Briefing Sheet

2012-031
RTP Park Concept Plan
Version 1
Update Dates: 02.03.2012
Briefing Sheet
Lead Department:
Parks, Recreation and
Cultural Resources
Subject:
Review and approve proposed conceptual design for the RTP Park Property
Briefing:
2/14/12
Action Officer:
Public Hearing:
Item Schedule
Schedule 1: Brief twice – vote once (six weeks)
Schedule 2: Brief once – vote once (two weeks)
Schedule 3: No briefing required (one week)
None
Ed Lynch, Parks and Greenways Planner
Action:
2/28/12
Select One
Updates/History of Briefing:
NOT APPLICABLE
Executive Summary and Background Information:
In 2005 the Town Council approved a capital project ordinance for improving and expanding existing
park and recreational facilities of the Town by acquiring land and constructing new facilities to be
financed by grants, parkland payment-in-lieu funds and general obligation bonds.
At that time preliminary concept plans called for purchasing several parcels to form a 30 acre park site
that would include four adult softball fields and support amenities. In 2007 the Town purchased 24.98
acres of land from the RTP Foundation with grant assistance from the NC Parks and Recreation Trust
Fund ($500,000) and Wake County Open Space Bond Fund ($436,080). Being unable to assemble all of
the remaining properties, the Town had to move forward with designing and constructing a park on the
original 25 acre parcel.
Since the initial conceptual plans were developed, many needs and demands for recreational facilities
have changed. The Town has plans to build two baseball/softball fields at Cedar Fork Elementary
School which will meet the needs for a growing youth baseball program. Morrisville also has a growing
youth soccer program and needs additional soccer fields. Based upon the results of a survey conducted
as part of the 2011 Parks and Recreation Plan, two of the greatest demands not met by the Town were
for free tennis courts and flag football. This park as shown has a large multipurpose field which could
provide an opportunity to serve many different programs currently under demand.
The Town currently leases the multi-purpose field at Shiloh Park to the Triangle Cricket League for adult
play and has started a youth cricket program that has shown tremendous growth. Morrisville has the
only municipal run cricket league in the state and sees an opportunity for continued growth with this
sport. The multipurpose field shown on the plan is designed large enough to hold adult international
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level competition. Regional and national Cricket tournaments may allow for increased revenue to the
Town through economic impacts to the area.
Over 60 people attended a public open house held on January 19th to review the conceptual plan for
the park. Those attending had the opportunity to provide comment through the Town website while
they were there. The website page has remained active to allow as much opportunity for comment as
possible. As of February 3rd 70 people have posted comments about the plan. Overwhelming support
was expressed for the opportunity to allow cricket play on the multipurpose field. In addition,
participants were supportive of the tennis courts, many of whom requested more courts. Only one
person was generally in opposition of the plan as shown.
Preliminary construction estimates for project as designed are approximately 3.2 million dollars. This
cost estimate is just preliminary and an additional estimate will be conducted upon completion of
construction documents. Staff is looking for opportunities to reduce costs while still maintaining the
integrity of the design as shown. After construction documents are complete staff will be presenting
an updated construction cost estimate.
Staff Recommendation:
Based upon the strong public support for the proposed plan staff recommends moving forward with
the plans as shown to construction design.
Attachments:
• ATTH 01 RTP Park Concept Plan
• ATTH 02 Online Public Comment Summary
• ATTH 03 Capital Project Ordinance 2011-056
• ATTH 04 Capital Project Expenses to Date
Advisory Board/Committee Review:
Parks, Recreation and Cultural Resources Advisory Committee
Board/Committee Recommendation:
July 28, 2010
The Parks, Recreation and Cultural Resources Advisory Committee recommended to the Town Council
that the Town should change the RTP Park design for it to be used as a multi-use site instead of a
softball pinwheel complex.
October 26,2011
The Parks, Recreation and Cultural Resources Advisory Committee recommended a “hybrid” idea of
two conceptual plans that feature the large multipurpose fields and an additional shelter.
Advisory Board/Committee Meeting Date and Minutes:
July 28, 2010 meeting:
RTP Park Design
Director, Jerry Allen stated staff wanted to have a discussion with the advisory committee regarding the
original concept design, which was submitted around 2006-2007. The original designed called for a
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four field softball complex, with each field being 300 feet. Since then, there have been a couple of
different items that happened as far as land acquisition and discussions at staff level. The grant the
Town received from Wake County Open Space was part of their open space bond money. Accepting
open space bond money required certain development requirements for what the land can be used
for. Open space basically means undisturbed natural open space. The Wake County grant helped
purchased 18 acres of the first tract of property. Unfortunately the Town has not been able to
purchase a couple of the adjoining property; the owners were not currently looking at selling. Without
these adjoining properties and the restrictions on the Wake County Open Space grant money we are
only at 25 acres and we need 30 to build the original design. Currently what the Town would need to
do to move forward with planning and development on the RTP site, using some of the feedback from
the survey and staff’s discussion of potential needs for recreation in Morrisville, we would need to buy
back all 18 acres from Wake County or redesign the site and buy back a portion of the property and
scale down the amount of active recreation. Staff has put together several scenarios, but nothing had
been decided yet. (Jerry showed a couple of the scenarios to the committee). He stated the cost to
buy back all 18 acres would cost $436,000, which was only half the original cost. By doing this the
town would be able to build more, but still not enough to continue with the original design. Staff was
also looking at different scenarios that would not require all 18 acres to be bought back. What staff
would be looking at was what would address more needs of Morrisville residents.
Chairperson Tulve asked if the Town Council would be willing to pay the $436,000 to purchase the
property back.
Mr. Allen stated staff had not started discussions with the Town Council yet. Staff was in the middle of
putting together scenarios and looking at briefing Council next month. He stated either way the Town
decides to go would require it to invest more money. In 2007 Town Council approved a budget
ordinance on this project for $5.2 million dollars, of which part included the land purchase and we
were able to receive grants funds to help supplement. The interesting items were when you asked
about the Town Council being willing to buy back the open space, which was $436,000 because the
PART-F grant we received was for $316,000 for only 3 acres and will only cover 50% of the property or
we could buy back 18 acres from Wake County for $436,000 with development rights.
Member Donnelly stated it sounds too restricted the other way. He did not hear the restrictions for the
Wake County Open Space grant money.
Mr. Allen stated with the Wake County Open Space Grant the only impervious surface it gives was no
more than 5% could be used for impervious surface, which means anything that was not natural
landscape.
Member Donnelly asked if there had been some discussion in the scenarios for a cricket field at the RTP
Park.
Mr. Allen stated there had been some staff discussions, but for a regulation cricket field the area would
be too same and the percentage of impervious surface would not work. He stated staff had
development some cost estimates to develop the site on each different scenario. When developing
the cost estimates, staff also looked at other potential facilities where programming could be
expanded. One of the locations that staff looked at was at Cedar Fork Community Center; the land was
graded for youth baseball when the site was originally built. The Town had the ability to build this site
with a Joint Use Agreement with Wake County Public Schools. If we were able to build this then it
would cost less than it would to clear, grade and build a youth baseball field on the RTP property. The
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RTP Park Concept Plan
second location was the NW Park in the Breckenridge subdivision, which was a site the Town already
owned.
Chairperson Tulve asked if the goal was still to purchase the Carrington property.
Mr. Allen stated the goal was still to purchase the Carrington Property if Mr. Carrington decided to he
wanted to sell and sell at a price that the Town of Morrisville could afford.
Chairperson Tulve asked if Mr. Carrington decided within a year to sell if the Town would funds to
purchase the property.
Mr. Allen stated there was some money in the Park Payment-In-Lieu to purchase the property if he
decides to sell. The first question for the committee would be if they thought staff needed to continue
with the original site plan, or buy back certain amount of the property.
Chairperson Tulve stated she thought that purchasing some of the property back to be able to have a
multi-use area would be best.
Member Leonardi asked about the scenario that had an area for a dog park for large dogs and then a
separate one for smaller dogs. He stated most dog parks allow the large and small in the same area.
Mr. Allen stated there are some locations that separate them.
Chairperson Tulve asked why a dog park should be proposed when the space was limited.
Mr. Lynch stated the feedback from the survey was that a dog park was a high demand amenity that
the Town did not provide.
Chairperson Tulve asked based on the limited space available if a dog park was the best use of the
space.
Member Gillis asked if the Town had a dog park if it would be revenue generating.
Mr. Allen stated it should be a revenue generating area.
Mr. Lynch stated there would planning sessions open to the public if it is decided for a multi-use
facility.
Chairperson Tulve stated it sounded like the committee was in all agreement for the RTP Park to be a
multi-use facility instead of a pinwheel complex.
Mr. Allen stated staff would need some kind of motion to reflect what the committee would like to see,
either a multi-use or pinwheel complex.
Member Rouzky asked if staff was looking for the committee to decided on one of the scenarios or just
change or keep the original design.
Mr. Allen stated we are not looking at a discussion on the scenarios; just what the committee’s thought
would be best for the site.
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ACTION: Member Donnelly made a motion for the Town to change the RTP Park design for it to be used
as a multi-use site instead of a softball pinwheel complex. Member Musa seconded the motion, which
passed unanimously.
October 26, 2011 meeting:
RTP Park Design
Ed Lynch, Parks and Greenway Planner stated Brian Starkey, OBS Landscape Architects is here to
present a few renditions or designs of the RTP Site/Project. The site is located near the corner of
Church Street and McCrimmon Parkway. There are two different scenarios or designs for the
committee to see and review this evening. The ultimate goal for the evening is to obtain the
committee’s feedback as well as provide an opportunity for the committee to ask questions about the
two designs. He went on to say the two designs are very different from each other with one featuring
a round multipurpose field and many amenities, while the other design, features soccer fields, tennis
courts and other amenities. Both designs will include playgrounds, picnic shelters and bathrooms, as
well as having the greenway trail running through the park.
Ed Lynch, Parks and Greenway Planner then turned the presentation over to Brian Starkey, OBS
Landscape Architects.
Brian Starkey, OBS Landscape Architects stated in the initial phases he and his team worked with the
Parks and Recreation staff to come up with the two designs that are before the committee. The
ultimate purpose of the presentation is to elicit feedback from the committee to help prepare the firm
to then present and seek feedback from the community at large. He then passed out an information
sheet (see attachment A) containing a comparison of the two schemes or designs before the
committee. The two designs do have many common elements: main, entry/pedestrian entry; road
widening (Church Street); greenway alignment; location of maintenance facilities; accessibility;
general drainage scenarios; playground, walking path and both alternatives can be tightened up to be
made more compact.
Member Cuddy asked if a fence would be, or need to be, constructed around the multipurpose field.
Brian Starkey, OBS Landscape Architects stated there would not be a fence around the multi-purpose
field.
Vice-Chairperson Gillis asked what would be the total length of the walking path around the multipurpose field.
Ed Lynch, Parks and Greenway Planner stated the total length would be 0.26 miles.
Brian Starkey, OBS Landscape Architects stated the differences between the two designs are: the
clearing is similar in each design but there is more associated with design B even if design B has walls.
If design B (the multi-purpose field design) was built without retaining walls, the clearing and
earthwork would be significantly more than design A; there is a little more sewer service in design A
due to the location of the restroom building from the maintenance building; design A incorporates
more of the existing gravel drive but neither design suggests improvements or widening beyond the
north edge of the existing drive.
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Member Cuddy asked if the parking in each design was similar in space allowed.
Brian Starkey, OBS Landscape Architects stated the parking for each design is very similar and would
allow for virtually the same amount of parking spaces.
Member Briggs asked if the design with the multi-purpose field would be able to generate revenue for
the town.
Ed Lynch, Parks and Greenway Planner stated it would be able to generate revenue and due to the
field being the size of a regulation cricket field, the town would be able to hold cricket tournaments
and in turn potentially generate revenue for local businesses by bringing visitors to play and watch the
cricket teams. He went on to say there are no designated or regulation cricket fields in the area and
the field could also be used for other sporting events such as soccer.
Member McGee asked where the nearest regulation size cricket field is located.
Jerry Allen, Director stated there possibly is a field at North Carolina State University, but he was not
completely sure. He went on to say there is a league in the area called the “Triangle Cricket League”
that uses a field at East Carolina University, the field already mentioned at North Carolina State
University and they also use one additional field located in Durham, NC.
Member Cuddy asked if cricket requires scoreboards.
Jerry Allen, Director stated a scoreboard could be utilized for cricket and would be considered
depending on the RTP final plans.
Tony Chiotakis, Senior Director of Community Services reminded everyone of the original intent of the
RTP Park becoming a softball complex. Over time however, those plans changed and he would ask
everyone to thoroughly consider both options as this park will most likely be the Town of Morrisville’s
last “large” park.
Vice-Chairperson Gillis asked if the multi-purpose field design was selected with the intent to be used
for cricket, and then after a certain amount of time the Town of Morrisville wanted to convert the
space for example, to soccer fields, would that be possible.
Brian Starkey, OBS Landscape Architects stated it could be possible to covert the space as a cricket
field is simply a large, round, open space.
Tony Chiotakis, Senior Director of Community Services asked if the two designs could be merged into
one. He went on to say the most important amenity from design A would be the tennis courts and
wanted to find out if design B could support that addition, as well as an additional shelter.
Brian Starkey, OBS Landscape Architects stated a “hybrid” of the two would be possible.
Vice-Chairperson Gillis agreed the “hybrid” of the two designs, with an additional shelter, would be
ideal for the Town of Morrisville.
Committee (all) agreed the “hybrid” idea with an additional shelter was the best idea
and plan.
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Jerry Allen, Director stated in the near future, the committee would be asked for a recommendation to
the Town Council on the site plans once a final rendering has been produced. The committee’s
recommendation would be asked for after the community meeting for giving in put on the site plans
takes place.
Meeting Perspectives and Goals Adopted by the Council:
(Select by checking the box for all Initiatives that are met by this briefing sheet’s proposal. Area for
additional comments under table. )
Perspectives
Goals
Serve the Community
Run the Operations
Manage the Resources
Develop Personnel
Promote an Environmentally Sensitive & Livable Community
Provide a Safe Community
Deliver Quality Services
Foster a Healthy Community
Enhance Community Preparedness & Responsiveness
Maximize Partnership Opportunities
Provide Courteous & Responsive Customer Service
Model a Positive Town Image
Deliver Efficient Services
Cultivate Community Involvement & Access
Maintain Fiscal Strength
Maximize Utilization & Resources
Invest in Infrastructure & Transportation
Develop a Skilled & Diverse Workforce
Create a Positive & Rewarding Work Culture
Perspectives and Goals Additional Comments:
(Inserted Text Here/or say “NONE”)
Resource Impact:
Staff time required if item is approved:
High
Other Potential Impacts:
List or say “NONE APPLICABLE”
Staff Coordination:
Check the box for those required to comment on left. To comment-click in the box and select.
(2nd Briefing is used when information has significantly changed from the first briefing.)
Required
Staff Member
1st Briefing 2nd Briefing
Town Manager
Town Clerk
Senior Director Business Management
Agree
Reviewed
Comment
No Comment
No Comment
No Comment
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Budget and Analysis Manager
No Comment
Reviewed
No Comment
Accounting Manager
Reviewed
No Comment
No Comment
Information Technology Director
No Comment
No Comment
Contracting and Purchasing Manager
No Comment
Senior Director Development Services
Reviewed
No Comment
Planning Director
Agree
No
Comment
No Comment
Town Engineer
No Comment
No Comment
Building Codes Administrator
No
Comment
No Comment
Economic Development
No Comment
Senior Director Community Services
Agree
No Comment
No Comment
Risk Manager/Safety Officer
No Comment
No Comment
Police Chief
No
Comment
No Comment
Fire Chief
No Comment
Parks & Recreation Director
Agree
No
Comment
No Comment
Public Works Director
No Comment
Public Information Officer
Reviewed
No Comment
No Comment
Town Attorney
No Comment
No Comment
Human Resources Manager
Disagree or comment, explain: J. Ketchum – I recommend adding y-t-d capital project budget detail and
any estimated revenue that could be generated from the “cricket programs”.
Public Information Plan: What will be used to notify residents or gain public involvement during the
briefing process (prior to adoption)?
Public Hearing (Required by GS)
Public Hearing (Not Required by GS)
Newspaper Notice (Required by GS)
Newspaper Notice (Not Required by GS)
Public Forum/Input Session
Press Release
Morrisville Connection
E-News Distribution
Social Media (Twitter, Facebook, etc.)
Website Notice
Special Mailing
Survey
Flyers Posted
None Required
Other:
Town Council Approved Minutes:
(Staff Member/Action Officer Insert Minutes here after Council Adoption)
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RTP Park Survey Results
Cricket
Playground
Walking Trails
Tennis Courts
Open Space
Greenway
Multi Prupose
Grills
Exercise stations
Basketball
Dog Park
Lake
Mountain Bike Trails
Practive Pitches
Bleachers
Baseball Fields
Water Fountains
Rock Wall
More Parking
Lighting the fields
irrigation
Gym
Volleyball
Badmitton
What do you like about the current conceptual design?
50
3
3
20
2
4
12
What additional features would you like to see added to the plans
71%
1
1
2
2
1
2
6
4
1
2
1
3
6
1
2
2
1
The total numbers represent the items or features that the participant specifically referenced in their submittal. If a submittal stated that they would like to see a Dog Park it received a value of 1. Many participants mentioned more that one feature. No priorities or weighted values were given per feature. Total Submittals
70
i7 N1O
MORRISVILLE NC 27560
PO BOX 166
TOWN OF MORRISVILLE
ORDINANCE 2011056 OF THE MORRISVILLE TOWN COUNCIL PERTAINING TO
RECREATION FACILITIES CAPITAL PROJECT AMENDMENT OF 2010048
BE IT ORDAINED BY THE MORRISVILLE TOWN COUNCIL THAT pursuant to General Statute 159 13
2
the following capital project ordinance is hereby adopted and hereby amends Ordinance 2010048
Recreation Facilities Project Ordinance
Section 1
The project authorized is for improving and expanding existing park and recreational
facilities of the Town and acquiring and constructing new park and recreational facilities to be
financed by grants parkland payment in lieu and general obligation bonds
Section 2 The Town Manager is hereby directed to proceed with the capital project within the terms
of the budget contained herein
Section 3 The following amounts are appropriated for the project
571
2
4
94
000
430
RTP Park
Cedar Fork Park
000
471
Northwest Park
Reimbursement to Parkland Payment
Reimbursement to General Fund
in Lieu
000
130
429
587
913
5
000
Total
Section 4 The following revenues are anticipated to be available to complete this project
000
500
Grant
PARTF
Grant
Wake Co Open Space
General Fund
Parks and Greenways
080
436
429
587
Capital
Fund
Interest Income
Proceeds from General Obligation Bonds
133
382
358
7
000
4
000
913
5
000
Total
Section 5 The Finance Officer is hereby directed to maintain within the Capital Project Fund sufficient
specific detailed accounting records to satisfy the requirements of the financing agreement
s
Section 6 Funds may be advanced from the General Fund for the purpose of making payments as
due
Reimbursement requests should be made to the granting agencies in an orderly and timely
manner
Page
1 of 2
i
Section 7 The Town Manager has the authority to transfer funds both expenditures and revenues
between accounts listed in Sections 3 and 4 as may be necessary provided however that the total
expenditures may not exceed the project total without amendment by this Council
Section 8 Copies of this capital project ordinance shall be furnished to the Town Clerk Finance
Officer and the Budget Officer for direction in carrying out the project
Ordained this 14th day of June 2011
S
J
o
ayor
e
1
ATTEST
Diana R Davis Town Clerk
Z
Ly
ezi
O
FORE CPP
Page 2 of 2
TOWN OF MORRISVILLE, NORTH CAROLINA
Recreational Facilities Capital Project Fund
DESCRIPTION:
The capital project is for improving and expanding existing park and recreational facilities
of the Town and acquiring and constructing new park and recreational facilities to be financed
by grants, parkland-payment in lieu and general obligation bonds.
PROJECT DETAIL
Budget
Actual Expenditures/Encumbrances to Date:
NW Park
$
471,000
$
70
RTP Park
$
4,294,571
$
1,886,633
Cedar Fork Park
$
430,000
$
41,535
Transfers
$
717,429
$
-
Total
$
5,913,000
$
1,928,238
$
$
$
$
$
$
500,000
436,080
587,429
382,133
7,358
4,000,000
$
5,913,000
General Fund
$
587,429
Parkland-P-I-L
$
130,000
Wake Co. Open Space Grant
$
436,080
Total Projected Reimbursement
$
1,153,509
Total
METHOD OF FUNDING:
PARTF Grant
Wake Co. Open Space Grant
Transfer from General Fund
Transfer from Parkland P-I-L
Interest Income
G/O Bonds
REIMBURSEMENT:
TOWN OF MORRISVILLE
*
PO BOX 166
*
MORRISVILLE, NC 27560
RESOLUTION 2011-031 OF THE MORRISVILLE TOWN COUNCIL AUTHORIZES
STAFF TO PROCEED TO PREPERATION OF CONSTRUCTION DOCUMENTS FOR
THE RTP PARK PROJECT
WHEREAS, the Town of Morrisville through its Parks, Recreation and Cultural Resources
Department has developed and maintained a system of parks and recreation facilities for use
by the citizens; and
WHEREAS, the Town of Morrisville has developed and approved a 2011 Parks and Recreation
Master Plan which is used to guide the town in identifying where these types of facilities are
needed and /or desired; and
WHEREAS; the Town Council authorized the purchase of land and construction of parks and
recreation facilities to be financed by grants, parkland-payment-in-lieu and general obligation
funds; and
WHEREAS; in 2007 the Town purchased a 24.98 acre tract of land off Church Street in the
northern section of the town for a future park, and
WHEREAS; the Town has not been able to assemble enough property to construct the
Pinwheel Athletic Complex as previously considered; and
WHEREAS; as instructed by Town Council staff has revised the conceptual RTP Park and
Pinwheel Athletic Field Complex plans by reducing the number of athletic fields and including
other types of active and passive recreation uses at this site; and
WHEREAS; based upon current needs for recreation in the Town staff recommends that the
park should be designed to allow the most flexibility and variety of uses for the public; and
WHEREAS; the proposed design includes a restroom building, maintenance building,
playground, walking trails, 3 tennis courts a very large multipurpose field; and
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED THAT THE MORRISVILLE TOWN COUNCIL hereby instructs staff to
proceed in preparation of construction documents for the RTP Park project based upon the
conceptual design.
Adopted this the 28th day of February 2012.
______________________________
J. S. Holcombe, Mayor
Page 1 of 2
ATTEST:
_____________________________
Diana R. Davis, Town Clerk