WHITEHALL CONCEPTUAL MASTER PLAN SKETCH NARRATIVE: January 12, 2023
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WHITEHALL CONCEPTUAL MASTER PLAN SKETCH NARRATIVE: January 12, 2023
The following is a rough narrative description of the Whitehall Park Concept Sketch. The various
components of the program are identified by a number on the plan and a name. A description follows in
this narrative to explain the items. Many of the smaller program items cannot be shown at this scale
and are explained in the narrative. The house, barn, and garage will be described in a separate
Architectural Narrative.
1. Entrance: This is the main entrance to Reservoir Park. I converged several trail systems to this
point so that the entrance can also be identified as access to Whitehall Park. Near the entrance
is (2) a parking lot that makes this area a trail head for both parks.
2. Parking: The topography is relatively flat here and near the trails that lead into Whitehall. This
spot becomes a 2nd trailhead for both parks and picks up users who may be going to Reservoir
Park for the trails and not want to get into the crowds at the lake. This can take pressure off
the lake parking lot. Parking will be spread out under the trees as so that no large trees are
lost. Picnic tables and benches can also be spaced around the edges of the park so people can
post-up or take a break.
3. Bike Trail: The red line represents a bike trail and is part of a multiuse paved Perimeter Trail
system that encircles all of Whitehall Park, connects access to the parking lots and creates an
overall multiuse loop trail that can be used by all members of the family. This section runs
parallel to the (30) Reservoir Park Entrance Road so users can stop at the (2) parking and ride
their bikes into the park and connect to the other trails. The perimeter trail also serves as a
protective firebreak to the properties outside the park and provides fire and emergency
personnel quick and easy access to the edges of the burn sections. There is a small wetland that
was created by building the entrance road that is within the course of this trail. The wetland can
be crossed by a boardwalk that will give users closer access to this unique feature that harbors a
variety of native flora and fauna. Educational/interpretive signage could be located along the
trail as well as stops and overlooks.
4. Primitive Camps: The campsite is placed in a tall pine section of the park that is remote to
other activities. It is accessible by the natural trails so a user will have to hike into the
site. There are other locations where this type of amenity could be located. Maybe in the (26)
Longleaf Pine Preserve or near the (25) pond with access from the (23) backstage parking.
5. Perimeter Trail: The red lines represent a section of the Perimeter Trail that runs just inside the
east border with the adjacent properties. The trail along with a fence provides good protection
from the burn sections that seem to worry these residents. The trail / fence combination also
provides a sense of security for the park users and residents. Adjacent owners can put gates in
their fence to access the park if they so desire. This is part of the overall idea to have usable
paved trails that are separated from the soft surface trails and preserve areas. By placing the
multiuse bike trail on the perimeter, it leaves the inside of the park natural. Part of the old
existing dirt trail and road is used to make this route. Educational/interpretative signage could
be location along the trail.
6. Nature Trails: The purple lines represent a series of soft nature trails that range from wide to
narrow and vary the surface treatments from natural soil to mulch or fine gravelscreenings. These trails are purposefully kept to the interior of Whitehall Park and connect to
the other trails as a network. The Multipurpose trails and nature trails create a network of trails
that become the edges and borders of the various 15 – 20 acre burn areas. This specific nature
trail runs along both sides of the creek to isolate the creek bank area as a specific burn
section. Maintenance methods and burn procedures for stream banks are different for the
open pine forests. This allows the Burn Team to address this area independent and separate it
from the pine sections. Much of the old existing dirt trail is used to make this route. The nature
trail also connects to other routes throughout the park and to (8) Elizabeth Rounds Park as a
trail head for Whitehall Park. Educational/interpretive signage could be located along the trail.
7. Loop Road: Because the driveway through the (10) RCW area cannot be widened, the access
road to the house is a one-way loop. It starts at the entrance to (8) Elizabeth Rounds Park and
continues across the creek with an arched culvert bridge where it becomes a one-way road and
follows an old roadbed up to the (13) field. From the field it loops around the garage and
connects to the front drop off and uses the old driveway as an exit out to the future (22) Indian
Trails Road. The entrance is a two-way road that serves a one-way parking loop. This allows
patrons to come and go from the parking lot through the main entrance. Any service utilities to
the house would follow this same route.
8. Park: Elizabeth Rounds Park will continue to function as a children’s park but its restroom and
close proximity to the hard and soft trail systems make it a perfect Trail head. It is close to Pee
Dee Road and feels safe and is easy to access. The presence of the play structure relieves some
of the pressure to include a structured playground inside the Whitehall Park site.
9. Parking: This area seems perfect for developing a trail head and service parking lot. There are
scattered pines here on flat topography where parking can be easily spread out under the trees
without clearing the vegetation. The lot can accommodate upwards to 100 cars, if desired, with
very little effect on the canopy. It is also close to Pee Dee Road and not deep inside the nature
park, thus keeping vehicles isolated to the edge of the park. Using the multipurpose trail as
walkway access to the house allows the parking lot to be used for all types of events and
activities. All the trail systems converge here with a bathroom close by, so it becomes the
perfect trailhead. The (10) RCW preserve is very close, so Senior Citizens who come to see
these rare birds do not have a long hike to see them. Picnic tables can also be scattered
around the edges of the parking for post-up and rest.
10. RCW Preserve: A 200-foot setback is identified around these nesting trees from the most
outside tree. This area is off limits to any new development or activity. The existing tennis court
can be converted to a viewing blind for those who wish to sit and wait to see the birds. The
preserve is surrounded by trails and roads so that it can be effectively controlled during a burn
session without the danger of fire escape or effecting the house. Since this is one of the
premier attractions of the park, having it isolated, so it can be visited from the parking lot, helps
manage the people who come to see it. One room in the house can be set aside as a welcome,
orientation, museum, and education feature for the RCW attraction. Educational/interpretive
signage could be located throughout the preserve.
11. Ropes Course / Activities: If the city opts to incorporate any of these types of facilities, this is a
good location due to its natural cover, close proximity to the house, adjacent to the (9) parking
lot, near the restrooms and surrounded by a paved road and paved trail.12. VIP: Although there is a parking lot close by, there is a need for some parking close to the house
for caterers, instructors, guests, managers, maintenance, etc. This location is close to the house
and garage but somewhat out of sight. It also serves for bus parking especially with restrooms
in the garage. Suggest a patio extension on the side of the garage to extend the uses as an
indoor and outdoor venue.
13. Field: Due to being adjacent to loop road, the open field can serve as an overflow parking area
during major events. This area is roughly an acre and could accommodate up to 90 cars. Due to
its location adjacent to the proposed (15) dog trails, this space could also be designated as an
off-leash area for certain times and days of the week. That will keep dogs from roaming the
rest of the park. The northwest area of the field is also the chosen location for the agriculture
plots and community gardens. The separated location allows the field to be better protected
from park users. The entire space may need to be fenced to protect the proposed crops and
plants from local wildlife.
14. Picnic Area: This area is located between the (18) (19) open spaces, (16) multiuse trails and on-
leash (15) dog trails. The trees are tall and shady so the underbrush can be cleared to make the
area feel open. It will become a central place for people to post up while in the park or picnic on
the grounds.
15. Dog Trails: These are narrow dirt or mulch trails weaved through this section of the park
specifically for people who want to walk their dogs. The dogs would have to be on leash, but
these trails are open all year. The trails create loops so a person can walk a long time and make
different loops and routes as desired. Dogs could be limited along a direct route to the dog
trails from the central multiuse trail to preserve the other natural and wildlife areas of the
park. Others may use the dog trails if they desire, but they must be willing to encounter dogs.
16. Multi trail: This s a central multiuse trail connects the (7) loop road over to (30) Park Entrance
Road at Reservoir Park. The central multiuse trail is 12’ wide to accommodate emergency,
service, police and maintenance access. All other multiuse trails in the park will be 8’ to 10’
wide depending on the location and use. The trail runs along the outside of the forest edge
adjacent to the open spaces and is part of the (21) bike trail.
17. Wildflower: This is open space that is converted in a native wildflower meadow. The seed mix
will include annuals and perennials to give longevity to the color. A small viewing platform and
photo spot is set at the south end of the meadow for good sun exposure and long views of the
flowers. This area could include benches or an arbor. Native beehives and boxes may be
incorporated to help with pollination.
18. Fruit Orchard: This is the best location to add fruit trees and create an orchard, especially
adjacent to the wildflowers that draw pollinators. Events around harvesting could be planned
for this area.
19. Pecan Orchard: There are sizeable pecan trees already in this location. The trees need
prescriptive treatment and new trees planted to replace these as they grow old. Suggest
opening the side of the Barn toward the grove and create a large patio or paved area as an
outdoor extension of the barn. The patio will accommodate a variety of uses based on whatactivities or events are occurring in and around the barn. Events around harvesting could be
planned for this area.
20. Open Space Lawn: The open space grass lawn is the central focal feature of the park. It offers
a wide variety of opportunities for events and activities. It can be used by large crowds or a
single individual. It should be kept as a mowed grass area that is comfortable year-round for
planned and impromptu activities and events. A couple of the larger single trees in the open
can be leased out as Climbing Trees. A small stage could be located on the western end of the
lawn.
21. Bike Trail: The loop trail system around the open spaces will be one of the most desirable and
used features of the park. The trails follow around the edges of the open spaces just outside the
tree line. Because it is a paved multiuse trial in a loop layout, it can be used in a wide variety of
manners. Every event will use these trails for access as well as recreation. The trails also
function to isolate the grass, pecan grove, fruit orchard and wildflower meadow, so they can be
effectively managed differently or by burn as needed without encroaching on the forest
preserves.
22. Road: We anticipate that Indian Trail may one day be opened and paved. If not, it can still be
extended to service the park and the (24) stage area. Any utility services needed can be buried
alongside this road without cutting through the park.
23. Back Stage: This small parking lot is designed under the trees and is located to allow access to
backstage for performers, speakers etc.. This lot prevents uses from dragging their vehicles and
materials through the park. It can also serve as a small trail head for patrons of the park.
24. Stage: A small, informal, paved area with minor electrical and audio service built into the
edges. This is not meant to be a massive amphitheater, but a small venue for small events
similar to the downtown stage at Sunrise Theatre. No formal seating , only laying out on the
grass. Tents can be used as needed.
25. Pond: Restore the pond to a more attractive state and establish waterfowl attractions. Set up
viewing blinds, fishing dock and perimeter trails.
26. Longleaf Preserve: This area has some of the best Longleaf habitat in the park. It is isolated for
management and preservation. Only the (27) nature trails pass through the area and are laid
out to serve for or access and fire control. The trails also connect directly to the (29) parking lot
at Reservoir Park as an additional trail head.
27. Nature Trails: A network of nature / walking / hiking trails will allow patrons to access and
enjoy the preservation areas and amenities of the park. The trail connects to the Reservoir
parking lot to give access from that trail head as well. The trails are laid out to break the park
into 15 – 20-acre sections for the Burn Program. Most layouts follow existing trails and routes.
28. Perimeter Trail: This is the rest of the overall multipurpose Perimeter Trail system that
surrounds the park for fire control and as a loop bike trail system. It begins at any of the four
corner trailheads and s to that same trailhead without backtracking. This section of the trailconnects (23) backstage trailhead to Reservoir Park and its existing internal trail system. It
could also connect a walking trail to the Disc Gold course.
29. Parking: The existing Reservoir Park parking lot serves the lake and trail system. By connecting
the bike trails and nature trails to this parking lot, it becomes a more diverse trailhead with
more activity and amenities. It becomes one of the four corners of Whitehall Park that serve as a
trailhead network to give more and easier access to Whitehall Park.
30. Entrance Road: This is the existing Entrance into Reservoir Park. It is so close to the edge of
Whitehall Park that it can easily become an integral part of the overall park circulation system
and provide access to both parks.
This program and narrative are considered conceptual drafts and are subject to much review and
brainstorm. The plan and narrative are designed to give the team and public information to consider in
establishing a vision and master plan for the use of Whitehall Park Property.You can also read
