Zebulon breaks ground on $1.7M Little River Park upgrades, $500K grant

Town leaders and contractors broke ground Wednesday at Little River Park on a project billed as roughly $1.7 million that aims to expand parking, access and recreational space along the Little River. The work is partially funded by a $500,000 Parks and Recreation Trust Fund grant and is described by town documents as the first in a series of improvements to the site at 1800 W. Gannon Ave., Zebulon.

The Zebulon Board of Commissioners authorized staff to begin contract negotiations with Wendell-based G&G Construction after a competitive sealed bid process. The board unanimously approved two ordinances to clear the way for negotiations, and town purchasing records show G&G submitted the lowest responsible bid. Commissioners voted while discussing how to balance support for local subcontractors with project cost control, noting the risks of reopening bid requirements and potential price increases.

Commissioner Long underscored the budget pressure behind the decision. "Every time we delay or don’t move forward with construction projects, the cost just keeps going up," Long said. Commissioner Quentin Miles framed local contracting as an economic opportunity. "My goal is this money that we’re giving out, it could be life-changing for some of the small shops here in town," Miles said. Interim Town Manager Taiwo Jaiyeoba cautioned that "state law limits how much the town can mandate local participation without risking legal challenges or higher costs."

Town planning documents and the Little River Park master plan place the river at the center of the project. "Little River Park is one of the most unique parks in the Zebulon Parks and Recreation System. Situated on both banks of the Little River, this park provides the best opportunity for water access and natural area experiences within a Zebulon Park," the plan states. The concept envisions removing a majority of the dam and restoring the riverbed "to its natural state. This will allow for easier water access for park users, and create a safer environment for water-based recreation." The plan also adds a proposed historic education exhibit on the west bank and calls for invasive species control, including significant Kudzu eradication as recommended by the Forestry Service.

Scope items cited for Phase 1 include new parking, drive access, a restroom and picnic shelter, paved improvements, upgraded amenities, improved walking trails and other infrastructure upgrades. Public engagement materials show the project stems from recommendations in the 2021 Play Zebulon Parks and Recreation Master Plan and that the town intends to pursue annexation and rezoning to secure utilities for the site.

Timeline materials include an earlier public page that listed Phase 1 construction as tentatively scheduled for fall 2025, while the town staged a public meeting at the park on February 11, 2026 and held the groundbreaking reported in early February 2026. Next steps for residents include final contract signing, construction mobilization and permitting for river restoration work; town officials have indicated they will publish schedules and updates as those items are finalized.