Leland’s Parks Plan and Loblolly Park: What Homeowners and Buyers Should Know

Paved multi-use trail winding through tall loblolly pines at golden hour, with a disc golf basket in a grassy clearing in a coastal North Carolina park

Leland has been one of the fastest-growing towns in the Cape Fear region for years, and this week the Town is asking residents to help shape what that growth feels like on the ground. On Wednesday, Oct. 28 and Thursday, Oct. 29, the Town of Leland is holding public sessions on two plans that will guide where and how new parks show up across Brunswick County’s largest town: the long-range Parks, Recreation, and Open Space (PROS) Master Plan and the master plan for the future Loblolly Park off Long Pine Drive.

If you own a home in Leland, are thinking about buying in northern Brunswick County, or are relocating to the Wilmington area and weighing which side of the river to live on, here’s what’s on the table and why it matters.

What’s Happening This Week in Leland

According to the Town of Leland, residents can drop in to two open houses on Wednesday, Oct. 28, from 3 to 6 p.m. at Town Hall, 102 Town Hall Drive: one for the PROS Master Plan and one for the Loblolly Park Master Plan.

On Thursday, Oct. 29, Town Council and the Parks and Recreation Board will hold two special meetings at Town Hall. The 6 p.m. meeting covers the PROS Plan, and the 7:30 p.m. meeting focuses on Loblolly Park and includes a public comment period. Port City Daily also listed both meetings in its weekly “The Agenda” roundup published Oct. 26, 2026.

The PROS Plan: Leland’s 10-Year Parks Roadmap

The Town describes the PROS Plan as the document that will guide its parks and recreation priorities for the next 10 years. Residents are invited to learn about current recreational offerings and share ideas for future parks, facilities, and amenities. In practical terms, this is the plan that helps decide which parts of town get new green space, trails, and facilities, and in what order.

Loblolly Park: What’s Proposed

Per the Town’s Loblolly Park project page, the future park sits on just over 32 currently undeveloped acres adjacent to Long Pine Drive. Planned features include:

  • An 18-hole disc golf course, designed with Innova Disc Golf
  • An inclusive playground
  • A restroom facility and picnic areas
  • A multi-use trail connecting nearby neighborhoods and existing pedestrian infrastructure

The Town received a $10,000 grant from the North Carolina Amateur Sports Youth Sports Grant Fund in May to support planning and design of the disc golf course, and it notes the course could support tournaments and community events. Design began in June 2026, a revised set of concept plans arrived Oct. 16, and the Town expects design to wrap up by the second quarter of 2027. Construction is penciled in for October 2027, pending funding, so this is a plan to watch rather than a park you can visit next spring.

Why Parks Planning Matters to Leland Homeowners

Parks don’t show up on a closing statement, but they shape daily life and the way buyers look at a neighborhood. A few things worth keeping in mind:

Walkability and trail connections

The Loblolly plan specifically calls for a trail that ties into nearby neighborhoods and existing pedestrian routes. For many buyers we work with, especially families and retirees relocating to Brunswick County, being able to walk or bike to a park instead of driving is near the top of the wish list. Homes that end up with easy trail access often become easier to describe and market.

A signal of where the town is investing

A 10-year parks plan is one of the clearest public signals of where a town expects growth and where it intends to spend. If you’re comparing subdivisions in Leland or nearby areas like Winnabow and Belville, it’s worth knowing which areas are slated for new amenities and which are not.

Your input actually counts right now

Master plans are easiest to influence early. If you live near Long Pine Drive or anywhere in Leland, this week’s sessions are the moment to weigh in on things like trail routes, parking, lighting, and how the park fits alongside existing homes.

Tips for Buyers Watching Leland

  • Look beyond the listing. Pull up the Town’s project pages and planning board agendas for the area you’re considering. Leland’s Planning Board, for example, reviewed several rezoning requests this week, including acreage off Village Road.
  • Think about timelines. Planned amenities are not guaranteed amenities. Loblolly Park’s construction depends on funding, so buy a home you’ll love today and treat future parks as a bonus.
  • Ask about HOA amenities versus public parks. Many Leland communities have their own pools and trails. Public parks add options without adding dues.

Tips for Sellers in Leland

If your home is close to an existing park, greenway, or a planned amenity, mention it accurately in your marketing and avoid overstating timelines. “Near the site of the planned Loblolly Park” is honest; “steps from a new disc golf course” is not, at least not yet. Good, specific neighborhood details help buyers picture daily life and set your listing apart from similar homes nearby.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where will Loblolly Park be located?

The Town of Leland says the park will sit on just over 32 acres adjacent to Long Pine Drive in Leland.

When will Loblolly Park open?

There’s no opening date yet. The Town expects design to be finished by the second quarter of 2027, with construction planned for October 2027 if funding is available.

How can I give feedback?

Drop in to the open house on Oct. 28 from 3 to 6 p.m. at Leland Town Hall, or attend the 7:30 p.m. special meeting on Oct. 29 to give public comment on the Loblolly Park Master Plan.

What is the PROS Plan?

It’s Leland’s Parks, Recreation, and Open Space Master Plan, which the Town says will guide its parks and recreation priorities for the next 10 years.

Thinking About Leland? Let’s Talk

Whether you’re buying your first home in Leland, moving up within Brunswick County, or relocating to the Wilmington area and trying to make sense of how each town is growing, local context makes a big difference. We keep an eye on planning decisions like these so you don’t have to. Reach out to Aspyre Collective and we’ll help you find the right neighborhood for the way you want to live.

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