Our Town: Peoples Academy Success, Bolin Creek Greenway Ext. Walk, Spring Parks and Rec Programs

Share / View as a webpage

February 27, 2025

Hello, neighbors! First off, kudos to our Peoples Academy winter session attendees - we had a great time and look forward to our next session in April! That's not all we're looking forward to - read more about Transit's electric buses hitting the road after a hiatus, a Bolin Creek Greenway Extension corridor walk, and Parks and Rec's spring programming.

Congrats, Peoples Academy Participants!

Thanks to all who came out for our Peoples Academy winter session. Staff and community members gathered to learn about local government and engage on important issues. The evening featured an Information Fair, where anyone could interact with staff and learn about each department’s services. Peoples Academy participants got to play a game of Town dominos and solve real-life resident situations. We hope you'll join us in the spring for a Budget Basics Deep Dive at the library.

• Curious about the Peoples Academy program? Learn more.
• We hope you'll join us in the spring for an interactive budget workshop at the library. Register here.

On the Road Again

In early March, Chapel Hill Transit (CHT) will put seven of its ten electric buses back in service following safety reviews prompted by a battery-related bus fire late last year. The seven electric buses returning to service are the newest in Transit’s fleet and use batteries from a different manufacturer. "I’m confident that these buses are ready to roll again," said CHT Director Brian Litchfield.

Explore Proposed Routes for Bolin Creek Greenway

Register for a corridor walk on March 1 at 11 a.m. with staff and consultants to get an on-the-ground feel for proposed greenway options. This project will extend the existing greenway from Umstead Park to Estes Drive. Space is limited, so register ASAP!

Register for Parks and Rec's Spring Programming

Registration for Parks and Rec's spring programming opens up on March 4. There's something for everyone, from egg hunts, archery club, and bocce ball league in April to West African Dance group fitness, Special Olympics disc golf, and Art in the Park in May. Find your perfect fit!

Summer Jobs with Parks and Recreation

Are your energetic, enthusiastic, and creative teens 15+ looking for a summer job? Parks and Rec is hiring! Join them on Thursday, March 6 from 6 to 8 p.m. at the Teen Center for a summer job fair. Your teens will speak with leadership, learn more about the opportunities, get help with filling out online applications, and get tips for interview success.

Creek Week is Nigh - Mark Your Calendars

Help us celebrate Orange County Creek Week starting Saturday, March 15. It’s a week-long series of all-ages activities that celebrates the streams, lakes, and rivers that connect our communities. From a community scavenger hunt to invasive species removal, there's something for everyone!

Three Parks and Rec Programs Temporarily Move

If you're signed up for Parks and Rec's Sewing a Story or West African Dance, or your child attends afterschool at Hargraves Community Center, those programs will temporarily relocate to the Nate Davis, Sr. gymnasium at the beginning of March. Holmes Daycare will temporarily relocate to the main level of the Hargraves Center. This is necessary for HVAC work to begin.

Council met for a retreat on Wednesday, Feb. 26 at The Junction in downtown Chapel Hill.

Council will meet on Wednesday, March 5 at 6 p.m. in library meeting room B to discuss the February 19 work session items that were delayed by winter weather.
Read the agenda.

Open Artist Calls

We have many opportunities for artists to share (and get paid for) their work. Check out their current opportunities:

• LGBTQIA+ Pride Plaza Artwork: Apply by March 17 at 5 p.m.
• Art + Transit Bus Wrap: Due Apply by March 24 at 5 p.m.

Planning Commission
Tuesday, March 4 at 7 p.m. (virtual)

East Lakeview Townhomes Public Information Meeting
Thursday, March 6 at 5 p.m. (virtual)

Board of Adjustment
Thursday, March 6 at 6:30 p.m.

New for the Week of March 2

1200 Martin Luther King, Jr. Blvd. waterline work
March 3 - 23, 9 a.m. - 4 p.m.
Phase 1 will close one of four lanes; Phase 2 will close two of four lanes.

104 W. Franklin St. overnight lane closure
March 3, 11 p.m. - March 4, 6 a.m.
People driving cars should look for people riding bikes merging.

119 E. Franklin St. sidewalk closure
March 10 and March 18, 9 a.m. - 4 p.m.
Pedestrians should follow the posted detour.

Ongoing

Hayes, Brandon, Flemington, and Hamilton Rds. Google fiber work
Jan. 10 - March 10 (approx.), 9 a.m. - 4 p.m.

Country Club Rd. from Gimghoul Rd. to Laurel Hill Rd. Google fiber work lane closure
Jan. 15 - Mar. 14, 9 a.m. - 4 p.m.

Meadowmont Ln. and parts of Barbee Chapel Rd. Google fiber work lane closure
Jan. 15 - Mar. 14, 9 a.m. - 4 p.m.

The Oaks Google fiber work
Dec. 9, 2024 - extended to Feb. 28, 2025, 9 a.m. - 4 p.m.

Berkley Rd., Oakwood Dr., Rogerson Dr., Douglas Rd. Google fiber work
Dec. 12, 2024 - extended to Feb. 28, 2025, 9 a.m. - 4 p.m.

S. Columbia St. Carrington Hall work
Present to December 2026
A pedestrian detour is in place along S. Columbia St. near Medical Dr. as crews work on Carrington Hall.

Upcoming

Pope Rd. near Ephesus Church Rd. culvert repair Dates to be determined. For more information, email Jcmanuel-nelson@ncdot.gov

All road work depends on the weather. Schedules may change accordingly. Google Maps and Waze show the most up-to-date traffic conditions