Orange County NC Website
2 <br /> • Parking area(s) for existing and proposed park amenities; <br /> • An amphitheater; <br /> • Large picnic shelter (designed as a dual use picnic/performance shelter); <br /> • Restroom facilities; <br /> • Park office and work/storage area for on-site park staff; <br /> • Stormwater and utility measures needed for the improvements above; <br /> • Schematic design drawings for the planned Learning/Nature Center <br /> (future phase); <br /> Construction of all of the above-listed facilities is subject to available funds once <br /> bids are received. In addition to this work, prior appropriations and other sources <br /> include funding to address improvements to the historic farmstead residence and <br /> the creation of a disc golf course, both of which will be done under separate <br /> contracts. Sketches of the design for selected facilities of Phase II are attached. <br /> Staff is also pursuing grant and partner funds for certain items in the master plan <br /> (such as the agricultural exhibits and garden areas and an environmental-themed <br /> children's trail). These improvements will be pursued using existing or new <br /> resources over the next few years. <br /> The Phase II project scope above is currently out for construction bid solicitation, <br /> with a potential bid award to come back before the Board for approval in June. <br /> Staff has remained in contact with the park neighbors and a virtual open house <br /> for is planned for May 26. As noted in the Manager's Recommended FY 2021-22 <br /> Budget, the park is scheduled to close for construction beginning in July. <br /> Construction is expected to take approximately one year. <br /> Funding for this project comes from previously-appropriated funds, as approved <br /> in prior Capital Investment Plans. An upcoming budget amendment will also <br /> transfer existing funds from the completed River Park project - funding for a <br /> performance stage reassigned to the amphitheater at Blackwood Farm Park. <br /> Remaining park amenities, including the proposed Learning/Nature Center, <br /> would be a future Phase III of Blackwood Farm Park - with potential partnerships <br /> and funding being pursued for the Learning/Nature Center. Funding for this <br /> phase is identified in the CIP in year 4 and beyond. <br /> Please let us know if we may provide any additional information. <br /> Copies: Travis Myren, Deputy County Manager <br /> Parks and Recreation Council <br /> Dan Derby, Parks Superintendent <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 />