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19 <br />V. Recommended Master Plan and Rationale <br />In its deliberations about the master plan for the park, the Committee discussed a <br />wide range of possible uses and activities. This future park is in a unique central <br />location between our largest population centers in Orange County. This makes it <br />a key destination and resource for many Orange County residents by foot, bike, <br />auto and transit. As a unique site, this discussion required considerable definition <br />of terms and explanation of potential uses that go beyond the typical park master <br />plan list of facilities. The nature of the discussions required some degree of <br />consideration of the eventual themes and uses of the park. This master plan was <br />also unique in another way - in that this is a plan for a park that does not have <br />current funding for construction. <br />The Master Plan Committee proposes the following as "givens" -facilities or <br />themes that are understood or cross many different topics and facility <br />discussions: <br />"Givens" <br />1. The park should retain and rehabilitate the historic farmstead buildings <br />as a key component of the park. <br />2. Natural resources, including streams and buffer areas should be <br />preserved within the site, as shown in the plan. <br />3. The future park entrance road and future Parks Operation Base should <br />be located in the northeast corner of the site, both for ease of access <br />and to provide visual and physical separation from the scenic vista and <br />farmstead. Future road connections to the north and south are also <br />provided for in the design. <br />4. The existing driveway on NC 86 is constructed on a narrow causeway <br />from fill material and has line of sight concerns. This driveway is <br />proposed for use as a service entrance only (except for special <br />occasions as a secondary exit). <br />5. To the extent possible, the historic Chapel Hill-Hillsborough Road should <br />be left undisturbed, with signage to denote its location and where trails <br />and other amenities cross the road or are nearby. <br />6. The scenic vista between New Hope Church Road and the farmstead <br />should be retained and kept in some type of agricultural use that reflects <br />the scenic nature of the viewshed and site. <br />7. The natural area in the southwest corner of the site should be protected <br />and left in its current state, with a loop trail around the site. <br />8. Some portions of the site should be left available for as yet <br />undetermined future uses, as other opportunities and facilities become <br />desired in the future. <br />9. Pedestrian access among the different nodes of activity on the site <br />should be provided by connecting trails and loop trails. <br />10. Picnic tables, benches and small open spaces should be interspersed at <br />strategic locations across the site. <br />14 <br />