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2 <br /> Completion of these components, estimated to cost around $1.2 million (with <br /> previously-appropriated funds), will enable the County to be in position to move <br /> sequentially ahead with the planned park amenities that would be in Phase 2-B <br /> of the park. This park construction phase, estimated at just under $1.8 million, is <br /> slated for FY 2018-19 in the approved FY 2017-2022 Capital Investment Plan <br /> (CIP). Those amenities are envisioned to include (as funding permits): <br /> • A nature center with exhibits and classroom/learning space <br /> • Amphitheatre site for concerts and special events <br /> • Disc golf course <br /> • Additional picnic shelter(s) with restrooms <br /> • Historically-correct restoration of the Blackwood Farmhouse (parts of <br /> which date to 1827) <br /> • Agricultural exhibits and gardens <br /> • Park office and garage <br /> Before the above listed park amenities can be constructed, the infrastructure <br /> needs must be addressed to ensure that the park can accommodate the increase <br /> in visitors and hours. It is anticipated that the infrastructure and planned park <br /> improvements would enable Blackwood Farm Park to open daily (assuming <br /> planned upgrades in personnel and operating expenses) in FY 2019-20. <br /> The following five subsections provide updates on the planned infrastructure <br /> improvements and on some components or questions that were raised <br /> previously. <br /> 1. Hiring of a Design and Engineering Firm for Construction Drawings and <br /> Bid Documents <br /> While considerable work has been done to date by our Landscape Architect, the <br /> design and construction of the new driveway, turn lanes and parking areas will <br /> require engineering services. The firm that performs this work could also create <br /> the needed construction documents for the components of the park construction <br /> in FY 2018-19, assuming that construction plans stay on that schedule. <br /> Staff has prepared a new layout for the driveway and parking area, taking into <br /> consideration the approved location of the new entrance by NCDOT and the <br /> relocation of the Parks Operations Base to another site. A draft layout of the new <br /> driveway and parking area is shown below. <br /> A Request for Qualifications (RFQ) has been developed by staff and is ready to <br /> be placed for submittals by qualified firms. Staff plans to have a recommended <br /> firm for this work to the Board for approval of a design contract in <br /> January/February. Staff will also provide a courtesy update to park neighbors to <br /> Orange County Department of Environment, Agriculture, Parks &Recreation <br /> PO Box 8181, Hillsborough, NC 27278 <br /> Phone: (919) 245-2510 <br /> Fax: (919) 644-3351 <br />