Leland residents hopeful for 50-acre park seek council approval

LELAND, NC (WWAY) — A 50-acre park complete with an amphitheater and surrounding retail space could be coming to the town of Leland—but the group of residents behind it must first get approval from town leaders. 

Leland Central Park is a concept for a 50-acre park that would include walking trails, tennis courts, space for restaurants, shopping and more. 

The project already has support from 95% of the nearly 300 Leland residents who were surveyed. Those residents say they want more green space and recreation. 

John Wozniak is a former engineer, and one of the residents behind the project. He says the project is expected to cost between $35 and $50 million. 

That would mean the town would need to raise taxes to pay for it—or as Wozniak hopes—the project could be paid for over time using bonds. 

“General obligation bonds are like a mortgage on a home, they go for 20 years,” he said. “But the advantage of them is that they do get paid over a 20 year period. So the payments per year are relatively small, but as the population grows, more people pay it. “ 

Wozniak says a private developer has already expressed interest in the proposal. Wozniak and other volunteers will present the idea to council at their next meeting.