Agenda - 03-03-2011 - 7b - Laserfiche WebLink

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The proposed master plan was presented to the Board at an April 13, 2010 work session. The Board thanked the committee and provided the following feedback to staff: - The master plan is consistent with the vision and conceptual plan for this site - The map should be modified to show that the pine forest located in the northwest corner of the site could be used for active recreation, pending further approval; - The Board would like the site to be made available to the public for limited interim uses (prior to park construction) as long as there is adequate public safety; and there are safeguards for the buildings and other cultural resources on the property - The Board changed the working title of the site to "Future Blackwood Farm Park". Attachment 2 is a map that illustrates the master plan. The map was revised to incorporate the Board's interest in reserving the possibility of using the pine forest for active recreation, pending further discussion and approval by the Board. Attachment 3 is the recommended Master Plan, as presented to the Board in April 2010. No changes were requested other than changing the name to the "Future Blackwood Farm Park". Attachment 4 is a proposed plan for limited public use of the site prior to funds being available for construction and operation of the park facilities envisioned by the master plan. The interim use plan identifies "agritourism" activities that include community gardens, environmental and agricultural education programs, and other forms of low-impact recreation. All events and activities would be supervised by Orange County staff or its agents. Visitors would be warned of the possibility of hidden hazards on the property and signs would be posted to warn of obvious dangers (e.g., the pond) to ensure visitors understand the risks. Attachment 5 is a series of photos of the property, including the building stabilization that was completed in 2009-10 for the farmhouse, barn and other outbuildings. FINANCIAL IMPACT: There is no financial impact associated with adopting the master plan. Stewardship of the property is currently performed by DEAPR staff using existing resources. The proposed Interim Use Plan would involve allocating funds in future fiscal years for the community gardens project. As noted in the Interim Use attachment (Attachment 4), associated expenses are estimated to be approximately $36,600 in the initial year and $22,000 in subsequent years. No funds have been appropriated for construction of the planned facilities, and no formal cost estimates have been developed. The adopted FY 2009-19 CIP includes $4.8 million during the period 2013-2016 for facility construction, although a new 2012-2017 CIP is currently being prepared. Detailed construction drawings, site plan and other permit approvals, and bid documents would need to be prepared before construction could begin. Funds will also be needed for the future ongoing maintenance of the historic farm structures at this site. RECOMMENDATION(S): The Manager recommends that the Board adopt the proposed master plan for the Future Blackwood Farm Park, as modified by the Board. The Manager further recommends that the Board consider and provide direction on the draft Interim Use Plan, including activities and future funding, as specified, for opening the park on a limited basis during FY 2011-12.