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
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Department: |
Parks & Recreation |
Meeting Date: |
10/21/2025 |
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Contact Name: |
Amy Beatty |
Public Hearing: |
No |
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Contact Phone: |
910-341-5838 |
Advertising Date/Advertised By: |
N/A |
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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 cost estimate of $1,219,472 and the other at $1,157,780. The more expensive option includes a slightly larger pedestrian landing area in the middle of the bridge. These costs include engineering and design contingency but do not include construction contingencies or construction oversight. Those estimates will be developed as design progresses. $653,432 in Capital Improvement Plan Funds were allocated to the project in FY25. $158,000 has been spent to date on engineering and demolition.
In July 2025, the city was awarded a $500,000 Great Trails state grant for the replacement of the bridge. The Great Trails state grant may act as matching funds for the LWCF grant. The purpose of applying for the LWCF grant is to provide funding for increased construction costs. To design and construct an ADA compliant bridge, the footprint will be 170 feet longer than the original structure. New budget estimates provided by the consulting engineer are higher than the original estimates obtained in 2024. Added costs include increased material prices, construction phase services, special inspection services, cost estimating fees, geotechnical engineering services, and surveying.
Staff presented the proposed LWCF grant application to the Cape Fear River Watch First Saturday Seminar on October 4, 2025, and it was well received by participants. The grant application was presented to the Wilmington Parks and Recreation Advisory Board on October 15, 2025, and it received the full support of the board.
budget
BUDGET IMPACT:
LWCF grants require a 50% match. The Great Trails state grant will act as the match for the LWCF grant. Matching funds for the Great Trails state grant were previously allocated from the FY25 Capital Improvement Program.
recommendation
RECOMMENDATION / ACTION REQUESTED:
Staff recommend authorization for the City Manager to apply for the Land and Water Conservation Fund to support the replacement of Lions Bridge in Greenfield Park.