Agenda - 05-03-2005-7b - Laserfiche WebLink

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A biological analysis of the site was conducted and found no identified natural areas or prime forest areas on the site. Stream identification work performed by staff in late 2004 identified apreviously-unmapped stream that runs from northeast to southwest to the pond, which will need to be buffered as part of the watershed standards. The property drains from east to west into Compton's Pond. Slopes on the property are relatively slight, with increasing moderate slopes as one nears the pond to the west. Soils are primarily of the Georgeville and Herndon types, and are generally suitable for park facility uses. A cultural and archaeological survey was conducted in January 2004, which identified two unrecorded archaeological sites; neither of the sites was deemed worthy of further analysis. While not a part of the park master plan, the 12-acre property east of NC 86 was also surveyed and the deteriorated house (ca 1911), related outbuildings, hand-dug well, and above-ground fuel storage tanks were recorded as part of that project. The rear portion of this 12-acre tract contains a large field formerly in agriculture that was beginning to feature early succession vegetation before being cleared as part of a planned wastewater system for the Center. A topographic survey was also conducted to identify contours at one-foot intervals and all trees with an 18-inch caliper and greater. In summary, the report identified several opportunities and constraints for the site: Existing and potential assets for park development include: • Existing lighted baseball/softball field (also used for youth soccer) • Existing children's playground (in need of improvement) • Mature hardwood forest (suitable for nature trails) • Other forested areas (which help to buffer the park from adjacent private properties) • A pond (potential scenic and recreational amenity) • Old unimproved roadway (potential service road and/or walking trail) Potential constraints to the development of the property include: • Low-lying area east of the pond is within the 100-year floodplain Small portions of the eastern shoreline are not within the County property, which will limit access to some portions of the waterfront • Drainage ditches (2) on the northern half of the Kennedy tract • Pre-existing 60-foot easement for access to the Kennedy tract from NC 86 (this is likely no longer an issue since Orange County owns bath properties) • Newly-identified stream will need to be buffered and protected