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required by the year 2008. Mr. Stewart responded that the <br />3,000 acres was just the parkland which would be needed to <br />meet the minimum standards for the parks which would be <br />required. <br />Barry Jacobs, Planning Board Chair, explained that the <br />circles indicating possible park sites on the maps designate <br />general locations and not actual properties targeted for park <br />sites. As one involved in the process, he also noted that <br />North Carolina is 50th in per capita spending for parks and <br />with federal and state funding being cut, the County's <br />obligation for the provision of parks would be greater. He <br />stated that the opportunity to provide volunteer labor in <br />implementing the Master Park Plan would be seriously <br />considered. He indicated that several citizens had stated <br />during the planning process that they would rather offer <br />their time than see taxes increased. He noted that he felt <br />the most unique, natural area in the County, Occoneechee <br />Mountain had not been adequately addressed in the plan. <br />Another area, property already owned by the .County along <br />Seven Mile Creek and identified by consultants as a <br />significantly unusual area, could be designated as park land. <br />He stated that Pegge Abrams, Chaa.r of the Cheeks TAC, had <br />informed him that Cheeks residents were very much interested <br />in recreational facilities that provided picnic areas and tot <br />lots for children and desired to see walkway/greenway areas <br />and swimming pools. <br />Chair Marshall asked Mr. Stewart if the reports that <br />Corporation Lake may silt up completely have been considered. <br />Mr. Stewart responded that that report as well as others were <br />considered in the planning process. <br />Lorraine Parker, Chair of the Recreation and Parks Advisory <br />Council, expressed pride that the project was almost <br />completed. She stated that the purpose of the Master <br />Recreation and Parks Plan is to assess the current and future <br />recreation and park needs for Orange County citizens. Well <br />planned recreational activites and facilities have an impact <br />on the quality of life in a community by providing space for <br />the release of stress created by every day demands on people. <br />Also, a well planned system for recreation contributes to the <br />stabilization of a community, a neighborhood and a county. A <br />recreational system facilitates interaction of residents, <br />promotes community awareness and creates a sense of pride <br />among the residents. She continued that the Plan will guide <br />community leaders in the orderly and adequate provision of <br />leisure opportunities. She stated the Plan must be adopted, <br />not just accepted, and used in daily planning. It was <br />designed to become an element in the County's Comprehensive <br />Plan. It was written to be flexible but responsive to the <br />preservation and protection of the recreational needs of <br />Orange County cit~.zens. She reminded the Boards that the <br />recreation needs and demands are greater now than in 1974 <br />when a previous plan was written. She expressed the concern <br />that Orange County must have long-range goals in every area <br />of human services to provide for its citizens. <br />Richard Ward presented the steps in the process of the <br />creation of the Draft Plan beginning with the assembling of <br />