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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2025-03-04 Agenda NEW HANOVER COUNTY PARKS & GARDENS 896 Airlie Road · Wilmington, NC 28403 (910) 798-7620 · (910) 798-7621 FAX · www.nhcgov.com PARKS ADVISORY BOARD AGENDA March 4, 2025 8:30 A.M. Airlie Cottage 896 Airlie Road 1. Call to Order Ryan Bisplinghoff, Chair 2. Approval of Minutes Ryan Bisplinghoff 3. Top of Mind Topics All 4. Director/Staff Q&A Tara/Andy 5. Adjournment NEW HANOVER COUNTY PARKS ADVISORY BOARD PAGE 2 REGULAR MEETING FEBRUARY 4, 2025 ASSEMBLY The Parks Advisory Board held its regular meeting on Tuesday, February 4, 2025, at the Airlie Cottage. Present: Caleb Rash, Mary Ellen Lavoie, Ryan Bisplinghoff, Carol Hunter, Gayle Tabor Excused: Jordan Nason Absent: Judy Justice Staff: Andy Johnson, Latashia Smith, Tara Duckworth, and Tanya Gurganious WELCOME AND APPROVAL OF MINUTES The meeting was called to order by Ryan Bisplinghoff. Ryan asked if everyone had a chance to review the minutes and if there were any changes. Hearing no changes, the following motion was presented: MOTION: Caleb Rash MOVED; SECONDED Ryan Bisplinghoff, that the minutes of the December meeting be approved. Upon vote, the MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY. 1. Top of Mind Topics. Tara and Andy discussed bringing in staff members for topics. Jodi is planning to do a deep dive into our policy on field use requests and who has priority since football has been added to the spring schedule. 2. Staff Updates. Tara provided an update on the Smith Creek Park Phase II project, addressing concerns raised by some citizens regarding the impact on natural areas. While the park encompasses a total of 177 acres, Phase I covers 92 acres, and Phase II spans 85 acres. Of the 85 acres in Phase II, less than 8 acres will be developed, preserving over 77 acres of natural space. As part of the project, a one-mile perimeter trail will be paved, while all interior trails will remain in their natural state. Tara also emphasized the necessity of a restroom facility on that side of the park. Additional amenities will include a picnic shelter and a small parking lot. With two picnic shelters available, reservations will be designated for the shelter closest to the playground. Construction is expected to begin within the next 30 days, with Timeless Construction selected as the contractor after submitting a bid under budget. The bid opening for Northern Regional Park has been rescheduled for the following Tuesday. The Trails End Pier project is progressing well. The stormwater permit for Echo Farms has been approved, with plans to put the project out for bid in the near future. NEW HANOVER COUNTY PARKS ADVISORY BOARD PAGE 3 REGULAR MEETING FEBRUARY 4, 2025 Regarding pickleball, Susan has ordered court number signs, and Tara has approved Cape to both Cape Fear Pickleball members and individuals from outside the organization. It was also suggested that staff post an announcement on social media to recruit ambassadors. Next voice of customer will be a field use overview from staff. The budget will also be discussed in the next meeting. Next Meeting. The next board meeting will take place at the Airlie Cottage on Tuesday, March 4, 2025, at 8:30 a.m. Caleb and Carol provided notice that they will not be able to attend. ADJOURNMENT MOTION: Caleb Rash MOVED; Ryan Bisplinghoff SECONDED, that the meeting be adjourned. Upon vote, the MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY. There being no further business, the meeting adjourned at 9:23 a.m. Respectfully submitted, Latashia N. Smith Ώ Please note that the above minutes are not a verbatim record of the New Hanover County Parks Advisory Board meeting.