Date: Mon, 4 Aug 2008 15:28:54 -0400
From: Debra Henzey
Subject: Chatham County Wins State Grant to Begin Northeastern Park
PITTSBORO – Chatham County’s Parks and Recreation Department has been awarded a $500,000 grant from the N.C. Parks and Recreation Trust Fund (PARTF) to begin construction of the initial phase of a multi-purpose county park in the northeastern part of the county. Chatham County received the full amount requested and the maximum award provided by PARTF.
The 66-acre park is located on Big Woods Road on land that had been owned by the Eugene Grace family. The Chatham County Board of Commissioners provided matching funds through a new park facilities capital reserve.
“Being able to start work on the park is a dream come true. I am so excited for the residents because it means that we can take a major step forward in providing facilities that they have wanted and needed for a long time,” said Tracy Burnett, director of Parks and Recreation.
County Commissioner Chair George Lucier said that “we have such a tremendous backlog of needs for recreational facilities, especially in this part of the county where we had so much growth. We are very thankful to PARTF for giving us the funds to move forward.”
Burnett said that the park will be a place where people can go to relax and do things that they enjoy. “We all need somewhere to go to unwind and get away from everyday stresses. The park will provide an opportunity to go to a truly beautiful place to enjoy nature, sports, family outings, picnics or whatever they do in their leisure time.”
Construction is not likely to begin until late spring of 2009 since state funds are not available immediately and some additional studies of the property are underway. “If we can begin grading work by late spring, the park should be open to the public in the spring of 2010,” Burnett said.
The initial phase of construction is expected to include a baseball field, multi-purpose field (which can be used for soccer and football practices), concession center with restrooms, picnic shelter, ¼-mile walking trail, playground, parking area, entry road and utilities. However, some adjustments may be made based on additional studies of the 66-acre property and the availability of funds.
The next phases are expected to include a wildlife habitat, recreation center, tennis courts, a second multi-purpose field, outdoor basketball court, second playground, hiking trails, expanded walking trails, fishing pier on the existing pond, horseshoe pit, maintenance building, additional restrooms and concession stand, more picnic shelters and expanded parking. A mountain bike trail and disc golfing are slated for a secondary phase but could be built earlier if other funding sources and volunteers are available.
A 2007 recreational study completed by McGill Associates showed that Chatham County is substantially behind in providing facilities for most sports and recreational activities. For example, the county needs 11 more youth baseball fields and 11 additional soccer fields. “This is why being able to move ahead with this park is so important to our residents,” Burnett said.
The park is one of four district parks identified in the County’s Parks & Recreation Master Plan adopted in 1999. The major phase of the county’s first district park, Southwest Community Park in Bear Creek, is completed, but a second phase will included a basketball court, additional ballfields and expanded walking trail.
Burnett said that “donations to help with park facilities are always welcomed and needed. You can contribute funding to help with any of our parks through the Chatham Parks Foundation.” The contact person is Don Lein, president of the Foundation, at 919-542-4790. For more information on the Foundation, visit: www.chathamnc.org/Index.aspx?page=719http://www.chathamnc.org/Index.aspx?page=719.
Debra J Henzey
Director of Community Relations
Chatham County Manager’s Office
919-542-8258
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