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HomeMy WebLinkAbout6.c. Town Green Master PlanclTt of Ros r. F.am E=C=M 'SMOMRY FOR ACTMOh CITY COUNCIL YX=-'TING DAT£: NOVEMBER 5, 1991 AGENDA ITER: AGENDA SECTION: TOWN GREEN MASTER PLAN .NEW BUSINESS PREPARED BY:4aj AGE2�mAffEM DAVID J. BECHTOLD - DIR . �=& R ATTAC=NTB: COPY OF TOWN GREEN PLAN Council authorized the firm of Brauer & Associates to work with a citizens committee to produce a master development plan for the area -of Town Green. For discussion areas related to the plan were to include State Highway #3 from 145th Street to Brockway Glass Co, the armory site, the City Hall site, Erickson Park, and :portions of the St. Joseph's Church site. The actual area identified as Town Green on an attached drawing. It was important to include the areas listed above for discussion' to obtain a more clear perspective for design and phasing of the Town Green development. Jeff Schoenbauer of Brauer & Associates Presented the Town Green Plan to -the Parks & Recreation Committee. At the Parks & Recreation Meeting of October 21, 1991 the Committee did accept the Town Green Master Plan as presented. Members of the Town Green Master Plan Committee were present and gave further support to the Plan. It The motion by the Parks & Recreation Committee was to accept the Plan and to recommend to Council that they also move to accept and approve it. RECOF-AMNDED ACTION: Motion to accept and to approve the Town Green Master Plan as Presented by Brauer & Associates. COUNCIL ACTION: Master Plan for Erickson Community Square 0 � • Prepared For: City of Rosemount P.O. Box 510 2875145th Street North Lo Rosemount, MN 55068 Prepared By: Brauer & Associates, Ltd. 7901 Flying Cloud Drive Eden Prairie, MN 55344 October, 1991 Table of Contents 1 I. Planning Overview H. Development Program 1 III. Site Analysis 3 IV. Alternative Concepts 3 V. Master Plan 5 VI. Cost Estimate and General Phasing Program 9 VII. Conclusions 10 List of Figures: Figure 1: Site Analysis Figure 2: Concept A Figure 3: Concept B Figure 4: Concept C " Figure 5: Master Plan Figure 6: Cast Estimate and General Phasing Erickson Community Square i City of Rosemount Master Plan for Erickson Community Square Planning Overview Development Program In early 1991 the City of Rosemount undertook this master The Advisory Committee defined during focus meetings planning study for Erickson Community Park. the history and general purpose of the park and identified the major issues affecting its future development. These To accomplish this task, the City: items make up the development program. • appointed an ad hoc advisory committee of local The development program is important in that it provides citizens to oversee the development of a master plan the direction and establishes the basis for the entire master for the park. planning process. • hired the firm of Brauer & Associates, Ltd. to facilitate discussion and develop a park master plan document. General Purpose(s) Of The Park The master plan document consists of the following major components: Given their understanding of the park's history and what its development will mean to the community, the Advisory • Development Program: defines the park's general Committee was asked to identify what they considered to purpose and identifies the major issues affecting its be the general purpose(s) of the park:' future development. Ornamental and Cultural Theme: the Committee reached • Site Analysis: identifies the site's existing physical the consensus that the ornamental and cultural theme best characteristics and its developmental opportunities and represented their thoughts as to the general character of constraints. the park. A "family" and "community" orientation where common expressions used by committee members in • Alternative Concepts: illustrate a number of schematic defining the parks overall atmosphere. designs and physical relationships in response to the development program. Ideal Context: tieing in the community's history and heritage in some form or fashion was cited as an important • Site Master Plan: is an outgrowth of the accepted consideration. concept plan and represents the design solution that best responds to the development program and site General-Meaning' Of Erickson Community Square: the analysis information. Committee used the following phrases to express their thoughts as to what the park means to the community • Cost Estimate and General Phasing Program: projects the anticipated costs to develop the park and establishes • "a sense of place" in the context of being the central a general phasing program• focus of the community's social and cultural activities. The findings related to each of these components are • "a unifying-connecting symbol" summarized in the forthcoming text. Erickson Community Square l City of Rosemount • "a gathering place for residents and non-residents alike." • "a place that will enhance the cultural uniqueness, history, identity, and hometown feeling that is uniquely Rosemount's. • "a beautification and public open space project that will give our citizens a sense of place, identity, and community pride." • "Sunday evening in the park." Users Groups; the committee anticipated that typical park user's would include (but not necessarily limited to): • individuals and families from the community. • children (of all ages). • "garden walkers" • bicyclists (local and out-of-town) • local schools (plays, concerts, etc.) and churches (weddings, outdoor masses, etc.) • civic groups (for a variety of events, some of which are listed below). • local businesses (lunch time walks, etc.) • out-of-town visitors/travelers. • senior citizens. • local garden club (as their local garden "showcase"). • farmers market. • athletic-event participants and families. Community Events: The committee envisions that the park would ideally be suited for a variety of community events, including (but not necessarily limited to): • Christmas Tree Decorating Contest and Lighting Ceremony • Christmas Carolers and Christmas Pageant • Leprechaun Day's Events (10 day annual community celebration). • 4th of July Fireworks. • community picnics. • concerts-in-the park. Erickson Community Square General Issues Related To The Parka's Future Development Along with identifying the purpose(s) of the park, the Advisory Committee also identified a number of issues to address during the planning process. These included. Amphitheater: providing an amphitheater for community events and concerts -in -the -park was cited as a key park amenity. It was also suggested that the stage area itself be multi-purpose, whereby it could be used for other activities as well, such as a public gathering spot or perhaps a pond overlook. Natural Pond Area: the committee considers the existing natural pond/storm water detention basin to be an important site amenity which offers a range of interesting design possibilities, including. • an ornamental area featuring flower beds, colorful trees and shrubs, and an ornamental fountain. • a walking path with bench locations and pond overlooks. • a natural pond area which would contrast with the more manicured or developed areas of the park. Vehicle Parknig The committee generally agreed that parking was a major concern which needed to be addressed. With respect to this issue, the following points were made: • vehicle parking is very limited and barely adequate to handle the existing parking needs associated with City Hall, Erickson Athletic Fields, the church, Park & Ride (MUTA), etc. • proposed parking lots should be located to effectively serve the park's parking needs and, wherever possible and practical, the parking needs of adjacent businesses, the church, schools, Park & Ride, etc. Main Access Points; the City Hall parking lot and the Park & Ride lot are considered the main access points to the park at this time. Other possibilities should also be identified and taken advantage of where possible. Park & Ride Lot (MUTA): this lot, located along Hwy. 3 across the street from the St Joseph's Church, is considered important because it provides a very nice park overlook and a possible pedestrian access point. Trails: a trail system needs to be established to facilitate pedestrian and bicycle movement within and to/from the pa's 2 City of Rosemount Site Design Ideas and -Wish Last" Items: the following list concern was also expressed as ,to the City's ability to summarizes the design ideas and "wish list" items that were acquire the property. discussed during the meeting: Athletic Compl= the park's relationship to the athletic • picnic areas • gazebo • kiosk • benches • horseshoe pit complex needs to be addressed and understood. • multi -use building • large community play structure Dislocation of existing facilities, such as the hockey rinks • waterfall • deck area near City Hall overlooking park and warming house, will undoubtedly require their • wildlife (such as ducks and geese) • decorative lighting relocation elsewhere, either within this park or some other • donor board - overlooks • winter activities (skating, appropriate location. Christmas events, etc.) • "gateway" at entrance location(s) • statues/monuments • nature area General Sate Safety: Safety issues (personal and physical) need to be identified and addressed as part of the Historic Church consideration should be given to planning and design process. relocating an existing white, wood structure church for historical purposes. The church could be used for weddings, community events, etc. Landscaping and Gardening: the following list summarizes Site Analysis the landscaping and gardening ideas and "wish list" items that were discussed during the meeting: • arboretum - formal gardens - flower garden Figure I- Site Analysis identifies the site's existing physical characteristics and its developmental opportunities and • wildflower garden • evergreen plantings • screening constraints' (parking lots, athletic fields, etc.) • nursery • rose gardens by main entry areas The site analysis information along with the development Downtown Business District, City Hall, SdK*X the program provided the basis for the preparation of the Church, the Cemetery, the Armory, Hwy. 3, and 145th. forthcoming alternative concepts Street: tieing these areas (as well as other adjacent properties) both functionally (through pedestrian and vehicle linkages) and aesthetically (through a common Alternative Concepts - design and streetscaping theme, etc.) to the park is considered an important and integral part of the project. St. Joseph's Church was noted as a historically significant Initially, a couple of alternative concepts where prepared element which should be incorporated into the to explore different park boundaries and illustrate different streetscaping design as appropriate. Also noted was the relationships between physical uses of the site. These need for a safe pedestrian crossing from the high concepts respond to ,the issues listed above in the school/armory area to the park (across Hwy. 3). An development program and identified in the site analysis. underpass was suggested as one possible solution. The following description, along with Figure 2 - Concept A The mobile home park on the north side of the park also and Figure 3 - Concept B,summarizes the general needs to be more effectively tied into the park through "themes" or "orientations" of these two concepts. some form of pedestrian access. Finally, streetscaping along Hwy. 3 should begin north of Concept A the armory site and continue south toward the downtown area. Although the idea of a "gateway" into town was discussed, the general consensus of the committee was to Concept A placed a great deal of emphasis on an avoid a real dramatic feature (such as an arch, etc.) A "ornamental and cultural" theme, meaning that the site more subtle "gateway" design was preferred. The would be very ornate with extensive planting, formal streetscape design itself should be aesthetically pleasing, garden, and a number of architectural elements. Important functional, and serve to tie together the major components to this concept was its orientation toward the downtown previously listed. area. Sunrise Lumber Property. The committee generally agreed that this particular parcel of property would provide an interesting and important link between the park and the high school, armory and other parks in the area. However, Erickson Community Square 3 City of Rosemount Concept B Although still ornamental in overall character, Concept B maintained some of the natural character of the site, especially in the ponding area. Important to this concept was its orientation more toward the high school and armory rather than the downtown area. Additionally, this concept placed a great deal of emphasis on acquiring the Sunrise Lumber property for park use. General Summary Statements Related To Concept A & B In broad terms, the Advisory Committee came to the consensus that Concept A best represented their idea as to the theme for and orientation of the park. After reaching consensus on this issue, the Advisory Committee discussed specific project elements, with the following points being made about Concept A (and B): Downtown Connection: In as much as possible, the Committee reiterated that a strong tie to the downtown should be developed, even though they recognized that the existing commercial development between the site and the downtown business district creates somewhat of a visible and physical barrier. The Committee concluded that a number of access points should be explored, particularly to the south and west of what is now the hockey rink area. Park and Ride LA)t The Committee felt that in all likelihood some additional commercial development would be developed to the south of the Park & Ride lot. Therefore, a direct connection, as shown in Concept A, would be difficult to develop. Hockey Rink and Flower Garden Area: The Committee felt that this was indeed one of the principle areas of the site and should be given due consideration. Although the idea of a "Historical Center" was given considerable debate, the general consensus was that it seemed "forced", somewhat out of place, and expensive. The Committee felt that a more ornamental and garden theme would best be suited for this area. It was also felt that site amenities could be "classically styled" to bring out a historical theme. Additionally, the Committee suggested that the existing flower garden be expanded to perhaps three or four times its current size. Amphitheater•. the idea of the amphitheater in the location south of the pond received strong support by the Committee. Erickson Community Square Natural Pond Area: given the uncertainty expressed by staff as to the pond's current and future use as a storm water detention basin, the consensus was to leave much of the ponds perimeter in a natural rather than manicured state. Athletic VwJd Buffer. the idea of a strong buffer between the park and the athletic fields received strong support. Ornamental shrubs, some flowers, and eactensive tree planting was considered important along this edge. North End Ornamental Pond: developing a pond in the area where topsoil excavation is currently being undertaken was considered an interesting ,idea and should be given continued consideration. Sunrise Lumber Property: even though the prospects of acquiring this property is clouded with uncertainty, the Committee concluded that it could serve a legitimate park purpose and therefore should be included in this master planning exercise. Northern Sick of the Park (including Sunrise Lumber): The elements shown on Concept A for this area were found to be appropriate and should be expanded west into the Sunrise Lumber property. More parking and a community - size creative play structure were cited as important design elements. Moving the "visitor information area" to this part of the park was considered appropriate since the City did not actually own the parcel of land by the school. Trails: the connection to the high school, armory, and residential area to the north as well as the athletic fields were cited as being important and worthy of additional consideration. The idea of an underpass to facilitate crossing Hwy. 3 was considered a strong prospect by the committee and worthy of pursuit. Historic Church The Committee discussed at length the merits of incorporating the historical white, wood -structure church into the park's design. Locating it near the ornamental garden area, on the Sunrise Lumber property, and within the park's interior was given considerable debate. However, in the end, the Committee simply felt that, given the church's size, the complexities of moving it, and the costs of renovation and upkeep, it would be best to leave it out of the park's design. A point that was also made with respect to the church was that the committee felt that it was important not to detract from the historic church along Hwy. 3 by introducing another historical element of similar magnitude to the area. Streetscaping: the committee' agreed that a strong tie between the park, the downtown area, nearby schools, and the Armory would best be accomplished through a common streetscaping scheme. Pedestrian movement was pointed out as being an important element of the streetscaping design. 4 City of Rosemount concept C Based on the review of Concept A and B, a third concept was prepared for the Committees review. Figures 4 (Part 1 & 2) - Concept C illustrate the revised concept for the park. After review and debate, the Advisory Committee came to the following conclusions: • the park area on the south end near the City Hall was simply to ornate and needed to be more relaxed and informal. • a parking lot should also be added behind the businesses which are directly adjacent to the park's southwester corner. The intent is to service the businesses parking needs during normal business hours and the park's parking needs during non -business hours. It should be noted that a subsequent concept plan for the southern park area showed this parking lot connected to the City Hall's parking lot to form a larger single pot and a drive-through circulation pattern. The consensus of the Advisory Committee in this instance was to keep the lots separate as to avoid possible traffic problems as well as uncertainty related to parking rights (i.e., business verses park use) and relocation of the existing flower garden. • move the amphitheater further south to avoid conflict with the natural pond/storm water detention basin. • consideration should be given to the implications of the possible future expansion of City Hall and the adjacent parking lot. • consideration should also be given as to how the commercial/business area directly adjacent to and across the road from the armory site impacts the overall Master Plan for the park. These areas should be included in the final Master Plan to clearly illustrate their relationship with the park and the Hwy. 3 streetscaping. Master Plan— The lanThe Master Plan is a direct outgrowth of the discussions related to the review of the various concept plans and represents the design solution that best responds to the development program and the site analysis. After consideration by the Advisory Committee, the Master Erickson Community Square Plan was presented to community residents through a public meeting. Comments and concerns expressed during the public meeting were taken into consideration and incorporated into the Master Plan as deemed appropriate by the Advisory Committee. Faure S (Part 1 & 2): Master Plan illustrate the results of the planning process for Erickson Community Square. This graphic: • defines the park's general boundary (consistent with previous discussions). • locates and sizes all facilities and site amenities. Beginning on the south end of the `park and proceeding north, the following text describes the physical elements of the Master Plan. Existing and Future City HaIL• based on other planning studies, it is reasonable to expect that City Hall will be expanded in future years. For our planning purposes, the City Hall is shown to be enlarged from its current size. The intent within the context of this Master Plan is to illustrate the buildings relationship with the park rather than dictate its specific location or ultimate size. In as much as possible, the building should be orientated toward the park. The adjacent sidewalk area should be match the design theme used within the park and downtown streetscape. This would include paving patterns, lighting, fountains, sculptures, site amenities, etc. City Hall Parking Lot: the lot as shown has a capacity of about 90 cars. In all likelihood, it will need to be expanded in the future to accommodate the expansion of the City Hall as well as the development of the park. Given the site's space limitations, the only opportunity for expanding the lot is directly to the north. Future expansion of the lot should be considered as the demand for parking becomes better defined. Given the inherent space limitations on this end of the park, the opportunity for expanding the lot is limited. Open Picnic Area/Community Gathering Space: the area directly north of the parking lot is intended to serve as an open picnic area as well as an area for setting up tents, concessions, portable restrooms, etc. for community events and gatherings, such as Leprechaun Days and a farmers market. The open areas adjacent to the amphitheater (including the concert seating area) are also intended to serve as open picnic areas when not being used for community events. Fiisting Flower Garden: is intended to remain in its current location and providean important ornamental feature within the park. The ornamental theme that the garden brings to the park should be expanded upon and integrated into the design for the southern end of the park. 5 City of Rosemount Garden Path: is directly adjacent to the existing flower garden and is primarily for providing access to and through flower garden area. To maintain a sense of intimacy, the path should be limited to 4 or 5 feet in width and constructed with irregular flat stepping stones or a similar natural material. The existing arbor walk-through and arbor/bench located along and adjacent to the path are well conceived accents and focal points to the garden area and are certainly worthy of being incorporated into the Master Plan. Multi -Purpose Budding: is an important functional and architectural component of the Master Plan that will greatly affect the development of the park's southern end. Functionally, the building's preliminary development program calls for restrooms, storage space, a utility room, and a concessions window/vending area to service the amphitheater, community events, lunch-time picnickers, and individuals passing through the community. The actual development program for the building should be determined during the design development phase (i.e., the "next step" in the planning process) as specific needs become better defined. Architecturally, the building's design (shape and materials) will have a direct impact on the design of the adjacent areas, particularly the surrounding deck area. Given this impact, the building's design should be done in conjunction with the adjacent areas to assure that a common design theme is maintained. It should be kept in mind that the building's design should be consistent with the design for downtown streetscaping as well. Open Shelter: is located next to the multi-purpose building and is intended to function as a seating area for viewing the park, a rest stop for bicyclists, and a lunch-time picnic shelter. The shelter should be designed in conjunction with the multi-purpose building to form a strong and cohesive architectural element and dominant focal point within the park. South End Ornamental. Pond: is intended to enhance the strong ornamental theme created by the existing flower garden. The ponding area consists of small upper and lower ponds tied together by a cascading water channel. The fall or elevation change between the two ponds would be from three to six feet. Pond fountains are shown in both ponding areas to add ornamental interest. Rock rip -rap and boulders along the pond edge and along/within the cascading water channel would also add considerably ornamental interest and allow for ease of maintenance. The ponds would likely be between four and six feet in depth (to allow for fountains and water turnover) and have a synthetic liner to prevent leakage.. A small pumping system will be required to create the cascading water channel. Erickson Community Square Deck Area: is intended to serve a couple of key functions which will affect its design. First, it is intended to serve as a nice park viewing area and an informal or casual seating, resting, and lunch-time area. Secondly, it is intended to facilitate community events, such as providing a common gathering area, access to the restrooms, and a stacking area for concessions. Given that the deck is a major component of the Master Plan, it demands to be designed in a manner which is architecturally appealing as well as functional. Naturally, its design should be consistent with the design for the building and the downtown streetscape. beck area amenities would likely include benches, tables, trash receptacles, lighting, and perhaps planters. Additionally, if the deck is elevated above and/or cantilevered over the ornamental pond, and ornamental handrail or wall will be necessary. Also, to add architectural interest, a colonnade could be incorporated into the design for the deck as shown on the Master Plan. Downtown Businesses Parking Lot: located west of the ornamental pond, this lot is intended to service the needs of the adjacent businesses during normal business hours and the park during off hours. The lot would provide about 50 spaces for joint -use. As with the City Hall lot, this lot should be constructed with curb and gutter to give it a very defined edge. Park Walks: serve as the primary connections from the downtown business district and City Hall to the key park features on the south end. The park walks are different from the more common park trail (i.e., asphalt trail) in that they are themselves important architectural elements which serve to tie together key design features. The paving materials and pattern design for the walks within the park should be consistent with the walks which are functionally part of the downtown streetscape. From an aesthetic point of view, the ideal paving material would be brick or concrete pavers or a combination of pavers and concrete paving. If dictated by funding limitations, concrete paving with a scored surface pattern and perhaps a color additive would also be an acceptable paving material. Ornamental Sculpture. should be simple in design and be related to the Rosemount's history as a community, such as statue of one of the City's forefathers, etc. It is intended to provide an ornamental accent, a physical separation between the more active building/deck area and the existing flower garden, and serve as a visual focal or terminus point for those entering the park via the park walks. Additional interest could be added to the base of the sculpture by accenting it with a small flower or shrub bed. Amphitheater. is intended to be a strong architectural as well as functional feature of the park. It could be developed in phases as dictated by funding availability. The basic grading, concert seating (2,000 to 3,000 person capacity), and pad for a portable stage could be undertaken 6 City of Rosemount in phase one, with a formal stage, formal seating (350 person capacity), and a formal walk to the deck area being completed in subsequent phases. The architectural style of the stage area, formal seating, and formal walk should follow the style used for the building, shelter, and deck area to insure continuity in design. The stage itself should be raised several feet above the grade line if possible to allow for unobstructed views from all seating areas. A paved area in front of the stage should be provided to service the stage as well as provide accessible seating for special populations. It should be noted that the stage could be designed to allow for its use as an informal viewing and sitting area when not in use for community and school events. The actual location of the amphitheater is important in that it must be located safely above the established high water mark of the natural pond/storm water detention basin to its north. The City's Utility Department should be involved in defining the criteria which will impact the amphitheaters location to avoid any potential long-term conflicts in this regard South End Site Amenities: includes items such as parking lot and walkway lighting, benches, trash receptacles, drinking fountains, signage, ornamental fencing, traffic controls, bollards, etc. The design and materials used for the site amenities should follow a common theme used for the downtown streetscapes. Classically styled site amenities which play upon the park's ornamental and cultural theme as well as accentuate the community's history seem most appropriate for this park. The master plan does identify a number of locations for benches. Naturally, other locations should be considered during design development to insure that adequate seating opportunities are available within the park. Downtown Businesses: the commercial/business buildings shown on the Master Plan on the south end of the park represent functional relationships rather than specific building shapes and sizes. The intent within the context of this Mater Plan is to illustrate how they relate to the park's future development. South End Landscaping: an extensive planting program featuring a variety of plant materials is necessary to enhance the ornamental and visual appeal of the area around the deck, buildings, ornamental pond, existing flower garden, and near the amphitheater. Flower beds and ornamental shrubs should be planted directly adjacent to the fore -mentioned physical features to create a dramatic visual impact and accent these key design elements. Larger plant materials should be used extensively as well to accent key design elements, enhance and control on and off-site views, and screen unappealing off-site uses. How extensive the planting program should be in this area depends a great deal on the maintenance crews ability to Erickson Community Square maintain and/or on the ambitions of the local volunteer garden club. Naturally, maintenance concerns should be considered prior to implementing any planting program to insure that what is planted can be taken care of properly. Park and Ride Lot: is located along State Hwy. 3 across from St. Joseph's Church. The lot should be designed in conjunction with the downtown streetscape to assure continuity in design. Although no direct link from the lot to the park is practical given the elevation change between the two, there is an opportunity to provide a walkway and park overlook adjacent to the lot. Benches, trash receptacles, parking lot and walkway lighting, and ornamental fencing are appropriate amenities and should be provided in this area. An information kiosk and bus shelter should also be incorporated into the lots design. As with the City Hall lot and streetscape, this lot should be constructed with curb and gutter to give it a very defined edge. Park Trails: the park trails (asphalt trails) are intended to provide pedestrian and bicycle ! circulation within the park and linkage to adjacent areas, such as the park and ride lot, City Hall, downtown business district, athletic fields, armory, schools, and the community -wide trail system.. Most of the trails will be eight feet in width as called for on the Master Plan. The trail link from the City Hall parking lot to the amphitheater stage should be 12 feet wide to allow access for maintenance vehicles, etc. All of the trail alignments should give the user a quality experience of the park and provide a number of options for routes to walls. The exact location of each trail should be established in the field during design development to take advantage of the opportunities afforded by the site. In other words, the trail alignments as illustrated on the Master Plan should be considered approximate and not absolute. Existing Natural Pond: the pond itself serves as a storm water detention basin. The City's Utility Department should be involved in determining the high water mark and defining the criteria which will impact development around the pond to avoid any potential long-term conflicts in this regard. The park land directly adjacent to the pond should remain a natural vegetative area. This natural area will provide a nice contrast with the other, more manicured areas of the park, provide some wildlife habitat, allow for a certain degree of flexibility in the pond's water level, and require less day-to-day maintenance. To add interest, additional native plant materials should be reestablished around the perimeter of the pond Athletic Field Buffer. extensive tree and shrub plantings should be planted as a buffer between the park and the adjacent athletic fields. This will not only provide a sense, of separation between the two park uses but add to the park's overall aesthetic appeal as well. The planting 7 City of Rosemount program should include a variety of flowering shrubs, overstory and understory deciduous trees, and coniferous trees. Pica Shehers/Park Overlooks: these are small covered structures with picnic tables and benches situated to take advantage of the views and vistas across the site. As with the park trails, the exact location of each shelter/overlook must be established in the field during design development to take full advantage of the opportunities afforded by the site. Architecturally, the shelters/overlooks design (shape and materials) should be consistent with the larger picnic shelters and buildings located within the park. North End Ornamental Pond: by taking advantage of an existing topsoil mining operation, this pond will add an important ornamental and aesthetic element to the park. Although ornamental in character, it is intended to be somewhat less formal than the pond on the south end of the park. As with the other pond, the pond edge should have rip -rap and boulders to add ornamental interest and allow for ease of maintenance. Since the pond would likely be fairly deep (10 to 20 feet) due to the mining operation, no liner would be required, except perhaps along the pond edge/shoreline to control weed growth. The pond would in all likelihood serve some degree of storm water detention as well. A pond fountain and ornamental shrubs and trees planted along the pond edge would add additional aesthetic appeal to the area surrounding the pond. Community Play Structure: is a large multi-level structure designed for a variety of age groups. The structure could either be a manufactured variety or one which is designed by a professional play equipment designer and built by the community. The advantage of manufactured play structures is that they have a proven track record, offer a variety of construction materials and color options, have virtually unlimited design possibilities, and are designed by professionals to promote safety. In either case, the structure should offer a continuous play experience, be safe to use, and add to overall appeal and usability of the park. North End Multi -Purpose Building: as with the other multi-purpose building on the south end of the park, this building is an important functional and architectural component of the Master Plan. Functionally, the building's preliminary development program calls for restrooms, a warming house, storage room, utility room, and possibly a concessions window/vending area to service the community play structure, athletic fields, and hockey rinks,. The actual development program for the building should be determined during the design development phase (i.e., the "next step") as specific needs become better defined. Architecturally, the building's design (shape and materials) should be consistent with the other buildings on the south end. Erickson Community Square Group Picnic Shelters: the small and large group picnic shelters are intended to not only provide a place for groups to gather but add an architectural element to the north end of the site. As such, the shelters design (shape and materials) should be consistent with the buildings located within the park. The actual size of each shelter should be determined during the design development phase and in response to perceived community demand at that time. North End Parking Lot: given the very limited parking available to serve the needs of not only this park but the athletic complex as well, this parking lot becomes a very important component of the Master Plan. As shown on the plan, the lot provides approximately 180 parking spaces. As with the City Hall lot, this lot should be constructed with curb and gutter to give it a very defined edge. Parking lot lighting should be consistent with the lighting used in the City Hall lot and streetscape. Park Entrance Feature: should be designed to be consistent with the streetscape and serve as a focal point for those entering the community and park from Hwy. `3. It should also serve to welcome people to the community, provide visitor information (i.e., City maps, brochures, etc.), identify the park area, and post upcoming events. The feature could be accented by trees, shrubs, and perhaps a small rose garden. A few short-term parking spaces should also be provided. Hockey Rinks/Ice Skating: the rinks should be oriented north -south and located where they can be screened to some degree from view. The use of plant materials and earth berming should be used to help screen them from the more passive park areas. They should be permanently constructed and have adequate lighting. The adjacent skating rink should also have lighting and provide direct access to the warming house. General Site Amenities; includes items such as walkway lighting, benches, trash receptacles, drinking fountains, signage, bollards, etc. The design and materials used for the site amenities should follow the architectural theme which is established on the south end of the park during the first phase of development. As stated, classically styled site amenities which play upon the park's ornamental and cultural theme as well as accentuate the community's history seem most appropriate for this park. The master plan does identify a number of locations for benches. Naturally, other locations should be considered during design development to insure that adequate seating opportunities are available in the park. This holds true for other amenities such as picnic tables and grills as well. Volleyball Courts: as with the hockey rinks, the volleyball courts " should be oriented north -south. A sand playing surface within a defined container (e.g., wooden timbers) would provide a safe playing area and help control maintenance costs. 8 City of Rosemount Horseshoe Pits: again as with the hockey rinks, the horseshoe pits should be oriented north -south. Open Picnic Areas: with the exception of the natural area around the existing pond, the open areas of the site are intended to be manicured grass with trees, shrubs, and flower beds scattered throughout. These areas should be suitable for walking, sitting, picnicking, and general open play. Scattered picnic tables and grills are also appropriate within these areas. Overall Landscaping Program: an extensive planting program featuring a variety of plant materials is necessary to enhance the ornamental and visual appeal of the park. The planting program should focus on accenting key design elements, enhancing and controlling on and off-site views, and screening undesirable off-site features. Pedestrian Underpass (Hwy. 3): is intended to effectively and safely tie the park's trail system to the community- wide trail system, nearby schools, the armory, and the developed/developing areas west of Hwy. 3. Given the potential volume of pedestrian and bicycle traffic making this east -west movement, the underpass should be considered an important component to the long-term success of the park. In this light, the underpass should be given due consideration when this area of the park is developed and/or Hwy. 3 is upgraded in the future. Streetscaping: within the context of this master plan, the Hwy. 3 streetscaping area begins north of the armory site and extends south to the intersection of Hwy. 3 and 145th Street. Ideally, the road itself should be upgraded to urban design standards, including curb and gutter. As with the parking lots, curb and gutter provides a very defined edge and an important streetscape design element. It should be noted that the roadway width, location of turn lanes, and intersection with adjacent streets as shown on the plan are speculative only. The actual roadway design will be based on specific transportation needs and State design criteria which is beyond the scope of this project. The intent within the context of this project is to define the key elements of the streetscaping program and illustrate how it ties into the development of the park. The streetscaping program includes elements such as street and walkway lighting, walkways and trails, benches, trash receptacles, drinking fountains, signage, ornamental fencing, traffic controls, bollards, etc. overall streetscaping theme to Business/Commercial De Armory): is intended to illu and aesthetic relationship is ultimately developed in this to insure that the entrance an appealing and positive e: Cost Estimate Phasing l continuity in design. pment (Across From e that a strong functional rable between whatever is and the park/streetscape the city from the north is General Although certainly not an ex ct science, estimating or projecting the costs to develop this park is important because it provides the citizens of the community, governing bodies, and City staff1with a basic understanding of the economic commitment #necessary to put the park's Master Plan into effect. Thestimated costs to develop the park will also affect development priorities and the manner in which development in phased. The City should use the figures below only as "benchmarks" to compare the relative costs oitems and for budgeting purposes. Actual cost to acgUie land and develop the Master Plan will depend a great deal on: • the actual land values at the time of acquisition. • the actual construction costs at the time of development. • how much of the costs fordevelopment can be offset through alternative fun ng programs, such as volunteerism, grants, donations, etc. The cost estimates below are ba4sed on typical development costs in 1991 dollars (as determined by industry cost -to - construct averages i.e. what it would typically cost, on average, for a contractor to cone in and do the work). Park Land Acquisition Costs The Master Plan includes om City does not currently own. As stated, classically styled site amenities which play upon The parcel under consideratioi the park's ornamental and cultural theme as well as Sunrise Lumber Company. At accentuate the community's history seem appropriate for of this parcel of property is bei the streetscape as well. independently by the City and 1 specific cost figure is available Armory Site. the armory, which serves a number of park and recreation purposes, should be tied to the park through the trail system. It should also be tied to the Erickson Community Square 9 parcel of land which the r is currently owned by the this point, the actual value ag considered and assessed he land owner. As such, no for inclusion in this report. City of Rosemount V Although this parcel plays an important role in the park's Master Plan, it may not be either available for purchase or the City may not be able to fund its acquisition. If this becomes the case, the overall integrity of the Master Plan is not entirely lost. Even without this parcel, the south end of the park will be, once developed, an important community gathering place and make a significant contribution to the community's park system. However, if the vision of this master planning process is to be realized, every effort should be made to include this parcel within the park. Park Development Costs The cost estimate and general phasing program for developing the park is illustrated in Figure 6 - Cost Estimate and General Phasing Program. The suggested phasing is based on what the Advisory Committee felt was the most reasonable approach to the park's future development and their best judgements given j current conditions. Since conditions, opportunities, and priorities will undoubtedly change over time, the City should review the phasing program and cost figures on a periodic basis and make adjustments as warranted. { Conclusion The citizens of Rosemount should commend its City Council,. Park and Recreation Committee, and the Advisory Committee for their concern in planning for such a valuable communityresource as the Erickson Community , ty Square. The Advisory Committee in particular put in many hours debating the issues facing this park and came to some tough and critical decisions about its future. The park will one day be a treasure for future generations. Rosemount is lucky to have citizens who feel passionate about its existence and the manner in which it is developed. Erickson Community Square 10 City of Rosemount