The following projects form part of the full conceptual design for Tecumseh Park that works towards a vision of the restoration of a healthy landscape regime, a consolidation of urban linkages to the surrounding neighbourhoods, King Street and the Thames River, and a new cohesive relationship between internal programme elements. 1 Tecumseh Common 2 Shumard Oak Circle 3 William Street Gardens 4 Thames River Edge and Floodplain Gardens 5 Stanley Street Boat Docking 6 Heritage Terrace East Armoury Plinth 7 Central Heritage Terrace 8 Heritage Terrace West and McGregor s Garden 9 Cenotaph Square and Bridge 10 McGregor s Walk 11 New Pedestrian Bridge 12 Bandshell Improvements 13 Promontory and Pathways 13 11 5 12 3 4 1 2 8 7 6 9 10 53
The Tecumseh Common 6.1 Plan of Tecumseh Common Cricket at Tecumseh Common Plan of Tecumseh Common Earlier garrison site at the Common - a possible site for an archaeological dig. The circular Jaycee Garden has dominated the Park landscape for many years. The master plan suggests that the gardens be relocated to surround the park grounds - instead of the garden being in the park, the park is in the garden. Special kinds of landscape gardens are suggested that make an intermediary green space between the edges of the park and its interior. Winter colours are advocated, as well as a more indigenous tree planting strategy, to replace those trees that have to be removed and to repopulate the park with a thick tree canopy in strategic areas. The new Tecumseh Common recalls the central open space that was once used for baseball, cricket, and field days. The new Common can be used for spontaneous recreation activities but should remain unprogrammed. Part of its area will also be investigated for its suitability for an archaeological excavation. 54
The Tecumseh Common 6.1 View of Park Proposed Tecumseh Common Programming: removal and transplanting of Jaycee Gardens existing tree conservation and removals as required 40 new trees, 20 understorey trees new indigenous species with winter colour removals / updating of electrical infrastructure airspading soil to decompact roots (all areas) integration with looping pathway network high traffic turf design at special areas inground lighting and light standards archaeological investigation of sites Partnerships: local horticultural groups, school groups Phasing Position: Phase 1 Refer to Section 7.1 Budget for cost estimate. 55
Shumard Oak Circle 6.2 Plan of Proposed Shumard Oak Circle The Shumard Oak is an important part of Chatham-Kent s heritage landscape. This oak has been reported to have been part of a small and special network of Shumard Oaks that were planted to mark the progress along the Thames River. A special programme of taking cuttings from the tree is recommended in order to propogate it in the park and other areas of Chatham-Kent. A special protective circle is proposed that would highlight the oak with a special heritage display. This Circle will also be an important entrance marker visible from King Street / Sixth Street and an important element within the larger Heritage Terrace. Special remedial work around the base of the tree will be done to alleviate the constricted and compacted soil conditions. 56
Shumard Oak Circle 6.2 View of Proposed Shumard Oak Circle Programming: special lighting at tree heritage display sitting area and low wall ground garden to protect root structure of the Shumark Oak propogate Shumard Oak in the Park by taking cuttings Partnerships: tie to heritage community groups and forestry departments Phasing Position: Phase 1 Refer to Section 7.2 Budget for cost estimate. 57
William Street Gardens 6.3 Detail of Entrance across from Cultural Centre William Street Plan The William Street edge of Tecumseh Park does not have a sidewalk. As a historical reference to Lovers Walk, a new promenade along William Street is proposed that restores tree cover, stretching the usable area of the park to its boundaries. Intensified tree planting with understoreys and gardens are initiated with a similar treatment on the east side of William Street that will make a strong connection between the park and a cultural precinct of the museum, art gallery, curling club and future uses. It also perceptually extends the boundary of the park, so that when someone is walking on the other side of William Street, they re in the park. The William Street treatment is also recommended to extend over the bridge to its intersection with King Street, linking Zonta Park and King Street to the Tecumseh Park approach. At the park s edge to the street, specific entrance points are proposed that punctuate a new landscape treatment of ground cover and understorey planting that allows the trees to grow in less compacted soil regimes. 58
William Street Gardens 6.3 Cross-Section of New Park Edge along William Street, Looking North View of Proposed William Street Edge, Looking Towards Armoury Original Lovers Walk Programming: gardens, 30 new trees, 20 understorey trees, new promenade entrance points tied to axial views and Cultural Centre raised planters at entrances inground lighting and light standards Partnerships: tie to public works improvements to William Street sponsorship of entrance points Phasing Position: Phase 1 Refer to Section 7.3 Budget for cost estimate. 59
Floodplain Gardens and Thames River Edge 6.4 Plan of Thames River Edge Improvements and Floodplain Garden 60 The Thames River Edge is currently informally used. The master plan proposes that the flood plain portion of the park adjacent to the water s edge be developed as a special garden with planting species especially selected to deal with a fluctuating water level. Pathways travelling through these gardens will promote a looping larger pathway structure to bring more people into all areas of the park. Tied to the new boardwalk and docking, the Thames River edge is developed as a continuous pathway network that connects to the Promontory. Similar water s edge treatments are recommended for Fred Collins Park across the river (with possible expansion along the banks in front of the TRCA and current empty lot) to expand the view across Tecumseh Park to the other banks, connecting the park to the larger open space precinct of the river. The upper hard surface parkway on the east edge of the Floodplain Gardens will ensure an all season walking looping network.
Floodplain Gardens and Thames River Edge 6.4 View of Floodplain Gardens View of Fifth Street Bridge and New Thames River Edge Programming: specialty gardens seating areas small performance spots inground lighting and small water feature 30 new trees, 15 understorey trees irrigation Partnerships: horticultural groups, school environmental groups, larger park networks connecting into the Thames River Phasing Position: Phase 2 Refer to Section 7.1 7.4 Budget for cost estimate. 61
Stanley Street Boat Docking 6.5 Plan at Stanley Street Boat Docking In Tecumseh Park s current condition, the usable part of the park shrinks away from its edges, which has the overall effect of reducing the perceptual area of the park. By stretching the uses of the park to its edges, the park s usable area will be increased. By placing a boardwalk and small boat docking facility along the north edge of the park, within the Stanley Street right of way, the north edge of the park will be fully used, expanding the perceptual area and potentially reducing vandalism by making this area of the park open and visible. The boardwalk connects to a new small cut into the Thames River for a simple process of lifting small boats into the river. This boardwalk connects to a relocated position for the seasonal dock at the water s edge. At the larger contextual scale, the small boat docking connects to a broader system of reinvigorated uses of the Thames River as a recreational landscape. New dock structures should accommodate seasonal flooding levels of the Thames River. 62
Stanley Street Boat Docking 6.5 Dragonboat Race 2006 Sculling circa 1910 Programming: removal of parking asphalt area wood boardwalk with space for launching (lifting) small craft into the river 10 new trees with raised planters inground lighting with light standards breakwall, docking area Partnerships: boating associations, horticultural groups, school environmental groups, larger park networks connecting into the Thames River Phasing Position: Phase 2 Refer to Section 7.5 Budget for cost estimate. 63
Heritage Terrace East / Armoury Plinth 6.6 Plan of Proposed Armoury Precinct The Armoury plays a critical physical role as a potent reminder of Tecumseh s military foundations and its contribution to the heritage of both Chatham-Kent and Ontario. The environment around the Armoury is developed as more connected to the building itself to allow for cohesive programming, whether the Armoury eventually becomes part of a public/ private partnership or remains in solely public hands. The south part of the Armoury, currently used for parking and servicing, has been reconfigured to allow for servicing at the same time as the space is programmed for smaller events - outdoor exhibits, markets, special events, taking advantage of the heritage structures to the south, the Registry Building, McGregor s Creek and the potentially charming main street buildings back facades and future Creek Walk. The former parade ground area of the Armoury to the north is proposed as part of a Heritage Terrace that connects William Street to the Promontory in a sweep of activites in a hard surfaced zone - ice rink, special planted gardens, the Shumard Pak Circle, heritage displays, archaeological excavations, etc. 64
Heritage Terrace East / Armoury Plinth 6.6 Plan and Section Through Armoury Lawn View of Proposed Terrace Planting at William Street Entrance Programming: removal of parking asphalt area hard surface pavement with raised planter raised plinth / lawn around Armoury inground lighting with light standards 22 new trees with gardens View of Proposed Terrace Planting Partnerships: potential private / public involvement in future use of Armoury Phasing Position: Phase 2 Refer to Section 7.6 Budget for cost estimate. 65
Central Heritage Terrace 6.7 Plan of Water Feature drained to provide hard surface for events The Central Heritage Terrace continues the east/west trajectory of larger hard surface public space to set up a strong entrance axis between the Sixth Street Pedestrian Bridge, the Shumard Oak, and the pathway system. The Central Heritage Terrace phase will bring major new amenities to Tecumseh Park with a new artifical ice rink that can be transformed into an inground water feature for the fall, spring and summer months. This area will be supported by raised planted gardens, new trees, lighting, and a new washroom building and storage facility, making it a highly effective venue for civic events. The Central Terrace will also be immediately adjacent to the proposed archaeological dig and will continue the theme of heritage displays as part of its route across the Park to the Promontory. 66
Central Heritage Terrace 6.7 View of Central Heritage Terrace Programming: hard surface public space with raised planters in ground water feature artificial ice rink new washrooms and storage facility inground lighting and light standarads Partnerships: potential private / public involvement in use of event space recreational partnerships for skating, hockey etc. Phasing Position: Phase 3 Refer to Section 7.7 Budget for cost estimate. 67
Heritage Terrace West and McGregor s Garden 6.8 Plan of Proposed Heritage Terrace 68 The final segment of the Heritage Terrace completes the connection of the Heritage Terrace from the William Street entrance point at the Armoury across the water fountains and ice rink, connecting to the Shumard Oak and Cenotaph / Sixth Street Entrance, to reach the Promontory. An important part of this phase of work is the the making of a special garden along the banks of McGregor s Creek, which is presently inaccessible. This double pedestrian looping system will create a special connection to the Promontory and on to the Thames River walk. The completion of this loop is especially important to Tecumseh Park to create series of different walks through the park, bringing daily visitors to enjoy the gardens and heritage displays. The MdGregor s Garden facility will include a small docking area that will allow small crafts to tie up, making another water loop travelling from the Stanley Street dock. A hanging garden / trellis structure is proposed to bridge across McGregor s Creek to make a special walk along its edge, and to also create a strong connection to its other bank, leading to King Street. The walk should be elevated to accommodate seasonal flooding levels.
Heritage Terrace West and McGregor s Garden 6.8 View of McGregor s Garden and Trellis Existing view Programming: hard surface public space with raised planters potential removal of Lawn Bowling Club terrace / docking at McGregor s Creek trellis and hanging wisteria garden hard and soft surface paths at upper and lower levels Partnerships: horticultural groups, school groups museum, local heritage societies Phasing Position: Phase 5 Refer to Section 7.8 Budget for cost estimate. 69
Cenotaph Square and Pedestrian Bridge 6.9 Plan of Proposed Sixth Street Pedestrian Bridge and King Street Connection The Sixth Street entrance creates a critical connection from King Street to Tecumseh Park. Once part of a more elaborate axial relationship with the original City Hall, the Cenotaph square now is more or less aligned with the shopping mall main entrance. The master plan proposes that the Cenotaph square extend itself across King Street by planting signature trees, special pavement and lighting to underline the important connection to the park. The square itself is elaborated as a grove of special signature trees that are mirrored on King Street. Several variations suggest that the actual Cenotaph monument could be relocated into the Park grounds as a focal point of the Heritage Terrace, strengthening in the military history of Tecumseh Park and the Armoury. The pedestrian bridge that crosses McGregor s Creek can have simple improvements made to its surface and handrails so that it is a more pleasurable experience. 70
Cenotaph Square and Pedestrian Bridge 6.9 Earlier pedestrian bridge over McGregor s Creek Programming: hard surface public space with raised planters new signage, inground lights and standards seating new pavement crossing King Street 14 new trees and new gardens new wood surface and ornamental rails at bridge Existing view of bridge Partnerships: local BIA partnership Phasing Position: Phase 3 Refer to Section 7.9 Budget for cost estimate. 71
McGregor s Walk 6.10 Plan of Proposed McGregor s Creek Walk and Improvements The McGregor s Creek edge holds great potential in stretching the boundaries of the Park to the south. By developing a continuous pathway that takes advantage of the creek edge s natural beauty, the area of the park will be greatly expanded and create a larger looping pathway network connecting to the full park. The creek also presents a recreational opportunity for small boats and creating an interesting shorter trip along the creek, around the promontory to the proposed Stanley Street docking facility. A continuous pergola is proposed to bridge across the creek as a framework for vines and a special environment particular to this intimate area of the park. This part of the park also is important in creating a visual and programmatic link between King Street and Tecumseh Park. A bordering pathway along the King Street side is proposed as a connecting linkage. This pathway should be at an upper level to accommodate seasonal flooding levels. 72
McGregor s Walk 6.10 Section at Proposed McGregor s Creek Walk and Improvements Programming: trellis for hanging wisteria garden new soft surface pathway along Creek s edge small docking at William Street / McGregor s Creek 20 new trees and new gardens 14 new trees and new gardens inground lighting and standards Partnerships: tie to main street businesses Phasing Position: Phase 3 Refer to Section 7.10 Budget for cost estimate. 73
Pedestrian Bridge 6.11 Plan of Proposed Pedestrian Bridge Although Tecumseh Park is centrally located in Chatham, it is not well connected to the north side of the river, despite its closeness. Recalling an earlier attempt to locate a bridge at the foot of Stanley Street, this new pedestrian bridge completes the Stanley Street alignment over the river to Thames Street at the foot of Victoria Avenue. This connection establishes a good looping path network linking the Thames River open spaces, including Thames Grove, as well as bringing a new neighbourhood a walk away from Tecumseh Park. This bridge would also connect a number of water s edge spaces on the opposite bank, including the Conservation Authority s property, and an empty lot that could become an adjunct to the Tecumseh Park precinct. Partnerships: Conservation Authority, neighbourhood associations, cycling and hiking networks Phasing Position: Phase 5 74 Refer to Section 7.11 Budget for cost estimate.
Bandshell Improvements 6.12 Plan of Proposed Band Shell Improvements View of Bandshell and Seating Area with New Turf The grounds of the Bandshell is integrated more completely with the pathway network in the master plan proposal, with the boardwalk and gardens running to the north of the building as well as around its other sides, connecting with the William Street edge. The popularity and importance of the bandshell is reflected in the current design for an addition to its current facilities. New practice rooms, a music library and storage areas that can be added around its base can be designed more transparently so that the building provides more eyes on the park. The smaller practice rooms can also be sited so that they look out onto the floodplain garden and river for smaller impromptu performances or even an outdoor theatre. Programming: renovations to interior, doubling size of existing facility, new surface for audiences, special turf surround Partnerships: Chatham Concert Band, Chatham Cultural Centre Phasing Position: Phase 4 Refer to Section 7.12 Budget for cost estimate. 75
Promontory and Pathway 6.13 Plan of Proposed Promontory Canon at the Promontory The Promontory and Pathway will form the most important linkage of the water s edge walking loop, so that the entire perimeter of the park will be accessible. The current partial pathway that encircles the Promontory floods on a seasonal basis. It is recommended that the new Promontory pathway be elevated by a sufficient amount that will allow the path to be accessible for these flooding events. A special pavilion is proposed for the promontory that will be the destination of the Heritage Terrace, with unique historical displays. A simple lawn will provide a space for relaxing and enjoying the view, while a more generous walkway will allow for both fishing and strolling comfortably. 76