EWA’s Partnership with Zebulon Park to Get New Athletic Fields

By: Ava Murray

     East Wake Academy hopes to add four new athletic fields to its campus by 2030. At the moment, the fields will be used for baseball and softball. The land is approximately located behind the current maintenance shed. According to athletic director Bradley Bowman, the project will benefit both the school and the Zebulon community by creating shared spaces for athletics. The arrangement would allow the school to host earlier practices and games, while Zebulon Parks and Recreation could use the fields later in the day.

Sheila Long and Bradley Bowman holding an EWA Baseball hat.

     The project will be led primarily by the Zebulon Parks and Recreation department, led by Sheila Long.  Through an agreement, the town will build and manage the fields on school property, while East Wake Academy provides the land. “EWA executive director Anthony Pirrello will remain involved to ensure the project meets the school’s needs, but Zebulon will take the lead in planning and development,” said Bowman.

     While the additional fields create the possibility of expanding athletic offerings, Bowman said no new sports teams are guaranteed. Instead, the focus is on improving current programs by increasing field space, practice time, and opportunities for home games. Any future expansion would depend on student interest and available resources.

Bowman also emphasized the importance of partnerships with local recreation departments, noting that shared scheduling and facilities can make it easier for families to manage practices and games. Under the agreement, the town of Zebulon will handle field maintenance, while the school will be responsible for cleaning up after use.

Overall, the project reflects a collaborative effort aimed at strengthening existing programs, supporting student-athletes, and building a stronger connection between the school and the wider community.