In 1991 approximately 80 acres of agricultural and open land, located northwesterly of "Ballard's Corner," was bequeathed by the last survivor of the Geprags family to the Town of Hinesburg. The sole condition attached to this generous gift was that its use be limited to "educational and recreational purposes." The Town accepted this property in 1992.

The Town Selectboard delegated the authority to the Hinesburg Conservation Commission ("HCC"), subject to its oversight, to main and develop the Park, including making rules and regulations, consistent with local, state and federal laws governing its use. These rules currently prohibit motorized vehicles, alcohol and hunting in the Park, among other activities deemed detrimental to the public safety and welfare.

For purposes of discussing its current and proposed uses, the land can be divided into three areas. The western portion of the property is primarily a Class 2 designated wetland. The middle portion consists primarily of open meadows and is currently being hayed to maintain its agricultural value. To the east is a gently rising hill which descends steeply through a heavily forested area to a small pond and Route 116. The Town hired George Bedard to survey the Park to determine and mark the boundary lines.

This report updates the original plan for the future development and use of the property, prepared by the Hinesburg Conservation Commission at the request of the Board of Selectmen and as presented to the Selectboard on June 15, 1992; and all subsequent plans prepared to clarify the goals set forth herein.

II. History and Adoption of Long Term Plans

A. Process

HCC's first step was to conduct a thorough inspection of the property. The wetland boundaries in the southwesterly corner of the property were staked with the aid of Kathy O'Brien from the Vermont Water Resources Board. This area, plus a fifty foot (50') buffer zone, must remain in its natural state; normal agricultural uses excepted.

Second, HCC conducted a public opinion survey to determine what the residents of Hinesburg wanted to do with the land. This survey encompassed most, if not all, of the possible uses of the property. [The results of that survey were attached to the original plan, but not included herein.] The results, consisting of approximately 200 responses, showed that Hinesburg residents overwhelmingly preferred a non-intrusive use of the property.

Third, HCC held an open meeting on June 3, 1992, to give all residents an opportunity to further participate for the development and use of the Geprags property. Consistent with our previous reports, this report also reflects the general consensus among the participants at that meeting, the survey results and the opinion of HCC.

B. Reasons Underlying the Long Term Goals

HCC has adopted the "KIN" acronym (Keep It Natural) as a guide for the development and use of the Geprags Park. Any projects involving erecting building, moving earth, cutting trees, etc., should be carefully considered in terms of their long range impact on the property.

III. Specific Plans and Projects

A. Parking Lot and Sign

A gravel driveway and parking lot was completed by the summer of 1993, essentially consistent with the specifications and goals set forth in HCC's original report of 1992.

Also an attractive sign near the park entrance was erected, proclaiming its location and identity as "Geprags Community Park."

B. Development, Maintenance and Enhancement of Trails

Use of the hiking trails over the eastern portion of Geprags Park is currently the most popular activity on the property. All trails proposed at the time of the initial plan have been completed, and additional trails are gradually being created within the same area of the park. In addition, a few trail markers have been erected for guidance, and some bluebird houses have been set up for viewing from various points on the trails.

Other work relating to the trails include:
1. A trail head information box containing park rules and trail map.
2. Placement of a concrete and wood bench on the westerly facing hilltop.
3. Purchase and periodic use of a "brush-hog" to maintain the trails.
4. Posting the boundaries of the park to prohibit hunting and trapping.
5. Building a bridge over a small ravine on the trail to the amphitheatre.

C. The Old Geprags Buildings

The old homestead has been demolished, the old lumber burned and the foundation filled and graded. The old Geprags barn, on the other hand, is in the process of being restored. HCC has raised money for its restoration through annual Fourth of July auctions. So far, having raised about $13,000 over the course of four years, HCC has been able to reconstruct and regrade the footings and foundation of the old barn, replace the roof and siding, and install windows and doors. In the near future, HCC hopes to do some work on the interior, including laying a gravel floor and constructing a stairway and half-loft.

A few of the many possible uses for the restored barn are as a community nature or activity center for various groups, shelter for hikers, picnickers or cross-country skiers, "classroom" for local student field trips, and a center for further fund-raising activities, such as Halloween festivals.

D. Astronomical Observatory

The Vermont Astronomical Society, which had contemplated siting an observatory in the Park, decided instead to relocate to the old town dump.

E. Athletic Fields

Due to the construction of additional community athletic fields in Hinesburg's Lyman Meadows and other areas, and the fact that most of the Park's fields are in designated wetlands, no community athletic fields in the Park are likely to be constructed. HCC's preference is to avoid using the Park for organized athletic events.

F. Amphitheater

In the summer of 1997, the HCC, while making only minor changes to the natural contours of a portion of the westerly facing hill, created an outdoor amphitheater in the Park as a site for public concerts, theater performances and other public or private events and celebrations.

G. Publicity and Public Relations

The HCC has undertaken, and will continue to do so, several activities and events to encourage the public's use and enjoyment of, and involvement in, Geprags Park. These activities/events include:
1. Public workdays
2. Park tours and bonfires
3. News articles and contacts with local schools

H. Administrative Plans

HCC will attempt to form a citizen subcommittee to manage the Park and to continue immediate and long term planning for it. HCC wants to shed some of the management burden and to provide for more citizen input into the future use of Geprags Park.