Ayden has a vibrant Arts & Recreation community. The offices are located in the former Ayden High School at 4354 Lee Street. The Department is led by Tommy Duncan, Arts and Recreation Director. Athletic Programs are planned and led by Stephanie Hayes, Athletic Programs Supervisor and Terry Blount, Athletic Programs Assistant.
Our Parks
The Recreation Department is responsible for Ayden’s Parks:
- J.J. Brown Park (New Street)
- Veterans’ Park (Third Street)
- Ayden District Park (3864 Jolly Road). The District Park is home to the popular splash pad, open during Pitt County Schools Summer Recess months.
Rent a Picnic Shelter
All three parks have picnic shelters available for rent. For more information on rental fees and to make your reservation click below. PLEASE NOTE – shelter rentals are for private events. If you would like to rent the park for a public event, you must get approval from the Town Manager’s office. Call (252) 481-5826 for more information.
Athletics, Camps & Classes
To register for classes, camps, and athletics, visit the Arts & Rec. website.
Art Classes and Workshops
Annual Special Events
- Ayden Safe Night Out Halloween Carnival
- Ayden’s Sp’Egg’tacular Easter Egg Hunt
- Family Splash Day
- Father-Daughter/Mother-Son Dance
Community Center Classes
Senior Aerobics: meets Monday, Wednesday, and Friday in Activity Room from 10:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. The class is hosted by Pitt Community Schools. There are no fees to participate.
Weaving: Wednesdays from 9:00 am to 12:00 pm. The class is taught by Catherine Billingsley. There is a $55 per quarter fee to participate.
Smiles and Frowns Playhouse
Smiles and Frowns is a non-profit children’s theater. Founded in 1986, its mission is to give school-age children the opportunity to learn about and participate in, all aspects of theater in which they have an interest. Two shows are produced per year: one in the fall and one in the spring.
For more information contact: Susan McCrea at (252) 531-7423 or visit their website.
For information on leasing the Doug Mitchell Auditorium at the Ayden Arts & Recreation Center for your performance, please send an email to Sarah Radcliff (sradcliff@ayden.com) and you will receive a lease application and rental policy.
