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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2025-08-05 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 AUGUST 5, 2025 8:30 A.M. Trails End Park 603 Trails End Road, Wilmington NC 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 NEXT MEETING: SEPTEMBER 9, 2025 NEW HANOVER COUNTY PARKS ADVISORY BOARD PAGE 2 REGULAR MEETING JUNE 3, 2025 ASSEMBLY The Parks Advisory Board held its regular meeting on Tuesday, June 3, 2025, at the Airlie Cottage. Present: Carol Hunter, Ryan Bisplinghoff, Mary Ellen Lavoie, Gayle Tabor, Jessica Loeper Provided notice: Judy Justice, Jordan Nason, Caleb Rash Staff: Andy Johnson, Latashia Smith, Tanya Gurganious Guest: Steven Axthelm 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: Ryan Bisplinghoff MOVED; Carol Hunter SECONDED, that the minutes of the April meeting be approved. Upon vote, the MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY. 1. Top of Mind Topics. Ryan opened the discussion by proposing that the board formalize its agenda for the remainder of the year. He recommended identifying the most appropriate times to visit Smith Creek Park and Trails End Park. Ryan also raised the question of whether to hold a meeting in July, given its proximity to the July 4th holiday. Andy suggested that a visit to Smith Creek Park be scheduled for the fall, due to ongoing construction. He noted that by September, the trail base and possibly even asphalt may be in place, depending on weather conditions. Given that the first Tuesday of September falls immediately after Labor Day, Ryan proposed rescheduling the meeting to Tuesday, September 9. Jessica Loeper, Assistant County Manager, confirmed this would be feasible as long as proper notice is provided in advance. As for Trails End Park, Ryan recommended holding the visit during the peak summer season, either in July or August, to observe park usage during its busiest time. He suggested sending a poll to board members two weeks prior to the July meeting to confirm availability. If a quorum cannot be met, the meeting would be rescheduled to August. timeline for the appointment of a new Parks Director. She assured the board that they would be kept informed throughout the transition process. NEW HANOVER COUNTY PARKS ADVISORY BOARD PAGE 3 REGULAR MEETING JUNE 3, 2025 Jessica also provided an update regarding the recently acquired Flossie Bryant property. While there is no finalized plan for the site, it is intended to be preserved as a public space or park. Potential uses could include a Hanover Pines style park or educational farming areas. Jessica plans to collaborate with Andy and Tara to assess possible development concepts, identify wetland areas, and begin outreach to surrounding property owners. Internal County departments and community stakeholders will be engaged throughout the process. This project is expected to span multiple years. Ryan welcomed guest Steve Axthelm and invited him to share his concerns regarding Phase II of Smith Creek Park. Steve expressed concern about the extent of tree removal and emphasized the need for robust reforestation efforts. He stated that the proposed planting of 15 trees is insufficient and advocated for a plan that includes planting several hundred trees. Andy noted that Parks and Gardens implements a variety of planting projects each year. Jessica also highlighted the availability of the County's Tree Fund, which can be utilized to enhance reforestation efforts within the park. Gayle inquired whether Steve and his group could independently raise funds to support additional tree planting. Andy responded that such a fundraising initiative could potentially be coordinated in partnership with the Parks Conservancy. 2. Director/Staff Updates. Andy provided the following departmental updates: Smith Creek Park: Construction is progressing well, with significant grading work underway. Due to the rough terrain, Andy reiterated that a fall visit would allow for improved accessibility as surfaces are leveled. Northern Regional Park: Construction is ongoing, with full project completion anticipated by September 2026. Echo Farms Park: A new bid opening is scheduled for June 3, following a previous round where no bids were submitted. Ogden Park & Arrowhead: Improvements at Ogden Tennis Courts are expected to begin this week, with Arrowhead following later in the week or early next week. Ogden Skate Park: A graffiti incident was reported. Witnesses are cooperating with the New Echo Farms Pool: Tanya reported that the pool opened successfully, although attendance over Memorial Day weekend was low due to inclement weather. An increase in visitors is anticipated once schools are out for summer break. NEW HANOVER COUNTY PARKS ADVISORY BOARD PAGE 4 REGULAR MEETING JUNE 3, 2025 Next Meeting. The next board meeting will take place at Trails End Park on Tuesday, July 1, 2025 or Tuesday, August 5, 2025 at 8:30 a.m. if the boards decides to cancel the July meeting. ADJOURNMENT MOTION: Ryan Bisplinghoff MOVED; Gayle Tabor SECONDED, that the meeting be adjourned. Upon vote, the MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY. There being no further business, the meeting adjourned at 9:25 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.