New park expansion preserves more than 90% of Smith Creek land
NEW HANOVER COUNTY, NC (WWAY) — A major expansion of Smith Creek Park is now open to the public, adding 85 acres of outdoor recreation space and preserving most of the land in its natural state.
New Hanover County announced Tuesday that Phase 2 of the Smith Creek Park expansion is complete and available for visitors.
The expansion includes a new entrance and parking area at 251 Lake Emerald Drive East off Gordon Road, along with a restroom, picnic shelter, nature play areas, environmental education features and a one-mile paved perimeter trail.
The trail includes an ADA-accessible connection to the park’s existing lake loop.
County officials said more than 90% of the expanded acreage remains in its natural condition.
“When our community told us through the master plan that green space mattered most, we listened,” New Hanover County Board of Commissioners Chair LeAnn Pierce said. “That promise is a park, and it belongs to everyone.”
Jodi Rich, director of New Hanover County Parks & Gardens, said the project was designed to provide additional recreational opportunities while protecting the area’s natural features.
“Less than 10% of this land was touched, and that small footprint opens the other 90% to everyone to enjoy,” Rich said.
Smith Creek Park is open daily from dawn to dusk.
The original portion of the park, located at 633 Shenandoah Street off Gordon Road, opened in 2011. It includes a 35-acre spring-fed lake, a 1.3-mile loop trail, a playground and non-motorized boat access.
New Hanover County said the expansion is part of ongoing efforts to increase access to parks and green spaces throughout the community.
