TITLE
Title
INTERLOCAL AGREEMENT WITH PIEDMONT TRIAD REGIONAL COUNCIL TO CREATE A BICENTENNIAL GREENWAY PARTNERSHIP FOR MANAGEMENT & MAINTENANCE
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SPONSOR
Sponsor
Dwight Godwin
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BACKGROUND
Background
The Guilford County Bicentennial Greenway was conceived in 1987 by the Board of County Commissioners as a way to celebrate North Carolina's bicentennial. It aimed to connect the county's two largest cities and received support through a $12,000,000 Parks and Recreation Facilities Bond approved by voters in 1988. Groundbreaking for the initial segment occurred in 1989, with the final segment completed by Guilford County in 2013.
Given its multi-jurisdictional nature, the full implementation and maintenance of the approximately 14.5-mile Bicentennial Greenway pose significant challenges. To address this, efforts are underway to engage all relevant stakeholders, both public and private, in crafting a sustainable plan that garners consensus for the greenway's completion and ongoing maintenance. Spanning across four county districts, this greenway will effectively link nearly all parts of Guilford County, serving as a crucial transportation and recreational resource for enhancing residents' and visitors' quality of life, thereby enhancing Guilford County's appeal as a residential and professional destination.
Guilford County staff are actively addressing maintenance issues along the greenway using available funding. However, additional resources are needed beyond current allocations. This process will leverage the ongoing Guilford County Parks, Trails, and Open Space Comprehensive Master Planning effort to develop a comprehensive strategy specifically tailored to the Bicentennial Greenway project.
Operational and Maintenance Strategy for the Bicentennial Greenway
Objective: Develop a comprehensive strategy for the Bicentennial Greenway through collaboration with a multi-jurisdictional working group to establish a unified vision for its future. This strategy aims to address current maintenance, wayfinding, and safety issues, propose agreed-upon solutions across all jurisdictions, suggest funding mechanisms, and outline an implementation timeline.
Deliverables:
Formation of a Multi-Jurisdictional Working Group:
Conduct five meetings with group members comprising parks, recreation, economic development, and transportation staff from Guilford County, High Point, and Greensboro, including elected officials in the initial meeting to establish a cohesive vision.
Prepare a concise 1-2 page summary detailing the Bicentennial Greenway's history, current status, and objectives for the planning process ahead of the first working group session.
Engage with stakeholders such as Piedmont Fat Tire Society, Triad Friends of Greenways, Guilford County Metro 911, and other relevant organizations to gather diverse input on safety, operations, usage, and promotion of the Greenway.
Assign two staff members to attend all five working group meetings, document proceedings, and incorporate input into the planning process throughout.
Strategy Report:
Compile findings and resolutions from facilitated meetings, incorporating insights from the Audit and Assessment phase and community feedback.
Develop a partnership framework to address: a) bringing the existing trail up to standard; b) delineating responsibilities for trail maintenance and proposing viable funding models; c) outlining steps to formalize arrangements for sustainable future management.
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BUDGET IMPACT
Budget Impact
NO ADDITIONAL COUNTY FUNDS REQUIRED
Proposed contract expenses will be appropriated from our approved funds in the Parks, Trails, and Open Space Comprehensive Master Plan.
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REQUESTED ACTION
Requested Action
Approve interlocal agreement, in substantial form, with the Piedmont Triad Regional Council to develop a partnership for the management and maintenance of the Bicentennial Greenway in an amount not to exceed $14,800, effective April 1, 2024 through March 31, 2025.
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