Leland pushes for Founders Park completion amid delays and construction concerns

LELAND, NC (WWAY) — The Town of Leland is continuing efforts to complete renovations at Founders Park, though construction delays and concerns over work quality have slowed progress.

According to a release from the Town of Leland, the park, which was originally scheduled to reopen in late 2024, remains an active construction site and under the control of the contractor. One of the major setbacks came in September, when the Town identified an alignment error in the amphitheater’s construction. Work on that structure was halted, and it has since been removed from the contractor’s scope of work. The amphitheater will be re-bid in the coming months.

Town officials said the removal of the amphitheater should not have impacted progress on other park features, which were not dependent on its completion. However, the Town noted ongoing concerns, including the pace of work and the quality of some completed portions.

The town said renovations were expected to reach substantial completion by November. Since that deadline passed, the contractor may now be subject to liquidated damages as outlined in the contract. In addition, the Town is withholding 5% of the total project cost until all work is completed properly and meets contract standards.

As progress continues, the Town says it hopes to reopen completed areas of the park to the public while continuing construction in others. Planning is also underway to bring back the annual Leland in Lights holiday event at Founders Park.

To help keep the project on track, Leland Town Council has authorized the Town Manager to enter into settlements related to any claims that may arise during the remainder of the project.