The Town of Clayton is considering a multi-million dollar Parks and Recreation Bond that could go before voters as early as this November.
Prior to departing the Town of Clayton last week, former Town Manager Steve Biggs presented a packet of information to town leaders to consider for a potential major capital investment project for parks and recreation.
The 2008 bond was used to develop East Clayton Community Park, improve All Star Park and acquire the site along Covered Bridge Road commonly referred to as “The River Property.” The River Property is an 80 acre tract along the Neuse River that is mostly undeveloped except for a parking area to access the Mountains to Sea Trail. The property was supplemented with an additional 39 acres from Dupont.
The proposal includes at least $17.4 million in projects, including $9.5 million for expansion of the Clayton Community Center, $6.9 million for development of 67 acres owned by the town on Little Creek Church Road and acquired in 2014, $396,000 for multi-purpose field lighting at the East Clayton Community Park, and $200,00 for field lighting at Legend Park. The cost of development of The River Property has not been determined and is not included in the $17.4 million price.
The bond proposal would likely include additional upgrades at existing facilities.
Biggs recommended the council adopt a preliminary resolution initiating a possible bond referendum no later than their July 18th meeting so it could be placed on the November ballot. Any resolution after that date would likely force the bond referendum to be held in 2017. The council took the recommendation under advisement.
Clayton Community Center Expansion
The proposed expansion of the Community Center could potentially include a $4 million gymnasium, overhead track, $3.1 million community areas, new front porch, and site work.
The River Property Proposal
The parks and recreation bond could fund an outdoor center with a climbing wall and access to a zip line, an adventure center with kayak, canoe and water access, a community gathering area, events lawn, group camping structure, group camping area, ropes course and team building area, multi-use trailers, hiking trails, dog park, Discovery Zone play area, educational overlooks and fishing piers for catch and release, shelters, restrooms, and arts in the park
Little Creek Church Road Proposal
Six multi-purpose fields (195 feet x 315 feet), playground, natural play area, lighting, shelters, restrooms, clearing, parking, grading, benches, bicycle racks, picnic tables, and signage.
