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9 <br /> Chapel Hill Parks and Greenways Commission <br /> To: Orange County Board of Commissioners <br /> From: Alice Armstrong <br /> Orange County Representative <br /> Chapel Hill Parks and Greenways Commission <br /> Feb. 4, 2019 <br /> Thank you for the opportunity to improve communication between Chapel Hill and <br /> Orange County commissions. I have been on the CH Parks and Greenways <br /> Commission since September 2018. Here are relevant items we have discussed since <br /> my appointment: <br /> 1 Inclusive playground We have approved a schematic plan for an inclusive <br /> playground at Cedar Falls Park and are currently working on detailed design for the first <br /> phase of construction. We have limited funds for a first phase of development and are <br /> exploring ways to fund the majority of the facility. To my knowledge, Orange County <br /> does not have such a playground, so it would hopefully be used by Orange County <br /> residents as well. Perhaps we can work together to fund and build it together. <br /> 2 Regional Connectivity is a priority for the Commission. We would like to work with <br /> Orange County on this issue, learn more about the County's plans, and coordinate <br /> efforts (in partnership with staff). For example, what are the County's plans for the <br /> Chapel Hill spur of the Mountains to the Sea Trail. <br /> 3. Pickleball has seen a huge growth of interest in Chapel Hill and we have <br /> responded by building more Pickleball courts. Has there been a similar growth in <br /> Orange County and are there any opportunities to expand Pickleball courts in the <br /> County to help meet demand? <br /> 4. FLUM The Commission has been discussing the Future Land Use Map for Chapel <br /> Hill (FLUM). <br /> 5. Open Space and Pathway Since I joined the commission in September, we have <br /> discussed two proposed projects. One was the reforestation of an open space on <br /> Cleland Road. After concerns were raised by residents, the draft plan was altered so <br /> that part of the current lawn space will be retained and part will be forested. WE expect <br /> a final plan sometime in 2019. The other project was a multi-use path along Fordham <br /> Blvd. Residents have concerns about this trail because it will involve cutting down <br /> vegetation which is a barrier between their homes and Fordham Blvd. Both have <br /> highlighted the tension between the goals of increasing the tree canopy, improving <br /> pedestrian and bike trails, and responding to the concerns of stakeholders. <br />