Site Planning for the Park Begins 

On January 19, 2010, Robert E Lee & Associates, an engineering, surveying, and environmental company from Howard, donned their snow boots and began staking out the stone barn property to gather data for a topographic survey map that will help the Stone Barn Committee design the future Chase Stone Barn Park. 

Conducting the surveys were Jay Olson and Troy Hewitt.  "We use GPS (a Global Positioning System) to gather data about property which is accurate up to 1 cm in open spaces." said Olson.  "We also use a device called 'Total Station' that records data in obstructed areas," Hewitt explained.  The data is then used to create a topographic map which will show the boundaries, elevations, and contours of the property.  It will also show which way the water flows which will help define any potential drainage issues.

The committee, along with a landscaping architect, will then use this map to design a site and master plans for the property.  The topographic map will also help them determine where they can put the parking lot, driveway, playground, and other features of the park.