Public Meeting 3 Sasaki Progressive AE Friends of Grand Rapids - - PowerPoint PPT Presentation
Public Meeting 3 Sasaki Progressive AE Friends of Grand Rapids Parks Heller & Heller ETC Institute Introduction TODAYS AGENDA I. Master Plan Process IV. A Vision for the Future of GR Parks Enrich Programming II. Citywide
Public Meeting 3
Sasaki Progressive AE Friends of Grand Rapids Parks Heller & Heller ETC Institute
TODAY’S AGENDA
We’ve Heard
Introduction
improvements
the Plan!
MASTER PLAN PROCESS
Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov 1 Project initiation 2 Mission, Cultural and Community Alignment 3 Parks Inventory and Recreational Analysis 4 Future Needs, Opportunities, and Vision Plan 5 Final Plan, Recommendation & Action Plan
May 7 Visioning Public Meeting July 22 Analysis & Visioning Public Sept 19-20 Presentation of Vision and Recommendations Presentation of Final Plan
Ongoing community engagement process
Introduction
TODAY’S AGENDA
We’ve Heard
improvements
the Plan!
4 Ecological Zones
The Grand River Valley Paleo-channel created by meltwater of the Saginaw Lobe exiting proglacial Lake Saginaw The Tributaries Smaller rivers and streams draining into the Grand River The Bluffs Topographic transition from the Grand River Valley to the rolling Upland Moraine landscape The Upland Moraine Mosaic Part of the Valpariso end moraine
UNIQUE ECOLOGICAL LEGACY
Analysis Highlights: a Citywide Legacy
RIVERSIDE BELKNAP GARFIELD PLASTER CREEK
TODAY’S AGENDA
We’ve Heard
improvements
the Plan!
What We’ve Heard
WE’VE HEARD FROM YOU... THANK YOU!
people attended public engagement events events were held across the city over 6 months
responses from public engagement events and surveys MAR APR MAY JUN JUL AUG SEP OCT NOV
O P E N H O U S E # 1 O P E N H O U S E # 2 O P E N H O U S E # 4 100 200 300 400 PARTICIPANTS
K i d s p e a k ( 3 3 ) L I N C R
k t h e B l
k P a r t y ( 4 ) R
e v e l t P a r k F a m i l y F i e s t a ( 4 ) N e i g h b
h
S u m m i t ( 2 ) G R P S B a c k T
c h
C e l e b r a t i
3000+ people reached since March!
O P E N H O U S E # 3
What We’ve Heard
WE’VE HEARD FROM YOU... THANK YOU!
Fulton St Farmers Market Friday Night Art Walk Movies in the Park
What We’ve Heard
WE’VE HEARD FROM YOU... THANK YOU!
What We’ve Heard
WHAT WE HEARD: KEY THEMES
1 Active Adult and Family Programming
“more recreational activities for families...like art classes, yoga, and pottery” “provide cooking classes at a park”
2 Special Events + River Activation
“exercise equipment for seniors/adults” “fjshing program!” “Entertainment activities around the river, e.g. waterski show.” “signature park in each quadrant of the city” “I would like to see ‘themes’ in our parks like an exercise park or a musical park ” “Better access to knowing about events/parks ” “bilingual maps!” “live music! ” “free and affordable family events ” “disc golf tournament!”
3 System Identity & Awareness
“boathouse for rowing, canoe, kayak and stand-up paddle at Riverside Park ” “open mic night for young musicians! ” “cookouts!” trees labeled!
5 Fitness and Outdoor Recreation 6 Better Connectivity 7 Outdoor Education
EN: We want a path around the park EN: more tree planting programs for families “walking paths” “more skate parks!” “group workout classes with dogs!” “a bike trail that connects the entire city!” “tree recognition self- guided system” “nature play scape” “continous trail (ped/bike) network between all parks, or a loop of the major ones, with directions and distances between them” “true park corridors running through the city and connecting to rural areas” “nonpaved trails walkable in the winter” “ziplines or rope courses!” “more community gardens maintained by local youth”
Most recreational programming comments focused
activities, primarily for active adults Many requested more music and family-
recreational activities along the river Several suggested ideas to diversify the park system and enhance department communication Access to a variety
for all ages and abilities is a clear priority Many emphasized the importance
connected park system and network of trails Many comments focused on enhancing
to connect with nature and create educational experiences
What We’ve Heard
WHAT WE HEARD: KEY THEMES
Downtown and riverfront parks are popular (3
Lots of competition citywide for indoor and
state parks and religious groups
ETC SURVEY
1
Park Access and Usage Walking/biking trails and natural areas/ wildlife habitats are in high demand
2
Amenities TOP 5 MOST IDENTIFIED NEEDS
71% said they had a need for walking and biking trails
What We’ve Heard
WHAT WE HEARD: KEY THEMES
83% of all households have NOT participated in City recreation programs
Recreation programs/activities have low participation rates
3
Recreation
TODAY’S AGENDA
We’ve Heard
improvements
the Plan!
Key Principles Access and Equity: our parks should be more accessible, and serve residents equitably, regardless of location, age, ability, or socio- economics. Diversity: our parks should refmect the rich ecological diversity of our city and its increasingly diverse population. Identity: our parks should be high-quality, visible, and recognizable assets to the city. Economy: parks are good for our economy! Investments in our parks will benefjt the entire city.
Vision for the Future
FROM PRINCIPLES TO IDEAS
Future Ideas Enrich Programming: broaden the range of
Connected & Accessible System: link the city’s neighborhoods, parks, natural resources, waterways and the Grand River together “Kit of Parks”: city-wide guidelines to enhance the program, ecology and identity of parks Raise Awareness and Participation: Drawing from GR’s unique assets, improve communications in order to raise participation
Vision for the Future: Enriching Programming Vision for the Future: Enriching Programming
What Does Greater Diversity Mean to the Parks System? How Can We Enrich Parks and Recreation Offerings to Meet Demands and Attract Users?
YOU TOLD US... YOUR RECREATION PRIORITIES
Move from Good to Great
83% of residents assess program quality as excellent or good, vs. 89% nationally.
Increase participation
18% indicated that they participated in GR programs over the past 12 months. Nationally, this number averages 35%.
Raise awareness
Almost 36% of residents do not participate because of a lack of awareness.
Vision for the Future: Enriching Programming
Important Program Areas
Based on the survey, the most important programs for re-investment and growth are:
Environmental Education Adult Fitness Classes
NATIONAL TRENDS IN PARKS AND RECREATION
Potential for Active Sports
Water Activities
study.
recreation.
Outreach to Ethnic Minority Groups
continue to support cultural program development
Vision for the Future: Enriching Programming
Healthy Lifestyles
Water-based Activities, All Ages Pop-up Games
Vision for the Future: Connected and Accessible System
A CONNECTED & ACCESSIBLE SYSTEM
Vision for the Future: Connected and Accessible System
What do we mean by “connected” and “accessible”? Physical Everyone has opportunities to safely and easily walk to park facilities from his or her home. Programmatic Parks and programs cater to the needs of - and are accessible to - Grand Rapidians of all ages, abilities, demographics and cultures. Ecological Grand Rapids’ waterways and natural resources are healthy and resilient, including large corridors that support wildlife habitat.
A CONNECTED & ACCESSIBLE SYSTEM
Strategies for a Connected and Accessible System
Waterways
Facilities in the Neighborhoods
Vision for the Future: Connected and Accessible System
G R A N D R I V E R People’s Bridges River Streets Connected Riverfront Accessible Facilities in the Neighborhoods Contiguous Natural Areas and Trails
e opportunity for ecological restoration, more extensive (yet fmoodprone) park
G R A N D R I V E R Connected Riverfront Ecology The Grand River Valley is an important ecological feature. River improvements support environmental health. Program GR’s waterways offer
based recreation, trails, and one-of-a-kind programs. Identity As a unifjed system, GR’s riverfront parks will be a recognizable icon and economic driver for the Department and the City.
CONNECTED RIVERFRONT
Vision for the Future: Connected and Accessible System
Why a Connected Riverfront?
GRAND RAPIDS WHITEWATER INITIATIVE GR FORWARD
1 - Integrate art, education, infrastructure, + ecology 2 - Reinforce whitewater Initiative 3 - Establish river trail system access 4 - Enhance neighborhood river access 5 - Create the outdoor adventure city 2012 2011 Green Grand Rapids Master Plan 2014 Economic Impact Report
CONNECTED RIVERFRONT
G R A N D R I V E R
C A A A B B C
A - Urban B - Connector C - Anchor
Three Conditions
The Grand River connects three typical conditions, each
for improvement.
Vision for the Future: Connected and Accessible System
A - Urban Sites near downtown that are closely tied to economic development. B - Connectors Important links along the riverfront, these parks provide direct water access, and combine active recreation/events with natural and passive uses. C - Anchor Sites Large anchors combine water access and
ecological restoration.
ANCHOR SITE: BUTTERWORTH TODAY
Vision for the Future: Connected and Accessible System
ANCHOR SITE: BUTTERWORTH
Vision for the Future: Connected and Accessible System
P u b l i c A r t S
a r p
e r M u l t i
a l p a t h
1 1 2 2 3 3 4 4 5
Large sites at each end of the river combine water access,
ecological restoration. Physical Connections Ecological Restoration Environmental Education
A d v e n t u r e p l a y g r
n d T r a i l s i g n a g e E n v i r
m e n t a l e d u c a t i
P u r e M i c h i g a n W a t e r T r a i l a c c e s s & b
t l a u n c h E n v i r
m e n t a l s i g n a g e R i v e r b a n k r e s t
a t i
W a t e r a c t i v i t i e s
5 6 6 7 7 8 8 9 9 10 10
ANCHOR SITES
Vision for the Future: Connected and Accessible System
Water-based Recreation Riverfront Ecological Restoration Nine Mile Run, Pittsburgh Outdoor Adventure Play Planting Program, NYC Environmental Education Accessible Wilderness Trail
CONNECTOR SITES: COLDBROOK
A mix of river’s edge conditions, provide river access, and combine active recreation with natural uses. Physical Connections Variety of Programs/Events Hybrid River Edge
1 1 2 3 4 2 8
GR Center for Community Recreation and Environmental Education Outdoor fjtness Flexible seating
Vision for the Future: Connected and Accessible System
4 5 6 7 8 9 5 6 6 7 9 3
Grand Rapids’ Community Waterfront Terrace Continuous river trail Flood resilient landscape Equipment rentals Easy river access Pure Michigan Water Trail access & Boat Launch
CONNECTOR SITES
Vision for the Future: Connected and Accessible System
Community Facility (Rec + Reading) Variety of Programming Community Waterfront Terrace Flexible Space for Events ... ... Or Outdoor Fitness Classes ... Or Temporary Public Art
Active Recreation Quiet Enjoyment Natural Water Edge
CONNECTOR SITES
Vision for the Future: Connected and Accessible System
Kayak Storage, Hunt’s Point, NYC Hybrid River Edge
RIVER STREETS AND BRIDGES
Vision for the Future: Connected and Accessible System
Ecology Streets are ecological infrastructure too! They treat stormwater, and bridge different ecological zones. Physical Connection Streets connect the whole city to unique river recreation and to larger parks. Identity Bridges and streets become iconic when designed with signage, wayfjnding, and art.
NATURAL AREAS, TRAILS & WATERWAYS
G R A N D R I V E R Contiguous Natural Areas and Trails
Vision for the Future: Connected and Accessible System
Physical Connection Investment in trails meets growing demand for biking and running trails across the city. It also bridges the gap to high-need areas. Ecology Consider the river, tributaries and related
integrated approach to ecological enhancement and watershed management.
UPDATING TO REFFLECT CONNECTIONS TO HIGH NEED AREAS
High-need Area High-need Area High-need Area
Ken-O-Shea Park - Plaster Creek Highland Park
NATURAL AREAS, TRAILS & WATERWAYS
Vision for the Future: Connected and Accessible System
Riverfront Ecological Restoration Nine Mile Run, Pittsburgh Riverfront Ecological Restoration
River and tributary open spaces benefjt from an integrated approach to watershed management.
ACCESSIBLE FACILITIES IN THE NEIGHBORHOODS
Vision for the Future: Connected and Accessible System
Small scale improvements and safe streets can improve accessibility to parks, even without adding acreage. Increased walkability and healthier lifestyles go hand in hand.
exclude cars while welcoming
Trail and Path Entrances
Pedestrian/bicycle entrance Well-aligned curb cuts
gateways at park entrances
entrances when possible
Park Entrances
Pedestrian entrance Curb ramp Lighting Landscaping Gateway + signage
Designated pedestrian pathways
Designated service pathways
Park Pathways
10’ - 12’ Vertical Clearance 6’ - 10’ Trail 2’ 2’ Surface Material
ACCESSIBLE FACILITIES IN THE NEIGHBORHOODS
Vision for the Future: Connected and Accessible System
Vision for the Future: “Kit of Parks”
How Can We Layer More Variety into the Existing Park System?
Of all future actions, respondents were most supportive of upgrading existing neighborhood and community parks. 86% of respondents were supportive of the Parks and Recreation Department taking this action to improve the system, and 51% of respondents indicated it was the action they would support with their tax dollars.
Vision for the Future: “Kit of Parks”
“KIT OF PARKS” - A SYSTEM OF CITYWIDE GUIDELINES
Vision for the Future: “Kit of Parks”
Park Type Ecology Input Neighborhood Need
RIVER REGIONAL HIGH NEED MEDIUM NEED COMMUNITY VOICES LOW NEED BLUFF COMMUNITY TRIBUTARY NEIGHBORHOOD UPLAND MORAINE MINI
Huff Park Garfjeld Park Lookout Park Nagold Park 6th Street Bridge Park Pekich Park
The “kit of parks” provides principles and small-scale design interventions that address Ecology, Program and Identity, and can be used to guide future improvements at existing parks. A selection of example parks illustrate how the kit of parks strategies could be applied:
PARK TYPE ECOLOGY EXAMPLE Regional Tributary Huff Community Upland Moraine Garfjeld Mini Upland Moraine Nagold
LET’S TEST IT OUT! EXAMPLE CASE STUDIES
Vision for the Future: “Kit of Parks”
SELECTED EXAMPLE PARKS
REGIONAL PARK / TRIBUTARY PARK
Vision for the Future: “Kit of Parks”
McKay Jaycee Park Riverside Park Richmond Park Huff Park
REGIONAL PARK + TRIBUTARY
This family of parks include Huff Park, Richmond Park, McKay Jaycee Park, Riverside Park. A typical regional scale park
fjelds and a habitat area including forest and wetlands along the tributary.
Trails cross wetland habitat and are hard to maintain Needs better connections to neighborhood
Vision for the Future: “Kit of Parks”
Example: Huff Park
Potential to improve arrival experience and signage Active recreation areas could benefjt from amenities Habitat area
REGIONAL PARK + TRIBUTARY
Vision for the Future: “Kit of Parks”
Community Feedback asked for:
What We Heard...
“nonpaved trails walkable in the winter” label the trees! “a bike trail that connects the entire city!” “true park corridors running through the city and connecting to rural areas” “walking paths”
HUFF PARK REGIONAL PARK / TRIBUTARY
ECOLOGY PROGRAM
Clarify natural areas and active recreation zones, providing a variety
Strengthen identity as an ecological park through gateway and educational signage Intensify hubs for recreation and nature center Preserve continuous habitat areas with access through perimeter loop trails
IDENTITY
Fast and slow perimeter trails Improve access from neighborhood
Vision for the Future: “Kit of Parks”
Gateway signage and arrival experience Restore habitat zones, streams and wetlands Tree identifjcation
9 10 1 2 3 11 12 12 8
Nature hub with events pavilion and programs Rental bikes! Recreation hub with concessions and services Tributary trail Wilderness Park - geocaching Winter events
Trail races
7 4 4 7 8 9 10 5 5 6 6 2 3 1 11 11 11 12
REGIONAL PARK / TRIBUTARY PARK
Vision for the Future: “Kit of Parks”
Cafe & Visitor Center Bike Rentals Wilderness Trails Wetland and Stream Restoration Guided Nature Walks Cross Country Skiing
COMMUNITY PARK / UPLAND MORAINE PARK
Vision for the Future: “Kit of Parks”
Martin Luther King Lincoln Garfjeld Fuller
COMMUNITY PARK / UPLAND MORAINE PARK
This family of parks include Garfjeld Park, Lincoln Park, Martin Luther King Park, and Fuller park. Community parks offer active recreation, playgrounds, community facilities and fmexible space for passive recreation. They are often embedded within a residential neighborhoods. Potential for better links to neighborhoods Example: Garfjeld Park
Vision for the Future: “Kit of Parks”
Unprogrammed lawn Small parking lots Scattered fjelds Recreation facility is an asset, but has limited inside/
COMMUNITY PARK / UPLAND MORAINE PARK
Vision for the Future: “Kit of Parks”
“walking paths”
What We Heard...
Community Feedback asked for:
activities
“group workout classes with dogs!” “cook-outs!”
COMMUNITY/ UPLAND MORAINE: GARFIELD PARK
1
Reduce mowed lawn Add meadow zones
2
Tree succession program
8
More neighborhood connections
9
Signage and wayfjnding
10
Relocate small parking areas
ECOLOGY PROGRAM
Provide something for everyone-
abilities--and focus on need for adult fjtness, environmental education and more. Community parks aspire to be true
and connectivity to surrounding neighborhoods. Highlight diverse ecology. Create varied character, while reducing maintenance. Upland Moraine parks, with well- drained soil, are good candidates for stormwater management.
IDENTITY
Vision for the Future: “Kit of Parks” 3
Universally accessible trails for walking, running, and fjtness
4
Environmental education: bioswales, community gardens etc.
5
Multi-purpose fjelds meet a range of recreation demand
6
Adult fjtness - with limited indoor space, try outdoor yoga
7
Picnic and rental areas
8 4 2 1 5 3 6 10 7 9
COMMUNITY PARK / UPLAND MORAINE PARK
Vision for the Future: “Kit of Parks”
Food Literacy Programs Community Ovens Creative Play Concessions
Heritage Hill Park Nagold Park Lexington Park Paris Park
MINI PARK / UPLAND MORAINE PARK
Vision for the Future: “Kit of Parks”
MINI PARK / UPLAND MORAINE
Vision for the Future: “Kit of Parks”
MINI PARK / UPLAND MORAINE
Example: Nagold Park The family of mini-parks include Baldwin Park and Heritage Hill Park. Typically small green spaces embedded in residential neighborhoods, with potential to address specifjc needs and be better integrated into the neighborhoods. Minimal signage
the street Mature trees Unprogrammed lawn requires maintenance Access point from dead-end street
MINI PARK / UPLAND MORAINE
Vision for the Future: “Kit of Parks”
What We Heard...
Community Feedback asked for:
“bilingual maps!” “nature playscape”
“I would like to see ‘themes’ in our parks like an exercise park or a musical park ”
“more community gardens maintained by local youth”
MINI PARK / UPLAND MORAINE
ECOLOGY PROGRAM
Encourage management partnerships with community groups and neighborhood associations. Improve signage to make park more present in the neighborhood Reduce maintenance of mowed lawn by returning to meadow/ woods natural habitat. Amplify program through concentrating a single use that meets identifjed community needs nearby.
IDENTITY
Vision for the Future: “Kit of Parks”
Option 1. Community Garden Option 2. Forest Lot
5 5
Clear signage
Visible connections Themed park based on single uses, i.e.:
Plant trees to grow forest (and sell!) Rain gardens manage stormwater
3 3 1 2 1 2 5 4 4 4
Dog Park Community Gardens Mini-forest Playscape Community Orchard
MINI PARK / UPLAND MORAINE PARK
Vision for the Future: “Kit of Parks”
Vision for the Future: Raising Awareness
How can we raise awareness of the department and programs?
MISSION AND IMAGE
RAISE AWARENESS
Key Issues
Vision for the Future: Raising Awareness
Today, participation and awareness are low Most people learn about parks and programs by word of mouth (34%). Nationally, a dedicated program guide is the primary way to receive info (53% nationally vs 25% in GR) More people use State of MI parks (44%) than GR parks (41%)
Opportunities
Re-evaluate a dedicated program mailing Create a GR Parks campaign to drive participation and awareness Invest in online communications, through a new website and growth in social media presence Grow partnerships and clarify roles with school sites, complementary providers, State of MI, Friends of GR Parks, DGRI and others
DEDICATED PROGRAM GUIDE
Vision for the Future: Raising Awareness
Create a Strong Local Brand ...and Make It Visible Clear (and Creative) Communication of Program Offerings
ON-LINE & COMMUNICATIONS STRATEGY
image, social media approaches, data and analytics, and support for programs.
corporations for sponsorship, grants or support
Vision for the Future: Raising Awareness
Celebrating Volunteers through Social Media (Portland) San Franciso Parks Website
TODAY’S AGENDA
We’ve Heard
improvements
the Plan!
TELL US YOUR IDEAS!
Brainstorm & Charrette Question 1: Aspirations (10 min) What are you goals for parks and recreation in your neighborhood, or the City as a whole? Question 2: Connections (15 min) What future connections are needed throughout the system to make parks and recreation work better for you? Question 3: Ideal Parks and Facilities (20 min) Help us add new programs, design and ecological improvements to your favorities parks and facilities. Wrap Up Share back your ideas with the group.