New and improved: Ocean Isle Beach completes park expansion ahead of summer
After a decade of planning and years of construction, upgrades to a park in a Brunswick County beach town are complete, just in time for summer.
Looking to build a public gathering space by the beach, Ocean Isle Beach officials began eyeing property between the Museum of Coastal Carolina and Causeway Drive in 2014. A 1.7-acre parcel adjacent to the museum was purchased by the town that year.
By 2020, Town Center Park was constructed on the site and quickly became a year-round hotspot. In 2022, the town was able to purchase the 0.74-acre parcel at the corner of Causeway Drive and East Second Street, making way for the expansion of the park that leaders initially envisioned.
Ocean Isle Beach Mayor Debbie Smith said the park has been long-awaited by town leaders and residents.
“It has been an ongoing desire of ours to do that, and we were able to procure the property so we moved ahead with plans and now construction,” she said.
Smith said the town removed the construction fencing in mid-April, a soft opening of the expanded park to the public. A grand opening celebration and park dedication was held at the end of April.
Because the initial phase of the park was completed in 2020, Smith said, the town never had an official event marking its opening due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
The original area of the park included a playground, splash pad, restrooms, walking paths and a performance stage on which the town has hosted its summer concert series.
The expansion, which was approved in 2022, added “some really nice amenities,” namely a kiddie zipline, additional playground equipment, exercise equipment, a half-basketball court that doubles as a pickleball court, and some picnic areas, Smith said.
“We’re excited about it,” Smith said.
According to a 2021 estimate, the total project is expected to cost more than $800,000. Just under $400,000 will be paid for through a state grant, and the rest will be matched by the town.
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The town’s namesake park, Ocean Isle Beach Park, is located just four miles away at 6483 Old Georgetown Road. The 58-acre park features two playgrounds, eight tennis courts, four pickleball courts, an amphitheater, picnic shelters and a multi-purpose field, among other amenities.
Jamey Cross covers Brunswick County for the StarNews. Reach her at jbcross@gannett.com or message her on Twitter/X @jameybcross.
This article originally appeared on Wilmington StarNews: Ocean Isle Beach, NC, sees completion of park expansion
