Agenda - 10-17-2000-9d - Laserfiche WebLink

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5 Toilet Facilities The Environment Health Division has issued a permit for a public toilet near the parking area. Staff proposes waiting for a period of time, six months to a year, and observing the frequency of visitor use before deciding on the need for a toilet facility. That way we could gauge whether a rustic, unisex composting toilet might serve adequately or whether we need some other kind of system. [Duke University does not provide toilet facilities in Duke Forest. Eno River State Park provides rustic toilets at some of the heavily used locations in the park.] Trails ERCD staff will enlist volunteers to help develop the trails over time and to help maintain trails as needed. Staff has staked out an initial walking trail that will guide visitors from the proposed parking area to the northeast corner of the property. The trail runs through the mature hardwood forest to a 19~' Century home site where a remarkable stone chimney sits atop a high knoll overlooking Corporation Lake. From there the trail leads down to a scenic area along McGowan Creek. Unfortunately, McGowan Creek itself is located just outside the park boundary on property owned by Orange-Alamance Water System. Staff is interested in pursuing an agreement with Orange-Alamance for use of the trail. A second loop trail is proposed that would leading hikers to the western half of the park and along a portion of McGowan Creek. A third trail is proposed along McGowan Creek, running just north of the park property. Again, an agreement would be needed with Orange-Alamance Water System, which awns the riparian corridor.. Many sections of that corridor received heavy tree damage from recent storms, creating obstructions to hiking along, McGowan Creek. In general, staff does not intend to remove downed trees unless they impede walking along a trail, interfere with an interesting park feature (e.g., chimney site), or pose a safety hazard. Signage A number of different signs are proposed for McGowan Creek Preserve. A description and sketch of the various types of signs are attached. Boundary signs have already been ordered and will be posted in October. Other essential signs are needed for the park entrance and to inform visitors of the allowed uses within the park. Some other signs, such as interpretive signs, are not needed right away and can be developed over time. Pro osed Rules and Re ulations Staff proposes the following rules for use of the site. The full text of these rules would be included in a proposed one-page flyer that will be available upon entering the park. Some rules will also be posted on signs within the park. ERCD staff is working with the County Attorney to make sure the County has the proper authority to adopt and enforce these proposed rules. McGowan Creek Preserve Orange County ERCD