Council Approves Annie Louise Wilkerson, M.D. Nature Preserve Park Phase II Schematic Design

Jayne Kirkpatrick, Director, Public Affairs

Prepared by: Michael Williams, Assistant Director, Public Affairs

 

For more information: Lora Greco, Design Development, 919-996-4771

 

March 5, 2013

 

Council Approves Annie Louise Wilkerson, M.D.

Nature Preserve Park Phase II Schematic Design

 

Raleigh City Council today approved the schematic design for the second phase of the development of the Annie Louis Wilkerson, M.D. Nature Preserve Park. Council also authorized City staff to proceed with development of construction documents and to begin the bid process.

 

The City of Raleigh Parks, Recreation and Greenway Advisory Board reviewed the schematic second-phase development design at its Feb. 21 meeting and recommended it to Council for approval.

 

The dedicated nature preserve, the first of its kind in the City, consists of 157 acres of land along Falls Lake, donated to the City by Dr. Annie Louis Wilkerson in February 2006. The first phase of development; consisting of a park preserve office, an educational shelter and restrooms that feature an innovative water conservation and re-use system was dedicated on August 11, 2011.

 

The second phase of development was approved by Council on April 17, 2012 following three months of public hearings and deliberations, as part of the two-thirds bond package. The top criteria for the two-thirds bond project selection include significant private contribution and major economic development impact. Council authorized execution of the design services contract with HH Architecture on June 5, 2012.

 

Planning and plan execution for the preserve are guided by the deed of gift to the City. The deed requires that “the property herein conveyed shall be maintained as a nature preserve park, and used for the primary purpose of nature and wildlife education, the study and research into methods of conservation, and shall not be used for general recreation or any other purpose inconsistent with the primary purposes set forth above.”

 

Trees growing on the property may be cut or sold only for health maintenance and safety reasons. No roads or trails may be opened on the property, other than for necessary access ways, parking area and a pedestrian trail. No new buildings may be erected, other than for necessary service and educational buildings.

 

For more information visit www.raleighnc.gov and enter “Wilkerson Nature Preserve” in the search window, or contact the City of Raleigh Parks and Recreation Department at 919-996-3285.

 

 

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