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
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Department: |
City Manager |
Meeting Date: |
10/7/2025 |
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Contact Name: |
Becky Hawke |
Public Hearing: |
No |
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Contact Phone: |
910-341-7800 |
Advertising Date/Advertised By: |
N/A |
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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 recreation amenities.
• Seek a commitment from New Hanover County for a funding partnership potential, ideally as a 1:1 match for any City-provided funds
• Commitment of up to $1 million in funding from the City’s General Fund-Fund Balance, to be used to meet any matching and/or partnership requirements
• Allow the City Manager to enter into a purchase agreement for the acquisition of potentially suitable property for an adequate initial, no-obligation inspection period. During this time, additional due diligence will be completed without financial penalty, including bringing the proposed purchase contract forward for formal City Council consideration and final approval.
Additional City Council action will be required to accept any grant or other financing terms; accept all terms of a memorandum of understanding or other agreements that may be required to establish a funding partnership with New Hanover County; formally allocate City funding; and authorize completion of the property purchase. Purchase of the property would be canceled without financial penalty if all these items are unable to be met, or if City Council otherwise deems any item(s) to be unsatisfactory.
budget
BUDGET IMPACT:
Up to $1,000,000 in funding from the General Fund-Fund Balance.
recommendation
RECOMMENDATION / ACTION REQUESTED:
Passage of the resolution is recommended.