title
Resolution to Authorize City Staff to Pursue the Acquisition of Real Property Suitable for the Development of a New Park and Recreation Amenities
body
Department:
City Manager
Meeting Date:
10/7/2025
Contact Name:
Becky Hawke
Public Hearing:
No
Contact Phone:
910-341-7800
Advertising Date/Advertised By:
N/A
Attachments:
Attachment #1: Resolution
PURPOSE:
This resolution authorizes City staff to pursue the acquisition of real property suitable for the development of a new park and recreation amenities, to include funding partnerships.
BACKGROUND:
The City of Wilmington's Strategic Plan FY 25-30 calls for vibrant neighborhoods that connect existing and future residents to the places where people live, work, and play. It also supports the implementation of the Comprehensive Parks, Recreation, and Open Space Master Plan (Create a Thriving, Inclusive, and Affordable Community of Neighborhoods, Objectives 2 and 3).
One of the identified goals of the Comprehensive Parks, Recreation, and Open Space Master Plan is to acquire 120 acres of additional land to support the current and future recreational needs of the community. However, opportunities to acquire substantive, undeveloped tracts of land or assemblies of parcels can be rare, fleeting, and often cost-prohibitive.
A potentially viable property has been identified in an area that currently lacks notable park amenities; however, its anticipated cost exceeds what the City can independently afford at this time. Time is also of the essence, as the current owner is considering selling it for development purposes. The City must now explore funding opportunities to support the feasibility of acquiring this identified property.
To leverage this potential opportunity, staff is seeking the following authorizations from City Council:
* Apply to the New Hanover County Community Endowment and other potential grant sources for funding for a portion of the acquisition of property for new parks and recrea...
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