1. Proposed 2016 Wilmington Parks Bond Referendum

2. Why a Bond?
Parks are high priority to public, according to recently adopted Comprehensive Plan
Recent survey data indicates public is supportive of a parks bond
Lack of immediate capacity in city construction budget to fund desired park projects
Last parks bond was in 2006

3. Activities to Date Bond calendar created Mayor’s committee formed
Reviewed all proposed parks projects, Total: $61 million
Proposed list of bond projects, Total: $38 million

4. Proposed Projects North Waterfront Park Lawns
Performance/activity space
Gardens
Children’s area
Water feature
Public art
Support buildings
Change picture

5. North Waterfront Park Wilmington’s Park
Why spend $20 million on a park?
To build safe, vibrant, well-used park for all citizens and visitors
Building park as recommended will provide direct revenue to City
Similar urban park investments in other cities have been extremely successful

6. Pack Square Park, Asheville, NC
6.5 acres of green space, stage, artwork, fountains and pathways
Opened 2010
$20.5 million in public & private investment
Change picture

7. Falls Park & Peace Performing Arts Center, Greenville, SC
35 acres of lawns, gardens, 3 performance venues, splash pad, paths
Park opened in 2004; Performance center in ‘91/2012
$26.9 million public investment, $31.9 million private investment
Change picture

8. Proposed Projects Soccer Fields Addresses current field deficit
Over 3,000 city youth play soccer, 800+ area lacrosse players
Multi-purpose rectangular
fields with support facilities
Will serve local league play
and tournament play

9. Proposed Projects Gary Shell Cross-City Trail Improvements
Bradley Creek Pecan/
Park Kayak/SUP Launch
Cross-City trail use data

10. Proposed Projects Community Center Improvements
MLK Center expansion & enhancements
Derrick Davis Center expansion at Maides Park

11. Proposed Projects Wade Park Halyburton Park Building demolition
Playground expansion
New interpretive signage
Halyburton Park
Resurface trail/add interior
boardwalk trail
Visitor center enhancements
Maintenance improvements

12. Proposed Projects Resurface trail Bridge refurbishment
Greenfield Lake Improvements, Improvements at Skate Park
Resurface trail
Bridge refurbishment
New fountain, irrigation & landscape lighting at Fragrance Garden
Replacement of skate park office, half pipe

13. Proposed Projects Municipal Golf Course
Improvements to entrance & maintenance area
Clubhouse enhancements

14. Proposed Projects Maintenance Improvements Park security
Resurface Althea Gibson Tennis Courts
Parking lot improvements

15. Proposed Projects Olsen Park, Phase II Multi-purpose field
Tennis/Pickleball courts
Trails
Additional parking, site improvements
Maintenance building

16. Funded Parks Projects Empie Park Phase II: $1.25 million
- Five new lighted tennis courts
- Entrance connectivity
- Playground replacement
Piney Ridge Nature Preserve Phase II: $1.325 million
- 39 acres of boardwalk nature trail
- Additional park amenities

17. Funded Parks Projects Inland Greens Phase II $815,000
- Rehabilitation of 9 hole par-3 golf course
- Clubhouse restoration
- Amenities for passive park
Parks Maintenance: $380,000

18. Timeline
Outreach & education, Sept-Oct
November 8, Election

19. 2016 Parks Bond
Questions?