A more detailed analysis and
conceptual master plan was made for the segment of greenway
corridor between Milburnie Park and Anderson Point Park as part
of the master planning effort for these two parks. This two mile
segment of corridor includes a range of flood plain and adjacent
land use conditions representative of the entire Corridor and is
proposed as a pilot study for development of the greenway as a
whole.
The flood plain west of the
river in this segment varies in width from approximately 50 feet
just north of US-64 to over 1,400 feet at Rogers Lane. The more
typical width is 300 to 400 feet. Adjacent land uses are
primarily residential subdivisions or undeveloped woods and
agricultural land. No development has occurred within the flood
plain. The newer subdivisions have transferred density to the
upland portions of the development and have placed ownership of
the flood plain areas in homeowners' associations with
conservation buffer status or have given the land to the City
outright. Lots in older subdivisions typically extend to the
river, but development is generally located on the upland portion
only.
There is an existing gravel
greenway trail connecting the two parks along the west side of
the river, generally following the alignment of the sanitary
sewer easement. In many cases this is much farther from the river
than the 150 foot greenway easement proposed along each bank.
A privately owned property on
top of a high rock outcrop just north of US-64 provides an
excellent vantage point for viewing the river and could become a
landmark site for westbound travelers on US-64 as well as for
users of the greenway corridor.
(Milburnie/Anderson Point Corridor Master Plan drawing)
The environmental quality of the
water, vegetation and wildlife, as well as the attraction of the
greenway, are dependent on protection of the vast majority of the
flood plain, not just a few isolated areas. This is especially
true for wetland areas in their natural state. This plan
identifies "natural areas" along the Corridor and
recommends management of these areas to protect and enhance
wildlife and environmental values.
The alignment of the existing
trail through the clearing for the sewer line has resulted in a
rather straight trail in many places. This trail offers few views
of the river and is separated from the woods on either side by a
barrier of brushy vegetation. The existing crushed stone
surfacing is neither attractive nor comfortable for walking or
biking. The Neuse River Trail through this segment of corridor
should be paved with asphalt. The character of the trail should
be enhanced by management of the vegetation to create a more
park-like character in the disturbed areas along the main trail.
Recommended techniques include selective clearing of underbrush
along the trail and woods edge to open up views into the woods
and towards the river. Replanting of native trees close to the
trail will create a canopy that will reduce the underbrush.
Managing and shaping the open areas will create more appealing
spaces along the trail, enhancing visibility and creating a sense
of security for trail users. Plantings of trees, shrubs and
herbaceous plants will attract wildlife. This will create a
richer and more attractive trail environment.
The Neuse River Trail should
vary in location from close to the river to the outer edge of the
flood plain in response to varying characteristics of the
terrain. A system of mainly unpaved secondary trails creates
opportunities for loops and closer access to the river, as well
as a different quality of trail experience with less rapidly
moving traffic than will generally be found along the Neuse River
Trail. Crossings shown are the same as those shown in the
Corridor Master Plan.
The segment of river between
Milburnie Dam and Poole Road is a very pleasant run for
recreational canoeing. It is mostly flat water but includes two
small sections of Class I rapids and one section of Class II
rapids located between Anderson Point Park and Poole Road. The
Raleigh Parks and Recreation Department Adventure program uses
this segment extensively for basic whitewater training. The staff
has named a large boulder near the Class I rapids midway down
this segment "Lunch Rock" and uses it as a stopping
place during their trips. This plan provides a canoe landing near
this location with pedestrian access to the Rogers Lane Wetland
nearby. Canoe landings for side trips ashore are also planned
along the Anderson Point Park riverfront as well as the launch
site north of the railroad.
Rogers Lane Wetlands is a prime
environmental site in this segment of Corridor with a diversity
of wetland types intermixed with drier flood plain areas and
upland slopes, creating prime habitat for a large variety of
wildlife. The plan calls for development and management of this
area as a wildlife refuge and interpretive area, with an internal
network of nature trails and boardwalks, including interpretive
signage and observation stations. Limited access and parking is
suggested at the southern end of the site. Wildlife habitat
should be enhanced by adding nesting boxes and plants for
wildlife to feed on in the old field areas of the drier flood
plain.
Opportunities for intensive use
areas, where numbers of people can get close to the river, exist
at three points along the Corridor segment where high, dry land
is in close proximity to the river and where river banks have
been scarred by previous construction. These sites, located at
Milburnie Dam, the area just north of US-64 , and the northern
end of Anderson Point Park, present potential for terraces,
promenades and overlooks along the riverbanks. Two of these sites
are addressed in the master plans for the parks. The third
presents an opportunity for private/public cooperation in the
development of an upland site that enhances views of the
Corridor, provides access to the Corridor, and becomes an
attractive visual component of the Corridor.
The plan also suggests
neighborhood access trails and parking for developments located
adjacent to the Corridor. These communities are encouraged to
view the greenway as an amenity and to create close and open
connections where appropriate so that neighbors feel safe and
comfortable using the greenway corridor.
The major components of this
Neuse River Recreation Corridor Master Plan are the Conceptual
Framework for the Corridor, the Corridor Master Plan,
the Anderson Point Park Master Plan, and the Milburnie
Park Master Plan. Together they begin to define the Neuse
River Regional Park and the means to undertake the
acquisition and implementation of such a park. The scope of the
total proposal is breathtaking. This plan is not only a
recognition of opportunity but also a recognition of
responsibility. This plan presents a significant and worthy
challenge to our generation to realistically preserve this
Corridor as a marvelous gift to all who follow us.
With this plan it is easy to
imagine what we can accomplish in the form of the Neuse River
Regional Park. Imagination, when focused and applied toward
realistic goals within our grasp as presented in this Master
Plan, enlivens the present and enriches Raleigh for all future
generations.