Minutes 02-15-2018 Work Session - Laserfiche WebLink

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7 Commissioner Jacobs said he will always be in favor of parks being a part of proposed bond referendums. He said the bulk of funds should go to the schools, and hopefully the state will provide more funding toward the efforts of renovating 60-year old buildings. He said in 2001, there was a balance between different uses in the bonds. He said he understands why the recent bond focused on schools, but it will be an important discussion as to whether this should continue moving forward. Commissioner Price referred to the Blackwood Farm Park, and asked how much of the $1.7 million will pay for the road. David Stancil said none of the $1.7 million is for the road, and there is a prior appropriation of $1 million for the road. He said the $1.7 million is for other amenities. Chair Dorosin said the idea of prioritizing is a good one, and cost should not necessarily be the primary driver in the prioritization. Chair Dorosin referred to Cedar Grove Park, and said new ball fields will increase the usage. He said when parks have limited accessibility; they can almost become elitist, which is unfortunate. Chair Dorosin said part of the challenge of spending money on schools, instead of parks or other things, is that most residents do not know what is happening at a lot of the parks. He said the land has been purchased, and the commitment to the community should be honored, so that the land can be used. Chair Dorosin referred to the CIP chart in the Board’s packet, and said there are 6 parks, one soccer center, one nature-park, one greenway, and a 7-mile nature park underway. He asked David Stancil if he could provide a status report on each of these items, as towards completion, and fully realizing their potential. David Stancil reviewed the following: • Cedar Grove Park is in its 2nd phase. Getting ball fields and possible tennis courts completed. W hen these items are completed, this park is fully done. • Little River Park is essentially completed. Some repaving and renovations are needed. • Efland Cheeks Park is also essentially completed, with no opportunity to build further due to impervious surface limits. • Fairview Park has opportunity for more, once the landfill is mitigated. There is a 25-acre section to the north for another phase. • River Park cannot be expanded at this point, but there is opportunity to make some improvements. • Blackwood Farm Park has the most on the immediate horizon, and is in high demand from the public. • Soccer.com center needs major expansion, as well as a decision regarding natural grass versus turf. • Twin Creeks has nothing happening right now. • Hollow Rock needs minimal improvements. • Others sites are awaiting first activity. Commissioner Marcoplos said he recently attended some food scarcity meetings, sponsored by Department of Social Services, and was struck by how many people were interested in community gardens. He said this was particularly true for Cedar Grove Park. David Stancil said staff met today with the Cedar Grove Neighborhood Association, and a community garden has been planned there, as well as Blackwood Farm. Commissioner Jacobs asked if there is another phase of Cedar Grove Park, which extends to the pond.