Q&A - PARKS

Since you already have a master parks and greenways plan, why do we need a referendum?
This referendum actually supports the master plan. The entire package to fulfill the parks and greenways portion of the master plan would cost $53 million dollars. Although a lot of money was budgeted this fiscal year to build facilities to get up to the master plan goal, significantly more investment will be needed over the next ten years. We are trying to meet our target master plan by 2003 which is the second phase of our master plan. The bond referendum simply represents a method to assist in the funding of a portion of the plan.

Are there plans to restore the Higgins Greenway?
We intend to make Higgins Greenway passable again as a natural trail.

Where does the Kids Together playground fit in to the park plan?
Kids Together playground is part of Wellington Park at Tryon Road and Cary Parkway. A bid for construction of the first phase of Wellington Park is currently under review for award in December. This phase includes basketball, picnic shelter, rest rooms and parking and support. In addition, some Town funds combined with some Kids Together funds were included to begin construction of the infrastructure (storm drainage and grading) for the Kids Together playground.

Is a tennis center a part of this proposal?
We have money right now with which we have begun the first ten courts of the 32 court tennis center master plan. These ten courts are a joint project with the Wake County Public School System. If passed, bond funds can be used to develop tennis courts.