The Weldon Riverfront Enhancement Project consists of the construction of boardwalks both upriver and downriver from the NC Wildlife Resources Boat Landing in the center of River Falls Park. It also includes a pavilion for viewing the mighty Roanoke River, community programming, concerts, and special events. The project will allow handicapped accessibility to the Roanoke River vistas and encourage events and visitation to Weldon’s Riverfront. This enhancement would improve the health and well-being of residents, increase visitation to the Town, and enhance commerce.

The Weldon Riverfront Enhancement Project will be developed within Weldon’s River Falls Park on property owned by the Town of Weldon. This park includes a picnic shelter, restrooms, a walking track, and a small overlook of the Roanoke River. Rivers and Associates of Raleigh has been hired to complete the work. Phase one, assessing the riverbed and where the project will be built was completed in May 2024 and reviewed by Town Council at the June 24th meeting. Phase two, engineering/construction drawings, permitting, and putting the project out for bids was approved at this meeting by a vote of 4 to 1. The approval is for the area below the boat ramp as pictured in the Rivers and Associates drawings. Grant funds for this project were awarded to the Town of Weldon through the State Capital Infrastructure Fund and need to be used by July 2025 or the funds will need to be returned.

River Falls Park is connected to the Roanoke Canal Trail, a seven-mile-long walking trail from River Falls Park to Roanoke Rapids Lake Park. This trail follows the bed of the Roanoke Canal built in 1823.  Additionally, NC Wildlife Resources operates a boat landing at the park. NC Wildlife Resources committed to building a Canoe/Kayak outtake at the proposed boardwalk’s northern end. The outtake opened this Spring on May 13, 2024. This allows visitors to assess the park from the Roanoke River. Canoes and Kayaks could float from a put-in located in Gaston, NC, to Weldon, exit the river at the northern end of this Boardwalk, walk the Boardwalk and enjoy the vistas of the Roanoke from these bluffs.