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Happy Monday! It’s a busy week across Wilmington, with interactive events, new public spaces, and key project updates all on the calendar. From Demo Day at Skyline Center to the opening of a new downtown pop-up park at 305 Chestnut, there are plenty of ways to see City work in action. You’ll also find updates on traffic safety improvements, tree replacements, and opportunities for community input.
Here’s your weekly roundup. ⬇️
 DEMO DAY RETURNS!
Big trucks, cool equipment, and a behind-the-scenes look at how Wilmington works — Demo Day is rolling in this Thursday, May 21, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Skyline Center parking lot!
This free, family-friendly event celebrates National Public Works Week and gives residents a chance to meet the City teams who help keep Wilmington running every day. Stop by for heavy equipment demos, hands-on exhibits, local food trucks, and information about career opportunities with the City.
 THIRD STREET TREES
Tree work is underway near First Presbyterian Church as part of the South 3rd Street Tree Removal and Replacement Project. The project focuses on aging and deteriorating trees along South 3rd and Orange streets that have been identified for phased removal and replacement.
On May 8, crews removed one severely decayed tree near the church’s front entrance after it was determined to be an immediate safety concern, along with several hazardous dead limbs from nearby trees. In total, 12 trees will be removed, with 11 new trees replanted to help preserve the area’s tree canopy while improving safety and visibility.
 CELEBRATION POP UP PARK
As part of the City’s recognition of America’s 250th birthday, a "Celebration Pop-Up Park" will debut on THIS FRIDAY, May 22, at 11 a.m. as a new gathering space in downtown Wilmington. The City is converting 305 Chestnut St. into a temporary urban park. Designed to encourage community, connection, and civic pride, the space offers residents and visitors a welcoming place to gather, spend time, and enjoy downtown.
 TRAFFIC ALERT: BURNETT BOULEVARD SPEED HUMP INSTALLATION
Heads up, drivers — beginning May 18, crews will start installing nine speed humps along Burnett Boulevard between Sunset Avenue and Virginia Avenue to help slow traffic and improve safety in the area. The project is part of the City’s Vision Zero initiative focused on creating safer streets for everyone.
Work is expected to take about two weeks, with one block at a time fully closed to thru traffic while crews are working. Closures will stay in place overnight during the week, and Carolina Beach Road is recommended as the best detour route. Burnett Boulevard will temporarily reopen for Memorial Day weekend, May 23–25.
 ROUND TWO FOR GREENVILLE LOOP PARK: JOIN US AT BRADLEY CREEK ELEMENTARY
Join us for a second community engagement event for the future park planned along Greenville Loop Road. After great feedback from our first session, we’re continuing the conversation and want to hear even more ideas from neighbors and community members.
The next community engagement meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, May 26, from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. at Bradley Creek Elementary School. The evening will begin with free food from local food trucks, followed by a brief presentation at 6 p.m. and opportunities to provide feedback directly to staff that will help shape the future park.
Ongoing engagement also continues through the project’s online digital survey, giving residents additional ways to share feedback and stay involved in the planning process
 READY TO BRING HOME THE GOLD?
Adults 50+ are invited to join the City for the Golden Games, a fun-filled day of friendly competition, fitness, and community connection this Friday, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Davis Center, 1101 Manly Ave!
From pickleball and basketball to cornhole, bocce, disc golf, and beach ball volleyball, there’s something for everyone, whether you’re in it to win it or just there for the fun.
The event is FREE, but spots are limited, and preregistration is required in person at the Davis Center. Grab a friend, lace up your sneakers, and let the games begin!
 NEW TO THE GYM? START HERE.
If getting comfortable in the gym was on your list this year, there’s still time — especially if walking in has felt a little intimidating.
Gym Basics 101 is a beginner-friendly workshop designed to make that first step easier. Join us Saturday, June 6, from 8 a.m. to 9 a.m. at the Sherridale Morgan Fitness Center for a private, guided session in an empty facility where you can learn the basics, try the equipment, and leave with a simple workout plan you can actually use.
The event is free, but registration is required.
 CELEBRATE ONE OF WILMINGTON'S RAREST TREASURES AT FLYTRAP FOLIC
One of Wilmington’s most unique native plants is getting its big day in the spotlight once again.
The NC Coastal Land Trust’s 16th annual Flytrap Frolic returns Saturday, June 6, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Stanley Rehder Carnivorous Plant Garden. The free, family-friendly event celebrates the Venus flytrap and other carnivorous plants that naturally thrive right here in southeastern North Carolina.
Expect hands-on activities, games, arts and crafts, garden guides, face painting, and plenty of chances to learn more about one of the region’s most fascinating native species.
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!
GOV STREAM SCHEDULE
All the public meetings happening this week (May 18-22) and where to watch them:
- City Council Agenda Briefing, Monday, May 18, 8:30 a.m., Council Chambers
- City Coucil Meeting, Tuesday, May 19, 6:30 p.m., Council Chambers
- Board of Adjustment, Thursday, May 21, 1 p.m., Council Chambers
Meetings are available for remote viewing on the city's YouTube page, the city's GTV channel, Spectrum channel 8, or via the "Cablecast" app available in your preferred app store.
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