title
Resolution Authorizing the City Manager to Apply for a Grant from the Land and Water Conservation Fund for the Replacement of Lions Bridge in Greenfield Park
body
Department:
Parks & Recreation
Meeting Date:
10/21/2025
Contact Name:
Amy Beatty
Public Hearing:
No
Contact Phone:
910-341-5838
Advertising Date/Advertised By:
N/A
Attachments:
Attachment #1: Resolution; Attachment #2: Concept Design; Attachment #3: Conceptual Cost; Attachment #4: Consultant Services
PURPOSE:
The purpose of this resolution is to authorize the City Manager to apply for a Land and Water Conservation Fund ("LWCF") grant in the amount of $450,000 to support the replacement of Lions Bridge in Greenfield Park. This will supplement the previous Great Trails state grant award to overcome rising construction costs identified by the consulting engineer.
BACKGROUND:
Greenfield Park is a 250-acre park one mile from the heart of historic downtown Wilmington, NC which encompasses the 90-acre Greenfield Lake, forested land, a 5-mile loop trail, playground, picnic shelters, paddle boat marina, the Grind Skate Park, tennis/ pickleball courts, passive recreation areas and the beloved Hugh Morton Amphitheater. Established in 1925 and designated a local historic landmark, the park has aging infrastructure and was identified in the 2016 Wilmington Parks Bond for investment in the loop trail, boardwalks and bridges, and repairs to the gardens. The Greenfield Park Master Plan (2023) identified Lions Bridge and other wooden structures in need of refurbishment or replacement due to age and deterioration.
A November 2023 report by a third-party engineering firm identified Lions Bridge as an immediate safety hazard. The bridge was closed to the public and demolished in early 2025. Lions Bridge was the only structure that crossed the lake, providing additional access to the trail system, gardens, and amenities.
There are two design concepts for replacement of the bridge, one with a current co...
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