THURSDAY, November 3, 2005 — Ongoing efforts to build public parks and create corridors of open space should help attract economic development and create a more secure future, community development director Bob Bridwell told the Committee of 100 last week.

His presentation to nearly 100 members and guests highlighted several projects being built in the county and their impact on attracting business and industry.

"People buy things on the benefits they perceive, or the benefits they feel are tangible," said Bridwell. "And that's how sales are made. That's how communities present themselves: Why would anybody want to come and be attracted to that community."

The key for Lee County, he said, is to become different and better — to give business, industry and relocating families a reason to come here rather than heading elsewhere. That means creating "products" that benefit people and capitalizing on those assets to build a strong civic image.

Open space, greenways and public parks help differentiate one community from another and add to the quality of life. That, in turn, makes the county more attractive to investment.

Meeting changing needs

By tying together school facilities, private parks and community initiatives, Bridwell said, the county can meet the changing needs of its residents.

The Urban and Open Countries trails — linking Sanford's attractive downtown to the historic iron furnace along the Deep River — are just two examples.

County officials are developing recreational greenways along two tributaries of the river, tying downtown to the historic site and miles of waterfront. The project also may integrate existing bicycle routes and take advantage of paddling and recreation near the Camelback Bridge.

"We have 42 linear miles of waterfront on the Deep River and Cape Fear River, an incredible recreational and open space asset for Lee County. We need to use that as the basis on which we build other things," Bridwell said.

The Open Countries Trail, providing a gateway along the Big Buffalo Creek to the iron furnace, has received an $800,000 federal appropriation as its initial funding. Though the money won't build the entire trail, Bridwell said it provides a good start.

As the greenway develops, it will make adjoining property more attractive for neighborhoods and environmentally-sound businesses.

Bridwell said that, based on the plan alone, one developer is already considering what kind of facilities he can place along the trail to increase the value of both his project and the trail, itself. "These are the kind of things that need to happen, especially in urban areas, for these kind of public spaces to become very, very successful," he said.

New park adds to the mix

County recreation director John Payne said many existing parks in the county are already located along the Big Buffalo Creek and Little Buffalo Creek tributaries, and the new Tramway Road Park, adjacent to Southern Lee High School, adds yet another new element.

Its location along an established bicycle route unites the new park with existing ones.

What he envisions, Payne said, is a network of parks linking residential and shopping areas. "Instead of hopping in the car," he said, "you can get on a bike or put your running shoes on and negotiate between those places."

Phase One of Tramway Road Park is being developed. Plans call for a soccer field, baseball and softball fields, a three and a half acre pond, and parking.

Phase Two, what Payne calls the "expensive part," adds field lighting, a concession building with restrooms, two youth baseball fields and additional walking trails.

The Sanford Area Home Builders Assoc. plans to construct and donate the concession building, reducing the $1.4 million price tag by about $300,000. Payne also plans to apply for grant money from the North Carolina Parks and Recreation Trust Fund to help defray the cost.

About $250,000 was received from the fund was provided for initial construction.

Bridwell said ambitious plans are possible because of cooperation among various groups throughout Lee County. "This is sharing public space, school facilities and park facilities," he said. "I can't tell you how important that is."

Creating a 'better place to live'

One obvious aim of the greenway project is to attract commercial investment. Particularly in urban areas, Bridwell said, developing open space and creating economic development can work hand in hand.

But, most of all, projects are designed "to make this a better place to live," he said. "This is what it's all about."