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