The Town of Belville has embarked on a multi-phase project to create one of the largest environmentally friendly, historical, recreational and teaching facilities on the entire Eastern Seaboard. The Riverwalk Park is located opposite the Western banks of Eagles Island on the Brunswick River off SR133 in Belville NC. Upon completion the envisioned facility will consist of more than four miles of water frontage and encompass more than 150 acres. Phase one of this project will be completed by October of 2015 and will consist of a 28 acre park complete with 125′ fishing pier, an 860SF educational pavilion (funded by a grant from Duke Energy), an 1800SF overwater observation deck, a 730′ long over-marsh waterfront boardwalk and almost 2/3 of a mile woodland walking trail. Phase two will expand the boardwalks and walking trails to reach the 74/76 connector across Eagles Island. Geotechnical and Environmental surveys are being initiated for this phase which we hope to complete by 2018. Phase three will connect the Battleship North Carolina and the Belville Riverwalk via a bicycle and pedestrian boardwalk constructed across Eagles Island. The Town plans to conserve this portion of Eagles Island as “an educational and environmental preserve in perpetuity”. This phase is currently in the conceptual planning and design stage.

The Town is committed to preserving our precious natural resources while at the same time enhancing the publics’ opportunity to enjoy, and to be educated about, them. A key function of this park is to incorporate and accommodate the NC K-12 Science Core Curricula via live interaction with the environment as opposed to classroom based textbook study. The Duke Energy Education Pavilion has been designed to satisfy just such a need. Classes held within the pavilions surrounding wetlands and riverfront will be broadcast live via WiFi and Skype over the Brunswick County Wideband Network enabling live interaction by all 12,200 students within the school system.

Eagles Islands history as a major naval stores producer; as home to numerous rice plantations; its history as a shipbuilding facility during WW2; its housing over 460 ships as part of the Ready Reserve Fleet during the 50’s-70’s; its current rejuvenation as home to the Battleship North Carolina and the rich heritage of its marshlands as a critical component of the ecological engine supporting flora, fauna and avian wildlife, will all be stressed.

The Town of Belville believes this commitment will not only serve as an economic engine for the entire Cape Fear Region, but will enhance the quality of life for both mankind and natures benefit for generations yet to come.