Step back in time to a simpler America, a time when children were allowed to be children and sports could be the center of activity that brings families together.
Burke County is reminiscent of that time and boasts one of the most comprehensive sports programs imaginable for a community its size, no matter where you live in the county.
The Burke County Recreation Department uses 13 gyms throughout the county and has some 250 youth basketball teams. The department sponsored 32 football and cheerleading squads in fall 2005 and in 2004 had 70 baseball and softball teams for young people. It also sponsors indoor soccer and wrestling programs.
The Morganton Recreation Department has a large recreation center uptown and a smaller center at Mountain View, with a covered pool and swimming facilities. The city supervises the Catawba River Soccer complex which has two lighted soccer fields with bleachers and presently operates seven softball and baseball fields within the town limits. In April 2006, five new lighted Little League fields will go into operation at Catawba Meadows Park, a 230-acre area that will eventually include eight more softball and high school/American Legion-size baseball fields.
The Valdese Recreation Department cooperates with the Burke County Recreation Department but also maintains its own younger children’s programs, a covered heated pool, gym, exercise room and bowling alley.
The East Burke Youth Athletic Organization runs their own programs for younger children. There is a community pool open to the public and the Hildebran-Icard Little League uses a three baseball field complex. A planned park for the eastern part of the county will have lighted baseball fields, a soccer field and a walking trail.
There are private traveling teams in lacrosse, soccer, softball, baseball and basketball, as well as extensive industrial and church league basketball and softball programs.
Morganton sponsors a summer league wooden bat baseball team, the Aggies, made up primarily of college-age players seeking to play in the Major League.
The Catawba River Greenway in Morganton is a paved walking and bike trail that covers 4.8 miles along the Catawba River.
There are several other activities available in the county such as boating, camping, picnicking, bowling, racquetball and golf.
Burke County is that bygone community of old, that has recreation and athletic opportunities for people of all ages and interests.
— George Henne Jr.
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