|
|
|
| Tue, Dec. 01 - - Mobile - RSS | |
|
|
Caroline's decision on expansion of park likely to come next year input
Park expansion in Caroline could start next year; officials should get another look by winter
Date published: 9/22/2008
By COREY BYERS Caroline County supervisors probably won't decide whether to go forward with a $4.5 million park expansion plan until next year. But judging from the turnout for two public hearings on the proposal last week, residents don't seem to be clamoring for immediate action at Caroline Recreational Park. Only a handful of residents attended two public information sessions for the 88-acre park project on Devils Three Jump Road. However, the park's project manager from design firm Clough Harbour & Associates, Craig Van Dus-sen, said results from a countywide recreation questionnaire were good for the survey's size. About 12,000 surveys were sent out and a little more than 800 came back. Van Dussen used the feedback to design and upgrade facilities in a draft plan. "There were a few tweaks that will be a result of the two meetings, but nothing major," Van Dussen wrote in an e-mail. Director of Recreation Donnell Howard said upgrades are a way of targeting the county's immediate recreation needs and adding the facilities that are appropriate for the community. He said a recently opened skateboard park has been the only addition to the facility since it opened 20 years ago. Howard added that sports such as soccer and football are growing in popularity. Fields for those activities are included in the draft plan. "We can see these sports are going to take off, the county is growing and we need to equip ourselves for it," Howard said. The design firm's estimate of $4 million to $4.5 million for improvements is preliminary. Once changes are made to the plan, the company will develop a more accurate cost for officials to consider. County Administrator Percy Ashcraft said the Board of Supervisors will probably get another draft before Thanksgiving. Supervisors usually start eyeing the next year's budget around the holidays. They could choose to phase in work over a few years rather than spend millions in a lump sum. "The biggest hurdle at this point may be the phasing," Van Dussen said. Corey Byers: 540/735-1976
Read more stories about Caroline Date published: 9/22/2008
|
 |
|||
|
|||
