Culture & Recreation
FY2023 Capital Budget
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
Tennis Court Renovations at Frank Liske Park
Project Description
Complete Subgrade and Surface Renovations of six (6) Tennis Courts at Frank Liske Park.
Background & Justification/Status
The existing Tennis Courts were constructed in the late 1980s and have had several crack-sealing and surfacing projects over the past thirty (30) years. Currently, the condition of the actual subgrade materials has degraded from years of water intrusion and a complete renovation of the courts is needed.
Impact If Not Funded and Maximum Time it Can be Delayed
Safety is the biggest concern with this CIP. The existing cracks in the subsurface our potential trip hazard for public and students who use the courts. The more water intrusion allowed over the time the less likely we will be able to reuse the current base in the pulverizing process and therefore causing a higher cost of new material needed to create the new base.
Total Cost: $280,000
Years Funded: 2023
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
Softball Complex Utilities at Frank Liske Park
Project Description
Replacement of all underground of utility lines existing at the Frank Liske Park Softball Complex "wagon wheel". The existing utility lines include irrigation, water, sewer, electrical (both for buildings and field lighting) scoreboard, and telephone.
Background & Justification/Status
All of the underground lines at the Frank Liske Park Softball Complex "wagon wheel" were placed "direct bury" without tracer capabilities. Many of the electric lines are direct buried and not protected by conduit or tray. The County has to repair and or replace several lines a year due to broken lines and these repairs are extremely costly as they require contractor repairs, concrete cutting, and pose a significant safety risk due to the electrical lines in the ground. This project aligned with BOC goal 3 as it protects county assets.
Impact If Not Funded and Maximum Time it Can be Delayed
If the project is not funded in the requested timeframe the County cannot guarantee reliable and continuous operations at the complex in terms of amenities like scoreboard, lighting, and irrigation.
Total Cost: $410,000
Years Funded: 2022, 2023
Overflow Parking Lot at Concord Senior Center
Project Description
Adding a sub grade storm water conveyance system, base, and asphalt cover to the current gravel and earth overflow lot at the Concord Senior Center overflow lot which is approximately 0.40 acres.
Background & Justification/Status
To provide adequate parking amenities to the patrons of the Concord Senior Center while providing a safe, stable, and accessible surface. Additionally ALP staff could program certain outdoor events in sections of the paved lot such as pickle ball, corn hole, etc. Future additions would be lighting for the lot for night safety.
Impact If Not Funded and Maximum Time it Can be Delayed
If the project is not funded in the requested timeframe there will be no substantial negative impacts recognized but with increased usage of the Senior Center and with the citizens that visit that building level parking and paving surface would be beneficial from a safety and accessibility standpoint.
Total Cost: $700,000
Years Funded: 2022, 2023
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