KNIGHTDALE — Imagine Harper Park with an amphitheater, courtyards, flower boxes, more playground equipment that is handicapped assessible and a quarter mile trail meandering through it.

Those are just some of the features that are in the works.

The Old Town Advisory Committee uanimously approved a conceptual plan for renovating the town’s park off Main Street, said planner Jeff Triezenberg.

The plan was prepared by the Recreational Resources Department of N.C. State University and also includes a proposed improvement of open space with gardens, an open area under a tree canopy for additional seating during performances, and upgraded picnic shelters to accommodate large groups.

In addition, restrooms will be expanded, and a pedestrian path will connect to the sidewalk at the Knightdale Baptist Church parking lot for easier park access.

The most expensive item of the $300,000 plan is covering the stream bed that divides the park in half, said Parks and Recreation Director Tina Cheek.

This will not only allow for more park space, but comform to new stormwater regulations.

Cheek said if the price proves to be too high to cap the whole stream, she is considering proposing intermittent capping with portions or all of the area turned into rain gardens where water-loving plants would be planted and the water allowed to dissipate naturally.

The town will apply for grants from the Parks and Recreation Trust Fund, the Clean Water Management Trust Fund and programs that promote storm water control.

The money to match the grants will come from the Capital Improvement fund that council created last year, Cheek said.

The council has included $300,000 for park improvements in the CIP.

The plan for the park must be approved by the Town Council.

Contact Denise Sherman at 269-6101 or dsherman@nando.com.