Live Oak Bank Pavilion and Hugh Morton Amphitheater

At a glance

• What: Supplemental appropriation of $193,825 from committed revenue funds to support maintenance and improvements at Riverfront Park (Live Oak Bank Pavilion) and Greenfield Lake (Hugh Morton Amphitheater).
• Where it stands: Ordinance approved unanimously October 6, 2026.
• Next: Funding allocates committed revenue from ticket surcharge fees to FY27 maintenance priorities including major equipment, site improvements, mowers, and permanent fencing for gardens and playgrounds.

Funding source and structure

Committed revenue: Purpose is to fund maintenance and repair for operational needs
Fee structure:

• $0.50 per ticket surcharge from non-profit agencies
• $2.00 per ticket surcharge for for-profit productions
• $1.00 from for-profit allocations to maintenance

Total committed revenue FY27: $494,303

Current appropriation:

• Greenfield Lake Amphitheater: $37,250 (7.5% of total)
• Riverfront Park: $156,575 (31.7% of total)
• Total: $193,825 (39% of total committed revenue)

Funding priorities

FY27 maintenance categories:

• Routine operational maintenance
• Major equipment (e.g., mowers)
• Site improvements (permanent fencing for gardens and playgrounds)

Capital projects note

Lion's Bridge at Greenfield Lake:

• Estimated replacement cost: $1.4 million
• Multiple grants being applied to offset cost
• Funding now in place
• Community input on design in process
• Future construction planned

Motion history

October 6, 2026:

• Ordinance Making Supplemental Appropriation in Amount of $193,825 from Committed Revenue Funds for Live Oak Bank Pavilion and Hugh Morton Amphitheater
• Motion by Councilmember Clinton-Quintana
• Second by Mayor Pro-Tem Spears
• Vote: 7-0 (unanimous)
• Second reading waived (motion by Councilmember Clinton-Quintana, seconded by Councilmember Joyner, 7-0)

Sources

• City Council regular meeting minutes, October 6, 2026: https://wilmington.granicus.com/MinutesViewer.php?view_id=25&clip_id=7319&doc_id=d8115ab7-ce3d-11f1-89ef-005056a84798
• Wilmington City website: https://www.wilmingtonnc.gov

Log

2026-10-06 - City Council

Director of Asset and Property Management Robin Slade presented supplemental appropriation for maintenance and improvements at Riverfront Park and Greenfield Lake facilities. Explained fee structure supporting committed revenue funds and FY27 priorities. Responded to Mayor Pro-Tem Spears' question regarding Lion's Bridge replacement at Greenfield Lake ($1.4M, grants being applied, community input planned). Council approved appropriation unanimously.