months of April and September. Four of the ponds receive fish naturally from nearby streams and the Tar River.

Fishing permits must be obtained in order to fish at River Park North along with $1.50 per day fee for Greenville residents and $3 for non-residents.

From Memorial Day through October, boating is available at the ponds and boats can be rented hourly.

Next to the ponds are three hiking trails that are long enough for beginning or advanced hikers to enjoy. Trail maps are available outside and inside the science and nature center.

"It's been a great place to work," said Howard Vainright, the park's coordinator. "The park has evolved a lot. There are a lot of people who are finding out about the park now, who come here to walk their dogs, go hiking and enjoy fishing."

Vainright has been working at River Park North since it opened in 1983. He began his career in wildlife through the Wildlife Management program at Martin Community College.

Vainright fulfills many roles for River Park North. He has helped acclimate new wildlife to the park by building nesting boxes for birds and ducks and helped plant fir trees and artificial reefs in the ponds to establish a habitat for the park's fishes.

ECU student Harry Lundy is currently building a Web site featuring River Park North with his web design class, and enjoys visiting the park.

"I think it's a nice, inexpensive way to have fun in Greenville," he said. "I was really impressed with the science center; it was very educational."



This writer can be contacted at features@theeastcarolinian.com.

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