Calendar

May 2 Meeting to Provide Updates on Construction and Community Benefits  

The purpose of the meeting is to provide updates on the South Ellerbe Restoration Project. Construction of Phase II, which is site demolition and soil removal, is currently underway. Phase III, which is the wetland and stream restoration construction, will follow in 2023 and is scheduled to last between 12 and 18 months. Once completed, this site will be transformed into a space that will benefit the community and the environment by increasing green space, improving water quality and improving aquatic life in South Ellerbe Creek and Falls Lake.

Information Session Details:

• The outdoor session will be held Monday, May 2 from 4 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. at the Durham Central Park Pavilion, located at 501 Foster St. 
• The session is open-house style, allowing residents to stop by any time during those hours to meet with the construction project and artist teams. 

Project Details

“The stream and wetland combination will provide a natural system for reducing and removing pollutants while also serving as a habitat for wildlife and pollinators,” said Sandra Wilbur, project manager with the Stormwater & GIS Services Division of the City of Durham Public Works Department. “In addition to the ecological benefits, the site will be a great place for residents, families, and visitors to come by and enjoy nature.” 

The artist team commissioned by the City of Durham Cultural and Public Art Program will also be at the session to discuss the public artwork that will be displayed at the South Ellerbe Restoration project site. A survey is now available for members of the Durham community to give their input on the styles, themes, and methods that will be used for this artwork.

For additional information on the project and other updates, visit the South Ellerbe Restoration webpage or contact Wilbur at (919) 560-4326, ext. 30286 or by email. Persons who require assistance to attend should contact (919) 560-4197 or send an email no later than 48 hours before the meeting.

About the Public Works Department Stormwater and GIS Services Division

The Stormwater and GIS Services Division with the City of Durham Public Works Department is guided by the City’s Strategic Plan goals of sustainable natural, and built environment and innovative and high-performing organization. Activities include storm drainage design and plans review; inspecting and maintaining City-owned drainage systems; enforcing stormwater ordinances and regulations; education and outreach; stream monitoring, restoration, and watershed master planning; maintaining multiple layers of the City’s geographic information; and stormwater billing. To learn more, visit the division’s webpage and follow on Facebook and Twitter.

About the Cultural and Public Art Program  

The City of Durham Cultural and Public Art Program works to invest and create public art experiences – both downtown and in neighborhoods – that illuminate residents’ history, spark reflection and dialogue, and enhance daily life. Under the Arts, Culture, and Sustainable Communities Division within the General Services Department, the Program manages festivals and special events funding, the City’s public art collection, and two public advisory bodies: the Durham Cultural Advisory Board and the Public Art Committee, which serve the City Council and the City Manager on matters related to the development of cultural assets and public art. Artists and other stakeholders who would like to be notified of current and future art-related opportunities and news can now sign up for alerts through the Cultural and Public Arts Calls for Art mailing list.