Minutes 03-20-2018 - Laserfiche WebLink

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14 design that features the many natural and cultural resources present on the site, adding several low-impact recreation or community gathering features. As noted in the December 12 memo, the first step in bringing the park’s planned amenities to fruition is the completion of several infrastructure needs (known as Phase 2-A) that will enable more visitors to access and enjoy the park. Funding for this infrastructure was previously approved. Specifically, the components that would be constructed with the existing funds are: • A new entrance and turn lane on NC 86, to be located further north on NC 86 (please see the attached “Proposed Revised Master Plan” map) • A parking area with approximately 60 spaces and room for bus turnarounds; and • Lighting, septic and stormwater measures needed to accommodate the infrastructure improvements In conjunction with these infrastructure improvements, a planned child-friendly “Discovery Trail” with nature and environmental signage would also be added. In addition, ongoing stabilization work of the Blackwood Farmhouse would continue (using existing funds). Some of these infrastructure features are refinements from the original adopted master plan, and in some cases additional changes are suggested based on these refinements, the relocation of the planned Parks Operations Base, and additional plans and discussions of the past seven years. Accordingly, the Proposed Revised Master Plan includes the following primary changes or additions: • Realignment of the planned park entrance drive and parking area to a more site sensitive, scenic and efficient design; • Addition of the Discovery Trail; • Deletion of the Parks Operations Base and associated yard space; and addition of a small Park Office in its place (pending future decisions on potential new County campus); • Addition of the re-established Blackwood Farm Orchard; • Relocation of the trailhead; • Addition of a disc golf course; • Deletion of a planned northern boundary road and parking areas; • Deletion of the possible Informal Multi-Use Field; • Selection of a preferred amphitheater site (the original master plan had three options); • Identification of the Agricultural Exhibits and Garden Area; and • Addition of new picnic shelters and restrooms. Of the additions, refinements and changes detailed above, the only significant change is the proposed creation of a disc golf course, a concept that was discussed in the 2016 and 2017 Capital Investment Plan (CIP) review and discussions, and informally authorized by the Board. The deletion of the Parks Operations Base from this location and its inclusion at a new site is also based on previous Board discussions, and deletion of the planned northern road and parking areas is based on discussions with neighbors whose homes back up to the northern boundary of the park, and the lack of need for these facilities based on the updated design with the disc golf course. Staff has communicated the Proposed Revised Master Plan to park neighbors who have expressed appreciation for the deletion of the planned road and northernmost parking lot.