Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Parks Playground topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
NCSU presents natural-play design; council supports phase-one stroll trail and equipment
Summary
NCSU Natural Learning Initiative presented a design for a natural-play park featuring strolling and active-play trails, a toddler area, maritime play forest and native plantings; council supported phase one and asked staff to obtain vendor and fence quotes and pursue grant opportunities.
Designers from the North Carolina State University Natural Learning Initiative presented a natural-play concept for the park that included strolling and chasing trails, an active-play area with a pirate-ship feature, a toddler area with locally crafted play elements, a maritime play forest and shaded gathering spaces that could be rented.
Presenters Robin Moore, Brandon Dupree and Mary Archer recommended preserving live oak trees, using vegetative fencing to keep users on paths, adding plantings around the retention pond and coordinating with NC Cooperative Extension for planting funds. They noted the Crystal Skipper butterfly occurs in the region and recommended host-plantings to support the species.
Council members generally supported building the strolling trail and play equipment in phase one, asked staff to get quotes for a new merry-go-round and fence repairs along Fort Macon Road, and instructed staff to continue seeking grants (including Big Rock and Jarrett Bay grants) to help fund the project. Council declined a proposal to relocate the basketball court to the rear of the park.
Staff will obtain vendor quotes and follow up on fence repairs and grant opportunities before returning to council with cost estimates.
