Annie Louise Wilkerson, MD Nature Preserve Park
Background
In February of 2006, the City of Raleigh received an amazing gift of 157 acres of land along Falls Lake from an extraordinary person. Dr. Annie Louise Wilkerson was not only known for the approximately 8,000 babies she delivered over a 53 year career in medicine, but she was equally known for her pioneering achievements in her medical profession and her philanthropic contributions to the community. Many people simply called her “Dr. Annie”. She carried a sense of leadership, spirit and drive that was nearly unmatched. Dr. Annie passed away on September 15, 2005 at the age of 91. Even after her passing, Dr. Annie’s legacy lives in perpetuity through a Nature Preserve she deeded to the City of Raleigh Parks and Recreation Department in her will. Dr. Annie’s foresight for the sense of place and dedication to her community is represented in the Nature Preserve Park plan.
Below is an excerpt from Dr. Annie Louise Wilkerson’s Will that describes the intent and purpose of the 157 acres:
That the property herein conveyed shall be maintained as a nature preserve park, and used for the primary purpose of nature and wildlife education, the study and research into methods of conservation, and shall not be used for general recreation or any other purpose inconsistent with the primary purposes set forth above.
That no timber now or in the future growing on the property be cut or sold other than those trees necessary to be cut to avoid the spread of disease or which endangers the public, nor shall any roads or trails be opened thereon other than necessary access ways, parking area and trails for pedestrians and protection uses.
That no buildings other than those existing at my death shall be erected or maintained on the property other than shelters for necessary service and educational buildings.
The park shall be named the “Annie Louise Wilkerson, MD Nature Preserve Park.”
NOTE: Approximately 8.2 acres of Dr. Annie Louise Wilkerson’s property is a life estate granted to a friend. For long range planning purposes, this portion of the overall site is included in the park plan.
At the request of the Wilkerson family representatives and with the knowledge of the City Council, the Parks and Recreation Department established a project team for this park planning process. The project team consisted of the Parks and Recreation Director, Design Development Administrator, Parks Superintendent, Recreation Superintendent, Nature Program Director, Senior Parks Planner and several other key staff. City Staff also worked with local consultants and UNC – Chapel Hill on multiple research and assessment projects in order to provide information for the planning process.
City Council members received planning documents and reports for their review, and the park plan was presented at the City Council meeting on March 3, 2009. At this meeting the Council accepted the plan as recommended by staff and representatives of the Wilkerson family, authorized staff to advertise for design services, and agreed to consider the Wilkerson project budget during its upcoming budget deliberations.
Funding for design and development was approved in the 2007 Parks and Greenway Bond referendum.
Project Schedule
Design Summer 2009 – Summer 2010
Construction Summer 2010 – Summer 2011
Status
City Council authorized staff to work with CLH Design, PA on June 2, 2009.
Last Updated: July 7, 2009
For More Information Contact:
Stephen Bentley
Senior Parks Planner
Parks and Recreation Department
333 Fayetteville Street, Suite 300
Raleigh, NC 27601
919-996-4784
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