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36 <br /> There are opportunities to improve the existing trails <br /> and enhance park patron experience, by researching .f. <br /> the potential for such things as: x _: <br /> Interpretive Trail Improvements,using existing <br /> trails and recent technology <br /> The park contains a vast array of natural beauty,ar- 4 <br /> eas of historical interest,geological features,and di- ' ^ " �? <br /> verse plants and wildlife.Over the past 15 years,staff <br /> has been documenting these features,and develop- <br /> ing tools and exhibits to teach the public about the <br /> park's unique appeal.The success of programs such <br /> as star gazing,the live-stream camera in the bluebird <br /> box,and Tiny Trekkers point to a strong interest from <br /> the public to learn and enjoy the many features the Improvements to Trail Signage <br /> park has to offer.The greatest number of park users Several comments were received in the 2012 and <br /> are hikers.Additional interpretative features could 2019 park user surveys from visitors who found the <br /> highlight the site's'natural and cultural resources in trail signage confusing. In an effort to provide the <br /> a cost-effective manner.This could include devel- safest and most enjoyable park experience for all <br /> opment of an interactive, interpretive hiking trail users,efforts should be made to review and improve <br /> using existing trails and recent technology that may the existing trail signage to eliminate possible points <br /> appeal to some park users as a way to better learn of confusion. <br /> and appreciate these aspects of the site,and would <br /> seem a natural fit for the park.Opportunities exist Expansion and improvement to the trail system may <br /> with recent/current technology to provide interac- be possible with the help of volunteers.The park <br /> tive trail experiences,which were not available when has a long,positive relationship with local running <br /> the park first opened. club (Trailheads)and regional cycling club (Triangle <br /> Off-Road Cyclists),and these relationships have led <br /> Trailhead Displays at the Pack House to the creation of the mountain bike trails, numerous <br /> The pack house was moved from the front of the site improvements to the trails over the years,and large <br /> to its present location along the main trail to serve as donations from the running club's annual event. <br /> a trail head destination for displays and information These relationships have a solid foundation and <br /> about the trails.While the building has been moved should be encouraged and augmented and st- <br /> and stabilized,this area could still have improved tempts to develop additional working relationships <br /> displays about natural features on the trails,infor- with other area groups whose interests align with <br /> mation about what might be seen on different trails, the natural resources of the park should be pursued <br /> seasonal displays,etc.to enrich the experience of in order to increase the pool of volunteers. <br /> trail users. <br /> Expansion of the Paved Loop Trail <br /> Overlooks/Wildlife Viewing Areas One of the most popular facilities at Little River Park <br /> Another way to enhance the existing trails is through is the accessible, paved walking loop trail. It provides <br /> construction of additional overlooks or nature a consistent walking surface and survey respondents <br /> viewing platforms.There are numerous vistas and noted a desire to see an expansion of the paved trail. <br /> locations within the park that provide prime wildlife Sites where the loop could be expanded,or areas for <br /> viewing,and the creation of a larger viewing area/ a new loop such as around the perimeter of the large <br /> overlook would create a destination point for hikers. open play field could also be explored. In addition,the <br /> Several sites throughout the park are well suited for asphalt surface of the existing path has been under- <br /> such development, but an assessment of each site mined by roots and will need to be regraded and paved <br /> should be conducted to determine an area best suit- to maintain its accessibility. <br /> ed for such use,and what limitations may be in place <br /> due to conservation measures. <br /> 24 Little River Regional Park&Natural Area Master Plan <br />