CARRBORO- Carrboro leaders say its time to update plans for a town park that’s been in the works for more than a decade.

The Board of Aldermen approved the purchase of land at 1120 Hillsborough Road in 1999 and endorsed a master plan for the Martin Luther King Jr. Park back in 2004, but in all those years, there’s never been money available to make that plan a reality.

Anita Jones-McNair directs the town’s Recreation and Parks Department. She told the Aldermen on Tuesday so much time has passed that town needs have changed.

“Ten years is a pretty long time to sit on a plan,” said Jones-McNair. “We’ve had lots of different changes, lots of different requests for all kinds of space that at this time we don’t have any real development for.”

The current plan for the 10 acre park includes a playground, athletic fields, ping pong tables and a sculpture garden, but it does not include the community garden that’s been growing on the site since 2007.

Board members agreed it’s important to incorporate that into the revised park plan. Alderman Randee Haven-O’Donnell suggested it might also be a chance for the town to consider new recreational options.

“Many of our parks miss the opportunity to address the interests and needs of children older than eight years old, and that was one of the things I thought was really cool about the pump parks,” said Haven-O’Donnell.

Town staffers are looking to hire a consultant to revise the plan based on feedback from residents and elected officials. The Martin Luther King Jr. park is slated for development in 2016.

Related Stories
‹
Chapel Hill Cuts Ribbon, Opens Fully Inclusive Playground at Community Center Park
Chapel Hill leaders, parks and recreation staff, and families in the disability community gathered to open the new playground on Wednesday.
Hillsborough Commissioners Voice Support for New Greenway Design, Cost Options
The Hillsborough Board of Commissioners recently gave feedback and advanced a potential design for a new north-south greenway: the Ridgewalk.
Carrboro: Election Bills Reactions, Pump Track, and Chapel Hill Transit
Carrboro Mayor Damon Seils joins 97.9 The Hill’s Brighton McConnell over the phone on Friday, August 25. He shares his reactions to the planned changes to elections in North Carolina, which were vetoed this week but are expected to ultimately be enacted, and what local residents can do in response. Plus, Seils shares details on […]
Sidewalk Repair Project Will Improve 25 Carrboro Streets
A $75,000 sidewalk repair project is ongoing now in Carrboro to fix damage and improve accessibility for those with mobility issues.
Carrboro: Replacing David Andrews and MLK Park
Carrboro Mayor Lydia Lavelle joins 97.9 The Hill’s Brighton McConnell  to help wrap up the week. She shares updates on the search to replace Town Manager David Andrews, who is set to retire at the end of the month. She also shares different updates from the town’s Parks and Recreation department.
Declining Tree to be Removed at Martin Luther King Jr. Park in Carrboro
The Town of Carrboro will soon be removing a silver maple tree in the parking lot of Martin Luther King Jr. Park, due to extensive decay and hazard potential. Town staff members have isolated an area around the tree to avoid the possibility of injury to park visitors or vehicles from falling branches. The park […]
Murals Completed at Carrboro's Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Park
After months of work, two murals at the Town of Carrboro’s Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Park have been completed. The town shared a release on Friday saying the artwork has been installed, with both pieces being directly inspired by and featuring Dr. King’s quotes and image. The artwork was designed by three local high […]
Carrboro Town Council Recognizes Black History Month
Carrboro Town Council recently took some time to reflect on what Black History Month means to them and how they can continue to honor those who have served their community locally and nationally. In 2018, Carrboro had a population over 21,000 people, of which almost 12 percent were African American. With Black History Month now […]
Carrboro Cuts the Ribbon on New Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Park
Hundreds of Carrboro residents and community members gathered on Monday to celebrate the official opening of a new town park. The ribbon cutting ceremony was the culmination of planning that spanned over two decades for building the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Park. The land, located at 1120 Hillsborough Road in Carrboro, was purchased by […]
Closures and Local Celebrations on Martin Luther King Jr. Day
The local governments in Orange County have many events planned for the weekend and holiday of Martin Luther King Jr. Day to recognize the civil rights activist. Here are some of the announcements: Town of Carrboro Closings and Delays: Town administrative offices will be closed on Monday, January 20. Yard waste and leaf collection will […]
›