HomeMy WebLinkAboutAgenda - 01-21-1999 - 5
RIVER PARR STATUS REPORT
• In 1995 representatives of several organizations including the Town of Hillsborough,
Chamber of Commerce, Alliance for Historic.~Iillsborough began work to develop
approximately 5 acres of park land behind tl~e new Courthouse near the Eno River.
• In the summer of 1995 the Town and County Commissioners signed a resolution of
cooperative effort to develop this properly.
• A work group was formed to prepare a tentative design of the Park. A color
rendering was prepared and approved in the Spring of 1996
• In March of 1997 cost estimates for construction were presented at a joint meeting of
both Boards. Amenities that were identified estimated costing approximately
$250,000.
• Though total funding for this park has not been. identified, some expenditures have
occurred.
County Purchased F3artow Property in 1990 = $61,363
County cleared property and seeded area in 1994 = $16,838
County shared in cost of fill dirt removal in September, 1998 = $ 1,800
Total to Date $80,001
Town of Hillsborough has committed $50,000 over two (2) years some of which
assisted to pay for ftlling in the old pond. The Preservation Fund of Hillsborough
has committed $10,000.
In Spring of 1997 the Occaneechi Tribe began their efforts to build their Palisade near
the river.
• The Park work group continued efforts to Fund the project identifying foundations for
possible assistance and gaining assistance from the County Soil and Water
Conservation Department.
• Soil and Water Staff acquired an engineer with the Resource Conservation Service to
survey and develop a comprehensive restoration plan for the creek meandering.
through the property. The first site visit was in June of 1997. Projections for the Meld
survey was to be completed in the fall of 1998 and the restoration plan to be
completed by Winter, 1999.
• 1n .iune of 1997 the County Commissioners forn~ally approved the property to be a
park site.
• to July, 1997 the Alliance for Historic Hillsborough applied to a foundation for
flrncling the constnrction of the $84,000 performance pavilion but was not successful.
• In the summer of 1997 the Park Work Group solicited the public to name the park.
The top four names were to be presented to the elected boards for a decision.
• In the summer of 1997 the original work group dissolved with a new advisory
committee to be established consisting of members from the Town and County
Boards and Recreation and Parks Advisory Councils, Tribal Association, Arts
Council, and alliance for Historic Hillsborough.
• In September, 1997 the county Recreation and Parks Advisory council recommended
the River Park be included in the revised Master Plan and to complete a site plan, cost
determination, and funding sources upon the completion of the engineering study and
restoration plan.
• In the Winter of 1997 staff from the Town, County Recreation and Parks, and
Alliance for Historic Hillsborough met to establish the functions of the Advisory
Committee. This committee would recommend hours the Park would be open,
possible fees for use, and rules govemirig the Park to coincide with the County's Park
Ordinance.
• In May of 1998 at the joint meeting of the Boards of Commissioners a brief.report
was given as to the progress of the survey of tl~e flood prone creek. Survey was to be
completed by the end of the summer.
• At this May meeting suggested names for the park were submitted.. The selection of
the name would be determined later as well as appointments to the advisory
committee. Staff was asked to prepare a charge and clarify the function of the
committee.
• Presently, the Joint Master Recreation and Park Revision Workgroup is completing a
report to be presented to all elected boards. Recommendations from the Advisory
Council is to include this Park with the other Park projects.
• March/April of 1999 the report should be completed and a request to form-the River
Park Advisory Committee should be completed.
• Soil and Water has identified possible grant funds for the Park. The survey has bee~l
completed and the design for the creek restoration should be forthcoming.
fn: River Park Status Report
RESOULTION OF COOPERATIVE EFFORTS TO DEVELOP A PARR
WHEREAS, on May 17, 1995, the Orange County Board of
Coauaissioners and the Hillsborough Town Commissioners
endorsed a cooperative effort to develop a-park south of the
New Courthouse on county property; and
WHEREAS, interest has been expressed by the Hillsborough
Chamber of Commerce and the Hillsborough Historic Alliance to
participate in such a project; and,
WHEREAS, such an effort will increase recreational
opportunities for the citizens of Hillsborough and Orange
County.
NOW, THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the Orange County
Board of Commissioners and the Hillsborough Town Commis-
sioners hereby establish a work group consisting of two (2)
representatives from each of the following:.
Tha Town of Hillsborough
Orange County
The Hillsborough Chamber of Commerce
The Alliance .for Historic Hillsborough
AND FURTHERMORE, that this work group will be charged
with developing a Park Scope and Plan with financing
alternatives and a proiected budget which does not require
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AND FURTHERMORE, that the Town Manager, County Manager
and respective staff with assistance from the.State Planning
Office support the efforts of the work group.
AND FINALLY, that the work group report on its efforts
within six zaonths of this resolutions adoption.
Moses Carey, 1r., chair
Oran County Board of C mmissioners
r
Date
ce Johnson, ayor Town of
Hillsborough
S~.pT- 13 , 19 9~-
Date
River Park