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Attachment 4 2 6 <br />Future Blackwood Farm Park <br />Interim Use Plan <br />This proposal outlines a variety of activities and programs that would provide public access to the <br />future park at Blackwood Farm prior to there being funds available for construction of facilities <br />envisioned in the park master plan. These interim public uses would be specific events, scheduled for <br />specific times, and overseen by County staff or its agents. <br />Proposed uses include "agritourism" activities such as community gardens, agricultural and <br />environmental education programs, and other compatible forms of low-impact recreation. Visitors <br />would be warned of the possibility of hidden hazards on the property and signs would be posted to <br />warn of any obvious dangers such as the pond and the farm buildings. <br />Opening the site for these public uses, however limited, would increase the need for greater security of <br />County property-especially the historic farmhouse and outbuildings. Staff will explore installing a <br />security system to monitor unlawful entry. <br />Also discussed in this proposal are some Interim Management Actions that would be implemented <br />under the direction of Orange County staff. Contractors and others with technical knowledge would <br />advise and assist with these efforts. <br />Potential Interim Uses <br />EnvironmentaUNature/Agricultural Education Classes or Programs - A number and <br />variety of classes could be offered by County staff, seasonal staff or contractors at this site. Generally, <br />these programs would be set up to pay for themselves, as is the case with other like programs. The <br />programs could be geared toward gardeners, scout groups, specific school curriculum components, <br />families, or any specific target group. <br />Community Gardens -Considerable interest in community gardens was expressed during the <br />park master plan meetings by members of the committee. The proposed Master Plan includes an area <br />for community gardens in two different locations. Approximately two acres would be set aside in the <br />field south of the current driveway for this interim use. This area could support as many as fifty (50) <br />garden plots of 25 feet by 25 feet. To set up and operate a community garden program would require a <br />perimeter deer fence, a new well with water supply lines, staff and materials. A rough estimate start-up <br />budget is listed below. Recurring costs would not include the well and water lines, and would include <br />a reduced fencing figure to allow for repairs (approximately $22,000 per year). <br />Well and water lines: <br />Deer Fencing: <br />Seasonal staff: <br />Materials and supplies: <br />Contract Services (Port-a john) <br />Total: <br />$10,000 <br />$10,000 <br />$11,000 <br />$ 5,000 <br />$ 600 <br />$36,600 <br />(approximately 2 acres) <br />(seasonal staff ~ 36 weeks, ~24 hours per week) <br />(nutrients, tools, and hoses to loan) <br />Regional High School Cross-County Meets -Interest has been expressed by members of the <br />community in hosting as many as three regional or conference cross country running events at the <br />future park annually. The "meets" would be run by local school staff, with County personnel on hand <br />