CALABASH, N.C. — The Calabash River has long been an important part of the town’s identity, known for its fishing heritage, waterfront restaurants, and coastal character. Now, a new public waterfront park is taking shape, offering residents and visitors another way to experience and enjoy the river.

When completed, the park is expected to provide opportunities for families to spend time outdoors, residents to enjoy waterfront views, and visitors to explore the Calabash River through kayaking, fishing, and walking along the waterfront.

The approximately 1.42-acre park, located along Beach Drive near the Calabash River bridge, will include a canoe and kayak launch, boardwalk, fishing pier, accessible walking paths, and designated accessible parking.

Although unexpected construction challenges have delayed the original completion schedule, the Town of Calabash reports substantial progress, with the park now expected to be completed by mid-February 2027.

In information provided to Oak Island–Brunswick Independent (OIBI), Town Administrator Michael Price described the project’s progress, the engineering challenges encountered during construction, and the municipal employees whose work is helping bring this new community amenity to life.

A New Place to Enjoy the Calabash River

Planned improvements include a canoe and kayak launch, boardwalk, dock and fishing pier, new bulkhead, and driveway areas. The plans also call for designated accessible parking, accessible walking paths between amenities, and access to structures. According to the town, the improvements are intended to meet Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) requirements.

The park is intended to expand opportunities for residents and visitors to enjoy the riverfront and spend time outdoors.

Construction Progress Continues

The town entered into a contract with JP Russ & Son’s on March 19, 2026, and issued a Notice to Proceed on March 31. The original goal was completion by the end of 2026, but the town now anticipates finishing by mid-February 2027.

Price reports that marine work is approximately 75% complete. Crews have been setting piles in the channel and along the riverbank and placing timbers and sheet piling for the bulkhead. The town anticipates completing this phase by the end of November 2026; the remaining park work is expected to advance more rapidly once the marine operations are finished.

Overcoming an Unexpected Challenge

The limited size of the property has complicated construction sequencing. Marine operations need a crane, excavator, and space to stage materials, leaving little room to construct other park elements at the same time.

Crews also encountered a shelf of bedrock while setting piles for the kayak launch, dock approach, boardwalk, and bulkhead. Work paused while the general contractor, marine subcontractor, engineers, and geotechnical consultant evaluated a remedy.

According to Price, the team selected steel pile caps to help drive the piles into the bedrock to an acceptable depth. Test piles demonstrated that the approach worked, and the geotechnical consultant accepted the achieved seating depth. The issue added approximately 30 days to the project schedule.

Recognizing the People Behind the Project

Beyond the work on the waterfront, town staff are coordinating permits, inspections, finances, and construction oversight. Price identified the following employees and responsibilities:

• Michael Price, town administrator — executive oversight, Town Council liaison, budget management, grant processing, bidding, and contracts.
• Cameron Lee, front office administration, and Lisa Smith, permit technician — intake and processing of the foundational building permits.
• Kelley Currie, town planner — initial zoning approvals and land-use compliance.
• Owen Daniels, chief building inspector — construction inspections.
• Sherri Robinson, accounting specialist — accounts payable oversight for contractor, engineering, and consultant invoices.

Their work illustrates the coordination required behind the scenes to turn a public improvement project into a usable community amenity.

Looking Ahead to 2027

The town expects to finish marine construction by the end of November, followed by the remaining improvements. Its current target is mid-February 2027, subject to construction conditions and any additional delays.

When complete, the park is expected to provide new opportunities for public waterfront access and outdoor recreation along the Calabash River.

Reporting source: Written responses provided to OIBI by Michael Price, Calabash Town Administrator, October 2026. Images and plan: Town of Calabash.