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HomeMy Public PortalAbout09-19-2023 Agenda PRB Regular Meeting 101 E. Orange St., PO Box 429, Hillsborough, NC 27278 919-732-1270 | www.hillsboroughnc.gov | @HillsboroughGov PARKS AND RECREATION BOARD AGENDA | 1 of 1 Agenda PARKS AND RECREATION BOARD Regular meeting 7 p.m. Tuesday, September 19, 2023 Board Meeting Room of Town Hall Annex, 105 E. Corbin St. 1. Call to order and confirmation of quorum 2. Agenda changes and approval 3. Minutes review and approval Minutes from regular meeting on August 15, 2023 4. Discussion items A. Discuss budget priorities from parks master plans 5. Parks and recreation-related reports A. Board of Commissioners: Robb English B. Planning Board: Hooper Schultz C. Intergovernmental Parks Work Group: Staff 6. Park steward reports A. Gold Park: Cole Kenworthy B. Cates Creek Park: Richard von Furstenberg C. Murray Street Park: Staff D. Kings Highway Park: Robb English E. Hillsborough Heights Park: David Weinberg F. Riverwalk: Adam McGovern G. Turnip Patch Park: Wendy Kuhn 7. Staff updates Ridgewalk Feasibility Study, Churton Street Multimodal Corridor Study, Engage Hillsborough: Connectivity, skate spot design, park repairs and upcoming work 8. Adjournment Interpreter services or special sound equipment for compliance with the American with Disabilities Act is available on request. If you are disabled and need assistance with reasonable accommodations, call the Town Clerk’s Office at 919-296-9443 a minimum of one business day in advance of the meeting. 101 E. Orange St., PO Box 429, Hillsborough, NC 27278 919-732-1270 | www.hillsboroughnc.gov | @HillsboroughGov PARKS AND RECREATION BOARD MINUTES | 1 of 2 Minutes PARKS AND RECREATION BOARD Regular meeting 7 p.m. August 15, 2023 Board Meeting Room of Town Hall Annex, 105 E. Corbin St. Present: Chair Cole Kenworthy, Vice Chair Richard von Furstenberg, Adam McGovern, David Weinberg and Paul Weinberg Absent: Commissioner Robb English and Wendy Kuhn Staff: Public Space and Sustainability Manager Stephanie Trueblood 1. Call to order and confirmation of quorum Chair Cole Kenworthy called the meeting to order at 7:01 p.m. Public Space and Sustainability Manager Stephanie Trueblood called the roll and confirmed the presence of a quorum. 2. Agenda changes and approval There were no changes to the agenda. Motion: Kenworthy moved to approve. Paul Weinberg seconded. Vote: 5-0. 3. Minutes review and approval Minutes from regular meeting on June 20, 2023, were approved. Motion: Kenworthy moved approval of the June 20, 2023, minutes as submitted. Vice Chair Richard von Furstenberg seconded. Vote: 5-0. 4. Develop fiscal year 2024 work plan. Trueblood began with the history of the Parks and Recreation Board. She noted that many of the board’s projects had been accomplished, which opened discussion for the future path of the board. The board then discussed possible initiatives. Trueblood noted that the board could incorporate more sustainability initiatives in the future. The board then discussed increasing available recreation, like adding art and landscaping. Also discussed were ways to equip parks for relief from future heat. After discussion, ranking unaccomplished park projects in the fall, updating the Cate’s Creek Park Master Plan in the winter and updating the Gold Park reforestation plan in the spring were set as a work plan for Fiscal Year 2024. The board, Trueblood and Stormwater and Environmental Services Manager Terry Hackett planned to continue discussions about the board’s role as sustainability advocates for the town at a later date. 5. Parks and recreation-related reports A. Board of Commissioners Robb English was absent so there was no report. PARKS AND RECREATION BOARD MINUTES | 2 of 2 B. Planning Board There was no report. C. Intergovernmental Parks Work Group will be meeting in October 2023. 6. Park steward reports A. Gold Park: Kenworthy reported two mallets missing from the play center. Trueblood conveyed they will be replaced once received and mulch will be delivered to the dog park. B. Cates Creek Park: Nothing needed reporting from Von Furstenberg. Trueblood reported the little library door was missing and will be replaced. C. Murray Street Park: There was no report. D. King’s Highway Park: There was no report. E. Hillsborough Heights Park: David Weinberg reported trees and bushes need trimming and there was graffiti on the playground structure. F. Riverwalk: McGovern reported the bridge near the train tracks is missing two pickets. G. Turnip Patch Park: There was no report. 7. Staff updates Trueblood said: • The Ridgewalk feasibility study will be given to the Hillsborough Board of Commissioners at the September 2023 town board workshop. The overall use and density of the Hillsborough station site will be discussed at that meeting too. • A multiday design workshop will take place on Sept. 6 and 7, 2023, for the South Churton Street Multimodal Corridor Study. • Engage Hillsborough will have a public meeting in Oct. with the theme of connectivity. 8. Adjournment Motion: Von Furstenberg moved to adjourn at 8:30 p.m. David Weinberg seconded. Vote: 5-0. Respectfully submitted, Stephanie Trueblood Public Space and Sustainability Manager Staff support to the Parks and Recreation Board Approved: September 19, 2023 Parks and Recreation Board- FY24 Annual Plan FY24 Task July No Meeting August Review Parks Master Plans, Develop FY24 Work Plan September Discuss Budget Priorities from Master Plans October Election of Officers, Set Budget Priorities from Master Plans November No Meeting December No Meeting January Begin Cates Creek Park Master Plan Update February Cates Creek Park Master Plan Update continued March Complete Cates Creek Park Master Plan Update April Discuss Gold Park reforestation May New Projects June New Projects Parks and Recreation Board- Parks Master Plans Recommendations and Priorities Hillsborough Heights Park- • Maintain the existing playground equipment and park amenities in safe and working order • Relocate picnic tables and grills to north fence line in the center of the park • Remove any dead, diseased or undesired plant material • Limb up existing trees for safety and sight lines • Plant non-invasive vines along the fence lines (ex: Crossvine, Coral Honeysuckle) • Plant native pollinator-friendly shrubs and perennials along fence lines (ex: Callicarpa, Itea, Leucothoe, Fothergilla, Clethra, Calycanthus, Oak Leaf Hydrangea, Osmanthus) • Plant trees in front corners of the park (Ex: Magnolia Stellata) • Plant native grasses in front of fence at entrance to park (ex: Switchgrass, Little Blue Stem) • Add native shade plants to the wooded section of the park (Flame Azalea, Aquilegia) • As existing amenities deteriorate replace with amenities in the approved styles (Butler Bench by Urbanscape, Arbor Form picnic tables) • Add trash and recycling containers in approved style (Victor Stanley receptacles) • As existing play equipment deteriorates replace with swings • Add artistic and interactive site amenities (Example: little library) • Provide interactive and natural play features (Example: beehive play house, low balance beams) • Create a contemplative or quiet area in the north-west corner of the park (suncatchers, garden beads) • Add moveable play items like building blocks and games (ex: giant Jenga, natural wood blocks) Priorities 1. Relocate picnic tables and grills. 2. Prune existing landscaping and add new landscaping at the entrance, along fence lines and in wooded section of the park. 3. Replace site amenities with approved styles (picnic tables, benches, trash/recycling containers) 4. Add natural play features and contemplative garden amenities. Kings Highway Park- • Maintain trails and activity areas regularly (Pruning, weed eating, etc.) • Remove poison ivy from trails and activity areas • Remove storm debris • Remove diseased or dead trees that pose a danger to trails, parking and activity areas • Remove litter • Refresh surfacing at picnic and parking areas • Improve existing parking area so turn around is possible • Improve surfacing and visibility of existing parking area • Construct new gravel parking area on north side • Provide safe visible parking areas • Improve trail connectivity between north and south sides of park • Improve the trail that is located under the road bridge • Provide loop trails on north side of park • Provide visible entrance on north side of park-not on utility easement • Install natural surfacing on the trail around dewatering basin • Provide benches, trash cans/recycling, and picnic tables in activity areas • Study feasibility of pedestrian connection to West King Street • Study feasibility of pedestrian connection to Duke Forest • Study feasibility of pedestrian connection to Occoneechee Mountain State Natural Area • Study feasibility of pedestrian connection to Orange County corridor of Mountains-to-Sea Trail • Investigate options for changing name of the park to highlight educational opportunities and natural setting • Establish activity areas and view areas as indicated on proposed improvements map • Install interpretative/educational signage • Install biodock at permitted location • Evaluate site for Eco Heal building and/or outdoor classroom • Provide trash/recycling receptacles at parking areas • Install a park kiosk with trail maps at parking area • Install natural play areas and equipment • Develop and follow forest management plan • Remove silt fence and posts left from dredging project • Remove invasive species where possible Murray Street Park- • Maintain the existing playground equipment and park amenities in safe and working order • Establish and handicap accessible entrance from Eno Street • Establish a trail using Chapel Hill gravel for main path • Add handrails to the existing steps for safety • Remove the set of steps that is deteriorating in the northwest corner of the park • Preserve an open view into the park • Remove dead and diseased plant material • Limb up existing trees for safety and sight lines • Plant edible landscaping (Ex: Fig trees and Paw Paw trees) • Establish a 10 foot wide stream buffer along the stream except where controlled access is provided • Maintain access to the stream near the footbridge • Remove invasive plants along stream and plant native trees, woody shrubs and perennials • Cease mowing operations on the steep bank near Murray Street and plant bank with native grasses • Provide a picnic table • Provide several benches in the approved style (Butler Bench by Urbanscape) • Add artistic site amenities (Example: stepping stones) • Provide interactive and natural play features (Example: weeping redbud tents, Little Library, stage) • Install a bird park with amenities like bird feeders, bird houses, and bird baths • Add baby swings to play area • Reduce the play surfacing area by redesigning the park layout • Add trash and recycling container • Add a low fence between park and adjacent property Priorities • Resolve safety issues. Remove deteriorating steps and dead/diseased plant material. Establish a planted stream buffer. Add recommended landscaping. • Add site amenities (picnic table, benches, trash/recycling container, bird park, artistic amenities) • Redesign playground to reduce size of play surfacing area, install new swings and play equipment. Establish path system and an accessible entrance from Eno Street. Turnip Patch Park- • Maintain the existing playground equipment and park amenities in safe and working order • Preserve an open view into the park • Establish a 10-foot-wide stream buffer along the stream except where controlled access is provided • Maintain access to the stream near the footbridge • Plant native trees, woody shrubs and perennials in the stream buffer • Install a stormwater best management practice near the culvert that runs under West Margaret Lane (Example: rain garden, constructed wetland etc.) • Cease mowing operations on the steep bank near South Occoneechee Street • Maintain the grass hill adjacent to West Margaret Lane for sledding • Relocate the butterfly garden to east side of park and expand the garden area • Incorporate public art in the park (Example: a gnome sculpture under the footbridge) • Provide opportunities for interactive art (Example: a chalkboard installed on the privacy fence) • Provide several picnic tables • Provide benches in the approved style (Butler Bench by Urbanscape) • Provide interactive play features (Example: checkerboard, giant Jenga etc.) • Provide child-size furniture (Example: toadstool table and chairs etc.) • Install a plaque with the history of the park and volunteer efforts • Relocate iris and other garden plantings to park entrances Gold Park- • Maintain the existing park amenities and playground equipment in safe and working order. • Remove invasive plants from riparian buffer areas, and plant native and adapted trees and shrubs. • Investigate options to introduce public access to Eno River for wading and water play. • Cease mowing operations on the bank behind the restroom, and plant bank with native grasses. • Provide interactive and natural play features (Example: games area). • Provide additional seating areas, picnic tables, and “chill” zones (Example: hammock park). • Provide additional recycling containers. • Remove the baseball backstop. • Reconfigure the field to be a youth-size soccer field with other play areas. • Section the multi-use field with trees and landscaping to provide opportunities for various recreational areas. • Investigate options for adding basketball courts. • Add new recreational amenities to the field area (Examples: Gaga ball, disc golf practice baskets). • Investigate opportunities to provide bike share programs. • Add public and interactive art (Examples: interactive art wall, sensory wall, story walk, sculpture) • Add interpretive signage (Examples: wildlife, sustainability topics) • Provide public Wi-fi. • Incorporate sustainability initiatives when feasible (Examples: electric vehicle charging equipment, solar array, water bottle filling station). • Investigate options to restore the Eno River to its natural channel. • Incorporate green infrastructure when feasible (Examples: Filterra boxes, bioswales, pervious pavements, green roofs, rainwater harvesting, reforestation, rain gardens). Priorities 1. Remove the baseball backstop. 2. Investigate options for adding basketball courts. 3. Investigate options for adding a permitted water access area. 4. Incorporate sustainability initiatives, especially electric vehicle charging equipment. Cates Creek Park- • Maintain the existing playground equipment and park amenities in safe and working order • Utilize universal design principles for all new park features • Add landscaping to the entrance of the park (ex: Magnolia Stellata, Crape Myrtles) • Add trees and landscaping around the play area (ex: Magnolia, Itea, Fothergilla, Oakleaf Hydrangea) • Cease mowing operations on the slopes at the entrance of the park and plant native grasses or groundcovers • Cease mowing operations on the slope beside the soccer field and plant native grasses or groundcovers • Protect Cates Creek and the wetland areas • Create a safe access to view the wetland area • Add a trail system in the wooded area of the park. The main trail should have firm and stable surfacing. • Add benches along the trail system • Remove stone in stormwater swale and plant a pollinator-friendly rain garden • Expand pollinator habitat through gardens and native bee hotels • Provide additional picnic tables in appropriate locations • Add recycling containers • Add interpretive signs with topics such as pollinator gardens, wetland conservation, wildlife and habitat protection • Add a paved pedestrian entrance from Cates Creek Parkway, east of the roundabout • Add a paved trail around the multi-use field • Add a community dog park (with shade and two fenced-in areas) • Consider adding a large picnic pavilion or several picnic areas throughout park • Consider adding natural play features in appropriate locations • Consider opportunities for educational partnerships • Consider adding public art to the park Priorities · Add recycling containers · Stabilize eroding soil on slopes by ceasing mowing operations and planting native grasses and groundcovers · Add a community dog park · Add a paved pedestrian entrance from Cates Creek Parkway to the dog park · Add large picnic shelter · Add a trail system in the wooded area of the park If at some point in the future the town determines that the size of the field can be reduced, the following facilities should be considered for the field area: · Short disc golf practice baskets · Volleyball court (sand) · Basketball court · Community garden