WS Chronicle

Forsyth County is creating incentives for performances at parks and a master plan to add amenities to C.G. Hill Memorial Park in Pfafftown.

The county authorized $50,000 to help bring an annual special event or series of events to the amphitheaters at Triad or Tanglewood parks. County Parks Marketing and Events Coordinator Jessica Sanders told county commissioners during a briefing last week that there was a good reception to the possibility of using incentives to help bring shows to those parks.

“We received confirmation that Forsyth County could become part of something special and that the funds would incentivize organizations or individuals to jump start an event or series of events,” she said.

Organizations that receive incentives would sign a contract with the county. In the first year, the county would cover 50 percent of event insurance and the facility rental fee and 25 percent of law enforcement and dumpster fees, up to $50,000. In the second year it would cover 25 percent for event insurance, facility rental, and law enforcement, up to $25,000. The third year the grantees pay 100 percent of all fees and would have to repay any assistance if they didn’t fulfill their agreement.

Sanders said musical concerts are the most likely event that’ll be attracted to both venues. She said there’s interest in a patriotic concert at Triad Park, which is home to the Triad Field of Honor, and a multi-day, multi-stage music festival at Tanglewood Park. The contracts for the events would be brought back before county commissioners for approval.

Also during last week’s briefing, Marco Andrade with City/County Planning made a presentation on the C.G. Hill Memorial Park Master Plan. The park is located in Pfafftown. It’s 185 acres but only 10 acres have been developed so far.

Planning staff held two public comment sessions and received 430 survey responses. Currently the park has a trail, a gazebo and fishing. Residents said they’d like to see more trails, picnic shelters and a playground while preserving the nature found there.

“What we heard is ‘Keep it as natural as possible,’” said Andrade.

The master plan proposes nature and multi-use trails throughout the undeveloped forest, a playground, volleyball court, horseshoe pits, picnic shelters at two sites and an improved road with bike trail to give access to several areas of the park.

Park master plans are long-term plans that help the local government determine their future capital needs. More detailed studies will be needed to determine specific locations and estimated costs for new amenities.