Agenda 6-a - Blackwood Farm Park – Proposed Revised Master Plan

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ORANGE COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS ACTION AGENDA ITEM ABSTRACT Meeting Date: March 20, 2018 Action Agenda Item No. 6-a SUBJECT: Blackwood Farm Park – Proposed Revised Master Plan DEPARTMENT: Environment, Agriculture, Parks & Recreation (DEAPR) ATTACHMENT(S): Adopted 2011 Park Master Plan/Map Proposed Revised Master Plan 2018 Detailed Phase 2-A Map December 12, 2017 Memorandum INFORMATION CONTACT: David Stancil, 919-245-2522 Marabeth Carr, 919-245-2516 Dan Derby, 919-967-3766 PURPOSE: To consider approving amendments to the Blackwood Farm Park Master Plan map to incorporate updated plans for infrastructure improvements and park facilities (The proposed Board action is only to approve the amendments to the master plan - no additional action or funding is requested.). These amendments are needed to move toward hiring engineering and design consultants to prepare the construction documents for the planned roadway, entrance drive and parking improvements (Phase 2-A) previously authorized and funded by the Board. BACKGROUND: At the December 12, 2017 BOCC meeting, the Board received an update on plans for improvements at Blackwood Farm Park located on NC 86 and New Hope Church Road between Chapel Hill and Hillsborough. The park opened with limited facilities and hours of operation in June 2015. Blackwood Farm Park is a 152-acre regional park that currently features several miles of natural surface trails, fishing, a historic farmstead with interpretive signage, a small picnic shelter, and a 10-space parking area located along the existing narrow driveway. Due to limited facilities, the park is currently open only on weekends. The park master plan, adopted in 2011, reflects a design that features the many natural and cultural resources present on the site, adding several low-impact recreation or community gathering features. As noted in the December 12 memo, the first step in bringing the park’s planned amenities to fruition is the completion of several infrastructure needs (known as Phase 2-A) that will enable more visitors to access and enjoy the park. Funding for this infrastructure was previously approved. Specifically, the components that would be constructed with the existing funds are: • A new entrance and turn lane on NC 86, to be located further north on NC 86 (please see the attached “Proposed Revised Master Plan” map); • A parking area with approximately 60 spaces and room for bus turnarounds; and • Lighting, septic and stormwater measures needed to accommodate the infrastructure improvements 1