Town of Chapel Hill, NC
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Park Maintenance
Chapel Hill considers itself a Town within a park. The considerable amount of open space from its parks, thoroughfares, and neighborhoods attracts potential residents and continues to keep long-term citizens alike. Whether you are playing sports on our numerous athletic fields, strolling along our greenways, or discovering our tree-lined downtown, the Park Maintenance division provides a safe, attractive and stimulating atmosphere.
Currently, Chapel Hill is in the process of significant residential and retail growth while adapting to constantly changing economic factors. Because of this growth, Parks and Recreation play an important role in maintaining the town/village feel that defines Chapel Hill. The Town has placed a high priority on protecting, connecting, and maintaining its parks and green spaces while trying to acquire new land for recreational activities for a growing and diverse populace.
Please see our frequently asked questions regarding fallen trees, athletics facilities, cemeteries, and park improvement.
Our Services
Park Maintenance takes pride in maintaining the Town’s thirteen parks, open spaces, downtown environs, four cemeteries, twenty-two playgrounds, nine parking lots, twenty-seven facilities, and miles of trails, greenways, roadside, and sidewalks. In addition to essential grounds maintenance, our staff has a wide variety of specialized training in athletic turf management, arboreal culture, landscape architecture, and playground inspection. Regardless of location or function, Town staff strives to keep all of our areas clean, safe, attractive, and inviting.
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Trees in Chapel Hill
Chapel Hill has a unique pride in the abundance and diversity of trees in its urban forest. Our residents have had a long love affair with trees dating back to 1889 when the Town passed its first tree ordinance. In the 1930s the Town began its first tree planting program by installing willow oak trees along Franklin Street in the downtown area and around the historic district. In the 1980s, in response to a long history of tree activism, the Town began taking further steps in protecting trees by hiring staff with training in arboriculture and passing new ordinances. In the 1990s the Town began formally celebrating Arbor Day, joined the Arbor Day Foundation, and became a member of Tree City USA.
Chapel Hill has made sure that it keeps a balance between new urban growth and a small rural town feel by planting and maintaining trees in its public areas and main thoroughfares. As our trees have grown and matured, so has the enthusiasm the citizens have shown for the green arches downtown, the hidden village feel of our neighborhoods and the “hug” one feels when walking under their majestic arms. In order to maintain the urban forest in Chapel Hill, the Town has a highly trained, educated, and experienced staff. Over the years activism and actuality have come to the accommodation through acknowledgment of public concerns through outreach, the sharing of forestry research, and providing town-wide educational programs and professional services. Individual and community outreach has helped to ease the public’s difficulties with tree maintenance while collaboration with utilities in a “right tree- right place” philosophy has solved many conflicts. The Town also continues to update its legal standing concerning canopy loss/reduction ordinances, tree replacement guidelines, and tree protection policies.
Park Maintenance Staff
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Sr. Park Planning & Operations Manager Kevin is a visionary leader with a proven track record of providing strategic management to the Parks and Recreation Department's Planning, Park, and Landscape Maintenance Divisions. He is responsible for overseeing staffing, budgets, and resources, and leading the coordination of various projects and initiatives such as park, facility, and trail development and repair. |
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Tanner Thompson, 919-969-5153 Park Maintenance Superintendent Licensed NC Irrigation & Landscape Contractor Landscape Industry Certified Turf Care Manager Tanner is the skilled overseer of the Park Maintenance Division, which is responsible for managing and maintaining all of the Town's park assets, including 14 community and neighborhood parks, 17+ miles of trails and greenways, 15 athletic fields, four cemeteries, and over a thousand acres of open space. Under Tanner's expert leadership, the division provides exceptional landscaping and vegetation management services at all Town facilities and public right-of-way areas. The division also excels in arboriculture, tree planting, and the inspection and maintenance of all playgrounds in the Town's inventory, including those at Public Housing developments. As a result of Tanner's support, guidance, and direction, park maintenance staff are able to perform a wide variety of roles, from park and cemetery management to maintenance and repairs, to landscaping, arboriculture and tree care, equipment inspection, and more. The Town is fortunate to have such a dedicated and capable leader at the helm of its Park Maintenance Division. |
| Zack Moran, 919-969-2021 Park Supervisor Zack plays a crucial role in ensuring that playgrounds, athletic facilities, grounds, trails, and greenways are always in top-notch condition across multiple locations. Thanks to his expertise and commitment, everyone can enjoy these outdoor spaces safely and comfortably. Playground Maintenance: Oakwood, Hargraves, and Community Center, Southern Community, North Forrest Hills, Burlington Park, Cedar Falls Park, Homestead Park, Umstead Park, housing playgrounds |
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Kiler Hamilton, 919-969-5152 Kiler’s expertise lies in the maintenance of the Town’s rights of way, downtown area, and arboriculture. Trusting Kiler with these responsibilities ensures that the Town’s public spaces are well-kept and visually appealing. Count on Kiler to keep your community looking its best.
Right of way maintenance: Pruning and cutbacks of vegetation that may interfere with vehicular, pedestrian, or bicycle traffic (e.g. sight line issues at intersections, town-maintained curbs, roadsides, streets, sidewalks, tree growth covering street light and signs) |
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Larry's unwavering commitment to excellence makes him the ideal candidate to oversee Turf and Landscape Management at the following locations. With a keen eye for detail and exceptional care, Larry ensures that the grounds are maintained to the highest standard. Town Parks: Homestead, Umstead, Southern Community, Cedar Falls, Hargraves, Ephesus |
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| Marcia Purvis, 919-968-2750 Principal Planner Marcia is committed to enhancing community sustainability through a multifaceted approach. This includes open space planning, engaging with the community, reviewing plans, and overseeing special projects like the Adopt-a-Park program. With her expertise and dedication, Marcia is uniquely positioned to drive positive change in the community. |
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| Adam Smith, 919-969-2723 Park Outreach Specialist Adam is a skilled expert in environmental stewardship, arboriculture, and tree care, providing project management and outreach program support for Parks and Recreation. His comprehensive approach and vast experience ensure maximum effectiveness and exceptional service. Partner with Adam to make a positive impact in these areas. |