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1 <br /> ORANGE COUNTY <br /> BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS <br /> ACTION AGENDA ITEM ABSTRACT <br /> Meeting Date: February 7, 2023 <br /> Action Agenda <br /> Item No. 4-b <br /> SUBJECT: 2023 Year of the Trail Proclamation and Great Trails State Coalition <br /> DEPARTMENT: Environment, Agriculture, Parks <br /> & Recreation (DEAPR) <br /> ATTACHMENT(S): INFORMATION CONTACT: <br /> 2023 Year of the Trail Proclamation David Stancil, 919-245-2510 <br /> Great Trails State Coalition PowerPoint <br /> PURPOSE: To consider adoption of a proclamation declaring 2023 as the "Year of the Trail" in <br /> Orange County, and to join the Great Trails State Coalition as a government partner. <br /> BACKGROUND: The North Carolina General Assembly and North Carolina State Parks have <br /> declared 2023 to be the "Year of the Trail" in the state. Communities and organizations across <br /> the state have been asked to share a proclamation to this effect. An organization entitled the <br /> Great Trails State Coalition has also been formed to support this effort and promote the use and <br /> construction of trails across North Carolina. <br /> The attached proclamation and materials note that trail use has increased more than 300% in <br /> many parks and open spaces in the last year. One of the peripheral outcomes of the pandemic <br /> illustrated the importance of outdoor recreation opportunities such as hiking, walking and biking <br /> trails. Outdoor recreation is a $28 billion industry, and trails support public and personal physical <br /> and mental well-being, and promote economic vitality and connectivity— allowing residents of the <br /> state to capitalize on the natural beauty, warm people and rich history. <br /> Trails in Orange County and across the state connect people, towns, natural areas, parks and <br /> open space, and other cultural and natural resources. Orange County currently has over 13 miles <br /> of trails within its nine parks and nature preserves, with plans for more — including a long segment <br /> of the statewide Mountains to Sea Trail. <br /> A number of local governments have joined the Great Trails State Coalition and others are being <br /> asked to adopt the Year of the Trail proclamation. The Orange County Capital Investment Plan <br /> reflects trails as a priority with funding dedicated to new trail acquisition and construction. <br /> On December 7, 2022, the Orange County Parks and Recreation Council reviewed the Great <br /> Trails State Coalition and Year of the Trail, and passed a unanimous statement of support for <br /> joining the coalition and approving the proclamation. <br />