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Sandy Creek from New Hope Creek to Duke University(Component 3 of New Hope Corridor Open Space Master Plan)PhotosClick to enlarge. Description and Special FeaturesA 0.7-mile biking and walking trail runs along Sandy Creek from Pickett Road to the Sandy Creek Environmental Education Park at the end of Sandy Creek Road (parallel to 15/501). The trail and surrounding wetlands are teeming with wildlife. Geese, ducks, herons, hawks, bluebirds, owls, woodpeckers, deer, beavers, turtles, and water snakes have all been spotted along this short trail. The trail has been adopted by the Durham Academy. Students and teachers at the Academy hold regular work days on the trail. Here are photos of some of the hard workers from the last outing. To see where the trail is located, look for the solid purple line on the Sandy Creek map.
In the NewsLinks to news stories about Sandy Creek: Text from 1991 New Hope Corridor Open Space Master PlanExisting Land Use & Ownership
Future Land Use The corridor along Sandy Creek, much like Mud Creek, appears to be developed to about its maximum potential, given existing land use controls. The largest pieces of open space land exist at the former city sewer plant site, the Duke University golf course, and the large parcel of city-owned land between the abandoned sewer plant and Garrett Road. Significant Resources Sandy Creek is a small urban stream, arising in the Duke University campus area, flowing along the Duke golf course. On the west side of the US 15-501 bypass, it passes through several residential areas and beside two school properties. Just north of Chapel Hill-Durham Boulevard is an abandoned city-owned former sewage treatment plant. The former treatment plant offers the opportunity for developing a major city park, which is needed in this area of the city. This park can provide both active recreation and trails linking schools, residential areas, a shopping center, and the main New Hope Creek trail. An existing nature trail along an abandoned sewer line is another attractive feature. It is from the urban character of this stream that its best use is determined. Besides preserving the floodplain in natural vegetation, this is an ideal location for a trail serving for both recreation and alternative transportation. Together, the Mud Creek corridor (component 7) and the Sandy Creek corridor provide the opportunity for a loop trail. Sandy Creek is indicated as a greenway trail on the Durham Urban Trails and Greenways (DOST) Master Plan.
Recommendations for Protection & Use
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