Indian Trail council approves Chestnut Square Park concept 2B, including turf field and graded pad for possible future community center

Council voted unanimously to approve concept 2B for Chestnut Square Park phase 2B, authorizing staff to proceed with site design and bid work for a turf field, terracing wall, parking and a graded pad reserved for a potential future community center.

Town staff said council previously allotted approximately $7.22 million for Chestnut Square Park phase 2; about $3.0 million was spent on phase 2A, leaving roughly $4.2 million available for the turf field, parking and grading work. “We would use the money that’s already appropriated for the project and then we would move forward into construction,” Town Manager Adam Mclam said.

Staff described the immediate work as site preparation and phasing rather than approval of design and construction for a community center building. The recommended next step is a design contract that would produce bid documents for the turf and parking; a later task order would return for interior design and rendering of a community center only if council chooses to fund and approve that facility.

Council discussion focused on sequencing and cost efficiency: several members argued it is cheaper to do grading, sewer routing and underground infrastructure now while heavy equipment is on site, leaving the building decision for a future council. One councilor asked for clarification that the road component is funded separately; staff confirmed the road is a separate project and budget.

The motion to approve concept 2B passed by voice vote; staff will return at a future meeting with the proposed design contract and additional task orders as needed.