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22 <br />has to date expressed concerns about any pedestrian access across NC <br />86. Also, bike lanes approaching the park would critical to encourage <br />non-vehicular connectivity opportunities envisioned by the County. , <br />^ The potential for a mountain bike trail within the northwestern forested <br />area is recommended for further exploration. There is also substantial <br />road bicycle traffic along New Hope Church Road and this park would be <br />an inviting destination and/or opportunity for a comfort stop. <br />^ In the cases of amphitheatre events or special activities, the parking <br />areas are located in a fashion that allows for overflow parking and a <br />secondary exit point along the narrow existing driveway. <br />^ There is an existing small orchard of fruit trees north of the farmstead. <br />This is proposed to be enhanced, perhaps working in conjunction with <br />the Cooperative Extension Service Master Gardeners program. <br />^ The agricultural heritage component of the park, whether exhibits, <br />community gardens or demonstration fields, should educate about all <br />agricultural heritage (pre-European, African-American). <br />^ Partnership with the schools (both those nearby and with others in the <br />County) is important to help make the educational possibilities happen. <br />^ The agricultural demonstration area offers an opportunity to display <br />historic farm techniques and technology (such as draft horses and <br />mules) and possibly to grow heirloom crops. <br />^ The beauty of the scenic vista from New Hope Church Road is an <br />amenity unto itself, and an informal pull-off has been used for years by <br />citizens to pause and enjoy the view. The proposed overlook has been <br />designed in conjunction with NCDOT standards, the topography, and <br />proximity to a nearby picnic shelter with restrooms. This overlook could <br />be used by the public, and also by public safety vehicles as a way <br />station for communication and on-road paperwork. This could help <br />address security at this point of the park, which is removed from most of <br />the activity centers. The vista would be protected by siting the entrance <br />as far west as possible (given the terrain). A bike rack would also be a <br />good amenity to have at this spot, given the frequent bike traffic along <br />New Hope Church Road. Care in design will be needed for these <br />reasons. <br />^ A small cemetery, with primarily unmarked graves, is located southwest <br />from the farmstead in the woods. This may be a slave cemetery, based <br />on preliminary archaeological study. The committee recommends this <br />17 <br />