Renovations are underway at Northeast Creek Park in Jacksonville. The city is working to improve the boardwalk and other areas used daily by residents and visitors.
The boardwalk near the boat launch at Northeast Creek Park is an area that has become unsafe following damage from Hurricane Florence, but the boardwalk is just one part of a much larger improvement project.
The city says the project, funded through a NOAA Coastal Resiliency Grant, will include a new boardwalk, a fishing pier extending into Northeast Creek, an ADA-compliant kayak launch, more than 1.6 acres of wetland restoration, and a living shoreline designed to reduce erosion and improve coastal resiliency.
City leaders say these improvements are especially important after the impacts of Hurricane Florence.
Northeast Creek is one of the city parks with the most kayak visitation,” said Pat Donovan-Bradenburg, Stormwater Manager. “We also have a double boat ramp, so we see a lot of fishermen coming in and out, as well as people fishing from shore. We’re trying to restore this pier and boardwalk and make it better for our citizens.
The City of Jacksonville was awarded the NOAA grant in October 2024 after beginning the application process in 2023. The overall grant is worth $16 million, with more than $3 million dedicated to the Northeast Creek project.
City officials say removing the current boardwalk is the first step. Construction is expected to continue through spring 2027, with full completion expected in 2028.