Unionville schedules community meeting with Benesch, eyes state grant for Noel Williams Park improvements

Clerk/Tax Collector/Land Use Administrator Melody Braswell told the Council at the April 27 retreat that Noel Williams Park — recently donated by the Piedmont Recreation Association — requires ongoing maintenance and near-term capital work, including restroom servicing, parking and entrance improvements and drainage repairs.

Braswell said she had solicited cleaning estimates from the town's contractor and from Servpro and recommended two to three cleaning visits per week during peak tournament season. Council discussed a large pile of dirt on the west side of the park that had been hauled from Piedmont High School; Mayor Randy Baucom suggested moving the dirt to the east side to improve drainage and create parking, but Councilman Jeff Broadaway and Finance Officer Darrell Baucom recommended waiting for Benesch's engineering and park planning before any grading.

Finance Officer Darrell Baucom noted the town has not previously received a parks-and-recreation grant and that the state program could fund up to $600,000–$700,000 in total project costs with the Town responsible for a matching share. Benesch is expected to assist with the grant application process, and Braswell said Benesch requested a community meeting as part of the planning process; Council agreed staff should begin scheduling dates for that meeting.

Council identified a suggested prioritization for park capital projects: (1) parking lot and entrance improvements, (2) restroom renovations, and (3) walking trail and playground development. Finance Officer Baucom said the town's auditor believed the improvements should be achievable within the town's budget without drawing down surplus reserves.