Inside Statesville Recreation & Economic Vitality: Building a Stronger Community | REV It Up Podcast

Welcome to REV It Up, the official podcast of Statesville Recreation & Economic Vitality. Each month, we'll take you behind the scenes of the programs, events, partnerships, and initiatives that help make Statesville a stronger, more connected community. Whether you're interested in recreation, community events, parks, or the people working to enhance quality of life in Statesville, REV It Up offers an inside look at what's happening across our department.

A New Name. A Broader Vision.

In this first episode, Kali and H welcome Richard Griggs, Director of Statesville Recreation & Economic Vitality to talk about the department's evolution from the Statesville Recreation and Parks Department to Statesville Recreation & Economic Vitality.

The name change reflects much more than a new brand. As the department expanded its responsibilities - including the addition of the Statesville Event Center and a close partnership with Downtown Statesville Development Corporation - it became clear the department's mission had grown beyond traditional parks and recreation.

Today, parks, greenways, athletic programs, event management, downtown partnerships, and community experiences all work together to strengthen quality of life while supporting tourism, conferences, local businesses, and economic growth throughout Statesville.

That same philosophy also led to updated facility names. The Statesville Event Center (previously the Statesville Civic Center) better reflects the venue's role in hosting weddings, conferences, meetings, and community events, while the Statesville Recreation Center (previously the Statesville Fitness & Activity Center) aligns with the name residents have long used for the facility. These updates provide greater clarity while reinforcing each facility's purpose within the community.

Statesville Heritage Festival

The conversation also highlights the inaugural Statesville Heritage Festival, taking place Saturday, August 1, 2026, at the Statesville Event Center.

Originally inspired by America's 250th anniversary, the event evolved into a celebration of the many cultures, traditions, and stories that make Statesville unique. Throughout the day, visitors can enjoy live entertainment, cultural demonstrations, educational presentations, community conversations, interactive activities, and a collaborative community mural that will become a lasting piece of public art.

The festival was intentionally designed to bring people together through learning, conversation, and shared experiences while showcasing the partnerships that continue to strengthen our community. Organizers hope it becomes an annual tradition that continues to grow for years to come.

Statesville Heritage Festival

📅 Saturday, August 1, 2026

🕝 10AM - 4PM

📍 Statesville Event Center (300 S Center St, Statesville)

💲 FREE Admission

🔗 Learn more about the Statesville Heritage Festival here.

Statesville Bookbag Giveaway

Families attending the Heritage Festival will also have the opportunity to participate in the annual Statesville Bookbag Giveaway, presented in partnership with Village Intervention Partnership.

The goal is to distribute approximately 1,000 backpacks filled with school supplies to local students, helping them start the school year prepared and confident. The event will also feature free hot dogs provided by the Statesville Police Department, inflatables, and additional family-friendly activities, making it a fun day for the entire community.

Statesville Bookbag Giveaway

📅 Saturday, August 1, 2026

🕝 11AM - 3PM

📍 Statesville Event Center (300 S Center St, Statesville)

💲 FREE Admission

🔗 Learn more about the Statesville Bookbag Giveaway here.

Stay Connected

New episodes of REV It Up are released monthly, bringing you closer to the people, projects, and partnerships shaping recreation and economic vitality in Statesville.

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REV It Up: A podcast from Statesville Recreation & Economic Vitality

Welcome to REV It Up, the podcast that takes you behind the scenes of the programs, events, partnerships, and initiatives that enrich life in the City of Statesville.

Each episode explores the people, places, and opportunities that make Statesville stronger - from recreation programs and community events to parks, partnerships, and the initiatives that help our community grow. Whether you've called Statesville home for years or are just getting to know our city, REV It Up gives you an inside look at the stories shaping our community.

The show is hosted by Kali Bailey, Facilities & Events Manager, and H Patton, Assistant Facilities & Events Manager, here at Statesville Recreation & Economic Vitality. Together, they welcome guests from across the community to share their experiences, highlight upcoming opportunities, and give listeners a closer look at the people and projects shaping recreation and economic vitality in Statesville.

New episodes are released monthly. Browse the latest episodes below to stay connected with everything happening at Statesville Recreation & Economic Vitality.

WATCH Previous Episodes Here