Chapel Hill has three vacancies on the Parks, Greenways and Rec Commission as they embark on helping develop a master plan for public recreation the next ten years and beyond. For the September meeting only three members attended. There are nine seats.
The town is about to hire Berry/Dunn to lead the master plan effort which will take a year and determine spending priorities for capital projects for new or expanded programs and facilities like the 2024 rec bond and open space/greenways monies if approved by voters.
BerryDunn is based in Maine and works nationwide. In 2022, BerryDunn merged Colorado-based parks, recreation, and open space consulting firm GreenPlay into its Parks, Recreation, Libraries offerings. Chapel Hill is working on the contract with BerryDunn which could cost a reported $300,000.
The advisory board meets once a month, but members often can do more by attending community MP public meetings scheduled by the consultant to determine what citizens want in terms of rec facilities, programs. Email advisoryboards@townofchapelhill.org for an application if you’re interested. Appointments are made by the town council. Terms are three years. It’s a volunteer position.