Sunset Beach has always sold itself on being the quiet one. The island has no high-rises, a laid-back pace, and a strong sense that the town should stay small. That’s why two recent Town Council decisions matter for anyone who owns, rents out, or is thinking about buying here. One is a long-awaited soundside park on the island’s east end. The other is a small but practical sidewalk fix at one of the busiest corners on the island.
Here’s what was approved, where things stand, and what it means for homeowners and buyers in this corner of Brunswick County.
Majestic Oaks Park: Site Plan Approved
According to The Brunswick Beacon, the Sunset Beach Town Council unanimously approved the site plan for Majestic Oaks Park on September 30, 2026. The council had tabled the plan on September 14 after residents raised questions about the size of the parking lot and the landscaping.
The park sits on a 4.28-acre tract on the island’s east end, between Cobia Street and 16th Street. The town bought the property in 2022 with help from state grants, and the Town of Sunset Beach’s project page says the goal is to preserve it as open space.
What’s in the approved plan
- A boardwalk running alongside the existing gravel drive to the water
- A fishing pier and a viewing platform
- A floating dock and kayak launch
- 27 standard parking spaces, two accessible spaces, and four spaces for vehicles with trailers
Earlier reporting from the Beacon noted that the large oak the park is named for will be preserved, along with the wetlands on both sides of the gravel drive. The landscaping plan was adjusted after a neighbor raised concerns, and the town administrator said landscaping may keep being refined because funding for that piece is limited.
What’s next and the timeline
With the site plan approved, the project moves into construction documents, then bidding, then construction. The town’s project page says the final design is being used to secure the stormwater permit and a CAMA Major permit, the state coastal development permit. The Beacon reported that the town is working toward an October 2027 deadline tied to its state grant funding. That suggests construction is likely over the next year or so, though the town hasn’t posted a firm start date.
New Sidewalk Links at North Shore Drive and Sunset Boulevard
In a separate decision, the Beacon reported on October 22, 2026 that the council unanimously approved $18,960 in sidewalk extensions on October 5. The work adds roughly 126 feet of sidewalk in three short segments near the intersection of North Shore Drive W. and Sunset Boulevard, paid for with accommodations tax revenue.
Right now there’s no designated crosswalk at that corner. Because Sunset Boulevard is a state road, the town has to ask NCDOT for crosswalks, and the sidewalk has to connect to the road on both sides first. Town staff were clear that the extensions don’t guarantee NCDOT will approve a crosswalk. Still, they said the new segments will make it safer for people who are already walking there with beach gear.
The town also scheduled a special council meeting for October 28 to consider a resolution and local match for an NCDOT grant program that funds feasibility studies for paved trails and sidewalks, according to Coastal Carolina News. That’s an early step, but it shows the town is thinking about walkability across the area.
What This Means for Homeowners
East-end owners gain a nearby amenity. A soundside park with a pier, kayak launch, and boardwalk is the kind of low-key feature that fits Sunset Beach’s character. For homes within walking or biking distance, easy water access without a private dock is a real lifestyle plus.
Expect some construction activity. Once bidding wraps up, there will be construction traffic near Cobia and 16th Streets. If you’re near the site and planning a sale, it’s worth knowing roughly when that work might happen.
Rental owners have a new talking point. Kayak and fishing access is a nice detail to add to a vacation rental listing once the park opens. Just describe it accurately and don’t promise an opening date the town hasn’t announced.
What This Means for Buyers
If you’re comparing the South Brunswick islands (Sunset Beach, Ocean Isle Beach, and Holden Beach), public amenities and walkability are worth weighing alongside the house itself. A few practical tips:
- Check flood zones and elevation. Much of the island, especially near the marsh, sits in mapped flood zones. Ask for an elevation certificate and get insurance quotes early.
- Read the town’s project pages. Public projects like this one are posted on the town website, and they show what’s planned near a street you’re considering.
- Think about traffic and parking. A park with 33 spaces is modest, but homes right next to the entrance will see more coming and going than homes a few blocks away.
- Look past the season. Visit in the off season too. Sunset Beach feels very different in January than in July, and knowing both helps you decide if it fits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where exactly is Majestic Oaks Park?
It’s on the east end of Sunset Beach island, on a 4.28-acre property between Cobia Street and 16th Street, according to the Town of Sunset Beach.
When will the park open?
The town hasn’t announced an opening date. The approved plan now moves into construction documents and bidding, and the town is working toward an October 2027 grant deadline, per The Brunswick Beacon.
Will there be a crosswalk at North Shore Drive and Sunset Boulevard?
Not yet. The new sidewalk segments are a prerequisite for asking NCDOT for crosswalks, but town staff said approval isn’t guaranteed.
Do these projects raise property taxes?
Based on what’s been reported, the park is funded with state grants plus town matching funds, and the sidewalks are paid for with accommodations tax revenue, which comes from short-term rentals. Neither decision included a tax change.
Thinking About Sunset Beach?
Whether you’re eyeing an east-end cottage, weighing Sunset Beach against Ocean Isle or Holden Beach, or getting ready to sell, local details like these can shape the right move. Talk with Aspyre Collective about buying or selling in Sunset Beach, and we’ll help you sort out what matters on your street.
