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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37 Increase Areas of Pollinator Habitats , % The protection and expansion of pollinator habitat is a gi w national and even global issue.Pollinator species sus- `� e 4" � •a . J tain the environment and are critical to food supplies. x Orange County has set a goal of increasing pollinator habitat within its parks and open spaces,as well as en- c • ' couraging habitat along roadsides and on private lands. " Little River Park,with its natural resources and open spaces, lends itself to being a place where pollinator habitats may be expanded and introduced.The current pollinator garden is a good start and a popular edu- cational component, but more is possible at the park. *4 Additional areas of pollinator-friendly habitats could be researched for future development. Addition of a"Natural Playground" Over the past decade, research indicates that children - "A benefit greatly from playing and learning in nature. Needed renovations include, but are not limited to: Natural play areas often engage the mind and allow . Driveway resurfacing (currently needed) children to use their imaginations more,and cooperate more in play.These types of play areas reduce symp- • Buildings (equipment shed,etc.) toms of attention deficit and depression,and many • Playground replacement(within the next 5 years) experts note that access to nature for a child is akin to . Resurfacing the paved looped trail the need for good nutrition and adequate sleep. In a large natural setting,a natural play area at the park Priorities for Future Capital Improvements would be very much in keeping with the surrounding As noted in the preceding sections,a number of re- environs,and allow children to connect, play,and learn placement or new capital improvements to Little River in nature.This idea also allows the incorporation of Park will be needed in the next 10 years or more.Some the existing landscape and vegetation to bring nature of these improvements will need to be assessed and to children's daily outdoor play and learning environ- funded through the Capital Investment Plans of the two ments. counties,while other(smaller) items may be addressed The steps needed to develop such a play area at North through Annual Objectives and park management. Fork Little River could be researched and incorporated It is recommended that the two counties assess these into upcoming improvements.In many cases, natural needs as part of their respective Capital Improvement play areas are not expensive to construct. It is recom- Program,or through then Annual Objectives (and mended that the existing conventional playground be annual park budget),and schedule prioritized needs retained (and when scheduled, replaced). accordingly. Renovations of Park Infrastructure While it is not possible to provide a complete list of all Having reached the 15-year mark,some of the park priorities for future capital improvements at the park, infrastructure(including buildings)are beginning to it may be help to start with a starter list of priorities di- age or no longer efficiently serve their purposes.One vided into two categories: 1) Renovations of Existing Fa- such building is the equipment shed,which is not large cilities,and 2) New Improvements.The following initial enough to accommodate needed storage and work list should be re-evaluated on a regular basis as funding space and is beginning to show signs of wear and tear. and other processes allow,and other needs may also be From park staff perspective,indoor storage and renova- added as they are identified. tions to the maintenance building are important.Anal- ysis of renovation versus replacement of the equipment shed and other similar buildings should be undertaken. October 2021 25