Orange County NC Website
Hollow Rock Access Area Master Plan <br />V. Findings <br />13 <br />September 2009 <br />The Committee came to consensus on several basic findings that framed the creation <br />of the draft master plan. <br />1. The park design should be in keeping with the original recommendations of the <br />New Hope Creek Corridor Master Plan, the interlocal agreement, the various <br />conservation easements, and the recommendations from the cultural and <br />archaeological survey. <br />2. The uses and facilities need to be kept at a minimum and implemented using <br />sustainable design principles to promote a natural recreational experience and <br />have minimal impact on the natural and historic setting. <br />3. The meadow should remain open with no trees or permanent structures, and <br />should be used for only for activities that are in keeping with the natural and <br />cultural history of the site (e.g., informal play space, picnics, special events). <br />4. The cultural and archaeological survey provided information about the local <br />history and significant archaeological resources found on the property. It may <br />be prudent to conduct additional survey work prior to park construction. <br />5. The 2.6 acres owned by Triangle Land Conservancy (TLC) should be <br />incorporated into the park. The land is more important than the house (ca. <br />1920), although recent improvements to the house might make it viable (if <br />desired) for a caretaker residence, exhibit space, or other uses. The existing <br />TLC shed could be used right away for sheltered picnic and educational uses. <br />6. The proposed new entrance from Erwin Road would require the relocation of <br />the existing entrance used by the Fisher and TLC residences. The Fishers and <br />TLC agree with the proposed relocation as long as they retain use of the new <br />entrance and adequate measures are taken for their privacy and security. <br />7. A recombination of existing parcel boundaries (west side of Pickett Road) might <br />benefit all parties, although such actions may require amendments to existing <br />conservation easements held by the State of North Carolina. <br />8. Future trails within the park should link with other Orange and Durham county <br />open space lands (New Hope Preserve) to the south and with existing Duke <br />Forest trails to the north. The only sanctioned trail link to Duke Forest should <br />be along New Hope Creek under the Erwin Road Bridge. <br />9. Future trails within the park should link with the Solterra subdivision located to <br />the northeast and eventually to the undeveloped property (and Randolph Road) <br />to the east, consistent with some future agreement with the owners of those <br />properties. <br />10 <br />