New Hanover Community Endowment awards $15.8M for recreation, health and community
NEW HANOVER COUNTY, NC (WWAY) — The New Hanover Community Endowment has awarded seven grants totaling $15.8 million for recreation projects, health care and other community services across New Hanover County.
Four grants totaling $13.5 million will support recreation facilities and public infrastructure, including projects in Carolina Beach and Wrightsville Beach. Another $2.3 million will go toward health, developmental and in-home services.
The largest grant is $6.5 million for the YMCA of Southeastern North Carolina to support development of a 50-meter indoor pool at the Nir Family YMCA.
According to the Endowment, the additional pool capacity is expected to support more swim lessons, water safety programs, exercise classes and competitive swimming. It will also support the YMCA’s Schools in Pools program, which aims to reach all 26 elementary schools in the county and more than 2,000 second graders each year.
The YWCA Lower Cape Fear will receive $2 million for renovations and infrastructure improvements at its Aquatics Center. Planned work includes resurfacing the pool, restoring the deck and making safety and accessibility improvements.
The Town of Carolina Beach will receive $3.5 million over two years to support development of the Carolina Beach Coastal Park and Event Stage near the Boardwalk.
Plans call for a year-round oceanfront public space with a performance stage, amphitheater, open lawns, accessible pathways, stormwater improvements and connections to the Boardwalk, beach and nearby commercial district.
The grant will supplement the town’s investment in the project. Carolina Beach recently purchased land near the Boardwalk for the future public gathering space.
The Town of Wrightsville Beach will receive $1.5 million for the first phase of improvements to the John T. Nesbitt Loop. The Endowment said the project will help maintain a walking route during the N.C. Department of Transportation’s three-year bridge replacement project while supporting planning and design for a wider, accessible loop.
The Endowment said early findings from its countywide Recreational Opportunities Assessment, which is expected to be completed this fall, helped inform the four recreation investments.
Three additional grants totaling about $2.3 million will focus on health, early childhood development and services intended to help residents live independently.
MedNorth Health Center will receive nearly $1.3 million to support coordinated medical, dental, behavioral health, pharmacy and other services.
The Child Development Center will receive $800,000 over two years for an early childhood developmental program serving preschoolers with developmental, behavioral and medical needs. The program will include assessments, individualized interventions, classroom support, staff coaching and family consultations.
Welcome Home Angel will receive $247,500 to help acquire a permanent location for its services, which include home modifications and clinical support for children and older adults.
Sophie Dagenais, president and CEO of the Endowment, said the grants are intended to support residents at different stages of life.
“These grants reflect our commitment to invest across New Hanover County and across generations,” Dagenais said. “Whether it’s a child learning to swim, a family gathering at the beach, a patient getting care close to home, or an older adult staying safely in their own home, we’re helping our partners strengthen the places, services and opportunities people rely on throughout their lives.”
