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Focus Group Meetings #1 November/December 2017
Consultant Team: Wenk Associates - VIRIDIS Design Group - Williams & Works ETM Associates, LLC - Fishbeck, Thompson, Carr and Huber
The Grand River Corridor Implementation Plan and River T rail - - PowerPoint PPT Presentation
The Grand River Corridor Implementation Plan and River T rail - - PowerPoint PPT Presentation
The Grand River Corridor Implementation Plan and River T rail Design Guidelines Focus Group Meetings #1 November/December 2017 Consultant Team: Wenk Associates - VIRIDIS Design Group - Williams & Works ETM Associates, LLC - Fishbeck,
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Critical factors for project success
Provide specific direction for high quality, cost effective design that integrates with the objectives of the river restoration efforts. Use Asset Management to develop a clear strategy for long- term maintenance, management, and stewardship.
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Critical factors for project success
Develop a strategic approach to better align construction efficiencies between the River restoration efforts and public redevelopment on opportunity sites. Create schematic designs that support the permitting of the River restoration project. Position the City for potential local, state and federal grant
- pportunities.
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Process & Schedule
Engagement - Continuing the Momentum
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Focus Groups
Art Culture, Education, & History Natural Resources User Groups T
- urism & Economic Development
Neighborhood & Community Riverfront Property Owners Indigenous People Foundations
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Schedule
Focus Groups Public Engagement
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Bridge Street Bridge Experiential Engagement
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What We’ve Learned
Inventory + Analysis of River Corridor
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History
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Findings Potential Implementation Strategies
Lack of the river's natural qualities along Downtown corridor. Plan for natural pockets to break up long urban stretches Poor or difficult park maintenance. Design materials to limit difficult maintenance Long expanses of wall along the river. Vary edge types to enhance visual interest
Expand upon river’s natural qualities
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Findings Potential Implementation Strategies
Few recreation, leisure, or events areas available to help activate the corridor. Design varied levels of use and activities in designated areas, and anticipate future change. Lack of accessible access Provide and design for accessible access to the river where appropriate. Poor access and visibility. Enhance lighting, create clear views and provide safety features to slow traffic at crossings.
Improve connectivity and activation
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Findings Potential Implementation Strategies
Poor condition of site furnishings and site elements. Choose appropriate materials and furnishings Lack of covered shelter. Provide shade in various forms.
Provide a variety of site elements
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Findings Potential Implementation Strategies
Lack of cultural, visual, or physical identity. Create a system that creates the vision of the city with visual continuity but also allows for variety by District. Poor physical and visual connections to adjacent destinations along the river. Create consistency in wayfinding and branding along the corridor.
Establish character and consistent wayfinding
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Planning Progress to Date
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Built on past planning efforts
GR Forward River Restoration Plan
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Developed character-based planning districts Built on past planning efforts
GR Forward River Restoration Plan Parks & Recreation Vital Streets Regional Trails & Millennium Park
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Downtown Area:
Potential Program, Uses and Character
HEART OF THE RIVER
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North Promenade
informal character neighborhood flavor locals hangout/meeting place linear park river overlook cantilevered walk
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North Promenade
Redevelopment edge with floodwall Cantilevered trail Boating access / variable setback
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North Riverfront Park
natural/river character adventure parks family picnics, gathering, leisure
- utdoor learning
river recreation destination touch the water
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North Riverfront Park
Direct river access Riparian edge Backwater wetland
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Heart of the River
balance of river + civic character river events festivals unique outdoor programming beach touch the water
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Heart of the River
Beach edge Direct river access Cantilevered edge
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Front Lawn
links a series of parks cultural district edge community/festival gathering
- utdoor education
touch the water
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Front Lawn
Riparian edge Direct river access
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Downtown Promenade
20-30’ wide promenade river overlook small pockets of green downtown docks
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Downtown Promenade
… Cantilevered edge Redevelopment edge with floodwall
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Market Avenue Promenade
recycled materials / re-use character river access boat takeout future development …
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Market Avenue Promenade
… Boating access / variable setback Direct river access Redevelopment edge with floodwall
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Front Avenue Passage
natural river qualities narrow passage cantilevered deck …
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Front Avenue Passage
… Riparian edge Cantilevered edge Redevelopment edge with floodwall
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