Agenda - 11-19-2024; 8-c - Interlocal Agreement Renewal – Hollow Rock Nature Park

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1 ORANGE COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS ACTION AGENDA ITEM ABSTRACT Meeting Date: November 19, 2024 Action Agenda Item No. 8-c SUBJECT: Interlocal Agreement Renewal — Hollow Rock Nature Park DEPARTMENT: Environment, Agriculture, Parks and Recreation (DEAPR) ATTACHMENT(S): INFORMATION CONTACT: Interlocal Agreement Renewal David Stancil, 919-245-2510 Marabeth Carr, 919-245-2516 PURPOSE: To approve the renewal of the Hollow Rock Nature Park Interlocal Agreement with Durham County and the Town of Chapel Hill. BACKGROUND: In September 2006, four (4) local governments (Orange County, Durham County, City of Durham, and Town of Chapel Hill) signed an agreement for the acquisition, planning and operation of the Hollow Rock section of the New Hope Preserve. This area, located on the south side of Erwin Road at the Orange-Durham line, was originally designated for public access and conservation as part of the 1991 New Hope Creek Corridor Open Space Master Plan. Hollow Rock Nature Park opened to the public in 2016 as a joint Durham County and Orange County managed park, which it continues to be. The Park is owned by Durham County and Orange County, with a small two-acre section in Durham County owned by the Town of Chapel Hill. As part of the Interlocal Agreement, all parties agreed to develop a management plan for the Park. County staff have worked with the Durham County Open Space Program staff for several months to review and update the Interlocal Agreement. Since opening, Hollow Rock Nature Park has been a well-used and appreciated park along the county line, and features 1.5 miles of hiking trails, access to New Hope Creek, and connection to Duke Forest on the north side of Erwin Road. Orange County manages a parking area off Erwin Road. The two staffs are currently working together on the second phase of Park development which will include improvements to the Hollow Rock store, considerations for restroom facilities, new and additional park and trail signage, and trail expansion in Durham County on a recently acquired parcel. The Interlocal Agreement renewal would continue the current management and operational arrangements by the two (2) counties for an additional 10-year period. The Durham County Board of Commissioners considered the agreement renewal at its November 18, 2024 meeting, and the Chapel Hill Town Council (the Town is not an operating partner of the park) will consider renewal at a subsequent meeting.