Agenda - 06-02-1997 - 10a - Laserfiche WebLink

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Efland-Cheeks School Park 10 ' r _ The terrain of the park site ranges from 112 to 72 feet above sea level. The site is characterized as having gently rolling terrain throughout three quarters of the proposed park site There are defined, narrow drainage ways which are predominant in the northwestern portion of the park site. The drainage corridors collect surface run off from storms, general run off and underground springs. Ninety percent of the slopes are split equally between 0-5% and 5-10% grades. The steep slopes of 10% or greater are located in the southeastern portion of the site. The main concern however is that there is no mapping that shows the entire site. The analysis maps were assembled utilizing the information provided by the County and there is a concern regarding how the maps fit together. More detailed mapping will be required when the construction document portion of this project begins. PLANT HABITATS/VEGETATION The site offers a mosaic of vegetative communities dominated by mixed hardwoods, pine forest areas, minimal open areas, a utility easement and wooded drainage corridor areas. The site is 50% wooded and 35% open. The majority of the rest of the proposed site is covered with pavements and buildings. Moderate to steep sloped areas, continue to support some majestic old growth canopy trees. Wooded upland areas typically support mixed stands of red, white, and willow oak, red cedar, tulip, beech, sweetgum, and pine. Dogwood, redbud, ferns and a variety of vines are common in the under story. No special vegetation was observed that was in need of preservation. The development of the conceptual plans will further designate where the key development areas of the site will be. Additional reviews of the plant material will be done when the actual plan is identified. WILDLIFE The existing vegetative communities offer food, cover, and protection for many species of wildlife. In addition, the mosaic of cover types, including wooded areas, open areas, and drainage corridor areas, create many edges or ecotones. Ecotones are typically high in species' diversity. Resident wildlife likely tolerates human activity but it does not appear that there are many families living on the site. At best it appears that the wildlife that occupies the site are of the smaller nocturnal type of species particularly because of the maintained open areas and the utility easement, as well as the perimeter residential development and the evidence of trail activity throughout the park site. Species common to the area include squirrel, fox, rabbit and raccoon. The site is also expected to support opossum, skunk and field mice. In addition, the site also at times may become residence to a small deer population which appears to penetrate the site looking for food. DEVELOPABLE PROPERTY/SITE SUITABILITY The synopsis of the site analysis indicates that the park's property offers a variety of use opportunities. The site is highly usable for passive and light active recreation activities. Up to 80 % of the site would be available for this type of use. Massing of active recreation is restricted due to the amount of varied grades, slopes, and mature vegetation areas that are present. The Site Suitability Map indicates that 15% of the Woolpert Park Master Plan April 1997