Greenville Reopens Historic Mayberry Park Marking Century of Black Community Heritage

Mayberry Park, a historic recreational site established in the 1920s as one of the few playgrounds for Black children in segregated Greenville, has been revitalized and celebrated with a grand reopening in August 2025. The $3.2 million renovation, funded through a public-private partnership including Greenville Drive owners Craig and Vicki Brown, transformed the park into a modern baseball facility featuring a 220-foot field, grandstand bleachers, batting cages, and other amenities. Community leaders and residents, including former Sterling High baseball captain John Whiteside, honored the park's legacy and its role as a safe and inclusive space for Black youth during segregation. The reopening event featured ceremonial first pitches symbolizing the park's ongoing legacy and hope for inclusivity across racial lines. The new Mayberry Park will serve local youth baseball programs and be accessible through the city's Parks, Recreation and Tourism Department, continuing its tradition as a community hub. The restoration stands as a testament to the resilience and unity of Greenville's Black community, preserving the spirit and history of the original park while providing a state-of-the-art venue for future generations.