Culture & Recreation

Northeast Regional Park Land Acquisition

Project Description

Land Acquisition for Northeast Regional Park

Background & Justification/Status

In late 2020, Cabarrus County, North Carolina conducted a review of potential land parcels available for purchase with the intention to conserve and protect unique natural features in the County. The County’s evaluation team, including the Soil & Water Conservation Board and the Board of Commissioners, used the National Heritage Inventory (NHI) as a guide to help them weigh the ecological significance of each area under review. The NHI is a resource of the North Carolina Natural Heritage Program (NCNHP) designed to identify unique or vulnerable features contributing to the culture, natural character, and economy of the region. Through this work, the NHI helps landowners or government planners make development decisions that provide the highest benefit to land users while minimizing ecological damage. One of the parcels identified by the NHI as possessing significant natural features was subsequently acquired by Cabarrus County. This 616-acre parcel lies north of NC-49, between St. Stephens Church Road and North Lentz Harness Shop Road. A previously conducted survey of the land includes features such as an Upland Depression Swamp Forest and a Dry Oak-Hickory Forest. The Property also contains active farmland to be used by a private operator. Cabarrus County purchased the Property from The Conservation Fund through a three-year purchase agreement, allowing the County to immediately move forward with any necessary planning and management activities. As this parcel is a mix of wetland, forest, and farmland, Cabarrus County plans to eventually develop a portion of the land into a passive park, while concurrently conserving a larger amount of land that is unique to the region.

Total Cost: $1,648,125

Years Funded: 2022

Camp T.N. Spencer Park Multiple Building Consolidation and Renovations

Project Description

Construction of a "new" Helms Hall while incorporating the the functions of the other three (3) buildings located in that area of the park. 

Background & Justification/Status

A replacement for Helms Hall is recommended based on structural integrity of the buildings, use, size, current building code ADA regulations. In 2002, the Cabarrus County Boys and Girls (B&G) Club and Cabarrus County entered into a long-term agreement for approximately 50 acres, commonly called Camp T.N. Spencer to jointly construct a public park to include a perimeter loop walking/jogging trail, cabins, playground, building improvements and signage. Construction of the pool public bathhouse was completed in 2009 as were the major renovations of the actual pool and patio. A vending machine building and archery building were constructed in 2020 and 2021 as additional amenities to the park. Replacing Helms Hall and the other small buildings is a necessity based on current building structural conditions. It will also enable Cabarrus County to maintain the long-term relationship with the B&G Club.

Impact If Not Funded and Maximum Time it Can be Delayed

Liability with the current facilities structural integrity and mechanical, electrical, and plumbing systems. Loss of revenue for rentals. Continued space constraints for staff space to conduct daily operations including outreach events. 

Total Cost: TBD

Years Funded: 2026

Concord Library Renovations

Project Description

Renovations to the Concord Library. 

Background & Justification/Status

Currently, the some of Library Department Administration and support staffs staff has relocated to another location. The space they have vacated needs to be renovated to open work space in order to move all branch specific staff from the first floor. First and second floor renovations are planned to increase public space. Staff work spaces will also be modified to increase footprint utilization and line of site through the facility. Planned upgrades include flooring, wall coverings, lighting, and furniture.

Impact If Not Funded and Maximum Time it Can be Delayed

Operations can continue in the library but there will inefficiencies in the operations and the utilization by the public.

Total Cost: TBD

Years Funded: 2026

Frank Liske Park Synthetic Turf for Existing Soccer Fields

Project Description

Frank Liske Park Synthetic Turf for Existing Soccer Fields

Background & Justification/Status

Artificial turf for eight (8) fields at Frank Liske Soccer Park. Design Services for entire facility (landscape architecture, surveys, civil engineering, CAD, erosion control compliance, site planning, etc.). Permitting included. Rough Grading and soil removal, if any, to create a flat field area, spoiling excavated materials onsite. Finish grading, drainage, and curbing for field, all green for flexible field use, with soccer game lines inlaid.

Impact If Not Funded and Maximum Time it Can be Delayed

Continued wear down of turf and subgrade material of the existing natural turf fields that are used the most by the contract partners. Loss of potential revenue and economic development. 

Total Cost: TBD

Years Funded: 2026

Rob Wallace Park Phase III & IV

Project Description

Continued development of amenities at Rob Wallace Park 

Background & Justification/Status

Phase IIB includes trails, playground, shelter, restrooms, and support facilities and amenities and is budgeted in FY 2022. Phase III and IV represent a multipurpose building, splash pad, shelters, restrooms, boardwalk and other amenities located at the quarry.

Impact If Not Funded and Maximum Time it Can be Delayed

No funding would put the residents of the County further behind in recreational pursuits.

Total Cost: TBD

Years Funded: 2026

Midland Library Branch

Project Description

This facility will accommodate the need for Library and Senior programs and events as well as potentially the Lunch Plus Club for the Midland community and southern area of Cabarrus County. The facility will allow an accessible location in this community to provide access to all available services and/or resources that provide support to older adults and library patrons.

Background & Justification/Status

A void exists for services for older adults in the southern part of the county. With 10,000 folks per day turning 65, and will for 6 more years, the over 65 population will grow for Cabarrus County as well as other regions. The demand cannot be met by the existing senior center facilities. Additionally, the county has a need for a larger library branch to serve the Harrisburg area.

Impact If Not Funded and Maximum Time it Can be Delayed

Libraries and senior centers provide programs that promote wellness, saving resources in the long run for the county especially as it relates to healthcare.

Total Cost: TBD

Years Funded: 2030

Playground Replacements/Renovations at Multiple Parks

Project Description

Playground replacements/renovations of all County playgrounds and like amenities 

Background & Justification/Status

The County has eleven (11) plus playground like amenities including playgrounds, fit stations, splash pads, etc. These amenities suffer condition issues as each year passes and this CIP is intended to provide a financial mechanism for replacing and renovating.

Impact If Not Funded and Maximum Time it Can be Delayed

Safety is the largest concern with these amenities as they are utilized by the public on a daily basis. Additionally, there is an issue of the amenities not being able to perform operationally if they are not replaced/renovated.

Total Cost: $330,000

Years Funded: 2022, 2023, 2026

Public Library and Active Living Center at Afton Ridge

Project Description

Development and construction of a new combination facility for both the Library and Active Living Parks departments. After careful evaluation, county staff have determined that the two departments' programs can share several assembly spaces that will allow the County to deliver services with a combined facility versus standalone buildings.

Background & Justification/Status

This area of the county has grown considerably in population. After careful evaluation it has been determined that the population in this area are current utilizing library and active living center services at other locations that are not in that geographic area. The development of this facility is a strategic outreach to a growing population who already utilizes and desires those services. The project is a private-public partnership with the current developer of the Afton Ridge Complex.

Impact If Not Funded and Maximum Time it Can be Delayed

Libraries and active living centers provide programs that promote wellness, saving resources in the long run for the County especially as it relates to healthcare.

Total Cost: $27,856,364

Years Funded: 2024, 2026

Significant Natural Heritage Areas

Project Description

Protect state-designated Significant Natural Heritage Areas, including but not limited to the Concord Ring Dike/Jackson School, Back Creek Gabbro Hill, Butcher Branch Forest, Charity Church Hardwood, Hartsell Road Mesic Forest, Reed Gold Mine, and Schweinitz's Sunflower with donated/purchased permanent conservation easements. 

Background & Justification/Status

The Adopted project is to acquire development rights on these sites through donation/purchase and place conservation easements. Protection of the natural resources will in turn ensure continued availability of environmental services from these properties, including clean air and water. This project involves a site included in the 2002 report, "An Inventory of the Significant Natural Areas of Cabarrus County, North Carolina," funded and adopted by the BOC (January 2007).This public service responds to the citizens top priority of "protecting water quality and the environment," expressed in the 2010 Community Survey Findings. The county conservation easement initiative through Cabarrus SWCD supports this goal.

Impact If Not Funded and Maximum Time it Can be Delayed

Development pressure on these and other priority conservation projects is likely to increase in the future. A wetland in the Rocky River Corridor was altered by construction of Bruton Smith Blvd. and a portion of state Stonewall Jackson YDC. Prompt and strategic protection of these sites is crucial to permanently protect these Significant Natural Heritage Areas.

Total Cost: $750,000

Years Funded: Future

Riparian Buffer and Floodplain Conservation

Project Description

Protect buffers and floodplains along priority streams and place donated/purchased, permanent conservation easements on these areas. 

Background & Justification/Status

Requests for donated easements are rarely granted during development plan reviews. Donated easements will be sought on riparian buffers and floodplains on school campuses and other public properties. Protection of the natural resources will in turn ensure continued availability of environmental services from these properties, including clean air and water. Enhancement and restoration of streams and bottomland hardwood forests are SWCD priorities, in keeping with local, state and federal quality and wildlife goals. Protection of open space and associated environmental services is a priority in the SWCD strategic planning process and supports BOC Strategic Goal 1. This public service responds to the citizens 4th priority of "protecting water quality and the environment," expressed in the 2018 Community Survey Findings.

Impact If Not Funded and Maximum Time it Can be Delayed

Development pressure on this and other priority conservation projects is likely to increase in the future. Flooding and resulting loss of lives and property will increase more rapidly due to debris blockages and siltation of stream channels as a result of unstable stream banks and inadequate vegetative buffers.

Total Cost: $500,000

Years Funded: Future

Prime Farmland Soil & Water Conservation Easement

Project Description

Protect prime and statewide important farmland soils with donated and/or purchased permanent conservation easements on private working lands. Farmland preservation and voluntary land use planning using conservation easements are priorities in the SWCD Strategic Plan.  

Background & Justification/Status

The proposed project is to purchase development rights and place conservation easements on farms. The Cabarrus SWCD board supports use of the county Agriculture and Farmland Preservation Fund to secure conservation easements. State and federal funds are also available. Prime and statewide important farmland soils are identified in the 1988 "Soil Survey of Cabarrus County, North Carolina" report. Protection of open space and associated environmental services in general, and prime and statewide important farmland soils in particular are a priority in the SWCD strategic planning process and supports BOC Strategic Goal 1. Preservation of working lands is also a federal and state priority. Farmland protection is consistent with citizens 4th priority of "protecting water quality and the environment" expressed in the 2018 Community Survey Findings. 

Impact If Not Funded and Maximum Time it Can be Delayed

New state grant fund deadline requires cost( survey, title work, legal cost, environmental assessment) in the first year of contract. *Any portion of the $125,000.00 not spent in the current year will roll to the next fiscal year. The amount set aside for the next fiscal year is dependent upon the amount of funds brought forward. The balance for the project will be kept at $125,000.00 annually.

Total Cost: $125,000

Years Funded: Future

ST. STEPHENS REGIONAL PARK PHASE I

Project Description

This project is the initial development of the 615 acre St. Stephens Park. This includes parking, trails, restrooms and office/storage space for maintenance equipment.

Background & Justification Status

The Northeast area was identified in the 2015 Masterplan as needing a regional park. This project is in response to a deficiency in a growing part of the county. It would positively impact the quality of life of those in this area as well as the rest of the county residents and provide increased access to services. Goal #1, enhancing the quality of life.

Impact if Not Funded and Maximum Time it Can be Delayed

Total Cost: TBD

Years Funded: 2028

MINI-GOLF AND OFFICE AT FRANK LISKE PARK

Project Description

Design and construct an ADA compliant office, restroom and concessions building adjacent to a newly designed and constructed ADA mini-golf course. Storage area to be included in the building.

Background & Justification Status

To provide ADA compliant mini-golf course and concessions structure that would be combined with office and restrooms as it is now.

This project aligns with BOC Goals 1 and 3. It enhances the quality of life for residents by offering a course accessible by all, regardless of ability. Furthermore, it minimizes risk within existing facilities by addressing their safety issues as well.

Impact if Not Funded and Maximum Time it Can be Delayed

There is potential for legal liability if replacement of the structure and course is not planned. The liability may result in course closure. The loss of revenue would be approximately $15,000 annually.

Total Cost: $1,100,000

Years Funded: 2024

BOARDWALK REPLACEMENT AT VIETNAM VETERANS PARK

Project Description

Background & Justification Status

The current boardwalk at Vietnam Veterans Park that intersects the man made pond and wetlands has been replaced already once since inception of the park and required significant structural repairs in FY 2023. Engineering is required to either find a better approach for foundations that will not shift vertically and horizontally or another type of boardwalk should be constructed.

Impact if Not Funded and Maximum Time it Can be Delayed

Total Cost: $85,000

Years Funded: 2024

Public Library and Active Living Center at Harrisburg

Project Description

Development and construction of a new combination facility for both the Library and Active Living Parks departments. After careful evaluation, county staff have determined that the two departments’ programs can share several assembly spaces that will allow the County to deliver services with a combined facility versus standalone buildings.

Background & Justification Status

The library programs at the current Harrisburg Library have the highest attendance statistics and space restrictions of the current facility require county staff to turn away high numbers of citizens interested in the programs. Currently, the county does not have a facility to offer Active Living Center/Senior targeted programs. Additionally, the County does not own the current Harrisburg Library facility or parcel that the facility is situated on. Current parking is also a consistent issue as the parking is shared with the recently expanded Harrisburg Park.

Impact if Not Funded and Maximum Time it Can be Delayed

Libraries and active living centers provide programs that promote wellness, saving resources in the long run for the County especially as it relates to healthcare.

Total Cost: TBD

Years Funded: 2026

Public Library and Active Living Center at Mt. Peasant and Virginia Foil Park

Project Description

Design and construction of a Library and Active Living Center in Mt. Pleasant to replace current undersized facilities. Additionally, a park with ballfields, playground, concession stand, and trail will be adjacent to the facility.

Background & Justification Status

The current facilities in Mt. Pleasant have been undersized based on programming needs for several years. Property was acquired for replacement facilities. The property acquired was large enough to house a ballfield complex that would allow the County to relocate the games from the North Drive location. The North Drive location is a small ballfield complex without adequate parking and restroom facilities the County acquired when the new Mt. Pleasant Middle School was built.

Impact if Not Funded and Maximum Time it Can be Delayed

Currently in progress

Total Cost: $27,900,000

Years Funded: 2022, 2025