News Digest for Town of Carrboro, NC 

(May 29, 2025) 

So long, May! Summertime is nearly here, and our parks are ready for play! We enjoyed celebrating park improvements with community including the pump track at Martin Luther King Jr. Park and a new playground for Baldwin Park. This Friday, Carrboro is planning another fantastic Freight Train Blues Concert featuring Dedicated Men of Zion & Faith & Harmony. On Saturday, you're invited to Ride into Pride - Queer Ride Carrboro sets out at 7 p.m.  from Town Commons. Did you know that the Town of Carrboro is a 4th Amendment Workplace? Learn more in this issue! 

Celebrate Baldwin Park’s New Playground

Friday, May 23 was filled with big smiles and lots of laughter at Baldwin Park! It was a lovely morning for a ribbon cutting for the brand-new playground — a vibrant, inclusive space for kids of all ages to explore, play and grow. 

While children enjoyed running, jumping and spinning around the park, we enjoyed the remarks and company of Mayor Barbara Foushee, Recreation, Parks and Cultural Resources Director JG Ferguson, Council Member Jason Merrill and Town Manager Patrice Toney.  

Come check the new playground equipment, and let us know what you think!

Ribbon Cutting Alert:

MLK Park has a new pump track!

Mayor Barbara Foushee, Mayor Pro Tem Danny Nowell, Council Member Jason Merrill, Council Member Cristóbal Palmer and Town Manager Patrice Toney helped unveil the new and improved Pump Track at MLK Park on Friday, May 23. Thanks to the expert work of Nature Trails, the upgraded track now features improved drainage, a redesigned layout, and color-coded circuits for riders of all levels! 

Built with recycled materials from Carrboro Public Works, the 16,000-sq-ft space is perfect for riders of all ages to build confidence, learn new skills, and pump through the track with ease. Plus, a beautiful new rain garden with native pollinators adds to the sustainability of this project. 

Whether you're a first-timer or a seasoned rider, come check it out — and don’t forget to share the space and the fun!

Join us Friday for Freight Train Blues

Enjoy Dedicated Men of Zion & Faith & Harmony at this week’s Freight Train Blues Concert, Friday, May 30, 2025.  The concert starts at 6:30 p.m. at the Carrboro Town Commons, 301 W. Main Street. Bring your picnic, lawn chairs and blankets for a free evening of free live music on the lawn. Beer and food will be available for purchase at the events. 

The series is a collaboration among Music Maker Foundation; the Town of Carrboro, WUNC 91.5 FM, and The Forests at Duke.

Public parking  is available and free in downtown Carrboro. 

Learn more about the  2025 Freight Train Blues Concert Series.

Memorial Day Services in Orange County 

Orange County honored the sacrifices of America’s servicemen and women during the annual Veterans Memorial Day Service on Monday, May 26. #2025memorialday

Bike Month in Carrboro

A huge thanks to everyone who participated in bike events this month. We enjoyed Walking & Rolling to School and Work, learning how to put a bike on a Tarheel Transit Bus, snacking on biscuits and coffee at the Bike Breakfast, and seeing everyone out on their bikes this month!

There are still some great Bike Month events coming up this week! They are the perfect opportunity to experience the joys and health benefits of biking, to get outside during the spring season, and to see and experience the community at a different scale and pace.

• Ride into Pride - Queer Ride Carrboro - Saturday, May 31 at 7 p.m.  starting at Carrboro Town Commons, 301 W. Main St.

Learn more about Bike Month and all the exciting events rolling your way!

4th Amendment Workplace

Proclamation issued by Town Council

The Town Council proclaimed the Town of Carrboro a 4th Amendment Workplace at its meeting on May 20, 2025. The proclamation is an effort to ensure respect for the Constitution and discourage federal overreach into local communities.

The 4th Amendment to the Constitution of the United States reads in full: “The right of the people to be secure in their persons, houses, papers, and effects, against unreasonable searches and seizures, shall not be violated, and no Warrants shall issue, but upon probable cause, supported by Oath or affirmation, and particularly describing the place to be searched, and the persons or things to be seized.” 

Executive Branch law enforcement agencies including Immigration & Customs Enforcement, have recently engaged in a pattern of unconstitutional, warrantless workplace searches, which have disrupted small businesses and local communities in many states.  The Town of Carrboro can serve as an example of how local governments can advocate for the rights of all local taxpayers and discourage the overreach of Article II agencies in our communities. 

Dozens of workplaces have joined an effort by Siembra NC’s “Make NC Work” project to become 4th Amendment Workplaces that train their staff to defend the 4th Amendment rights of employers, staff and patrons.

Learn more about the 4th Amendment Workplace Proclamation.

Town Council Update

The Town Council is scheduled to meet at 6 p.m. Tuesday, June 3.  

The Town Council meets at Carrboro Town Hall, 301 W. Main St. Members of the public are welcome to attend in person or can view the livestream.

• The agenda for this meeting is available  online
• Watch the meeting live on  YouTube. 

Past Meeting Recap 

The Carrboro Town Council met on Tuesday, May 20 and took the following actions:

• Heard proclamations for Heat Awareness Week, Memorial Day, and the 4th Amendment Workplace. 
• Adopted the 2025 Eno-Haw Regional Hazard Mitigation Plan 
• Held Public Hearing on Town Manager’s Recommended Budget for FY 2026
• Approved the naming of Laurel Avenue as Honorary Strayhorn Drive
• Received a Presentation on Parking Count Updates 

Watch the livestream on  YouTube .

Learn more by reading the full Town Council Update.

Save the Date: Local Government Career Expo

Join us at The Friday Conference Center, 100 Friday Center Drive, Chapel Hill, NC on Saturday, June 7 from 1-4 p.m. for the LOGO Career Expo.

The LOGO Career Expo is an event where job seekers can connect directly with local government employers to learn abut job opportunities across a broad range of careers.

Learn about the benefits of working in local government, talk to subject matter experts and HR professionals about career path options and more!

Learn more about the LOGO Career Expo

New Parking Signage for Carrboro

The Town of Carrboro is installing new wayfinding signage in the downtown area and in public parking lots. 

The wayfinding signage program was initiated by the Carrboro Tourism Development Authority in 2018 with design work, and the project was delayed due to the COVID-19 Pandemic. The wayfinding signage is funded by the Carrboro Tourism Development Authority with support from Orange County. 

A Town contractor as well as Carrboro Public Works staff are installing the signage. The wayfinding signage will make it easier for visitors to find and identify free public parking in Downtown Carrboro. Additional signage may be added in the future for other landmarks in downtown pending financing.

Learn more about parking in Carrboro at https://www.carrboronc.gov/2774/Downtown-Parking

Apply today for Camp Ignite

We are less than 3 weeks away from Camp Ignite Chapel Hill, so APPLY NOW!

If you are a female Orange County student who is looking for an unforgettable experience and wants to spend a week doing exciting, hands-on firefighting activities, sign up online for our FREE camp.

Camp  Ignite runs June 16-19, 2025 with support from Chapel Hill-Carrboro City Schools, Chapel Hill Fire Department and Carrboro Fire-Rescue.

Orange County Heat Awareness Week

Extreme heat is the number one weather-related cause of death in the U.S. It kills more people than hurricanes, floods and tornadoes combined. Extreme heat poses a threat to human health in Orange County, especially to residents who are at increased risk for heat related illnesses, people who work outdoors, the unhoused population and those who live in homes without adequate air conditioning or insulation or who cannot afford high electricity bills during heat waves. Heat-related illnesses are preventable, but it is important to know the risks and how to stay safe.

At the May 20 Town Council meeting, Mayor Foushee will proclaim May 25-31, 2024 Heat Awareness Week in Carrboro, echoing similar proclamations being made by Orange County, Hillsborough and Chapel Hill. This week will also kick off the Orange County “Beat the Heat” campaign to encourage our community to prepare for high summer temperatures and the significant health risks residents and workers experience during hot weather. 

To learn how to beat the heat this summer, visit https://www.orangecountync.gov/3404/Hot-Weather-Resources or follow Orange CountyNCGov on Facebook. 

OWASA announces public hearing on 
proposed budget and rate increase 

OWASA’s proposed fiscal year 2026 budget includes critical investments in our community’s infrastructure, including: 

• A treatment facility to reduce PFAS compounds in drinking water 
• A new clearwell to ensure complete disinfection of the community’s drinking water 

Members of the public can attend the hearing in person or observe online. Please submit written comments to the Clerk to the Board at mjohnson@owasa.org.  

Carrboro Orgullo Pride Celebration 

News Flash!  The Carrboro Pride Dance Party has merged with Orgullo Latinx! We are so excited to join with El Centro Hispano in putting on a very special event with new energy and joyful creativity! See you in Carrboro on Saturday, June 14! 

PLEASE NOTE -- The Carrboro Pride Dance Party will not be held on the previously announced date. Instead, the Carrboro Orgullo Pride Celebration is now the new energy and joyful creativity for Pride in Carrboro! See you in Carrboro on Saturday, June 14! 

Check out all the Pride Month events coming up throughout the Chapel Hill and Carrboro community at https://www.carrboronc.gov/2706/Pride-Month

Carrboro and Chapel Hill

to Celebrate Juneteenth

The Chapel Hill -Carrboro Juneteenth Festival will be held on Thursday, June 19 from 4 to 8 p.m. at Carrboro Town Commons, 301 W. Main St. 

Hosted by the towns of Carrboro and Chapel Hill, along with numerous community partners, the Juneteenth festival celebrates Black culture and community with music, art, food, and history.  Learn more about  parking for the event.

Juneteenth is the oldest national commemoration of the emancipation of enslaved African Americans in the United States. Learn more about Juneteenth in Carrboro.

Black artisans and Black-owned businesses will offer everything from handmade jewelry and figurines, healthcare and other services. Black-owned food trucks and businesses will provide a variety of food and drink. Featured will be a Kids Zone, music and dance, a puppet show and the Bouncing Bulldogs. Exhibits will feature local Black history and culture.

Apply Now: 2025 Carrboro Music Festival Performer Application Open

 Attention all musicians! The Town of Carrboro is now accepting online applications for the 2025 Carrboro Music Festival. The application deadline for submissions is Saturday, May 31, 2025. 

The Carrboro Music Festival will be held on Sunday, Sept. 28 and is a celebration of local musicians throughout Carrboro, Chapel Hill and Orange County.  The festival also includes performers from surrounding counties located between the Triangle and Triad regions of the state. 

• For more information, visit: https://www.carrboronc.gov/311/Carrboro-Music-Festival
• Apply now: https://www.carrboronc.gov/321/Application---Performers

Check out our Monthly Events Newsletter to discover all the exciting programs and special events that are coming up!  

Please note that our Summer Brochure will be released in mid-April. Registration for our Summer programs begins on May 7 for Carrboro residents, and May 8 for all others. 

2025 Summer Recreation, Parks and Cultural Resources Program Guide 

The Carrboro Recreation, Parks, & Cultural Resources Department’s Summer program brochure is now available! This includes registration for 2025 Fall athletic leagues and 2025 summer camps.

Registration for Carrboro Residents begins on Wednesday, May 7 at 8:30 a.m. and registration for all other participants begins on Thursday, May 8.

Learn more about the Program Guide and How to Register.

Public parking available in downtown Carrboro

It’s easy to find free two-hour public parking in Carrboro, where you can access convenient parking at 11 public lots all over town.

Please remember that the Carr Mill Mall parking area is for mall customers and is not a public parking lot. Leaving the mall premises after parking risks towing. When in doubt, always park in public lots, and enjoy a hassle-free and relaxed shopping and dining experience.

Find more information including an interactive parking map on our Downtown Parking webpage.