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Commission updates Legion Stadium safety repairs; $666,450 feasibility study to guide larger repairs
Summary
Staff reported concrete repairs and a handrail installation at Legion Stadium after Hurricane Florence–era water intrusion was discovered; the commission also approved moving forward with a $666,450 feasibility study (shared cost) to prioritize longer‑term fieldhouse and site improvements, with an October 2026 target for completion.
Chair Andre opened the meeting and turned the commission to staff for an update on Legion Stadium improvements. Amy, the city staff presenter, said crews found concrete cracking and water seepage during handrail assessment and began concrete repairs before installing black powder‑coated steel handrails to improve safety and accessibility for older and mobility‑impaired spectators.
The project arose from a unanimous July 25, 2025, commission recommendation to cost‑share upper‑level handrails; Steel Sight LLC and LB White Remodeling and Masonry are the contractors on the repair work. "We didn't want to drill in new handrails without addressing that project first," Amy said, explaining the concrete work addresses long‑standing water infiltration linked to Hurricane Florence and will be followed by the handrail installation. She told the commission the city will front the contractor payments under a reimbursement agreement and invoice the county and schools once the project is complete.
Beyond the handrails, staff presented a broader feasibility study to evaluate aging athletic infrastructure across the Legion complex, including demolition and replacement of the Legion Fieldhouse (locker rooms/showers), press box and site improvements at Buck Hardy Field, electrical upgrades and probable costs and permitting. The total study fee is $666,450 (reported as $22,150 per participating entity); Amy said the city will pay the contractor and invoice the county and schools after the study is complete. "The objective is to evaluate the list of projects, provide concepts, what permits would be necessary and provide some probable costs," she said.
Commissioners asked about schedule and disruption to summer events; staff said the upper sections see little summer use and work is planned to minimize event impacts. A commissioner raised concerns about potential PFOS/PFAS contamination from historic firefighting foam at the site of an old fire tower; Amy said that issue is one the consultant will be asked to advise on as part of site assessments.
Staff said the consultant will make an initial site visit next month and hold a first stakeholder meeting with New Hanover High School administrators, athletic staff and the Wilmington Sharks. The study is targeted for completion in October 2026 and will inform FY30 CIP requests and prioritization. Smaller, standalone projects (Robert Strange Park fencing, LED light replacements) were listed as unfunded priorities that could be proposed separately in future CIP cycles.
The commission was asked to remain apprised as the study proceeds and to participate in stakeholder meetings; staff said they will continue to provide updates. The item was an informational update; no formal roll‑call vote was recorded on study approval during this meeting.
