Annual Report
Chatham Parks Foundation-Annual Report for 2001
Our First Year. It's
appropriate, at this time, to review what we have accomplished in our first year
of existence and what our challenges are for our next year.
Organization -
Beginning with our four incorporators we recruited and elected a Board of
Directors that represented a cross section of interests and geography. The Board
was subdivided into Functional Committees; Finance-fundraising and financial
management of projects Membership/Publicity-recruit members and PR for the
foundation Implementation-assist with design and development of park projects.
Executive Committee-manages the organization on a day-to-day basis.
Properties
� Met with a number of landowners to explore parcels of land for park
projects. These include: Landowners with parcels near 15/501, in Siler City and
on 64W, in Silk Hope and in North Chatham. Landowner in NW Chatham regarding his
wish to have soccer and other recreational facilities developed at his
development. Chatham Soccer League will be primarily responsible for that
development. We continue to work with the Corps of Engineers on the first phases
of the transfer of the Bell's Landing property by submitting an operational
management plan. Met with the landowners to explain our planned use of their
property for the Southwest Park. Sent letters and met with landowners in central
Chatham with respect to property for the District Park. Discussed potential for
a park with a landowner holding property adjoining Moncure School. Had numerous
meetings with landowner on Old Graham Rd. with respect to her desire to develop
a park on Old Graham Road.
Advocacy/Publicity � Activities include:
Presented/attended meetings of the Board of Commissioners regarding Bell's
Landing, Southwest Park, Park Foundation, American Tobacco Trail, and Budget
Hearings. Worked with the Board of Commissioners and school officials on efforts
to make school recreational facilities more available to the public.
Held/attended public hearings for Bell's Landing and Southwest Park. Met with
community groups interested in park development in Bear Creek (Southwest Park)
and Silk Hope (Ruritan). Made numerous presentations to community groups such as
Kiwanis, Rotary, Women's Business Council, Council on Aging Board of Directors,
The Preserve and Church groups. Numerous articles were published in all local
papers with a number of explanatory letters to the editor. We have just recently
added a web site. As it is being developed you will be asked for your input and
suggestions.
Fund Raising - Held carnival last July in Siler City. Received
generous contributions from individuals and from the County. Received approval
for the requested grant for the Southwest Park. Applied for a trail grant
application for the Southwest Park. Tracy is in the process of applying for a
baseball grant for the Southwest Park. Have developed a dollar schedule for
honorary/memorial giving.
Membership - Developed grid of membership types and
classes and associated fees. Had membership/interest booths at Haw River
Festival, Family Health and Fitness Day, and Pittsboro Street Fair. Partnering -
Held discussions with Council on Aging, Chatham County Arts Council, Chatham
Hospital, Smart Start, CCCC, NC Agricultural Extension, Chatham Soccer League
and others. Challenges for 2002 Southwest Park -Develop a community group who
will work jointly with us and the county in the development and maintenance of
the Southwest Park. Work with this group to develop fundraising goals for cash
and/or in-kind services to help defray development costs, over the life of the
development cycle.
District park -Continue to work with landowners and partners
in identifying property and negotiating with landowners involved for potential
sites for the District Park.
Bell's Landing - Continue to work with the Corps of
Engineers, the State and the community in the development of the park.
Silk Hope
- Continue to work with the Ruritan/schools in the development of a community
center and park complex.
Chatham County Schools - Continue to work with them to
make school recreational facilities more available to the public and continue
dialog on the efficacy of joint use of infrastructure and facilities.
Potential
NW Park - Offer our assistance to Chatham Soccer League when they are ready to
develop this property. Work with developer on other properties/projects he has
talked to us about.
American Tobacco Trail - Continue to work with Chatham County Parks, the
Triangle Rails-to-Trails Conservancy, NCDOT and the Corps of Engineers to
develop the 4 1/2 mile-long Chatham County portion of this 22 mile-long
rail-trail which runs from downtown Durham to near New Hill.
Membership - Get agreement from employers (Glaxo, IBM,
Nortel, etc.) for "matching grant" status for the Park Foundation.
Actively solicit memberships through publicity, booths at expos, etc.
Fundraising - Continue to solicit grants. Develop programs to raise funds in
Chatham County, particularly private industry.
Advocacy/publicity - Continue to
work with County Management and the Board Of Commissioners in keeping them
apprised of the progress and development of parks in Chatham County and issues
associated therewith. Continue to keep the public aware of our activity and
solicit their assistance in helping us to meet our goals. I want to thank you
all for your hard work that made this year as successful as it has been. I look
forward to working with you to meet the challenges that face us in the future.
Respectfully Submitted, Don Lein President