Phase Two of the Riverwalk Extension to begin
The realization of a local recreation dream is set to happen.
The continuation of the Kinston Riverwalk — which was conceptualized in the early 2000s and saw its first phase end in 2016 — has received funding from the North Carolina Department of Transportation (NCDOT).
The funding through the NCDOT will continue the Riverwalk from the former Kinston Power Plant (where the Social House Vodka plant sits at 906 Atlantic Ave.) to the Kinston Community Center at 2602 W. Vernon Ave. The existing Riverwalk runs for approximately 1 mile from Pearson Park to Atlantic Avenue; Phase II of the extension will extend approximately another 1 ½ miles.
The NCDOT funding is $2,679,560; matched with funds from Lenoir County and the City of Kinston — $334,950 for each entity — the project is expected to cost $3,349,460.
The NCDOT funding comes from a successful grant application submitted by Lenoir County staff through the Carbon Reduction Plan, a program established with the intent to fund multi-modal projects that focuses on providing a variety of non-motorized transportation options to local citizens.
“We’re certainly excited to have this opportunity,” Lenoir County Assistant County Manager Adam Short said. “The Riverwalk is a valuable resource that will promote connectivity between community assets like the Kinston Community Center and the Richard Caswell Center to downtown Kinston. It is important that we promote, encourage, and facilitate new ways to make these connections in our community.”
Short said the construction window for the new extension is about five years.
“We’re in the administrative start-up phase now,” he said. “We have right-of-way acquisition and we have to find a contractor and bidding. We have five years to complete the project. I think it will be less than that; I’m hoping we’ll be done with it in the next couple of years.
“My vision is to have a multi-use trail that is a point of pride for the citizens of Lenoir County – high quality recreational asset for the community that helps develop a fun and unique sense of place.”
Lenoir County Board of Commissioners Chair Linda Rouse Sutton said she is “thrilled” to have the funds awarded to the county.
“Through our work in developing a Strategic Plan for Lenoir County, our Board of Commissioners have identified opportunities to invest in meaningful projects that will create a vibrant physical, social and economic environment for residents and visitors,” she said. “We are thrilled to have been awarded these funds and I am proud of the work of our county team in playing a lead role in enhancing both Kinston and Lenoir County.”
Lenoir County’s representative on the Kinston-Lenoir County Parks and Recreation Commission, Lenoir County Commissioner Keith King, reiterated Sutton’s sentiment.
“This is an exciting opportunity for Kinston and Lenoir County,” King said. “The Riverwalk extension will be a great recreational asset for citizens of all ages throughout the County.”
