Game On: Pickleball, Disc Golf and Active Fun Are Growing in the Twin Counties

Across Nash and Edgecombe counties, recreation is becoming more than something to do after work or on the weekend. It is becoming part of how communities gather, connect and stay active.

From pickleball courts to disc golf courses, walking trails, sports complexes and family-friendly parks, the Twin Counties are seeing a growing interest in accessible, outdoor recreation. These activities are popular for a simple reason: they are easy to try, affordable and welcoming to a wide range of ages and skill levels.

Pickleball is one of the clearest examples of this growth. In Rocky Mount, Sunset Park offers dedicated pickleball courts, while Tarboro’s recreational facilities have also embraced the sport with court access for residents and visitors. What was once considered a niche activity has quickly become one of the fastest-growing social sports in the country—and the Twin Counties are part of that trend.

Disc golf is also gaining momentum. The Rocky Mount Sports Complex has become a destination for the sport, while Sunset Park offers another local course that makes it easy for newcomers to get involved.

And then there is Battle Park, which has become another example of how recreation is evolving in Rocky Mount. Long known for its natural beauty and connection to the Tar River, Battle Park now offers much more than scenic walking trails. With nearly five miles of mountain biking and natural-surface trails, an 18-hole disc golf course added in recent years, and connections to Rocky Mount’s larger trail system, Battle Park reflects growing interest in outdoor recreation that blends activity, nature and adventure.

What makes this trend exciting is not just the number of places to play, but who these activities are reaching. Pickleball has become popular with both beginners and experienced athletes because it is social, approachable and easy to learn.

Disc golf offers a similar appeal, combining competition with time outdoors.

Edgecombe County is part of that story as well. Tarboro’s Indian Lake Park offers trails, camping and athletic facilities, showing how recreation in the Twin Counties extends well beyond traditional sports.

Together, these spaces show how recreation is helping shape quality of life across the region. Parks, courts and trails are more than amenities. They are places where neighbors meet, families spend time together and communities build healthier routines.

As more people look for fun, active and affordable ways to spend their time, Nash and Edgecombe counties are well-positioned to meet the moment.

Whether it’s a pickleball match after work, a round of disc golf on the weekend, a walk-through Battle Park, or a family afternoon outdoors, one thing is clear:

Active fun is growing in the Twin Counties.