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~r +Ll.~ <br />Overall, the property (Parcel #11) looks suitable for a combination of active and <br />low-impact recreation uses It appears that there are 34-35 acres that have suitab/e <br />soils and topography for active uses (i. e., playing fields), but further evaluation by <br />the County Engineer and Rec. & Parks Director would be advisable. The streams <br />and s/oiled topography a/ong the eastern and southern boundaries make these <br />areas suitab/e for low-impact recreation with walking/hiking trails and natura/ areas. <br />Parcels_#1?,and, #13 X23 acres <br />These two parcels surround the new Pathways Elementary School located west of <br />NC Highway S7 and south of Strouds Creek Road (identified as "Western Bypass" on <br />the Master Plan). The eastern portion of the property (Parcel #12) can be accessed <br />from Strouds Creek Road or from the backside of the school property. <br />Parcel #12 is located between the School property to the west and the Mars Hill <br />Baptist Church property to the east. It is bisected by a wide sewer line easement <br />that leads from the School out to NC 57. We did not walk the interior of this <br />property, but it appears to be entirely wooded. The land slopes from both sides <br />toward the center of the parcel, funneling runoff to the south and into Strouds <br />Creek. We have information that the parcel contains remnants of a significant old <br />two-lane roadway that once led from today's NC 57 to the Faucette Mill area. Staff <br />intends to make an on-site investigation in the next week or so. <br />Parcel #13 is linear in shape and is essentially comprised of the riparian corridor <br />containing steep slopes, Strouds Creek and associated 100-year floodplain. <br />Overall, the property (Parcels #1Z and #13) has conservation va/ue as undeve/aped <br />natura/ area and wi/d/ife habitat. Some of this area might lend itself fo un paved <br />walking trails for school children to explore the natural area and learn about the <br />p/ants and anima/s associated with Strouds Creek. <br />Conclusion <br />The 200 acres that are proposed for dedication to Orange County contain areas that <br />appear suitable for a variety of active and low-impact recreation uses as well as <br />some areas that might be best maintained in their natural state. The attached maps <br />depict many of the features described in this evaluation. <br />Please let us know if you have any questions or would like to discuss these findings. <br />Attachments <br />cc: " Bob Jones <br />Robert Davis <br />Amy Bleckinger <br />