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24 <br />VI. ISSUES FOR FURTHER STUDY <br />In addition to the findings and proposed master plan, the Committee would like to <br />suggest the following issues for further study and investigation: <br />^ Continued dialogue with NCDOT about pedestrian access and crossing on <br />NC 86, and also bike lane access from Chapel Hill and Hillsborough. <br />^ The future preservation and use of the farmstead, as discussed <br />^ Pedestrian and bike access to the park from the two nearby schools, <br />^ The potential for acquisition of adjoining properties to the southeast and <br />west (adding to the New Hope Basic Forest Natural Area and pedestrian <br />access at the intersection of NC 86 and New Hope Church Road). <br />^ Consider the purchase of easements or encourage protective stewardship <br />of the old Chapel Hill-Hillsborough roadbed beyond the farm (such as <br />Stagecoach Road and Camp New Hope). <br />VI. CONCLUSION <br />The New Hope Park at Blackwood Farm offers an excellent opportunity to create <br />a place that transcends conventional park and recreation facilities. The site offers <br />natural and cultural resources of many different types, covering nearly every <br />range of the spectrum of resources. <br />This master plan attempts to use and enhance the existing features of the site, <br />as directed in the guiding principles to the committee, to create a park experience <br />that is outside of the norm. It also does not over-design the site, recognizing that <br />in future years, when funding is available to construct and open the park, <br />flexibility may be needed to address new and different concepts and ideas that <br />have not yet been identified. <br />The Committee thanks the Board of Commissioners for the opportunity to create <br />a design for this beautiful and unique property, and looks forward to continued <br />dialogue and consideration of the master plan, culminating in the day when this <br />site can be made available for public use. <br />19 <br />