Title
Vote to approve the grant application of the North Carolina Parks and Recreation Trust Funds (PARTF) for Parker’s Ridge Park with a County match of $753,550
Abstract
Introduction & Background: In September 2011, the Parker family sold Chatham County 147 acres in memory of Atlas and Lola Tart Parker. The property is located off Pea Ridge Road In Moncure NC. The land was farmed by the Parker family for over 70 years and Atlas and Lola Tart Parker would have wished for this property to be used for recreation and green space to preserve the rural beauty of the southeastern Chatham County, and to be used to benefit the residents of Moncure and all of Chatham County. A Resolution was adopted in December 2019 by the Chatham County Board of Commissioners in honor of the land to be named Parker’s Ridge Park in memory of Atlas and Lola Tart Parker. The Comprehensive Parks and Recreation Comprehensive Master Plan was approved and adopted in 2019. As part of the master plan for the park, public meetings and surveys were conducted. The park will be developed into many phases. Phase one will include parking, sidewalks, playground, restroom and shelter, pump track, accessible pathway loop and more. The restroom/shelter will be designed and constructed in compliance with ADA standards. The gravel pathway will be compacted to ensure a firm, stable surface that accommodates wheelchairs and other mobility devices. The pump track will be designed to support adaptive cyclists. All park features will be seamlessly connected by concrete sidewalks, and an adequate number of accessible parking spaces will be provided in each parking lot, ensuring that individuals of all abilities can easily access and fully enjoy the amenities of the new park.
Discussion & Analysis:
Our department intends to apply for North Carolina Parks and Recreation Trust Fund (PARTF) grant to help fund Phase 1 development of Parker’s Ridge Park in the southeast district of the county. Park elements to be included in this grant request include the pump track, the compacted gravel walking loop trail, and the restroom/shelter. North Carolina Parks and Recreation Trust Fund (PARTF) is administered through the Division of Parks and Recreation and the North Carolina Parks and Recreation Trust Fund. The matching grant is available to local governments for parks. The match required at 1:1. Maximum request amount is $500,000. Our latest project budget for these park elements (including 5% contingency) is $1,253,550. This leaves a balance of $753,550. Including this total balance amount as our match would exceed the 1:1 ratio requirement and show significant commitment on the county’s part.
How does this relate to the Comprehensive Plan: Provide recreational opportunities and access to open space.
Budgetary Impact: The Parker’s Ridge project has a capital project ordinance. Total project cost
Grant request will be $500,000 and the County match will be $753,550.
Recommendation/Motion: Motion to approve the grant application of the North Carolina Parks and Recreation Trust Fund (PARTF) for Parker’s Ridge Park with a County match of $753,550.