Leland celebrates grand opening of Founders Park after years of planning and delays
LELAND, NC (WWAY) — After years of planning, construction and delays, the Town of Leland officially celebrated the grand opening of Founders Park on Friday, marking the completion of the park’s final major feature — a new amphitheater.
Hundreds of residents gathered at the park on Town Hall Drive to enjoy the celebration, which featured live entertainment, food vendors and family-friendly activities, including axe throwing, mini golf and basketball.
Construction on the park began in 2023 and was originally expected to be completed by late 2024. However, the project was delayed after town officials identified an alignment issue with the amphitheater and raised concerns about the quality of some of the original contractor’s work.
The park partially reopened in December 2025 during the town’s annual “Leland in Lights” holiday event, giving residents their first look at many of the renovated amenities. The splash pad opened in the spring of 2026, leaving the amphitheater as the final piece of the project.
Barnes Sutton, Leland’s economic and community development director, said the goal from the beginning was to create a space that serves the entire community.
“There was a lot of community effort. The whole idea was to create something in the original part of Leland that is accessible for everyone and has something for everyone,” Sutton said.
Community members said the completed park represents more than just new amenities.
“It really brings the whole community together because we see all the vendors from all walks of life — churches, small businesses. It brings us all together, and I think it’s something we can celebrate in the town of Leland,” said Herman Bland, pastor of Kingdom Believers Outreach.
The Town of Leland also launched its first “live in Leland” concert series tonight, which continues through September with a mix of concerts and a theatrical performance.
The full schedule can be viewed on the town’s website.
