ELIZABETHTOWN — The Cape Fear Farmer’s Market in downtown Elizabethtown will soon be getting a neighbor, after Elizabethtown approved a conceptual plan for the Sally Salter Park.
Acquired eight years ago by the town, the lot adjacent to the Farmer’s Market has been used primarily for parking for events at the Farmer’s Market, though the council has discussed for several years the possibility of using it as a passive park.
At a recent Town Council meeting, Public Works Director Pat DeVane recommended to board members that they begin thinking of a new well, since current conditions suggest there might be a need for one in the near future.
Since the lot adjacent to the Farmer’s Market is the only property owned by the town large enough to accommodate a well while meeting guidelines, town landscape architect Rod Fritz set to work developing a plan to incorporate both a well and a passive park at the location.
In the plan, a well will be covered by a removable feature like a clock tower or statue, which would be visually appealing while allowing for rare, but necessary, maintenance. The height and size of the yet-to-be-determined feature will be dependent on the capabilities of town equipment that would remove the feature when needed. Adjacent to the well will be a large, landscaped lawn bordered by trees and a 1/10 mile walking trail. As required by law, the well will be enclosed by fencing. Any fixtures at the site will be in the Neoclassical style to complement the downtown area.
“I tried to plant heavily (around the lawn) so that when you’re inside, it feels like a room,” Fritz told the council.
At the end will be 24 community garden plots approximately 20’x20’ in size, which, Fritz suggested, might be of interest to the N.C. Cooperative Extension, FFA clubs, or individuals. Mayor Sylvia Campbell said that since the possibility of overgrowth from neglect existed, she liked the idea of the garden plots being maintained by clubs.
“Personally, I love the idea of having something green in that area,” said council member Paula Greene. “It’s a natural accompaniment to the Farmer’s Market.”
The board unanimously approved the plan as presented and authorized a test on a well.
Chrysta Carroll can be reached by calling 910-862-4163.
