Document Redmond_doc_53e2e5ec38

E A S T R E D M O N D C O R R I D O R M A S T E R P L A N JUNE 2009 PRESENTED TO THE CITY OF REDMOND ---PAGE BREAK--- ---PAGE BREAK--- ABOUT THIS DOCUMENT The Vision: First and foremost, this document is to lay out a clear, easy to understand and inspired vision for The East Redmond Corridor (ERC). To that end, the front portion of this document is a summary that is intended to paint a vision of what could be, for both the individual parks and the corridor as a whole. Shaped By: In addition to the Redmond Parks & Recreation Department and the design consultants, several other entities have helped to shape the ERC vision. They are: Other City Departments: City of Redmond Departments, including Planning, Transportation and Natural Resources, participated in several design charrettes throughout the design process, identifying opportunities and constraints shaping the ERC corridor. Parks Commission: The Parks Commission reviewed and provided direction on the master plan at two points during the design process. Public Participation: The public was invited to shape the plans at three points during the master plan process, including two joint meetings with the Parks Commission. City Council: The City Council reviewed and provided comments to shape the plan during a work session in January of 2009. Other Agencies and Planning Eff orts: The master plan has been shaped by other planning projects already underway, notably transportation projects in conjunction with King County, such as the widening of Union Hill Road (and associated Evans Creek Crossing), the widening and rerouting of 196th Ave NE, and the planned changes to Novelty Hill Road. • • • • • i ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS: Mayor John Marchione Redmond Parks and Trails Commission Sue Stewart, Parks and Trails Commission Chair Peter McDonald, Parks and Trails Commission Vice Chair Director for Redmond Parks and Recreation: Craig Larsen Project Manager: B. Sanders PREPARED BY: REDMOND PARKS AND RECREATION DEPARTMENT CONSULTANTS: The Berger Partnership PS Landscape Architecture ---PAGE BREAK--- E A S T R E D M O N D C O R R I D O R M A S T E R P L A N INTRODUCTION OVERALL CORRIDOR CONCEPTS Historical Engagement Character and Site Elements Trail Hierarchy Environmental Engagement Plant Collection PARKS OF THE CORRIDOR Arthur Johnson and Martin Parks Evans Creek Connector and West Perrigo Conrad Olson Farm Olson/ McWhirter Connector Farrel-McWhirter Park Juel Park TABLE OF CONTENTS ii 1 2-3 4-5 6-7 8-9 10-11 12-13 15 16-21 22-23 24-25 26-27 28-29 30-31 ---PAGE BREAK--- As Redmond continues to evolve and grow into an increasingly vibrant community, so too grows the city’s need for public open space, recreation and the preservation and enhancement of valuable historic and ecological elements within the city. Located along Bear and Evans Creeks with the convergence of the growing downtown to the west and developing hills to the east, the East Redmond Corridor presents an unparalleled opportunity to create an interconnected series of parks and trails rich with recreational and environmental assets for generations to come. The vision for the corridor began decades ago as the city acquired rural land and dedicated the properties for park use. Since that time, planning has been undertaken (notably the Bear and Evans Creek Trail and Greenway Feasibility Study Report) and site-specifi c improvements have been made, including Farrel- McWhirter Park, Bear Creek Habitat Improvement (Conrad Olsen Farm) and Perrigo Park. The East Redmond Corridor Master Plan is a comprehensive vision for the collection of all city parks and properties in the Bear and Evans Creek valleys and shows how they can be seamlessly interconnected with one another. For the purposes of this master plan, there are seven park areas identifi ed. They range from the minimally developed Juel Park, to the much-loved farm operations at Farrel-McWhirter Park, to the often forgotten and untouched Arthur Johnson Park. The primary goals of this master plan are as follows: View parks and park elements, not individually, but in the context of the whole corridor, providing a balance of diff ering uses and a variety of park experiences. Seamlessly tie the corridor together not only with a trail system, but with the site’s ecology (notably the creek corridors and wetlands) and with unifying common design elements to create a linear park experience. Recognize and identify environmental assets (and associated regulatory issues) that will shape all development activities along the corridor, and develop park designs that respond appropriately. Provide a framework for telling the story of Redmond through individual parks and the overall corridor by preserving, highlighting and integrating historic cultural features of the corridor into the park experience. The East Redmond Corridor Master Plan should be used to: Build public awareness for the City’s great asset in the East Redmond Corridor. Build support for realizing the City’s vision for the corridor. Provide guidance for future decisions, however small or large, to further move the ERC toward the desired vision. • • • • • • • INTRODUCTION 1 ---PAGE BREAK--- E A S T R E D M O N D C O R R I D O R M A S T E R P L A N The East Redmond Corridor consists of seven diff erent parks, each with its own unique park elements and characters. These seven parks are unifi ed with several corridor-wide master plan concepts. These concepts consist of design themes and elements that are applied at many or all of the parks and the interconnecting trails. Collectively, each of the elements helps defi ne the character of the corridor to create a unique and recognizable identity. OVERALL CORRIDOR CONCEPTS 2 HISTORICAL ENGAGEMENT OVERALL CHARACTER & SITE ELEMENTS TRAILS ENVIRONMENTAL ENGAGEMENT PLANT COLLECTION ---PAGE BREAK--- 3 ---PAGE BREAK--- E A S T R E D M O N D C O R R I D O R M A S T E R P L A N Some of the most notable features of the sites are the existing historic structures and the stories they tell of the settlement of Redmond. A fundamental goal for this master plan is to preserve and celebrate that history. The harvesting of natural resources, homesteaders clearing the land for agricultural use, and the properties’ transition to city parks are stories to be told by the buildings and land of the East Redmond Corridor. HISTORICAL ENGAGEMENT 4 PARK NAMES - THE STORY OF REDMOND IS IN THE NAME Each park name tells a story of a previous owner or infl uential pioneer of Redmond. Each park presents an opportunity to make historical discovery one of the features along the corridor, allowing Redmond to preserve and interpret the remnants of these rural landscapes, and pass along the city’s history for generations to come. FARMSTEADS The houses, barns and sheds taken alone are simple structures, many of which may not appear signifi cant. However, together in context, they comprise farmyards that display the historic functions of the families that lived on and worked the land. As the corridor is developed, this master plan seeks to honor these historic assemblies as a piece of Redmond’s past and as a key feature of the corridor’s identity. A key part of this is the detailing of the “farmstead court” that creates an area of intensive park use in the historic “heart” of the farmyard. ADAPTIVE USE As the parks are developed, most structures will be adapted for a range of new uses to serve the community. As buildings are repaired and adapted, thoughtful considerations should be made to the site’s historic character. Some structures may lend themselves to adaptation, while others are best left minimally impacted. As new additions are made to buildings, contemporary design aesthetics can balance the simple vernacular style to honor the historic portion of the structure, yet be readily identifi able as recent alterations. It is important to note that not all of the remaining structures are historic or of value, and some are recommended for removal. Where appropriate, these structures might be marked in some manner or replaced with an appropriate park structure. ---PAGE BREAK--- RED BRICK ROAD BARN AT MARTIN PARK CONRAD OLSON FARM AND NOVELTY HILL JUEL FARM BUILDING 5 ---PAGE BREAK--- E A S T R E D M O N D C O R R I D O R M A S T E R P L A N A corridor-wide approach to character and detailing of site elements will reinforce the connections between separate sites while still highlighting unique elements at each park. The corridor’s history of agriculture, open pasture, and simple yet historic architectural character can become the inspiration for common design elements, becoming a thread that weaves its way through the corridor. Some corridor-wide opportunities: OVERALL CHARACTER & SITE ELEMENTS 6 VISUAL OPENNESS The valley, by nature of its agricultural past, is fairly open, providing views into and through many of the parks. This visual openness is a unique quality that should be maintained as parks are developed. As new park elements and plantings are introduced, attention should be paid to avoid fragmenting parks visually or in function. LAWN, MEADOWS AND PASTURES All of the parks in the corridor leave extensive open space for passive, unstructured use, honoring their agricultural character. While no longer used as animal pasture (with the possible exception of Farrel- McWhirter), much of this may be considered pastures for people as well as benefi cial habitat and open space for wildlife. The intent is to develop a hierarchy of such open spaces depending on anticipated intensity of use while reducing the impacts and burdens of management. This hierarchy includes well-maintained and managed (irrigated) lawn in intensively impacted areas used year-round; grassy meadows in lesser used areas with less management (no irrigation, mowed infrequently); and fi nally, pasture with little recreational use, but inviting “goat paths” formed by park users and requiring minimal management (perhaps seasonal or annual mowing or haying). FENCES Fences are synonymous with agricultural areas and are in abundance along the ERC. The parks should make extensive use of agriculturally inspired fences, not only demarking parks, but highlighting portals and trail connections along the corridor. Fences need not be of a single design, but should be consistent enough to become an intuitive marker of public features along the corridor. PARK STRUCTURES Beyond adaptive use of existing historic structures, new park structures including restrooms, shelters, seating and furnishings should be contemporary elements inspired by and relating back to the simple vernacular farm buildings. SIGNS AND INTUITIVE WAYFINDING With the size of the corridor, its many parks, and its broader regional connections, wayfi nding along the corridor is an important component, and another opportunity to weave the corridor together with consistent, but preferably not identical, wayfi nding elements and signage. (Beyond signage, opportunities for intuitive wayfi nding exist in highlighting other site elements and natural features, such as the creek corridors. ) ---PAGE BREAK--- 7 ---PAGE BREAK--- E A S T R E D M O N D C O R R I D O R M A S T E R P L A N Essential to the success of the overall corridor is the experience of moving through it. The trails are meant to be a park experience unto themselves, not merely a connection of separate points. Trails are the primary elements that will create the corridor and infl uence the quality of the visitor experience. In developing a trails plan, a variety of conditions were identifi ed which require a variety of trail solutions and establish a hierarchy of trail types. Among the considerations in establishing a successful trails system within the ERC are: Environmental Issues (Construction and Water Quality impacts) Intended Use (Walking, Running, Biking, Horseback, etc.) Intensity and Frequency of Use Accessibility (American Disabilities Act compliance) A hierarchy of four trail types has been identifi ed for the corridor. • • • • TRAILS SPINE TRAIL Connecting the corridor from north to south, and beyond to other city and county regional trails, this trail is considered the spine that will move people throughout the corridor. The existing Evans Creek Trail between Martin Park and NE 95th St. will serve as a portion of this trail. The trail will be paved (predominately asphalt) and have a maximum twelve-foot width in the highest traffi c areas, with a preferred typical profi le of eight to ten feet in width. In addition to the considerations on trail width, a more meandering alignment (with appropriate turning radius and sight lines for biking) and changes in topography are encouraged to reduce the “freeway” eff ect (a common sentiment shared by the public regarding the existing Evans Creek Trail). The narrower and more meandering layout is intended to slow high-speed bike traffi c and to provide a richer park experience for all who use the trail, allowing the trail journey to unfold through diff erent landscapes and conditions. Future regional trail connections will be made from Arthur Johnson Park south to the East Sammamish Trail, also north along the Puget Sound Energy (PSE) Trail, and west to downtown via the Bear Creek Trail. In time, it is envisioned that these trails will connect with the Sammamish River Trail to complete Redmond’s “Green Ring” (as described in Redmond Downtown Parks and Recreation Facilities Master Plan Principals and Opportunities). SECONDARY TRAILS Serving individual parks or acting as a “soft” trail paralleling the paved spine trail, secondary trails have a variety of uses and exist amongst a range of site conditions. These trails may be paved or unpaved with a typical maximum width of eight feet. In time, some of the secondary trails (connectors) may evolve into primary trails as needed to serve increased use from outlying areas. WETLAND/SPUR TRAILS Within each of the parks are smaller trails that give access to site features without heavy impacts on sensitive areas. The variety of impacts on the site are off set by enhancements and thoughtful application of appropriate trail profi les consisting of crushed rock, wood chips, or paved surfacing. These trail profi les may include: Boardwalks: Not necessarily made out of boards, this profi le includes both elevated and “fl oating” trail construction. “Leaky Berms”: A trail substructure composed of porous rock spalls wrapped in geo-textile fabric and allowing the fl ow of water under a trail while reducing sedimentation. Wood Chip Box: Wood frame “boxes” encasing wood chips that “fl oat” with occasional water inundation to allow hydrologic fl ows to occur. EQUESTRIAN TRAILS Primarily held to the north end of the corridor, the proposed equestrian trails expand on the existing trail system to both enhance and maintain much of the current trail system to and around Farrel-McWhirter Park, while providing new, safe trails as the proposed corridor develops and aff ects current locations. These are soft trails with a typical maximum width of six feet intended to serve staggered or side-by-side riding. Although signage will be used along these trails to minimize confl icts by signaling to other user groups that they are primarily equestrian routes, the trails are not considered exclusive to equestrians. • • • 8 ---PAGE BREAK--- PRIMARY TRAILS SECONDARY TRAILS EQUESTRIAN TRAILS WETLAND/SPUR TRAILS 9 ---PAGE BREAK--- E A S T R E D M O N D C O R R I D O R M A S T E R P L A N Forests, meadows, creeks, wetlands, and riparian lands make up much of the corridor. This diversity of environmental riches should be protected, enhanced and celebrated through meaningful experiences. Both interpretive and intuitive learning opportunities become discoveries throughout the corridor as both informational graphics and interactive, artful elements encourage thoughtful observation of environmental elements. These experiences off er visitors an understanding of the breadth of natural processes taking place within the corridor and strengthen its identity as an environmental and community resource. In addition to protecting and enhancing the environmental riches of each of the sites, an “anchor” environmental feature has been added in all of the parks up and down the corridor. Each of these elements provides visitors the opportunity for dramatic and diff ering experiences to discover the environment from diff ering, unique vantages, while having the opportunity to become iconic elements of the park system. These features include: ENVIRONMENTAL ENGAGEMENT 10 DISCOVERY TRAIL (ARTHUR JOHNSON) Multiple artistic monuments with spy holes move park users through a Scavenger Hunt focusing on diff erent natural elements from forest canopy to understory. “CREEK’S EYE VIEW” (MARTIN PARK) Park visitors are drawn into a sunken slot next to a relocated Evans Creek where they learn about the stream’s ecosystem, viewing the creek’s surface at eye level. FOREST CANOPY TOWER (WEST PERRIGO) Visitors leave the forest fl oor onto a structure that climbs upward amidst trunks with an interpretive focus on the forest canopy. ENVIRONMENTAL LEARNING CENTER (CONRAD OLSON) A programmed educational facility operated by an independent entity (or possibly the City of Redmond Natural Resources Division) provides environmental programs for schools and the public at large. BRIDGE OVERLOOK (FARREL-MCWHIRTER) A restored salmon-bearing stream and seasonal wetland enhancements are viewed from a raised crossing over the restored Mackey Creek. WETLAND OVAL (JUEL PARK) Paths, boardwalk and wetland prow encircle an enhanced wetland, allowing visitors to experience former pasture reclaimed as a diversity of wetland ecosystems including scrub shrub, emergent and open water with aquatic vegetation. SALMON PROW (JUEL PARK) The existing Juel outbuilding is reclaimed for the purpose it once was used, viewing the Bear Creek salmon run at a stunning forested oxbow in the creek, with a structural “prow” cantilevered over the creek. Throughout the corridor are the smaller “supporting” elements. These opportunities are more subtle, intended for discovery and focus on one particular environmental issue or concept found onsite. Subjects of these elements may include forest succession, riparian hydrology and animal habitat, or other broader, more abstract concepts that relate to a specifi c site, such as the connection between glaciation and gravel extraction (as seen at the adjacent pit site), and landscape reverting back to a more natural state. Among the opportunities for environmental engagement features are: INTERPRETIVE SHELTERS Small shelters with seating for resting, shade in summer and cover in rain with signage that also tell interpretive stories about the landscape, ecology and history. DISCOVERY ELEMENTS Art and sculptural features that engage visitors to creatively observe natural features and processes. ---PAGE BREAK--- DISCOVERY TRAIL FOREST CANOPY TOWER SALMON PROW BRIDGE OVERLOOK CREEK’S EYE VIEW ENVIRONMENTAL LEARNING CENTER WETLAND OVAL 11 ---PAGE BREAK--- E A S T R E D M O N D C O R R I D O R M A S T E R P L A N The rich vegetation of the Bear and Evans Creek ecosystems provides signifi cant areas of native forest and riparian plantings to preserve and enhance. It is also recognized that the East Redmond Corridor is a human-altered landscape once claimed as farmland, which continues to evolve today. A strongly supported concept of the master plan is the establishment of a plant collection throughout the corridor that recognizes natives in environmentally sensitive areas and allows a showplace for a diverse collection of planTs that provide year-round interest and interpretive opportunities. PLANT COLLECTION 12 Providing a variety of experiences throughout the corridor through deliberate planting will unify the corridor and strengthen its identity by creating another layer of interest that users look forward to revisiting. A few such features may include: NATIVE LANDSCAPES Environmental stewardship is a primary component of the ERC. Whether in forested wetlands or coniferous upland areas, much of the corridor will generally consist of existing and enhanced plantings to improve or maintain environmental habitat and function. These native areas will serve as the primary “structure” of the corridor. ORNAMENTAL/ VARIETY COLLECTIONS As with the “Rhododendron Glen” proposed at Arthur Johnson Park, specialized collections can create meaningful spaces that create an identity for an entire park or park area. Such collections may also be located as discoveries along stretches of trail. TREE GROVES Groves of horticulturally signifi cant trees can provide interpretive interest on the route, while larger stands can become intuitive wayfi nding devices along the trail, visible from a distance as well as markers experienced moving along the corridor. At Perrigo Park, a “Grove of Ancient Trees” is proposed by adding more ancient species to the existing Ginkgo plantings. The “Filbert Orchard” at Martin Park can showcase trees for agricultural production while providing great fall color and spring fl owers, and the Oxbow Grove highlights views of a mature stand of coniferous forest while protecting it from park user impacts. HEDGEROWS Traditionally associated with agricultural regions, hedgerows along property lines and at key features mark key elements and become iconic wayfi nding devices, creating dramatic vistas. SEASONAL PLANTINGS Grouping plants that display specifi c qualities in a shared season is a striking feature that can be applied in a variety of fashions. Alternating areas that highlight diff erent seasons across the corridor will ensure a botanically themed destination year-round and create a sense of progression and connection. The Winter arden in West Perrigo and the Harvest Garden at Juel Park are examples of this. ---PAGE BREAK--- RHODODENDRON GLEN FILBERT ORCHARD WINTER GARDEN FORESTED WETLAND GROVE OF ANCIENTS CONIFEROUS FOREST HARVEST GARDEN 13 ---PAGE BREAK--- E A S T R E D M O N D C O R R I D O R M A S T E R P L A N 14 ---PAGE BREAK--- The spectrum of landscapes and site features that exist between each of the parks makes the East Redmond Corridor a special collection of public open spaces. Each of the seven parks of the corridor has its own unique identity, intended to provide diff erent experiences through a variety of opportunities for recreation and cultural activities. This master plan conveys a vision for what the parks and the corridor might become if fully developed. Each of the park designs presented shows the parks at “full build-out”. Most master plans are accomplished over multiple phases, and given the scope of the ERC, these parks too will be subject to phasing over a long period of time. To recognize more immediate steps that can be taken to move the ERC development forward, we have identifi ed “Steps to Realization” for each of the parks. These steps recommend a sequential list of actions that can be taken to realize these parks to better serve the city in achieving the goal of a unifi ed East Redmond Corridor. PARKS OF THE CORRIDOR 15 ---PAGE BREAK--- E A S T R E D M O N D C O R R I D O R M A S T E R P L A N As the southernmost park, Arthur Johnson Park will serve as a primary trailhead to the corridor. In an eff ort to reduce much of the program demands and maintain its “natural” character, the park works in tandem with Martin Park to the north to become a trailhead “couplet”. By doing so, Arthur Johnson may remain a more passive, natural park as Martin Park shares much of the burden of parking and programmed activity. ARTHUR JOHNSON & MARTIN PARKS 16 ---PAGE BREAK--- 17 RHODODENDRON GLEN UPLAND OVERLOOK FUTURE REGIONAL TRAIL CONNECTION LOOP TRAIL DISCOVERY ELEMENTS THEMED PLANTING PLAY MEADOW RED BRICK ROAD PARKING (22 SPACES) SHELTER W/ RESTROOMS CREEK OVERVIEW TRAIL UNDERPASS 196TH AVE NE COVERED STRUCTURE & RESTROOM FILBERT ORCHARD TRAILHEAD CREEK’S EYE VIEW RESTORED FARMYARD - SEASONAL ARTS PROGRAM - EVENTS (PRIVATE & PUBLIC) EXISTING EVANS CREEK TRAIL RESTORED/RELOCATED EVANS CREEK EXISTING EVANS CREEK TRAIL MEADOW UNION HILL ROAD “ART COOP” PARKIING (52 SPACES) BARN ---PAGE BREAK--- E A S T R E D M O N D C O R R I D O R M A S T E R P L A N Arthur Johnson Park is located on the corner of the historic Red Brick Road and Union Hill Road. In memory of her husband, this 15 acre park was donated to the City by Rubie Johnson. As described in her will this park is to provide a retreat for the community with an emphasis on the native plants of Washington (highlighting rhododendrons) and the property’s natural features and animal habitat. Currently the park is characterized by three diff erent zones. Running south to north, a wooded riparian section of Evans Creek bisects the park with an ARTHUR JOHNSON PARK 18 upland forest to the west and great meadow to the east. Remaining true to the spirit of its benefactor this plan will embrace these natural features by “treading while developing the necessary elements for a meaningful park experience. PROGRAMMING & FEATURES Open Meadow: Rural/ low maintenance quality Parking (22 stalls) Restroom with Covered Area (Shelter) Small Picnic Spots “Red Brick Discovery Trail”: The historic character of Arthur Johnson draws on the Red Brick Road. Brick paths lead visitors on a “scavenger hunt” through “discovery zones” that unveil stories of Redmond’s civic and natural history. Discovery Play Elements (not play area) Creek Crossing (not simply a bridge, an experience) Rhododendron Glen Ornamental Gardens (future propagation) with Operations Entry Loop Trails (primary and secondary) Upland Overlook STEPS TO REALIZATION Gravel parking (future paved) and signage Clear and clean up meadow with limited vegetation management of meadow edge Construct spur trails with gravel spine trail to bridge crossing(s) on east and west side of creek Construct bridge(s) Pave parking paths and trails as applicable Install site elements (play elements, benches, art & discoveries) Construct restroom Planting plan implementation • • • • • • • • • • • 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. ---PAGE BREAK--- 19 RHODODENDRON GLEN UPLAND OVERLOOK FUTURE REGIONAL TRAIL CONNECTION LOOP TRAIL DISCOVERY ELEMENTS THEMED PLANTING RED BRICK ROAD PARKING (22 SPACES) SHELTER W/ RESTROOMS CREEK OVERVIEW TRAIL UNDERPASS P L A Y M E A D O W UNION HILL ROAD EVANS CREEK ---PAGE BREAK--- E A S T R E D M O N D C O R R I D O R M A S T E R P L A N Across Union Hill Road to the north is Martin Park. Proposed to be named after the Civil War veteran John “Ben” Benjamin Martin who settled in the valley in 1875, the park honors the man that Evans Creek was once named after. With the planned realignment of the creek through this park it seems appropriate that it become a namesake of the early settler. Currently Martin Park is the southern terminus of the section of trail developed as part of the Evans Creek Trail & Greenway. Although not originally considered a primary focus of this master plan, through our design process it became clear that this property was one of the great opportunities for achieving the desired programming throughout the corridor. In addition to working together with Arthur Johnson Park to develop a more suffi cient trailhead for the ERC spine, Martin Park is proposed for more programmed use. Envisioned as the Parks and Recreation “Farmyard for the Arts” Martin Park will utilize the existing barn and chicken coop structures as multi-purpose facilities with a cultural arts focus. An additional multi-purpose events structure is also proposed which may include service amenities such as a kitchen and restrooms. In conjunction with the realignment of Evans Creek, there is an opportunity to both create a natural buff er along the riparian zone as well as improve the meadow for park use. Here too is the opportunity for a primary environmental engagement element with the “Creek’s Eye View” where visitors may engage more closely with the water’s edge. Additionally, the fi lbert orchard, while not the traditional crop, recognizes and honors the fertility and historic agricultural use of the land. MARTIN PARK 20 PROGRAMMING & FEATURES Farm Yard: Recreation programs include Arts & Crafts, Workshops & Classes (Summer Day camps) Barn: Flexible Use, Possible Program Headquarters Chicken Coop: Flexible Use, Possible “Arts Coop” Existing shed: no signifi cant value, remove in time New Multi-Purpose Events Structure: Covered, Open Space to Serve Public & Private Events (up to 80 People Opportunity for other services including kitchen and new restrooms Parking (52 Spaces) serves both park and ERC spine trailhead ERC Spine trail Meadow and Filbert Orchard Evans Creek Realignment & Restoration (revised) “Creek’s Eye View” STEPS TO REALIZATION Coordinate with Natural Resources on creek restoration progress to work with future park improvements Construction of Creek’s Eye View in concurrence with Evans Creek realignment project Continued protection and maintenance on existing farm structures to remain and removal of shed Gravel parking (future paved) and signage Improvements of structures suitable to adapted use programming Construction of new multi-purpose structure with potential for restrooms Construct and connect Spine trail with Arthur Johnson Park in concurrence with completion of Union Hill bridge project Planting plan implementation • • • • • • • • • • 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. ---PAGE BREAK--- 21 COVERED STRUCTURE & RESTROOM FILBERT ORCHARD TRAILHEAD CREEK’S EYE VIEW RESTORED FARMYARD - SEASONAL ARTS PROGRAM - EVENTS (PRIVATE & PUBLIC) RESTORED/RELOCATED EVANS CREEK (NATURAL RESOURCES) EXISTING EVANS CREEK TRAIL MEADOW BARN “ART COOP” PARKING (52 SPACES) EXISTING EVANS CREEK TRAIL ---PAGE BREAK--- E A S T R E D M O N D C O R R I D O R M A S T E R P L A N Along the existing spine trail that connects Martin Park to Perrigo Park are the extensive riparian lowlands of West Perrigo. Not as much a “Park” as it is “parkland”; West Perrigo is primarily characterized by its natural quality which will remain dedicated to its natural functions. Proposed as a “Riparian Discovery Walk” a series of wetland spur trails with environmental interpretive signage and discovery elements such as the historic rock pile will provide limited access through the area. At the center of this is the Canopy Tower which will give visitors a unique perspective above the forested wetland fl oor. Making connections to the adjacent parks is the “Perrigo Portal” (to Perrigo Park) and “Winter Garden Walk” (to Conrad Olson Farm). Anchored by the “Grove of Ancient Trees” the portal organizes the transition between the spine trail and Perrigo Park into an experience unto itself. Enhancing the linear spine trail leading toward Conrad Olson Farm, the Winter Garden Walk provides another unique experience with seasonal interest. EVANS CREEK CONNECTOR & WEST PERRIGO 22 PROGRAMMING & FEATURES Secondary Interpretive Trails Evans Creek Realignment & Restoration Canopy Tower Future Spine trail Connection to Bear Creek Trail Perrigo Portal Winter Garden Walk • • • • • • ---PAGE BREAK--- 23 EXISTING EVANS CREEK TRAIL CANOPY TOWER FUTURE PRIMARY CONNECTOR TRAIL RESTORED/RELOCATED EVANS CREEK ROCK PILE DISCOVERY SECONDARY SOFT TRAILS BEAR CREEK PERRIGO PORTAL GROVE OF ANCIENT TREES PERRIGO PARK WINTER GARDEN SECONDARY TRAIL INTERPRETIVE SHELTERS MAJOR PEDESTRIAN CROSSING NE 95TH ST. CONRAD OLSON FARM RESTORED CREEK ROADSIDE CONNECTOR TRAIL ---PAGE BREAK--- E A S T R E D M O N D C O R R I D O R M A S T E R P L A N Named for the pioneer who settled on the land, building the existing farmhouse ca. 1903, Conrad Olson Farm is a park that will become an icon of the historic and rural character that East Redmond Corridor aims to preserve. The meadow and historic barn structure of Conrad Olson Farm are the quintessential representation of rural life that helped shape the City of Redmond and will remain the central visual features of the park. Upon arriving to the park through the entry meadow along the spine trail visitors are greeted by the farmyard. Flanked by the original farmhouse, shed structure, garage, and barn beyond these modest structures defi ne the farmyard collectively conveying the historic life and operations of this farmstead. To maintain the rural quality of the park it is proposed to remain without programmed recreation and limited parking with controlled access for park staff and maintenance. While additional roadside access is provided for bus/ group drop-off , this park site relies on and encourages visitors to utilize the trail system with this as a central destination to discover. Beyond the preservation of the historic farmyard, the primary program focus for Olson Farm is to establish an Environmental Learning Center for the Natural Resources Division to advocate environmental stewardship through education. Native discovery gardens intended to both enhance ecological function and educational activities teach both students and about Bear Creek’s healing riparian corridor. Trails through the riparian zone will lead visitors and students on an “Enviro-Walk” and (in addition to a possible future structure) the existing farm buildings will serve as offi ces, classrooms and labs for the Learning Center. CONRAD OLSON FARM 24 PROGRAMMING & FEATURES Farm Yard: Environmental Learning/ Natural Interpretive Center operated by Redmond Natural Resources Division Barn House; Serves as Offi ces for the Environmental Learning Center or other suitable use Existing Outbuildings New Environmental Community Building with Classroom, Exhibit Space, Offi ces, and possible Restroom Parking: (5 stalls) limited to ADA and Staff Vehicular Access Adjacent Bus Drop-Off Area Critical Crossings of Conrad Olson Road (NE 95th St.) ERC Spine trail Interpretive Trails with Outdoor Learning “Rooms” Covered Space…Discovery Barn….Hay!!! STEPS TO REALIZATION Sign the Park and allow pedestrian entry Make safe connection with street crossing to existing trail Coordinate environmental learning center with Natural Resources Continued protection and maintenance on farm structures Clear and clean up meadow with limited vegetation management of meadow edge Construct interpretive trails Adapted use improvements to farm structures and New Environmental Community Building as program funding is available from operating group Planting plan implementation Construct spine trail connection to Novelty Hill Road (dependent on future land agreements) • • • • • • • • • • • 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. ---PAGE BREAK--- 25 LIMITED ADA PARKING FUTURE ENVIRONMENTAL COMMUNITY BUILDING RESTORED FARMYARD (ENVIRO CENTER) OXBOW OVERLOOK INTERPRETIVE TRAILS OUTDOOR ENVIRO LAB BUS DROP OFF MAJOR PEDESTRIAN CROSSING DISCOVERY BARN - ENVIRO EDUCATION - EVENTS - OPEN HOURS RESTORED/RELOCATED EVANS CREEK B E A R C R E EK NE 95TH ST. OLSON HOUSE ---PAGE BREAK--- E A S T R E D M O N D C O R R I D O R M A S T E R P L A N Threaded between Conrad Olson Farm and Farrel-McWhirter Park, the proposed regional spine trail connects the southern portion of the corridor to the north. While the section of trail connecting Olson Farm to Novelty Hill Road has yet to be defi ned (with pending land acquisition actions) the remaining section of the spine trail will require right-of-way improvements. While there are generous widths within the ROW to provide a nice roadside trail experience, the section along NE Redmond Road is limited on the north side and the trail profi le for this section of road will need to be coordinated further with the Department of Transportation to achieve a desirable pedestrian experience. As there are many variables in this section of the ERC, a secondary trail is proposed to the east of Olson Farm to connect to Novelty Hill. With this option too, there are signifi cant challenges that will need to be investigated further as the project gains funding and feasibility studies are performed that address the realities of that time. OLSON/McWHIRTER CONNECTOR 26 PROGRAMMING & FEATURES Spine Connector Trail Across Novelty Hill from south corridor (Olson) to north (Farrel-McWhirter) Lighted Crossing at Novelty Hill Road Secondary Trail connector from Perrigo Park to Novelty Hill Road STEPS TO REALIZATION * Steps towards realization are not included in this proposal as pending resolution on adjacent properties by the City and the proposed work involves signifi cant impacts on roads and traffi c beyond the scope of this project. • • • ---PAGE BREAK--- 27 SECONDARY TRAIL NOVELTY HILL ROAD NE REDMOND RD NEW CROSSING FARREL-MCWHIRTER PARK CONRAD OLSON FARM STREETSCAPE TRAIL (PAVED W/ BUFFER) MAJOR PEDESTRIAN CROSSING LIGHTED CROSSING AT TRAFFIC SIGNAL INFO SHELTER AT PARK ENTRY 192ND AVE NE SPINE TRAIL ---PAGE BREAK--- E A S T R E D M O N D C O R R I D O R M A S T E R P L A N Already a great park, Farrel-McWhirter’s existing character and function as a domesticated animal ‘farmstead’ is to be preserved. While a holistic individual park master plan is not a part of this planning phase, a vision has been laid out for addressing the park’s future organization as elements are impacted by routing the proposed spine trail alignment through the park. Most notably, the proposed plan relocates the service access road to the east edge of the park and replaces it with the spine trail. The new trail alignment not only provides the most direct route between adjacent parks, but better organizes the park activity and reduces potential confl icts between park users and operations activity. In conjunction with bringing the spine trail through the park, considerations are provided for enhancements to the “Event Meadow” and Mackey Creek. As it now exists at the east edge of the park, Mackey Creek sheet fl ows into a low-functioning wetland. As part of the plan to bridge the trail over the creek it is proposed that mitigation eff orts be made to reduce fl ooding and subsequent siltation by restoring the creek to a low fl ow channel. Upon crossing Mackey Creek the spine trail connects with the PSE trail, which is envisioned to continue west as part of the overall regional trail. FARREL-McWHIRTER PARK 28 PROGRAMMING & FEATURES Parking South (Keep As Is) North (Optimize/ Improve) Active Animal Farm Additional Stables More Pasture New Pond for Ducks Education (Animals, Orienteering, Environmental) Classrooms Meeting Space People Pasture Large & Small Picnic Areas Offi ces Live-in Residence Equestrian Loop Trail Horse Arena Performance Venue Improved Event Staging & Amenities Enhanced Wetland/ Mackey Creek STEPS TO REALIZATION Establish process for new comprehensive park master plan Connect spine trail from 192nd Ave NE around “Event Meadow” to existing Mackey Creek crossing Sign new spine trail and park entry at 192nd Ave NE Coordinate with Natural Resources on creek restoration and future spine trail crossing Striping of north parking for effi ciency Connect spine trail from south of Mackey Creek to PSE trail • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. ---PAGE BREAK--- 29 EXISTING PARKING INFO SHELTER AT ENTRY PARKING NEW SERVICE ENTRY ROAD EXISTING TRAIL PADDOCKS BRIDGE OVERLOOK SPINE TRAIL NE REDMOND RD EQUESTRIAN TRAILS MEADOW PICNIC SHELTER RED BARN OFFICE M&O CARE MEADOW EDUCATION & RESTROOMS BARN PICNIC EQUESTRIAN TRAILS REVISED PARKING LAYOUT RELOCATED ARENA SEATING BERM SPINE TRAIL EQUESTRIAN TRAIL ENHANCED ARENA EXISTING PSE TRAIL RESTORED MACKEY CREEK 196TH AVE NE ENHANCED WETLAND 192ND AVE NE PSE TRAIL ---PAGE BREAK--- E A S T R E D M O N D C O R R I D O R M A S T E R P L A N The corridor’s northern terminus and the most programmed of the four parks, Juel Park is designed to maintain the site’s rural feel and visual openness. Sold to the City at a fraction of its market value by the Juel family, the property was conditioned that it not only protect the large stand of trees at the south edge of the property, but provide a place for active recreation in its large meadow. Included in the proposed plan is a multi-use sports meadow and trails, harvest gardens, Redmond heritage programs, large picnic areas, environmental play, an enhanced wetland habitat complex with interpretive learning, and Bear Creek salmon education. There are two distinct zones of Juel Park. To the north are the facilities, gardens, and sports meadows directly accessed by a signifi cant trailhead parking area. To the south, the park connects to the rest of the corridor under a large stand of mature forested wetlands. JUEL PARK 30 CHARACTER Programmed for Activity with Continued Rural Feel and Visual Openness Agricultural, Historical, and Programmed Recreation Three Unique Zones Existing Historical Farmstead with Agricultural “Tilth” Programming Multi-Use Meadow Wetlands and Natural Forested Area PROGRAMMING Multi-purpose Sports Meadow (Cricket, max. size) Parking (90+) Large Picnic Area Restrooms Heritage (House) Playground Environmental Play Cross-Country Loop Environmental Interpretation Salmon Viewing Wetland Restoration “Farm” Garden Blueberries P-Patch Farming Partners (Tilth?) Secondary Interpretative Trails STEPS TO REALIZATION Continued vegetation management and maintenance of the meadow Continued protection and maintenance of houses and farm structures Removal of maintenance shed Expansion of parking area Coordinate with interest groups and construct P-Patch and farm garden Construct sports meadow Coordinate and construct “Wetland Loop” Construct and connect spine trail to Farrel-McWhirter Park Improvements to structures suitable to adapted use and programming including possible restroom, picnic shelter, salmon prow and future permanent maintenance shop Construct Spur Trails Planting plan implementation • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10. 11. ---PAGE BREAK--- 31 FARREL-MCWHIRTER WETLAND RESTORATION SALMON CABIN WETLAND RESTORATION LOOP EQUESTRIAN TRAIL PICNIC SHELTER GATHERING PLAZA CROSS-COUNTRY LOOP TRAIL HARVEST GARDEN PARKING (94 SPACES) FARM OPERATION & NEW RESTROOMS COVERED EVENT SHELTER HERITAGE HOUSE WETLAND LOOP WETLAND PROW CREEK PROW PRIMARY CONNECTOR TRAIL EQUESTRIAN TRAIL SPINE TRAIL ENVIRONMENTAL PLAY NE 116TH ST. S P O R T S M E A D O W P E O P L E P A S T U R E BEAR CR E E K PSE TRAIL