Southern Community Park

Here is the latest from the Town on the Southern Community Park:

"9. SOUTHERN COMMUNITY PARK
Current Status: Under Construction
Design Firm: OBS Landscape Architects
Construction Firm: Hy Tech Construction
Contract Price: $4,708,000
Anticipated Completion: July 2008
Anticipated Completion Athletic/Soccer Fields: August 2009
The Southern Community Park will be a 72 acre park located south of Southern Village and west of 15-501. The concept plan indicates that the site will be over 50% natural. Most of the developed portions of the site are anticipated to be located adjacent to highway 15-501.

The following has occurred or is ongoing:

The Town Council approved bids for the park that includes the following first phase:
Ø All season Restrooms
Ø 3 complete athletic/soccer fields including fencing and irrigation (but without lights)
Ø Trails, including the extension of the paved Fan Branch Greenway to Dogwood Acres Drive and natural surface trails
Ø 2 picnic shelters
Ø 2 basketball courts
Ø 1 inline hockey court
Ø Play area
Ø Dog park
Ø Site furnishings
Ø Sidewalks
Ø 2 parking lots (162 total spaces)

Construction started in June 2007.
Plant rescue was held the week of July 2-8, 2007.
Clearing and grading complete except for selective areas.
Inline hockey and basketball courts are poured and fenced.
Slabs for picnic shelters poured.
Footings for restroom are under construction
Athletic fields are graded and irrigation systems installed.
Utilities installed.
Installation of curb and gutter 90% complete.
Parking lots 90% paved
Sidewalks 70% complete
Art project is underway
Landscape installation is underway
Fan Branch greenway trail extended past Scroggs School into park site. Trail access to school has been restored. All other trails still closed until construction is complete.

A major issue is how and when to sod or sprig athletic fields during a major drought. We are exploring options for finishing the fields.

Plans for the project can be reviewed in my office. Please make an appointment (919) 968-2787 ext. 214) or email at bwebster@townofchapelhill.org and I will be happy to show you the plans."