Project Overview

Reimagine Resilience: Protect Town Common’s esplanade and park from flooding, while improving access to the Tar River.

A defining feature of Town Common, Greenville’s central park, is the 1,500-foot-long esplanade, or walkway, along the Tar River. Originally constructed in 1968, the steel bulkhead wall supporting the esplanade walkway is at the end of its anticipated service life. Recent inspections have found increased corrosion of the steel bulkhead wall. Based on the amount and location of corrosion and the age of the structure, estimated repair costs exceed replacement. Replacement of the existing bulkhead wall is required.

Design Concept

A tiered approach, this concept manages the river’s occasional flood waters in a more nature-based design; a portion of the existing bulkhead wall is removed to create a more natural transition down toward the water. Improvements include:

• Constructing an elevated boardwalk, which allows for pedestrian access even when flood water levels are high.
• Designing a natural and gradual accessible transition from the bulkhead wall to the floating dock, which eliminates the need for switchbacks.
• Providing terraced seating down to the water’s edge along with a floating boat dock for day-trippers.

Project Timeline

Construction contract awarded by City Council in May.

Parking lot closes July 14.

Construction scheduled to start the week of July 21 and last until Fall 2026.

The playground will remain open.

Contact Details

Mark Nottingham, AICP

City of Greenville - Project Management

(252) 329-4242 (office)

mnottingham@greenvillenc.gov