The Town of Fair Bluff and RES initiated a transformative effort in early 2023 to develop a flood-resilient, multi-functional park on underutilized downtown land adjacent to the Lumber River. The need for a flood resiliency solution became apparent after the flooding caused by hurricanes Florence and Matthew. With a total Phase 1 budget of $7 million, this project combines flood adaptation, ecological restoration, and community revitalization into a unified public space vision.

Under a services agreement, RES is leading engineering, permitting, construction, and engagement activities. Early accomplishments include project mobilization, coordination with local stakeholders, and preliminary site planning guided by a nature-based approach. Budget allocations emphasize readiness for construction while maintaining resources for permitting, outreach, and administration.

The park will be designed to serve as a catalytic landscape, restoring hydrology and habitat while offering public access to trails, gathering spaces, and water-based recreation. Its location on the Lumber River, a National Wild and Scenic River, and proximity to an existing state natural area position it as a candidate for long-term integration into the North Carolina state park system.

With strong community support and agency alignment, the Fair Bluff Downtown Resilience Park is poised to become a landmark model for rural climate adaptation and economic renewal in southeastern North Carolina.

Client Benefits
• Legislative funding for flood resilience and recovery
• Flood-resilient, multi-functional park that reduces future disaster risk
• Improves hydrology and habitat quality
• Enhances public access to trails, gathering areas, and water-based recreation
• Transforms underutilized downtown land into a vibrant community asset