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Good morning, folks, and happy Monday! We’ve got a busy week ahead in Wilmington. Construction crews are set to close the intersection of River Road and Independence Boulevard as the next step in the roundabout project kicks off, we have details on the always-adorable Pooch Plunge, which is coming up soon, and applications open this week for the MLK Center’s brand-new commercial kitchen. Let’s dive in!
 RIVER ROAD ROUNDABOUT CLOSURE STARTS TODAY
Don't forget, starting Monday morning, River Road will be closed between Coleman Drive and Independence Boulevard. The closure will remain in place for the duration of the six-month roundabout project.
Detours & Access:
- Southbound River Road traffic will be detoured via Carolina Beach Road using Raleigh Street and Sunnyvale Drive.
- Northbound River Road traffic will be able to turn right onto Independence Boulevard toward Carolina Beach Road.
- Southbound Independence Boulevard traffic will be able to turn left onto River Road, continuing toward the Riverlights community.
Digital message boards have been placed along the route, alerting drivers of the closures.
The new single-lane roundabout — similar to those already in Riverlights — is designed to improve safety and traffic flow in this busy corridor. The $2.42 million project is a joint effort among the City of Wilmington, Riverlights, and Proximity Watermark Development.
 YOUR PUP, OUR POOL
Pooch Plunge is almost here! Bring your furry friend to the Legion Stadium pool (2131 Carolina Beach Road) and dive right into the remaining dog days of summer. Here's the Pooch Plunge schedule: Sept. 6 and Sept. 7, 12 p.m. to 5 p.m. It's $5 per dog, per day. Cash only, please. Dog park rules apply. We'll see you there!
 CONTROLLED BURN HAPPENING AT HALYBURTON TUESDAY
Weather permitting, the N.C. Forest Service will conduct a small, two-acre controlled burn at Halyburton Park on Tuesday. Trails inside the park will be closed but the rest of the park will remain open to the public during the operation. The burn is part of preparations for the upcoming Fire in the Pines Festival — which we highly recommend checking out! — and will demonstrate just how quickly longleaf pine ecosystems can rebound after a fire.
 SOAK IT ALL IN
Recently, UNCW's Brooks Field received a pretty cool upgrade — a 250-foot compacted gravel service road with a permeable paver surface that soaks in rain to help alleviate flooding and decrease polluted water runoff. This nature-based fix, made possible through a federal grant partnership between North Carolina Coastal Federation and the City’s Heal Our Waterways program, means cleaner water for the Bradley Creek watershed. UNCW is the largest landowner in the Bradley Creek Watershed, so a small step on campus means a big win for our local waterways. Since 2019, UNCW has partnered with the City on other nature-based solutions across its campus, such as rain gardens and permeable parking spaces.
 MLK KITCHEN APPLICATIONS OFFICIALLY OPEN THIS WEEK
Got a passion for cooking? The brand-new commercial kitchen at the MLK Center is ready for the community, and applications open this week! Whether you’re launching a food business, teaching cooking classes, or just sharpening your culinary skills, this fully equipped space is here to help you take things to the next level. Apply starting Thursday, Aug. 21, at the MLK Center (401 S. 8th St.) or on the City’s website. Go here for more details or to fill out an interest form. Let’s get cooking!
 CITY OFFICES TO CLOSE FOR LABOR DAY
Also, don't forget that all City offices will be closed on Monday, Sept. 1 for Labor Day. Recycling and Trash Services will not be affected by the closure and will operate on a normal schedule. Any appointment services, such as bulky, metal, or electronics pick-up for Monday, Sept. 1 or Tuesday, Sept. 2, customers, must be scheduled before 4 p.m. on Friday, Aug. 29. Call 910.341.7875 with any questions or appointment needs.
 YOUR INPUT IS NEEDED — HELP US PLAN FOR THE FUTURE
What do hurricanes, floods, wildfires, and other natural disasters have in common? We’re planning for all of them and your input matters. The City and our regional partners are teaming up to update the Southeastern NC Regional Hazard Mitigation Plan — a FEMA-required effort that helps secure federal dollars to keep our communities safe and prepared. As part of this update, we’re asking for your feedback through a short public survey. It’s a simple but powerful way to help shape how our region prepares for future disasters. A local consultant will also hold the first virtual meeting about the updated plan on Monday, Aug. 18, at 6 p.m. Please register here!
 ON THE ROAD AGAIN
ARE YOU PREPARED?
As we approach the peak of hurricane season, now’s the time to double-check your emergency plans. Make sure your hurricane kit is stocked, your important documents are secure, and you know your evacuation zone. A little preparation now can make a big difference later. Need a refresher? Visit here for more tips and checklists.
BOARDS AND COMMISSIONS VACANCIES
We always encourage our residents to be active in their local government by periodically checking out what seats are currently open on city boards, commissions, or committees. For the latest vacancies, please click here!
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