Chris James Park Planner July 16, 2014 Master Plan Kick Off Meeting
Meeting Overview Introductions Purpose of Meeting and Master Plan History & Background of Park Property Prior Planning Considerations Inventory and Analysis Master Plan Process & Timeline Draft Park Recommendations & Opportunities Comments
McCarthy Youth & Conservation County Park Public Information Meeting Notice Sent Notice to All Landowners within and Adjacent to Project Area Boundary, June 27 th Sent Press Release to Town Clerks/Village, July 3 rd County Press Release, July 7 th Posted on Dane County Website, July 9 th Monona Grove Channel3000.com, July 9 th Posted Press Release in Park, July 10 th Posted on Dane County Facebook Page, July 10 th Posted Legal Notice to Madison Newspapers, July 12 th
Purpose of the Meeting Begin the Public Master Plan Process for the McCarthy Youth & Conservation County Park Provide Information about the Park Master Planning Process Open Communication between Stakeholders and County Planning Staff Listen to Neighbor, Park User & Other Stakeholder Ideas, Hopes & Concerns Related to Future Park Development & Management
Why do a Park Master Plan? To follow a process to determine the suitability of land for future development of park and recreation facilities (slopes, soils, vegetation, archaeological sites, access, etc.) To determine what types of recreation & park program areas could occur within the park. To provide a forum that allows public/stakeholders to give input throughout the planning process. To aid in the preparation of preliminary cost estimates & budgeting for capital improvements. To enable eligibility to participate in certain grant programs. But most importantly To provide a common vision for phased park facility development & park land management that balances public use with resource protection.
McCarthy Youth & Conservation Park Property Background Russ & Ella McCarthy donated the original 180 acres of land in 1974 under the provision that they retain a life estate. For ~15 years the property was leased to a paving contractor for gravel extraction and use as an asphalt production plant. Beginning in 1988 the County began site reclamation & restoration that was partially funded by the McCarthy s. In 2000 purchased 40 acre Bradley parcel northwest of park. In 2005 purchased 40 acre Klein parcel northeast of park. In 2011 purchased 25 acre Weisensel parcel west of the park, total of ~ 285 acres.
Prior Planning Considerations
Russell & Ella McCarthy s Objectives Provide Youth & Conservation Activities Russell McCarthy wanted the park to be A place where kids from the city could learn about nature
1994 Master Plan Goals & Objectives Provide a setting for conservation, education and recreation activities for a variety of age groups, but primarily for youth Enhance the site s natural and aesthetic resources Provide multi-season and multi-use opportunities to fully utilize the park s natural and recreation resources Enhance site s access and circulation for safety and convenience of users
Inventory & Analysis
McCarthy Natural Features Wetland Restoration Bobolinks Prairie Knoll Drumlins Koshkonong Creek Views Wetland Restoration Bobolink Koshkonong Creek Prairie Views
Cultural Features Dane County completed an archaeological survey in 2009 of potential mound sites in the group camp area that were identified by Larry Johns in 1991. The mound features were confirmed to be not of Native American origin. There currently are no recorded archaeological sites within the park boundary.
Existing Recreation Cross Country Skiing Winter Disc Golf Sledding Snowshoeing Hiking Equestrian Cross Country Bird Watching Foraging Group Camp Hunting by Permit Cross Country Skiing Sledding Winter Disc Golf Equestrian Foraging
Recreational Opportunities Expand Equestrian & Youth Trail Riding Increase 4-H Involvement Shelter & Picnicking Playground Dog Exercise Area?
Wetland Restoration Opportunities Prairie Wetland Woodland Koshkonong Creek Prairie Woodland Koshkonong Creek
Regional Recreation & Link Opportunities Bicycle Trail to Patrick Marsh Bicycle Trail to Glacial Drumlin Trail/Cottage Grove Sports Complex?
Special Park Events Trail Run Trail Run Snow Day Youth Service Day Youth Service Day Snow Day
Master Plan Timeline
Next Steps Continue Inventory & Analysis Continue Gathering Stakeholder Input/Ideas Submit Comments by August 31, 2014 to be Considered for Preliminary Draft Plan November (?) 2014 Public Information Meeting to Review Draft Master Plan
McCarthy Youth & Conservation County Park Public Input Please Respect your Allotted Time Limit (3 Minutes) Do Not Interrupt or Interject Comments on Other Comments Do Not Laugh at Someone s Idea Refrain from Talking while Others are Speaking We ll be here as long as we can afterward to answer additional questions
McCarthy Youth & Conservation County Park Public Input For More Information Contact: Chris James, Park Planner Dane County Parks 5201 Fen Oak Drive #221 Madison, WI 53719 608-224-3763 james@countyofdane.com