Message from the Director
Welcome to the start of the 2026 Summer Season at Wrightsville Beach! This is our 40th anniversary year of operation as a not-for-profit recreation district and beach facility managed for enjoyment by folks of all ages all in our community. There are new and exciting changes afoot - changes we hope will enhance your experience as a beach-goer, and which will make the park more resilient to increasingly frequent flooding and durable for the future.
What is going on?
This is a fitting time to recognize former Wrightsville Beach Manager, Collin O’Neil. Most of the projects listed above were incepted by Collin before he stepped down as director of the Wrightsville Beach a year ago. Collin managed the staff and facility for an impressive twenty-three years, and is credited for developing the park as the facility we know today, not least of which was starting the boat rental program, improving the grounds, and building the disc golf course. Thank you, Collin, for your creative vision, dedication and valued leadership over years.
Welcome to the start of the 2026 Summer Season at Wrightsville Beach! This is our 40th anniversary year of operation as a not-for-profit recreation district and beach facility managed for enjoyment by folks of all ages all in our community. There are new and exciting changes afoot - changes we hope will enhance your experience as a beach-goer, and which will make the park more resilient to increasingly frequent flooding and durable for the future.
What is going on?
- Finally here! A new shelter ("The Westside") has been built to replace the old Small Shelter (destroyed by repeated floods), that is now reservable, in addition to the Large Shelter and Overlook sites. The new shelter was erected with helical piers and a cement base so it should withstand submersion for years to come. In addition, you will notice new screens, siding, stain and fresh paint and woodwork on the bathrooms this year. FEMA funding covered a fair portion, but not all, of the cost of these and other flood repairs, but we made it happen!
- We are very grateful to the VT Agency of Natural Resources for a generous Vermont Outdoor Recreation Council (VOREC) grant that enables transformation of our operations toward moveable assets and flood resilience. Specifically, the old tool shed has been replaced by a movable trailer, and we have three wonderful trailers now to transport boats and other equipment. The ticket booth will also be replaced by a concession trailer. Additionally, there is also a new EV truck to move those trailers when the waters rise. How does this make a difference? Because we will be able to evacuate by moving our new “buildings” and equipment high above flood lines when flooding occurs, we will be able to re-open much more quickly, sustain much less loss of equipment and buildings, and spend much less time repairing damage. More Beach time, and cost containment for all going forward!
- The disk golf course received fresh paint and many new tee markers last fall, and revitalization will continue this year. After multiple floods wreaked havoc on an already aging course facility, it involves significant work. We hope players will appreciate gradual improvement.
- We are dedicated to continued improvements and resiliency enhancements for the future. We hope to move toward a new road sign at the front gate, trail work for safety and erosion control, a level 2 charger, revitalization of the large shelter, upgrades to our boat fleet, and more…all while maintaining operations within our slim budget. If you would like to help by donating to support a specific project, please reach out to [email protected] to discuss. And General donations in any amount are always welcomed online or at the Booth. Thank you.
This is a fitting time to recognize former Wrightsville Beach Manager, Collin O’Neil. Most of the projects listed above were incepted by Collin before he stepped down as director of the Wrightsville Beach a year ago. Collin managed the staff and facility for an impressive twenty-three years, and is credited for developing the park as the facility we know today, not least of which was starting the boat rental program, improving the grounds, and building the disc golf course. Thank you, Collin, for your creative vision, dedication and valued leadership over years.
