Council approves schematic for South Park Heritage Trail; project budget includes $1.5M federal grant

The Raleigh City Council unanimously approved the schematic design for the South Park Heritage Trail, a cultural route that will connect landmarks in the South Park neighborhood and include interpretive signage, public art and streetscape improvements.

Lauren Reed, capital project supervisor with Parks, Recreation and Cultural Resources, told council the overall budget is $4.5 million, with $3 million from the city’s 2022 parks bond and $1.5 million from a federal grant. The schematic shows a multi‑mile loop with a trailhead at the John P. Top Green African American Cultural Center and features including directional signs, perforated panels, branded pole banners, interpretive pedestals, storytelling benches, viewfinders, decorative railings and about 30 new trees.

Reed said the design includes roughly 42 curb‑ramp improvements and crosswalk upgrades and that roughly $120,000 is set aside for public art. Artist Stacy Utley is proposing storytelling beacons that incorporate historic community photographs and artifacts.

Councilors asked about NEPA timing, ownership and maintenance of signage and coordination with other cultural and wayfinding projects. Reed said NEPA environmental assessment work would begin this fall and could extend through 2027, and that Parks and Recreation would take primary responsibility for maintenance with interagency coordination for federally funded elements.

Council approved the schematic and directed staff to continue design development and permitting work, noting the federal funding timeline and interagency permitting are schedule considerations.