STAFF REPORT

Operations Committee, January 3, 2008

North Carolina Parks and Recreation Trust Fund Grant Application (PR08-15)
Consideration of submittal of a PARTF grant application
Speaker:  Mrs. Mary Henderson

From:  Mary G. Henderson, Director, PRCR
Prepared by:  Sandi Bailey, Parks Planner
Approved by:  William B. Coleman, Jr., Town Manager
Approved by:  Benjamin T. Shivar, Assistant Town Manager

The North Carolina Parks and Recreation Trust Fund (PARTF) is authorized by NC General Statutes to establish a grant program for local governments for park and recreation purposes that serve the general public.  The PARTF grant provides awards of up to $500,000 to local governments.  Awards may be used to buy land for recreational projects or to build or renovate recreational and support facilities.  Selected projects receive 50% funding to be matched 50% by the recipient agency.  All grant requests will be reviewed by the North Carolina Parks and Recreation Authority with awards being made in May and July 2008. 

Staff recommends that $500,000 be requested to assist in the construction of Phase 1 of Bartley Park.  This 50-acre community park will be located off of Penny Road, just west of the Holly Springs-Penny Road intersection.  The Town of Cary purchased this property in 2000, and completed a master plan for the park which was approved by Council in October of 2004. The approved master plan was a result of an 18 month planning process. This process included several public meetings as well as a design committee made up of several local residents representing the various neighborhoods within the vicinity of the park. The Parks, Recreation, and Cultural Resources Advisory Board reviewed the master plan at its June 7, 2004 meeting and recommended approval.

Bartley Park Master Plan:  The master plan for Bartley Park, as approved, balances the recreational needs of the Town with stewardship of the land and sensitivity to the historical context of the property and surrounding region.  The Bartley Park Master Plan centers on the Bartley Homestead which is over 160 years old and is a classic example of a mid-nineteenth century agricultural facility.  The Bartley Homestead is proposed to be retained and be grouped with other structures to create a community center focusing on cultural arts in addition to a gym and activity rooms, as included in traditional community centers.  The remainder of the park will include a multi-use field, a large picnic area, restored wetlands, a dog park, and a large play area to include climbing boulders/walls. A significant portion of the western side of the park, with its mature forest, is proposed to remain largely undisturbed.

The first phase of development, which is currently under design, will include a large children’s play area, picnic area, restrooms, both paved and unpaved trails, a dog park and sprayground.  It is currently anticipated that the project will be bid in September 2008.

Fiscal Impact:  The current approved funding (PR1074) for design and construction of the phase I facilities for Bartley Park is $3,407,900.  In terms of the grant, matching funds are currently available in the budget requiring no additional appropriation at this time. Any grant funds awarded will be a reimbursement toward the budgeted cost of construction.  

Staff Recommendation:  Endorsement of a grant request to the North Carolina Parks and Recreation Trust Fund Grant program for $500,000 for construction of Phase 1 of Bartley Park.