Washington Park Diagonal

Transcription

1 Public Input Meeting August 3, 2011 Nicole Stahly RLA DPR Project Manager Jesse Clark RLA, LEED Stream Design Paul Thomas RLA Stream Design Kerry White RLA Urban Play Studio

2 Tonight s Agenda 1st Meeting: Wednesday, August 3, 2011, 6:00pm-7:30pm Introductions Presentation of objectives, criteria, and known uses and issues General comments (30 min) Breakout groups (30 min) Summary of breakouts and next steps

3 Downing Project Area Location The Diagonal Area Road & Parking Playground Permitted Picnic Area Historic Features Camp Fire Girls Fireplace Great Meadow Washington Tree Flag Pole Active Recreation Area Active Rec Play Picnic Basketball Tennis Horseshoes Pedestrian Paths Existing Veg. and Trees Grasmere Lake Mt Vernon Gardens Restroom Current Program and Element Locations.

4 Project Deliverables Area Plan A more detailed plan specific to the diagonal area that will serve as a basis for final design documents on future phases. Phase I Construction Documents Goal : Improvements that serve as framework for future improvements determined by Area Plan With Focus On: Vehicular Parking, Access, and Circulation (including Turn- Around) Camp Fire Girls Picnic Area (Actual scope/limits to be determined by budget & schedule.)

5 Project Schedule Information Gathering/Public Process/Planning Phase June 2011-October 2011 Design Development/Construction Documents October 2011-December 2011 Construction of Phase I* Winter Spring 2012 * Construction schedule is dependent upon completion of public involvement, planning, and design phases within the above schedule goals.

6 Public Involvement 1st Meeting: Wednesday, August 3, 2011, 6:00pm-8:00pm Communicate and gather information regarding known uses & issues of the diagonal area. 2nd Meeting: Tuesday, August 30, 2011, 5:30pm-7:30pm Present preliminary programming diagrams showing general locations & approx. sizes of elements. Generate a list of the pros and cons for each of the preliminary programming diagrams. 3rd Meeting: Tuesday, September 20, 2011, 5:30pm-7:30pm Present preliminary concept plan based on comments and input received at 2 nd meeting. Gather input and comments for refinement of Final Master Plan. The Final Area Plan Published to the City s website and ed to public meeting attendees.

7 Information Gathering Maintenance & Permitting Input (July 8, 2011) Operational and permitting issues, requirements, and desires. Visual Survey and Site Interviews (July 8, 9, 10) On-site observation of events, traffic, and daily use (weekday and weekend use). Interviewed visitors regarding use, where from (Local vs. Regional), likes/dislikes, wish list, functional issues, etc. Event Coordinators Roundtable (July 18, 2011) Met with several top event organizers (Turkey Trot, Arthritis Foundation, Furry Scurry, Polar Bear 5k, Jingle Bell Run, Rock-n-Roll Marathon, etc.)to discuss event uses, issues, functional requirements, and wish list. Park Users and Neighborhood Input (tonight and subsequent meetings) Neighborhood groups, volleyball groups, mommy groups, tennis groups, all park users. Your input and feedback is an integral part of the process!

8 Guidance Existing Plans Preservation Plan Rehabilitate Camp Fire Girls Fireplace Preserve Mt. Vernon Gardens (not in scope) Consider improved connections (connectivity) to the gardens Improve pedestrian connections & surfacing Preserve & restore park vegetation Play Area Master Plan Regional Park Play Area Athletic Court Assessment Tennis, Basketball & Horseshoe Pits Washington Park Master Plan Broad spectrum recommendations for entire park

9 Washington Park Master Plan The Diagonal identified as Area of Flexibility Areas of flexibility are identified where changes over time have occurred in the Park that have significantly altered historic character, functions and/or quality. These locations provide opportunities for improving spaces & facilities by redesigning them so that they meet current recreation needs. Such areas provide opportunities to allow new design solutions that address the most appropriate uses for these areas. Areas of Flexibility Re-design Objectives Complement historic park context Provide flexible use of space to accommodate a variety of uses and activities Provide places for people to interact, gather, sit, play, and enjoy the park Enhance the park landscape Reduce user conflicts by designing use areas to providing adequate space, access and flexibility. Improve picnic areas

10 Washington Park Master Plan (cont.) Diagonal Area Analysis Inadequate picnic and gathering facilities. Road is a barrier and dominates and divides spaces. Playground areas could accommodate more activity. Conflict in spaces g and inflexible program and circulation. Dilapidated facilities and amenities. Diagonal Area Recommendations Upgrade picnic facilities. Improve vehicular circulation and parking. Relocate regional scale play use to diagonal area and reduce scale of Boathouse play area. Restore the historic Camp Fire Girls fireplace. Reprogram and redesign the diagonal road to support new play areas and youth sports area. Provide additional landscaping, shade, seating and recreational use areas that support smaller, specialized activities.

11 Design Principles Optimize Sustainability Balance of environmental, cultural, and economic responsibility Maximize Flexibility Multifunctional activity areas and amenities Improve Connectivity Continuity in pathways and access points Preserve Heritage Honoring established traditions and favorites

12 Objectives and Criteria Used to guide concepts and measure the success of improvements. Improve Multi-use Road as Park Amenity Improve Bicycle and Pedestrian Circulation Enhance Picnic Facilities Optimize Active Recreation for Public Needs Provide Regional Scale Play Area

13 Improve Multi-use Road as Park Amenity Multi-functional Yet Accommodating to Vehicular Traffic and Parking Enhanced pedestrian experience and aesthetics Stronger connections between activity areas and historic features Vehicular access and parking that doesn t feel like a road or parking lot Accommodations for events i.e. Finish area, waste management, restrooms, utilities

14 Improve Bicycle and Pedestrian Circulation Safe, Convenient, and Efficient Access to activity zones and desirable destinations Equitable accommodations for multiple travel modes Logical and safe connections and routes

15 Enhance Picnic Facilities Quantitative and Qualitative Improved furnishings, amenities, and renovated fireplace Facilities that accommodate more groups, small parties and larger functions Sites near park amenities and activity areas Space for games and activities i.e. bean bag toss, etc. Places for awards, weddings, gatherings Protection from weather and sun

16 Optimize Active Recreation for Public Needs Accommodate Contemporary Recreational Needs For All Ages Best locations for activities/uses Facilities suited to current and future demands Basketball and tennis courts Horseshoes Youth activities i.e. skate-able plaza, alternative picnic games, etc. Close proximity to tables, seating, water, shade Support meadow activities Volleyball Exercise groups Impromptu activities

17 Provide Regional Scale Play Area Accommodate Variety of Experiences and Ages Position larger play area for the Park at diagonal area Maximized play value Dispersed or unified activities Accommodate all ages Diverse experiences i.e. tricycles, games, nature based, water play Scale of improvements to fit capacity of the site Convenient access and parking Appropriate capacity and location of amenities Shade, seating, picnic, water, restroom facilities, etc.

18 Collaboration and Success Collaborative Effort to Develop Criteria Used to Evaluate Success of Future Designs