River park facilities on hold
Raleigh's council will visit Horseshoe Farm Park before deciding on development
Published: Wed, Aug. 09, 2006 12:30AM
Modified Wed, Aug. 09, 2006 02:55AM
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closeRALEIGH -- The City Council will take a couple of months to decide how to develop Horseshoe Farm Park in northeast Raleigh.
The council on Tuesday asked city staffers questions about plans for the park, which sits off U.S. 401, planned to visit the site and agreed to consider it again Sept. 5. A decision could come by late September or early October, Mayor Charles Meeker said.
A city-appointed committee charged with developing a master plan for the 146 acres recommended an education and arts center, along with a river launch, camping, butterfly meadow and picnic areas. The group aimed to create a place where people could explore the natural areas and wildlife on the land bordered on three sides by the Neuse River.
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The city's parks, recreation and greenway advisory board endorsed those plans but also recommended adding two outdoor basketball courts and a 24,000-square-foot recreation center.
That angered many who had lobbied for less development. More than 100 people attended the meeting Tuesday, wearing green stickers to push for a park without the courts and recreation center.
Merrie Hedrick, a former Wake County commissioner who with her husband, William, sold the property to the city in 1994, spoke at the meeting.
"I beg of you, in your wisdom, take care of the Horseshoe where part of my heart lies," she said.
Staff writer Sarah Lindenfeld Hall can be reached at 829-8983 or slindenf@newsobserver.com.
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