The town of Carolina Beach is considering a variety of options including commercial offerings and limited vehicle access as it looks to the future of Freeman Park.
Town officials are developing a land management plan for Freeman Park, a 300-acre preservation and popular destination at the north end of Carolina Beach. The town purchased the property from a handful of separate private entities for $7 million in 2022, allowing the town greater control over the public beaches.
A survey conducted by the town from May 18 to July 17 asked visitors what they would like to see in the park’s future. The town will host an open house to gain further input on Aug 24. in the Town Council Chambers at 1121 North Lake Park Blvd. The town will hold sessions at 10
a.m., 2:30 p.m. and 5:30 p.m. with each session beginning with a brief staff presentation followed by interactive activities designed to gain input and finalize the plan.
Deputy Town Manager Ed Parvin said that the town does not have a firm timeline for the project but expects the plan to be finished early next year. Budget numbers for potential improvements at the park have not yet been developed.
What's being considered?
Overnight camping has been suspended at Freeman Park since September 2025 due to excessive erosion, high visitation and nearby beach nourishment projects.
The park is unique as it is one of the only beaches in North Carolina where visitors can drive 4x4 vehicles. However, due to high tides and erosion, vehicular traffic has been prohibited on the northern edge. The full site is also subject to intermittent closures.
The town is exploring several options to increase resilience and limit visitor impact on the land. The survey asked for opinions regarding the current vehicle access model, which allows for access 24/7. Respondents were asked if they would prefer the town to implement set hours to maximize environmental protections for nesting turtles, deter illegal after-hours parties or restrict hours during the busy season from April to September.
The survey also requested input on potential commercial activity at the park, including options for keeping it entirely primitive and undeveloped, allowing essential services and limited sundries, or allowing diverse vendors such as food trucks, chair and umbrella rentals, or mobile surf shops.
Result of the survey will be shared at the open house event on Aug. 24.
What does the mayor think?
Mayor Lynn Barbee said that Freeman Park is a “rare unspoiled portion of a coastal barrier island” with a historically significant relationship to the Seabreeze community just north of Carolina Beach.
After inheriting some land in the area, the park’s namesake Robert Bruce Freeman Sr. purchased nearly 2,500 acres in 1876, becoming one of the largest landowners in New Hanover County. By 1922, his sons Roland and Nathan had started establishing the Black beach resort community that would become Seabreeze.
Barbee said that the park is a key to beach accessibility, as it allows visitors with mobility challenges to drive up to the edge of the coast. As for the park’s future, Barbee’s goal is to balance the various available uses with necessary environmental preservation.
“Obviously, the many wants will collide and compromises will be made, but our history has shown that we can balance the often-competing goals in a way that keeps Freeman Park that special place that we all know and love,” Barbee said.
Daniel Sheehan covers New Hanover County for the StarNews. Reach him at dsheehan@usatodayco.com.
This article originally appeared on Wilmington StarNews: With camping suspended, Carolina Beach charts next steps for Freeman Park
