Agenda 08-14-2001 - 9c - Laserfiche WebLink

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Little River Park Advisory Committee Interim Report 811101 10 ' Horseback riding and mountain biking were also listed as potential uses on portions of the property that might accommodate those activities. Those purposes and potential uses were also stated in the applications for state grant funds that were awarded to Durham and Orange counties for land acquisition and were listed as possible uses in applying for park development funds from the Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF). LWCF awarded a total of $262,000 for park development and further land acquisition. A preliminary site plan that was included in the LWCF application is provided as Attachment F. With those parameters in mind, the Committee spent a considerable amount of time discussing the proposed uses of the park and the ability of the land to accommodate and sustain those uses. The Committee sought community input on what kinds of trails were desirable and should be established. The LRPAC also recognized the need for park policies and rules to manage those uses, and determined that the level of resources (i.e., staff and operating funds) afforded to the park would help determine the ability to manage the variety of uses that are envisioned. The Committee felt that while some uses could be allowed from the beginning, other uses might need to be phased in at a later date, as more resources become available. Some uses should not to be allowed at all. Other factors were considered by the Committee, such as the possible effects that particular uses might have on neighboring properties. Some of those issues will enter into consideration during the design phase of the park. Also discussed was the fact that some uses, such as horseback riding, are considered by many as a traditional use of the property and the surrounding lands. The Committee determined that some uses would be relatively easy for the property to accommodate without any substantial or long-term impact on the landscape and the native biota, and which could be attained with minimal management costs. Those include hiking trails, picnic areas, a playground, and open play areas in what is now field. The LWCF grant anticipated those uses and will provide funds necessary for the initial amenities for the park. Specifically, the grant budget identifies funds for the following facilities: • Park entrance signage and landscaping • Entrance road (gravel) to the rear portion of the meadow • Parking lot and walkways • Picnic shelter and restrooms • Playground • Play meadow • Hard surface trail (1/4 mile) with picnic sites (ADA accessible) • Trail improvements (bridges, culverts, water bars, etc.) Page 6 of 12