Town of Belville welcomes UNCW Rowing Club to Riverwalk Park
BELVILLE, NC (WWAY) — The Town of Belville announces that the UNCW Rowing Club has officially relocated its training operations to Belville Riverwalk Park.
The move from the Cape Fear River to the calmer waters of the Brunswick River has established the UNCW Rowing Club Boat Yard at Belville Riverwalk Park, offering an ideal setting for training.
Each season, the team typically fields 20–30 athletes, competing in varsity men’s, women’s, and mixed divisions at prestigious events such as the Head of the South Regatta and the High Point Rowing Championships. Their versatile fleet includes two eight-oared shells, three four-oared shells, and one two-oared shell, supporting both practice and competition needs.
“This partnership reflects Belville’s commitment to expanding recreational opportunities and supporting athletic excellence,” said Chuck Bost, Acting Mayor of Belville. “We’re thrilled to welcome the UNCW Rowing Club to the Belville Riverwalk Park, and we look forward to the energy and recognition they will bring to our town.”
The collaboration between UNCW and the Town of Belville was made possible thanks to the dedication of many local leaders, including Town Manager Athina Williams, former Parks Director Jim Bucher, Parks and Recreation Chairman Vince Matthews and the Parks and Recreation Board, and the Board of Commissioners: Acting Mayor Chuck Bost, Acting Mayor Pro Tem Ryan E. Merrill, Commissioner Morgan Mehler, and Commissioner Hunter Smith III.
Special recognition is also given to the late Mayor Mike Allen, whose steadfast support was instrumental in advancing this public-private partnership, as well as Parks Board Member Dr. Mark Wilde-Ramsing, both of whose contributions were key in establishing the new boatyard.
“We’re very excited to be welcomed to the Belville Riverwalk Park,” said UNCW Rowing Club President Lia Hudgins. “We’ll have many highlights this season, including competitive regattas and a special intersquad scrimmage at Belville Riverwalk Park, we’re inviting the whole Belville community to see the team in action.”
