Commissioners Notebook: November 2024

Published on November 15, 2024

For over a year, Cabarrus County’s Active Living and Parks (ALP) Department and consulting firm BerryDunn worked to develop a new comprehensive masterplan aimed at improving inclusion, sustainability and the community’s quality of life. 

That final plan was presented to Commissioners at the November 4 Work Session by BerryDunn Project Manager Nikki Ginger and Supporting Consultant Lisa Wolff. 

During their research, BerryDunn found that the department stands apart from other agencies in a variety of ways, including offerings of senior-focused health and wellness, outdoor adventure and education, STEM programs, summer camps and more.  

The masterplan covers the next 10 years, and is a tool used by the County for guidance, strategy, goals and development. It also helps with grant funding. The current masterplan expires in 2025.  

The masterplan development process covered six phases, including project planning, engagement, analysis, visioning, final plans and implementation. The process included in-person staff and resident interviews and presence at community events along with a public survey.  

Some highlighted recommendations from the plan include creating communication and outreach plans to promote the department, developing a formal partnership agreement with schools, expanding programming to underserved areas and adding bilingual signage to parks. 

Next steps in the process include BerryDunn working on an ALP strategic plan. The strategic plan is an internally facing initiative that will create future direction for the department, leadership infrastructure, mission, vision and values.  

The department-specific plan will also mesh with the County’s strategic plan, with goals focused on key areas of workplace culture, innovation, stewardship, advancement and engagement.  

It’s expected to be completed in early 2025. 

A masterplan for the St. Stephens Church Road Park in Mt. Pleasant was also presented at the Work Session. The plan was developed by design firm Benesch. 

Benesch Landscape Architecture Group Manager Jeff Ashbaugh walked commissioners through the plan.  

During his presentation, Ashbaugh shared site analysis findings, comments from the public input meetings, images of the area, goals and improvement recommendations. Suggestions include trails, a nature center and educational opportunities throughout the site. 

The 615-acre land parcel was purchased in 2020 from the Conservation Fund. The property features a variety of unique topography, including various types of forested areas (upland depression swamp, dry oak-hickory and pine) and active farmland. 

During the November Work Session, commissioners also: 

• Heard from ALP Director Londa Strong on a name change for the Concord Senior Center. With the construction of the new Library and Active Living Centers in Mt Pleasant and Afton, the Senior Center Advisory Council unanimously voted to change the name of the Concord Senior Center to the Concord Active Living Center. Commissioners are expected to vote on the change at the November Regular Meeting. 

To read both masterplans and explore the full agenda, visit cabarruscounty.us/Government/Boards-and-Committees/Board-Meetings, click the November 4 Work Session tab and select “Agenda” under “Related Information.”  

To watch the full November Work Session, visit youtube.com/cabarruscounty. 

The Regular Meeting is set for 6:30 p.m. on Monday (November 18) at the Cabarrus County Government Center in downtown Concord.  

Residents can watch commissioner meetings on the Cabarrus County livestream at cabarruscounty.us, on YouTube (@CabarrusCounty) and on CabCo TV (Spectrum Cable Channel 22).  

Stay updated on these and all County programs and projects by visiting cabarruscounty.us and following Cabarrus County at facebook.com/cabarruscounty and on Twitter and Instagram @CabarrusCounty.