HomeMy WebLinkAboutAgenda 11-18-2025; 8-m - Approval of Master Plan Amendment – Blackwood Farm Park 1
ORANGE COUNTY
BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS
ACTION AGENDA ITEM ABSTRACT
Meeting Date: November 18, 2025
Action Agenda
Item No. 8-m
SUBJECT: Approval of Master Plan Amendment— Blackwood Farm Park
DEPARTMENT: Environment, Agriculture, Parks
& Recreation (DEAPR)
ATTACHMENT(S): INFORMATION CONTACT:
Proposed Revised Master Plan David Stancil, 919-245-2510
Summary of Planned Amenities Marabeth Carr, 919-245-2516
Dan Derby, 919-245-2511
PURPOSE: To approve an amendment to the adopted Master Plan for Blackwood Farm Park to
reflect planned updates as part of Phase 2-B of the park.
BACKGROUND: The Blackwood Farm property was purchased by the County in 2001 for a
regional park in central Orange County. A Master Plan for the Blackwood Farm Park was
approved in 2005 and amended in 2010. The park was opened with limited facilities and schedule
(Phase 1) in 2015, and plans were authorized in the County's Capital Investment Plan to build the
park in phases. Planning for Phase 2-A of the park began in 2021. Significant infrastructure
improvements, along with an amphitheatre, large picnic shelter and other park facilities were
designed in 2021-22, with construction in 2022-23 and park reopening in May 2023.
Funding for the next phase of the park (Phase 2-B) was approved and appropriated in FY 2022-
23. This phase expands on the 2022 park construction and is envisioned to include another picnic
shelter, a storage facility for the historic farm implements collection, an outdoor learning area (to
serve until the future Nature Center is built in a later phase), additional restrooms, water system
improvements, a nature play area, agricultural demonstration area and other amenities and
improvements. The planned disc golf course was designed in 2024, but has been delayed and
would now be incorporated into Phase 2-B. A summary of the facilities proposed to be constructed
is attached.
The Board is asked to approve the revised Master Plan (attached — updated items shown in blue).
The major change from the adopted plan is the relocation of the picnic shelter/implement storage
away from the New Hope Church Road area, to be aligned with the other park facilities and the
learning area / future Nature Center. In the last several years, staff and Board discussions have
noted the desire to relocate facilities away from New Hope Church Road for safety, efficency and
environmental reasons.
Some of the infrastructure needs, such as the water service upgrades required to provide drinking
water stations in the park, are pre-existing needs. The disc golf course likewise is nearly ready for
2
construction and could occur with minimal disruption to the park. In addition to this work, an
ongoing parallel effort to renovate and rehabilitate the historic Blackwood farmhouse would
continue using existing funds. If approved, this phase could be in design and engineering in 2026
with solicitation of a construction bid and bid award following in 2027.
FINANCIAL IMPACT: There is no cost associated with amending the Master Plan. The proposed
park improvements would use existing funds in the Blackwood Farm Park capital project and disc
golf course funding in the amount of approximately $891,000 approved in prior fiscal years. If the
total cost of potential improvements exceeds this amount, construction amenities would be
prioritized and adjusted when a subsequent construction bid is authorized to conform to available
funds.
ALIGNMENT WITH STRATEGIC PLAN: This item supports:
• GOAL 1: ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AND CLIMATE ACTION
OBJECTIVE 4. Incentivize and promote sustainable agriculture and local food systems
development through supportive policy, funding, farmland protection and educational
outreach.
• GOAL 2: HEALTHY COMMUNITY
OBJECTIVE 7. Invest in services and programs that improve the health and quality of life
of the community (e.g., recreation and public open spaces, arts, etc.)
RECOMMENDATION(S): The Manager recommends that the Board approve the amended
Blackwood Farm Park Master Plan as attached. Staff will subsequently prepare a scope of work
for the project design and engineering, along with an updated schedule for the project.
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Orange County Blackwood Farm Park
Ar Proposed Amended Master Plan 11-18-2025*
Department of Environment, NOR"I
Agriculture,Parks&Recreation *Blue items updated to reflect Phase 2B
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Blackwood Farm Park — Phase 2-13
Proposed Improvements and Amenities (existing funds)
Item Reason Projected Comments
Cost
Picnic Shelter w/ Move away from New Hope Church Road, address $400,000 Will need septic and water
restrooms, outdoor high demand shelter use. Serve as "bridge" facility (see below)
learning area and until Nature Center. Terraced grass seating.
storage Securely store donated historic farm implements.
Water line, water Septic field for restrooms at new shelter. Water $180,000 Requires new septic field and
fountain, septic loop required with fountain/filling station. water line expansion ToH
Disc Golf Course Originally in Phase 2-13. Redesigned to avoid bird $80,000 Mix of contracted work and
habitat, clear path and create holes. staff/volunteer improvements.
Enlarge pollinator Select locations and install. Assure visibility for $10,000 Will need limited ongoing
habitat areas, prairie patrons. maintenance.
restoration
Lighting Path from parking lot to amphitheatre. Solar. $25,000 Explore solar options
Fencing Around cemetery to protect and preserve $15,000 Wooden split-rail fence
Nature Play area Select layout and natural play materials, install $40,000 Use existing vegetation and
near Discover Trail? material where can
Agricultural Exhibit Location for educational opportunities about crop $10,000 Committee with S&W and
Area and animal management (sheep shearing, etc. Extension to define uses
A/E and Contingency $140,000 Design, engineering, etc.
TOTAL $900,000