As part of the lease agreement between Wake Stone and the Raleigh-Durham Airport Authority (RDUAA), Wake Stone offered to lease 151 additional acres of RDU property to immediately provide an authorized network of “single track” mountain biking trails near the proposed quarry expansion. The terms of the lease commit Wake Stone to paying $3.6 million to the airport over ten years towards the bike park, with a third party taking over management of the facility. This park is now open and is being managed by Wake County as part of the Lake Crabtree County Park. Wake Stone’s vision of the future expansion of this park system to include the reclaimed quarries and many additional amenities will depend on future cooperation with RDUAA, Wake County, and Umstead State Park. However, the county bike park is open now, and Wake Stone has already made multiple $360,000 payments towards the $3.6-million commitment, despite delays in moving forward with the quarry expansion.
For more information, including trail maps and weather closures, click here:
TRIANGLE TRAIL CENTER: VISION
The Triangle Trail Center is an exciting vision for what this vast recreational district in Wake County can become, supporting an excellent quality of life and encouraging healthy lifestyles.
Under the proposed vision, Umstead State Park will be enhanced and protected. Mountain bikers will have a premier site to use where they won’t be trespassing. The Triangle Trail Center will provide greenway connectivity and complement the 50+ miles of existing trails in neighboring Umstead and Lake Crabtree Parks. New outdoor-focused development including retail, brewpubs and hospitality will make this urban trail center a destination for local recreationists and visitors alike.
The conceptual master plan can help you envision the significant recreational possibilities post-reclamation. Retired quarries around the world provide vast recreational opportunities and have served as an inspiration for the Triangle Trail Center.
URBAN TRAIL DESTINATION
Activation of the mining lease between Wake Stone Corporation and Raleigh-Durham Airport facilitated the Wake County lease with RDUAA to immediately provide recreational benefits of the 151-acre mountain bike park commonly referred to as 286. Wake Stone will continue to make annual payments of $360,000 towards this bike park lease until fulfilling the commitment of $3.6 million. After mining ceases in approximately 25 years, the larger vision for the Triangle Trail Center and its many community benefits can be realized.
BACKGROUND
After a competitive bid process and more than a year of stakeholder engagement, Raleigh-Durham International Airport (RDU) and Wake Stone Corporation entered into a land-lease agreement for 105-acres of Airport land adjacent to the existing Wake Stone Triangle Quarry. With the Triangle region’s growing population comes a greater demand for airport and recreational facilities. This agreement is a win-win for the environmental, recreational, and economic future of the Triangle region. For updates on the Wake Stone Corporation Triangle Quarry Expansion, click here.
MAINTAINING A THRIVING AIRPORT
$24 Million+ Revenue
Under the current mineral lease agreement, RDU will be better able to meet our region’s growing travel and economic needs. The deal will provide a significant revenue stream to one of our region’s greatest assets, Raleigh-Durham International Airport. Wake Stone Corporation will lease the 105-acres for the expansion of the existing Triangle Quarry, providing at least $24 million to support RDU Airport’s mounting infrastructure needs and future growth plans.
MAXIMIZING RECREATIONAL AMENITIES
151-Acre Mountain Biking Center
Thanks to the agreement, citizens now have an official site for mountain biking where they won’t be trespassing and breaking the law. The deal provides millions of dollars to help fund the lease of the 151-acre Airport property commonly known as “286” to support a dedicated destination for the community to enjoy mountain biking in the Triangle. This provides the opportunity for a premier network of singletrack off-road cycling trails with varied terrains for riders with a wide range of skill levels.
326-Acre Triangle Trail Center
After mining is complete, Wake Stone has committed millions of dollars more to reclaim the Triangle Quarry and RDU properties, adding recreational features for the benefit of the community. The proposed reclamation plan would transform the quarry into a 326-acre recreational destination, complementing and enhancing the neighboring Umstead State Park and Lake Crabtree County Park. Features could include green space, scenic overlooks, greenway connectivity and a network of hiking and biking trails with supporting outdoor-focused businesses like shops, restaurants, and hotels.
