The Corporation of the TOWN OF MILTON

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1 The Corporation of the TOWN OF MILTON Report to: From: Mayor G.A. Krantz & Members of Council Jennifer Reynolds, Director, Community Services Date: June 25, 2012 Report No. Subject: Willmott Neighbourhood Park Final Concept Plan RECOMMENDATION: THAT be received for information: AND THAT the Draft Concept Plan for Willmott Neighbourhood Park be approved subject to staff making minor changes to the concept plan; AND THAT the project proceed to the Detailed Design phase; AND THAT the Willmott Neighbourhood Park be confirmed as the location for the Town s second Leash Free park location, subject to confirmation with Leash Free Milton or another Community based volunteer organization to provide operational and organizational support for this facility. REPORT Background The 7.28 hectare Willmott Neighbourhood Park block is part of the former Willmott Farmstead, one of Milton s original pioneering farms called Sunny Mount Farm by its original owner. This park block will form one of two neighbourhood parks in the Willmott neighbourhood. The former Willmott Farmstead contains a variety of natural, cultural and built heritage elements, including an architecturally significant 1850s farmhouse, a barn and some smaller buildings, all related to the site's former farm use. While the reuse of the heritage farm buildings are not included as part of the park development process, the

2 The Corporation of the TOWN OF MILTON Report No. Page No. 2 Town's goal for this site is to ensure that the building and park uses complement each other so the entire site can become a unique destination. A Heritage Properties Business Strategy was approved by Council through Staff Report COMS in November of 2011 and the strategy will be used in the planning for future use of the farmstead (private program precinct), subject to the outcome of the Request for Proposal process to confirm a private partner for redevelopment / repurposing of the site. Staff anticipate that this process will be undertaken in In the interim, the buildings have been secured. Based upon a structural assessment, the garage will be removed as it was deemed to be unstable and unusable and should be completely demolished. The second house will also be demolished as it was deemed to have no current value. Staff will work with the demolition crew to salvage any possible materials (ie. wooden beams) for re-use within the park development process. The status of the remainder of the buildings to be confirmed based on the outcome of the RFP process and in consideration of the structural assessment. Staff have worked diligently to locate the neighbourhood park on this site in an effort to incorporate the heritage aspects of the property and still meet the outdoor active and passive recreational needs of the community as outlined in the Community Services Master Plan and Sherwood Secondary Plan parks background study. As per the Sherwood Secondary Plan, the park program will contain amenities typical of neighbourhood parks including multi-use trails, a children s playground area, minor spray pad, park shelter, vehicular access into the park, car parking and other associated park amenities. Due to its unique topography, mature vegetation and cultural features, staff feel the site is not conducive to active sports fields. In an effort to meet neighbourhood park program requirements, sports fields are proposed on the neighbourhood park block to be located on the west side of Bronte Road, south of Derry Road which is a relatively flat site more conducive to the development of active sports fields. This separation of park amenities into the two neighbourhood park locations will still meet the expected active and passive facilities as identified for the park during the background planning work, is responsive to the heritage nature of the park and reflects community input received. Discussion Funds have been approved for conceptual and detailed design in Town staff have been working with a consultant, the MBTW Group, to develop conceptual designs for Willmott Neighbourhood Park. Town staff coordinated two Public Input Sessions in March and May of 2012 to gather public comments related to the proposed park. The first Public Input Session held on March 27, 2012 was attended by 23 residents (see Appendix A) and an Existing Conditions Plan and Potential Park Facilities Plan were

3 The Corporation of the TOWN OF MILTON Report No. Page No. 3 presented to residents. Town staff gave a brief introduction to the project followed by a question and answer period and residents were asked to provide feedback and to complete comment forms. Comment forms were available on the Town website for a two week period and a total of 33 comment forms were submitted after the first Public Input Session. Town staff worked with the consultant to incorporate resident comments into three park concept drawings and these were presented at the subsequent Public Input Session for further input (see Appendix B). The second Public Input Session was attended by 26 residents and a total of 47 residents provided written input which noted their preferred concept and rationale for their selection. A summary of comments that were received both at the meeting and via the website in the weeks following the meeting is attached (see Appendix C). All three concepts received variable support with some residents noting opposition to car parking adjacent to their homes. Some residents expressed concerns with the concepts that showed a looped internal roadway as it was perceived as not in keeping with the park and would divide and compromise the park use areas. Many local residents had concerns that the park would be too busy and requested that it remain passive in use and accessible mainly via pedestrian trails. In an effort to address resident concerns and accommodate all proposed park facilities, a revised Draft concept plan (Appendix D) was developed incorporating the following: Vehicular Access to Park at Ruhl Drive and Tyrone Crescent Primary access to and from the site will be at this existing street intersection. Having a singular access will reduce the need for vehicles throughout the entire park yet is designed to be accessible to key areas. Parking Parking spaces will be provided along the vehicular park access road and in the north quadrant of the site to service major use areas. A landscape buffer will ensure visual buffering and distance from residential areas. Naturalized Areas The existing open fields will be overseeded to enhance their naturalized state. Some locations will be planted with native trees and shrubs to create areas of interest along the primary and secondary trails and to provide buffers between use areas. Where possible, tree and shrub species will be planted to supplement the existing trees and commemorate the historical farm use, including the representation of fruit tree orchards which was viewed as a favourable element by many residents. Children s Play Area and Splash Pad A central play area on the southern face of the site will function as a neighbourhood gathering space with amenities such as the children s play area, splash pad, covered shelter, connecting trails, and open space.

4 The Corporation of the TOWN OF MILTON Report No. Page No. 4 There is also space for potential specialty gardens (display and/or community gardens) which many residents viewed as a favourable amenity at the first public input session. Leash-Free Dog Park Upon establishing the Town s first leash free park (Clarke Neighbourhood Park, Cedar Hedge Road, 2008), significant research was conducted and a criteria based framework established to select the preferred location. There has been interest expressed by the public and Members of Council to confirm a location for a leash-free park on the west side of Town. Staff have undertaken a review of potential leash-free dog park locations in west Milton using the same criteria based framework, and have determined that of the sites reviewed Willmott Neighbourhood Park best meets the criteria for a leash-free dog area. (Appendix E). This park feature was viewed as a favourable amenity by a strong majority of residents at both public input sessions. A proposed leash free dog park would be fenced and compatible with adjacent park uses and situated away from residential dwellings. Staff has contacted Leash Free Milton to determine their interest in managing the operating aspects of the park under agreement with the Town of Milton, similar to their current operation in Clarke Neighbourhood Park. Staff will continue to pursue this relationship, as an operating plan will need to be finalized prior to proceeding with this park amenity. Trail System A hierarchy of trails is proposed throughout the site to bring connectivity between park uses and eventually to destinations beyond. Primary trails will lead to high-use areas, and secondary trails will provide passive walks amongst more natural settings throughout the park. Basketball Half-Courts Many residents are supportive of this amenity within the park as it provides recreational opportunity for both youth and adults. Courts will be situated in an area open to views, but are proposed to be set back from Ruhl Drive with tree planting to soften the view from the street. Picnic Area As expressed at both public input sessions, many residents are receptive to the potential for picnic and group gathering areas on the treed lawn of the former farmstead. In recognition of the historical significance of this heritage landscape, staff recommends that this future park be named Sunny Mount Farm Park. Staff will bring forward as a recommendation to an upcoming Naming Conventions Committee meeting. Pending Council approval of the Draft Concept Plan for Willmott Neighbourhood Park staff will move forward with the detailed design process including obtaining approvals from all internal and external agencies as required including the Region of Halton and various Town Departments. Detailed design is anticipated to be completed by the end of

5 The Corporation of the TOWN OF MILTON Report No. Page No with project tender in early 2013 and construction to commence in spring of 2013 pending Council approval. Relationship to the Strategic Plan Relationship to the Strategic Plan Goal: Well managed growth, well planned spaces. Direction: Encourage and facilitate pedestrian and bicycle traffic and the use of trails / paths / lanes. Direction: Encourage the integration of new development areas in the fabric of the existing community. Goal: A safe, livable and healthy community Direction: Encourage the establishment of a healthy community that is made up of an interconnected system of open spaces, walking trails, bicycle routes and natural heritage features. Direction: Protect and enhance our heritage, identity and character. Financial Impact Financial Impact Council has approved a budget of $108,615 (C ) as part of the 2012 capital budget process to proceed with conceptual and detailed design. Funding for construction of the park in the amount of $ 1,531,343 is included in the 2013 capital budget forecast. Respectfully submitted, Jennifer Reynolds Director, Community Services If you have any questions on the content of this report: Jeff Fraser, Acting Manager, Parks Design and Construction, ext Attachments: Appendix A March 27, 2012 Public Input Session Comments Summary Appendix B Park Concept Plans A, B, and C Appendix C May 8, 2012 Public Input Session Comments Summary Appendix D Draft Preferred Concept Plan Appendix E Leash Free Park Site Evaluation CAO Approval:

6 March 27, 2012 Public Input Session Comments Summary Appendix A Total Sign-ins: 23 Priorities and Preferences for Willmott Neighbourhood Park (3 and 4) Cricket, either a pitch or batting cage. Could be a multi-sport facility. E.g. cricket, soccer, Ultimate Frisbee, etc. Maintaining buildings and help promote the history of the community. Using buildings bring more people to park and can educate about the past. - Ball hockey arena or fenced in paved area, dog walking, paths with garbage cans) Depending on the purpose/use of the former farm site, if it is used for the public to go to such as a restaurant, hang out spot, etc., keeping the heritage is nice, I m just not sure what it will be used for. Running trails/walking trails, benches, organized sports, biking trails, ice rink, picnic areas Please have an animal farm in the park and pond with ducks. Both programmed and non programmed uses; day camps for schools, picnic areas, area for birthday parties for kids in the summer Keep it as natural as possible. A farm animal park at the old barn. We are mostly interested in walking, so as many trails as possible. The farmstead is a unique site that connects to the early settlers of Milton and its rural beginnings. The site has a beauty and serenity that is important to preserve to the degree possible given that it is a part of a public park. Quite activities walking, picnicking, playground. A labyrinth on the lawn between the house and barn would fit well. It could be used for contemplation and also for children to follow to the middle and back out. Excellent place for a community garden. Soccer, baseball, tennis Picnic and community gardens links to farm to table movement Emphasize agricultural roots with community gardens potentially partnering with the neighbouring school site Include heirloom plants/trees in planning Tractor tire gardens use tires as the walls of raised beds Use pond depression for amphitheatre 1 of 4

7 March 27, 2012 Public Input Session Comments Summary Appendix A Turn barn into band shell/stage community events, productions, outdoor movies Ultimate Frisbee Band shell/stage activities Community garden needs water taps Walking /hiking Butterfly garden (heritage plants) Snowshoeing Children s play structures Biking, bike racks Summer camps for children Picnicking BBQ grills/outdoor pizza ovens! Nature programming Skating and warm-up hut Splash pad. While I think it will be great for atmosphere, I m worried about my kids getting injured themselves Splash pad, playground equipment, bathrooms, shelter from sun, soccer, baseball-organized and non, picnic benches, open green spaces, bike trails/walking trails Keep the structures in place, use them as a history educational site like a museum or a restaurant for the residents in the area Splash pad, volleyball, tennis court, off leash area for dogs, bathrooms, ice rink in the winter, call it Sunny Mount Park Using the old house as a museum Non-programmed walking Maybe the barn could be turned into a place for kids to play like at Mountsberg Softball, tennis, splash pad The barn is AMAZING!!! Please keep it by any means necessary. Also, the park should be named Sunny Mount after the original farm s name from the early 1900s A playground area is a must, but we would like to have a very strong emphasis on green, nature space. Lots of walking trails and benches to enjoy the view on. We also really like the idea of having an amphitheatre 2 of 4

8 March 27, 2012 Public Input Session Comments Summary Appendix A I think the farm landscape offers a unique environment for the trails, etc. away from the busy neighbourhood. Because of this, the park has the potential to be different from the generic parks with playground see elsewhere in town, from the inspirational photos the barn-themed playground and washrooms would be a nice addition Sports (both organized and non-programmed) Soccer, baseball Bike riding through the park trails A unique park for the community, different than the many other corner parks, would more likely be used by residents. Please consider things such as an outdoor skating rink (and maybe a roller-blade rink in the summer) that is patrolled and maintained by the town If the structure is as it sounds, a nice restaurant in the house would be another good attraction for daily use of the park. The barn is really special and should be used for something. Maybe the Farmer s Market could be re-located to the park and a Flea Market-type are could be rented out. Both programmed and non-programmed sports interest me. However I think that this location must provide something special or people will just take their kids to the parks nearer their homes. Other ideas: Cricket is missing in Milton I have to go to neighbouring towns to play. Picnics, dog walking, kids, play areas, splash pad, bike/rollerblade trail. Would like barn to be kept use as kid s petting zoo, play barn Our home backs onto park, would prefer that parking not directly behind our home. Important to have good lighting for safety at night. Birthday party, my son was invited and I thought it was a great idea so much fun! Mostly walking. I walk through the trails system I m retired and have time to walk during the day 3 of 4

9 March 27, 2012 Public Input Session Comments Summary Appendix A To relax or play sports, take the kids to the playground Besides the playground for kids, there should be a splash pad for kids Picnic, participate in community events Concerns about road running through the park and risks to pedestrians may want to consider two roads ending in turnarounds and speed bumps Concerns about security: will the park have closing times? Who will enforce them and keep people from congregating at night? Interested in Universal Design for accessibility and planning components Build entrance via Brassard Circle instead of Ruhl Drive for security reasons. Ruhl Drive has a lot of traffic. Build 2 entrances for vehicles to the park, however not interconnected to protect pedestrians We like Laurier Park open space to do what you want Dog walking We don t want the barn to be used for a noisy, busy purpose like a restaurant, bar, daycare, day spa, etc. Please make it a nice quiet gallery with only a few parking spaces and limited hours of operation Enjoy the outdoors Ride bikes Add a skating rink for the winter I strongly prefer installation of a basketball court and multi-use trails over the suggested beach volleyball area (which the nearby sports centre already has). If the covered picnic pavilions are included, BBQ pits would be appropriate (similar to Conservation Park and Jack Darling in Mississauga) Don t make any parking in park Create outdoor gym, where people can exercise free of charge Make the park fun for walkers and cyclists No access to motorized vehicles and approach focused on active and healthy living 4 of 4

10 Willmott Neighbourhood Park Concept Plan A Appendix B 1 of 3

11 Willmott Neighbourhood Park Concept Plan B Appendix B 2 of 3

12 Willmott Neighbourhood Park Concept Plan C Appendix B 3 of 3

13 May 8, 2012 Public Input Session Comments Summary Appendix C Total Sign-ins: 26 Total Comments Received: (15 hard copy + 29 online + 3 s) 47 Preferred Park Design Ranking: Concept A Concept B Concept C Rank 1, 2 or 3 (5 + 13) 18 (7 +11) 18 (4 + 7) 11 Top Response Priorities: Concept A PRO Avoids full vehicular circulation throughout the park and less parking, incorporates parking along the sides of the driveway not a huge parking lot, and only 1 entrance off Tyrone better for safety (6) Trail throughout park provides good access from the Pipeline Trail (2) CON Parking is directly beside residential (3) Parking may cause a traffic jam because of student bus stop on Ruhl (2) Lots of grass and greenery on the west side (4) Need full size multi-use courts (1) Splash Pad (1) Need to include a dog park (1) Does not have a large picnic pavilion (1) Need to include community garden space on Concept A (with water access) (1) Open green space for Ultimate Frisbee (1) Play areas for young children (1) 1 of 4

14 May 8, 2012 Public Input Session Comments Summary Appendix C Concept B PRO Leash Free dog area (10) Splash Pad (6) CON Parking is dangerous because the driveway ring road bisects the park and affects view from residential areas (9) One basketball court is enough and they are too close to homes on McFerran Terrace (5) Themed children s playground (6) Leash Free Zone (3) Parking is mostly on one edge of the park and not behind my house on McFerran Terrace (3) No basket ball courts (2) Washroom facilities (3) No volley ball courts are indicated on this plan (1) One way vehicular traffic and separate parking areas (2) Need a Picnic Pavilion (1) Natural walking trails (2) Washrooms (1) Multi-use courts (2) Green areas for trails (2) Open Spaces for pick-up games (1) Sculpted landforms (1) 2 of 4

15 May 8, 2012 Public Input Session Comments Summary Appendix C Concept C PRO Lots of walking/hiking trails (3) Like the concentrated parking and driving area doesn t disrupt park users and better for safety (2) CON Parking is directly behind residential, should have lay-by parking (3) Needs the dog park (2) Picnic Area and Shelter (2) Missing a farm themed play structure (2) Natural Play Space (1) Needs the pathway through the park to the Union Gas Corridor (1) Lots of gardens and open natural space Needs a splash pad (1) Water Play (1) Doesn t have multi-use courts (1) Washroom/ Port-o-let shelter (1) Change the picnic area to an open lawn (1) Quiet, reclusive with more adult type of activities (1) Like the bathrooms from B (1) 3 of 4

16 May 8, 2012 Public Input Session Comments Summary Appendix C General: Design focus for families and young children Add more trees and summer flowers If you added washrooms, splash pad and leash free to C that would be the one I would choose Basketball courts should be tennis courts Have concentrated parking for the park but include a turn-around near the dog park with secondary parking to serve it. This way the entire park is not surrounded by road and people would still have the ability to drive to the dog park What happens with the pond? All parking needs to be minimized. Set parking away from residential area. I like the whole idea of it. We need another off leash free zone in Milton. 4 of 4

17 Willmott Neighbourhood Park Draft Preferred Concept Appendix D 1 of 1

18 Leash Free Park Site Evaluation Appendix E Site: Willmott Neighbourhood Park (155 Rhul Drive) Opportunities Centrally located within Sherwood Secondary Plan Close proximity to Union Gas Pipeline Trail Adjacent to mature trees will provide some shaded areas Natural open grassy area Potential for walkway connections Park currently under design complimentary land use Use contributes to eyes on the park informal monitoring of a large site Adequate space for parking Emergency vehicle access Isolated from busy roads Constraints Some resident concerns expressed through the Public Input Sessions 1 of 5

19 Leash Free Park Site Evaluation Appendix E Site: Jannock Lands (Not yet addressed Steeles and Tremaine) Opportunities Constraints Sherwood Secondary Plan Timing; property not yet conveyed to Town and overall Master Plan still to be undertaken Adjacent to ex. woodlot that will Poor visual access provide some shaded areas Natural area Access that requires a vehicle Potential walkway connections Isolated and more difficult to monitor Not centrally located 2 of 5

20 Leash Free Park Site Evaluation Appendix E Site: Willmott West (Mary Biason) (Not yet addressed Derry and Bronte) Opportunities Constraints Centrally located within Sherwood No mature trees for shade Secondary Plan Close proximity to Union Gas Pipeline Trail Park design forecast for 2014, construction timing tbd Natural open grassy area Future programmed facilities nearby; may not be compatible use Potential for walkway connections Union Gas Easement required for proposed off leash dog area, in addition to Union Gas Easement required for Pipeline Trail Adequate space for parking No on site parking Emergency vehicle access Isolated from busy roads 3 of 5

21 Leash Free Park Site Evaluation Appendix E Site: Indian Creek Trailhead (Not yet addressed Main and Scott) Opportunities Constraints Within Sherwood Secondary Plan Poor visual access Adjacent to ex. woodlot that will Requires a vehicle to access provide some shaded areas Natural area Inconvenient access Potential walkway connections Adjacent to ex. residential Does not meet minimum size area No on site parking 4 of 5

22 Leash Free Park Site Evaluation Appendix E Ranking Score Matrix: Site / Criteria Willmott Nbhd. Park Jannock Lands Willmott West (Mary Biason) Indian Creek Trailhead 2 acre size Potential On Site Parking EMS Access Compatible land uses Central Location Ex. Shade Known Timing Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes 1 Yes Yes Yes Yes No Yes No 2 Yes No Yes No Yes No No 3 No No Yes No Yes Yes Yes n/a Overall Ranking 5 of 5