Groundbreaking Held for New Parks Operations Facility

Published on January 08, 2026

City leaders and Parks staff break ground on the new Ops Facility

City officials and staff gathered Wednesday to celebrate the groundbreaking of Wilmington’s new Parks Operations Facility. The project, expected to be completed in early 2027, will modernize operations and support staff who oversee maintenance of the City’s parks, Riverwalk, trails and public rights-of-way.

Located at 111 Melton Road, next to the City’s Operations Complex, the facility will improve efficiency for Parks and Recreation employees and replace the aging Burnett Boulevard site. Designed by Esse Architects and constructed by J.M. Thompson Company, the facility will host more than 100 pieces of equipment, offices and workshop space for staff, and a new greenhouse.

The ceremony marked the official start of construction and gave attendees a first look at the much-needed project.

Click here for more information about this project.

City leaders and Parks staff break ground on the new Ops Facility

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Golden shovels in the ground

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Mayor Bill Saffo speaks with Deputy City Manager Thom Moton

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Two Parks staffers waiting for the groundbreaking

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City Manager Becky Hawke enjoys a laugh during the ceremony

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A Parks staffer waves at the camera

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Deputy City Manager Thom Moton speaks with some Parks staffers

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Parks & Recreation Director Amy Beatty enjoys a laugh before the ceremony

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A sign that contains the renderings of the future Parks Ops Facility

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Deputy City Manager Thom Moton speaks at the ceremony

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Mayor Bill Saffo, along with Councilmembers Salette Andrews and David Joyner, speak at the ceremony

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