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HomeMy WebLinkAboutAgenda - 09-17-2002 - 9d v 1 ORANGE COUNTY BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS ACTION AGENDA ITEM ABSTRACT Meeting Date: September 17, 2002 Action Age da Item No. T SUBJECT: Review and Consideration of the Southern Park Conceptual Plan Committee Report _ DEPARTMENT: Environment and Resource PUBLIC HEARING: (YIN) No Conservation ATTACHMENT INFORMATION CONTACT: 1) 3/25/02 Town Council Item and Materials David Stancil, 245-2590 2) Conceptual Plan (under separate cover) TELEPHONE NUMBERS: Hillsborough 732-8181 Chapel Hill 968.4501 Durham 688-7331 Mebane 336-227-2031 PURPOSE: To review and consider the "Report of the Southern Park Conceptual Plan Committee." BACKGROUND: In the spring of 2001, the Chapel Hill Town Council commissioned and charged a Southern Park Conceptual Plan Committee to develop a plan for Southern Community Park. In January 2002, the Committee issued its report and conceptual plan. . The history of this proposed park dates back to 1988, when the Town acquired the initial portions of what would become a 70-acre site south of the town on US 15/501 for the purpose of a community park. In 1990, a concept plan was prepared but not adopted, as the Town's fiscal situation and a need for attention to the development of what is now Homestead Park in northern Chapel Hill took precedence. In 1996, Town residents approved a bond referendum that included $5 million for parks. Those funds were used for much of the cost of Homestead Park and other recreation facilities, with none allotted for Southern Park. However, a proposed park and ride lot at the northern section of Southern Park was constructed. In 1997, Orange County included $1 million toward the construction of Southern Park in its successful bond referendum. Of that amount, $105,000 has been used to construct a soccer field at adjacent Scroggs Elementary School. In the fall of 2000, at the Town's request, an additional $100,000 was made available from the 1997 County bonds to hire a consultant (OBS Landscape Architects)to develop the conceptual plan, working with a citizen committee appointed by the Town Council. 2 In the spring of 2001, the Town of Chapel Mill asked that additional funding be included in a proposed County bond referendum for the development of Southern Park, noting that no funding source had been identified for the park, beyond the amount allocated from the County's 1997 bonds. The Board agreed to allocate $2.0 million of the bond, which was approved by voters in November 2001, toward the park. On March 25 of this year, the Town Council adopted the Southern Park conceptual plan,,with one major revision —the replacement of a proposed youth field with a third full-size soccer field. Following the consideration of the Conceptual Plan by the Board of Commissioners, and the resolution of remaining issues regarding the construction process, the Town plans to begin developing a Special Use Permit application for the park. This process is anticipated to take approximately one year to complete, and will include additional public comment, resulting in eventual approval by the Town Council. Following the Special Use Permit, construction plans for the park would be prepared and, after approval of the project budget and provision of funds, park construction would begin. On a related note, as discussed at the Board's September 9 work session, issues related to the procedure for joint parks projects have been under discussion by the I ntergovem mental Parks Work Group since last fall. As an outgrowth of these discussions, in the spring of this year, representatives from the Town Council and Board of Commissioners began meeting to discuss a formal joint process for approval and construction of the park. As a result of discussion on September 9, the Board asked the Manager and staff to meet to review possible alternative language for the Board's review and eventual reply. Further discussion of the process is planned for an October meeting or work session. Representatives from the Conceptual Plan Committee and consultant will be present to present the park plan and answer questions. FINANCIAL.IMPACT: .The projected total cost of the park as shown in the Conceptual Plan is approximately $3.75 million. Revisions based on changes made by the Town Council to the plan have not been incorporated into the estimate. A total of$2,795,000 exists from the combination of 1997 County bonds and approved 2001 County bonds for this project. Then: are no Town funds identified for this project. The $2.0 million in funds from the 2001 bonds are scheduled in the proposed Bond and Alternative Financing schedule that the Board reviewed on September 3, 2002. The proposed issue dates, two equal $1.0 million installments in FY 2004-05 and 2005-06, are consistent with the request from the Town Council. The Town has not yet addressed funding the remaining $1 million in the Conceptual Plan budget beyond County funds listed above. Because of this, plans for phasing of the park construction may be necessary. There are financial issues in the Town's July 24th proposed Southern Park process that the Board has asked the Manager and staff to address, as it regards an inter-local agreement and the timing of bond funds. These process matters are proposed for discussion in October. 3 RECOMMENDATION(S): The Manager recommends that the Board begin the process of reviewing the concept plan by: 1) receiving a brief presentation by the Conceptual Plan Committee and consultant, 2) identifying any questions about the park design to be conveyed to the Town, and 3) scheduling follow-up discussion for the October 15 meeting (or subsequent October 21 S` work session) at which time both the conceptual plan and the construction and approval process might be jointly considered. (This would allow time for a possible reply from the Town to the County's response to the July 24' proposal). MEMORANDUM AGENDA#7 MEMORANDUM TO: Mayor and Town Council FROM: W. Calvin Horton, Town Manager SUBJECT: Southern Community Park Conceptual Plan DATE: March 25,2002 The purpose of this Memorandum is to address issues raised by various Boards, Commissions, and others related to the proposed conceptual plan for the Southern Community Park. The attached resolution would adopt the Report of the Southern Community Park Conceptual Plan Committee with revisions. BACKGROUND The Town Council formed the Southern Community Park Conceptual Plan Committee in July 2000. The Committee representatives include: • Two members of the Parks and Recreation Commission • One member of the Greenways Commission • One designee of the Chapel Hill-Carrboro School Board • One designee of the Orange County Board of Commissioners • One designee of the Carrboro Board of Aldermen • Three representatives of neighboring residential communities • Four citizens at-large The Committee met regularly from March through November 2001. Public forums were held at Mary Scroggs School on September 6 and October 9. More than 50 persons were in attendance at both meetings. On January 14, 2002,the Council referred the Southern Community Park Conceptual Plan Committee's Report of the Southern Community Park Conceptual Plan Committee to the Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory Board, Community Design Commission, Greenways Commission, Parks and Recreation Commission, Planning Board, Transportation Board, and the Town Manager for comments and recommendations. In addition, copies were provided to the Carrboro Board of Aldermen, the Intergovernmental Park Work Group, and the Orange County Commissioners. MEMORANDUM 5 DISCUSSION Description: A complete description of the property can be found in the report. In summary, the proposed Southern Community Park site contains approximately 70 acres located south of Southern Village on the west side of NC 15-501. The site is triangular in shape and extends to Merritt Drive. Dogwood Acres Drive divides the property. Approximately 23 acres of the site are located south of Dogwood Acres Drive and 54 acres to the north of the road. The site is completely wooded with a mixture of.young pines and hardwoods. Steeper slopes are located along the western property line and in the southern tip of the property. Sunnima of Proposed Plan: The Committee proposes that the park contain a mix of active and passive amenities. As proposed about 70% of the park would be left in a natural state and served by trails. The remaining 30%would be more intensely developed with: . Two full size soccer fields • One youth baseball/softball field • Dog park • Extension of Fan Branch Greenway Trail • Recycling Center • Children's Play Area and Spray Park • Picnic facilities • Meadow/Open Field Area • Performance Space • Basketball Court • Roller Hockey Court In addition space would be reserved for: • Future community center and/or pool • Youth athletic field (if needed) • Expanded parking(if needed) Comments and Recommendations from Town Boards and Commissions: All Town Boards and Commissions voted to recommend adoption of the concept plan. A number of additional recommendations and suggestions were made throughout the review process. On September 12, 2002, the Southern Community Park Conceptual Plan Committee met to review the various comments and recommendation that were raised by the boards and commissions. The Committee's comments made in response to the advisory board comments and recommendations are included in the discussion of each item below. The Committee did not respond to some of the advisory board comments because the comments did not imply a change in the plan or in some cases simply requested a clarification. 1. Extend the Fan Branch Trail: The concept plan shows the paved Fan Branch Trail extended from its current location west of Scroggs School through the park site to a location just south of Dogwood Acres Drive. The Greenways Commission and Parks and Recreation Commission expressed a concern that the unpaved trails south of Dogwood Acres Drive would not adequately serve handicap trail users and bicyclists. They recommended that the paved trail be extended to the southern tip of the property. Southern Community Park Conceptual Plan Committee Comments: The Committee voted to recommend that the paved trail be extended to the southern rip of the site along Highway 15-501. MEMORANDUM They recommended that the rest of the trails south of Dogwood Acres Drive remain unpaved. lD Staff Comments: We believe that the paved trail should be extended to the southern tip of the property in order to serve the proposed dog park and provide bicycle and handicap access throughout the park. Costs of Extending the Fan Branch Trail • The extension of the trail would cost approximately$100,000 • Additional clearing would be required near Highway 15-501. Benefits of Extending the Fan Branch Trail • Handicap access would be extended throughout the park including the facilities located at the southern tip of the site. • The trail would provide better access to the proposed dog park for pedestrians and bicyclists. • The trail would be extended by 1,200 feet. The recreation value of a trail for running, walking,and nature study is generally increased as the length of the trail increases. • The paved trail would allow for direct pedestrian and non-motorized vehicle access from the residential areas south of the park to Dogwood Acres Drive, the main portion of the park, Scruggs School, Southern Village, and the proposed Morgan Creek Trail. 2. Provide Sidewalks on Dogwood Acres Drive: The Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory Board recommended that sidewalks be provided on both sides of Dogwood Acres Drive within the boundaries of the park. Southern-Community Park Conceptual Plan Committee Comments: The Southern Community Park Conceptual Plan Committee discussed this recommendation. However, the Committee recommended that a paved trail or improved recreation access be provided only on the north side of Dogwood Acres Drive, from the western property line to the point where the main greenway trail crosses Dogwood Acres Drive. Staff Comments: We agree that pedestrian access should be accommodated on Dogwood Acres Drive. We agree with the Committee that providing access only on the north side of the road would best serve the Dogwood Acres neighborhood and the park. A sidewalk or trail on the north side would directly connect with most of the park amenities, Scroggs School, and Southern Village. In addition the plan proposes a road crossing to the south that would be protected by traffic calming devices. We also agree that the access need not be a sidewalk. Because of the lack of curb and gutter on Dogwood Acres Drive pedestrians may be better served by a paved trail that is set back from the edge of the road. We also agree that the access trail or sidewalk should extend from the western park boundary to the point where the paved Fan Branch Trail crosses Dogwood Acres Drive. We believe that the entire length of Dogwood Acres Drive should eventually be served by sidewalks. However,we believe any such extension beyond the park boundaries and the town limits should be funded separately from this park development project. 3. Pedestrian and Bicycle Access: The Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory Board commented that it is important to provide functional pedestrian and bicycle access as well as recreational access, to services in and around the park site. In addition, the Transportation Board recommended more pedestrian connections to Scroggs School. Southern Community Park Conceptual Plan Committee Comments: The Committee voted to MEMORANDUM recommend showing better connections to Scroggs School, the southern park and ride lot, and to extend the paved trail to the southern tip of the park. Staff Comments: We believe that the conceptual plan currently does a good job of planning for bicycle and pedestrian access to most of the internal site. The plan also provides direct access from Southern Village by way of an extended Fan Branch Greenway Trail. However, we agree with the Committee that several changes to the plan would result in a better overall pedestrian and bicycle transportation program. These include: • Extend the paved Fan Branch Trail to the southern tip of the park site. • Provide improved pedestrian access (paved trail or sidewalk) on the north side of Dogwood Acres Drive from the western park boundary to the point where the paved Fan Branch Trail crosses Dogwood Acres Drive. • Show additional pedestrian connections to the southern park and ride lot and Scruggs School. 4. Use of the Southern Park and Ride Lot: The Transportation Board recommended that the plan should clarify the relationship of the possible use of existing park ride parking for recreational uses during evening and weekend periods and the possible use of the Southern Community Park parking for park ride uses during weekends. Staff Comments: Please refer to pages 6, 13, and 20 of the Report. The park and ride lot was built with federal funds primarily to serve the bus system. However, we believe that the counter cyclical nature of the parking needs for the park and commuters would strengthen the parking reserves of both facilities. Park users would be expected to spill over onto the park and ride lot on weekends and evenings. Commuters could use the park parking lot weekdays. We believe that the potential for conflict would occur primarily on the Saturdays of the six home football games and other weekend afternoons when the park and ride lot may be used by Tar Heel Express to transport people to UNC basketball games and other special events. 5. Scroggs School Parking Lot: The Transportation Board recommended that the plan clarify the possible use of Scroggs School parking for recreational purposes. Staff Comments: The Town and the Chapel Hill/Carrboro City Schools currently have an agreement that guarantees public use of the school parking lot, when not in use by the schools, until the year 2027. However, we do not believe that use of the school parking lot would be necessary for normal park operations. 6. Buffer along Highway 15-501: Members of the Community Design Commission and the Planning Board expressed a concern related to protection of the southern entranceway into Town and the width of the buffer along Highway 15-501. Southern Community Park Conceptual Plan Committee Comments: The Committee voted to recommend that the 50 foot minimum buffer currently shown along Highway 15-501 be maintained and that it be supplemented with additional vegetation if needed. Staff Comments: We agree with the Committee that the 50 foot buffer currently shown on the conceptual plan be maintained and supplemented where needed. 7. Proximity of Parking to the Athletic Fields and Picnic Areas: A member of the Community Design Commission suggested that the athletic fields and picnic areas are located too far from MEMORANDUM parking. Southern Community Park Conceptual Plan Committee Comments: The Committee did not agree with the recommendation to provide parking closer to the athletic fields. They did agree that, if possible,the picnic shelter should be moved closer to the parking lot. Staff'Comments: We agree with the Committee that parking cannot be provided in proximity to all park amenities. We concur with their recommendation that activity centers that attract small children and families should be located closer to parking than facilities thaf attract older children and adults. The only other possible location for additional parking would be in the site reserved for a possible additional athletic field. We agree with the Committee that this space should be reserved for that purpose. We believe that it may be possible to shift the location of the large picnic shelter closer to the main parking lot. However, we believe that level of detail is best determined during development of the Special Use Permit application. 8. Pond Safety: A member of the Community Design Commission expressed a safety concern about the stormwater management ponds proposed to be located along the western property line. The Commission member noted that the ponds would be in relatively close to the Scroggs School. Staff Comments: The exact number, size, dimensions and location of the stormwater management ponds have not yet been determined. We would normally expect to address details about the ponds during the Special Use Permit phase of the project. We agree with the Commission member that public safety should be a central issue during the design stage of the ponds. We believe that side slopes can be minimized, access controlled, and water depth controlled to make the ponds as safe as possible while still retaining their function. We also believe that building more than one facility would allow us to increase the safety factor by reducing the depth of each individual pond. 9. Picnic Area Issues: A member of the Community Design Commission suggested that the area reserved for a future community center be used on a temporary basis for picnicking. A Planning Board member suggested that smaller picnic shelters would work better than the one large shelter proposed in the plan. Southern Community Park Conceptual Plan Committee Comments: The Committee reviewed these recommendations and voted to recommend that the area reserved for the future community center be used as a temporary picnic area. They also voted to recommend that the large picnic shelter remain in the plan. Staff Comments: The Town currently has 5 small picnic shelters in Hargraves, Homestead, North Forest Hills, and Umstead parks. In addition, the Southern Community Park Conceptual Plan proposes 3 smaller shelters. We agree with the Committee that the Town should own one large shelter suitable for large group gatherings such as family reunions, class reunions; and other large gatherings, and that it should remain in the plan as is. 10. Traffic Calming: The Transportation Board and a member of the Planning Board recommended the inclusion of traffic calming improvements, including raised pedestrian crosswalks with signals, along Dogwood Acres Drive. A member of the Community Design Commission also noted that signage would be crucial to maintain a safe trail crossing of Dogwood Acres Drive. Staff Comments: The conceptual plan currently proposes that the Town take control of and maintain MEMORANDUM _ ct the section of Dogwood Acres Drive that bisects the Town's property for the purpose of installing traffic calming devices (see page 20 of the Report). The purpose of such transfer of control would be to allow the Town to install traffic calming devices that NCDOT would not permit on a State controlled road, as well as control speed limits and signage, We believe that strong and effective traffic calming and signage programs should be in place to protect park patrons. ,However, we believe that further research is necessary prior to selection of the type,number and location of traffic calming devices and signs. These details would be better addressed in the project's Special Use Permit phase. 11. Benches: The Transportation Board recommends that the plan clarify the number of benches along the proposed trail. Southern Community Park Conceptual Plan Committee Comments: The Committee agreed that benches should be a part of the plan. Staff' Comments: We agree that the conceptual plan should acknowledge the need for benches. However, we believe the number and location of benches would be a matter best addressed during preparation of the Special Use Permit application. 12. Bus Access: The Transportation Board recommended that the plan address bus access to the park and designate stop locations. Southern Community Park Conceptual Plan Committee Comments: The Committee agreed that the plan should address issues related to bus routes and stops. Staff Continents: We agree that the conceptual plan should better address bus access and identify potential bus stop locations. The plan was designed to provide easy bus access to both the park and park and ride lot. However, the plan could be revised to more adequately articulate this beneficial relationship. We believe that the actual location of the bus stops should be designated during the Special Use Permit process. 13. Light Pollution:Light pollution from the park should be minimized, Staff Comments: We believe that the Committee has done a good job segregating the major light sources from the nearby residential uses. We anticipate using light fixtures that would minimise light spillover onto adjacent properties. We believe that this project should meet the 014 Zone lighting requirements recently imposed on the University for its main campus expansion. 14. Dog Park Issues: The Planning Board recommended deletion of the restroom facility proposed to be located adjacent to the dog park. A Community Design Commission member asked whether a special septic detention area should be designed to handle dog waste run-off from the dog park. A Planning Board member questioned the need for dog parks. Southern Community Park Conceptual Plan Committee Comments: The Committee voted to recommend that the restroom stay in the conceptual plan at least until the feasibility of the facility can be determined during the Special Use Permit process. They suggested that the idea be dropped at the Special Use Permit phase if it proves to be impractical. The Committee did not support the idea of providing a special septic detention area for the dog park. Staff Comments: We believe that the dog park will generate sufficient use to warrant construction of a restroom facility. Currently, the single greatest subject of complaint from citizens using park MEMORANDUM fO facilities is the Town's lack of winterized restroom facilities in parks. While we agree that the restroom proposed for the dog park area may be expensive to build because of a lack of sewer in the immediate vicinity, we also believe that a lack of restroom facilities will likely result in complaints and unsanitary behavior. We agree with the Committee's recommendation that we continue to show restroom facilities on the conceptual plan. If implementation proves to be too difficult we can eliminate the facility during the Special Use Permit phase of the project. We believe that the dog park will not generate sufficient waste to justify a separate waste detention system. Any dog waste not removed by dog owners, as required by park rules,would have to travel over 1,200 feet down a normally dry gulley before reaching Fan Branch. We believe that current use of the Homestead Park Dog Park indicates that the Southern Community Park Dog Park would likely be well used and successful. The Homestead Park facility is about 20,000 square feet, or less than half the minimum recommended size of one acre or more. The Southern Community Park site has sufficient land to build a dog park of 1-5 acres. We believe that this size dog park would generate a great deal of use. 15. Disc Golf. Planning Board members expressed concerns about the extent of clearing that would be necessary to build a disc golf course and the possibility of conflicts between trail users and disc golf players. Southern Community Park Conceptual Plan Committee Comments: The Committee recommended that the disc golf course continue to be a part of the plan. Staff Comments: We believe that it would be possible to field-locate a disc golf course that would have minimal impact on the vegetation of the park and other trail users. Parks and Recreation Department staff members have visited disc golf courses in other communities and have noted that they can be designed to have a low impact to the site and to direct play away from trail users. Most disc golf players have emphasized their desire to build a course that uses the woods,and natural topography to make play more challenging. 16. Roller Hockey: A Planning Board member questioned why the proposed roller hockey rink was so expensive. Staff Comments: Roller hockey rinks are specially built courts designed much like an ice hockey rink. The courts must be built in such a way as to handle drainage issues, frost heaving, and other problems normally encountered with outdoor courts. In addition, roller hockey courts have special surfaces that are designed for skates as well as ice hockey style boards to contain play. The conceptual plan proposes that these courts have lights for evening play since most players are adults. 17. Performance Space: A Planning Board member questioned why the Committee included a performance space,noting that the downtown space is not used very much. Southern Community Park Conceptual Plan Committee Comments: The Committee voted to recommend that the Performance Space continue to be a part of the plan. The Committee noted that the Forest Theatre on UNC campus receives a high level of use despite the noise levels from nearby traffic. Staff Comments: The performance space is intended to be a small area suitable for plays, small musical performances, weddings, and other small gatherings. We believe that such a space, located in a natural setting would have a certain level of appeal. MEMORANDUM I l 18. Water Play Area: A Planning Board member indicated that the water play area may present management issues during water conservation periods. Staff Comments: if OWASA issues a water conservation alert we could respond by shutting down the water play area until such time as water levels are at normal levels, RECOMMENDATIONS Complete recommendations of all Boards and Commissions are attached. Bic cle and Pedestrian Advis= Board: On February 26, 2002, the Board voted unanimously (6-0) to recommend that the Council adopt the Report of the Southern Community Park Conceptual Plan Committee.Please see the attached recommendations. Community Des,(gn Commission: The Community Design Commission met on February 5, 2002 and voted unanimously (9-1) to recommend adoption of the Report of the Southern Community Park Conceptual Plan Committee. Please seethe attached recommendations. Greenways Commission: On February 27, 2002, the Greenways Commission voted unanimously (5-0) to recommend that the Council adopt the Report of the Southern Community Park Conceptual Plan Committee.Please see the attached recommendations. Parks and Recreation Commission: The Commission met on February 21, 2002. The Commission voted unanimously (7-0) to recommend that the Council adopt the Report of the Southern Community Park Conceptual Plan Committee. Please see the attached recommendations. Planning Board: The Planning Board met on February 5, 2002 and voted unanimously (9-0) to recommend adoption of the Report of the Southern Community Park Conceptual Plan Committee. Please see the attached recommendations. Transportation Board: The Transportation Board met on February 5, 2002 and voted unanimously (9-0) to recommend that the Council adopt the Report of the Southern Community Park Conceptual Plan Committee.Please see the attached recommendations. Southern Community Park Conceptual Plan Committee: The Committee met on March 12, 2002 and reviewed the comments and recommendations of the various Boards and Commissions. The Committee voted unanimously (7-0) to recommend revisions to their Report and that the Council adopt their Report of the Southern Community Park Conceptual Plan Committee with modifications. Please see the attached recommendations. MEMORANDUM l^ . Manager's Recommendation: . We recommend that the Council adopt the attached resolution, which would adopt the Report of the Southern Community Park Conceptual Plan Committee with revisions. ATTACHMENTS t. Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory Board Recommendations (p.12). 2. Community Design Commission Recommendations (p. 13). I Greenways COmmmssion Recommendations (p. 14). 4, Parks &Recreation Commission Recommendations(p.15). 5. Planning Board Recommendations (p.16). 6. Transportation Board Recommendations (p.17� 7. Southern Community park Conceptual Plan Committee Recommendations (Revised) (p. 18). i i i MEMORANDUM . ►3 A RESOLUTION ADOPTING THE REPORT OF THE SOUTHERN COMMUNITY PARX CONCEPTUAL PLAN COMMITTEE WITH REVISIONS (2002-03-25/R-13). WHEREAS, the Town of Chapel Bill has acquired land for development of a southern community park south of Southern Village; and WHEREAS, the Southern Community Park Conceptual Plan Committee has developed a conceptual plan for a community park on the site; and WHEREAS, various boards, commissions, and a committee have reviewed the proposed conceptual plan and have unanimously recommended approval; and WHEREAS, members of the various boards and commissions have suggested revisions to the proposed conceptual plan, NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the Council of the Town of Chapel Hill that the Council adopts the Report of the Southern Community Park Conceptual Plan Committee with the following revisions: o The paved Fan Branch Trail should be extended to the southern tip of the property. • A sidewalk, paved trail, or improved recreation access should be provided on the north side of Dogwood Acres Drive, from the western property line to the point where the main greenway trail crosses Dogwood Acres Drive. • The Report should show better connections to Scroggs School and the southern park and ride lot. • The Report should state that the 50 foot minimum buffer currently shown along Highway 15-501 be maintained and that it be supplemented with additional vegetation if needed. • The area reserved for the future community center should be designated as a temporary picnic area until such time as the area is needed for some other purpose. • The need for benches should be articulated in the plan. • The need for bus routes and stops should be articulated in the plan. This the 25th day of March, 2002. ATTACHMENT 1 SUMMARY OF BICYCLE AND PEDESTRIAN ADVISORY BOARD ACTION Subject: Southern Community Park Master Plan Meeting Date: February 26, 2002 Recommendation: The Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory Board recommends that the Council consider the following comment: Y That the Master Plan be revised to include a sidewalk on both sides of Dogwood Acres Drive within the boundaries of the park. Vote: 6 - 0. Aye: Eva Metzger (Chair). Debby Freed, Kate Millard, Tom Mills, Alice Neebe, Wayne Pein Nay: none Comments: The Board believes that it is important to provide functional pedestrian and bicycle access, as well as recreational access, to services in and around the park site. Prepared by: Eva Metzger, Chair, Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory Board M (61 t*) Than Austin, Long Range Planner • is l3 - ATTACHM ENT 2 SUMMARY OF COMMUNITY DESIGN COMMISSION ACTION Subject: Report of the Southern Community Park Conceptual Plan Committee Meeting Date: February 20,2002 Recommendation: That the Council endorse the Southern Community Park Conceptual Plan Committee's Report,with consideration of the issues noted below. Vote: 9- 1 Aye: Weezie Oldenburg, Richard Barrett, George Cianciolo, Terry Eason, Sarah Haskett, Charlotte,Newby, Scott Radway, Martin Rody, and Polly Van de Velde. Nay: Dale Coker. Issues Raised: Commission members noted the following issues/concems when reviewing the Conceptual Plan Committee's Report: • Parking needs to be provided in closer proximity to the soccer fields. In particular, overflow parking appears likely to spill over onto Dogwood Acres Drive. • Concern about potential pedestrian/vehicular conflicts on Dogwood Acres Drive, per the proposed two (2) pedestrian crossings. Signage will be 0 critical to minimizing this confict. on ■ The picnic areas need to be located closer to the parking areas. in particular, it was noted that the Community Center would not be built for several years, and that this portion of the site would serve as a great location for a picnic area ■ Concern regarding the width and screening of the US 15-501 South entranceway buffer. ■ Concern regarding the safety of the proposed bio-retention pond areas, given the proximity of this site to the school. • Where does drainage from the Dog Park go? Should a special septic detention area be designed to specifically handle run-off from this area? ■ The total cost of Phase I is $3,579,400, yet current funding only totals $2,895,000. Explanation of Dissenting Vote(s): The dissenting member did not offer an explanation for his dissenting vote. Prepared by: Weezie Oldenburg,Chair,Community Design Commission Rob Wilson, Staff Ib ATTACHMENT 3 14 MEMORANDUM TO: Mayor and Town Council FROM: Greenways Commission Joe Herzenberg,Chair SUBJECT: Southern Community Park Conceptual Plan DATE: February 27,2002 The Commission voted unanimously(5-0)to recommend that the Council adopt the conceptual plan with one addition.The Commission recommended that the paved trail be extended to the southern tip of the property at the location of the proposed dog park. Voting yes were Joe Herzenberg(Chair),Audrey Booth(Vice-Chair), Bill Bracey,Debbie Morris,and Brenda Nielsen 11 ATTACHMENT 4 CHAPEL HILL PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION 200 PLAT RoAO,CHAPEL HILL,NoRTm CAROLINA 27514 VoicEUTD:(919)968-2784 • FAX:(919)932-2923 M E M O RANDUM TO: Mayor Foy and Council FROM: John Covach, Chair, Parks and Recreation Commission RE: Southern Community Park Conceptual Plan DATE: February 21,2002 At its February 20 meeting the Commission voted unanimously(7-0)to recommend that the Council adopt the Southern Community Park Conceptual Plan Committee Report as presented with the following amendment: Give full consideration to a paved trail the length of the park,including the southern portion of the park,to the area designated for a dog park.The Commission believes that a paved trail is essential for wheelchair and stroller users as well as cyclists. Voting in favor of the motion: Covach,Rohrbacher,Anderson,Broad,Caldwell,Hemminger,and Jones. <<O ATTACHMENT 5 SUMMARY OF PLANNING BOARD ACTION Subject: Southern Community Park Conceptual Plan Committee Report-Request for Comments Meeting Date: February 5, 2002 Recommendation: The Planning Board voted 9-0 to recommend support of the Conceptual Plan Committee Plan with specific support of the dog park location away from other activities and with removal of the restroom facility at the dog park location. The Board also agreed to forward the individual member comments (see below). Vote: 9 - 0 Aye: John Hawkins, Scott Radway, Julie Coleman, Coleman Day, Gay Eddy, Nancy Gabriel, Sally Greene, Bob Reds, Ruby Sinreich Individual Comments: 1) Concern was expressed about the extent of clearing of trees for the Frisbee golf area. 2) The amphitheatre is a good idea. 3) Concern was expressed about the amount of parking proposed. 4) Concern was expressed about Dogwood Acres Drive dividing the park. Questions were asked about traffic calming and speed limit enforcement. 5) Small picnic shelter areas better than one big picnic area. 6) How will Southern Village residents arrive at the park on foot? Will trails be provided? What pedestrian connections are proposed to connect the school to the park? 7) Frisbee Golf does not interact well with pedestrians. Frisbee Golf may be a "want" not a "need." 8) Who will maintain Dogwood Acres Drive? 9) Why are roller hockey facilities so expensive? 10) Objection was voiced to the Town providing dog parks. 11) A concern was expressed about the cost of utility extension for sewer to proposed bathrooms. It was noted that a bathroom at the proposed dog park may be expensive and unnecessary. 12) A concern was expressed that performance space downtown doesn't get much use. Why is it proposed here? 13) The water play area may be an issue during water conservation periods. 14) The proposal does a good job of balancing the needs of a diverse population. 15) Maintain buffer area between the athletic fields and the highway. 16) Impressive plan and impressive process to develop it. - good community participationlin Put . 17) If the athletic fields are multipurpose then a.suggestion was made to not call them soccer fields. Prepared by: John Hawkins, Chapel Hill Planning Board J.B. Culpepper,.Staff lq ATTACHMENT b l7 SIJMMARY OF TRANSPORTATION BOARD ACTION Subject: Southern Community Park Master Plan Meeting Date: February 5, 2002 Recommendation: The Transportation Board voted 9-0 to recommend to the Council the following comments: • The Plan should clarify the relationship of the possible use of existing park ride parking for recreational uses during evening and weekend periods and the possible use of the Southern Community Park parking for park ride uses during weekday periods. • The Plan should clarify the possible use of Scroggs School parking for recreational uses . • Traffic calming improvements,including raised pedestrian crosswalks with signals,should be included along Dogwood Acres Drive. • There should be more pedestrian connections with the Scroggs School. • The Plan should clarify the number of benches along the proposed trail. • The Plan should address bus access to the Park and designate stop locations. • Light pollution from the Park should be minimized_ Vote. 9-0 Aye: Cianciolo, Lathrop, Schroeder, Sayle, Neville, Howe, Hintz, Hampton,Dobbins Nay: None Prepared by: Loren Hintz Chair,Chapel Hill Transportation Board dH David Bonk, Senior Transportation Planner,Staff AO Q ATTACHMENT 7 MEMORANDUM TO: Mayor and Town Council J,a LOD FROM: Pam Hemming Chair Southern Community Park Conceptual Plan Committee SUBJECT: Revisions to the Committee's Report of the Southern Community Park Conceptual Plan Committee DATE: March 12,2002 Voting Yes: Pam Hemminger(Chair),Audrey Booth,Elizabeth Branch,Coleman Day, Jim Earnhardt, Scott Madry, and Douglas Ostanek The Committee met on March 12,2002 to review the comments and recommendations of other Town Boards and Commissions after their review of our proposed Southern Community Park Conceptual Plan. The Committee was highly appreciative of the depth and scope of the comments we received. We agreed with most of the recommendations made by other boards and voted unanimously(7-0)to recommend that the Council adopt our Report with the following revisions: • The paved Fan Branch greenway trail should be extended to the southern tip of the park. The Committee specifically recommends that the trail extension should be near the eastern property line and parallel to Highway 15-501.The Committee recommends that the rest of the trails south of Dogwood Acres Drive remain unpaved. • The plan should show better pedestrian'connections to Scroggs School and the park and ride lot. • A paved trail for improved pedestrian connection should be added along the north side of Dogwood Acres Drive,from the western property line to the point where the Fan Branch greenway trail crosses Dogwood Acres Drive. • The site of the future community center should be designated as a temporary picnic area. • The Town should maintain at least a 50 foot buffer along 15-501.The buffer could be enhanced with plantings where needed. • The plan should address the importance of bus access and stops.Exact locations of bus stops should be addressed in the Special Use Permit phase of the project. • The need for benches should be noted.