HomeMy WebLinkAboutPRC minutes 080917Orange County
Parks and Recreation Council
Meeting Summary
Date: August 9, 2017
Place: Environment and Agricultural Center Conference Room
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PRESENT: Rachel Cotter; Evelyn Daniel; John Greeson; Betty McDade Khan; Katie Loovis;
Rachel Massai; Tori Williams Reid; Gina Reyman; Haywood Rhodes; Robert Robinson; Robert
Smith; Annie Jarabek (Town of Hillsborough liaison)
ABSENT:
STAFF: Hecht; Stancil
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I. Call to Order: Introductions were made all around, for existing and new members.
II. Additions or Changes to Agenda, Meeting Summary:
No changes to the June meeting summary.
III. Report of the Chair:
a. Membership update: The Chair noted that the Council still has an opening for
Bingham Township.
IV. New Business
a. Welcome to New Members
b. Approved Parks Capital Projects (CIP): Stancil provided a printout with a listing of
Parks Capital Improvements Projects. There was discussion about this
listing/timeline and how it works within the County’s Budget. Stancil explained the
CIP process and noted that it tracks with the budget approval each year, and it is a
five year plan that is a “blueprint” of intentions but only the first year is
operationalized. Discussion arose around volunteer help with the County’s parks.
c. Blackwood Farm Park/September Report to BOCC: A handout was distributed to the
group which highlights the type of information that will be given to the BOCC at their
September 19 meeting as an update on activities and design work for the next phase
of Blackwood Farm Park. The Council asked that Cultural Resources Coordinator
Peter Sandbeck be invited to a future meeting to discuss the restoration of the farm
buildings on this site to sustain its historical perspective. Planning and creation of a
disc golf course in the Northern most area of the park is part of the planned park
construction in FY 2018-19. A question was asked about whether there will be a
nature center on this site. Stancil responded yes, and that discussions are ongoing
about partners and the components of that center. There are also bee hives at the
park presently. Staff has been approached by the Orange County Beekeepers
Association about the construction of a “Honey House,” perhaps as part of the
Nature Center.
V. Old Business
a. Mountains to Sea Trail (MST) Update/9/19 BOCC report: The staff has completed
the community meeting phase of looking at possible routes within the southwest
section of the County (Segment 11). The first subsection being looked at as a
possible project is from the existing MST at River Walk in Hillsborough, and
connecting with Seven Mile Creek Preserve. Jarabek noted that September 9 is the
40th anniversary of the idea of the MST and the will be a concerted attempt across
the state to walk the trail.
b. Confirmation of Picnic Meeting (9/6), Park Visits (10/4). The picnic/meeting in
September will be at Little River Regional Park on Guess Road in northeastern
Orange County. A sign-up sheet was circulated to solicit for additional items for the
picnic. The meeting on October 4 will be at the Animal Services Center meeting
room, on Eubanks Road north of Chapel Hill. As previously planned, staff will have a
van there and will tour with all PRC members who can attend the parks in the
southern half of the county. The tour will end and the meeting will commence
beginning at 6:00 pm.
c. Community Center Status Report. The Community Centers are now independently
operating according to an Operations Agreement all three centers now have with the
County as of August 1. They have been provided funding to hire staff to work 10-7
Monday – Friday as their base hours of operation.
VI. Report of the Director
a. Updates on Various Projects and Facilities. Staff is working on completing and
installing signage for the HeadwatersTract (formerly part of the Greene Tract) in
northern Chapel Hill. River Park is getting a replacement bridge that will be part of
River Walk, and other park improvements are in design phase. Above the park, near
the crossing to the Weaver Street Grocery on Churton Street (NC 86), a bus turnout
has been under construction and is almost complete. Stancil also added that a new
Community Needs Assessment for parks and recreation services will be due to be
started in 2018 as per the Parks and Recreation Master Plan 2030 (assessments
every five years). This should be noted as a PRC work item for later this year and
early 2018.
b. Recognition of Bob Strayhorn for Fishing Rodeo: For 40 some years, Bob has
allowed youth to come to his farm to fish at the Fishing Rodeo. He will be recognized
at an upcoming BOCC meeting, hopefully in September.
VII. Council and Committee Reports
a. Intergovernmental Parks Work Group. Next meeting in October.
b. Items from the Council- nothing.
c. Friends of Orange County Parks and Recreation (FOPR) - Discussion came up about
this group which has stalled, mainly because of the $400 application fee.
VIII. Meeting adjourned at 8:15pm. Next meeting will be September 5 (at Little River Park,
annual PRC picnic.)