Meeting Agenda. Public Meeting #2: Project Concept Presentation Tuesday Sept 19, 2017, 7:00-9:00 PM Meeting Room, Newtown Township Building

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2 Meeting Agenda Public Meeting #2: Project Concept Presentation Tuesday Sept 19, 2017, 7:00-9:00 PM Meeting Room, Newtown Township Building 1. Introductions 2. Project Background 3. Review Public Input Public Meeting #1 Brainstorming Online Survey to Date Key Person Interviews 4. Review Site Concept Images 5. Site Concept Plans 6. Accessibility Concepts 7. Next Steps

3 Project Team Simone Collins Landscape Architecture Peter Simone, RLA, FASLA, Project Principal Sarah Leeper, RLA Project Manager Melissa Barley, Landscape Architect Geoff Creary, Landscape Architect Applied Ecological Services, Inc. Michael McGraw, MES, QAWB Wildlife Biologist and Ecologist Willistown Conservation Trust Blake Goll, Nature Education Coordinator Environmental Education Interpretation

4 Master Plan Goals Expand and Revise throughout the Process: Engage in an open and transparent exchange of ideas where all ideas are considered and where everyone s voice can be heard throughout the design process. Foster ecological sustainability through plant and animal diversity and by employing best practices in landscape, meadow and open space design. Protect and preserve the privacy of adjacent and nearby residences through proper setbacks, screening and other techniques. Create landscapes that are low maintenance and that will create ecological landscape value.

5 Project Schedule Meeting Date & Time Meeting Subject Committee Meeting #1 Thursday, June 01 Programming Public Meeting #1 Thursday, June 8 Programming EAC Meeting #1 Wednesday, July 5 Review Programming & Initial Concepts Committee Meeting #2 Thursday, July 13 Review Initial concepts Committee Meeting #3 Tues, Sept 12 Present Site Concepts Public Meeting #2 Tuesday, Sept 19 Present Site Concepts Committee Meeting #4 Thursday, Oct 12 Pre Draft Plan Preview Public Meeting #3 Tuesday, Nov 14 Present Draft Plan 60 day draft plan review Nov 14 Jan day draft plan review EAC Meeting #2 Mon, December 4 Review Draft Plan Comments Committee Meeting #5 Thursday, Jan 18th Public Meeting #4 Thursday, Feb 20 Present Final Plan Review Draft Plan Comments / Review Revisions

6 Master Plan Process All voices are heard and honored Transparent Public Process: 4 Public meetings 5 Committee meetings Web Public Opinion survey 10 Key Person Interviews 2 EAC meetings

7 Area Map Episcopal Academy Echo Valley Liseter HOA Open Space Liseter Aronimink Golf Club Ellis Preserve Newtown Square

8 Site History Originally part of the DuPont Estate. Area was used for agriculture going back for decades. In 2012 the 50 Acre Preserve was dedicated to Newtown Township as a nature preserve as part of a land development plan.

9 Site history

10 Site history

11 Site history 2015

12 Site Investigation - Photo Tour

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28 Site Analysis Look at existing circulation; soils; plants; hydrology; and slopes

29 Site Analysis Elevation Map High Point of 425 ft & Low Point of 310 ft Net change of 115 ft across the site.

30 Site Analysis Hydrology Map Lewis Run, starts on site and flows into Crum Creek, classified by PaDEP as a Trout Natural Reproduction stream.

31 Site Analysis Soils Map The site dominated by Glenelg soils consisting of very deep, well drained soils formed in residuum weathered from micaceous schist

32 Site Analysis Slope Map The site contains a wide range of slopes types. With the central area having gentler slopes.

33 Site Analysis Slope Aspect Map Majority of the site is western facing with a central portion of the site having eastern facing slopes.

34 Feedback from Committee & Public Meeting GOALS Goals and Priorities for the Project: Initially broad, then specific: Develop a Park Master Plan or Enhance Habitat Develop a Master Site Plan Manage Expectations Sustainable maintenance 2018 grant applications for construction Phase construction as funding is available Match grants Birds First Ecological sustainability Transparent public process Create welcome to the entire community Protect the Preserve from development pressure

35 Feedback from Committee & Public Meeting FACTS Facts: Existing land use, site conditions, outstanding natural resources, adjacent properties, existing trails, nearby open space sites, potential partners. Wetlands 50 Acres Headwaters to Crum Creek (Drinking water) MS-4 regulations can be addressed at the preserve Longwood Gardens model (but they have a large budget) Dawn to dusk hours Collapsed culvert People have expressed concerns regarding site surveillance Prior access easement to area over Episcopal driveway Episcopal Academy Campus Safety Hidden gem Active septic line through site Increase property values

36 Feedback from Committee & Public Meeting CONCEPTS Access Safety Parking Ideas for Attaining Project Goals: Can be basic needs Provide Bird Blind or larger ideas Link to key Nearby Sites, Create Destinations within the Preserve ADA Access ADA Access to viewing platform ADA path from Episcopal Bike and pedestrian access Car Access Emergency access Need Maintenance access Pet access Phased access Public Access School bus access? Site access uncontrolled, could be dangerous Township access Police patrols Strategic security cameras Create Offsite parking Limit parking Parking Trail Activities Off-site parking Parking distance vs. restrooms Asphalt trails Connect to Goshen Trail Consider trail surfacing Develop blue bird trail Levels of trails Mown trails Patrolling trails Trail connections Trails double for emergency access Walking trails Cross-country skiing Disc golf Dog park Dog park Off-leash area Event space (group camping)

37 Feedback from Committee & Public Meeting CONCEPTS Activities Amenities Passive recreation Benches Benches Bike racks Bird blinds Drinking fountains Elevated boardwalk Kiosk Minimal amenities Picnic area Picnic benches / tables Rain shelter Restrooms Shade structure Small nature center Stream wetland boardwalk Tree House / Perch overlook Ideas for Attaining Project Goals: Can be basic needs Provide Bird Blind or larger ideas Link to key Nearby Sites, Create Destinations within the Preserve Amenities Program Information Viewing platform Wetland boardwalk Wetland boardwalks Wetland viewing platform Demonstration plot Establish hawk watch Field trips (schools) Meadow restoration plot Moth watching Night events (permit only) Night sky programs Riparian buffer education Stargazing Birding club Add signage You are Leaving Township Property Cell Phone tours Environmental education signage

38 Feedback from Committee & Public Meeting CONCEPTS Information Habitat Historic Signage Library as info tool Signage Trail markers Attract breeding bobolink birds Bird Habitat Butterfly pollinator garden Encourage pollinators Keep it natural Let nature take over: no changes Native plant communities Native plants Pest control (ticks) Protect water Wetland buffers Year-round interest Ideas for Attaining Project Goals: Can be basic needs Provide Bird Blind or larger ideas Link to key Nearby Sites, Create Destinations within the Preserve Policy Partners Funding Animal management program / deer culling Hunting lottery Restriction to hunting Anticipate amount of use Leash On access only No horses Trash Receptacles, or carry in/carry out Friends of Newtown Meadow Preserve Friends Of club Episcopal Academy Key Person Interview Matching grant programs Venmo fundraising (cell phone payment app) Will park funding come from taxes?

39 Feedback from Committee & Public Meeting PARTNERS Potential Project Partner: Could be a potential project funder or a group that would have a vested interest in the site, or a group that would want to run programs on the site PA DCNR PA DEP PA Game Commission Echo Valley Residents Liseter HOA Group White Horse Development Schools Universities Episcopal Academy Melmark Pennsylvania Parents Groups School Groups Science clubs Youth organizations Boy/Girl Scouts YMCA Toll Brothers Nolan Willstown Conservation Trust Aronimink Golf Club Corporate Connections

40 Online Public Input Survey: 137 Responses to Date Still Open Full results will be in the draft plan

41 Q9: The following is a list of outdoor activities often found in natural areas or open space areas. What activities do you participate in and around Newtown Township? Answered: 119 Skipped: 18 Hiking / Walking Running / Jogging Dog Walking Biking Wildlife Watching Birdwatching Meditation Picnicking Sunrise / Sunset Viewing Plant Identification

42 Q9: The following is a list of outdoor activities often found in natural areas or open space areas. What activities do you participate in and around Newtown Township??Answered: 119 Skipped: 18 Historic Interpretation Environmental Education Fishing Kite Flying Bird Counting Landscape Painting Canoeing / Kayaking Cross Country Skiing Camping Horseback Riding

43 Q12: In general, how important do you feel public parks, natural areas and open space areas are to the well-being and quality of life in Newtown Township? Answered: 121 Skipped: 16 Average Very Unimportant Unimportant Somewhat Important / Unimportant Important Very Important

44 Q13: Generally, are your recreational needs being met in or around Newtown Township? Answered: 119 Skipped: 18

45 Q14: Do you think that more public parks, natural areas, and open space areas are needed in Newtown Township? Answered: 114 Skipped: 23

46 Q17: Specifically regarding the master plan for Newtown Meadow Preserve, which facilities and activities do you think should be considered? Answered: 119 Skipped: 18 Hiking / Walking Running & Jogging Trails Trail Connections Benches Running & Jogging Parking Area(s) Environmental Education Dog Walking Restrooms Area(s) for Star-gazing

47 Q17: Specifically regarding the master plan for Newtown Meadow Preserve, which facilities and activities do you think should be considered??answered: 119 Skipped: 18 Nature-Based Playground Outdoor Classroom Wildlife Viewing Platform Picnic Tables Historical Interpretation Pavilion(s) Sledding Hill Kite Flying Tree House Overlook Tower Horseback Riding Organized Group Camping

48 Q18: One of the main goals of the Newtown Meadow Preserve is to enhance native habitat for wildlife benefit. Is there a particular habitat / wildlife restoration type that would interest you? Please check all that apply: Answered: 98 Skipped: 39

49 Key Person Interviews Topics of Discussion: Regional Connections Site Access Partnerships Site Surveillance Maintenance Needs Site Safety Privacy of Neighbors Neighboring Properties 1. Episcopal Academy TJ Locke Headmaster Mark Notaro Joe Shanahan, Director of Campus Safety 2. Liseter Homeowners Association Dick Brant, Jason Rubin 3. Township Staff Doug Everlof, Fire Chief Chris Lunn, Police Chief George Sharretts, Public Works Keith Laws, Ambulance Chief Stephen Nease 4. Echo Valley Community Association Mike Aufiero 5. SAP America Inc. Jim Dodd 6. BPG Management Services John Forde 7. Delaware County Planning Commission Linda Hill, Director Steve Beckley, Planner 8. PennDOT - District 6 Fran Hanney, Susan Penta

50 Core Habitat - Native Warm Season Grass Meadow

51 Recommended Site Structure - Viewing Platform

52 Wildlife to Attract Bobolink Eastern Tiger Swallowtail Redwing Black Birds Northern Green Frog

53 Recommended Facilities - Boardwalk

54 Recommended Facilities - Wildlife Boxes

55 Recommended Facilities - Bridge

56 Recommended Facilities - Interpretive Art

57 Concept Plans - Base

58 Concept Plans Concept A

59 Concept Plans Concept B

60 Concept Plans Concept C

61 Accessibility Concept 1 >5% 10 % 8% 8% 5% 8%

62 Accessibility Concept 2 >5% 10 % 8% 8% 5% 8%

63 Accessibility Concept 1 >5% 10 % 8% 8% 5% 8%

64 Accessible Trail Surfaces Porous Asphalt Asphalt Stabilized Earth Stone Dust

65 Accessible Trail Surfaces Advantages of Asphalt Paving Does not erode on steep slopes Minimizes maintenance cost Stable even surface meeting ADA standards Fades over time Diverse design opportunities Curves Color Stamps

66 Asphalt Trail Surfaces

67 Next Meeting Meeting Date & Time Meeting Subject Committee Meeting #1 Thursday, June 01 Programming Public Meeting #1 Thursday, June 8 Programming EAC Meeting #1 Wednesday, July 5 Review Programming & Initial Concepts Committee Meeting #2 Thursday, July 13 Review Initial concepts Committee Meeting #3 Tues, Sept 12 Present Site Concepts Public Meeting #2 Tuesday, Sept 19 Present Site Concepts Committee Meeting #4 Thursday, Oct 12 Pre Draft Plan Preview Public Meeting #3 Tuesday, Nov 14 Present Draft Plan 60 day draft plan review Nov 14 Jan day draft plan review EAC Meeting #2 Mon, December 4 Review Draft Plan Comments Committee Meeting #5 Thursday, Jan 18th Public Meeting #4 Thursday, Feb 20 Present Final Plan Review Draft Plan Comments / Review Revisions

68 Contact Information Simone Collins: Phone: Peter Simone Sarah Leeper Geoff Creary Melissa Barley Stephen Nease, Manager Newtown Township Phone:

69 Next Steps Your Homework Share online survey link with People Tell your friends and neighbors about the next public meeting Our Team s Work Prepare Draft Plan

70 Concept Plans - Base

71 Concept Plans Concept A

72 Concept Plans Concept B

73 Concept Plans Concept C

74 Accessibility Concept 1 >5% 10 % 8% 8% 5% 8%

75 Accessibility Concept 2 >5% 10 % 8% 8% 5% 8%

76 Accessibility Concept 1 >5% 10 % 8% 8% 5% 8%

77 Site Vehicular and Pedestrian Site Access Analysis 4 potential access points explored.

78 Site Vehicular and Pedestrian Site Access Analysis 1. Spring Water Lane Crossing Steep Slopes Crossing Stream Wetlands & Floodplain Requires Easement

79 Site Vehicular and Pedestrian Site Access Analysis 2. Fox Hill Lane Long Distance from Site Crossing Stream Wetlands & Floodplain Requires Easement

80 Site Vehicular and Pedestrian Site Access Analysis 3. Driveway from 252 Existing Access Easement in Place Existing Stream Crossing Steep Slopes Safety Improvements at 252 required. Ingress and Egress from South bound lanes only.

81 Site Vehicular and Pedestrian Site Access Analysis 4. EA South Driveway No Natural Barriers Easement Required

82 Site Vehicular and Pedestrian Site Access Analysis 4 potential access points explored.

83 Site Vehicular and Pedestrian Site Access Analysis 1. Spring Water Lane Crossing Steep Slopes Crossing Stream Wetlands & Floodplain Requires Easement

84 Site Vehicular and Pedestrian Site Access Analysis 2. Fox Hill Lane Long Distance from Site Crossing Stream Wetlands & Floodplain Requires Easement

85 Site Vehicular and Pedestrian Site Access Analysis 3. Driveway from 252 Existing Access Easement in Place Existing Stream Crossing Steep Slopes Safety Improvements at 252 required. Ingress and Egress from South bound lanes only.

86 Site Vehicular and Pedestrian Site Access Analysis 4. EA South Driveway No Natural Barriers Easement Required

87 Q1: What is the name of the municipality you live Answered: 137 Skipped: 0 Newtown Township Radnor Township Marple Township Upper Providence Township Edgmont Township Willistown Township Easttown Township Other

88 Q1: What is the name of the municipality you live Answered: 137 Skipped: 0 Newtown Township Radnor Township Marple Township Upper Providence Township Edgmont Township Willistown Township Easttown Township Other

89 Q2: How many years have you lived in your current municipality? Answered: 132 Skipped: 5 Average Years Q3: What is your age? Answered: 131 Skipped: 6 Average Age

90 Q4: How many people currently live in your household? Answered: 132 Skipped: 5 Average Number Q5: Please indicate how many people of each age group currently live in your household. Answered: 131 Skipped: 6 Adults Adults 65+ Children 5 & Under Children 6-12 Children 13-18

91 Q7: Which parks, natural areas, or open space areas do you visit for recreation purposes? (Please check all that apply) Answered: 119 Skipped: 18

92 Q6: In the past 12 months, has any member of your household participated in any activities in parks, natural areas, or open space areas in or around Newtown Township? This would include any recreational activity, such as walking, biking, participating in team sports, swimming, bird watching, boating, etc. Answered: 106 Skipped: 31

93 Q10: Is there an passive recreation activity you participate in and around Newtown Township not listed above? Please list below. Answered: 13 Skipped: 124 Playground equipment (3) Disc Golf(2) Sporting Starbucks Meditation Letting the grandkids run Photography Archery hunting Rollerblading

94 Q11: In general, how well do you think the age groups listed below are served by parks, recreation, and open space in or near Newtown Township? Answered: 118 Skipped: 19 Children 6-12 Children Adults Children 5 & Under Adults 65+ Very Poorly Poorly Somewhat Well/ Poorly Well Very Well

95 Q15: Are there any parks, natural areas, or open space in or around the Township that you wish you had easier access to? Answered: 111 Skipped: 26

96 Q8: Thinking about members of your household who are in the age groups listed below, how many trips in total have the members of your household made to parks, natural areas and open space areas in the past 12 months? For example, a family of 4 visiting a park equals 4 separate trips in the appropriate age groups below. Answered: 123 Skipped: 14 Adults Children 6-12 Children Adults 65+ Children 5 & Under