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19 <br /> Page 2 of 3 <br /> Lands Legacy program . The following is a selection from <br /> staff' s evaluation of the property : <br /> "The land would be suitable for a large park with a <br /> combination of active and low-impact recreational uses . <br /> Some of the current and former agricultural fields could <br /> support a various playing fields without compromising the <br /> more historic features of the property (farmstead, old <br /> roadway and vistas) . Other open lands could <br /> accommodate picnic areas and children 's play areas . The <br /> riparian areas might accommodate natural walking trails . <br /> Portions of the property could remain entirely natural <br /> including the County identified natural area (Site N09) . <br /> Stewardship and maintenance would be focused on playing <br /> fields, trail development and maintenance . <br /> The historic house and farm structures might be turned into <br /> a museum (similar to Duke Homestead in Durham) , a <br /> caretaker's residence , or perhaps a park <br /> supenntendent/ranger residence . The farm buildings might <br /> include exhibits and demonstration areas showing <br /> traditional farming practices . Interpretive signs could <br /> describe the old stagecoach road, the farmstead, and <br /> traditional farming that has occurred on this site (and the <br /> surrounding lands) by the Blackwoods, Strayhorns and <br /> Craigs since the 1700s . Such facilities might attract the <br /> general public as well groups from the nearby schools and <br /> from other parts of the county. New Hope Elementary <br /> School is located across the road and A . L . Stanback <br /> Middle School is just up the road. " <br /> "Acquisition of the historic Blackwood property is another <br /> great coup for Orange County and its Lands Legacy <br /> program , " noted Commission Chair Barry Jacobs . " This <br /> property is perfectly situated to provide easy access for <br /> citizens from both the northern and southern parts of the <br /> County , and is well suited to active and low- impact <br /> recreation . What ' s more , we ' ve managed to preserve a <br /> valuable part of our natural and rural heritage , and one of <br /> the County ' s loveliest vistas to boot . " <br /> " This is one of the most significant land purchases made by <br /> Orange County , " added Vice - Chair Steve Halkiotis , " one <br /> that will serve all the citiizens of Orange County for many , <br /> many years to come . The willingness of Orange County <br /> Citizens who supported 1997 and 2001 bond issues for <br /> open space and recreational opportunities made all of this <br /> possible . Thank you . " <br /> "This purchase is another triumph for our award -winning <br /> Lands Legacy program , " added Commissioner Alice <br />