County, city to buy part of Echo Farms for green space

WILMINGTON, NC (WWAY) — The saga over what will happen to a portion of Echo Farms has ended after a big announcement from the City of Wilmington and New Hanover County Wednesday morning.

The two are going to go in together to buy several acres of the property for recreational use.

It’s been an uphill battle for the non-profit group “Save Echo Farms” who have worked for years to try and preserve the green space for the community.

“You don’t plant a tree for yourself, you plant it for your grandchildren. And that’s what I hope we’re doing here today,” said “Save Echo Farms” Vice Chair John Hirchak.

New Hanover County and Wilmington city leaders announced they plan to split the $1.7 million cost to purchase 14 acres of land.

The City of Wilmington will pay 40 percent for development of the first three phases of a public park, while the county will pay 60 percent.

Those first three phases, which include repairs to tennis courts, a new pool and tennis building, and a walking trail are expected to be complete by June 2020.

Mayor Bill Saffo said this is a great thing for the community.

“It’s just a great day for the citizens of Wilmington, the citizens of New Hanover County, anybody in the county anybody in the city will be able to use this as a public park,” Saffo said. “We have these great clay tennis courts that will be expanded here. We have a fantastic pool here at Echo Farms that will be improved over time, and then of course we’re going to be putting in a walking trail here.”

Hirchak says access to clay courts can determine whether veteran players can continue the sport.

“Having suffered a pretty serious leg injury, I’m reduced to playing on clay,” said Hirchak.

Commissioner Woody White says the city and county teaming up to buy this land is an investment in the future.

“For generations to come, young people, old people, men and women of our community are going to enjoy this open space, enjoy these tennis courts and swimming pool,” said White.

Hirchak says he’s thankful that years of hard work have paid off.

“To anyone out there who thinks that they can’t make a difference in their community, I’m telling you right now, you can,” said Hirchak.

Hirchak went on to praise Matrix Development for holding off on development until a decision was reached.

The deal must still be approved by the commissioners and city council and that will be voted on Monday.