Agenda - 04-17-2001-9b - Laserfiche WebLink

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Toilet Facilities The Environment Health Division has issued a permit for installation of a small toilet facility near the parking area. Staff proposes observing the frequency of visitor use for six months to a year before deciding what kind of toilet facility is needed. That way staff could gauge whether a rustic, unisex composting toilet might serve adequately or whether some other kind of system is more appropriate. [Eno River State Park provides rustic toilets at some of the heavily used locations; Duke University does not provide toilet facilities in Duke Forest.] 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 foresk 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. 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 extension. 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 long-term 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 owns 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. Si9nage . Boundary markers and signs have been posted around the perimeter of the property. Signs are also needed for the park entrance, to mark trails and to inform visitors of the allowed uses within the park. Other signs will be developed over time, such as interpretive signs that explain the natural and cultural values of the property. Some signs will be in Spanish as well as English consistent with the County's new signage policy. International symbols will be used where appropriate. Pro osed Rules and R 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. McGowan Creek Preserve Orange County ERCD