2017 Special Olympics Polar Plunge

The 13th Annual Special Olympics Polar Plunge, 5K Run and 1 Mile Walk (aka the 5K Run-N-Plunge) will take place in Kure Beach on Saturday, February 11, 2017. This fun, family-friendly event encourages contestants to brave the cold conditions of the Atlantic Ocean by plunging into the shore after completing a 5K (or 1 Mile Walk) that winds through the beach.

Contestants are also encouraged to come to the event dressed as their favorite super hero, with an awards given for the day's Costume Contest. And did we mention this event is dog-friendly? In fact, there will be a special "Pooch Plunge" just for brave Plungers who want their canine companions to participate, too!

Contestants can opt for the 5K Run-N-Plunge, the 1 Mile Fun Walk or just the plunge. No matter what you choose to do, you're sure to have a great time supporting the Special Olympics of New Hanover County!

Take a look at the following schedule for an overview of the day's events:

Hurricane Earl Taking It Easy on Pleasure Island

New Hanover County Public Information Officer, Mark Boyer, confirms that Hurricane Earl currently poses little threat to New Hanover County, including Pleasure Island.  Freeman Park will remain closed (See: Freeman Park Closing in Anticipation of Hurricane Earl) throughout Thursday night, 9/2 and New Hanover County officials are taking some protective actions.  However, according to Boyer: 

The latest information from the National Weather Service Office in Wilmington shows the immediate area feeling minor effects from this powerful storm.  The New Hanover County coast is expected to feel winds of 25 to 35 mph and gusts to 45 mph sometime later this afternoon or early evening.  Rainfall is expected to be a quarter inch to one inch in the Wilmington area. Hot weather is expected to greet residents and visitors on Friday and slightly cooler, sunny weather is forecast for the Labor Day weekend.

 You can read the full public service announcement at www.nhcgov.com.

We hope this information is helpful as you prepare for the Labor Day Holiday!

Be a Tourist in Your Own Hometown - New Hanover County 2010

Sunday, March 7th, 2010 will be the 15th Annual Be A Tourist in Your Own Hometown Appreciation Day for all New Hanover County residents.

Participating area attractions will open their doors to New Hanover County residents free of charge so that they can become “tourists in their own hometown”. Offering free admission is a fun and rewarding way to thank the residents for their support.

A number of Pleasure Island businesses will be taking part in this event.

Those businesses are:

• Carolina Beach Lake Park – Free Paddle Boat rides
• Federal Point History Center
• Fort Fisher State Historic Site
• Fort Fisher State Recreation Area – Free access to the Beach
• Jungle Rapids – Either free round of golf, free go-cart ride or free wall climbing
• Wheel Fun Rentals – Free bicycle and specialty product rentals

Event Details:

• What: Be a Tourist in Your Own Hometown Appreciation Day
• When: Sunday, March 7, 2010
• Admission: Free

Some special conditions apply.

To see a complete list of businesses and conditions please visit www.CapeFearCoast.com/hometown.

Carolina Beach Aquarium Pier Proposal

The Greater Wilmington Business Journal reports that Carolina Beach Town Manager Tim Owens went before the New Hanover County Commissioners yesterday with a proposal to partner with Carolina Beach and the North Carolina Aquarium to build the new Aquarium Pier.

Owens requested $1.4 million from New Hanover County.  The total cost from Carolina Beach is estimated at $4 million. This money would be used "to establish beach access, a bathhouse with shower and dressing facilities, flexible park space for outdoor events, connectivity with the boardwalk and an improved marina for recreational boating and canoe access points."  The Town of Carolina Beach already purchased 2 acres of land they are reserving for the Pier.

The North Carolina Aquarium would be responsible for building the Pier.  The cost of this construction is approximately $15 million and will be funded with gate receipts.

The Aquarium Pier would be an educational project associated with the North Carolina Aquarium at Fort Fisher.

Owens was hoping that the New Hanover County funding would come from the $35 million parks bond but the county’s Parks and Gardens Director, Jim McDaniel, said that they had committed most of the parks bond money to a park in Castle Hayne that has previously been under-served.  This was their priority.

The New Hanover County Commissioners did not vote on the Aquarium Pier proposal but said they may bring it up at a later date.  Meanwhile, Owens will be looking into alternative grant opportunities.

Please read the full article from the Greater Wilmington Business Journal here:
Carolina Beach makes pitch for help with aquarium pier.