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<br />III. New Business <br /> <br />a. Discussion with Recreational Bicycling Group Representatives, Alex Castro, Jr <br />and Clifford Leath, from Bingham Township. One issue is bicycling in the rural <br />areas. There have been incidents of riders getting killed or injured. The group <br />wants the department to put bike paths into the Park plans, specifically bike paths <br />through the parks. The representatives would like for the board to look at Hollow <br />Rock and Millhouse. Can biking be included in the MTS trail in Orange County <br />where suitable? Something similar to the rails to trails. Castro and Leath added <br />that they would like to see the County organize a community event where there is <br />a big ride including a segment of a road, and all levels of riding expertise with <br />policing at intersections. Castro provided the council a copy of his remarks. <br />Project ENGAGE is a program for Senior Citizens, letting seniors know in <br />Orange County know what all is available. 50% of seniors live in the rural <br />community. Many ride bikes still. This group would like to educate riders and <br />drivers as to how they should work together. If there were bicycle paths in parks, <br />they might get off the road. Greeson did not think this would solve the problem of <br />the typical bicyclist using slim tires. Williams Reid said this would not work for <br />her type of riding because of the slim tires she uses. Education is the foremost <br />solution. Pelotons are a problem group to work with as they are dangerous in their <br />riding styles of riding in large groups. Rhodes asked about the length of the trail <br />that they are thinking of. At least 2 miles was the answer. Bench said, for <br />example, if there is an outer 4-mile loop at a park, then it could be multi use. The <br />board thanked Leath and Castro for their presentation. <br /> <br />b. River Park’s Concept Plan and FY 2015-16 Improvements. Staff explained the <br />planned improvements to Churton Street. As a result, Stancil noted that River <br />Park is likely going to jump up on the list of priorities. With the previously- <br />planned funds, a performance shell would be added to the site, trails and bridges <br />improved, and the Occoneecchee Village would be restored to some degree. The <br />Town of Hillsborough is going to do some improvements on Churton Street, with <br />a bus turnout at the park across from Weaver Street Market is planned, connected <br />by a cross walk where it meets RiverPark. At that point, the land grades down <br />quite a bit. Right-of-way will be requested by NCDOT and the Town to build the <br />bus turnout lane This lane and the lack of guardrail will effectively create a new <br />entrance into the park. Staff will need to figure out what to do with the park <br />patrons entering from there. There might need to be a new trail connection to <br />either River Walk or to the Farmers Market Pavilion, since those are likely <br />destinations. Greeson asked if the County could bring in money by having <br />performance within a gated off section or would it be open and free? Stancil said <br />that activities in the park cannot be charged a fee, but that was something to think <br />about. He added that down the road, Weaver Street Market might want to do <br />something like their Carrboro location does with performances on the lawn by the <br />building. Bulkley asked if the County could sell alcohol. Stancil said yes, with <br />approval from the County Manager. $300,000 capital funds are in the plan for its