A Unique Project with Transformative Potential
Friends of the Wilmington Rail Trail is helping to reactivate the unused railroad space in the northside community of downtown to connect arts and cultural assets using an urban trail for walking and biking that combines public art, wayfinding and pedestrian amenities. This new trail will service the needs and capture the character of the surrounding district. The project will benefit stakeholders who live and work in the district, the Greater Wilmington community as a whole, and area visitors alike, while providing sustainable economic development to the area. The project would align with the City's already established Comprehensive Greenway Plan and would be implemented with the provision for reintroduction of rail service in the future.
About The Wilmington Rail Trail
Top Priority Trail
The Wilmington Rail Trail, part of the broader WIlmington Downtown Trail project, was identified as the top priority in the 2013 Wilmington/New Hanover County Greenway Plan. This trail aims to connect several neighborhoods between Forest Hills and Downtown Wilmington.
Since its designation, the City of Wilmington, in collaboration with the Friends of the Wilmington Rail Trail—led by the Arts Council of Wilmington and New Hanover County—along with other community partners and the Wilmington Urban Area Metropolitan Planning Organization (WMPO), has worked to move the project from concept to construction.
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This transformative initiative will benefit:
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Residents and workers in downtown districts
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The broader Wilmington community
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Visitors to the area
It also supports sustainable economic development, fills gaps in existing and planned trail and bikeway networks, serves lower-income neighborhoods with limited car ownership, and enhances safety in areas with high rates of bicycle and pedestrian accidents.​​
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What We Do Next:
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Begin dedicating funding for the construction of Phase 1 while finalizing a design for Phases 2 and 3
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Start planning now for placemaking and storytelling elements along the trail's path, including public art and green infrastructure by engaging residents along its path.
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The Arts Council's Leadership
The Arts Council of Wilmington and New Hanover County envisions the Wilmington Rail Trail to be is a pedestrian greenway with recreational and cultural amenities that connects the Northside neighborhoods with the Central Business District, the Multimodal Modal Center and the Northern Riverfront Park. Their main focus in partnership with the Friends of the Wilmington Rail Trail will be to assist with the coordination of bringing relevant public art that will attract visitors and neighbors alike. ​​
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As the design of Phase 1 is completed, the Arts Council will also partner in the coordination of proposal requests for public art and grant partnerships towards this vision. Stay tuned for public input sessions to have a voice in the future of this unique creative placemaking opportunity!
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