Pitt County approves MOU with Coastal Land Trust, City for 65.58‑acre nature park off River Walk Drive

The Pitt County Board of Commissioners on March 2 approved a memorandum of understanding with the North Carolina Coastal Land Trust and the City of Greenville regarding Parcel No. 80594, a roughly 65.58‑acre tract off River Walk Drive.

Janis Gallagher said Coastal Land Trust will acquire the property for conservation and, if the MOU is approved, the trust, county and city will enter a lease that allows development of nature trails and limited park amenities. Harrison Marks, the trust’s executive director, attended and told the board the property has potential for picnic stops, trails and kayaking but is not appropriate for large athletic fields; initial trail work historically has relied on volunteers, he said.

The trust’s plan is to fund improvements through grants applied for by the county and city; the MOU anticipates a long‑term ground lease with provisions for design approval by the trust, maintenance responsibilities for county/city, and recognition of the trust as property owner in signage and publicity. The agenda packet notes the parcel is ranked as having “Exceptional Significance” by the North Carolina Natural Heritage Program and lies within the Lower Tar River Aquatic Habitat Significant Natural Heritage Area.

Commissioners discussed likely maintenance costs and whether bridges would be required over wetlands; Mr. Marks said trails have not been designed and volunteer labor and further study would determine specific costs. The board voted unanimously to enter the MOU.

Next steps in the packet include Trust notice of its closing on the acquisition, creation of a master plan by the parties, and development of a long‑term lease setting out responsibilities for construction, maintenance and signage. The county and city will pursue grant funding sources mentioned in the MOU packet including PARTF and LWCF.