Parks board approves Legacy Gardens development agreement, secures trails and $1.185M for parks

The Parks and Recreation Board voted 6–0 on May 13 to approve a revised park development agreement for Legacy Gardens that adds about 0.5 acre to Creekside Park, credits more than two miles of developer‑built trails, and leaves roughly $1,185,334 to be paid to the town for park enhancements.

Parks Director Dan Baker said the development involves 270 lots subject to the town’s $1,500 park fee and that developers will receive credits for trail segments they build. “They’re going to be building a little over 2 miles with the trail in and around the community,” Baker said during his presentation, adding that the town gives 100% credit for certain eligible trail segments once the developer submits bills for costs. Baker framed the package as a net benefit: land that fills a sliver adjacent to Creekside Park, trail connections consistent with the town’s hike‑and‑bike master plan, and cash that the board could use for a playground, pavilion and other park amenities.

Board members pressed staff on the arithmetic behind credits and on how trail widths affect crediting; Baker noted that some required trails are narrower (5–6 feet) while planners prefer 8 feet or wider, and that the town gives partial credit when developers exceed the minimum. The board finished by voting to approve the park development agreement and the trail connections.

Next steps: staff will present the agreement to the town council as part of the municipal approval process and the developer must submit project invoices to receive trail credits. The board said it intends to use the available funds for amenitizing Creekside Park and related improvements.