Parks & Recreation

About


Wrightsville Beach Parks and Recreation is continually seeking opportunities to enhance the park settings and to maximize recreational opportunities. We strive to provide services and leisure opportunities that will contribute significantly toward the physical, social and emotional well being of the community. Click here to read more about the history of Parks & Recreation.

Wrightsville Beach Park Inclusive Playground


Thanks to a $300,000 grant from Trillium Health Resources in 2016, the Town of Wrightsville Beach has a beautiful inclusive playground!  For information or access to the wheelchair swing, please contact the Parks and Recreation office at 910-256-7925.

 Play components include:
~ Aero Glider ~ Wheelchair Swing
~ Slides (6) ~ Wacky Log
~ Spin Cups ~ Cozy Cocoon
~ Quattro See-Saw ~ Rockblocks Climbing Tunnel
~ Unity Dome ~ Swings (2 each) infant, belt, & accessible
~ Cruise Line ~ Ladder and Rope Climbers
~ A Variety of Sensory Components

Exercise equipment includes:
~ Power & Agility Step Exercise Station
~ Core, Torso, & Balance Exercise Station

Parking at the Wrightsville Beach Municipal Complex
March 1st - October 31st



Parking in the Municipal Complex which includes Town Hall, Wrightsville Beach Park, and the Wrightsville Beach Museum, requires a pay station receipt in order to park in these areas.  Paid parking is enforced from March 1st through October 31st, 9:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. daily at the rate of $3.00 per hour.  However, the first two hours of parking are free with a valid parking receipt which must be displayed on the vehicle dash.  You may obtain a parking receipt from one of the pay stations that are located by the softball field, park restroom/tennis court area, across from the main entrance of Town Hall, and at the Museum and Visitor Center (see map). If you select more than two hours at the pay station, you will not be charged for the first two hours. If you select two hours or less, but find you will be staying longer, you may return to the pay station and obtain a new parking receipt with another two free hours. Wrightsville Beach Residents may display their residential hang tag in lieu of a parking receipt.

If you hold a reservation for facility use in Wrightsville Beach Park, you are entitled to use the Event Parking Lot as indicated on the map (link below). This area is not a pay-to-park area and a parking receipt is not required on the vehicle dash. If you choose to park in a paid parking lot, you will be required to pay for parking as described above, even with a facility reservation.

Parking areas and pay stations in Wrightsville Beach Park, Municipal Complex, Museum, and Visitor Center.

Annual Parks & Recreation Events

Town of Wrightsville Beach
Tree Lighting Ceremony


Friday, November 29, 2019, 5:30 pm


Kick off the holiday season with music, lights, and of course, Santa Claus! The Town of Wrightsville Beach annual tree lighting ceremony begins with a musical performance by the Performance Club's welcoming Santa Claus to Wrightsville Beach.  While waiting for your child's visit with Santa, enjoy Christmas music sung by the Wilmington Celebration Choir and cookies and hot cocoa offered by the Wrightsville Beach United Methodist Church Youth Group!  Proceeds benefit the Youth Group's various mission trips.
Tree Lighting Poster Whimsical Trees

North Carolina Holiday Flotilla


Saturday, November 30, 2019


Festival in the Park
10:00 am - 4:00 pm
Boat Parade & Fireworks Display
6:00 pm - 9:00 pm

Flotilla 2015
The North Carolina Holiday Flotilla at Wrightsville Beach is the Southern coastal version of a holiday parade – on water – at night. The celebration will begin with the Festival in the Park from 10:00 am – 4:00 pm in Wrightsville Beach Park.  Come shop over 100 vendors, enjoy music, food, fun activities for the kids and more!  That evening the Boat Parade begins promptly at 6:00 pm followed by an exciting fireworks display.  Arrive early as the Wrightsville Beach drawbridge will be raised at 6:00 pm to allow the boats to travel down the Intracoastal Waterway to the Banks Channel parade route.  And, when you park, please make certain that your vehicle is off the roadway and not blocking emergency vehicle access, which could hinder response to emergency calls.    

Wrightsville Beach Holiday
Decorating Contest


Tuesday, December 17, 2019
Judging begins at 6:00 pm


Deck the halls, light up the island, and show your holiday spirit! You could even win a prize! Any Wrightsville Beach residence or business is eligible to participate. Prizes are awarded for Most Creative, Best Holiday Lighting, Most Traditional, Most Holiday Spirit, Best Overall Residence, and Best Overall Business. Decorations should be available for viewing throughout the holiday season and visible from the street. A list of the entries will be published to allow holiday enthusiasts to tour the beach and enjoy the decorations. To register, call the Parks & Recreation office at (910) 256-7925
Overall Residence and Business 2018

Wrightsville Beach Valentine Run


Saturday, February 8, 2020
What better way to start off your Valentine's Day celebration than with a heart themed race! You will be able to choose which distance you would like to run, either a 5k, 10k, or the Double Trouble through beautiful Wrightsville Beach. So, wear your red, white, and pink and bring your Valentine for the Wrightsville Beach Valentine Run! Race participant will run both the 5k and the 10k races at their scheduled start times for Double Trouble.

Please email Katie Ryan for sponsorship information.

Visit our Facebook Page to see pictures from past races!
Heart Trio 2020 Large Stroke

Wrightsville Beach Easter Egg Hunt


Saturday, April 11, 2020, 9:30 a.m.



Grab your egg basket and camera and join us to welcome the Easter Bunny to Wrightsville Beach Park and hunt for Easter eggs! The egg hunt will be divided into multiple age groups, with special prizes for those who find the Golden Eggs! Mr. & Mrs. Bunny will be available for pictures with your camera after the eggs have been collected.
Mr. and Mrs. E. Bunny in the Park

Wrightsville Beach Farmers' Market


Mondays, 8:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.
May 18 - September 28, 2020 

Buy fresh locally grown produce, baked goods, seafood, unique craft items and more! The Farmers' Market is located on Seawater Lane adjacent to Wrightsville Beach Town Hall. Click the "Farmers' Market" link on the left pane for more information.

27th Annual Bark in the Park


Saturday, October 3, 2020 at 11:00 am, Wrightsville Beach Park

Rain date Sunday, October 4th at 1:00 pm.

Click here to register!

Everyone is welcome to enjoy this FREE, unique event and applaud the talented canine athletes. Competitors need no previous experience! Competitors with the most points in distance/accuracy will be declared winner! Extra points awarded for air catches.
1 Photoshopped Dog Catching Disc
And, just for fun, register to compete for the Best Dressed Dog, Best Dressed Team, and Dog Displaying the Most Personality Title! Spectators will vote for the winner, and participation in the disc competition is not required for this fun contest! For the safety of our canine competitors, canine costumes may not be worn during the disc competition rounds.

For more information, contact us at 910-256-7925 or email ParksAndRecreation@towb.org
Sponsor Flyer

More Information and Recreational Opportunities



Planning an event on Wrightsville Beach? Planned outdoor group activities, such as weddings, sporting events, meetings, organized entertainment or celebrations on Wrightsville Beach public property require a Special Event Permit.
 
The John Nesbitt Loop, better known as "The Loop", is a 2.45 mile loop around the heart of Wrightsville Beach.  This sidewalk trail offers scenic views, restrooms located in Wrightsville Beach Park, water fountains, pet water fountains, and pet waste disposal bags.  Come enjoy the outdoors with a walk or run along the ever popular Loop!
 
The award-winning Harbor Island Garden Club is actively involved in community beautification and environmental improvements throughout Wrightsville Beach.  Visit the Club's website to learn how you too can become involved and help support their efforts. 

The North Carolina Holiday Flotilla, which began over thirty years ago, occurs each year on the Saturday following Thanksgiving.  The festivities begin at Day in the Park in Wrightsville Beach Park from 10:00 am to 4:00 pm with it's variety of craft and food vendors along with activities for youth and adults.  After a Day in the Park, enjoy the beautiful lights of the Flotilla Boat Parade and Fireworks display kicking off the holiday season at 6:00 pm.  The Flotilla has grown to become one of the top 20 events in the Southeast and a must see family event!
WBPR Navy Water Drop Logo 1 TRANSPARENT