2016 Parks Bond

Wilmington voters approved a $30.4-million bond in 2016 to invest in parks and recreation capital projects, including a concert venue, more multipurpose fields, upgrades to current parks and safety improvements.

MLK Community Center Expansion and Improvements

This $5.57-million project includes the following improvements at the MLK Center at Robert Strange Park:

  • High-school regulation-sized basketball court that can also be used for volleyball, pickleball and wrestling
  • Two motorized goals
  • Four retractable goals
  • Two scoreboards
  • Motorized divider curtain
  • Safety padding for walls and backstops
  • Additional restrooms
  • Storage and office space
  • Full-commercial kitchen

The project is currently underway by contractor Clancy-Theys and is expected to open in spring 2025.

Olsen Park Phase II

This project includes a multipurpose field, pickleball courts, additional parking, a maintenance structure and walking paths.

Halyburton Park Improvements

This project includes upgrades to Halyburton's Nature Center, installation of interpretive signage, trail improvements, and a playground replacement.

nCino Sports Park

The project includes four new fields and a synthetic turf field. When completed, the park will have 11 multipurpose fields, including one synthetic turf field. Other improvements include construction of a restroom building, lights for five of the fields and installation of infrastructure to have lights on remaining fields, parking, and landscaping.

A groundbreaking ceremony took place at 205 Sutton Steam Plant Road on February 15, 2024. The project is scheduled to be completed in 2024.

Learn more here

Bradley Creek Kayak Launch

The project scope includes an accessible kayak launch, dock, boardwalk, and picnic area located on Circular Drive where the road meets Bradley Creek. The city was awarded a grant by the N.C. Public Beach and Waterfront Access Program administered through the Department of Environmental Quality-Division of Coastal Management.

Greenfield Park Improvements

This project includes resurfacing of the trail around Greenfield Lake, repairing and improving the fountain, irrigation and landscape lighting at the Fragrance Garden and bridge refurbishment.

Completed Projects

  • Althea Gibson Tennis Complex Resurfacing Project
  • Gary Shell Cross-City Trail
  • Riverfront Park
  • Empie Phase II (tennis court & new parking lot)
  • Empie Park Playground Area Improvements (ADA components and connections, pollinator beds, parking lot, sealcoating near playground and replacement of bollards/maintenance gates)
  • Facility Security Improvements
  • Parking Lot Improvements at Legion Sports Complex
  • Wade Park
  • Greenfield Grind Skate Park
  • Davis Center Gym at Maides Park
  • Municipal Golf Course Improvements
  • Portia Mills Hines Improvements & Modifications