Agenda 11-16-2021; 8-c - Approval of Interlocal Agreement Renewal and Master Plan - Little River Regional Park and Natural Area

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27 Existing Facilities and Programming Later improvements included: Initial park development was guided by a report of Bird watching trail (1/4 mile) recommended uses (Appendix B) prepared by the Organized group camping area (4 camp pads;up to Advisory Committee set up to advise the two boards of 30 campers) County Commissioners on the park. Funding for initial Pollinator garden park development was assisted by a $262,000 LWCF grant and a $50,000 State Trails grant,with the remain- ing park for capital costs split equally by the two counties. Other amenities include an historical pack house (trail head shelter),tobacco drying barn,and corncrib. Initial Site Development Funding Administrative and support facilities include a small LWCF Grant $262,000 office building,equipment storage building (repur- Orange County $340,138 posed tobacco barn),and caretaker residence.Some of Durham County $340,138 these facilities are showing their age after more than State Trails Grant $50,000 15 years of usage.The Laws family farmhouse sits at the entrance to the park and may someday be preserved Total $992,276 separately by Orange County. In 2003,the two counties approved a site plan for con- Existing Programs struction within a 15-acre area at the entrance of the Over the years, park staff has developed a slate of park(Park Developed Area) (APPENDIX Q. The park's programs with a focus on environmental education. trails were developed by two sets of volunteers. A vol- These programs are developed and marketed to park unteer group of mountain biking enthusiasts, DOMBO patrons based on age.Among these,Tiny Trekkers (Durham Orange Mountain Biking Organization-now and Discovery Club are monthly programs for young Triangle Off-Road Cyclists,orTORC)constructed seven children.Tiny Trekkers is a series of programs designed miles of mountain bike trails over 30 weekends and for toddlers accompanied by an adult.The children using over 1,500 volunteer hours.Similarly,the hiking learn about nature through stories,activities,crafts,and trails were completed with the help of over 200 volun- games. Discovery Club programs are geared towards teers and 1,400 hours,and included the efforts of an elementary school-age children accompanied by an AmeriCorps service crew under the direction of Orange adult.These programs focus on learning about nature County. and science through hands-on activities and explora- Major park construction was completed in October tion.Additional programs for teens,adults and families 2004,and a grand opening celebration was held in are offered throughout the year including astronomy December of 2004. sessions,Citizen Science projects,guided nature hikes and stewardship projects.More information about Existing Facilities existing park programs may be found in Section III and The initial recreational components of Little River Park VI and Appendix F. completed in 2004 consisted of: There are also resources within the park for self-guided • Hiking trails(7 miles) nature study such as the bird watching trail,pollinator • Single-track mountain bike trails (7 miles) garden,and the paved interpretive loop trail.Informa- • Accessible, looped walking trail (1/4 mile) tional materials are available at the park office,which allow visitors to learn about the natural resources of the • 5 picnic sites with grills(located on accessible loop park at their own pace. trail) The park also holds several special events for the public • Two picnic pavilions (large and small) that build on the natural features of the park such as • Playground for children (ages 5— 12) the Little River Trail Runs,Statewide Star Party, Hallow- • Large open play field een Hike with C.L.A.W.S.,and star gazing with staff from the Morehead Planetarium. • Restrooms • Park Office October 2021 15