Agenda - 05-20-2008-11 - Laserfiche WebLink

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a~ road bicycle traffic along New Hope Church Road and this park would be an inviting destination and/or opportunity for a comfort stop. ^ In the cases of amphitheatre events or special activities, the parking areas are located in a fashion that allows for overflow parking and a secondary exit point along the narrow existing driveway. ^ There is an existing small orchard of fruit trees north of the farmstead. This is proposed to be enhanced, perhaps working in conjunction with the Cooperative Extension Service Master Gardeners program. ^ The agricultural heritage component of the park, whether exhibits, community gardens or demonstration fields, should educate about all agricultural heritage (pre-European, African-American). ^ Partnership with the schools (both those nearby and with others in the County) is important to help make the educational possibilities happen. ^ The agricultural demonstration area offers an opportunity to display historic farm techniques and technology (such as draft horses and mules) and possibly to grow heirloom crops. ^ The beauty of the scenic vista from New.Hope Church Road is an amenity unto itself, and an informal pull-off has been. used for years by citizens to pause and enjoy the view. The proposed overlook has been designed in conjunction with NCDOT standards, the topography, and proximity to a nearby picnic shelter with restrooms. This overlook could be used by the public, and also by public safety vehicles as a way station for communication and on-road paperwork. This could help address security at this point of the park, which is removed from most of the activity centers. The vista would be protected by siting the entrance as far west as possible (given the terrain). A bike rack would also be a good amenity to have at this spot, given the frequent bike traffic along New Hope Church Road. Care in design will be needed for these reasons. ^ A small cemetery, with primarily unmarked graves, is located southwest from the farmstead in the woods. This may be a slave cemetery, based on preliminary archaeological study. The committee recommends this the cemetery be preserved, researched and have signage to display its significance in a respectful manner. The Farmstead Buildings As previously noted, substantial work is underway to stabilize and secure the existing farmstead buildings -and substantial further work will be required to use the buildings as part of the park. The Committee considered the role of the farmstead within the park -whether the complex was seen as a group of buildings to be preserved and experienced as external exhibits or whether they should be utilized as part of the park facilities. 17