Clayton study maps parkland options; Legend Park trailhead reopens

Consultant Sarah Burrows of Sage Design presented a parks‑and‑recreation property‑use study to the Clayton Town Council, telling members the study’s purpose was "to examine the land resources that you have and the facility resources that you have to see how you can move and advance that Parks and Recreation master plan forward." The analysis prioritized several town‑owned sites for passive and active recreation while noting constraints on some parcels.

The study identified Clayton Community Park, the LCCR site, Legend Park, Loop Road, and Sam’s Branch as priority locations. Burrows said the LCCR site "does provide a park space in an area that there's not a 10‑minute radius right now for a park," but cautioned that the site has rock, steep topography, Neuse River buffers and wetlands and needs a thorough site analysis before committing program elements. On Legend Park she noted brownfield restrictions that limit some uses but still allow passive features such as mown meadows, birding and trail connections.

The report also flagged near‑term opportunities at Loop Road and Sam’s Branch, including formalizing the Sam’s Branch trailhead and expanding trailhead amenities, and recommended phasing projects into immediate (0–2 years), near (2–5) and long (6–10) year work to align with financing and design work. Burrows explained the study used 25%‑level cost estimates for concept planning and reminded council the figures will require refinement as design advances.

Council members pressed for details about the ten‑minute access standard and downtown pocket parks. Burrows said the ten‑minute standard is "a national best practice" used by the National Recreation and Park Association and that municipalities apply it differently depending on local roadway and pedestrian infrastructure. Staff noted that linking existing downtown open spaces, improved signage and sidewalks could increase access without new park construction.

Councilmember comments ranged from support for fishing amenities (noted as in demand) to questions about financing. Staff said financing options under consideration include bonds, limited‑obligation bonds (LOBs), use of parks fee‑in‑lieu funds, grants and partnerships with county agencies; staff and the town’s financial advisers will evaluate the best mix as concepts and cost estimates are refined.

In related business, a council member announced that the Legend Park trailhead is back open after the developer completed required brownfields‑related commitments; staff said a few final stabilization items remain but the trailhead can be used by residents.

Next steps: staff and consultants will undertake detailed site analyses for constrained parcels, refine cost estimates beyond the 25% level, and return recommendations for prioritization and financing. Council directed staff to continue due diligence and to bring funding options for further discussion.