HomeMy WebLinkAboutAgenda - 01-27-2003-3ORANGE COUNTY
BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS
WORKSESSION AGENDA ITEM ABSTRACT
Meeting Date: January 27, 2003
Action Agenda
Item No.
SUBJECT: Action Plans for Lands Legacy and Parks Development
DEPARTMENT: Environment and Resource PUBLIC HEARING: (Y/N) No
Conservation
ATTACHMENT(S): INFORMATION CONTACT:
Draft Annual Action Plan 2002-2004 David Stancil, 245-2590
Map of Proposed Priority Areas Rich Shaw, 245-2591
Excerpt from Recent TLC Publication Lori Taft, 245-2673
Park Facility Plan Report TELEPHONE NUMBERS:
PFP Chronology Hillsborough 732-8181
Staff Memo on Potential Actions Chapel Hill 968-4501
Durham 688-7331
Mebane 336-227-2031
PURPOSE: To consider adoption of the draft Lands Legacy Annual Action Plan for fiscal
years 2002-03 and 2003-04, and to review the updated Park Facility Plan (PFP) process
report.
BACKGROUND:
A. Lands Legacy Annual Action Plan 2002-04
The Board of Commissioners adopted the Lands Legacy Program in April 2000. Through
this program, Orange County seeks to protect its most critical natural and cultural
resources through a variety of voluntary means. Over the first two years of the program,
the County has protected 794 acres for future use as parkland, nature preserves, farmland
and historic/cultural sites, with negotiations underway on another 424 acres.
The Lands Legacy Program is activated each year by adoption of an Annual Action Plan,
concurrent with the CIP process. For this fiscal year, the Action Plan was withheld until
decisions about the CIP and bond sales were made, since these directly impact the Action
Plan. On December 2, 2002, the Board asked that the current Action Plan be combined
with a FY 2003-04 Action Plan, to be considered together as a two-year plan.
The Action Plan presented herein reflects acquisition priorities for this fiscal year and
2003-04. Since the FY 2002-03 fiscal year is already well underway, many of the priorities
listed in the plan are already familiar to the Board. This, plus the many multi-year projects
already present, make the conversion to a two-year plan a relatively-simple task.
2
The draft plan was developed with considerable input from four citizen advisory boards
(listed with their areas of expertise in parentheses): Commission for the Environment
(natural areas and prime forest, riparian buffers), Agricultural Preservation Board
(farmland preservation), Historic Preservation Board (historic and cultural resources) and
the Recreation and Parks Advisory Council (parklands). The draft Action Plan is also
consistent with the Lands Legacy Long-Term Priorities document (2002-2010) that was
adopted by the Board in April, 2001.
Note: Based on Board discussion at the November 11 worksession, the Adams Tract has
been removed for separate consideration and is not a part of the Action Plan as presented
here (staff would add it later if the Board decides to pursue the matter). The Town of
Carrboro has asked that discussion of this item be delayed until a later date.
A new section (Goal #5, page 2 of the Action Plan) addresses working with UNC and
Duke on land issues of mutual interest, as requested by the Board, and language has also
been added noting that acquisition of new parklands will be considered in conjunction with
updates planned to the Parks and Open Space Element of the Comprehensive Plan.
The highlights of the Action Plan for FY 2002-04 are to:
? Jointly acquire portion of Southern Shagbark Hickory Forest (Natural Heritage site) with
N.C. Botanical Garden or the N.C. Botanical Garden Foundation
? Continue to acquire portions of identified Natural Heritage sites and water quality
critical lands at Seven Mile Creek Preserve
? Complete three farmland conservation easements (funded in part by USDA grant)
totaling 424 acres, and identify willing sellers in priority areas for next round of USDA
grant cycle
? Acquire land or easements for the "missing links" needed for eventual Northern Chapel
Hill Township Rustic Woodland Trail
? Formalize protection of natural areas owned by Duke and UNC, and partnering with
those institutions on conservation projects of mutual interest
? Work with group of landowners interested in donating conservation easements in the
Faucette Mill Historic Area along the Eno River
? Acquire options for conservation easements to protect riparian buffers in the Upper
Eno watershed/ apply for Clean Water Management Trust Fund grant
? Acquire lands for future park sites, in conjunction with adopted plan
? Pursue other opportunities as they arise
A list of the accomplishments of the Lands Legacy Program over the past two years is
also included in the Action Plan.
B. Park Facility Plan (PFP) Process and Timetables
On September 9th and November 11th, 2002, the Board reviewed the Park Facility Planning
(PFP) Process report. This report includes:
? Proposed general operating principles for all County parks, and
? Park Summary Sheets for the County parks (excluding projects already underway and
joint projects that are not yet ready for discussion) that address project activities and
actions needed to begin each project.
Using comments from these meetings, ERCD and Recreation and Parks staff have met to
review the timing and available resources for each of the projects, both individually and as
a comprehensive set. Staff has evaluated the projects based on the status and
"readiness" of the project, and the available resources (financial and staff) using the CIP
and the adopted Bond and Alternative Financing Schedule. As such, the Park Summary
(or Action) Sheets have been updated, and the project timetables revised in accordance
with these factors. One new item has been added, staff suggestions for the sequence of
activity for the park projects (with available resources in mind). A map of each planned
facility is also provided.
The following table illustrates the status of the different park projects, which fall into three
categories.
Park Project
New County Projects Recommended Action
Efland-Cheeks Park (II) Staff proposes committee review of 1996 concept plan
and recommendations on phase II facilities, beginning
in March 2003"
Cedar Grove Park Staff proposes concept plan process begin May 2003`
Fairview Park Staff proposes that joint County/Town Master Plan
process begin, after completion of Memorandum of
Understanding with Town of Hillsborough and receipt
of site evaluation (potentially. September 200V
Projects Already Underway
Chapel Hill Township Park Master Plan underway
Little River Park Master Plan underway
Maple View Field Construction to begin March 2003
Southern Human Services Center Mini-Park Construction underway
McGowan Creek Preserve Concept Plan approved, Site Plan being prepared for
BOCC review in March 2003
_r f
Joint Projects Underway / Pending Further
Discussion
Southern Park Conceptual Plan approved, Process discussions
continuing
Homestead Park Aquatics Center Pendin further discussion or process and timing
Smith Middle Fields Pending review of proposed lighting plan and Town of
Carrboro approval joint Town/Count /CHCCS project)
Joint Town/County Open Space Pending further process discussions
Current) Unfunded Projects _
Seven-Mile Creek Preserve Possible provision of hiking trails and primitive camping
New Hope Park at Blackwood Farm Land-banked for future ark use
* - Please see attached staff report on actions and sequence of activities.
The PFP Report Summary Sheets and Proposed Actions and Sequence of Activities
address the three County park projects that are not yet underway or pending further joint
process discussion.
FINANCIAL IMPACT: Funds to accomplish the Lands Legacy priority projects for FY
2002-2004 are present in the current CIP (both existing year and programmed future
years), including appropriations from the 2001 Parks and Open Space bond, alternative
financing for conservation easements, and the Lands Legacy Opportunities Fund (pay-as-
you-go source). Where identified, the proposed funding source is listed in the attached
4
Action Plan (Table 1). Final decisions on funding for land acquisitions are made by the
Board of a project-by-project basis, as potential purchases are presented for approval. As
in previous acquisitions, in each case separate project budgets with specific funding
streams and amounts will be addressed at the time of purchase approval.
For the Park Facility Plan items, the proposed project timetables and action sheets are
consistent with the adopted CIP and the adopted Bond and Alternative Financing
Schedule. Excluding projects already underway (such as CHATPEC and Maple View
Field) and joint Town/County projects (Southern Park, Smith Middle Fields, Joint
Town/County Open Space) where the process has not yet been addressed, there are
three parks projects in the PFP report encompassing $2.3 million. As each project
schedule is programmed and individual capital project ordinances are adopted, financial
impacts will be addressed in detail for each project.
RECOMMENDATION(S): The Manager recommends that the Board:
1) adopt the revised Lands Legacy Annual Action Plan for fiscal years 2002-2003 and
2003-04, and instruct staff to proceed accordingly, and
2) discuss the Park Facility Plan (PFP) process and staff report (including the proposed
schedule and sequence of activities) and address a desired schedule of park project
activities. Once the schedule and needed actions are agreed upon, staff will bring the
schedule and sequence of activities back for official Board approval in February.
5
Introduction
The Lands Legacy program, adopted by Orange County in April 2000, is initiated each year
by the creation of an Annual Action Plan. The Annual Action Plan guides Lands Legacy
acquisitions and land protection activities for the specified fiscal year.
The process begins in August of each year, with staff identifying potential projects and
asking for initial guidance. Staff then meets with advisory boards for their input on
development of priorities for the coming year. Using the advisory board recommendations, a
draft Plan is prepared for distribution to the Board of Commissioners at their annual goal-
setting retreat. The Annual Action Plan is then finalized concurrent with the CIP process
each spring.
* - Note: For FY2002-03, the Annua/Action Plan was withheld until decisions about the CIP
and bond sales were made, since these directly impact the Action Plan. The result is a two-
yea)- plan, combining proposed actions for both FY 2002 03 anal FY 2003 04
The past several months have seen a number of projects come to fruition, headed by the
receipt of a $784,155 grant from the USDA Farmland Protection Program in September. The
following is a draft Annual Action Plan for the remainder of fiscal year 2002-2003 and the
upcoming year (please see note above). The plan incorporates comments from advisory
boards last year, coupled with the continuation and completion of goals and objectives from
the current action plan. The draft Plan contains goals, a summary of advisory board
comments, specific action objectives, and a priority list of land acquisition and protection
projects for the coming year. Also attached is Performance Report for the first two years of
the Lands Legacy Program (2000-2002).
(Note: Plans to continue to pursue grant funding for County projects are implicit.)
1. Upper Eno and Upper New Hope Riparian Buffers: Protect riparian buffers in the
Upper Eno River watershed critical area (including additions to Seven Mile Creek
Preserve) and the Upper New Hope Creek watershed.
2. Faucette Mill Historic Area: Acquire conservation easements to protect properties
with historic structures and archaeological sites in the Faucette Mill area.
3. Farmland Conservation Easements: Work with willing sellers (and partner entities)
to acquire farmland conservation easements in priority watersheds, in conjunction with
federal Farmland Protection Program and NC Farmland Preservation Trust Fund.
4. New Park Sites: Identify locations for potential land acquisition to establish
community parks in the White Cross and North-Central Orange areas-- the two
remaining parks identified in the 1988 Master Recreation and Parks Plan. Reassess
For the period .lu/y 1, 2002 -lure 30, 2004
Lands LegacyAnnua/Action Plan 2002-03 Draft 1122103
park needs for the North-Central region given the current park development plans for
Cedar Grove Park and Little River Regional Park.
5. Work with Duke University and the University of North Carolina on formalizing
protection of natural areas on university-owned property through conservation
easements, state nature preserve dedication or other means.
6. Natural Areas and Prime Forests: Protect the highest priority natural areas and
prime forests identified in 1988 Inventory ofNatura/Areas and Wildlife Habitatand 1999
Landscape with Wildlife report.
7. Complete Stewardship Plans: Develop stewardship plans for each County-owned
nature preserve and County-held conservation easement property.
8. Heritage/Scenic Corridor Pilot Easement: Acquire a "pilot project" conservation
easement along a high-priority viewshed of the historic St. Mary's Road corridor (a
portion of the Great Indian Trading Path).
9. Town Greenways: Partner with the towns and other entities in acquiring land for
establishing or expanding greenways identified in town plans.
A. Commission for the Environment (CfE)
Continue efforts to protect Seven Mile Creek (Natural Areas N02/N03),
Southern Shagbark Hickory Forest (M16), and Pickard's Mountain (M01).
Work with partners to protect Upper Eno River watershed critical areas, lands
adjacent to Eno River State Park, and Upper New Hope Creek headwater.
Protect all higher priority Natural Area sites and consider all opportunities to
protect riparian habitats and associated natural areas throughout the
County-especially within the Little River and Morgan Creek corridors.
B. Agricultural Preservation Board (APB)
Continue purchasing farmland conservation easements from willing sellers.
Focus on farms within the Cane Creek, University Lake, Back Creek and
Upper Eno watersheds, and use new Agricultural Priority Area formula to
evaluate potential easement farms. Attempt to build a critical mass of
contiguous farm easements in those watersheds. Augment County funds by
pursuing state grants (e.g., FPTF, CWMTF) and partnering with others (e.g.,
OWASA, Soil and Water District, Eno River Assoc.). Conduct more outreach
to farm community. Consider co-locating a new agricultural center on land
acquired for other purposes.
C. Recreation and Parks Advisory Council (RPAC)
Collaborate with OWASA on establishing county park(s) on OWASA lands
located outside Cane Creek watershed critical area. Pursue land acquisition
for establishing community parks at the two remaining areas recommended
in Master Recreation and Parks Plan: White Cross and North-Central Orange.
2
Lands LegacyAmnua/Action Plan 2002-03 Draft 1122103
D. Historic Preservation Commission (HPC)
Work with the owners of the Faucette Mill, Chatwood, Halls Mill House, and
Smith-Cole House to protect the combination of historic and natural features
on those properties. Consider the protection of other important historic and
archaeological sites (e.g., Murphey School) whenever possible. Protect
"heritage corridors" and other areas of scenic value (e.g., St. Mary's Road).
Involve HPC in matters concerning historic structures on County-acquired
lands. Allocate funds to protect historic structures on County property.
The following are more specific acquisition objectives developed from existing plans,
discussions with conservation groups and other land conservation partners, in some
cases expanding upon or refining advisory board recommendations. These are not
listed in priority order.
A. Natural Areas and Wildlife Habitat
• Protect (through acquisition or other means) the higher priority Natural Areas
identified in cooperation with the Commission for the Environment
• Protect the highest priority prime forest areas identified in the 1999 Triangle
Land Conservancy report, entitled A Landscape With Wi/d/ife; Part 2 (Wiley,
Ludington and Hall)
• Continue working with Eno River Association and others to protect (through
acquisition and other means) critical land for the Seven Mile Creek Preserve
• Work with the Eno River Association and others to protect (through acquisition
and other means) other priority riparian lands and upland habitats in the Upper
Eno River watershed critical area and lands adjacent to Eno River State Park
• Work with Triangle Land Conservancy and others to protect (through acquisition
and other means) priority riparian lands and central county prime forest lands
located in the Upper New Hope Creek watershed
• Consider partnering with Carrboro on the acquisition of the "Adams Tract"
located adjacent to Bolin Creek (includes portion of identified natural area)
B. Farmland Preservation
• Work with the USDA/Natural Resource Conservation Service and Orange Soil and
Water District, and/or OWASA, to identify and prioritize willing seller(s) or
donor(s) of conservation easements in Cane Creek, Upper Eno River, University
Lake and Back Creek watersheds. (Where possible, build a critical mass of
contiguous farm easements in these watersheds.)
• Preserve farmland that also contains riparian buffers to help meet multiple
conservation objectives
• Work with Soil and Water District/Natural Resource Conservation Service to
secure Farm Bill funds for acquiring conservation easements
• Apply for a grant from the NC Farmland Preservation Trust Fund for assistance in
acquiring conservation easements
3
Lands LegacyAnnua/Action Plan 2002-03
Draft 1122103 8
C. Parklands and Open Space
• Using existing plans and the comprehensive resource database, identify potential
locations for future acquisition of park sites in the following areas:
• White Cross Community Park
• North-Central Orange Community park (re-assessparkneeds forthissite,
previously titled "Cedar Grove-Little River Pal-h-1
• Acquire key "missing link" properties for proposed New Hope Rustic Woodland
Trail (linking Chapel Hill/Carrboro/County parks with Duke Forest and ERSP)
• In all acquisitions, be cognizant of potential school site co-location and the
potential for meeting other objectives for protection of riparian buffers, natural
areas/wildlife habitat and historic/archaeological sites
D. Cultural and Archaeological Sites
• Work with landowners in the Faucette Mill/Chatwood area
combination of historic and natural features in that historic area
• Work with the HPC and others to accomplish preservation
archaeological sites associated with parkland acquisitions
to protect the
of cultural and
• Protect some key initial priority location(s) along "heritage corridors" and areas
of scenic value (e.g., St. Mary's Road)
• Conduct research on known (or potential) historic and archaeological sites that
may be candidates for protection (e.g., Murphey School)
E. Watershed Riparian Buffers
• Work with the Eno River Association and others to protect riparian corridors in
the Upper Eno River protected watershed
• Follow-up as needed on the June 1, 2002 grant application to NC Clean Water
Management Trust Fund for protecting buffer lands in the Upper Eno watershed
• Continue to work with Triangle Land Conservancy and Eno River Association to
identify and protect priority areas in the New Hope Creek and Little River
corridors
• Work with the Morgan Creek Valley Alliance and others to identify priority areas
for protection in the Morgan Creek corridor
• Work with the Friends of Bolin Creek and others to identify priority areas for
protection in the Bolin Creek corridor
• Attempt to accomplish preservation of buffers in other water supply watersheds
through parkland and farmland acquisitions
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Lands LegacyAnnua/Action Plan 2002-04
In addition to specific acquisition
objectives, other actions may be
needed to facilitate long-term land
conservation. For the coming year,
strategies include the following:
1. Work with the Commission for
the Environment to complete the
Natural Areas Element to the
Orange County Comprehensive
Plan, incorporating the results of
the forthcoming update to the
Inventory of Natural Areas and
Wildlife Habitat.
2. Continue meeting with members
of the Orange County Land
Conservation Alliance twice a
year to discuss potential
opportunities for collaboration on
conservation projects.
Draft 1122103
The following actions were
accomplished from the previous
Annual Action Plan (2001-2002).
• Purchased the historic Blackwood
Farm (152 acres) for a future park
located near New Hope Elementary
and Stanback Middle School.
• Received a conservation easement
donation on 45 acres owned by Carl
and Eve Shy (Bingham Township).
The easement will help protect
natural area/wildlife habitat and
prime farmland within the Cane
Creek watershed critical area.
Collaborated with the Triangle Land
Conservancy on purchase of 35-acre
tract from Stanley and Carolyn
Peelle (bargain sale) to protect
portion of identified Natural Area site
as an addition to TLC's Steep Bottom
Branch Nature Preserve.
3. Work with Duke University
and the University of North
Carolina on formalizing the
protection of natural areas
located on university property.
4. Conduct outreach with civic
organizations, neighborhood
groups, and others to discuss
Lands Legacy program and
conservation options.
5. Compile land acquisition inquiries
and opportunities from
landowners and other potential
partners, and present to the
Board's for direction on whether
to pursue acquisition.
Helped establish the Morgan Creek
Valley Alliance, a new partnership
in land conservation among entities
interested in protecting natural and
cultural heritage in the Morgan
Creek watershed.
Applied for $1 million from the NC
Clean Water Management Trust
Fund for acquisition of riparian
buffers in the Upper Eno Watershed.
• Applied for $788,900 from USDA
Farmland Protection Program
to purchase conservation
easements on three active farms.
7
Lands LegacyAnnua/Action Plan 2002-04 Draft 1122103 )A
The following priority projects were
identified in the first ("interim'
Action Plan adopted for the Lands
Legacy program covering the period
from May 3, 2000 - June 30, 2001.
1. Purchase land (100-200 acres) for
establishing a district/regional park
between Chapel Hill/Carrboro and
Hillsborough.
Result - Purchased 193 acres owned by
the Hunter (44 acres) and Cate families
(149 acres with historic farmstead) for
the proposed Chapel Hill Township
District Park and Educational
Campus (May/June 2001).
2. Purchase additional 25-60 acres at
Northern Human Services Center to
help convert from community park
to Cedar Grove District Park.
Result - Developed pre-concept plans
for future Cedar Grove Park. Unable
to negotiate purchase of adjacent lands
in 2000-01, but negotiations continuing
on other adjacent lands
3. Purchase or protect lands in the
Seven Mile Creek area, especially
portions of identified natural areas.
Result - Acquired 134 acres from
Mayes' Hill, Ltd., including portion of
Natural Area site E02, for the Seven
Mile Creek Preserve (June 2001).
4. Map and acquire lands in pilot
project trail linking Town parks,
Duke Forest, future County park and
Eno River State Park.
Result - Mapped potential alignment of
rustic woodland trail in consultation with
Duke Forest Manager. Identified
"missing link" properties, but took no
action on acquisition/easements,
pending further consultation with BOCC.
5. Secure or acquire 25-74 acres in
Bingham Township for community
park, working to locate park on
OWASA-owned lands if possible.
Result - Worked with OWASA staff on
identifying three potential park sites.
Report developed on "Mitigation Lands
Tract." Further evaluation needed for
consideration by BOCC and OWASA.
6. Acquire land in Eno Township or
Schley area for community park if no
other parks are otherwise identified
by December 2000.
Result - Evaluated potential 200-acre
park site donation for the proposed
"Preserve" subdivision (February 2001).
Subdivision proposal was withdrawn.
Began negotiations for the potential
acquisition of Blackwood Farm.
7. Work with willing seller and OWASA
or Soil & Water District to acquire a
pilot project farmland conservation
easement, targeting the Cane Creek
watershed.
Result - Prepared conservation
easement to protect farmland owned by
Victor and Lucille Walters (Cedar
Grove Township) using $107,000 grant
(50% of cost) from NC Farmland
Preservation Trust Fund. (Closed in July
2001.)
8. Consider other objectives as
opportunities arise.
8
Lands LegacyAnnua/Action Plan 2002-04 Draft 1122103 13
Results:
Purchased the Orange County
portion (136 acres) of the proposed
391-acre Little River Regional
Park and Natural Area (November
7, 2000) to be owned and managed
jointly with Durham County
[Durham completed the purchase of
its 255-acre portion in July 2001]
Received a grant of $262,000 from
the federal Land and Water
Conservation Fund for development
of the Little River Regional Park
and Natural Area (October 2000)
Began work on proposed
conservation easement donation by
Carl and Eve Shy (45 acres in
Bingham Township). Closed in
October 2002.
Commenced an update of Orange
County's Inventory of Natural
Areas and Wildlife Habitat using
$5,000 grant from the NC Natural
Heritage Program (to be completed
in 2003)
Held initial meetings of the Orange
County Land Conservation
Alliance (October 2000 and April
2001), bringing together staff from
partner entities in land conservation
to share information for potential
collaboration on resource protection
projects
The FY 2002-04 Annual Action Plan
will continue to build on the
acquisition projects of previous
years, with potential projects in each
of the Lands Legacy priority areas
(natural areas, parkland, cultural
resources, farmland easements and
watershed buffers.
At the same time, a renewed
emphasis is proposed on public
outreach about the program, and
stewardship plans for lands in the
program.
The first two years of the program
saw tremendous strides in
acquisitions of priority resource
lands, with 794 acres currently
acquired and several more projects
in the works. This has in large part
enabled the County to essentially
preserve one acre for every acre of
land that has been developed.
This Action Plan - begins to propose
acquisition targets and resource
protection opportunities for the new
bond funds approved by voters in
November 2001.
9
i+
Lands Legacy Annual Action Plan (Draft)
Priority Areas 2002 - 2004
•
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North - Central Orange
Community Park
' Walters ? _? ' ???
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Ward
Farm
Faucette Mill
Historic Area r '
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Seven Mile gym,,
Creek Preserve
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Park Facility Plan (PFP)
Process and Project Summary Sheets
The PFP Process is designed to address park facility projects that are within
the County's jurisdiction and are being pursued solely as a County facility.
Similar process documents are being prepared for joint parks or master-
planned joint facilities projects where the County is partnering with the
Towns and or school systems. An outline of the different types of projects
currently engaged may be found as Attachment 1.
Part I. Basic Operating Principles for All County Parks
Facilities/Process
While each park projects will need to have its own set of rules and conditions
that are specific to the natural and physical environment of the site, an
interest has been expressed in having a set of basic operating principles that
would apply to each park - augmented by site-specific principles and
guidelines as needed for individual sites.
1. Each park and public open space facility project should receive equal
footing in terms of initial appropriation and planning and design
potential. However, some staggering of activities may be necessary due to
a finite amount of human and financial resources
2. Opportunities for economies of scale and cost savings should be explored
as projects continue and are developed
3. Each concept plan committee will have a scope of duties and a set of
guiding principles set by the Board of Commissioners at the time of
appointment. The Board may also adopt a "pre-concept" plan to help
provide direction to the committee
4. The County's organizational vision for parks philosophy is towards an
"Olmsteadian" model or vision of parks; that values natural and
ecologically-sensitive design, and flexible public open spaces for all areas
not designated for other specific uses
5. As such, the protection of natural areas and stream corridors shall be a
foremost consideration in the design or parks and public open spaces, and
grading and alteration of the natural landscape minimized to the degree
possible
6. Water use should be minimized and xeriscaping pursued wherever
possible and prudent, including the retention and "capture" of on-site
stormwater
7. Plantings and landscaping of parks and public open spaces shall feature
native vegetation wherever practical and appropriate
11
Draft 1/24/02
8. Parks and public open space should promote a pedestrian-friendly
environment and allow for free movement while discouraging internal
automobile traffic. Internal trails should be developed consistent with
both internal and external (trail connections) networks
9. Where historic or otherwise-significant cultural buildings or features exist
on the site, attention and consideration should be given to preservation of
these features within the context of the park
10. Consideration of potential co-location of facilities is encouraged, as
appropriate and as directed by the Board
11. The concept plan for each park and public open space should reflect design
parameters sensitive to adjoining properties and neighbors
Part II. Park Summary Sheets
The following Park Facility Plan (PFP) "park summary sheets" provide basic
information about each park project, the resources needed to accomplish the
task, the current status of the project, the other partners or "players" in the
project, and a potential timeline of activities*. The timeline of activities has
been adjusted to be consistent with color-coded project timetables.
The summary sheets begin with three (funded) County park projects that are
yet to be initiated, followed by a section summarizing other projects
underway or not yet funded, followed by joint Town/County projects.
* - Note: While staff would propose to explore economies of scale by addressing
multiple projects (as in the areas of purchasing and construction), all projects
will not be able to track simultaneously from the same date due to human and
financial resource lim itat ions. ERCD and Recreation and Prks staff have
taken this into account here, consistent with the color-coded project timetables.
Draft 1/24/02 1 8
Project Name: Cedar Grove Park
Project Cost: $1.200.000
Pre-Concept Plan Completed? Yes (reviewed but not adopted)
Project Status: Land acquired. Pre-concept plan reviewed by BOCC in June
2001 but not adopted. Funds allocated in 2001 bond, designated accordingly in
2002-2012 CIP. Project awaiting discussions with community groups before final
actions needed for park development are taken.
Scope of Work: Once adopted by BOCC, take pre-concept plan and
operating principles as part of the charge by the Board of
Commissioners (in addition to other guidelines to be added), to
design the park. Look at potential for phasing of park development.
Estimated Cost $10,000 for detailed topographic and location survey)
Project Partners? None
Concept Plan Committee Commissioner Brown
Membership Commissioner Halkiotis
1 Recreation and Parks Advisory Council member
1 Commission for the Environment member
_ Area Citizens
1 citizen design professional/ other expertise
Staff Resources Primary: County Manager (or designee), Open Space
Design Specialist, ERC Director, Recreation and
Parks Management Director
Others As Needed: Land Conservation Manager,
County Engineer, Planning Director, Purchasing
Director, Public Works Director
Projected Concept Plan Timetable*:
Target Date for BOCC Consideration*:
May-November. 2003
November. 2003
* - As per current proposed schedule
19
Draft 1/24/02
Stage 2 - Bids and Construction
Develop construction drawings and bids, gain County or Town site plan
approval, award bid to contractor(s) and construct the park facilities
according to the adopted plan as per BOCC approval.
Estimated Cost $1,190,000 (possibly in phases
Construction Project Commissioner Brown
Staff Team Commissioner Halkiotis
County Manager (or designee)
Recreation and Parks Management Director
Purchasing Director
Open Space Design Specialist
County Engineer
ERC Director
Planning Director
Park Services Director
(Concept Plan Committee is apprised of activity)
BOCC Review of Construction Drawings November 2003-
January 2004
BOCC Bid Approval March 2004
Possible Construction Begins Aril 2004
"Best-Case" Park Opening Date: May-June, 2005
Aai.. neectect t" Proceed at t4ie time:
If the Board is ready to proceed with planning for this park:
1. Adopt a pre-concept plan
2. Complete final actions needed to construct park.
3. Review timing/coordination of upgrades to Northern Human Services
Center as relates to park development
4. Discuss any interim measures the Board might wish to pursue at the
facility (opening of existing trail?)
5. Appoint Cedar Grove Park Concept Plan Committee, with charge and
scope of work (based on pre-concept plan and phasing potential) and
any operating principles the Board wishes to apply.
ao
Draft 1/24/02
Project Name: Efland-Cheeks Park, Phase H
Project Cost: $250,000
Pre-Concept Plan Completed? Yes
Project Status: A concept plan exists, as does Phase 1 of park. Funds from 2001
bond, are designated accordingly in 2002-2012 CIP, originally planned to
develop nature trails, teaching platform and install field lighting.
Scope of Work: Review existing concept plan for adequacy and determine best
use of bond funds for park. Amend concept plan as needed. Look at sub-phase
potential for Phase 11
Activfty Resources
Estimated Cost $2,000
Project Partners? Orange County Schools
Plan Review Work Commissioner Halkiotis
Group Membership Commissioner Carey
1 Orange County School Board member
1 Recreation and Parks Advisory Council member
1 Commission for the Environment member
1 Habitat for Humanity representative
Area Citizens
Staff Resources Primary: County Manager (or designee). Open Space
Design Specialist, ERC Director, Recreation and
Parks Management Director, Park Services Director
Others as Needed: Land Conservation Manager,
County Engineer, Planning Director, Purchasing
Director, Public Works Director, others as needed
Possible Review Timetable*: Review existing plan,
March-June 2003
Target Date for BOCC Consideration?*: August, 2003
* - As per current proposed schedule.
a?
Draft 1/24/02
Stage • and Construction
1. Develop construction drawings and develop RFP forbids
2. Present construction drawings to Board of Commissioners
3. Submit plans for approval (Site Plan Approval -Planning staff)
4. Solicit and review bids
5. Award bid to contractor(s)
6. Construct the Park facilities accordinm to the adopted plan.
Estimated Cost $248,000
Construction Project Commissioner Halkiotis
Staff Team Commissioner Carey
County Manager (or designee)
Recreation and Parks Management Director
Purchasing Director
Open Space Design Specialist
ERC Director
County Engineer
Planning Director
Park Services Director
(Concept Plan Review Work Group kept apprised of
BOCC Review of Construction Drawings October 2003
BOCC Bid Approval December 2003
Possible Construction Begins January 2004
Possible Park Phase II Opening: September-October,
2004**
** - Opening date estimate depends on what facilities are to be built
? Ction needed to Proceed at t4ij Jinw:
If the Board is ready to proceed with planning for this park:
1. Create Efland-Cheeks Park Plan Review Work Group, to review the
existing concept plan for the park for adequacy and changed
conditions, and amend as needed. Review letter from existing
community group about involvement.
2. Adopt operating principles and charge for Work Group, as needed.
As
Draft 1/24/02
Project Name: Fairview Park
Project Cost: $850,000
Pre-Concept Plan Completed? No
Project Status: Existing playground and playing field. Decisions needed on 1)
whether park will include both County and Town of Hillsborough portions or
County only, 2) whether a joint County/Town park or a County park, and 3)
whether park plan will be folded into master plan for other public facilities at site.
Funds from 2001 bond, appropriated accordingly in 2002-2012 CIP, consistent
with following timetable. There is no pre-concept plan/. There was a 1986
concept plan prepared. Interest expressed in Fall 2002 for joint County/Town
project. County and Town representatives met December 2002, staff asked to
nrenare site evaluation.
Scope of Work: Discuss outstanding issues with Town of Hillsborough. Receive
staff site evaluation. Develop Memorandum of Agreement on park plan. Form
Master plan committee to design park and any overall facility, using pre-concept
plan and operating principles adopted as part of the charge by the Board of
commissioners and ? own board 2.
ActivAy Resources
Estimated Cost $11,500 for detailed topographic and location survey)
Project Partners? Town of Hillsborough
Fairview Park Commissioner Jacobs
Concept Plan Committee Commissioner Halkiotis
Membership Hillsborough Town Commissioners
1 OC Recreation and Parks Advisory Council member
1 Hillsborough Parks and Recreation Board member
1 Commission for the Environment member
_ Area Citizens
1 citizen design professional/ other expertise
Additional members if a Master Plan Work Group?
Staff Resources Primary: County Manager (or designee), Open Space
Design Specialist, ERC Director, Recreation and
Parks Management Director, Town Manager (or
designee)
Other (Primary, if Master Plan approach selected):
Land Conservation Manager, County Engineer,
Planning Director (County and Town), Purchasing
Director, Public Works Director
Town/County Work Group/ A (Process): December 2002 = August 2003
Projected Master Plan Timetable*: October 2003 - September 2004
AS
Draft 1/24/02
Target Date BOCC/Town Consideration*: October 2004
* - As per current proposed schedule.
Develop construction drawings and bids, gain Town site plan approval,
award bid to contractor(s) and construct the park facilities according to the
BOCC-adopted plan.
Estimated Cost $838,500
Construction Project Commissioner Halkiotis
Team Commissioner Jacobs
County Manager (or designee)
Recreation and Parks Management Director
Purchasing Director
Open Space Design Specialist
County Engineer
ERC Director
Planning Director
Park Services Director
(Town staff if Joint Master Plan process)
BOCC Review of Construction Drawings October-Nov. 2004
BOCC Bid Approval December 2004
"Best-case" Construction Begins January 2005
"Best-Case" Park Opening: November 2005
Jction needed to Proceed at this time:
If the Board is ready to proceed with planning for this park:
1. Boards review site evaluation
2. Draft Memorandum of Agreement created and agreed to by both Boards
3. Boards agree to MOA and initiate project, adopt pre-concept plan and
scope of work
4. Appoint Fairview Park Master Plan Committee, with charge and mission
based on pre-concept plan and any operating principles the Board(s)
wish to apply.
a?-
Draft 1/24/02
Little River Regional Park ($342,000, Grant-funded, County P-I-L funds)
1. Durham and Orange County review draft concept plan (from consultant)
2. Little River Park Advisory Committee reviews draft concept plan, and
recommends to the Boards of Commissioners in Durham and Orange
Counties
3. Boards review and approve concept plan
4. Interlocal agreement reviewed and approved regarding operation and
maintenance of park
5. Bids solicited for construction of park, approved by Board of Commissioners
6. Volunteers and non-profits work to develop and finalize trails at park
7. Park construction begins spring 2003, and opens to public in Fall 2003.
Chapel Hill Township Park and Educational Campus
($1.2 million for phase I of park, 2001 parks bond)
1. 23-member Master Plan Work Group charged and appointed, began work on
9-30-02
2. Exact type of school campus facilities yet to be determined
3. Work Group visits other park/campuses - January 2003
4. Interim report to Board of Commissioners - February 2003
5. Master Plan to be completed in May 2003 (less detail on educational campus)
6. Board review of Master Plan - June - September 2003
7. Town of Carrboro review and approval process - May 2003 - April 2004
8. Construction drawings developed - March-May 2004
9. Construction bids approved by Board - September 2004
10. Construction of Park (phase 1) - October 2004 - September 2005 (depending
on scale of project)
11. Park (phase 1) opens October 2005
McGowan Creek Preserve ($65,000, 1997 parks bond, other)
1. Topographic survey and site plan prepared
2. DOT requested to address turn lane
3. Board considers site plan for facility (March 2003)
4. Construction Spring 2003 (with volunteers doing trail construction) -
McGowan Creek Preserve opens for use Fall/Winter 2003
Maple View Soccer Field ($86,000, 1997 Parks Bond/Other)
1. Survey and lease completed
2. Field design site plan developed by Open Space Design Specialist
3. Owners have reviewed and approved site plan
4. Public presentation and consideration of site plan (October-November 2002)
5. Bids for field construction developed and approved (December 2002 -
February 2003)
6. Construction of field (March-May, 2003)
7. Field open for use (best case - October-November, 2003)
A5
Draft 1/24/02
Soccer Superfund ($2.0 million, 2001 Bond)
1. Staff to prepare report with possible guidelines for use of Superfund and any
known candidate sites for use (February 2003)
New Hope Park at Blackwood Farm (NHPBF - no funding at this time)
1. Acquire commemorative plaque for Blackwood family - conduct public event
celebrating plaque placement
2. Develop Interim Use and Access Plan Report (December 2002 - March
2003)
3. Board review of Interim Use and Access Plan Report (May 2003)
Seven Mile Creek Preserve (no funding at this time)
1. Conduct pre-concept plan evaluation and Interim Use and Access Plan (July
2003-February 2004)
2. Board review of Interim Use and Access Plan (March 2004)
3. Consideration of Concept Plan Committee (April 2004)
4. Concept Plan Committee (May 2004- October 2005)
Skills Development Center Pocket Park ($60,000, County CIP)
The Pocket Park consists of the area in front of the Skills Development Center at
501/503 W. Franklin Street. It consists of a brick plaza area, with raised planting
areas that are also suitable for seating. The project has been under construction
for several months and was completed in early October, with the exception of the
plantings and pressure washing the masonry, which was delayed pending
release of water conservation measures by OWASA.
1. Plantings and pressure-washing to be done within the next couple of weeks
by contractor
2. The project includes streetscape improvements to the right of way that was
done in collaboration with the Town of Chapel Hill (they also funded $60,000)
3. Opening event to be scheduled
a(a
Draft 1/24/02
The process for these projects would be addressed through upcoming "Process
for Joint County/Town Parks and Open Space Projects" recently-recommended
by IP Work Group, and by specific project processes. Additional detail on the
projects is provided in the attached timetables.
Southern Park ($2.79 million, 1997 and 2001 bond]
1. Complete discussions with Town of Chapel Hill about proposal for process.
2. Complete discussions with Chatham County about participation
3. Review and approve Conceptual Plan
4. Create Park Planning Committee with Town of Chapel Hill to make key
decisions and recommendations about park
5. Review and adopt Park Planning Committee recommendations
6. Chapel Hill Special Use Permit application (12 months), with construction
drawings
7. Funds provided according to schedule and process, park constructed
accordingly
Homestead Aquatics Center ($3.5 million, 2001 bond)
1. Town asked to provide proposed project timetable
2. Create Project Planning Group (or like mechanism after reviewing IP Work
Group recommendation and Town of Chapel Hill proposal) with Town of
Chapel Hill to make key decisions about project
3. Review design and construction plans
4. Review and adopt Facility Planning Group recommendations
5. Release funds - facility constructed accordingly
Smith Middle School /Jolly Branch Field ($250,000 - 2001 bond)
Lighting plan to be developed by lighting professional and other permit
requirements developed for Carrboro to consider CUP modification.
1. Once lighting plan developed, Town/County and schools will jointly submit
CUP modification to Carrboro public hearing. Board of Aldermen consider
modification
2. Review site plan and authorize release of funds for bleachers and lighting at
the playing fields
Joint Town/County Open Space ($1.75 million - 2001 bond
1. Consider Carrboro request for funds
2. Receive a report from the I nterGovern mental Parks Work Group regarding
status of greenways projects in Chapel Hill and Carrboro and potential use of
funds
3. Create Project Plan Group to review report and make recommendations on
key decisions and projects to be funded - report sent to each elected board
a?
Draft 1/24/02
4. Upon receipt of Town actions on Project Plan Group recommendations,
consider and adopt greenways project plan.
5. Review plans at upcoming Assembly of Governments (spring 2003?)
Lake Michael Park (Mebane)?
1. Mebane has requested $140,000 toward improvements at Lake Michael
Park, on the Orange County side of Mebane.
a8
Park Facility Planning
Chronology of
(PFP) Process
Activity
may 1999 )oint Master Recreation and Parks UMRP) Work Group
issues report, calls for parks and open space bond with
balance between land acquisition and facility development
Spring 2000 )MRP Work Group report adopted by County and Towns
Winter 2000-01 Board of Commissioners agrees to possible bond referendum
in November 2001
March 2001 Facility development needs presented to Capital Needs
Advisory Task Force. Parks and Open Space Subcommittee
discusses and makes recommendations on projects
)une 2001 Capital Needs Advisory Task Force makes recommendations
on components of bond.
September 2001 Board of Commissioners sets amounts of bond referendum,
including $20 million for Parks and Open Space ($13 million
for facility development)
November 2001 Orange County voters approve bond referendum. Board
receives "New Era for Parks" report on resources and park
planning process. Draft policy for )oint County/Town
Projects is developed and sent to Towns for review.
February 2002 Intergovernmental Parks Work Group develops and refines
Joint Parks Process document, Chapel Hill and County
officials form subcommittee to address Southern Park as a
possible pilot project.
Spring 2002 Board approves hiring of Open Space Design Specialist, Parks
Management Director, and clarifies duties of park
development process.
May 2002 Proposed Park Facility Project (PFP) Process is presented,
with potential timetables of activities, process
recommendations, and proposed basic operating principles
for parks. On a separate track, Chapel Hill and County
officials continue to finalize Southern Park process.
September - Board reviews again the PFP document, assigns
November 2002 Commissioners to each project, and reviews timetables and
proposed project spreadsheets.
a9
Memorandum
To: Board of Commissioners
John Link, County Manager
From: David Stancil, ERC Director
Lori Taft, Recreation and Parks Director
Date: January 22, 2003
Re: Proposed Parks Action Plan / Sequence of Activities
Over the past few months, as the Board has discussed the Park Facilities
Planning (PFP) report and timetables, staff has reviewed the potential sequence
of events to begin the parks projects that are ready for action. Using the Board's
discussion, and our assessment of available human and financial resources, we
would offer the following action plan and sequence of activities for the Board's
consideration.
Step 1. Prepare Interim Facility and Access Plan
The process of planning, designing and constructing a park is one that requires
careful attention to detail. As such, the creation of a master plan or concept plan
for each facility is a necessary part of the process to ensure that facilities are
designed in accord with the site's natural "lay of the land," and consistent with the
County's and community's needs and interests.
However, it is also recognized that a thorough process for designing a park
facility can be time-consuming, with months needed for completion of the plan
and months or even years for the actual park construction.
With some of the County's existing sites, there may be opportunities to construct
and open (on a limited basis) some facilities in the interim, while the design for
the park is underway. For example, Cedar Grove Park, with its existing parking
area and a "trail" corridor already in existence, might offer opportunities for
completion of the trail, with picnic and other low-impact recreation areas.
However, at some sites, the lack of infrastructure or other access or public safety
issues may make interim access less practical
We would propose to create an Interim Facility and Access Plan for the Board's
review in March, evaluating the potential for interim amenities or facilities at each
of the existing sites.
3a
Step 2. Begin Efland-Cheeks Park Phase II Process
This park facility plan might be easily accomplished, because of the following
factors:
1. Phase I of this park is already open to the public, so some level of parking
and other infrastructure is in place
2. An existing concept plan exists from 1996
3. The community group which helped plan Phase I is still meeting on a regular
basis and is interested in participating in Phase II
4. The scope of the project ($250,000) is small
For these reasons, we suggest that the Efland Cheeks Phase 11 process could be
initiated in March. This project is a bit different from other projects, as there is an
existing concept plan prepared by a consultant in 1996 - but Phase I of the park
does not conform exactly to that plan.
Rather than creating a group to develop a concept plan, we suggest that the
citizen group (including the Board's representatives, Commissioners Halkiotis
and Carey) might be asked to review the existing concept plan, determine its
validity, and then recommend which facilities should be pursued with the
available $250,000 in funding. This process could be considerably shorter than
the full concept plan process (as shown in the timetable for this project).
If the Board agrees with this approach, a charge/mission with operating principles
could be developed, and a Concept Plan Review Work Group (as shown in the
PFP report) could be appointed in February and begin work in March. Based on
the workload both underway and as outlined in this memorandum, we project the
Efland Cheeks Concept Plan Review could be completed by June 30, with a
recommendation to the Board by August.
Step 3. Begin Cedar Grove Park Process
As soon as final land details are resolved, this project is also one that could be
initiated with the current CIP and staff resources. A Pre-concept Plan exists for
this site (which has been reviewed by the Board but not adopted), and area
citizens have expressed interest in helping design the park. Commissioners
Brown and Halkiotis have been appointed to serve as the Board's
representatives on this project. There may be some value in briefly revisiting the
draft pre-concept plan before moving forward.
Bearing this in mind, and the fact that some existing infrastructure exists (one
playing field, playground), we would suggest that once the final arrangements
related to the site are addressed (potentially by February 28?), that the Board
consider and adopt a mission/charge and operating principles for the park
concept plan, and appoint a Cedar Grove Park Concept Plan Work Group in
21
April, with work beginning on the project in May and concept plan
recommendations completed by November. We believe that this timetable will
allow staff to complete other ongoing activities and have the necessary resources
to begin and complete this project. Special attention will need to be given to the
ongoing discussion for activities and renovations inside the Northern Human
Services Center. This timetable is consistent with that proposed in the PFP
report.
Step 4 Begin Joint County/Hillsborough Fairview Master Plan
As discussed in November 2002, the Town and County may be interested in
pursuing a joint Master Plan for the Fairview Park and adjoining Town/County
lands (totaling 92 acres, including the County's Public Works site). While there is
an existing playing field and playground on the County's 41-acre parkland, there
are two important steps that are needed before this project could get underway:
1. Review and discussion of the Fairview Park Vicinity Site Evaluation, as
requested in November. This site evaluation of the properties will be
completed in February and could be presented to both Boards in March/April,
or at the May 5 joint County/Town BOCC meeting.
2. A Memorandum of Agreement between the County and Town would be
needed to ensure general agreement of expectations of the joint Master Plan
and facility construction, as well as outlining responsibilities and roles of
activity for both local governments.
Given these outstanding actions, and the other projects recommended for
resource allocation above, we would propose that a Fairview Master Plan
Committee be charged and appointed (with operating principles and guidelines)
in September of this year, with the project kicking off in October. The Board's
appointed representatives for this project are Commissioners Jacobs and Carey.
Since the Fairview project will be more complicated due to its joint nature, and
the potential for inclusion of more than just park facilities, this project is projected
to take approximately 10-12 months to complete. An October 2003 start date
might equate to completion of the Master Plan in September 2004. This is
consistent with the timetables in the PFP report.
Other Activities "In the Meantime"
? Creation of Soccer Superfund Guidelines (March)
? Creation of Prototype Playing Field Designs (April)
? Development of "Joint Parks and Open Space Projects Memorandum of
Understanding" for future joint County/Town projects
? Discussions with Mebane Regarding Proposed Improvements to Lake
Michael Park
? Completion of Existing Site Plans/Master Plans (Maple View, McGowan
Creek Preserve, CHATPEC, Little River Park)