Dave Yackuboskey_Penn State University_Department of Landscape Architecture_

Transcription

1 Design Charette: teamwork Dave Yackuboskey_Penn State University_Department of Landscape Architecture_ After introductions and map orientation our brainstorming session gained momentum as residents of Coraopolis were willing to pick up the markers and share their ideas. The process was highly constructive and helped develop the following goals and objectives 1. Unite the citizens of Coraopolis with the Ohio River and other natural amenities. - Establish Coraopolis as the pulse of an integrative trail network - Offer recreational connections in close proximity to Coraopolis 2. Create opportunities for generating revenue. - Create a waterfront node that entices regional visitors

2 Amenity mapping current and future areas of interest 1 City of Bridges The local bridges will serve as connection corridors for the proposed land-based trails. They are also visually appealing and contribute to the identity of the region. 2 Locks and Dams The locks and dams in the vicinity of Coraopolis create a still water condition out of the flowing Ohio. Although this is detrimental to the natural ecology, it creates optimal flat water paddling conditions as well as a visually interesting amenity. 3 Coraopolis Waterfront The waterfront at Coraopolis boasts great potential for an amenity to be included along a greenway network. The possibility of a business/restaurant district coupled with the site s proximity to such a significant water resource defines the area as a cultural and natural node. At right is a current view from the water, this will be greatly improved through future development. 4 Mill Street Restaurant District Along with development goals for Coraopolis waterfront, future plans for a restaurant district on Mill Street will be a pull factor for the pedal paddle trail network. In order to generate revenue and establish Coraopolis as a convivial greenway, Mill Street will need to undergo an important transformation. 6 Paradise Beach and Public Dock A dock available for public access exists at Paradise Beach. The infrastructure provides access to Paradise Island Bowl which offers an entertainment interest along the pedal paddle greenway. The dock also offers a southern gateway to Neville Island via the Ohio River. 7 The Point of Neville Island Accessible only by watercraft, the point of Neville Island is currently the host of unsanctioned social gatherings. Sedimentation and the resulting sandbar emerge during seasons of low water levels. Evidence of fire-pits and rope swings prove that the site is an important space for users of the Ohio. Wooded Hillsides No city of equal size in America or perhaps the world, is compelled to adapt its growth to such difficult complications of high ridges, deep valleys and precipitous slopes as Pittsburgh. Frederick Law Olmstead, Jr. (Allegheny Land Trust) While these slopes hinder development, they also support biodiversity within and around the city. 9 Montour Trail The Montour Trail is over 40 miles long and accommodates multiple recreational uses such as horseback riding, cross-country skiing, hiking, and biking. The surface of the trail is crushed limestone and can be used as a model for the remaining proposed trails throughout the network. (RMU) 5 Robert Morris University Island Sports Center The complex offers: Mini golf Public skating Youth and adult league sports Birthday party reservations Users of the Coraopolis pedal/paddle network may be interested in completing a small scale circuit that involves some of the activities. 10 Sports Legacy Project Coraopolis is the future home of the sports legacy project and promises to provide an active recreational component to the fabric of the community. The project will extend the Montour Trail about one mile closer to Coraopolis and is planned for the adjacent property Southeast of the Waterfront Node proposed by this project (Westenzweig).

3 Pedal Paddle Network: civic engagement of Coraopolis natural resources Network map Legend Allegheny green- 2 Coraopolis Pool Network trails 1 Road-based trails Montour Trail Waterfront trails 10 1 Secondary Nodes Miles

4 Nodal Hierarchy facilitating boaters and bikers across the landscape Nodes Nodes exist in the network at key points along the river where travelers can switch from a kayak to a bicycle or vise versa. In order to accomplish this goal each node will be fitted with a minimal set of program elements. 1. Access to the water for boat launching (below) 2. Lockers or racks for securing both kayaks and canoes (right) Additional amenities can be added where it is feasible. 3. Refreshments such as water fountains or vending machines 4. Rest rooms 5. Seating areas / dining tables

5 N o d a l H i e r a r c h y creating the main node on Coraopolis waterfront Co rao po lis Wa ter fro nt Mi ll S tre et Re sta ur an td ist ric t Waterfront Node Context Map Wa ter fro nt No de Fu t ur ea th le Montour extension ion ion n tic Co m pl ex

6 Waterfront Node: part 1 the event hall A Event hall / reception desk for kayak and canoe rental G Lawn / Overflow parking B Overlook / breakout space for events H Montour extension towards Coraopolis C Bike storage overhang I Grassy mound look-out D Bio-swale receives stormwater run-off J Terraced Pavilions with situated views of the river E 2nd step of the bio-swale treatment system K River access / Fishing dock F Railroad crossing via signalization L Watercraft storage / Waterfront cafe K M N Kayak / Canoe specific docking structure Modular beach for direct put-in O Trailer parking I A J GG J J L M B N B A A O D G C B E H F NOT TO SCALE

7 Waterfront Node part 2 floodplain ecology+public park+dog park P Signage circles explain floodplains zones from dry to saturated W Climbable mounds allow children to enter the site Q Floodplain forest species X Ropes ensure children can permeate the boundary but dogs cannot R Floodplain scrub shrub species Y Wooden train / industrial history S Floodplain obligate wetland species Z Capsized boat / tie to the water T U Benches with high vantage point for parents and onlookers Adventure playground equipped with natural and historic elements AA BB Valley with rope bridges Double gated entrances V Dredging sand pit CC Water guzzler for dogs to drink DD Doggie time-out zone EE Dog lawn FF Towards waterfront trail and hillside discovery HH S P C R S W X V Z BB DD EE CC C Q P P U BB X W X AA W BB T FF

8 Design Details: perspective views GG View from the water of the event hall and waterfront cafe / watercraft storage. HH Sedimentation at the mouth of the Montour is currently used as impromptu river access, the proposed design responds to this desire.

9 Design Details: section cuts A A % slope Fishing Dock Switchback Paths Terraced Pavilions B Driving Lane Parking Lane Parking Lane Driving Lane Drop-off B Bio-swale Bicycle storage Parking lot Modular C Exploratory forest Fenced dog zone Open lawn Time-out zone Limited access for both children and dogs Flood plain restoration educational walk C

10 Floodplain restoration: plant list Tree Species Shrub Species Herbs/Forbes

11 Floodplain restoration: cont d Wetland Indicator Defined (USDA) OBL Obligate Wetland Occurs almost always (es mated probability 99%) under natural condi ons in wetlands. FACW Faculta ve Wetland Usually occurs in wetlands (es mated probability 67%-99%), but occasionally found in non-wetlands. FAC Faculta ve Equally likely to occur in wetlands or non-wetlands (es mated probability 34%-66%). FACU Faculta ve Upland Usually occurs in non-wetlands (es mated probability 67%-99%), but occasionally found on wetlands (es mated probability 1%-33%). A minus sign refers to the lower end of the category s range, while a plus sign designates a species in the upper por on of the range. Invasive species control mechanisms Removal of Japanese knotweed (Polygonom cuspidatum) is recommended as a means toward floodplain restora on in the study area. Uproo ng the plant is not recommended because the species regenerates by rhizome dispersal. It is recommended that the species of concern be cut back four mes a year and treated with localized herbicide applica ons. Invasive species removal can be an educa onal community builder if done properly. Communi es that par- cipate in the eradica on of exo c species take greater pride in their landscapes and feel a sense of ownership over their public spaces. A er removal and herbicide treatment, it is recommended that shade trees be planted where possible. Japanese knotweed is a light-loving species that will not survive in the shade (Kalisz and Dunn 2004).

12 Conclusions Generating revenue 1. The event hall Renting out the event hall for weddings and reunions is one way to generate year-round income from this development proposal. The pavilions are intended for free public use, but they could also be rented if there is a large demand. 2. Kayak / Bike rentals Renting kayaks, canoes, or bikes could also be a form income. This will not, however generate a substantial flow of money in the winter time. 3. Memberships Membership dues could be enforced for access to bike lockers and canoe racks. Members could also have elite access to refreshment bars at various nodes along the network. 4. Volunteer work Community engagement could be a cheap way to implement many of the proposed designs. This process will also foster community identity and project pride. Future partnerships Allegheny Land Trust Engaging the hillsides with a trail network may add support for the goal of keeping the wooded slopes undeveloped. Bike Pittsburgh / Kayak Pittsburgh Expanding the network of pedaling and paddling advocates down river to Coraopolis should be a priority. Ohio River Trail Council With the goal of connecting Coraopolis to the Ohio state line, the group is expert in land and water based trail networks. Sierra Club One of America s largest grassroots organizations is still deeply concerned with community efforts. Venture Outdoors A group committed to the outdoors and capable of guiding land and water tours.

13 REFERENCES Fike, J. (1999). Terrestrial and Palustrine Plant Communities of Pennsylvania. Pennsylvania Natural Diversity Inventory. Kalisz, S., Dunn, J. (2004) Ohio River Botany. Pittsburgh PA: STUDIO for Creative Inquiry, Carnegie Mellon University. United States Department of Agriculture (USDA). Plants Database. available at plants.usda.gov/ accessed Nov. 14, Westenzweig, H. Sports and Athletics Complex site map. personal Nov. 3, 2010.