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6 <br /> teams with special background and experience in historic preservation and <br /> restoration of comparable structures. This is a significant historic property that is <br /> eligible for listing on the National Register of Historic Places. <br /> Planning and design work will take place in early-mid 2018, with actual <br /> restoration work planned for late 2018/early 2019. All work on the house will be <br /> carefully coordinated with the proposed site work and facility improvements <br /> elsewhere in the park. <br /> 5. Nature/Learning Center <br /> The master plan for Blackwood Farm Park has, from the beginning, envisioned a <br /> "Learning Center" or "Nature Center" where nature programs could be held and <br /> exhibits displayed. <br /> However, the scope and size of the structure was left for future determination by <br /> the Master Plan Committee. There is a wide variety of styles that fall into this <br /> category of facility, ranging from small rustic wooden structures with a few fixed <br /> exhibits and an indoor/outdoor classroom, to much more elaborate buildings with <br /> classrooms, large exhibits and hands- on demonstration areas (such as at Reedy <br /> Creek Nature Preserve in Mecklenburg County and Blue Jay Point in Wake <br /> County). <br /> It is expected that the park construction and design team will develop alternatives <br /> for this facility for future decision as a part of their work. It is important to note <br /> that a larger indoor facility will almost certainly exceed the park construction <br /> budget in the CIP, which was based on a smaller, rustic facility that might include <br /> a classroom and perhaps restrooms. <br /> If there is interest in pursuing a more-comprehensive type of nature center, the <br /> potential may exist for partnerships with other non-profit or private entities. Staff <br /> has already been approached by two organizations about the potential for <br /> participating in the center's construction and programming, and there may be <br /> other organizations which have needs that could be met in partnership with the <br /> County for a larger nature center at the park. <br /> Staff proposes to explore these possibilities in the next several months and have <br /> possible options for partnership ready when the design alternatives are <br /> completed and ready for Board consideration. It should also be noted that, if a <br /> more-comprehensive center is found desirable, that this component of the park <br /> could be pulled out and made a stand-alone future project. <br /> Please let me know if you have any questions, or I may provide more information <br /> prior to the next planned review in January/February. <br /> Orange County Department of Environment, Agriculture, Parks &Recreation <br /> PO Box 8181, Hillsborough, NC 27278 <br /> Phone: (919) 245-2510 <br /> Fax: (919) 644-3351 <br />