2026.7.29 Parks & Rec Advisory Board Special Meeting

The Town of Apex Parks & Recreation Advisory Board held a special meeting on July 29, 2026, focusing primarily on updates to the parks, recreation, and cultural resources program and fee study. The board discussed recommended changes to the non-resident fee structure, shifting from a flat $25 fee to a 35% surcharge based on program cost to better align with regional standards and equity. They also reviewed policies related to facility rentals, long-term rental fees, and entertainment exemptions. A significant portion of the meeting was dedicated to a detailed presentation on the North Salem Street mixed-use development plan, including land dedication requirements and the challenges of parkland acquisition. The board examined updated land cost values based on recent purchases, proposing a new average land value of $320,000 per acre to better reflect current market conditions. They discussed the need to update the land dedication ordinance and recommended implementing the revised fees and policies by January 1, 2027, with automatic annual adjustments thereafter. The board voted to recommend the revised fee study and policy changes to the Town Council for approval. Additionally, the meeting covered structural assessments of greenway bridges and ongoing maintenance plans. Overall, the meeting centered on aligning parkland dedication fees and policies with current development trends and market realities to support sustainable park and recreation infrastructure funding.