Trailing the Wilmington Area
Emma Dill with Wilmington StarNews reports that there is a statewide effort to spotlight the significance of local trails, greenways, and blueways in North Carolina, deeming 2023 as the “Year of the Trail.” As New Hanover County continues to grow, the “Year of the Trail” campaign is making an impact in Wilmington with the addition of numerous local trailways – ranging in location from downtown Wilmington to Kure Beach- that are currently in the works. The progress of these trails is all at different stages, however, all trails are focusing on supplying more links for cyclists and pedestrians within New Hanover County.
According to the official campaign website, this is the “largest statewide celebration of trails and outdoor recreation in North Carolina history.” Campaign efforts are led by the Great Trails State Coalition, and their objectives include boosting outdoor recreation tourism, advancing diversity and inclusion on trails, demonstrating the importance of trails to elected officials, and promoting the safe and responsible usage of trails. The “Year of the Trail” has brought five local trailways for New Hanover County locals to be on the lookout for.
The Downtown Trail has been approved and funded for the design of Phase 1, however, construction for the trail has yet to be funded so the timeline is uncertain. This trail is estimated to cost $3.5 million and extend 5.9 miles long, linking downtown Wilmington with Northside, Love Grove, and Forest Hills neighborhoods.
The Masonboro Road Loop Trail is currently in construction Phase 1 and is projected to extend 1.4 miles with an estimated budget of $2.5 million. This trail links Navaho Trail to Pine Grove along Masonboro Loop Road and Phase 2 of construction is projected to start next year.
The Greenville Loop Road Trail has 4 separate phases that vary in stages of completion. With a budget of $6.8 million, this trail will be 4.4 miles, link South College Road with Oleander Drive along Greenville Loop Road, and construction is projected to begin in Spring 2023.
The Pleasure Island Greenway was proposed to link Kure Beach town limits with Fort Fisher and the Southport Ferry Terminal, stretching 4.8 miles long. This greenway will not have an official budget and timeline for completion until the feasibility study is completed.
Across the bridge in Brunswick County, the Gullah Geechee Heritage Corridor is under works, but there is much uncertainty regarding completion until the feasibility study is completed. If approved, the Gullah Geechee Heritage Corridor will extend for 22 miles linking Navassa with Southport and other areas in Brunswick County.
By Bryanna Gordon, Legal Assistant