Durham Open Space and Trails Commission (DOST)

Advocating outdoor recreation opportunities for Durham residents since 1983


DOST website

Ganyard Hill Farm

DOST Committees

Development Review
Education
Finance
Matching Grants
Nominations
Open Space
Trails
Representatives to other organizations


Last-minute changes to the time and location of these committee meetings may be found on the City's Special Events and Meetings Calendar.
Development Review

The Development Review Committee studies and makes advisory comments on zoning map changes and site plans for the Development Review Board, City Council, and Board of County Commissioners regarding impacts to greenways and open space.

Committee Chair: Annette Montgomery
Members: Glenn Bowles, Dan Clever, Helen Youngblood (staff contact).

Meeting place; date; and time: Conference Room B Ground Floor City Hall, first Wednesday of the month, 5:00 pm; and Second Floor Committee Room City Hall, third Wednesday of the month, 6:00 - 7:00 pm.


Education

The Education Committee staffs a Commission booth at the Earth Day Festival in April, the Eno River Festival in July, and CenterFest in September to inform the public about open space and trails programs, provide maps, and encourage community involvement. In addition, the Education Committee writes and edits the semiannual DOST Newsletter.

Committee Chair: (Chuck Eilber)
Members: Lisa Buckley, John Goebel, Will Wilson, Helen Youngblood (staff contact)

Meeting place; date; and time: Second Floor Committee Room City Hall, third Wednesday of the month, 6:30 - 7:00 pm.


Finance

The Finance Committee makes recommendations to the DOST Commission for consideration by the elected officials (with staff assistance fom the Department of Parks and Recreation and the County Engineering Department, Division of Open Space and Real Estate, City Planning) on the ongoing budget and long-range spending priorities for greenways and open space bond funds and impact fees.

Committee Chair: Deborah Morgan
Members: Glenn Bowles, Bo Glenn, Annette Montgomery, Ellen Reckhow, Tom Stark

Meeting place; date; and time: Conference room next to Board of Commissioners chambers, Second Floor Courthouse, meets quarterly or as-needed.


Matching Grants

Now for nearly twenty years, the Matching Grants Program continues to provide grants to community non-profit organizations for open space and recreation projects throughout the County. Durham County contributes an annual allocation of $85,000 to support the Program. During the life of this Program, the County's investment of $1,031,337 has leveraged over $1.8 million in monetary and in-kind contributions.

Committee Chair: Annette Montgomery
Members: Ellen Reckhow

Meeting place; date; and time: Ad-hoc during Matching Grant Program cycle.


Nominations

The Nominations Committee makes recommendations for vacant positions on the DOST Board.

Committee Chair: Kelly Bryant
Members: Dan Clever

Meeting place; date; and time: Ad-hoc.


Open Space

The Open Space Committee makes recommendations to the Planning Department, and the County Division of Open Space and Real Estate on priorities for open space preservation.

Committee Chair: Josie Owen
Members: Glenn Bowles, Bo Glenn, Deborah Morgan, Ellen Reckhow, LaDawnna Summers, Will Wilson, Jane Korest and Helen Youngblood (staff liaisons).

Meeting place; date; and time: Conference Room B Ground Floor City Hall; Fourth Thursday of the month; 5:30 pm.


Trails

The Trails Committee makes recommendations to the Parks and Recreation and Planning Departments on trails and greenways development priorities, new trails and greenways routes, and proposals prepared by design consultants.

Committee Chair: Kelly Bryant
Members: Toby Berla, Glenn Bowles, Dan Clever, John Goebel, Deborah Morgan, Josie Owen, Charlie Welch, Greg Schuster (staff contact)

Meeting place; date; and time: Conference Room B Ground Floor City Hall; Second Tuesday of the month; 7:00 pm.


Representatives to other organizations

  • Bike/Pedestrian Advisory Commission:   Toby Berla, Dan Clever
  • Ellerbe Creek Watershed Association:   (vacant)
  • Farmland Protection Board:   Bo Glenn
  • Friends of West Point:   Josie Owen
  • New Hope Creek Corridor Advisory Committee:   Glenn Bowles, John Goebel, Charlie Welch
  • Planning Commission:   George Brine, LaDawnna Summers
  • Recreation Advisory Commission:   Deborah Morgan
  • Special Transportation Advisory Commission:   Bo Glenn