Agenda - 02-21-2017 - 6-i - Authorization for NC Recreational Trails Program Grant - Hollow Rock Nature Park

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1 ORANGE COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS ACTION AGENDA ITEM ABSTRACT Meeting Date: February 21, 2017 Action Agenda Item No. 6-i SUBJECT: Authorization for NC Recreational Trails Program Grant Submittal - Hollow Rock Nature Park DEPARTMENT: Department of Environment, Agriculture, Parks & Recreation ATTACHMENT(S): INFORMATION CONTACT: Adopted Hollow Rock Master Plan Marabeth Carr, 919-245-2516 Dave Stancil, 919-245-2522 PURPOSE: To approve the submittal of an application to the North Carolina Division of Parks and Recreation Recreational Trails Program (RTP) for a $100,000 grant to develop an ADA accessible 1/3-mile loop trail consistent with the adopted Hollow Rock Nature Park master plan, with other amenities such as a wildlife viewing overlook, interpretive signage and restrooms being funded by previously-appropriated funds from Durham and Orange counties. The grant requires a 25% match or $25,000 (which would be shared by the two counties) and requires governing board approval to submit of the application by the February 24, 2017 deadline. BACKGROUND: Hollow Rock Nature Park is a 75-acre natural area that straddles the Orange- Durham county line along Erwin Road. The park serves is a trailhead for the New Hope Creek Open Space Corridor, which is a multi-jurisdictional effort of the City of Durham, Durham County, Orange County and Town of Chapel Hill. Phase 1 of the park is complete and opened in June 2016, and includes a new parking area, two miles of natural surface trails, four pedestrian bridges and relocation of the old Hollow Rock store. These amenities were completed with help from a 2013 RTP grant (applied for and administered by Durham County). Orange County and Durham County jointly operate the park. The proposed new application requests funds to construct a 1/3-mile ADA accessible trail loop trail. The trail would be constructed in segments of elevated wood boardwalks and compacted Chapel Hill gravel paths. It will enable access to a variety of areas representative of the site - including an environmental education station (retrofitted horse stable) and the educational wildlife overlook platform. These amenities will provide settings for educators to describe the natural and cultural resources present in an outdoor venue. All are depicted in the park master plan that was approved in 2010 by the four local government partners (see attached) and a commitment to complete the project with two years.