HomeMy WebLinkAboutPksConservancy_Minutes 6 15 2021ASSEMBLY
The Parks Conservancy Board held its regular meeting on Tuesday, June 15, 2021 at 5:30pm at the Airlie Cottage.
Present: Jessica Gray (presiding), Tony Pagrabs, Jim Orr, Cheryl Hannah, Mark Ihnat (via telephone), Spero Pekatos.
Absent: Commissioner Jonathan Barfield, Alyson Fleming, Michelle Fogle, and Lynn Kozik, Tony Pagrabs, and Philip White.
Staff: Tara Duckworth, Bonnie Durks (Intern), Tanya Gurganious, Andy Johnson, and Jodi Rich.
WELCOME AND APPROVAL OF MINUTES
The meeting was called to order by Jessica who welcomed those in attendance. She then asked everyone to introduce themselves since we had not met in person in over a year.
1. Director’s Report. Tara shared that the parks have been very busy. She shared the many projects we received funding for in the upcoming fiscal year beginning July 1st. Construction
will begin on Market Street near the Porter’s Neck Walmart which will go to Aldi’s. The trail will then go down to Middle Sound Loop Road, past Publix and on down to connect to the
trail on Oyster Lane. Sidewalks will be added all the way up Market street. These trails are being done in conjunction with DOT. Additionally, we have funding approved for the design
of sidewalks on N. College Road by Laney H.S which will go down to Gordon Road. There will be a multi-use trail on Gordon Rd of which construction will begin in 2023. There is also
funding for design of S. College 17th Street south to Monkey Junction.
The design of Battle Park has been completed and it has been renamed “Hanover Pines”. It will be a 42-acre passive park and construction is expected to start in June or July. We also
received funding for the design of Smith Creek Park, Phase 2 well as Northern Regional Park where an 8-foot-wide walking trail will be added. The playground at Veterans Park will be
replaced. We are also working with the Tony Hawk Foundation at Ogden Skate park as they are showing interest in making the bowl larger and more improved.
Beginning July 1st, we will have six officers imbedded in the parks (park police) who will work directly with our staff. Additional amenities will be added at Long Leaf Park such as
making the basketball court more kid friendly and putting a new court near the former equestrian ring for adults. An American Ninja Warrior type course will be added near the new adult
basketball courts. The tennis courts will be resurfaced, and new LED lighting added to replace what is currently there. Snows Cut Park will be closed at the end of June. We are in discussions
now with the Army Core of Engineers to see what needs to be done to put the park in its original condition. Echo Farms pools is open. Tennis facility use is picking up. The walking
trail has been completed and we are looking to extend it at some point.
We have acquired 11 more FEMA properties effective July 1st.
Food Truck Rodeo Update. Cheryl shared that the Summer food truck event will take place at Ogden Park on August 15th from 12-5pm. They have 17 trucks already interested. Will be sending
out information to the board.
Treasurers Report. Spero shared information regarding the finances. There was a gross profit of $7,900 along with a $15.00 contribution for Plan an Azalea. He will get to work and start
fundraising efforts.
Old Business/New Business. Jessica will take over the Instagram postings for the board. Be thinking about our mission for the next year.
5. Next Meeting Date. The next regularly scheduled meeting will be held on Tuesday, August 17th.
ADJOURNMENT
MOTION: Cheryl Hannah MOVED; SECONDED by Michelle Fogle that the meeting be adjourned. The meeting adjourned at 6:50 pm.
Respectfully submitted,
Tanya Gurganious
Administrative Coordinator
-Please note that the above minutes are not a verbatim record of the New Hanover County Parks Conservancy Board meeting.