UPDATE 1/27/2026

The dam at Lake Wilson will soon be renovated to meet current standards. The dam is currently operational and safe, but the tree growth around the dam needs to be removed to keep the dam from being comprised in the future. Work will begin in early 2026 and is expected to take six to nine months to complete.

Why is this work needed?

The dam was built in 1960 and is inspected annually to check for any structural issues. It has consistently passed inspection although it was recently recommended the trees be removed. The concrete structure most people think of is not the part that needs updated, it is the earthen dam on either side of the concrete structure. Trees have grown on both sides of the concrete dam, and the tree roots can comprise the earthen dam. Also, if those trees were to die or fall due to a storm, the dam could be compromised.

What will be done?

The improvements include removing the trees and adding articulating concrete block to reinforce the earthen dam. When the work is done, most people won’t notice a change expect some trees will be gone. Project engineers will keep water levels stable during the construction. A cofferdam will be in place throughout construction, which will provide stability if a large rain event or hurricane hits Wilson or if lake levels decrease during the summer.  A cofferdam is an enclosure built within a body of water to allow the enclosed area to be pumped out or drained. Constructing a cofferdam during a construction project is a typical practice on projects like this one. 

While making these improvements, the small foot bridge near Lake Wilson Road will be replaced with a more permanent structure. The water level will also need to be lowered by three feet during construction.

How will this affect fishing or walking at Lake Wilson?

Once the project starts, fishing will not be allowed in the construction area, but will be available everywhere else at Lake Wilson. The boat dock will not be affected. The walking trail will be disrupted at times. Any closed areas will be clearly marked, and the full loop will not be accessible at times during construction.

When will this happen?  

The project area was marked in mid-January. Tree removal will start the week of January 26. Trees on the north side will be removed first and the main entrance to the park will be closed. This work should be completed by early February.

The following week, the south side parking lot will be closed and the main entrance will be open. The large parking lot will be open and the smaller lot on the south side will remain closed, with the road open for access to the larger lot.

Once the trees are removed, the south side parking lot will be open, the large parking lot will be open, and the smaller lot on the north side will remain closed with the road open for access.

We will post any updates to the schedule on this page.