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Gold Strike Park SCHEMATIC DESIGN Survey #2 SUMMARY 10.02.2023 ---PAGE BREAK--- 2 “ SUMMARY Community Survey #2 for the design of Gold Strike Park was open from August 11, 2023 to September 11, 2023. Survey respondents were asked to choose their preferred design among two choices: Concept A – Wandering Creek and Concept B – Adventure Destination. Concept A – Wandering Creek included a wetland boardwalk overlook, a natural splash pad, and pebbled gold panning play. Concept B – Adventure Destination included a hammock garden, sandy creek play, and a bouldering feature. The design that was favored by the majority of survey participants (67.3%) was Concept A: Wandering Creek.* In the English-language version of the survey, 161 people took the survey, and 454 people either visited the project page or took a deeper dive into project material on the project page (212). No participants took the Spanish-language version of the survey, but 19 people either visited the Spanish project page or did further reading of project material in Spanish The project team did conduct further project outreach at the Arvada Days Festival on August 19, 2023 and the Foster Elementary School Carnival on August 31, 2023. In addition to the 150+ members of the public engaged at both events; project interpreters engaged directly with 20 Spanish speaking families at the Foster Elementary School Carnival. The survey was promoted using the branded project newsletter, a brief project video in English and Spanish posted on the project website, individual emails to community partners and churches, a five week promotional banner in *See “Survey Results” for complete responses to select Survey #2 Questions. Both would be an incredible improvement. I really liked the places to play in the creek, water overlooks, natural splash pad and opportunity to learn about wetlands. It would be great for school classes to visit and get environmental education. It would be great to have bicycle parking in addition to vehicle parking. This concept is accessible to all ages and actively and passively engages folks. More natural play elements. Less lawn, more intentional gardening/ natural areas. The wetland boardwalk is particularly interesting to me. I also like the gold panning connects to the historic nature of the park and it’s importance in our states history. I like that it focuses on restoring the creek and the natural habitat around it and uses less built materials. I like the more purpose built play elements. It feels more like a destination vs concept a. With limited residential around the park, I believe more attractions will help draw people to utilize the space. Gold Strike Park SCHEMATIC DESIGN Survey #2 Summary Survey #2 open from August 15 to September 11, 2023 161 respondents ---PAGE BREAK--- 3 “ the online La Voz Spanish-language newspaper, news articles in the City’s ArvadaNews twice- electronic city newsletter, as well as City of Arvada social media posts. For comparison, for survey #1 for the Gold Strike Design Project (for both the English language and Spanish language surveys added together): 318 people engaged (took the survey), 355 people were informed (visited the project page and clicked around within the project), and 580 people became aware of the project (visited the project page only). It is typical for participation numbers to be lower in a second project survey. KEY THEMES When survey participants were asked to elaborate on what they liked about their preferred park design respondents explained that they want a park that: • Restores and protects natural areas and ecology • Increases access to natural beauty & elements • Allows for passive and peaceful enjoyment of the park • Provides nature play opportunities rather than traditional playground equipment (bouldering feature and hammock garden) • Offers opportunities to interact with water (natural splash pad, creek access, nature play, pan for gold, learn) • Is family friendly and offers spaces for all ages • Provides space for community events • Celebrates the local significance of the site, connection to Colorado history, and the history of indigenous peoples • Creates sensory opportunities (touch - water, movement – play and exercise, smell - pollinator garden) • Offers shade and a healthy tree canopy Other comments: • Add bike parking • While Concept A was favored, respondents liked the flow and layout of Concept B, particularly This was tough, both look like fun parks. I really love the idea of a natural splash pad but the hammock space is not something that we have in the area and I think it would be cool, especially combined with a music event or something. And the sandy creek play I think will be fun and different from a splash pad. The hammock garden sounds like a nice place to relax while my kids play in the sandy creek. Arvada needs unique outdoor options that motivate people to get outside. Option B does this through attracting families as a desirable activity along a bike path. Option A is too sedentary and average - not a unique destination. I like the passive and peaceful elements and feel I would actually use and enjoy the park more. I LOVE the creek focused designs and natural splash pad for kids. Plan B is great but definitely targeted more for kids. I think Plan B will require more upkeep and presents more safety and liability issues. Both designs are great and would be a drastic improvement. However, I like the more fluid layout of concept A vs the more linear layout of concept B. I also think including the historical aspect and name related activity of Gold Panning is important. There is one key element that seems problematic with both designs and that is the quantity of car parking along with the lack of bike parking. ---PAGE BREAK--- 4 the pedestrian bridge in the middle of the park. • Combine the concepts (especially the Splash Pad into Concept B, the Hammock Garden and Bouldering feature into Concept A) When asked what amenities would motivate people to visit the park weekly, respondents indicated (qty. of responses included) that they would particularly like: • Pollinator Gardens/Gardens/Wildflowers (15) • Dog walking/Dog Park/Dog amenities (15) • Wetland boardwalks and/or overlooks (14) • Natural Splash Pad (14) • Shaded areas/Shade with seating (13) • Creek access or low-flow crossing (12) • Soft/paved walking trails (12) • Event Space (Movie nights/art exhibits) (11) • Restrooms (11) Some amenities mentioned contained split feedback (qty. of responses included): • EVENT SPACE - Commenters preferred a smaller event space, while respondents favored designing a larger event space • HAMMOCK GARDEN - (12) Respondents favored the hammock garden, while comments expressed concerns with its inclusion • CIRCULATION - Commenters preferred the direct circulation with the centralized bridge in Concept B, while respondents preferred the circumnavigating walking loops in Concept A “ I like the design of the larger event space by the pavilion and the splash pad. I think the splash pad will attract more families like the Westminster adventure park. I also like the idea of the sandy beach play area and the pedestrian bridge in the middle of the park vs on the east side. Maybe the final design for this park could include the bouldering feature and the splash pad with the central pedestrian bridge, dropping the gold panning and natural grass areas. The pedestrian bridge in Concept B is more practically located to traverse between both sides of the park without having to go out of the way to go around. Arvada doesn’t offer many splash pads or has any natural splash pad offered in design A. Giving a good combination for older adults and kids to share the park is key. I think Concept A invites more creativity, exploration, and engagement with nature. The sensory benefits of the natural splash pad for kids, connecting with nature on the wetland boardwalk/overlook. I do love the bouldering area in concept B. If there were a way to incorporate that into concept A that would be amazing. I believe that the water features make this park most interesting and provide play plus the feeling of peacefulness in nature. ---PAGE BREAK--- S U R V E Y R E S U LT S 5 Q1 I Select the design concept you prefer for Gold Strike Park? QUESTION OPTIONS Concept A: Wandering Creek - Unique elements include a Wetland Boardwalk Overlook, Natural Splash Pad, and Pebbled Gold Panning Play Concept B: Adventure Destination - Unique elements include a Hammock Garden, Sandy Creek Play, and Bouldering Feature 53 (32.7%) 109 (67.3%) KEY TAKEAWAYS 109 people out of 162 responses (67.3%) chose Concept A: Wandering Creek. The majority of comments favoring Concept A referenced the “more natural” approach, desire to include wetland boardwalks and overlooks, and enjoying the circulation loops. These reasons are extrapolated from the analysis of Question 2. ---PAGE BREAK--- S U R V E Y R E S U LT S 6 The following is a list of all the write-in comments/ suggestions provided through the public survey. The table to the left illustrates the larger themes that came out of the general public comments and suggestions. 1. It appears to have a larger event space and more native plantings. I am somewhat disappointed in both of these options - honestly they look very much the same. I am especially disappointed to see so much parking for cars that will never be fully utilized - is this really necessary? At the very least, can’t we have one option that only has one parking area instead of two? 2. more natural back to nature 3. I like the combination of features. I would love to see the Natural Splash pad incorporated into concept B, that would be the perfect combination for me. 4. I like the wetland boardwalk concept a lot and think that’ll drive visitation. However I think Concept B has more gathering space and LOVE that there’s a Hammock Garden and if you could add that in somehow to concept A it’d be great. 5. The natural splash pad 6. Frankly I think both will be fantastic but I chose adventure because of its unique offering (bicycle playground (unique!) vs. dog park (not unique)) and the greater amount (at least appearing so on the maps) of pollinator gardens. 7. I mostly preferred option A, but I think the addition of the bouldering feature of B is a huge value add for the community. 8. Both would be an incredible improvement. I really liked the places to play in the creek, water overlooks, natural splash pad and opportunity to learn about wetlands. It would be great for school classes to visit and get environmental education. It would be great to have bicycle parking in addition to vehicle parking. This concept is accessible to all ages and actively and passively engages folks. 9. The more active elements seem like they would get more repeated use than the gold panning play. 10. Though I’m an avid biker and the Adventure Q2 I Tell us more about why you prefer the park design you selected, & share any additional comments. KEY WORDS/THEMES QTY. OF POSITIVE COMMENTS QTY. OF CONCERNS AMENITIES (NATURAL AND BUILT) More naturalistic 29 Natural splash pad 25 2 Bouldering feature 14 Active elements/attractions for kids 13 Gold panning 11 1 Creek play & access/low-flow crossing 7 Pollinator garden/native plantings 6 Sandy creek play 6 All ages/broader range of activities 4 Restore creek and/or wetlands 4 Space for school classes 1 Fishing 1 INFRASTRUCTURE & LAYOUT Wetland boardwalk or overlooks 21 Interpretive trails 2 High amount of vehicular parking 2 Low amount of bike parking 2 Less built materials 1 Likes seating near parking lot 1 Like flex space near shaded picnic area 1 COMMENTS WITH SPLIT RESPONSES (QTY.) Event Space Sizing desired larger space desired smaller space Circulation Style preferred direct circulation of bridge (Concept B) preferred circumnavigating loops (Concept A) Hammock Garden (12) preferred its inclusion expressed concerns KEY TAKEAWAYS Main desired features were gardens & trails, wetland boardwalk & overlook with shaded seating opportunities. Also, a natural splash pad with nature play and creek access were equally desired. Having an event space with a bathroom and bike amenities to support regional bike access was also important. There were 134 responses. The most a topic/theme was mentioned was 29 out of 134. ---PAGE BREAK--- S U R V E Y R E S U LT S 7 Q2 I Tell us more about why you prefer the park design you selected, & share any additional comments. (General public comments & suggestions, continued) destination plan is intriguing, I’m more inclined to think with the neighborhoods surrounding the park it would be better suited for its natural beauty and for people to go with their dogs and kids to play rather than a destination for bikers who might occasionally use the bike and bouldering features only as they pass by. With some of the industrial feel surrounding that area, having bike parks feels like that just adds to it. The concept A version appears softer a more in tune with nature and the confluence of the two creeks and overall IMO would be enjoyed by a larger demographic. 11. We live right down the trail on grandview. Would love these features for our kiddo. 12. I think the A version is more family oriented. 13. I like that the pedestrian walkway connects on both sides, and the gold panning 14. Boardwalk sounds nice 15. I like the splash pad, kids seem to really love the one in Olde Town. I really like the tie in to the gold panning and the smaller flexible event space. 16. Seems to offer more event space. I prefer the ped bridge location 17. Water access for kids 18. There are so many playgrounds in Arvada, would love this more natural, water focused option 19. I feel Concept B will attract a broader range of audiences, making it an ideal destination for families with young or older kids as well as adults. 20. I love the natural splash pad idea! 21. We would use design 2 a lot more than design 1, love the flow more and features feel more native. 22. I prefer nature over play. There are sufficient play facilities in Arvada 23. Prefer the Themed Dog Park over a Bicycle Playground. I like the educational pavilion outside of the Flexible Event Space. 24. I liked the amenities more with this option and the functionality 25. larger picnic area, dog parks are likely used by more people, bike park could turn into a place for teenagers to smoke weed 26. The Hammock post garden, hands down! I also like the large gathering spaces. 27. More opportunities for children to play 28. We like that this design provides more natural/ wildlife spaces and a full walking loop around the park. 29. I like the passive and peaceful elements and feel I would actually use and enjoy the park more. I LOVE the creek focused designs and natural splash pad for kids. Plan B is great but definitely targeted more for kids. I think Plan B will require more upkeep and presents more safety and liability issues. (The hammock garden might be nice for our folks living without a home though at night). 30. More natural play elements. Less lawn, more intentional gardening/natural areas. 31. The wetland boardwalk is particularly interesting to me. I also like the gold panning connects to the historic nature of the park and it’s importance in our states history. 32. I feel like that area should be more of a passive play park that incorporates the natural areas surrounding the park 33. Natural splash pad, and pebble gold panning area. 34. Adding the wetlands will support more wildlife. 35. I like how this design stays focused on natural component, the wetlands, and the creeks that are the center of the park. Given the industrial location of this park (junkyard, I76, etc), I’m not sure the exciting, active elements of the other design would really be put to use. Without any neighborhoods adjacent to the park, I imagine the most frequent visitors would be bikers and walkers, not as many families with young children to use features such as bouldering walls. So I think a focus on preservation and appreciation of the ecosystem makes more sense and upholds the significance of the location. 36. I like that it focuses on restoring the creek and the natural habitat around it and uses less built materials. ---PAGE BREAK--- S U R V E Y R E S U LT S 8 37. This was tough, both look like fun parks. I really love the idea of a natural splash pad but the hammock space is not something that we have in the area and I think it would be cool, especially combined with a music event or something. And the sandy creek play I think will be fun and different from a splash pad. 38. I love the hammock garden! Also, this design has more natural elements and better flow. Both designs are very nice . 39. I think the “Natural Splash Pad” is a horrible idea and potential health hazard, assuming that it’s using Ralston Creek for water supply. The creek is the collector of all storm water throughout Arvada which makes it highly susceptible to pollutant spikes, how would you be monitoring the water quality for safety? Having a “splash pad” will require locker/change rooms per jeffco regulations around interactive water features. The plan does not show these facilities, you probably ought to check into that. Due to the high population of homeless in this area, the splash pad would become a regular transient bath/toilet. 40. Great for families and all ages - can easily enjoy the beauty. In concept B - worries of loitering at hammock park. More interactive options for all ages in Concept A. 41. I think passive play provides a more nature location that focuses on rehab of the environment and requires less maintenance. I love all the natural elements. The only thing I’d like in the concept a is the rock wall and for farmers markets. 42. Bouldering feature and hammock area will be great for young adults (with and without kids), which are becoming more and more the population in the neighboring columbine neighborhood. 43. I like the idea of adding water elements since it can be so dry in Colorado. The natural splash pad looks great. I do like the idea of the hammock garden in concept B but I worry about the damage they could face and becoming an eye sore since it is not realistic to be replacing those often. 44. I like the bouldering feature and more play options. 45. Was most influenced by the type of play at the creek feeling more flexible with the generic play vs. the gold panning. Also like the hammock element which is unique but seems to have a broad demographic appeal 46. I prefer to keep this as natural as possible 47. Emphasis on natural habitats, interpretative trails, connection to Clear Creek and Ralston Creek trails. 48. This one feels a little more natural to me. and feels like it has a wider walking/playing area. 49. Arvada needs unique outdoor options that motivate people to get outside. Option B does this through attracting families as a desirable activity along a bike path. Option A is too sedentary and average - not a unique destination. 50. More natural play features. 51. Good to play with kids 52. Splash pad 53. Concept .A emphasizes the natural setting 54. It seems to fit the Gold Strike theme more. But I do like the bouldering feature in the other option. 55. I choose concept A for the wetland overlook characteristics and gold panning play area, even though overall it has an inferior layout, especially on the west side of the park. I also prefer the splash pad to the climbing wall (those are everywhere and rarely used). If we could get those features into concept B I would easily choose it. I like how concept B feels more integrated between east and west halves due to the bridge being centrally located and just the general layout flowing better. The location of the gardens and natural areas is also superior in concept B, the boxy garden and centrally located natural area in concept A ruins the space on the west side of the creek. I don’t understand why the parking lot in concept A is so much larger if it contains the same number of spaces; maybe an error?. In both instances you should get rid of those hideous sculptures, PLEASE!They’re horrendous. 56. prefer wetlands an natural splash pad 57. Creek play Q2 I Tell us more about why you prefer the park design you selected, & share any additional comments. (General public comments & suggestions, continued) ---PAGE BREAK--- S U R V E Y R E S U LT S 9 connect with nature. 75. feels more integrative/natural to existing and historical context. Like the creek focus and natural splash pad. Concerned that the hammock garden would be misused and difficult to control and prevent damage. 76. I am not in favor of the splash pad. People do not pick up after themselves frequently. I could see trash getting into the creek and surrounding areas. With frequent use of young people to this area gardens could be trampled. 77. Gold panning site 78. I like how this option incorporates restored wetlands area and allows for a larger lawn for flexible event space. 79. More natural plantings and shade 80. As least lawn that we have to water as possible. Would be great to have panning fun area as in the first concept to add, but want the area to be a way to enjoy nature as much as possible. 81. Neither! This park serves no one. Do something about the homeless camp that thrives along the creek and highway. Why are you building a park that touches no residential spaces? It’s next to a utility company, a car lot, and poorly maintained businesses. This is a terrible use of city money. Please do not build this. The SE corner of Arvada suffers on beautification, roadways, and recreational services that are showered on our wealthy NW Arvada neighbors. You can, and should do better. Whoever proposed this idea is unfamiliar with the surrounding area and completely missed the main takeaways of the first survey. This is shameful. 82. I don’t feel that folks will use the park as frequently if it tries to be a nature focused park, due to its location. In my opinion it is not well suited for a relaxing nature focused destination. 83. I like B a lot but I don’t think the hammock garden is very practical. 84. I like bouldering 85. I love the creek play area! 86. Design is more in tune with nature and the origins of why the park is historically significant. 58. I love the idea of a natural splash pad. I feel like concept A is going to offer more unique design/ features within the Arvada parks system. 59. Wetland boardwalk would be awesome 60. The gold panning gives me the opportunity to make millions. 61. I like the low creek crossings and creek play, it utilizes the natural feature of the creek more. I also think the hammock park and event space of concept B is a huge waste of space for this area! 62. I want a design that keeps the park as natural and undisturbed as possible 63. I really like the natural splash pad and the wetland boardwalk I think those will get a lot of use. 64. I think Concept A invites more creativity, exploration, and engagement with nature. The sensory benefits of the natural splash pad for kids, connecting with nature on the wetland boardwalk/overlook. I do love the bouldering area in concept B. If there were a way to incorporate that into concept A that would be amazing. 65. I like the more purpose built play elements. It feels more like a destination vs concept a. With limited residential around the park, I believe more attractions will help draw people to utilize the space 66. Sandy Creek play 67. I love the idea of a natural splash pad. Also like the trail design on concept A better. 68. I think it will attract a broader mix of visitors. 69. More to get kids playing/involved. As long as the homeless issue is not a problem here. 70. Less grass that would need water–don’t need grass in under utilized areas, rather have a large native area, better utilization space. 71. oriented toward the natural aspects of the site 72. Water features 73. Fun place for my child to play 74. I like the number of overlooks and boardwalk along the creek. This design feels more natural and like it would offer more opportunities to Q2 I Tell us more about why you prefer the park design you selected, & share any additional comments. (General public comments & suggestions, continued) ---PAGE BREAK--- S U R V E Y R E S U LT S 10 get the road finished before the next election cycle because I guarantee it’s going to be a factor wherever you’re campaiging. 99. My kiddos love a natural play area and I love the idea of letting them gold pan! 100. More natural, less built concept, wetland overlook and gold panning tie to ecosystem and history 101. Hopefully this will lead to less homeless scum. 102. I think a hammock garden is a draw for people to camp out. 103. Wetland boardwalk and overlook! 104. The hammock garden sounds like a nice place to relax while my kids play in the sandy creek 105. Seems to make more sense although I don’t know what pebbled gold panning play is. 106. Sounds more challenging for imagination more 107. The trail link between the two main spaces in Concept A feels very long. In Concept B, it’s more direct and the bridge can be an interesting design element. 108. I like that the pedestrian bridge in Concept A takes visitors closer to the confluence of Ralston and Clear Creek itself, and that one could “loop” around this program of the park in a larger way than in Concept B. 109. its a important site 110. Seems to incorporate things for wide range of individuals 111. Facing south gives a 180 view which has more appeal and zen flow with the four directions. 112. Arvada doesnt offer many splash pads or has any natural splash pad offered in design A. Giving a good combination for older adults and kids to share the park is key. 113. I like the location of the seating in proximity to the parking lot. If I have to bring kids + food + water + toys, I don’t want to lug it too far. 114. I liked the flexible space right by the shaded picnic area for if people have larger gatherings. That way they have some extra grass area for kids to play right by the picnic tables. 87. I like the design of the larger event space by the pavilion and the splash pad. I think the splash pad will attract more families like the Westminster adventure park. I also like the idea of the sandy beach play area and the pedestrian bridge in the middle of the park vs on the east side. Maybe the final design for this park could include the bouldering feature and the splash pad with the central pedestrian bridge, dropping the gold panning and natural grass areas. 88. I prefer the layout of concept B and the larger flexible event space. 89. sounds more exploratory, nature-based, environmentally fitting, good place for a walk 90. The bouldering feature is a big value add for the community and the overall layout seems to flow a little more naturally 91. The pedestrian bridge is more practically located to traverse between both sides of the park without having to go out of the way to go around. 92. This concept feels more unique. There are many splash pads in the area but not many bouldering options and Sandy areas along the creek. 93. Both plans are similar enough, I could select on or the other. 94. I like the hammock garden & bouldering feature over the splash pad next to sandy area 95. I like the more natural concepts with concept A. I think I heard in the video about the possibility of the Farmer’s Market being there & I think that would be too congestive in that area especially with the major bike paths going through there. Also the parking spaces wouldn’t be large enough. 96. I feel like there is More to do in that park design for a variety of ages. 97. Bouldering and hamming. Be nice to add a fishing element. 98. It doesn’t matter. Arvada has far more serious things to worry about than another playground. Have any city council members peeked out the window recently and looked at Ralston Road? How many years has the project been going nowhere? Two? Three? I’d suggest you pick up a phone and start making some calls and try to Q2 I Tell us more about why you prefer the park design you selected, & share any additional comments. (General public comments & suggestions, continued) ---PAGE BREAK--- S U R V E Y R E S U LT S 11 the area. Concept B is a solution that could be implemented anywhere, with little consideration for the specific area. 121. Like the bouldering feature from plan B, but question the hammock garden. Plan A sounds like a good destination and relaxing/educational. Hoping to feel con Estes to the sites past and see our place in it’s present and future. 122. As summers get hotter it’s so nice to have a splash pad to visit. I also like the hammock idea it was a tough choice. 123. Might help to keep people from playing in natural habitat and promotes healthy activity in a safe space. 124. Sandy creek area design looks great! The native pollinator garden looks really good 125. I liked the overall concept and placing of all of the amenities. 126. Concept A. has a more natural feeling. The walking trails seem nice. I feel the amenities with concept B would fall into needing repair easier. Right now that area is used by many homeless individuals. What would prevent the area from being used for nighttime sleeping? 127. I like the larger splash pad and pebble beach in Concept A. I do not like the hammock garden in Concept B and think that would be a waste of space and an invitation for people to spend the night in the park. 128. It sounds like a peaceful place to walk and explore. 129. Gold panning area suliuce boxes 130. Bouldering feature 131. they are both great and I would be happy with either one but....I like B because it has a little more adventure and challenges for the kids 132. more options to engage in the area that the park is in and its history 133. I believe that the water features make this park most interesting and provide play plus the feeling of peacefulness in nature. 134. The splash pad and nature play space together seem like fun option for kids. 115. Both designs are great and would be a drastic improvement. However, I like the more fluid layout of concept A vs the more linear layout of concept B. I also think including the historical aspect and name related activity of Gold Panning is important. There is one key element that seems problematic with both designs and that is the quantity of car parking along with the lack of bike parking. Most people from survey 1 stated they passed through via bike along with walking. Though parking is needed, 100+ spaces seems excessive. Park designs should take into account future transportation goals. This park becoming a destination doesn’t mean people should drive there. The location along Ralston Creek trail is perfect for encouraging more cycling. Change the road designs surrounding the area to include dedicated and protected bike infrastructure so people don’t have to drive. Reducing the number of parking spaces frees up space to expand upon the other design elements or add others too. 116. I’m happy with both designs. My family really likes water play. 117. I don’t prefer either design. I prefer that tax dollars not be spent on a park in the middle of an industrial area. This area is ridden with homeless and crime and there is no reason for anyone to go to this area. 118. Looks like a peaceful natural space with plenty of spaces to explore 119. Concept A keeps the park closest to it’s natural state - restoring wetlands, providing homes for birds, and utilizing existing space as it was always intended to be used. Keeping the area natural supports the community in biodiversity. I love that both concepts include indigenous history. I hope that the planners work with legitimate historians like History of Colorado as well as seeks a partnership with local indigenous tribes to ensure the storytelling is accurate and inclusive. The Arvada History Society can also be consulted but they have shown little interest in appropriately telling history prior to the gold rush. It’s imperative that we as a community understand all aspects of our history, and consult true experts (not just volunteers) on such an important topic. 120. Concept A provides a more nature-based solution, providing an escape from the city, while also highlighting the unique history of Q2 I Tell us more about why you prefer the park design you selected, & share any additional comments. (General public comments & suggestions, continued) ---PAGE BREAK--- S U R V E Y R E S U LT S 12 Q3 I What specific site amenities would motivate you to visit the park weekly? The following is a list of all the write-in comments/ suggestions provided through the public survey. The table to the left illustrates the larger themes that came out of the general public comments and suggestions. 1. Walking my dog. Peaceful areas for meditation. Love the pollinator gardens. Wild flowers galore. 2. Rain gardens. A dog park. 3. Splash pad, bike path, bouldering feature, kids play area. 4. Wetland Boardwalk Overlook 5. Easy parking and lots of trash cans 6. Until we have kids, I think I’ll just end up biking or running through on a weekly basis. 7. Native plant gardens and bouldering feature 8. Bike rack parking. Safe place to put our bikes as we pass through. Events in the lawn during summer months 9. Views of the rivers and a quiet sitting area to ponder your thoughts. But also perhaps movie nights in the pavilion or grassy lawn area and regional cultural and Artistic activities. 10. Flowers! Sandy creek and bouldering. Don’t really need the parking. 11. The preservation of nature in general.. without those experiencing homeless 12. Maybe a dog park, I don’t have kids 13. Dog park!! 14. Not sure 15. Gardens perhaps? 16. Easy bike access KEY WORDS/THEMES QTY. OF COMMENTS CREEK PLAY/WATER INTERACTION Wetland boardwalks and/or overlooks 14 Natural Splash Pad 14 Creek access or low-flow crossing 12 Sandy Creek Play 3 Fishing 2 NATURAL/PASSIVE AMENITIES Pollinator Gardens/Gardens/Wildflowers 15 Nature Play 8 Peaceful areas 7 Bouldering feature 7 Gold-panning play 7 Educational Opportunities 4 FORMAL AMENITIES/EVENTS Dog walking/Dog Park/Dog amenities 15 Event Space (Movie nights/art exhibits...etc) 11 Picnic Area 7 Bike Access 6 Playground 5 Birding/bird boxes 4 Hammocks 4 Pump Track 1 Pickleball 1 Photographic areas 1 Historic elements regarding Lois 1 PARK INFRASTRUCTURE Shaded areas/Shade with seating 13 Soft/paved walking trails 12 Restrooms 11 Drinking water 5 Bike parking 4 Trees 2 Vehicular parking 2 Interpretive Trails 1 Trash Cans 1 KEY TAKEAWAYS The primary desire is to keep the park natural. Main features desired were a natural splash pad, wetland boardwalks and overlooks, a dog park, a bouldering feature, and gold-panning play. There were 129 responses. The most a topic/theme was mentioned was 15 out of 129. ---PAGE BREAK--- S U R V E Y R E S U LT S 13 Q3 I What specific site amenities would motivate you to visit the park weekly? (General public comments & suggestions, continued) 34. Educational opportunities and shady areas to relax in. 35. Community events; concerts, movie nights, small business markets, volunteer outreach, educational events for all ages 36. Armed security considering the population around this part of town. 37. Natural Splash pad, educational area, open grass to picnic, bike ways, ped bridge. 38. I think concept B will draw more people in as a play ground but I think concept be is more fitting to the location which already has lots of location playgrounds. 39. Bouldering feature! Especially if the routes/holds are changed occasionally to keep it fresh. 40. Wetland boardwalk, natural splashpad. 41. Play features. 42. Strong play element and space that serve a lot of different group needs 43. Splash pad, gold panning & picnic area 44. interpretive paths, connection to history, safe access to trails, visual blockage of neighboring industrial site. 45. I work very near this park, and right now it is just a way to get on the walking/bike path, or just sit and eat your lunch in your car. I would love to take walks, eat my lunch, or be able to easily get close to the river to sit. 46. Dirt pump track for kids and adults. 47. Natural gardens and wetlands 48. Areas with access to the water 49. Trees 50. A tribute to Lois who was instrumental in the history of the first gold found in area at the confluence of Ralston and Cleat Cterk. She did meticulous research on this and wrote a book. . She was instrumental in the founding of Gold Strike Park. She needs to be remembered at a kiosk or historical signage. Make use of every opportunity to educate Arvadans. 17. Nature play area 18. The hammock garden, pollinator garden and if there’s events in the event space. 19. Improved bike trail and parking. 20. Natural Splash Pad as children would really enjoy this & Gold Panning Play Area 21. Hammock Garden 22. picnic area 23. Hammock garden and creek play. 24. Splash pad 25. Having a full walking loop around the perimeter makes it more enticing to walk through the park a few times while walking the Ralston creek trail. 26. The wetlands boardwalk, and all of the creek focused amenities! I love water and nature, and this design helps bring that natural oasis feeling into the city as a nice retreat. 27. More nature play, less plastic/wood playground equipment. 28. Sidewalks along 56th. Better pedestrian access to the park would motivate me to visit more frequently. I live in the adjacent columbine neighborhood but there aren’t any sidewalks to get to the park and the roads are ill maintained making biking or walking my dog precarious. Dog friendly amenities would also make me visit more frequently - bags, trash cans, or even an off leash dog area. 29. Creek access for play and the historical aspects of the area 30. Better birding opportunities 31. Wetland boardwalk, shaded areas, soft trails 32. Restroom access would be nice, as I pass through the park almost daily on my bike commute to work. Having shade trees and quiet places to read would encourage me to stay longer than a few minutes as I roll through. 33. The nature playground, hammock garden, and creek play. ---PAGE BREAK--- S U R V E Y R E S U LT S 14 the creek. 71. Interesting play spaces 72. Walkways, trails, educational elements. Picnic area. Weekly? Not sure about weekly, but frequently. 73. Fruit trees 74. Walking areas, areas to hang out by the ralston creek 75. Boardwalk 76. A place to relax in nature, wild areas 77. I’m all for history and beautification, but this is a big money dump, where dollars could be spread out in the entire area that would better benefit all the residents and property owners. 78. Safer access by bike or walking from the Arvada Columbine neighborhood. Neither Marshall nor 56th have sidewalks so my wife does not feel safe walking or biking with our daughter to Ralston Creek / Clear Creek trails. Safer access to these trails will mean more use of this parks amenities. 79. Pickleball courts 80. Creek access 81. Just want to add that the two parking lots incentives people to drive here. This park is right off the bike trail so I’d love to see large bikeracks instead to prioritize other modes of transportation! 82. Would not visit park weekly with either design 83. Event lawn area that can be used for live music or picking, also a playground for children. 84. Dog friendly so I can bring my leashed buddy on walks! 85. A water source and toilet for use when biking or running along Ralston Creek Trail. 86. dog friendly 87. Bouldering feature 88. All of them are draws but the accessibility on a regional bike path would make it an easy destination to get to with my family. 51. Restrooms, playground 52. nice overlook of Ralston creek (especially if the creek water was cleaner, maybe a bit of wetland water treatment upstream could help with this?). Gold panning play areas. Nice open space for frisbee, soccer on the grass (option B the grass on W side seem broken up unecessarily by concrete paths). 53. Safe creek play with small fountains. 54. Wetlands are featured and has great play spaces. 55. None looks like a place for the bums, druggies to hang out 56. Once I strike that gold vein and follow its submerged path to the mythical city of El Dorado, I reckon I’ll be there daily 57. Creek play, shaded areas 58. natural and undisturbed 59. See above 60. In the summer- splash pad for sure 61. Event space with a full schedule of events (concerts, movies, farmers markets) 62. We wouldn’t visit weekly 63. I probably wouldn’t visit it weekly because I live in far west Arvada but would love to bring my grandchildren to the park when they are in town. I would also see myself stopping there instead of just riding through it when on my bike. Thank you for allowing my feedback. Excited to see this park grow, whichever concept is chosen. 64. More places to sit in the shade. 65. Sandy creek play area and the low creek crossing; good for kids. 66. More areas to discover rather than an open grassy field 67. walking paths and nature 68. Bathrooms and water accessibility 69. Dog friendly/dog park 70. Pollinator gardens, overlooks, boardwalk access to Q3 I What specific site amenities would motivate you to visit the park weekly? (General public comments & suggestions, continued) ---PAGE BREAK--- S U R V E Y R E S U LT S 15 parking/storage. 111. bathroom (I ride on ralston and clear creek frequently), water play and natual playground 112. There is absolutely nothing that would motivate me to go to a park in the middle of an industrial area that is filled with crime and homeless people. 113. Native plantings and the boardwalk. Plenty of opportunities to interact and observe nature 114. Bird watching, native plants, natural grasslands, and an indigenous land acknowledgement. 115. Nature trails, wetland habitats. 116. Bouldering, goldpanning/water play, boardwalk trail, restrooms, However to keep homeless and property damage restrooms should be locked up at park closing!!! 117. #1 SHADE! Paved paths for walking with strollers, water features and play structures for kids. Safety (no homeless etc) 118. inclusion of a small dog agility park with a fountain to play in whether button triggeres or ongoing. 119. the sandy creek area and the bir box area 120. The shade areas, easy access to the event space (for special events) but mostly the natural water play space and areas for kids to play! 121. Restrooms, walking trails, shade 122. Splash pad, nature play playground, Pollinator garden 123. The walking paths and wildflower gardens. Also the wildlife viewing. 124. Gold histoy acrive gold pannig I could help you n 125. Fish in the creek 126. Picnic and “concert/movie” area 127. panning area 128. Places to sit and joy the water features 129. Personally it’s the easy access to parking and restrooms. After that lots of shady areas are a must especially benches. 89. Shaded seating, pleasant landscaping, bird boxes 90. Clean bathrooms, dog friendly, good water fountains 91. Photography opportunities for birds, wildflowers, and basic landscapes. Also the history of the area would be nice. 92. Natural splash pad, pebbled gold panning play, regional nature play 93. Playground, bouldering, fishing 94. A decent street without barriers and cones and detours would be nice. Arvada seems a little short on those. 95. Water feature, good shade. 96. Nature play, trails, shaded picnic areas 97. Cleanliness and security. 98. Functioning bathrooms and drinking fountain. 99. Wetland boardwalk and overlook! 100. All the kid friendly amenities 101. none. 102. Boardwalk overlook 103. It would need to be a weekly event, like farmer’s market or music or something. Otherwise I would probably be a once-a-season visitor. 104. I live near the Ralston Creek Trail further upstream, accessibility by bike would be key for me to visit. I would like to see the pollinator gardens too! 105. Pleasure, walking, play 106. Ability to host outdoor gatherings with a restroom is useful. 107. As a parent, the natural splash would drive my family to this spot. 108. Seating areas with lots of shade. 109. The gardens and native plants would make it a very enjoyable place to visit 110. Natural Splash Pad. I see this as a huge draw for families including myself with a kid on the way but I will be biking there therefore need sufficient bike Q3 I What specific site amenities would motivate you to visit the park weekly? (General public comments & suggestions, continued)