Martial Cottle Park Master Plan with State Park General Plan Elements Task Force Meeting December 11, 2007
Agenda 1. Welcome and Introductions 2. Accept Task Force Meeting #1 Summary 3. Community Workshop #1 Review of Outcomes 4. Review of Submitted Public Comments 5. Update on Draft Resource Inventory 6. Draft Opportunities & Constraints Analysis 7. Draft Goals & Objectives 8. Public Comments 9. Next Steps/Adjournment
Community Workshop #1 Review of Outcomes
Community Workshop #1 Summary Purpose of Workshop Introduce the community to the park planning process Familiarize the community with the park site and the Donor s Vision Solicit community input on issues and aspirations for the park Solicit community input on the prioritization of the program elements set forth in the Donor s Vision Inform the planning team s articulation of park goals, objectives, and programs
Community Workshop #1 Summary Community Discussion Groups Approximately 155 attendees Eight discussion groups Asked to address to questions: Their priorities for program elements set forth in the Donor s Vision, and Issues and concerns they had regarding the park.
Community Workshop #1 Summary Discussion Group Priorities Program Elements Identified in the Donor s Vision Historic Farm The majority of the groups identified the following as high priorities: Preserving historic farm elements and structures Farm animals and hay rides Interpretive programs and elements
Community Workshop #1 Summary Program Elements Identified in the Donor s Vision Farmers Market Discussion Group Priorities A limited number of groups identified the incorporation of a Farmers Market as a top priority.
Produce Stand Community Workshop #1 Summary Discussion Group Priorities Program Elements Identified in the Donor s Vision A limited number of groups identified the produce stand or a concession and refreshment stand as a top priority.
Specialty Crops/U-Pick Community Workshop #1 Summary Discussion Group Priorities Program Elements Identified in the Donor s Vision The majority of the groups identified the cultivation of specialty crops as a priority.
Equestrian Center Community Workshop #1 Summary Discussion Group Priorities Program Elements Identified in the Donor s Vision A majority of the groups identified the Equestrian Center as a priority. Most indicated a preference for a non-boarding type facility.
Community Hall Community Workshop #1 Summary Discussion Group Priorities Program Elements Identified in the Donor s Vision A limited number of groups identified the Community Hall as a priority. One comment raised the question of what the Community Hall would look like and who would use it, while another comment questioned the need for a Community Hall.
Grassy Park Community Workshop #1 Summary Discussion Group Priorities Program Elements Identified in the Donor s Vision A limited number of groups identified the incorporation of a grassy park as a priority.
Trails Community Workshop #1 Summary Discussion Group Priorities Program Elements Identified in the Donor s Vision A majority of the groups identified trails as a top priority with the following points emphasized: - access into and through the park - a perimeter trail - separate trails for different users
Lake Community Workshop #1 Summary Discussion Group Priorities Program Elements Identified in the Donor s Vision A majority of the groups identified a lake or pond as a favorable element. Most comments expressed a desire for maintaining a natural character and designing it for wildlife habitat or flood control.
Cultivated Fields Community Workshop #1 Summary Discussion Group Priorities Program Elements Identified in the Donor s Vision A majority of the groups identified active farming operations as a priority, including: Historical and sustainable farming Agricultural research and advanced practices Community subscription agriculture
Orchard Community Workshop #1 Summary Discussion Group Priorities Program Elements Identified in the Donor s Vision A majority of the groups identified orchards as a priority element within the park. Heirloom and demonstration orchards
Community Workshop #1 Summary Discussion Group Priorities Program Elements Not Listed on Donor s Vision Plan Community Gardens Composting Dog Park or place for off-leash dogs BBQ/Picnic Facilities Miscellaneous Park Elements, including: - Kitchen/added value - Facilities for school programs - Greenhouse/plant conservatory - Amphitheatre for ranger - Rose garden - Native tree nursery - Memorial to Mr. Lester
Habitat/Creek Restoration Community Workshop #1 Summary Discussion Group Priorities Other Priorities Not Listed on Donor s Vision Plan Several groups comments reflected a desire to preserve or create wildlife habitat Focus on the ecological restoration of Canoas Creek
Community Workshop #1 Summary Discussion Group Priorities Other Priorities Not Listed on Donor s Vision Plan Design Considerations View preservation Treatment of park edges Tree preservation and planting Sustainable design Site topography
Education Community Workshop #1 Summary Discussion Group Priorities Other Priorities Not Listed on Donor s Vision Plan Strong support for an educational component Opportunities to partner with schools, Master Gardener programs, 4-H, and other existing organizations Hands-on opportunities for children
Events Community Workshop #1 Summary Discussion Group Priorities Other Priorities Not Listed on Donor s Vision Plan A number of comments indicated support for a harvest festival or similar events.
Community Workshop #1 Summary Discussion Group Issues Fees Affordability Park funding Revenue-generating opportunities Concern about creating a for-profit park
Community Workshop #1 Summary Discussion Group Priorities Parking, Traffic and Roadways Parking emerged as a leading concern Traffic an area of concern, including: Potential for impacts on adjacent neighborhoods Traffic conditions on Branham Lane and Snell Avenue. A desire to not put roads through the park
Community Workshop #1 Summary Discussion Group Priorities Safety A desire for the park to be closed at night Security lighting Park security or emergency services
Community Workshop #1 Summary Discussion Group Priorities Noise, Odors, Maintenance Concern about potential impacts on neighbors, including: - noise from recreational activities near homes - odors from animals - maintenance and litter
Community Workshop #1 Summary Discussion Group Priorities Pesticides and Pests A desire to limit or avoid pesticide use, or require organic farming Some concern about rodents from the park infesting the neighborhood
Community Workshop #1 Summary Discussion Group Priorities Other Comments included: Non-historic agricultural uses and events would be allowed in the park Access into and within the park
Resource Inventory Update Final Draft Resource Inventory Revisions Most revisions corrected factual data about the site Executive Summary to be completed early next year State to conduct additional site survey for cultural resources and incorporate findings into Final Draft Resource Inventory early next year Final Draft Resource Inventory to be posted to the County s Web site for public review early in 2008. Martial Cottle Park Master Plan
Draft Opportunities & Constraints Analysis
Opportunities & Constraints Analysis The Donor s Vision The property shall be used exclusively as a public historical park that informs and educates the public about the agricultural heritage of the Santa Clara Valley as exemplified by the Martial Cottle family, dating from the 1850 s into the 20th century.
Opportunities & Constraints Analysis The Donor s Vision Grant Deed Conditions The property may be used for: Passive recreational activities (e.g., picnic facilities, trails) Interpretive, agricultural education and research uses related to the history of farming in SC Valley Commercial uses related to the primary historical purpose of the park, such as: - Agricultural leases - Produce stands - Community gardens - Farmer s markets
Opportunities & Constraints Analysis The Donor s Vision Grant Deed Conditions The property may not be used: For high intensity, organized recreational uses, such as: - athletic fields - playgrounds - tot lots - swimming pools - play courts - amusement rides As a repository for historic structures from other sites.
Red Foxes Constraint: non-native species is a threat to native species Hawks and Raptors Opportunity: enhance public experience Constraint: nesting raptors sensitive to disturbance Rodents Constraint: potential increase with more gardens Wildlife Opportunities & Constraints Analysis Natural Resources - Fauna Constraint: domestic and feral non-native species Opportunity: enhance public experience Constraint: features that attract Canada geese
Natural Habitat Opportunity: restore areas of native habitat Valley Oaks Opportunity: areas for programming & restoration Constraint: protect & replenish existing trees Riparian Habitat Opportunity: potential for creek restoration Seasonal Wetlands Opportunities & Constraints Analysis Natural Resources - Flora Opportunity: hydric soils suitable for restoration Constraint: areas may be subject to regulation Invasive Exotic Species: Constraint: conflict with agricultural use
Structures Opportunity: education and interpretation Opportunity: functional space for education, agriculture, administration, community use, etc. Constraint: significant rehabilitation & maintenance costs Farm Equipment & Personal Affects Opportunity: significant interpretive resource Archaeological Sites Opportunity: significant interpretive resource Constraint: sensitivity to subsurface excavation Historic Patterns of Use Opportunities & Constraints Analysis Cultural Resources Opportunity: significant interpretive potential
Adjoining Uses Opportunities & Constraints Analysis Visual & Aesthetic Character Opportunity: appropriate edge treatment with widening of Snell & Branham Constraint: balancing visual access to park from roads with preserving internal park character Constraint: privacy & aesthetic conflicts with residences along west side of park On Site Resources Opportunity: mature valley oaks are dramatic visual features Opportunity: historic buildings are distinctive visual features Opportunity: Canoas Creek channel has potential for enhancement as visual amenity
Valley Oaks Martial Cottle Park Master Plan
Historic Seasonal Wetlands Martial Cottle Park Master Plan
Canoas Creek Martial Cottle Park Master Plan
Historic Structures Martial Cottle Park Master Plan
Views Martial Cottle Park Master Plan
Adjacent Lands Opportunity: vacant 2.34-acre SCVWD parcel @ S.E. corner of site Constraint: vacant 0.75-acre private parcel ( Tear drop ) @ Chynoweth and Snell Constraint: residences that back onto site Maintenance Facilities Constraint: potential visual & noise conflicts Parking Opportunities & Constraints Analysis Land Use Opportunity: wide public r.o.w. for Chynoweth Constraint: implications for traffic, noise, and visual Constraint: location/design of special event parking Constraint: space needs for larger vehicles (e.g., buses, horse trailers, etc.)
Soils Opportunities & Constraints Analysis Land Use Opportunity: fertile, well-drained soils good for agricultural crops Opportunity: areas of poorly-drained soils good for: Re-establishing native vegetation Incorporating recreational uses Developing above-grade community gardens
Opportunities & Constraints Analysis Land Use Soils Martial Cottle Park Master Plan
Opportunities & Constraints Analysis Land Use Potential Partnership or Programmatic Connections Martial Cottle Park Master Plan
Opportunities & Constraints Analysis Land Use Adjacent Land Use Issues Martial Cottle Park Master Plan
Opportunities & Constraints Analysis Land Use SCVWD Parcel Martial Cottle Park Master Plan
Opportunities & Constraints Analysis Land Use Tear Drop Parcel Martial Cottle Park Master Plan
Opportunities & Constraints Analysis Land Use Potential Streetscape Improvements and Parking Martial Cottle Park Master Plan
Opportunities & Constraints Analysis Land Use Infrastructure Martial Cottle Park Master Plan
Opportunities & Constraints Analysis Land Use Martial Cottle Park Master Plan
Site Access Opportunities & Constraints Analysis Circulation Opportunity: Hwy 85 underpass for trail connection Opportunity: dead-end streets on west side of site Opportunity: Canoas Creek maintenance roads for trail use Constraint: implications of site entry and parking locations on traffic and aesthetics Constraint: site size and limited access make pedestrian access inconvenient
Circulation Opportunities & Constraints Analysis Circulation Opportunity: Chynoweth alignment thru park as trail/service road connection Opportunity: Chynoweth west of site as potential bicycle corridor connection to Guadalupe River Park Opportunity: widening of Snell & Branham to enhance pedestrian safety and visual character Constraint: implications of primary access on Chynoweth to traffic and adjacent neighborhood Constraint: implications Snell & Branham traffic on site access and pedestrian/bicycle safety
Transit Opportunities & Constraints Analysis Circulation Opportunity: convenient regional access via Blossom Hill light rail station Opportunity: bus routes along Snell and Branham Opportunity: bike lanes along Snell and Branham Constraint: distance from Blossom Hill LRT station to core of park Constraint: absence of comfortable & attractive bus facilities
Opportunities & Constraints Analysis Circulation High Traffic Speeds and Volumes Martial Cottle Park Master Plan
Opportunities & Constraints Analysis Circulation Existing On-street Bike Lanes Martial Cottle Park Master Plan
Opportunities & Constraints Analysis Circulation Potential Vehicular Access Martial Cottle Park Master Plan
Opportunities & Constraints Analysis Circulation Potential Pedestrian Access Martial Cottle Park Master Plan
Opportunities & Constraints Analysis Circulation Potential Traffic Impacts Martial Cottle Park Master Plan
Opportunities & Constraints Analysis Circulation Potential Vehicular Conflict Point Martial Cottle Park Master Plan
Opportunities & Constraints Analysis Circulation Existing Bus Stops Martial Cottle Park Master Plan
Opportunities & Constraints Analysis Circulation Existing and Potential Multi-Use Trail Martial Cottle Park Master Plan
Opportunities & Constraints Analysis Circulation Martial Cottle Park Master Plan
Opportunities & Constraints Analysis Utilities and Infrastructure Water Opportunity: five existing wells provide source of water for park Constraint: implications of depending on ground water versus connecting to municipal water system Sewer Constraint: need to expand septic system and/or connect to municipal sewer system
Draft Goals & Objectives
Preliminary Goals & Objectives Recreation Goal: Provide for a range of passive recreation opportunities that complement the vision of a historic agricultural park and are consistent with the property s deed restrictions.
Preliminary Goals & Objectives Recreation Objectives: Integrate recreational programming and facilities with the park s agricultural function and historical resources. Locate and design recreational facilities that are compatible with adjacent uses outside the park property. Balance the mix and distribution of recreational elements including those identified in the Donor s Vision with elements that may be needed for efficient park operations (corporation yard, storage, hazmat shed).
Preliminary Goals & Objectives Recreation Objectives (Continued): Provide facilities that will activate and enhance the recreational use of the park (e.g., picnic facilities, multi-use trails, par course facilities, benches, etc.). Provide facilities and programming that addresses the needs and interests of a broad spectrum of the public. Provide facilities to serve large groups (e.g., group picnic area, central gathering space for events and festivals, etc.) as well as individual park visitors. Explore the potential for compatible dog use within the park.
Preliminary Goals & Objectives Agriculture Goal: Preserve and enhance the park as a functioning farm that supports sustainable and multifaceted agriculture that includes educational and community-serving components and commercial concessions consistent with the Donor s Vision.
Preliminary Goals & Objectives Agriculture Objectives: Preserve functioning components of the historic farm, including historic crops and farming methods, providing for interpretation and education about the historical farming practices of the Valley of the Heart s Delight. Employ sustainable agriculture practices for all farm operations, including organic farming practices. Employ state-of-the-art agricultural practices and technologies, including efficient irrigation systems. Establish viable partnerships with farming and research organizations to develop and operate the park s agricultural programs.
Objectives (Continued): Preliminary Goals & Objectives Agriculture Preserve Develop programs that will engage the public in active farming, including possible incubator programs for aspiring farmers and training in sustainable farming practices. Explore opportunities for developing and enhancing the marketing of produce grown at the park and creating value-added products. Develop community garden(s) in partnership with the City of San Jose. Develop interpretive programs for the agricultural operations of the park (see Education).
Preliminary Goals & Objectives Education & Interpretation Goal: Provide educational opportunities for a broad cross-section of the public that address the agricultural and historical themes of the park.
Objectives: Preliminary Goals & Objectives Education & Interpretation When available to the County, utilize the buildings, equipment and personal affects of the Cottle Ranch estate as the foundation of a program that interprets the history of agriculture in the Santa Clara Valley through the lens of the Cottle family s experience. Develop and implement a broad range of programs to provide hands-on training and education for people of all ages and backgrounds in agriculture, gardening, food production, and related topics as both vocation and avocation. Provide classroom facilities and/or multi-use space to accommodate educational programs. Martial Cottle Park Master Plan
Preliminary Goals & Objectives Education & Interpretation Objectives (Continued): Establish partnerships with appropriate organizations such as the Santa Clara County Board of Education, San Jose Unified School District, 4-H, Future Farmers of America, Master Gardeners and the University of California Cooperative Extension, and others to develop and implement educational programs at the park to further the park s mission. Develop programs to interpret the history of the site and region through its agricultural practices, cultural traditions, and natural resources.
Preliminary Goals & Objectives Education & Interpretation Objectives (Continued): Emphasize the development of interpretive and educational programs that are interactive and experiential in nature, in addition to more traditional exhibit-based approach, including use of internet technology to expand marketing and outreach for the park s educational programs. Develop agricultural business development programs in partnership with educational and research organizations.
Preliminary Goals & Objectives Natural Resources Goal: Preserve and enhance natural resources within the park consistent with the park s primary mission to provide for agriculture and passive recreation.
Preliminary Goals & Objectives Natural Resources Objectives: Preserve and restore native wildlife and vegetation populations within the park to the extent possible while allowing for the agricultural and recreational programs. Explore ecological restoration opportunities along Canoas Creek consistent with the channel s required hydrologic function. Create a lake, pond and/or wetlands in the area historically associated with poor drainage and seasonal ponding for the purpose of creating wildlife habitat and scenic value.
Objectives (Continued): Preliminary Goals & Objectives Natural Resources Preserve the existing valley oaks and provide for enhancement of oak savannah habitat with a program of new saplings. Incorporate the natural history of the park into the overall education and interpretive program. Make agronomic suitability of the various soils types a primary consideration in site design.
Preliminary Goals & Objectives Visual and Scenic Resources Goal: Protect and enhance the park s visual character while preserving high quality scenic vistas provided from within the park.
Objectives: Preliminary Goals & Objectives Visual and Scenic Resources Preserve the sense of openness felt from within the park and balance that sense with future park development as part of the Donor s Vision. Visually screen or buffer low-quality foreground views of adjoining development while preserving high quality views from within the park of the distant mountains to the east and south. Provide visual buffers along the adjoining street corridors that reduce the visual prominence of automobile traffic from within the park while maintaining some views into the park from surrounding streets and neighborhoods.
Preliminary Goals & Objectives Visual and Scenic Resources Objectives (Continued): Create visual buffers or screens along the western edge of the park that will reduce potential for privacy conflicts with adjacent landowners and views into private yards from the park. Preserve and enhance views of buildings or other structures with architectural and historical significance. Visually screen views of maintenance facilities, storage yards, and other facilities or structures that may detract from the park s visual quality.
Preliminary Goals & Objectives Land Use Goal: Develop and locate park uses to be responsive to the site s resources while being sensitive to the park s urban context and the potential for conflict with adjacent uses.
Preliminary Goals & Objectives Land Use Objectives: Site recreational, agricultural, interpretive and other park program elements to make the best use of the site s soils and cultural and historic resources. Distribute agricultural, recreational, and maintenance uses sensitively and provide appropriate buffers as necessary to avoid conflicts with adjacent residences. Provide limited site lighting only as necessary for public safety while being sensitive to impacts on park neighbors, night sky, and habitat values. Provide adequate parking to minimize potential for parking impacts on adjacent residential neighborhoods.
Objectives (Continued): Preliminary Goals & Objectives Land Use Distribute visitor parking to reduce potential for circulation, parking, and visual impacts on adjacent residential neighborhoods. Develop a coordinated land use and parking strategy for special events that optimizes the beneficial use of parkland during non-event periods, avoids visual impacts associated with large parking lots, and minimizes parking impacts on adjacent residential neighborhoods. Address security concerns of residents adjoining the west side of the park by permitting public access to the park during the park s hours of operations only.
Preliminary Goals & Objectives Circulation and Access Goal: Provide safe and convenient access to the park for a wide range of users.
Preliminary Goals & Objectives Circulation and Access Objectives: Develop strategies for facilitating travel to and from the park via alternative, non-automobile modes (e.g., bus, light rail, Caltrain, bicycle, walking) as a means of minimizing traffic and parking impacts and reducing harmful emissions. Provide safe and convenient pedestrian and bicycle connections from nearby transit nodes that includes bus stops, light rail and Caltrain stations to the park. Provide multiple points of walk-in entry for pedestrians and bicyclists to facilitate access to the park from surrounding neighborhoods and regional transit.
Objectives (Continued): Preliminary Goals & Objectives Circulation and Access Establish trail connections across the park to provide shorter and more convenient connections for pedestrians and bicyclists. Provide trails around the perimeter as well as through the site that are designed to accommodate safe and compatible use by multiple trail user groups, including pedestrians, rollerbladers, bicyclists, and equestrians. Provide accessible trails and access points for all people, regardless of physical abilities. Provide a system of internal service roads that facilitates access and circulation of park vehicles and farm machinery.
Objectives (Continued): Preliminary Goals & Objectives Circulation and Access Minimize potential traffic and parking impacts on surrounding neighborhoods by strategically locating parking facilities and vehicular entry points. Work with the City of San Jose on the future design of park edge and access treatments in conjunction with the widening of Snell Avenue and Branham Lane that will provide safe and attractive pedestrian and bicycle routes and allow for potential park access points (potentially both service and public). Work with the City of San Jose to provide safe and comfortable pedestrian and bicycle crossings at all intersections providing access to the park.
Objectives (Continued): Preliminary Goals & Objectives Circulation and Access Work with the VTA to develop safe, attractive, and context-sensitive designs for park area bus stops as means of promoting transit use as a preferred means of travel to the park. Work with the California State Department of Transportation (CALTRANS) to develop access beneath Highway 85 to surrounding neighborhoods near Blossom Hill Road. Evaluate the potential for collaborating with others on linking into other trail opportunities.
Public Comment Martial Cottle Park Master Plan
Planning Update Next Steps - Status Report Statement of Park Purpose, Vision and Goals and Objectives After Task Force Meeting #2, TAC and Project Team to provide input Program Development TAC Meeting #2 Late January Task Force Meeting #3 Late January Unit Classification Mid March Phase 4: Design Development Develop Alternatives February to Mid-April Task Force Meeting #4 April TAC Meeting #3 April Public Workshop #2: Alternatives Late April
Martial Cottle Park The Donor s Vision State Parks Concept Martial Cottle Park Master Plan