HomeMy WebLinkAboutMeeting Summary 11062024 Meeting Summary— Parks and Recreation Council
November 6, 2024
Solid Waste Operations Center Meeting Room, Chapel Hill
Members Present: Andrea Zimmerman (Vice-Chair), Xilong Zhao, Louise Flinn, Gina Reyman,
Trevor Robinson,
Members Absent: Natalie Ziemba (Chair), Allen Parker, Gregory Husketh
Staff: David Stancil, Abby Mattingly, Marabeth Carr
Andrea Zimmerman called the meeting to order at 6:31pm.
Report of the Chair:
a. Chair Comments—Vice-chair Andrea Zimmerman had no comments.
b. Council Vacancies Update—Abby Mattingly informed that the board's
recommendations had been sent to the Board of County Commissioners, but no
appointments have yet been made.
c. Changes to the agenda — No changes were made.
New Business:
a. Park Construction/Design- Marabeth Carr briefly introduced herself as the
department's Landscape Architect. Carr presented photos from the recent Farm to
Table event. The annual event is hosted at Blackwood Farm Park for fourth graders from
area schools and is facilitated by County staff and volunteers from local high schools.
Nine stations are set up, each delving into a different aspect of where our food comes
from, and local farming practices. Carr then continued to update on the status of Perry
Hills Mini Park. She presented photos of the construction. Bids were taken for the park
construction in June and the notice to proceed was issued in August. Carr then
discussed the tennis and pickleball court expansion at Fairview Park. Initial bids were
over budget, so they were recently re-issued, and the contract awarded, with the
construction to be finalized in the Spring. Carr provided an update on the disc golf
course at Blackwood Farm Park. A layout was developed; however, it was redesigned to
consider the established stream buffers. The current layout considers these constraints,
but a local birding organization has brought to attention several nesting locations that
are on the proposed course route. While staff does not believe that this will hinder
construction, it is possible that a hole or two will need to be closed during the nesting
phase.
b. Approval of October 2 Summary: Louise Flinn moved to approve the draft summary,
Xilong Zhao seconded. The summary was approved unanimously.
c. The Nature of Orange Photography Contest- Mattingly presented a PowerPoint
displaying information regarding the 2024 Nature of Orange Photography Contest. The
theme was Orange County Flora and Pollinators, and the contest has seen a steady
increase in participation from both the youth and adult divisions. Mattingly displayed
the winning photographs, then opened the floor to suggestions for next year's theme.
Ideas included; weather, seasons, waterways, wildlife, and nature in action.
d. 2024 Annual Report/2025 Work Plan— David Stancil reminded the Council on the
purpose of the annual report and work plan, and identified the areas that would need to
be updated. Stancil addressed the portion of the 2024 Work Plan that listed the
activities that the board expected to carry out. Most of the items have been addressed,
including the Mid-Plan Review, the Perry Hills MiniPark design, re-evaluating a
swimming pool, and the Year of the Trail. However, several items will continue to be of
interest, the most significant being the County Trails Plan, as the Council is the
prescribed steering committee for that effort. The Council will continue to evaluate the
progress of park development. The group suggested the creation of a new item to
follow and advise on new park amenities. Amenities include the outdoor classroom and
native plantings at Blackwood Farm Park, the mountain bike skills course at Little River
Regional Park, and the expansion of the Soccer.Com Center. The second section of the
Report that needed to be updated is the portion that addresses any concerns and
emerging issues. The County Trails Plan will be moved from there to the first section of
the Work Plan, the status of the Central Recreation Center will continue to be an item of
concern, the need for pickleball courts has been addressed, and opportunities for joint
ventures will continue to be an emerging issue. In addition, the Council would like to list
promoting and expanding nature programs as an emerging issue, and the continued
progress of the Mountains to Sea Trail.
Old Business
a. Continued Discussion of Water Feature/Public Pool: Mattingly summarized last
meeting's conversation on a County owned public pool or other water feature as one of
this year's follow-up discussion topics. During the previous meeting, the Council did not
decide to take any action and a brief discussion was held to discuss what action should
be taken. Mattingly displayed the previous meeting's summary, and Reyman spoke in
favor of constructing a SplashPad vis a vis her remarks made in the October meeting.
The Council was in favor in the creation of a memo being sent to the Board of County
Commissioners advocating for the prioritization of a SplashPad. The Council again
agreed that this could be framed in a way that emphasizes the impacts of climate
change and utilizing a water feature as a mitigation tactic. Stancil informed that he
would be able to propose the item in the draft Capital Investment Plan.
b. Stancil discussed a memo sent to the Council by Land Conservation Coordinator, Chris
Hirni, to request the support of the PRC in presenting the Great Trails State Coalition
Grant to the BOCC. Hirni had discussed the grant with the Council during the October
meeting and presented the proposed usage in developing trails that will help connect
the MST. The Council voted to approve the letter.
Report of the Director
a. Project/Program Updates— No updates.
Council and Committee Reports
a. Intergovernmental Parks Work Group— next meeting scheduled for April 9, 2025
b. Items for the Council/Sharing of Volunteer Opportunities — Flinn updated the Council
on discussions held during the Eno New Hope Corridor Advisory Committee, specifically
updates regarding Hollow Rock Nature Park. The Durham Open Space Program hired a
botanist who will be cataloging the meadow with a goal of encouraging pollinators.
There is some work being done at the Hollow Rock Store. Stancil reminded the Council
that the next (December) meeting individuals are encouraged to bring snacks to share.
Adjournment: Zimmerman adjourned the meeting at 7:53pm
Next Meeting: December 4th (Bonnie B Davis EAC, Hillsborough)