Parks and Recreation Advisory Board September 16, 2026

The City of Wilmington Parks and Recreation Advisory Board met on September 16, 2026, with a focus on potential zoning changes to create an open space district for city-owned properties. Linda Painter, Director of Planning and Development, presented on the initiative to establish zoning districts specifically for open space and parks, aiming to improve transparency about public lands designated for conservation, floodplain protection, stormwater management, and active recreation. The board discussed the implications of zoning changes, including the legal constraints on downzoning private property without consent and the potential inclusion of county-owned lands. Additionally, the meeting covered the city's open space requirements for residential developments, the status of the Flossy Bryant tract rezoning, and the activation of the Riverwalk with new programming and events. The board deferred the election of a new chairperson to the next meeting due to many new members and discussed committee participation and communication strategies to promote parks and recreation activities. No specific contract awards or procurement decisions were made during this meeting.