Item:
Title
Authorize the County Manager to Renew the Interlocal Agreement with Orange County for Management of Little River Regional Park and Natural Area
Body
Date of BOCC Meeting: November 9, 2026
Request for Board Action:
Agenda Text
The Board is requested to authorize the County Manager to renew the Interlocal Agreement between Durham County and Orange County for the continued joint operation of Little River Regional Park and Natural Area (LRRP). LRRP is a 391-acre park and natural area in northern Durham and Orange counties acquired in 1999 with a combination of County funds, land trust support, and a grant from the State Clean Water Management Trust Fund. The park is operated by Orange County’s Parks and Recreation Department according to the provisions of the Interlocal Agreement, with operational costs shared equally between the two counties.
The park is a significant natural area and wildlife habitat, protecting diverse forest and riparian ecosystems along the Little River. Within this conserved landscape, visitors enjoy more than seven miles of hiking trails and an extensive network of singletrack mountain bike trails. Its mature woodlands and scenic river corridor offer rich wildlife viewing and low-impact recreation opportunities. Picnic shelters are frequently booked during summer months, and visitation is well balanced between Orange and Durham residents, underscoring the park’s popularity and accessibility.
The current Interlocal Agreement and Park Master Plan were adopted in December 2021; however, only the Interlocal Agreement is due for renewal at this time. The park continues to operate effectively under the existing agreement, and no major revisions are recommended. The renewed Interlocal Agreement establishes a 10-year term for continued joint operation of the park. Durham County Open Space staff work closely with Orange County staff on management decisions. A copy of the Interlocal Agreement, approved by the County Attorney’s Office and County Risk Management, is attached.
Alignment with Strategic Plan: The shared operation of Little River Regional Park and Natural Area with Orange County supports Strategic Plan Goal #4, Environmental Stewardship, through the Natural Resource Stewardship and Protection objective.
Resource Persons: Brendan Moore, Open Space Land Manager; Celeste Burns, Open Space & Real Estate Manager; Peri Manns, Deputy Director of Engineering and Environmental Services; Jay Gibson, P.E., Director of Engineering and Environmental Services
County Manager’s Recommendation: The County Manager recommends that the Board authorize the County Manager to renew the Interlocal Agreement between Durham County and Orange County for the continued joint operation of Little River Regional Park and Natural Area (LRRP).
Signature
County Manager: ____________________________