Coastal town closes all parks & rec facilities for investigation, NC officials say

One of North Carolina’s popular coastal destinations has shut down its parks and rec program due to an investigation into “financial irregularities,” according to a statement issued by city officials.

The City of Southport announced the decision in a March 11 release that apologized to parents for “indefinitely” suspending the before and after-school programs.

“Additionally, all City of Southport Parks & Recreation facilities and buildings are closed and event have been cancelled until further notice,” the statement said.

Four Parks & Rec employees have been put on paid administrative leave as part of the investigation, city officials said. Their identities and job titles were not released.

“These actions were due to the appearance of financial irregularities that were discovered after a forensic accounting investigation. The matter has been referred to the North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation for further review and investigation,” city officials said.

“While this is an active investigation, the City of Southport will not have any additional comment, nor can the city – including elected officials, staff, and/or representatives – discuss personnel matters at this time.”

Town officials noted some public facilities and events are managed by the Community Relations Department, and are not impacted by the decision. This includes the town’s annual 4th of July Festival, officials said.

Southport is at the mouth of the Cape Fear River, about a 160-mile drive southeast of Raleigh.

This story was originally published March 12, 2026 at 9:53 AM.