Elizabeth City, N.C. — A new place to move, breathe and recharge is coming to Elizabeth City State University (ECSU). ECSU is one of only 10 colleges and universities nationwide selected for a 2026 Retool Your School Campus Improvement Grant, bringing $200,000 to ECSU to support the development of a new outdoor wellness park.
The proposed wellness park will provide an inviting, accessible outdoor space where ECSU students, faculty, staff and members of the surrounding community can participate in physical activity, recreation, relaxation and wellness-focused programming. The project reflects the university’s continued commitment to supporting the health and well-being of the whole person.
“This generous investment will allow ECSU to create an outdoor environment that encourages healthy lifestyles, strengthens connections, and supports the overall well-being of our students and community,” said Angie Wills, director of Student Affairs Operations. “We are deeply grateful to Home Depot for recognizing the importance of accessible wellness resources and for partnering with us to bring this vision to life.”
Grant funding will support the planning, development and installation of key park features, which may include outdoor fitness equipment, walking and activity areas, seating, enhanced landscaping, wellness stations and other amenities designed to encourage movement, social interaction, reflection and stress reduction. The final design will prioritize accessibility, safety, sustainability and long-term community use.
The outdoor wellness park will complement ECSU’s existing health, recreation and student-support services. Once completed, the space may also serve as a venue for group fitness sessions, health education programs, wellness workshops, student activities and community engagement events.
Research continues to demonstrate the important connection between regular physical activity, access to green spaces, mental wellness, academic success and quality of life. By creating an accessible outdoor space dedicated to wellness, ECSU will expand opportunities for individuals to engage in healthy activities outside of traditional classroom, clinical and recreational settings.
“The ECSU Foundation is proud to help secure resources that directly enhance the student experience and strengthen the university’s relationship with the broader community,” said LaDaniel Gatling II, executive director of the ECSU Foundation. “This grant represents more than an investment in a physical space; it is an investment in health, belonging, student success and the future of northeastern North Carolina.”
Planning for the outdoor wellness park is expected to begin in fall 2026, with construction and installation projected for August 2027. Additional information regarding the park’s location, design, programming and anticipated completion will be announced as the project progresses.
ECSU joins Carroll College, Clark Atlanta University, Fort Lewis College, Gadsden State Community College, Harris-Stowe State University, Southern Connecticut State University, Spelman College, Victoria College and Xavier University of Louisiana as the 10 colleges and universities nationwide selected to receive a 2026 Retool Your School Campus Improvement Grant.
“This transformative investment will enhance the possibilities of campus recreation for many years to come,” said Nicholas Sanders, director of Campus Recreation and Wellness. “We are excited about the future of health and wellness at ECSU.”
