Lions Bridge Replacement Project

Greenfield Lake's cross-section (above) showing the location where the former Lions Bridge connected two areas of Greenfield Park near E. Lake Shore Drive.

The Lions Bridge Replacement Project will restore an important pedestrian connection within Greenfield Lake Park that was lost following the closure and removal of the former Lions Bridge. The project will replace the former bridge with a new, larger, ADA-compliant structure designed to improve accessibility, connectivity, and circulation throughout the park.

Lions Bridge: A Brief History

• Built in the 1960s, the original bridge was approximately 210 feet long.
• Affectionately called the “Turtle Bridge” or “Alligator Bridge” by some visitors.
• Featured in the 1985 film Silver Bullet.
• Closed in October 2023 after a damaged pile caused significant settlement.
• Damaged by fire in October 2024 and demolished in early 2025.

• Greenfield Lake is relatively shallow, with an average depth of approximately 4-5 feet.
• The lake reaches a maximum depth of approximately 7-8 feet near the dam.
• The lake has an estimated surface area of approximately 100-150 acres.

Greenfield Lake Park is a unique and well-loved part of Wilmington, valued for its natural setting, history, and distinctive character. Replacing the Lions Bridge provides an opportunity to restore an important connection within the park while preserving the qualities that make Greenfield Lake special.

• The goal of this project is to provide a safe, accessible bridge that fits naturally within the park setting, respects the character and history of the area, and enhances the experience of walking and enjoying the lake for current and future generations.

• Replace the removed Lions Bridge to reconnect separated sections of Greenfield Park
• Restore pedestrian and bicycle connectivity around the lake’s loop trail network
• Design a new bridge that aligns with the park’s historic character and aesthetic
• Incorporate community input on non‑structural elements such as deck layout, materials, and landing areas
• Engineer all structural components (piles, clearance, foundation, safety requirements) according to regulatory standards
• Conduct public engagement through surveys, events, and online tools during preliminary and conceptual design phases
• Complete conceptual and detailed bridge design from late 2026 through 2027
• Perform permitting and regulatory submissions in 2027
• Bid the project in winter 2027–2028 and begin construction in spring 2028
• Complete construction and restore full park connectivity by late 2028

Great Trails State Program

• Grant award: $500,000

Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF)

• Grant amount requested: $450,000
• Application has been submitted. 
• The City expects to receive notification regarding the grant award fall 2026.

Community members are invited to share their preferences for how the new Lions Bridge should look and feel within Greenfield Park. The City is hosting two public engagement events where attendees can learn more about the project, review conceptual design renderings, and provide feedback. A community questionnaire is also available online to gather additional input on design preferences and features that are important to park users.

Public input will help inform the design as the project moves forward, with the goal of creating a bridge that meets community needs while preserving the unique character of Greenfield Park. Engagement will continue through October 31, 2026.

Upcoming Pop-Up Engagement Events

• Recess at the Lake (Sunday, September 27) from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. at 1941 Amphitheater Drive
• Fall Fest at Maides Park (Friday, October 9) from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. at 1101 Manly Avenue