Public Forum Jan. 25 on Park Grant Proposal

A public forum at the Clayton Center has been scheduled for Tuesday, Jan. 25 at 6 pm to get public input on a Parks & Recreation Department state grant application for funds to help build a new town park.

The Department is seeking a NC Parks and Recreation Trust Fund grant of between $300,000 and $500,000 to help develop a park on 81-acres of land along the Neuse River that officials want to become part of the Mountains-to-Sea Trail.

"Public input is part of the grant process," said Parks & Recreation Director Larry Bailey.

The town bought the land, which includes some of the oldest and most beautiful forest land in this part of the state, late last year with a park in mind. The $2 million purchase was made possible by the bond issue for parks and streets approved by voters in 2008. Town officials had been working on the deal for more than a year.

The project is part of an ambitious plan to upgrade parks and build new ones as the town grows. Last year, town officials opened a completely renovated All-Star Park and Pavilion on Front Street, and work is near on the new 60-acre East Clayton Community Park, which will greatly expand the town's recreation facilities. Construction is already underway on a new Off-Leash Dog Park in East Clayton, and upgrades are in the works for other parks.