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3 � zo As a starting point, the initial Conceptual Future Park Sites Map could be generated using existing plans and the 1999 JMRP report. Creation of such a map would be an important first step in identifying parks needs and prioritizing opportunities for collaboration . If, as suggested in the 1997 and 1999 reports, the County is to play a coordinating role in future parkland acquisitions, an appropriate vehicle to incorporating this Map into local policies may exist next year, with the County's update to its Master Recreation and Parks Element of the Comprehensive Plan . This possibility was suggested in both the 1997 Coordination report and the 1999 JMRP report. In this scenario , the County Master Recreation and Parks Element would be expanded to address Town parks and recreation needs, the linkages between Town and County parks, and the inter- relationships between Town and County parks systems (for both active and low- impact recreation ) . VII . Where Do We God From Here , Conclusions The positive activities of the past four years in parks coordination and planning have enabled Carrboro , Chapel Hill , Hillsborough and Orange County to make progress in several key areas : • We have moved forward from the 1997 Coordination report, and now have an inventory of facilities and a much clearer understanding of parks needs and funding mechanisms • We now have a process for coordinated land acquisitions that can be used Countywide in the Lands Legacy program . • We have an Inter-Governmental Parks Work Group prepared for an initial meeting in November, to ensure sharing of information and exploration of opportunities for joint projects . • We have been able to identify key principles for action , including recognition of the need to acquire good park sites now before they are gone . • The need for facility development and the specific facility needs are more clearly- defined . • The local governments and school systems are poised to begin coordinating school and park siting , via the Memoranda of Agreement, to maximize opportunities to co-- locate compatible public facilities . • In the 1997 and 1999 reports, a clear consensus emerged that Orange County is best poised to provide a coordinating mechanism with " a major role in funding , acquisition and development" for larger joint parks . At the same time, while we have learned a great deal about of current status of parks and recreation and our needs , we as local governments face a number of pressing challenges in the years to come :