AG 1998 08 17 - Laserfiche WebLink

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A good deal for the city Kannapolis City Council Monday night approved its part of an equitable arrangement that will culminate with the city becoming sole owner of Bakers Creek Park. Located just inside Rowan County, Bakers Creek Park is readily accessible to residents of north Kannapolis and just a drive across town for the rest of the city. Bakers Creek .is a well-established park that offers many ameni- ties. It could easily become a cornerstone of a parks system to serve Kannapolis residents. The park was developed as a joint effort of the city and Cabarrus and Rowan counties, with ali sharing the cost of operat- ing the facility. During a short transition period, the counties will continue to contribute funding to its operations. Then it will belong to the citizens of Kannapolis. 'According to the agreement Kannapolis council signed off on Monday, Rowan's final contribution will be $21,918 for the 1998- 99 budget year. Cabarrus' commitment extends another three years: $48,850 for 1998-99; $32,567 for 1999-200.0; and $16,284 for 2000-01. In outlining the plan to council Monday, City Manager David Hales called the park a major asset for the city. We couldn't have said it better. Cabarrus and southern Rowan counties are filling up quickly. '~Vith fast-paced residential growth comes the need for additional recreational facilities. Meanwhile, land that could be used to develop such facilities is being quickly gobbled up. ·. Bakers Creek is already in place and providing recreational opportunities. '. The development of the park is a good example of the sort of - things local governments can do working together. So is the arrangement that will turn the park over to the city over the next few years. The park has been - and continues to be - a piece of the puzzle, as leaders of a still incredibly young city work to provide tradi- tional municipal amenities and services to their constituency.