Agenda - 02-10-2009 - 1 - Laserfiche WebLink

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2 doubt various hybrid options as well). One option, recognizing cost limitations of existing funds and the cost estimate for a paved greenway trail with span pedestrian bridge, proposes to construct an interim unpaved trail with ales-expensive bridge over Jones Creek within existing funds. This may require the Town of Carrboro to accept and approve an interim trail design (if possible), which could be pursued and accomplished by interlocal agreement. This option could likely be constructed in a quicker fashion using only a potion of the available funds. A second option would be more of a true linear park, a 10-foot paved greenway with subsurface base, landscaping, benches and a larger pedestrian bridge that spans the Jones Creek floodplain. The engineering consultant hired for Twin Creeks has estimated the cost of this trail on the County's property to be approximately $850,000. if a natural surface trail were an option, the cost would be lessened. Town financial assistance for this type of trail, which fits into the Town's larger pedestrian transportation scheme for the northern transition area, might be solicited. The paper also notes several important issues related to the trail concept - 1) there are intervening properties between the County's Twin Creeks property to Lake Hogan Farms that will need to provide a connection, 2) the aforementioned cost issues and the question of Town willingness or ability to approve an interim trail, 3) maintenance, safety and security issues. Finally, the County has recently been approached by the firm of Recreation Partners (RP) about the potential for apublic-private partnership at the Twin Creeks site - to build a sports, recreation and child care/activity center, which could be a combination indoor/outdoor facility. A Project Prospectus prepared by Recreation Partners, which manages the Triangle Sportsplex, is attached. Synthetic Turf Field - A $650,000 portion of the 2001 Parks and Open Space bonds dedicated as `Soccer Superfund" monies was appropriated to the Twin Creeks project in 2005. However, the cost of constructing phase I of the park (with four soccer fields) is beyond available funds. In recent months, the concept of using these funds (current balance of $625,000) to construct a synthetic turf field at an alternate location has been discussed. The attached issue paper reviews the history of these discussions and focuses on two alternatives: 1) Smith Middle School field and 2) Cedar Falls Park.. Key issues to be addressed to pursue one of these options include the availability of funding if needed to install the field, issues related to Town approval processes and timing, and health and safety issues associated with synthetic turf fields. Emerging Issues and Future/Other Topics -During the CIP discussions and at subsequent meetings, there have been several other new or emerging topics the Board has identified for further discussion, as well as wording changes needed to the CIP. The attached issue paper on this subject lists several of these matters, some of which are proposed for future work sessions. FINANCIAL IMPACT: There are several potential financial impacts associated with the different topics in this report. The cost of designing and constructing a trail at Twin Creeks along the Jones Creek sewer easement may vary dramatically depending on whether an interim or permanent trail is constructed, the type of trail surface used, and the design of the pedestrian bridge. The paved permanent trail with engineered span pedestrian bridge is estimated at approximately $850,000 -with the interim and natural surface costs considerably less (an estimate for this option is not yet calculated and requires additional discussions with the Town of Carrboro). The installation of a synthetic turf field at either Cedar Falls or Smith Middle School field may also vary depending on the degree of Town collaboration. Available funds from