HomeMy WebLinkAboutAgenda - 12-03-2018 7-a - River Park Improvements Update 1
ORANGE COUNTY
BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS
ACTION AGENDA ITEM ABSTRACT
Meeting Date: December 3, 2018
Action Agenda
Item No. 7-a
SUBJECT: River Park Improvements Update
DEPARTMENT: Environment, Agriculture, Parks
and Recreation (DEAPR)
ATTACHMENT(S): INFORMATION CONTACT:
Proposed Improvements Map David Stancil, 919-245-2510
Adopted Master Plan Marabeth Carr, 919-245-2510
Possible Performance Stage Options
PURPOSE: To review planned improvements to River Park in downtown Hillsborough prior to
submittal to the Town of Hillsborough Historic District Commission.
BACKGROUND: River Park is a nine-acre park in downtown Hillsborough between the Orange
County Courthouse/Justice Facility/District Attorney's Office on East Margaret Lane and the Eno
River. The park includes the David Price Farmers Market Pavilion, the Stillhouse Creek Stream
Restoration Project, a portion of the Hillsborough Riverwalk, and an area of open space
between the buildings and the river. Trails and a pedestrian bridge for the park were built
consistent with a master plan for the park that was completed in conjunction with the Justice
Facilities Expansion Project in 2010. The Farmers Market Pavilion was completed in 2008.
Since that time, the pavilion and the park have been used for regular farmers markets, movies in
the park, community egg hunts, concerts and other events. The site continues to be a desirable
destination for events and is regularly scheduled for a range of activities.
In June 2015, the Board approved funding in the Capital Investment Plan (CIP) and capital
budget to build the remaining facilities in the 2009 master plan. This work includes several
components (some of which are completed or underway):
• A performance stage/shell for the concerts and events that the park hosts;
• Realignment of the Riverwalk (part of the NC Mountains to Sea Trail) across a sturdier
pedestrian bridge (completed);
• Refurbishing and renovation of the Occoneechee Village (underway);
• Electrical improvements near the Farmers Market Pavilion (completed), and the addition
of more park benches; and
• A new pedestrian entrance into the park from Churton Street, concurrent with the Town's
pedestrian and transit improvements, including two new trail connecting segments and a
stormwater control measure.
2
Staff and an engineering consultant (Mike Hammersley of CRA Associates, Inc.) have been
working for the last several months to complete the needed design work for the remaining
improvements above, for eventual Town permit approvals.
In the last few months, staff has explored potential sponsorship or naming opportunities for a
larger performance stage/shell (please see attached pictures) which could accommodate
concerts and performances that the site has been shown to attract. The Orange County Arts
Commission has expressed interest in this expanded performance stage/shell and sees this as
a possible fundraising opportunity that may be attractive to County and Town community and
business interests.
FINANCIAL IMPACT: Prior years funding of $400,000 was appropriated for all of the planned
work outlined above, with a basic stage concept. Approximately $370,000 remains from those
funds. It is estimated that the enhanced performance shell and related appurtenances being
discussed could cost an additional $125,000, with fundraising efforts potentially addressing
some or all of these costs.
SOCIAL JUSTICE IMPACT: The following Orange County Social Justice Goals are applicable
to this item:
• GOAL: FOSTER A COMMUNITY CULTURE THAT REJECTS OPPRESSION AND
INEQUITY
The fair treatment and meaningful involvement of all people regardless of race or color;
religious or philosophical beliefs; sex, gender or sexual orientation; national origin or
ethnic background; age; military service; disability; and familial, residential or economic
status.
The planned improvements to River Park will increase community access to open space to all
persons, and create an opportunity for programs and events that build community.
• GOAL: ENABLE FULL CIVIC PARTICIPATION
Ensure that Orange County residents are able to engage government through voting and
volunteering by eliminating disparities in participation and barriers to participation.
The facilities at River Park offer a free location for the participation in events, activities and
programs that enable participation by all persons.
RECOMMENDATION(S): The Manager recommends that the Board receive the report, review
and discuss the potential for an enhanced performance stage/shell, and provide any direction to
staff prior to a planned submittal to the Town of Hillsborough Historic District Commission for
initial review in January.
3
E. Margaret Lane
0
Court
House Dist.
_ o _ Attorney
Sheriff
JA
LLL
I
0
m
Y
o
-0
Proposed ADA Ramp
E
Proposed Li
W W Bus Shelter
W
> W U
W �
tx
� c1l'), �
o Proposed Rain Garden
00
` Proposed Stairs
Existing
Crosswalk
Proposed ADA Ramp
Proposed
QPerformance Stage
L
i+
O
L
s
U
Proposed ADA Ramp
L
R ve r Park
P ase 11 Improvements
4
1,MAR[MRIT LN
L
t
�,
1011, ° uECaLO-srewN� Q�E IA�1.
NI.
HOUSE N°N E
A1111 IN •' I ut - :w°C�E: : nwalaa[vwur _.
� r
' 'i
1 Imp°raE! Gale war Y.Vi
PVBLCII rle4neRhaNnlw —
P Jp -
Inc NC+V I': 1 1 y.0 �I On• L —-_ iI
-a w Sra"a'.um -
JuSrca Fpcdiy / P•
0 HR 11
66n[I�S
nv
PIC+Mi .. � F II,rnr e5s
P! A• 1 Sia'geISN.- I
ANNEX
„__-'� ■■,��jj77 epbce +1�` �� Rf."e r 11� N
G�' ��: PES11Y� a C+P d + ' 1 �• � � � �
AlL Now f U y
e
}rf r l�` p `v L) ❑'❑
I
`�s pip 1
CLINIC
1�
aeNlas-0nM.
. OCJ ERPANSIONR RIYFJt PAR%
Rf4'ER Pn1tK
LANDSCAPE PLAN
- -. - tlatr IIk1Red
INi�IfN111:Ni11YYNi:M 1l'X1PrF'AI.�FI)II YIIYIfWIIN[.Y
5
Examples of prefabricated types of wood Performance Stages that could be built in River Park
r
Glue laminated wood structure similar to the
Farmer's Market Pavilion structure
(Size shown is 25'deep x 50'across stage front)
The same structure with a closed (screened) back
The same structure with a closed (screened) back
and enclosed storage/dressing rooms (which
could include restrooms)