HomeMy WebLinkAboutPRC Meeting Summary 04012026 Meeting Summary— Parks and Recreation Council
April 1, 2026
Solid Waste Management, Chapel Hill
Members Present: Natalie Ziemba (Chair), Louise Flinn (Vice-Chair), Logan Cason, Trevor
Robinson, Allen Parker, Navya Sharma (youth delegate)
Members Absent: Alissa Martucci, GiGi Rashdi, Marissa Hoer, Chloe Reid (youth delegate)
Staff: David Stancil, Abby Mattingly
Natalie Ziemba called the meeting to order at 6:32pm.
Report of the Chair:
a. Chair Comments—Chair Natalie Ziemba held brief introductions.
New Business:
a. Changes to the agenda— David Stancil added an update to membership. Marissa Hoer
was appointed by the Board of County Commissioners to the Parks and Recreation
Council.
b. Chair and Vice-Chair Elections- Stancil outlined the responsibilities for the Chair and
Vice-Chair. The Chair leads meetings, reviews the upcoming agenda, attends an annual
meeting with the BOCC, and attends biannual Intergovernmental Parks Work Group
meetings. The Vice-Chair reviews the upcoming agenda and serves as a backup in the
event of the Chair's absence. Chairs can serve three consecutive one-year terms. Natalie
Ziemba has served two terms as chair, and Louise Flinn has served one term. Trevor
Robinson was nominated for Chair by Flinn, Allen Parker seconded. All in favor, none
opposed, Robinson elected as Chair. Flinn was nominated by Logan Cason, seconded by
Ziemba. All in favor, none opposed, Flinn was elected as Vice-Chair.
c. Review of Trails Plan—Stancil presented the document that the BOCC will see on April
141" at their business meeting. The draft plan is thorough and outlines the background,
process, goals, draft trail segments, and more. The Council was able to review and
discuss the draft plan. Following the BOCC presentation, the plan will be sent to other
relevant advisory boards and partner agencies for comment. Once comments have been
received, the plan will then go back to the PRC for final review and recommendation,
then to the BOCC for action.
d. May 7 Meeting Location—Traditionally the May meeting has been at a park location;
however, this has created some logistical issues regarding weather. The council moved
to change the meeting location to the standard Hillsborough location at the Bonnie B
Davis EAC.
Old Business
a. Approval of Meeting Summary, March 5: Attendance was corrected to reflect that
Alissa Martucci was present. Flinn motioned to approve, Robinson seconded. All in
favor, none opposed, motion carried.
b. Joint OUT Board Meeting: The Bicycle Pedestrian Plan was delayed pending a contract
amendment with North Carolina Department of Transportation. The amendment has
been approved, and the consultants have resumed work. The OUT Board will be
attending the June 3,d PRC Meeting.
Report of the Director
c. Project/Program Updates— Recently staff participated in a facilitated discussion with
the New Hope Bird Alliance and disc golf advocates, with two representatives from each
organization, the disc golf designer, DEAPR landscape architect, and the Blackwood
Farm Park manager. The meeting took place at Blackwood Farm Park, where
participants walked to potential disc golf sites. The meeting was productive, and one
hole will be relocated. A petition has been circulated opposing the construction of a disc
golf course at Blackwood Farm Park. Phase 2.B of Blackwood Farm Park development
will be put out for bid this summer. This phase includes the construction of a disc golf
course. Stancil shared information regarding the planned April 22nd Earth Day
Celebration at Blackwood Farm Park.
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— none
c. Friends of Orange County Parks and Recreation —
Adjournment: Ziemba adjourned the meeting at 8:15pm
Next Meeting: May 6 (Hillsborough)