North Carolina Construction News staff writer
Raleigh’s future Smoky Hollow Park project has received $8.7 million from the Outdoor Recreation Legacy Partnership (ORLP) program.
Work will include the restoration of Pigeon House Branch, the first phase of the Pigeon House Greenway Trail, and other passive recreation amenities.
Located on the north side of downtown Raleigh, the park development incorporates environmental remediation, stream restoration, flood and stormwater management, walking paths, gathering spaces, and extensive landscaped and naturalized areas.
“This grant will allow the city to fully transform an underutilized space in our downtown into a green oasis where Raleigh residents and visitors can enjoy an improved Pigeon House Creek, greenway, and public plazas,” said Raleigh Parks Director Stephen Bentley.
The ORLP program was established in 2014 and is funded through the Land and Water Conservation Fund. Funding is awarded through a nationally competitive, dollar-for-dollar matching grant program.
It was created to help disadvantaged, urban communities that lack access to close-by outdoor recreation. Funds can be used for the acquisition and/or development of, or substantial renovation of, public parks and other outdoor recreation spaces.