If limited to just one word to describe the new ballfields at the Ahoskie Creek Recreational Complex, we would choose – spectacular.

On a bright and sunny Saturday morning, the newest additions to that ever-growing complex were formally unveiled when the Town of Ahoskie hosted its Opening Day ceremonies and games for the 2011 spring/summer youth baseball and softball leagues. The color and pageantry associated with these youngsters participating in the annual parade of teams onto the field for the first time was a sight to behold.

Equally as dazzling on this beautiful spring morning was the facility itself. There was a lot of  “head-turning” as first-time visitors to the ballfields visually absorbed this new environment. There’s no doubt that perhaps some in attendance had to pinch themselves to ensure this wasn’t all a dream …. they really were in Ahoskie.

It wasn’t all that long ago (2005 to be precise) that this facility was actually nothing more than a dream. The Ahoskie Town Council weighed several options of what to do with this 70-plus acre piece of property, once home to a residential neighborhood prior to the destructive floodwaters left in the wake of Hurricane Floyd.

After years of planning as well as several lively debates over finances, Ahoskie’s leaders boldly moved forward with a plan to transform the land into a park. Those plans started with the amphitheater and two sprawling soccer fields, and have since evolved into additional recreational venues with even more on the drawing board.

We commend Town of Ahoskie officials for their vision to expand recreational opportunities for local residents and guests. Their efforts have turned an area that was once the scene of gloom and despair into one where fun, laughter and competitive spirit now abound.

– The Roanoke-Chowan News-Herald