Design Charrette Northeast Swale Master Plan

Transcription

1 Design Charrette Northeast Swale Master Plan April Staff Stakeholders Specialists Students Photo Courtesy Tim Jones

2 Table of Contents What is a Design Charrette?... 2 The Northeast Swale Master Plan... 2 Project Site and Scope... 2 Northeast Swale Design Charrette Overview... 4 Participants... 4 The Program... 4 Materials... 5 The Product... 5 Conceptual Site Plans... 6 Team Crowfoot Violet... 6 Team Horned Grebe... 8 Team Prairie Crocus Team Northern Leopard Frog Team Western Porcupine Grass Team Mule Deer Summary of Results Naming the Northeast Swale Appendix A Design Charrette Information Package

3 What is a Design Charrette? A design charrette is an intensive planning session where stakeholders, designers, and others collaborate on a vision for development. It provides a forum for ideas and offers the unique advantage of giving immediate feedback to the designers. More importantly, it allows everyone who participates to be a mutual author of the plan. Participants are led through the process by a facilitator and support staff. Participants work in groups to develop design ideas and a conceptual design that will be presented to everyone at the completion of the charrette. All design ideas presented can provide a basis for further design development. The Northeast Swale Master Plan The Northeast Swale is an important and unique landscape feature formed by an ancient river channel. Located north of Silverspring and Evergreen neighbourhoods, it is the largest piece of unbroken city land with native prairie, riparian forest, and wetlands. The site supports a variety of habitat types, cultural features, and high biodiversity. Meewasin intends to conserve the ecology of the area and support opportunities for nature appreciation and education. In , Meewasin is developing a Master Plan for the Northeast Swale. This work includes planning and designing the physical space, pathways, and amenities within the Northeast Swale to support resource management, education, and passive recreation uses. This project will produce a comprehensive site plan for the area of the Northeast Swale within City of Saskatoon limits. The Northeast Swale Master Plan Design Charrette is intended to initiate the design process. It will bring together design professionals and stakeholders for a one day, intensive design exercise that will produce a number of design options, and create discussion about and excitement for the project. Project Site and Scope The scope of the Northeast Swale Master Plan is limited to the area of the Northeast Swale with Saskatoon city limits, delineated on the map below. However, considerations for connectivity to adjacent land uses will be addressed in the final Master Plan and were discussed as part of the design charrette. 2

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5 Northeast Swale Design Charrette Overview Meewasin hosted the Northeast Swale Master Plan Design Charrette on April 29 th, 2014 at the Atrium building in Innovation Place in Saskatoon. In total, 43 people, organized into 6 teams took part in the design charrette. Participants Participants included representatives from: Meewasin staff and advisory committee members City of Saskatoon and University of Saskatchewan staff Other professionals and topic area specialists Swale Watchers and other stakeholders High school and university students Each team was made up of individuals with knowledge and experience in the following area: Landscape Architecture Urban Planning Education & Interpretation Civil Engineering Environmental Conservation Science Archaeology or Cultural Heritage The Program The charrette kicked-off with a bus tour to visit the Northeast Swale site. Luc Delanoy, Conservation Officer at Meewasin, provided a narrative of site features, history, and management for participants. Afterwards, a brief overview of the Northeast Swale Master Plan project and the goals of the design charrette were provided. Participants were then walked through relevant background information. Participants were seated in groups of 7 or 8 at work tables. The remainder of the morning and much of the afternoon was dedicated to collaborative design work done in teams. The final 1.5 hours was dedicated to presentations. Each team presented their conceptual plan drawing and described the primary elements, challenges, and recommendations of their design. 4

6 Materials Each team had access to a Reference Information Package outlining relevant guidance and limitations based on previous research and planning for the site. (Appendix A) The package included: Summary of significant natural and heritage site features; Overview of planning already defined for the site, including appropriate and prohibited activities, management zones, and the Greenway design; Design recommendation based on The Northeast Swale Resource Management Plan (2013) and The Northeast Swale Development Guidelines (Stantec 2012); Maps of the swale, management zones, and areas of interest; A schematic of the Greenway and Parkway crossing concepts; and Directions and questions specific to the design charrette activity. Each team was also provided a sheet with following materials to support design work: A base-map of the site with key features; o Existing trail and the proposed Greenway o Recreation, stormwater, and ecological core zones o Location of heritage artifacts o Surrounding neighbourhoods o Transportation and utility crossing points o Contour elevations Tracing paper and masking tape; Coloured markers, pens, and pencils; and Post-it notes and paper pads. The Product Each was tasked with developing a Conceptual Site Plan containing the following: Pedestrian circulation including trail and greenway network Access management and fencing considerations for the entire site Amenities and nodes including site furniture, way-finding, and signage Facilities to support recreation, programming, resource management, and interpretation Connections and interface with adjacent lands, natural areas, and existing trail networks Participants were also asked to brainstorm potential names for branding the site. 5

7 Conceptual Site Plans Each of the 6 charrette team produced a Conceptual Site Plan that was presented at the end of the day. This following section includes these drawings and summarizes the key featured and design rationale for each. Team Crowfoot Violet The design intent was to balance access and conservation by focusing on pedestrian circulation delineating spaces Design elements included: Strategic use of pathway and fencing for access control and management Restrictive fencing into ecological core permitting pedestrians but not ATV/snowmobiles A primary trail in the ecological core with temporary secondary trails Gated access to service area west of Lowe Road The greenway passes through the recreation zone (away from the road) Access to picnic facilities by a road and loop at current Agra road location Regional connectivity Connectivity node along the length of both edges adjacent to neighborhoods Each node would be an entrance point with informational and regulatory signage Trail north to Crocus Prairie along old Central Avenue alignment Eventual connection to Small Swale along new Central Avenue alignment Connection to Meewasin trail and node at Peturrson s Ravine Interpretative nodes in the ecological core, recreation, and stormwater zone Supports self guided tours with signage and pamphlets Facility to include space for classroom and interpretation program use A bird-watching node and boardwalk on the wetland near Lowe road A small interpretive facility with bathrooms located in stormwater area A Moose Woods -Batoche Trail node on the Greenway portion in the recreational zone Special seasonal consideration Winter activities supported include: skiing, snowshoeing, and cleared pathways Facility to be the center point of trails, serve as a warm up facility Temporary trails in ecological core to consider nesting times of birds 6

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9 Team Horned Grebe The purpose was to define areas for specific uses to best integrate human uses without impacting ecologically sensitive areas Design elements included: Managing human uses throughout the swale with a tiered trail system Greenway trails that surround the exterior of the swale area Secondary trail in the recreation zone that permits cycling, and dogs on leash Tertiary trails limited to the ecological core where paths are mowed Supporting resource management needs in the ecological core Access road and gate for loading and unloading grazing animals off of Lowe Rd. Fencing to limit human-animal conflicts and animals entering wetlands Interpretative features in the ecological core, recreation and storm water zone A Moose Woods-Batoche Trail to become an interpretive trail A small interpretive facility with bathrooms located in stormwater area Trails to leading to node to interpret Marl bog, lime kilns, and pinned rock Connectivity with the surrounding neighborhood with nodes at entrance points Nodes to include interpretive signage, benches, and garbage cans Education on importance of ecology and area communicated at entrance Signage includes way-finding and maps at each entrance Supporting recreational opportunities in the recreation zone Picnic area with BBQ and small playground that relates to theme Winter skating on the stormwater pond, interpretive center as shelter Groomed cross-country ski trails for the winter season 8

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11 Team Prairie Crocus The design was focused on integrating education to support the primary goal of conservation Design considerations included: Education and interpretation features Portable trailer that is seasonally present for education in the ecological core Site design to support self-guided and guided interpretive tours Moose Woods-Batoche trail to be a linear park continuing in neighbourhoods connecting to the Small Swale Bird watching pier on Range Road 3045 at site of perimeter highway Signage for interpretation, regulatory, and way-finding Linkages to surrounding areas Linear parks connecting to adjacent neighbourhoods and eventually to the Small Swale Connectivity to Forestry Farm, schools, Peturrson s Ravine through to Peggy McKercher Conservation Area Linkage into existing Meewasin trail along river valley and to SNG Site to serve as transportation corridor for people traveling to the river trail Swale area, studies, and Greenway to expand as city limits expand Large sign on Central Avenue announcing presence of swale to people driving by Focusing highest use and traffic in the recreation and stormwater zones Moving primary parking away from Lowe Road to where Agra Road is now Picnic and washroom facilities located near stormwater pond in the recreation zone Primary interpretive trails located in recreation zone May leave current informal BMX use area intact Supporting x-country skiing in the recreation zone and along Greenway Ensure the grazing area is safe for people and feel likes a natural area (not a farm) Minimizing trail to the interior ecological cores, and only mowed trails Reducing human cattle interactions with temporary fencing when cattle present Trail to pinned rock in the ecological core is mowed and temporary Permanent fencing surrounding ecological core for cattle grazing (consideration for aesthetics) 10

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13 Team Northern Leopard Frog The primary goal is to educate residents about the ecological importance of the site Design considerations included: Education as the primary means of protecting biodiversity Education Lane centered on an Eco-Centre as a living laboratory School buses can access the Eco-Centre from McCormand Drive A site for interpretive sheep grazing featuring Jared in the recreation zone Interpretive signage to educate on cultural heritages features on site Wildlife viewing platform by Range Road 3045 to support nature appreciation Educational nodes along the Greenway surrounding the swale Balance the human habitat and wildlife habitat on the site Reinforce purpose of zoning by ensuring different uses in each zones A single mowed trail crossing the ecological core area Trail mowing must account for nest habitat in the spring A wildlife bridge crossing over Central Avenue to maintain wildlife corridor Reptile and amphibian study to be completed to support roadway decisions Establishing a small off leash dog area to prevent unauthorized off leash dog use Protecting the integrity of the ecological core The interior of the swale could be a nocturnal or sound preserve Maintain linkage through linear park along drainage areas Allow and encourage ongoing research in the ecological core Education to encourage Aspen Ridge to be herbicide and pesticide free Delineating pathways for transportation Separate trails on Greenway for walking and cycling uses Paved trail for cycling, cleared in the winter for active commuting Walking trail is groomed for x-country skiing in the winter months Adjacent roads to feature traffic calming elements Trail connection to Saskatoon Wildlife Federation and Small Swale 12

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15 Team Western Porcupine Grass Designed to accommodate human use and conservation activities Design considerations included: Preservation and conservation of the ecological core Limited access points into ecological core area from the Greenway Intermittent mowed trails that are variable from year to year Seasonal trails to balance conservation and human use, periodically Functional circulation Primary- paved, secondary-crusher dust, and tertiary mowed trails Traffic calming infrastructure along Central Avenue, Lowe Road, and Parkway Schools can access the swale and interpretive centre with parking Decommission Lowe Road and reroute around wetland to interpretive centre Greenway passes through recreation and stormwater zone Integration of surrounding neighbourhoods Connection through to Peturrson s Ravine and SNG and from Parkway to Small Swale Identifies connection points for neighbourhood along the north side of swale Extension of Greenway to new areas of swale as City expands Interpretative opportunities Interpretive signage for pinned rock, lime kilns with trails nodes A water fowl viewing platform at both ends of Range Road 3045 A second viewing platform at location of old Lowe Road Primary entrance point interpretive area located in the Southwest 14

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17 Team Mule Deer A design focused on the different ways people connect to a place, to nature, and to history Design considerations included: Connecting people with nature and our cultural heritage Reinforce a sense of place through passive interpretation Major entry points would contain interpretive signage Interpretative signage for natural and heritage features Low small profile passive interpretive signage to experience desolation of prairies Connectivity of the ecologically important areas Connection to Small Swale through linear green space Entry points are positioned away from ecologically sensitive areas Concentrate activity in recreation and stormwater zones Managing where humans and animals interact Permanent fencing along the Greenway around ecological core Use moveable corrals to keep animals away from sensitive habitat and people Multiple temporary and moving walking paths to cross the swale Trails to be moved seasonally with consideration for bird hatching and grazing Based on short term intensive cattle grazing with a variety of species Connectivity with the surrounding neighborhood Connectivity from surrounding areas through trail and green space trails Moose Woods-Batoche Trails continued through neighbourhood Nocturnal preserve with sensor activated lighting on the Greenway Facilities to support activities Groomed x-country skiing trails, ice skating dependent on accessibility Mutli-purpose chalet with café and bike rentals in the summer Solar powered well for water animals so that no power lines are visible BMX track in recreation zone to discourage BMX use in the ravine Additional parking suggested where the proposed parkway meets the Greenway 16

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19 Summary of Results While each team created a unique design with a unique focus, many elements where common amongst the different designs. The following points highlight the most common and reoccurring design elements that resulted from the charrette: Greenway Greenway at edges of ecological core, although potentially through the recreational zone Greenway is paved for cycling and pedestrians and may include separate bike pathways Internal trail system Mowed trails in the ecological core which are temporary and flexible Crusher dust trails in the recreation and stormwater zones support interpretation Nodes created for Moose-Woods Batoche Trail, the lime kilns, and Pinned Rock Entry nodes for trails with regulatory and educational signage Interpretive facility Accessible by school with safe drop-off location Provides shelter for classroom activities and storage supplies Publicly accessible warm-up shelter in winter with bathrooms Is a centre point for recreational trail system Wildlife viewing platforms Located adjacent to Lowe road or the Parkway roads May consist of boardwalk extending onto wetlands Supported with interpretative signage Fencing Ecological core surrounded with wildlife friendly fencing Restricts access for vehicles (bikes, ATV, snowmobiles) Permits access for pedestrian at multiple locations with v-style gates Access points are located to prevent high traffic in most sensitive areas Additional temporary fencing may be used to manage cattle 18

20 Recreation opportunities Both self guided and guided tours are supported Picnic sites in the stormwater zone off of Agra Snow shoeing, x-country ski and walking trails in the winter Regional Connectivity The Northeast Swale maintains connectivity to the Small Swale, Crocus Prairie, Peggy McKercher, the River Valley, and the Greater Swale Use of linear parks to enable people and wildlife to easily travel between the Northeast Swale, nearby natural areas, and surrounding neighbourhoods 19

21 Naming the Northeast Swale A communications and branding strategy will be developed together with the Northeast Swale Master Plan. As part of this strategy Meewasin will be looking to establish a proper name for the site. Charrette participants were asked to provide their suggestions and responses received are listed below: Wild lands of Saskatoon Rowe Ecological Area Silvergreen Park Nature Ridge Crosby Crossing Velonas Valley Northeast Swale Trail Park Northeast Swale Ranch Cree names: Neechewan Natural Area (Happy Gathering Place) Peciciwan (river source) Ahkastin (wet) Kayasi (old) Nipiy (water) 20

22 Appendix A Design Charrette Information Package 21

23 Northeast Swale Master Plan Design Charrette Agenda 8:00 Meet at the Atrium building 8:15 Introductions and coffee 8:30 Depart for site tour of Northeast Swale 9:45 Return to Atrium building 10:00 Overview of charrette process 10:30 Design time 12:00 Break for lunch 12:30 Design time 2:00 Afternoon break 2:15 Prepare for presentations 3:00 Group presentations 4:45 Closing remarks and next steps 5:00 Dismissal

24 Reference Information Site Features 1. Landscape Post-glacial landscape resulting from ancient melt water channel Glacial erratics, large boulders, and rocky areas on site Diverse topography, rocky ridges, and low areas 2. Ecological Diverse habitat, wetlands, treed areas, and prairie High biodiversity including important and rare species An ecological corridor connecting the river and greater swale 3. Cultural heritage Moose Woods-Batoche Trail Limestone quarries and kilns Pinned Rock, source of U of S campus buildings Planning Overview 1. Appropriate uses Passive: walking, running, wildlife watching, on-leash dog walking, picnicking, cycling Education: interpretive signs, guided tours, school group programming Prohibited: motorized vehicles, off-leash dogs, sports fields 2. Management Zones Ecological Core will be managed for biodiversity with burning and grazing Recreation Zone offers opportunity to experience area, less sensitive than core Stormwater pond is disturbed and able to support high level of users 3. Greenway Ecological Buffer provides ecological protection to the swale Trail Zone is a pathway for pedestrians and cycling Transition Zone is the outer edge, adjacent to other land uses

25 Reference Information Design Recommendations Recommendations based on The Northeast Swale Resource Management Plan (2013) and The Northeast Swale Development Guidelines (Stantec 2012) 1. Greenway Ecological Buffer Swale boundary should be visible, fencing recommended Buffer is 15m wide, outward from the Swale, with potential of 20m Planted with native species Trail Zone 3-4m wide pedestrian and cycling pathway Potential bicycle commuting corridor Connect to Meewasin and city trails Transition Zone Separate adjacent land uses from the Swale Planted with native species Stormwater management: bioswales, rain gardens 2. Ecological Core Controlled access: Fencing for perimeter of management zones in ecological core Non-intrusive wildlife friendly fence with access gates Entrance points to ecological core convey unique importance of area Signage to educate and communicate appropriate use Amenities: No high impact construction (leveling, stripping, coring, impermeable surfaces) Low-impact trails: mowing (rotated from year to year), mulching, or boardwalk

26 Resource management Grazing animals should be kept away from wetland areas Natural fluctuations of wetland extent will occur Well(s) to support grazing is required Staging area for loading/unloading sheep and cattle is required Research or resource management equipment may be stored on site 3. Stormwater Ponds Low impact recreation Trails for passive use Designated picnicking and staging areas Area requires restoration 4. Recreation Zone Passive recreation and interpretation Adjacent to highly disturbed areas 5. Parking Gravel parking at Crocus Prairie, next to Petursson s Ravine (16 cars) Lowe Road Range Road 3050 (98 parallel parked cars) No additional permanent parking lots to be added Temporary parking for special events can be provided by mowing in appropriate area

27 The Final Product Conceptual Drawing Your team will produce a Conceptual Site Plan with the following: Pedestrian circulation including trail and greenway network Access management and fencing considerations for the entire site Amenities and nodes including site furniture, way-finding, and signage Facilities to support recreation, programming, resource management, interpretation Connections and interface with adjacent lands, natural areas, and existing trail networks Design Rationale Once you complete the Conceptual Site Plan, please answer the following questions: 1. What is the most important design element or consideration for this site? 2. What is the greatest challenge for this site? How does your design address it?

28 3. How does your design support connectivity with the surrounding neighbourhoods? 4. How does your design prevent high traffic in ecologically sensitive areas? 5. Are there any important seasonal considerations for this site and your design? 6. How will this site relate to future development in the greater swale as the city grows?

29 7. How does the design support programming and interpretation of natural history? 8. How does the design support programming and interpretation of cultural heritage? 9. What does your design palette consist of? (themes, characteristics, colours, textures ) 10. Are there any symbols used in your map that are not defined? (roads, nodes, entrances)

30 Figure A-1. The Swale Extent Meewasin Valley Authority November 29, 2012 Projection: NAD 1983 UTM Zone 13N 2011 Aerial Photos Property of the City of Saskatoon Clarkboro Ferry Clarkboro Clark's Crossing Columbus Bosco Homes Rural Municipality of Corman Park Rural Municipality of Aberdeen - Small Swale Points of Interest Proposed Perimeter Highway Greater Swale Northeast Swale 1 City of Saskatoon Peturrson's Ravine Kilometers Source: 1 (Stantec 2012)

31 Figure A-4. Points of Interest in the Northeast Swale and Surroundings Meewasin Valley Authority December 6, 2012 Projection: NAD 1983 UTM Zone 13N 2011 Aerial Photos Property of the City of Saskatoon Red Club-rush Crawe's Sedge Source: 1 (Chet Neufeld 2012); 2 (Golder Associates 1995); 3 (Stantec 2006) 4 (Dominion Lands Office 1884); 5 (Stantec 2012); 6 (City of Saskatoon 2012); 7 (Saskatchewan Conservation Data Centre 2012) Migratory Bird Concentration Site Menzies' Catchfly Central Avenue - Range Road 3051 Few-flowered Aster Lowe Road - Range Road 3050 Range Road 3045 Short-Eared Owl Observation Crowfoot Violet Pinned Limestone Boulder Northern Leopard Frog Observation Lime Kilns 2 Marl Bog 3 Moose Woods-Batoche Trail 4 Moose Woods-Batoche Trail Peturrson's Ravine Top of the Bank 5 Narrowleaf Water Plantain Limestone Quarries 5 Northeast Swale Boundary 6 City of Saskatoon 7 Rare Species ,000 Meters 1 - Agra Road - Township Road 372 Smooth Wild Rose Marsh Felwort and Red Club-rush Blunt-leaved Yellow-cress Crowfoot Violet

32 Figure A-8. Management Zones of the Northeast Swale Meewasin Valley Authority November 29, 2012 Projection: NAD 1983 UTM Zone 13N 2011 Aerial Photos Property of the City of Saskatoon # 1 Central Avenue - Range Road 3051 Lowe Road - Range Road 3050 # 3 Range Road 3045 # 2 Agra Road - Township Road 372 Transportation and Utility Corridors Existing Fence Greenway Wetland Management Zone Wetland Management Buffer Zone Management Zone 1 Management Zone 2 Management Zone 3 Management Zone 4 1 Management Zone 5a Management Zone 5b University of Saskatchewan Reclamation Site Adjacent Undeveloped Land Saskatoon Natural Grasslands Peturrson's Ravine Crocus Prairie Potential Stormwater Works Northeast Swale Boundary Meters Source: 1 (Stantec 2012) -

33 The GREENWAY The Swale Ecological Buffer Trail Zone Transition Zone Adjacent Land Use (residential, roadway, commercial, etc.) The Swale should be separated from the Greenway by a page wire fence and/or delineated using signage. The Swale will be managed in accordance with the NE Swale Resource Management Plan It is important that the Swale boundary be recognizable by the public. The Ecological Buffer Zone: Use species native to the Swale Some native areas currently exist, while others may need seeding with native species and/or allowing natural regeneration to accomplish the task. The long-term goal is to have this zone as native as possible. Vegetation management should be complementary with the Swale management. A 15 m minimum width is recommended, although this should be widened to 20m if the slope toward the Swale is 5% or greater. Meandering from the Trail Zone into the Buffer is acceptable on flat slopes (<5%) and where natural vegetation is well established. 3-4 m wide, pedestrian and cycling pathway. Asphalt or crusher dust Meanders into adjacent zones are acceptable (see comment in Ecological Buffer) The Transition Zone: 5 m minimum width adjacent to residential lots or if used for stormwater management. If used for stormwater management the width can be greater 3 m minimum width adjacent to roads & other land uses. Fencing should be installed along residential back lot lines. Seed with native species that can be mowed. Use for stormwater management: grassy swale, bioswales, rain gardens, linear retention ponds The City should consider developing an information package for neighbourhood residents outlining the importance of the Swale. Suggestions for storm water management (e.g., rain barrels) and the need for back yard fencing and weed management could be addressed. W:\active\ _neswale\report\figures\figure_5_greenway.docx Legend Client/Project CITY OF SASKATOON NORTHEAST SWALE DEVELOPMENT GUIDELINES Figure No. 5 Title The Greenway

34 W:\active\ _neswale\report\figures\figure_7_road.docx Client/Project CITY OF SASKATOON NORTHEAST SWALE DEVELOPMENT GUIDELINES Figure No. 7 Title Crossing Concept (McOrmand Dr.)