Agenda - 11-27-1995 - C-1-b - Laserfiche WebLink

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Plan. Not only were existing recreation facilities throughout the county surveyed, but projected land requirements were identified for an adequate parks system. Recreation or park sites, particularly in rural areas, bridge the gap between natural and cultural resources. They not only provide natural settings but serve as centers of community activity. Two types of park facilities were recommended to serve this dual purpose: community parks and district parks. Each of these facilities is described below: • Community Park: A community park may serve a single neighborhood or several neighborhoods, depending upon the local needs and population distribution. A community park has an average service radius of one to two miles and requires a minimum of 2.5 acres per 1,000 population. Such parks could be developed adjacent to an elementary or middle school, and provide recreational opportunities for the entire family, including areas suited for intense recreation such as athletic fields, swimming, and tennis. Areas of natural quality could also be included for viewing, sitting, and picnicking. A water body is a component typically found in a community park. • District Park: A district park provides diverse recreational opportunities on a much larger scale. A district park should be within a one-half hour driving time and contain a minimum of 2.5 acres per 1,000 population served when planned in conjunction with a school. If planned separately, 5.0 acres per 1,000 population served should be provided. A major difference between a district park and a community park is the district park should have an indoor recreation building or interpretive center, depending on the type of facility planned . There are four district parks (75 acres/161/6 active recreation) and four community parks (25 acres/48% active recreation) proposed in the Master Recreation and Parks Plan. The location of these facilities is shown on the Recreation Sites Map. Scenic Roads A drive in an automobile along the rural roads of Orange County will convey to the traveler an appreciation of the countyts rich agricultural heritage and natural scenic beauty.However,the character of many roads will-change as development pressures require the paving or widening of roads to accommodate increased traffic.Additionally,the view from the road will change as fields once used for pasture and crops become dotted with rural subdivisions. In 1988, the Transportation Advisory Subcommittee (TAS) of the Planning Board initiated work on preparation of a Transportation Element for the county's Comprehensive Plan. As part of its efforts,the TAS evaluated the possibility of a voluntary scenic roads program and participated in a field trip to identify criteria for designating scenic roads in the county. In August, 1992, the TAS surveyed two areas, Davis Road south of Hillsborough, and a large agricultural district in Bingham Township. Numerous stops were made along each route, and TAS members were asked to identify and photograph features that they believed contributed to the scenic quality of the routes. From the results of the field trip, the TAS identified six categories of features which in combination, contributed to the scenic value of route.These categories included