LELAND — The Town of Leland has successfully secured a $443,108 grant from the North Carolina Parks and Recreation Trust Fund to fund the development of its future Sturgeon Creek Park.
READ MORE: Leland council backs Jackey’s Creek development despite public opposition
The funds are specifically designated to build a public boat dock and an ADA-compliant boardwalk at the 78-acre site, which is divided by South Navassa Road.
The additions will provide both conservation and access: the boardwalk will reduce foot traffic in sensitive marsh areas, safeguarding wildlife habitats, while ensuring people of all abilities can access the water for activities like boating, fishing, and wildlife observation. The expansion aligns with Leland’s 2030 strategic plan to increase public water access and recreation.
The Parks and Recreation Trust Fund award is a matching grant, requiring Leland to contribute 50% of the total project cost, bringing the total cost of the dock and boardwalk to $886,216. This year, the Parks and Recreation Trust Fund program supported 22 projects statewide, awarding over $8.7 million in total.
The plan to construct Sturgeon Creek Park has been a multi-year process, with Leland first acquiring the land back in 2016. Phase 1 construction is currently scheduled to begin in January 2026, with an expected completion date of January 2027.
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