Leland keeps growing, and the town is now planning how its parks will keep up. This week, residents got a look at the revised concept plans for Loblolly Park, a future 32-acre park off Long Pine Drive, along with the town’s new 10-year Parks, Recreation, and Open Space (PROS) Master Plan. If you own a home in Leland or are thinking about buying in northern Brunswick County, here’s what’s on the table and why it matters.
What Leland Is Planning
Loblolly Park off Long Pine Drive
According to the Town of Leland’s Loblolly Park project page, the park is planned for an undeveloped site of just over 32 acres next to Long Pine Drive. Anticipated 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 that connects nearby neighborhoods to existing sidewalks and paths
The town says design began on June 15, 2026, with Summit Design and Engineering. A second round of concept plans was posted on October 16, 2026, and presented at an open house at Town Hall on October 28. Design is expected to wrap up in the second quarter of 2027, and the town’s timeline lists October 2027 for the start of construction, pending funding. There’s no completion date yet.
The 10-Year PROS Master Plan
Alongside Loblolly Park, Leland is updating its Parks, Recreation, and Open Space Master Plan. In a September 30, 2026 town announcement, Leland said the PROS Plan will guide parks and recreation priorities for the next 10 years. WECT reported the same day that the plan is meant to keep pace with rapid population growth across northern Brunswick County and will shape facility investments and park expansions through 2036.
Tonight’s Meetings: How to Weigh In
The Leland Town Council and the Parks and Recreation Board are holding two joint special meetings on Thursday, October 29, at Leland Town Hall, 102 Town Hall Drive. The first, at 6 p.m., covers the PROS Plan. The second, at 7:30 p.m., focuses on the Loblolly Park Master Plan and includes a public comment period. If you can’t make it, agendas and meeting information are posted through the town’s website, and it’s worth keeping an eye on the Loblolly Park project page for updated plans.
Why Parks Matter to Homeowners and Buyers
Everyday quality of life
Ask buyers relocating to Leland what they want, and trails, playgrounds, and green space come up again and again. Many of Leland’s larger communities have private amenities, but public parks fill a different role. They’re open to everyone, they host community events, and they give newer neighborhoods a shared place to gather. A trail that links neighborhoods to existing sidewalks is the kind of everyday convenience people notice after they move in.
Location and long-term planning
We can’t promise that a new park will change any specific home’s value, and we’d be wary of anyone who does. What we can say is that buyers pay attention to what’s planned nearby, and a town-adopted master plan gives you a clearer picture of where public investment is headed over the next decade. If you’re comparing homes in different parts of Leland, ask how far each one is from current and planned parks, trails, and greenways.
Traffic and activity near the site
Parks also bring activity. Disc golf courses can host tournaments and events, and the town has mentioned that possibility. If you’re buying close to the Long Pine Drive site, it’s reasonable to ask about planned parking, access points, and hours. Reviewing the concept plans before you buy is the easiest way to see how the park would sit relative to a particular street.
Tips If You’re Buying or Selling in Leland
- Buyers: Check the town’s project pages and the PROS Plan as it develops. Knowing what’s planned around a neighborhood helps you set expectations and compare options fairly.
- Sellers: If your home is near an existing or planned park or trail, it’s a genuine selling point. Mention it accurately and avoid promising timelines the town hasn’t committed to, since construction depends on funding.
- Everyone: Public comment periods like tonight’s are where neighborhood input actually shapes the final design. Showing up matters.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Loblolly Park going to be?
The town says the park will be on an undeveloped site of just over 32 acres next to Long Pine Drive in Leland.
When will Loblolly Park open?
There’s no opening date yet. Design is expected to finish in the second quarter of 2027, and the town lists October 2027 as the start of construction, pending funding.
What is the PROS Plan?
It’s Leland’s Parks, Recreation, and Open Space Master Plan, a 10-year guide for the town’s parks, facilities, and recreation priorities.
Can I still share feedback?
Yes. The October 29 meeting at 7:30 p.m. includes public comment on Loblolly Park, and the town’s website lists contact information for the parks department.
Thinking About a Move in Leland?
Leland’s growth means new parks, new roads, and new neighborhoods are always in the works, and it helps to have someone who follows those changes closely. Whether you’re buying your first home, relocating to the Cape Fear area, or getting ready to sell, we’re happy to talk through what’s planned near the homes you’re considering. Reach out to Aspyre Collective to start the conversation.
