Burgaw Breaks Ground on Community Splash Pad

New public amenity funded through private donations and local partnerships

Apr. 17, 2026 at 6:04am

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An abstract, impressionistic photograph showing children playing in a water feature, with the surrounding park blurred in soft, warm tones, conveying the joyful energy of a new community amenity.The new GAF Community Splash Pad in Burgaw will provide a vibrant, welcoming space for residents and visitors to enjoy.Wilmington Today

The Parks Foundation of Burgaw and the Town of Burgaw have broken ground on the new GAF Community Splash Pad, a project made possible through private donations, corporate sponsorships, and collaborative efforts between the local government and community organizations.

Why it matters

The splash pad project represents a successful public-private partnership that will provide a new recreational amenity for Burgaw residents and visitors, enhancing the town's quality of life and community spirit.

The details

The splash pad is being funded through private donations and sponsorships secured by the Parks Foundation of Burgaw, with the town contributing utility upgrades to enable construction. GAF, a local roofing manufacturer, donated money and materials, while other companies like Environments Unlimited and Drish Utilities provided in-kind construction services and materials.

  • The groundbreaking ceremony took place on April 17, 2026.

The players

Olivia Dawson

The mayor of Burgaw, who praised the community support and collaboration that made the splash pad project possible.

Sydney Lewis

The chairperson of the Parks Foundation of Burgaw, who said the project is a testament to partnerships and community generosity.

GAF

A roofing and waterproofing manufacturer that has operated in Burgaw for over 30 years and donated money and materials to the splash pad project.

Environments Unlimited

A Wilmington-based company that donated construction services for the splash pad installation.

Drish Utilities

A company that donated services to the splash pad project.

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What they’re saying

“This exciting addition to Burgaw is a direct result of incredible community support and collaboration. We are deeply grateful to the Parks Foundation, GAF, and all our partners who have invested in creating a vibrant, welcoming space for our residents and visitors to enjoy.”

— Olivia Dawson, Mayor of Burgaw

“This project is a testament to what can be achieved through partnerships and community generosity.”

— Sydney Lewis, Chairperson of the Parks Foundation of Burgaw

What’s next

The splash pad is expected to be completed and open to the public later this year.

The takeaway

The Burgaw splash pad project demonstrates how public-private partnerships and community collaboration can bring new recreational amenities to a town, enhancing the quality of life for residents and visitors alike.