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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40 Scope of Program Offerings A significant decision for the future of the park is the scope of program offerings.Current programs offered at the park,as noted in the preceding sections,are -� popular and well-received,and serve an important role in helping connect the public to nature. x With the passage of time and regular public input,it is - - possible to evaluate the strength of existing programs at the park and assess the possibility for new or revised programs for the future. Both counties will continue to evaluate the potential for new programs and tweaks to current programs to match the community's interests. Disposition of the Laws Farmhouse There two types of programs currently offered at the park,and that will likely be part of the mix of program- The Laws farmhouse is located in Orange County along ming going forward-a) staff-led programs and b) Guess Road near the entrance to the park and is re- contracted programs. moved from all of the other park amenities,facilities Staff-led programs are offerings that are developed and parking.The house was built ca. 1929 and contains and implemented by park staff.These programs utilize a portion that may be 19th-century in origin and have existing resources in the park and are budgeted and im- historical significance. During the initial park planning plemented using internal plans and procedures. and development,the house was determined to have no uses or function for the park.The potential for Contracted programs are those which are scheduled relocating the house was pursued, but because of the and offered by contract from outside organizations. nature of the construction this was not practical. During The wildlife group CLAWS, Inc.would be an example the initial park development,the house was planned of a contracted program.Staff uses park patron and and budgeted for deconstruction. Later,Orange County public interests in programs to identify offerings in requested that the funds slated for deconstruction be areas where staff may not have expertise or materials, used instead to stabilize the house to mitigate its fur- but that non-profit and other related organizations may ther deterioration while Orange County decided what have along with a structured program. In many cases, to do with the house.The two boards formally agreed contracted programs require funding to pay the organi- that Orange County would pursue any further actions zations for their program offering. with respect to the house independent of additional While Orange County's Department of Environment, funding from Durham County,an option provided for in Agriculture,Parks&Recreation has nature programs the Interlocal Agreement. as a key part of its mission and function,the Durham At this point in time,Orange County cultural resources County Open Space program does not include pro- staff and the Historic Preservation Commission remain gramming as a part of its current function and mission interested in exploring the possible 19th-century for budgetary or staff time.Any new proposed pro- portion of the house,and whether that portion (or the gram initiatives should be presented during the annual entire) structure is worthy of renovation/restoration.As budget preparation,and both counties should discuss per the Interlocal Agreement,if the house is retained the impacts and feasibility during the budget meetings. and further work on it is pursued,this will be done by Any decisions on programming will be mutually agreed Orange County alone. upon at that time.This said,however, it is also possible that Orange County may have an interest in expanding its nature program offerings consistent with its mis- sion and goals,without Durham County in a position 28 Little River Regional Park&Natural Area Master Plan