RANDOLPH COUNTY – Trinity officials will seek funding to build a park on the city’s property.

The Trinity City Council voted recently to apply for a $500,000 grant from the N.C. Parks and Recreation Trust Fund. If the city receives the grant, officials will match the grant, making the projected cost approximately $1 million.

According to Adam Stumb, the city’s planning and zoning administrator, plans for the park are a part of the Trinity Center City Plan. The Center City Plan, approved by the City Council this month, includes plans for the park and establishing a Village Center in the center of Trinity. City officials have worked with the Lawrence Group on plans for the park.

“A lot of folks have shown interest in having a park here at the property – walking trails, picnic tables, kind of passive recreation,” Stumb said. “It’s another service for the citizens of Trinity.”

The park is proposed to be located on the site of Trinity City Hall’s property, which is nestled on about 30 acres off N.C. 62. The park would include an amphitheater, picnic shelters, a playground, trails and parking. The park also would preserve an old bathing rock.

“There will be some nice facilities for folks,” Stumb said.

As far as the chances of receiving a Parks and Recreation Trust Fund grant, Stumb said the city’s chances are good because it has never applied for such a grant. “You get the most points for your first application,” Stumb said. “That doesn’t guarantee you, but you get a higher priority than say Archdale or Greensboro.”

According to Stumb, the city is preparing the application for the grant and will submit it in January. Stumb said the city should know if it is an recipient of the grant by July 2010. The city would have three years to complete the project, he said.

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