Ribbon Cutting Event Marks the Reopening of Jack’s Island & the Marshwalk

Join New Bern Parks & Recreation for the unveiling of two popular amenities at Lawson Creek Park that have been completely updated and renovated! This ribbon cutting event will take place on Friday, January 17 at 10am at the park, located at 1309 Country Club Drive, and will feature major improvements to Jack’s Island and the Marshwalk. Everyone is welcome to attend and plenty of parking is available onsite.

Located on the east end of the park, Jack’s Island is a popular gathering spot for outdoor enthusiasts. But over time, the sidewalk began to deteriorate and there wasn’t much shade in the hot summer months. Two projects in this area have reshaped this waterfront amenity: the sidewalk has been replaced and extended, and a new picnic shelter has been constructed. Renovations to the parking lot are nearly complete.

The Marshwalk extension project began approximately 18 months ago. What was originally a 400’ boardwalk is now a nearly quarter mile stretch of scenic marshwalk along Lawson Creek with a large fishing and observation deck. The original boardwalk, which dated back to 1990, was destroyed by hurricane Florence. The City used FEMA funds to rebuild it after the storm. Two more phases of work since then have been funded by a CAMA grant (Coastal Area Management Act) and through FEMA funds after a change in scope on another project. Now, the marshwalk is almost triple the size and offers residents, visitors and families an opportunity to stroll through the scenic beauty of our coastal marshes.

“We have the perfect climate for enjoying the marshwalk,” said Kari Warren, Director of Parks and Recreation. “The weather is beautiful ten months out of the year here, providing the perfect opportunity for a walk along the water’s edge, for watching and photographing wildlife, fishing, or gathering with family and friends for a picnic.”

The picnic shelter on Jacks Island will be available for special events and rentals. Visit the Parks & Recreation webpage at www.NewBernNC.gov for more information.