A local nonprofit organization has its sights set on an agenda that organizers say could enrich the region and add value to Wilmington’s growing economic assets.

The Renaissance Wilmington Foundation (RWF) has worked quietly in the region for the past two years. At a Sept. 5 Wilmington City Council meeting members presented a park proposal for in front of the Embassy Suites hotel under construction at the Wilmington Convention Center. 

The RWF has a mission to provide amenities and services its members believe are missing in the region, according to William Graham, president and CEO of the RWF. 

The park recommendation, which members have called “Renaissance Park,” is just one of several major projects on the RWF’s agenda, which Graham described as unique to the foundation. 

RWF was formed in 2015 as a nonprofit and is made up of Graham, a six-member board and other local contributors, all of whom are volunteers.

The foundation’s agenda is based on the city’s Vision 2020 plan, the county’s Comprehensive Plan, earlier work of Cape Fear Future and its own Waterfront Task Force. The foundation seeks to find private investors, sponsors and other funding sources for its projects.

Renaissance Park could be a gateway entrance into the city from the Embassy Suites, convention center and parking deck, Graham said. 

Howard T. Capps & Associates voluntarily assisted RWF with a proposed rendering for the park, Graham said. Costs are estimated from $400,000 to $1.2 million depending on the scope of the park, which is still subject to finding private financing and city approval. At 160 feet by 40 feet, it would have enough space to contain possible gardens, walkways, benches, a sanctuary and fountain. 

The Renaissance Park presentation was “received favorably” by the city, said Amy Beatty, director of the city’s Community Services Department.

“It was presented to [the city’s Technical Review Committee] and there were a couple comments regarding the design,” she said. “They will resubmit plans to go before city council to pass a resolution.”

“The public infrastructure investment along the Riverwalk is starting to demonstrate success with private investment, and we look forward to both the public and private projects that continue to be developed,” Beatty added.

RWF’s agenda also includes pushing for projects such as Riverwalk improvements, preservation of land on Eagles Island, a boathouse, a maritime and marine sciences museum and a Rails-to-Trails bike path, among others.

“Cultural and recreational facilities are what distinguish an average community from a great one. It’s critical that our facilities keep pace with the growth of the area and remain easily accessible,” Graham said. “They are a major economic attraction and driver.”

RWF also has a focus on the rowing industry. It seeks to propose a roughly $2 million boathouse project that could be added to the north end of the planned North Waterfront Park.

The RWF has a conceptual design for the three-story boathouse, created by volunteer architect John Parker. The project is subject to cooperation from the city and Cape Fear Public Utility Authority, which each own portions of the land where the boathouse is proposed.

The boathouse would feature a ramp to the river, storage for rowboats, kayaks and canoes, a snack bar, workout area and a multi-purpose space for education and other activities.

“The boathouse has a lot of exciting potentials. It would put Wilmington on the map … You won’t find this in Savannah or Charleston,” Graham said.

The city has not yet been provided with a proposal for the boathouse, Beatty said.

Eagles Island is another main focus for RWF. Building upon the more than 700 acres of land currently under preservation on the island, RWF seeks to further protect the area from development and add features that would create a “central park” that Graham says the area needs. He said conceptual plans advocate to add trails, historical markers, a museum and more.

Graham said he is working with partners and has a plan in place to try to head off future development on the island.