TOWN OF CARY
Parks, Recreation & Cultural Resources Advisory Board
2000  MINUTES

August 7th, 2000, 5PM

Cary Community Center
 404 North Academy St.

ACTION: Liza Weidle motioned that the order of preference for the skate park site be: 1) Bond Park; 2) North Cary Park; 3) Godbold Park. The motion was seconded by Kay Struffolino. Motion carried. Board member Sean Cherry opposed the motion.

Regency Amphitheater Operations Plan (PR01-007) – Mary Barry reported that staff has requested direction from Council regarding the operations and programming of Regency Amphitheater. Staff was directed by Council to review options for facility management focusing on management companies and booking agencies for the purpose of generating revenue and presenting quality and diverse performances for our citizens and the region. Mary made reference to the eight program goals staff outlined in the staff report.

Capital Area Soccer League – Mary Barry provided board members with an update on the soccer center. Revenues from the Occupancy Tax are available for this facility. Town staff is meeting with CASL to move forward on such issues as: roads; easements; access to stadium; state property. Additionally, Mary noted that this site could be the future site of a potential aquatic center as well as a cross-country track. This soccer complex will have a big impact on this area. Representatives from CASL will be attending a future advisory board meeting to do a presentation.

Transportation Task Force for Seniors and People with Disabilities – Mary Barry noted that she has been working with Wilbur Smith Associate’s consultant, Robert Bush to develop a Request for Proposal to agencies to provided transportation services under the guidelines set forth by the committee. Prior to the issuance of the RFP’s, staff will hold an informal discussion (in late August) with a representative from six potential service providers to discuss the elements necessary for a successful RFP.

Aquatics Feasibility Study (Joint Work Session, August 17, 200) – Mary Barry advised board members of the upcoming work session with the Town Council and the Parks, Recreation and Cultural Resources Advisory Board. Scott Hunsaker of the consulting team of Cherry Huffman Architects and Councilman/Hunsaker will be addressing the work session on August 17^th. The presentation will identify those components and elements resulting from the citizen-in-put sessions that took place in June.

White Oak Park, Phase II – Parks planner Alice Webb gave an overview of the soon-to-be-dedicated 11-acre neighborhood park located on Jenks Carpenter Drive. Phase II will add to the park: 30 parking spaces; playground expansion; shelter/restoom building; basketball court; multi-use court; trail connection to White Oak Creek Greenway. Alice noted that the landscaping is not complete due to the Town’s water conservation policy. Less watering will be required if plants are installed in October.

Park Dedication Dates – Judy Willard noted that she is working with Sun Star Developers in setting a dedication date for White Oak Park. Also, preliminary plans are being discussed for the upcoming dedications of North Cary Park and Green Hope Elementary School Park in mid to late October.

Volunteer Appreciation Picnic – Judy Willard advised board members to be anticipating the arrival in the mail of their invitation to the 22^nd Annual Volunteer Appreciation Picnic on Sunday, September 17^th at Bond Park. Festivities are scheduled to get underway at 3:30 with songwriter, storyteller Timmy Abel at the Sertoma Amphitheatre. Dinner will be catered at 5:00 p.m. followed by everyone’s favorite, BINGO!

National Trails Program Grant – Judy Willard advised board members that the Town did receive this grant of $50,000 for the Speight Branch Greenway.

Wake County Open Space Grant – Doug McRainey reported that the Town did receive this grant of $250,000 for the White Oak Creek Conservation Project.

Hot Hoops – William Davis reminded board members of the upcoming Hot Hoops on Saturday and Sunday, September 9^th and 10^th. He reported that the registration was going well. Each board member was presented with a can of 7-UP that promotes Hot Hoops. Proceeds from this event will benefit SK8-CARY.

Program Update – William noted that fall basketball (youth, 7-10) registration was concluding. Additionally, William noted that Green Hope Elementary School gym was close to completion.

Program Update – Lyman gave the following overview: Starlight Concert Series at the Page-Walker culminates this Friday; the radio play, the Shiek of Hollywood went well with performances close to ‘sell-outs’. Lazy Daze is fast approaching on August 26^th with new features such as Kids World and civic groups located at the entrance to the festival.

Hemlock Preservation Society Annual Yard Sale – Dwayne Jones noted the upcoming fundraiser on October 28^th at Hemlock Bluffs. Anyone wishing to donate items for the sale are asked to bring them to the bluffs two days prior to the 28^th.

Master Project – Dwayne noted that Laura White, Supervisor, Hemlock Bluffs recently had her article on Human Presence Affects Wood Duck Nesting published in the North Carolina Wildlife Magazine. Laura used this study for her Master’s project.

Day Camps culminated a successful summer with a production of West Side Story. Dwayne noted that day camp will be expanded next year to Green Hope Elementary School Gym.

Bond Park Boardwalk – Dwayne Jones noted that the contract to construct a boardwalk at Bond Park has been awarded to Tommy Oates and that work will begin in late August.

Wake County Municipal Parks & Recreation Advisory Meeting – Mary Barry asked board members if they would like to move forward with hosting a joint meeting, possibly in October. Staff will contact other municipalities regarding interest and possible dates.