Orange County NC Website
Browse       Search
1 <br /> ORANGE COUNTY <br /> BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS <br /> ACTION AGENDA ITEM ABSTRACT <br /> Meeting Date: December 3, 2018 <br /> Action Agenda <br /> Item No. 7-a <br /> SUBJECT: River Park Improvements Update <br /> DEPARTMENT: Environment, Agriculture, Parks <br /> and Recreation (DEAPR) <br /> ATTACHMENT(S): INFORMATION CONTACT: <br /> Proposed Improvements Map David Stancil, 919-245-2510 <br /> Adopted Master Plan Marabeth Carr, 919-245-2510 <br /> Possible Performance Stage Options <br /> PURPOSE: To review planned improvements to River Park in downtown Hillsborough prior to <br /> submittal to the Town of Hillsborough Historic District Commission. <br /> BACKGROUND: River Park is a nine-acre park in downtown Hillsborough between the Orange <br /> County Courthouse/Justice Facility/District Attorney's Office on East Margaret Lane and the Eno <br /> River. The park includes the David Price Farmers Market Pavilion, the Stillhouse Creek Stream <br /> Restoration Project, a portion of the Hillsborough Riverwalk, and an area of open space <br /> between the buildings and the river. Trails and a pedestrian bridge for the park were built <br /> consistent with a master plan for the park that was completed in conjunction with the Justice <br /> Facilities Expansion Project in 2010. The Farmers Market Pavilion was completed in 2008. <br /> Since that time, the pavilion and the park have been used for regular farmers markets, movies in <br /> the park, community egg hunts, concerts and other events. The site continues to be a desirable <br /> destination for events and is regularly scheduled for a range of activities. <br /> In June 2015, the Board approved funding in the Capital Investment Plan (CIP) and capital <br /> budget to build the remaining facilities in the 2009 master plan. This work includes several <br /> components (some of which are completed or underway): <br /> • A performance stage/shell for the concerts and events that the park hosts; <br /> • Realignment of the Riverwalk (part of the NC Mountains to Sea Trail) across a sturdier <br /> pedestrian bridge (completed); <br /> • Refurbishing and renovation of the Occoneechee Village (underway); <br /> • Electrical improvements near the Farmers Market Pavilion (completed), and the addition <br /> of more park benches; and <br /> • A new pedestrian entrance into the park from Churton Street, concurrent with the Town's <br /> pedestrian and transit improvements, including two new trail connecting segments and a <br /> stormwater control measure. <br />