The City of New Bern Board of Aldermen directed the city manager to move forward with finalizing a land donation agreement that will result in the City’s largest ever park. Martin Marietta, the current owner of approximately 55 acres along S. Glenburnie Road (across from the NCDOT Bridge Maintenance office and formerly used as a rock quarry), presented the City with a proposal earlier this month to donate the land under recommended usage. City Manager Mark Stephens sought direction from the Board on the matter, Item 6 on Tuesday’s agenda, and presented the Board with the optional use. The Board agreed whole-heartedly that City Manager Mark Stephens should move forward with the land donation agreement and plans to create a new city park.
Martin Marietta’s donation coincides with the City’s vision to create a regional park with multi-recreational opportunities and the potential of an outdoor amphitheater capable of hosting various entertainment and performances. In exchange for the donated land, the company has requested that all advertising, broadcasts, and print materials describe the venue “at Martin Marietta Park” and feature their logo. They’ve also requested that Martin Marietta aggregate products be used exclusively in the construction and development of the site. The company stated in its proposal letter that it understood the city would have to raise funds for the project, even to consider amphitheater naming rights.
These 55 acres complete a contiguous stretch of land and lakes totaling approximately 888 acres that will now be owned by the City of New Bern. With the addition of this property, the City can now look at developing a master plan outlining multi-recreational and cultural opportunities, as well as the proposed amphitheater, that will be available to the citizens of New Bern as well as eastern North Carolina.
The scope and size of amenities at the future Martin Marietta Park will be determined after further study. However, the rise in the number of outdoor concerts and entertainment in New Bern supports development of such a venue.
Submitted by: Colleen Roberts, Public Information Officer, City of New Bern