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Ordinance Making Supplemental Appropriation in the Amount of $500,000 for the Great Trails State Grant Award for the Replacement of Lions Bridge in Greenfield Park
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Department: |
Parks & Recreation |
Meeting Date: |
5/19/2026 |
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Contact Name: |
Sally Thigpen |
Public Hearing: |
No |
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Contact Phone: |
910-765-0593 |
Advertising Date/Advertised By: |
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Attachments: |
Attachment #1: Ordinance |
PURPOSE:
The purpose of this resolution is to authorize the City Manager to accept the Great Trails State (“GTS”) grant award to support the Phase I replacement of Lions Bridge in Greenfield Park in the amount of $500,000, with a City match of $592,110, funded in the Capital Improvement Fund.
BACKGROUND:
Greenfield Park is a 250-acre park only one mile from the heart of historic downtown Wilmington, NC, and encompasses the 90-acre Greenfield Lake, forested land, a 5-mile loop trail, playgrounds, picnic shelters, a paddleboat marina, passive recreation areas, and the beloved Hugh Morton Amphitheater. Established in 1925 and designated a Local Historic Landmark, Greenfield Park has aging infrastructure and was identified in the 2016 Parks Bond for investment in the loop trails, boardwalks and bridges, and repairs to the gardens. The Greenfield Park Master Plan identified Lions Bridge and other wooden structures that require refurbishment or replacement due to deterioration.
A November 2023 report by a third-party engineering firm evaluated the wooden bridges, boardwalks, and docks throughout the park. It identified the largest bridge, 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. It did not meet ADA accessibility standards.
In July 2025, the City was awarded the GTS grant administered by the NC Department of Natural and Cultural Resources, contingent on an environmental review. The environmental review was approved, and final contract award documents were issued in March of 2026. The grant has a three (3) year project period from the date of notice to proceed. Design is expected to begin in FY 2027. The ADA-compliant pedestrian bridge will be larger than the original 200 ft structure, with a conceptual design of approximately 370 ft.
A Land & Water Conservation Fund grant application was submitted with Council approval in October 2025 to supplement the expected increase in construction costs for Phase II of this project. Notification of that award is expected no later than September 30, 2026.
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BUDGET IMPACT:
$592,110 is already funded in the Capital Improvement Fund for the grant match. This ordinance appropriates the $500,000 grant award.
RECOMMENDATION / ACTION REQUESTED:
Staff recommends appropriation of funds for the Great Trails State grant award to support the replacement of Lions Bridge in Greenfield Park.