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6—10 Orange County Comprehensive Parks and Recreation Master Plan CHAPTER 6 - Community Needs Assessment and Public Input 6 D. Focus Groups and Additional Outreach Efforts Subject Area Focus Groups An additional method of public outreach was the convening of eight focus groups. These groups were developed to examine, in more detail, several known topics or issues that the master plan would need to address. For these focus groups, staff contacted 8-12 representatives and/or subject matter experts for a focused 120-minute discussion. The following is a list of the focus groups and the summary of their findings. The full tabulation of comments recorded in the focus groups may be found in Appendix 6-7. 1. Soccer Facilities (January 22, 2013) Fourteen persons attended this focus group to talk about soccer facilities. A substantial amount of time was spent on the sufficiency of soccer fields in the county and the types of facilities needed. The pros and cons of artificial turf fields was another key area of discussion. Generally, the group saw need for the creation of artificial turf fields, but felt that these would be better co-located at certain locations rather than “mixed and matched” with natural surface fields at different sites. The timing and avail- ability of fields was another major topic of discus- sion. Opportunities for use of school playing fields when not in use by schools was highlighted. In general, the group identified a need for playing fields in the late-winter and late-fall, after most fields have closed for the season. The Eurosport Soccer Center was lauded as a success, but interest in creating a like facility at the Millhouse Road site was also expressed. It was noted that Orange County, because of its location, is an ideal location for tournaments. At the same time, soccer group representatives noted the importance of having sufficient playing time for local youth programs and games, and that the interest in tournaments is balanced with this need. Corporate sponsorships were discussed and seen as ideal, but unlikely to be a major funding source. Some soccer organizations may be willing to help fund fields and improve- ments. 2. Trails and Connectivity (February 7, 2013) Thirteen persons attended this session to talk about the role of trails and the connectivity among different parks, open spaces and trails.  The group reviewed and discussed a map showing existing and planned trails and greenways in Orange County. Participants identified some public trails at Lake Michael and some of the public schools that could be added to the map and data base.  Participants supported the development of the NC Mountains-to-Sea Trail through Orange County, and recommended running sections of the trail adjacent to roadways (outside NCDOT right of way) on an interim basis, until trail easements are se cured through interior properties.  Participants discussed the importance of providing certain facilities/amenities to support trail users, such as parking, signage and restrooms; also trash receptacles in certain heavy-use areas only.  Participants recommended trails be constructed using sustainable trail construction practices, and that the master plan prescribe some kind of pre ferred design standard.  Participants expressed in interest in the County opening up some of its future park properties (currently “land banked”) for some limited interim use, such as natural trails with adequate signage. 74