Park Bond Referendum Q and A
Q: What proposal will be on the Oct. 9 ballot?
A: Raleigh voters are being asked to consider an $88.6 million bond issue for parks and greenway projects.
Q: How will be the parks bonds be used?
A: The parks bonds, along with other available funds, will provide:
- $16.1 million for the completion of projects that Raleigh voters approved in the 2003 parks and greenway referendum;
- $16 million for greenway development;
- $15 million for park land acquisition;
- $4.9 million to expand the capacity of current park and recreational facilities; and,
- $36.6 million to construct new park and recreational facilities.
Q: What specific projects are being proposed in the bond referendum?
A: Click here for details of the projects listed below.
Completion of 2003 Bond Projects:
- Playground and building improvements;
- Outdoor security lighting;
- Crabtree Creek greenway extension to the Neuse River;
- Improvements to Halifax Center;
- Expansion of Jaycee Center; and,
- Extension of Honeycutt Creek Greenway.
Greenway Development
- Funding to assist in the partial completion of the Neuse River Greenway from Falls Dam to Johnston County; and,
- Extension of Walnut Creek Greenway toward the Neuse River.
Park Land Acquisition
- This component is for acquisition of various park sites throughout Raleigh.
Capacity Needs
- Outdoor components and amenities for Barwell Road Park;
- Expansion of Carolina Pines Community Center;
- New carriageway bridge at Pullen Park; and,
- Retrofitting the carousel building at Chavis Heights Park for a new use.
New Facility Development
- Construction of a senior center;
- Development of the Anne Louise Wilkerson, M.D. Nature Preserve Park;
- Development of an interpretive center at Mordecai Historic Park;
- Master planning and development of Randleigh Farm site;
- New aquatics facilities development;
- Construction of a community center in northeast Raleigh;
- Planning and development of outdoor active recreation in northeast Raleigh;
- Development of a multi-use center at Lake Johnson Park;
- Development of partnerships and/or use of commercial facilities to provide services in areas where neighborhood park land is either too expensive or unavailable; and,
- Signage package for the City’s parks and greenway system.
An interactive map of the proposed 2007 bond projects is available here (pdf format) | Descriptions of the proposed projects
Q: When was the most recent parks bond referendum held?
A: The citizens of Raleigh last voted on a parks bond referendum in 2003, when $47.25 million in parks system improvements were approved.
Q: What was the $47.25 million bond fund, approved in 2003 for parks system improvements, used for?
A: Projects in the 2003 bond program included greenway development, park land acquisition, facility upgrades, expansion of existing facilities, new park development and redevelopment of older park facilities. Here is an update on those projects:
- Greenway development - $4,835,000 has been set aside for the design and construction of seven new greenway trails as well as neighborhood connections. Currently, the House Creek Greenway and Upper Neuse River Greenways are in the design phase. Approximately, $1.4 million has been spent to date.
- Green Road Gym addition – More than $1.2 million has been allocated for this project. Currently it is in the planning phase.
- Optimist Pool improvements - $500,000 has been allocated for this work. Currently, the project is in the design phase. $3.1 million remains for construction.
- Seasonal pool conversion – Nearly $500,000 has been set aside for the conversion. The project is in the construction phase.
- Land acquisition - $2 million has been allocated for new park land acquisition.
- Facility upgrades – Nearly $2 million has also been allocated for improvements to Raleigh parks including playground improvements, building improvements, additional outdoor security lighting and the renovation of Mordecai Park.
- Walnut Creek Environmental Education Center - $1.56 million has been allocated for the project. It is in the design phase.
- Forest Ridge Park - $400,000 has been set aside for this park. The project is in the design phase. $4.4 million remains for construction.
- Marsh Creek Community Center - $400,000 has been allocated for this center. The project is in the design phase. $4.8 million remains for construction.
- Chavis Park improvements – This project is in the design phase. $975,000 has been allocated for this work.
- Pullen Park improvements - $2 million has been set aside for this project. Currently, it is in the design phase. $4.6 million remains for construction.
- Brier Creek facility – $1 million was allocated for this facility. Construction has been complete and the facility is open.
- Timberlake Neighborhood Park – This project is in the planning phase. $130,000 has been set aside for completion of the planning phase. $1.5 million remains for construction.
- Neuse River Whitewater Park - $195,000 has been aside for this park. Currently, it is in the planning phase.
- Sanderford Road Neighborhood Center - $1.3 million has been allocated for this facility. It is currently in the design phase.
- Skate Park - $520,000 has been allocated for this project and it is currently in the planning phase.
Also, funds have been allocated for the following projects, but work has not gotten under way:
Greenway Trails
- Crabtree Creek Greenway, $350,000
- Honeycutt Creek Greenway, $300,000
- Chavis Way Extension, $23,000
- Little Rock Trail Extension, $333,0000
- Walnut Creek Greenway, $654,000; and,
- Neighborhood Connections, $206,000.
Park Improvements
- Lake Lynn Gym Addition, $117,000.
New Facilities
- Neighborhood School Parks, $600,000; and,
- Gardner Street Park Improvements, $25,000.
Q: How can I learn more about the 2007 parks bond referendum?
A: For answers to questions regarding the parks bond referendum, contact Parks and Recreation Director Diane Sauer at 996-4815 or email parkbond@ci.raleigh.nc.us, or click here.
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