After four decades of dedication to parks and recreation in Gaston County, the City of Belmont bids a fond farewell to its esteemed Recreation Director, Tareyton “Zip” Stowe, who is retiring after an illustrious career spanning multiple cities and generations.
A native of Gaston County, Zip Stowe graduated from East Gaston High School in 1974, where he was a standout athlete, earning the title of Conference Player of the Year in basketball. His passion for sports continued at Western Carolina University, where he played forward for the WCU Basketball Team from 1976 to 1978 before earning his degree in 1979.
His career in recreation began in the summers of 1977, 1978, and 1979 with the Gaston County Parks & Recreation Department. After graduating, he took on part-time roles with Mt. Holly Parks & Recreation from 1980 to 1983 before stepping into the role of Mt. Holly Recreation Director in 1984. For 17 years, he led the city’s recreational initiatives, fostering community programs and expanding athletic opportunities for local residents.
In 2002, Zip Stowe joined the City of Hickory as a Senior Programmer before transitioning to the City of Gastonia as a Center Director in 2004. He later served the City of Lowell’s recreation department from 2008 to 2017, bringing his leadership and expertise to yet another community.
In 2017, Zip Stowe accepted the position of Recreation Director for the City of Belmont, where he has spent the last eight years overseeing the city’s parks, programs, and recreational facilities. His tenure has been marked by the expansion of youth sports, revitalization of park spaces, and the enhancement of community engagement through recreation.
Mayor Pro Tem Jim Hefferan shared a few thoughts on Zip’s retirement, stating “Zip Stowe has been a pillar of the Gaston County community, dedicating his career to enriching the lives of residents through sports and recreation. Just recently he played a pivotal role in the City of Belmont’s new recreation center facility construction. His leadership, vision, and passion for service have left an enduring legacy.”
As Zip Stowe steps into retirement, he looks forward to spending more time with family, traveling, and, of course, staying active in the community he has served so faithfully. The City of Belmont extends its deepest gratitude and best wishes for a well-earned retirement.
A public reception will be held in his honor at Belmont CityRec located at 1315 E. Catawba Street, Belmont, NC, 28012 on February 28, 2025, from 12:00 PM to 3:00 PM, where friends, colleagues, and community members are invited to celebrate his extraordinary career.