11/04/2025
West Oak Pocket Park Groundbreaking
Today, we're proud to reflect on the groundbreaking ceremony held yesterday for the West Oak Pocket Park, located adjacent to the Goldsboro‑Wayne Transportation Authority (GWTA) bus station on North Carolina Street. City officials, Housing Authority staff, residents, neighborhood leaders, and community partners joined together to celebrate this important step in the West Oak neighborhood.
The pocket park will provide a small, accessible recreational space for residents and transit riders. It is also part of the West Oak Choice Neighborhood Initiative, a locally driven plan led by the Housing Authority of the City of Goldsboro to revitalize the area. The Choice Neighborhoods Initiative focuses on housing, education, economic development, transportation, and public spaces, with the goal of creating a stronger, safer, and more connected community.
The Housing Authority received a Choice Neighborhoods Planning Grant from HUD in 2022, which allowed us to bring together community members, organizations, and local partners to develop a comprehensive plan for the neighborhood. The pocket park is an early action project that demonstrates progress while we prepare to apply for the Implementation Grant, which will fund larger improvements like new housing, enhanced public spaces, and expanded economic opportunities.
The $178,000 project is funded through a partnership: the City of Goldsboro contributed $55,000 in Community Development Block Grant funds, and the Housing Authority provided $123,000. Playtime Installers will install Miracle playground equipment, including climbing bars, a large rope swing, shaded canopies, picnic tables, and AstroTurf with handicapped-accessible surfaces for safe play.
Yesterday's ceremony highlighted the collaboration and shared vision that make projects like this possible. We thank all of our partners and supporters who helped bring this park to life.
Construction will begin soon, with the park expected to open in January. This is just the first step toward a larger neighborhood transformation that will benefit residents for years to come.