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~3 <br />^ The proposed entry road to the park is sited at the northeastern portion <br />of the park, in proximity to the planned Parks Operation Base and an <br />improved line of sight for traffic. <br />^ The proposed amphitheatre (defined here as a "covered performance <br />shell with surrounding grassy seating") would be an important park <br />amenity and should be constructed in one of the three locations <br />identified on the master plan, pending further assessment. A report on a <br />recommended location for this facility would be forthcoming, using the <br />2007 Cool Jazz festival as a barometer. Staff will also test the decibel <br />level for I-40 traffic noise at the three spots, and looking at orientation <br />toward the sun and handicap-accessibility. <br />^ The primary parking for the park would be located off of a roundabout <br />near the Parks Operation Base, and run north-south along the edge of <br />the northeastern farm field. A future connection to the proposed service <br />-road would be available for special. events or as needed. One spur from <br />the roundabout would run north to a second parking area north of the <br />pond and the north-central field. <br />^ It is recommended that the northeastern field (south of the roundabout) <br />be dedicated for use as a community garden, the details of which will <br />need to be addressed in the future. <br />^ Orange County currently has no education or nature centers. With much <br />potential for education at this park; the Committee felt that this would be <br />a good location for a Learning Center (i.e.; educational facility). The <br />proposed Learning Center would be located near the pond and <br />wetlands, and also have an adjoining playground. The Learning Center <br />is envisioned as a structure that could include hands-on exhibits about <br />farm life, environmental education, energy use, historic resources, and a <br />variety of other activities, with an indoor and outdoor classrooms and <br />perhaps an office. <br />^ An informal multi-purpose field would be provided for in the westernmost <br />part of the site, along I-40. This field would be open for a variety of uses. <br />^ Pedestrian access is very important within the park. Some of the <br />proposed activity centers require a substantial walk, necessitating <br />careful planning of the trail network. The planned trails are primarily <br />natural surface and connect the different components of the park or loop <br />certain features (such as the pond or vista). Signage (interpretive and <br />other) is suggested to make the trails a learning experience as well as <br />recreational. The trail network should serve to discourage unnecessary <br />driving within the site. External access (NC 86 pedestrian and bike <br />access) is a concern and will need to be addressed with NCDOT, which <br />has to date. expressed concerns about any pedestrian access across NC <br />86. Also, bike lanes approaching the park would critical to encourage <br />non-vehicular connectivity opportunities envisioned by the County. <br />^ The potential for a mountain bike trail within the northwestern forested <br />area is recommended for further exploration. There is also substantial <br />16 <br />