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Appendix F: Meeting Minutes City Staff Meeting 4-1-2009 Site Meeting 5-15-2009 City Staff Meeting 6-18-2009 City Staff Meeting 7-14-2009 Public Meeting #1 7-16-2009 Full Circle Farms Meeting 9-17-2009 City Staff Meeting 9-17-2009 Public Meeting #2 9-24-2009 Park & Trails Commission 10-1-2009 City Staff Meeting 11-12-2009 Parks & Trails Commission 12-3-2009 City Council Study Session 12-3-2009 City Council (Consent Agenda) Date to be determined pending SEPA approval ---PAGE BREAK--- ---PAGE BREAK--- 1 MacLeod Reckord Landscape Architecture Planning Urban Design Colman Building 91 Marion Street Seattle, Washington 98102 P [PHONE REDACTED] F [PHONE REDACTED] MEETING NOTES April 1, 2009 Present: Craig Larsen City of Redmond Gregory Byszeski City of Redmond Carolyn Hope City of Redmond B Sanders City of Redmond Jean Rice City of Redmond Ed MacLeod MacLeod Reckord Lauren Perry MacLeod Reckord Jennifer Creveling The Watershed Company The purpose of today’s meeting was to discuss the Sammamish Valley Park Master Plan project schedule and to share information and ideas to begin work on the project. The attached schedule and scope of work were distributed at the meeting. The following comments and discussion occurred: 1. Contract: • Contract to be completed in 1 week. • If significant buildings will be part of the final master plan, city may want to add an architect back onto the design team. See how programming phase goes 2. Zoning: • Comprehensive Plan amendment changed site from agricultural to park use. Growth Management Hearing Board has approved change. • Zoning Code has not been updated yet. Update will occur prior to park master plan approval. • No legal impediment. • The issue of what the zoning will be still needs to be settled. The master plan alternatives phase could inform zone choice • Map takes 3 months • What is potential for variance for a large recreation building similar to Seahawks field house on this site? 3. Parks & Recreation Comprehensive Plan Update: • Parks Plan update meeting was last night. Need for indoor fitness facility discussed • Update includes study of recreation facilities. Possibility of improving existing vs building new facilities. • City expects to glean ideas for the Plan from this master planning process. ---PAGE BREAK--- 2 4. Master Plan Schedule & Process: • Explore a range of uses in first phase of process. Get community reaction. • Council members tend to come to the public meetings. Prior to the public meetings, and after staff meeting, write a brief executive summary of what we will present to give to council members before meeting • Mayor has “3 touch rule” to keep in touch with council • Decision to move public meeting for park alternatives now set in August to September due to summer vacations. • Add study session with city council in Sept or late August to validate direction we are going. • Delete the last Park & Trails Commission meeting. City staff will brief them. • Extend contract 1 month. Master plan adoption in December. Current council seats last thru Dec. • City needs lead time to schedule meetings: location, time & publicity. 5. Park Context & Community Values: • Neighbors to the north (agricultural) considering public access to their site for community gardens, with possible provision for associated parking/facilities on the park site. We wouldn’t want to duplicate what they are doing, but rather compliment it. Invite them to the public meetings. • Community “looking for a break” from soccer fields. • Adjacent land owner to the east wants to develop their site as a “tree farm” with associated large building (variance). Their proposal is currently being reviewed by city. That owner may be interested in doing something on their land that would relate to the park? Watershed did a study of this site prior to current ownership. There was idea to restore an old oxbow there. • Valley floor is sacred to many 6. Recreation Needs: • City currently has limited indoor recreation space. Currently City has four indoor recreation buildings: Community Center, Teen Center, Pool and Senior Center. Gym programs fill up fast. Need more indoor recreation space. • Need for women’s fast pitch facility. Currently team travel 40-50 miles. Possible combination of indoor (training) & outdoor (field). Historically, private facilities w batting cages etc have gone out of business • Sports fields, but not soccer • Basketball and Volleyball potential off season activities 7. Potential Park Uses & Qualities: • Mount Rainier view is special. • Wetland banking, enhance wetlands • Agricultural uses such as community gardens (p patch or larger farming plots), locally grown food, associated farmers market. High demand for p patches. • Community gathering place • Create a sense of mystery with design that draws in visitors. Whole park not visible from street. • Create a feature visible from street • Pond • Trailhead for future multi-purpose trail adjacent to site (on RR tracks) • Playing through the wetland similar to the golf course ---PAGE BREAK--- 3 • Trails are an important component of the park. Connections and within park. Perimeter trail • Explore uses for revenue generation off season & eves 8. Potential Master Plan Alternatives: • Sports facilities emphasis • Agricultural / community gathering emphasis • Wetland restoration / interpretive emphasis 9. Referenced Parks and Agricultural Sites: • Perrigo Community Park had nearby & adjacent wetlands. Unique circumstance because it sits on a gravel layer. • Grass Lawn Community Park is a park with many dimensions. It is not just a sports park. • Johnathan Hartman Park (unlike Grass Lawn Park) is perceived as an industrial sports complex. • Kirkland had a pea patch that recently closed. It was heavily used. • Bellevue sold their 100 pea patch plots in one day. • 47 Acres, a private development down the street, had p patches but is pulling back from that • The master plan for Juel Community Park (116 th) has a version with a small agricultural p patch theme • 21 Acres, owned by a private foundation, plans the full gamut of agricultural uses, including pea patches, large agricultural uses/farms, buildings for Sat market & other functions and wind/solar power. It is 1 block from the Sammamish River Trail in Woodinville. They have raised $6 million for this project. ( www.21acres.com ) • 60 Acres , soccer 10. Wetland Uses, Allowances & Restrictions: • City receives credit for wetland banking. • Transportation would like to bank mitigation. • Tremendous opportunities for enhancement and mitigation banking. • City policy does not allow under-drained fields in a flood plain. Agricultural uses are allowed. • Water periodically inundates the site. Lack of capacity on golf course. Water backs up along the road & adjacent properties. • Agricultural uses can occur in a wetland buffer, but not in the wetland. This is defined by local ordinances. • Agricultural uses were abandoned on this site more than 5 years ago. Therefore, the current use is considered the “new normal condition”. • Possibility to do buffer averaging on this site. Watershed will look into this. • Buffer width is determined by type of wetland. However, if we do mitigation buffer requirement may not be the same…more likely reduced buffer. • Can we shrink wetland/buffer area? Goal of buffer is to protect critical area. Buffer must be native plantings. • Trails might be allowed in the buffer area • A mowed field can’t be within the buffer, but existing use might affect this rule. Watershed will look into this. ---PAGE BREAK--- 4 • Storm water detention and treatment within buffer area is possible as a pond. This could be designed as a wildlife habitat feature. If a storm water swale goes through the buffer, the water must be clean when it enters the wetland. • Can we return to a prior use? Design must still be in conformance with current rules. Watershed to look into this. • JARPA needed? Only if there are wetland/buffer issues. Corps requires JARPA if there is dredging or fill. Hummocks would be considered fill. A boardwalk with pin piles would not be considered fill. • There may be $ available from public works a natural resources if adjacent owner wants to restore the oxbow. 11. Design Team Resources: • City will provide relevant file data about the site to the design team. • Redmond Historical Society has info about history of the valley, including photos and info an old river meanders. We believe the preceding record to be an accurate summary of decisions and related discussions. Failing notification of exceptions to this record within ten (10) days, we will consider this a statement of fact in which you concur. cc: Craig Larsen Gregory Byszeski Carolyn Hope Jean Rice B Sanders Jennifer Creveling File ---PAGE BREAK--- ---PAGE BREAK--- ---PAGE BREAK--- ---PAGE BREAK--- ---PAGE BREAK--- MacLeod Reckord Landscape Architecture Planning Urban Design Colman Building 91 Marion Street Seattle, Washington 98104 P [PHONE REDACTED] F [PHONE REDACTED] MEETING NOTES May 15, 2009 Present: Carolyn Hope City of Redmond Ed MacLeod MacLeod Reckord Lauren Perry MacLeod Reckord Jennifer Creveling The Watershed Company Ryan Kahlo The Watershed Company The purpose of today’s meeting was to visit the park site to discuss knowledge and ideas for the Sammamish Valley Park Master Plan in the context of the new wetland delineation report and survey. The following observations and discussion occurred: 1. Site observations: • Local Context: The neighboring sites to the east and north, similar to the park site, are relatively flat with low vegetation. There is an old oxbow on the site to the east. Proposed development of that site as a tree farm is currently under review. The golf course to the south has gently rolling topography with open lawn broken by stands of trees and shrubs. The city will own the BNSF railroad right of way in the near future. 60 Acres Park is located to the east on the far side of the Sammamish River. • Vehicular Access: Located to the west of the site and the railroad is Willows Road, a “collector arterial”. The south side of the site is bordered by NE 116th Street, a “minor arterial” An existing (deeply potholed) dirt road crosses the RR to the north of the site, across from Full Circle Farms, and connects to the northwest corner of the site along the RR right of way. Vehicular access to the farm and a residence are off of this road. • Bike Access: Designated bike routes with bike lanes are located along both sides of Willows Rd and NE 116th Street. The Sammamish River Trail that runs along the east side of the river is a primary north-south bike route. There is a multi-purpose trail planned for the BNSF right of way adjacent to the site that will connect downtown Redmond with points north. • Pedestrian Access: No designated pedestrian walkways or trails connect to the site at this time. Pedestrians currently may walk along Willows Rd, 116th and the BNSF railroad tracks, and may access the site from Willows Rd along the existing dirt road. A barbed wire fence surrounds most of the site and deters direct pedestrian access to the site from the railroad. ---PAGE BREAK--- • Stream: A ditched stream enters the west side of site under the railroad tracks through a 36” concrete culvert. There is approximately 12” of standing water in front of the culvert. The stream then flows south within the BNSF right of way, then east along the NE 116th St right of way. It exits the site at the southeast corner and follows a ditch along the north side of NE 116th Street to the Sammamish River. The stream is a “Class III” stream. A 100 ft buffer is required. Buffer averaging is allowed with restrictions. Various permits, studies and consultations may be required if proposed development is in or over the stream. • Wetland: The Watershed Co wetland delineation indicates that Wetland is a “Category II” wetland and encompasses most of the site. The wetland occupies larger area than identified in the 1990 wetland report by David Evans & Assoc. This is most likely due to changes in wetland delineation guidelines as well as changes resulting from additional impervious areas in surrounding development created since 1990. Buffer requirements vary depending on the development proposed. High impact uses require a 100 ft buffer, medium impact uses require 75 ft and low impact uses require 50 ft. Buffer averaging and buffer reduction are allowed with restrictions. Various permits, studies and consultations most likely would be required if proposed development in or over the wetland. • Floodplain: The entire site is within the 100 year floodplain (below the 31.7 to 31.9 contour), except for a narrow area along the west side of the site. The site area within the 500 year flood zone could experience very shallow flooding during a 100 year storm. • Views: There are open expansive views to, from and within the site due to the relatively flat topography and low vegetation on site and to the north and east. Valuable views from the non-wetland highpoint on site include Mt Rainier to the south, and across the river valley to the east to a forested hillside. The Sammamish River is not directly visible from the site as it is heavily vegetated. Large office buildings look out over the park site from the hillside to the west. Trees along the railroad right of way screen office views to/from the developable non-wetland area on the west side of the park site. Picturesque farm buildings and agricultural uses can be seen to the north, as well as NE 124th Street, a “primary arterial”. • Vegetation: The site is vegetated by some native field grasses and meadow foxtail (currently reddish in color). Invasive reed canary grass dominates the wetland. Some Himalayan blackberry was observed at the edges of the site. The northwest side of the site is mowed lawn. Native trees line most of the railroad right of way to the west of the site. One ornamental Hawthorn tree is at the west edge of the existing mowed lawn area. • Wildlife: We observed a young eagle on neighboring property to the east, two mallard ducks on the BNSF railroad property and a few songbirds. There is a possibility that the ditched steam adjacent to the site contains salmonids. 2. Site potentials and constraints: • Potential Vehicular Access, 3 basic options: 1. Future city ownership of the BNSF railroad right of way allows for potential direct vehicular access across the future multi-purpose trail from Willows Road to the northwest portion of the site. The access design should conform to traffic safety requirements such as offset or alignment with driveway and road intersections. If located directly across from the Phisio Control driveway, the SVP driveway would cross a ---PAGE BREAK--- mapped stream that is on the west side of the tracks. 2. A second potential alternative is to provide vehicular access to the northwest corner of the site via the existing dirt road on BNSF (future city) property. Since this access would be shared by the farm and residence, the city may want to discuss this idea with those parties prior to including it in the design as an option. This option parallels and crosses the ditched stream and, based on available wetland and topography maps, would probably impact wetlands and be in the 100 year floodplain. Additional study would be needed to determine exact impacts. 3. Vehicular access from NW 116th Street to the northwest (non-wetland) sector of the site is impeded by the need to cross a large expanse of wetland (+/-280 LF) and wetland buffer. Wetland/stream impacts and high cost would make this choice the least acceptable of the three. • Bicycle Access: Primary bicycle access to the park will be from the future multipurpose trail on the railroad right of way. The park could provide some parking and a rest stop for trail users. Improvements could be made along NE 116th Street to enhance the non-motorized connection to the Sammamish River Trail and 60 Acres Park. Bike racks should be included on site. • Pedestrian Access: Primary pedestrian access to the park would be similar to that for bicycles. Increased demand for pedestrian crossings of adjacent streets may indicate improvements at the Willows Rd & NE 116th Street intersection. Walking and interpretive trails with viewing platforms could loop through the site. Explore potential for an off-road pedestrian trail connecting to/across the Sammamish River. • Views: The park design could establish key viewpoints and enhance views from the park of Mt Rainier and across the valley. The most undesirable views of busy roadways could be screened or minimized. The design concept could enhance or frame views of the park from NE 116th Street/golf course, key points along Willows Rd, the future multi-purpose trail and residences/offices on the hillsides to the east and west. • Wetland, Stream and Habitat Enhancement (The following text written by The Watershed Co): This property provides a tremendous opportunity to greatly improve habitat as well as aesthetics. The stream entering the site from the west could possibly be relocated to meander across the south end of the site with associated backwater depressions, log structures, and re-vegetation with a diverse assemblage of native riparian and wetland plants. Other wetland depressions created throughout the field could further increase the complexity and edge character of the habitat while altering microclimates to discourage invasive plants. Variable sizes, shapes, slopes, and orientation could be created in these depressions to provide excellent amphibian habitat. Installation of snags and brush piles, extensive and diverse re-vegetation, and screening with trees along the roads would contribute to the overall restoration and value of this area. Trails, boardwalks, and overlooks could be incorporated into the restored wetland with interpretive signage. • Utilities: Additional research required. 3. Thoughts on Potential Master Plan Alternatives: • Sports facilities emphasis: The extent and distribution of the wetland area limits the possibilities for fitting sports fields on the site. For example; a small softball field (200’ outfield), a restroom, a picnic area, a small play area and a parking lot 50 spaces) could fit in the northwest sector of the site ---PAGE BREAK--- with some major re-grading, walls and buffer averaging. Any facility on this site would have to withstand potential flooding. • Agricultural / community gathering emphasis: This approach could compliment the agricultural uses at Full Circle Farms, be an educational opportunity, compliment the wetland restoration function and possibly provide food for the community. • Wetland restoration / interpretive emphasis: This feature/function would be more or less prominent in all of the alternatives. This emphasis responds well to existing conditions. The city needs wetland banking sites. A smaller scale community gathering place could be accommodated. 4. Next Steps: • Watershed to provide a list of similar successful project sites to visit, photos illustrating some of the ideas we discussed, and a link to their Issaquah wetlands report. • Watershed will send a biologist to the site to evaluate whether there are fish in Stream • With input from city staff, the design team will complete the site analysis, identify site opportunities and constraints, and list potential program elements. • Meet with city staff in early to mid June to discuss work to date prior to finalizing for the public presentation in the last week of June. • City to provide an updated list of community/recreational needs based on more recent data. We believe the proceeding record to be an accurate summary of observations, decisions and related discussions. Failing notification of exceptions to this record within ten (10) days, we will consider this a statement of fact in which you concur. cc: Carolyn Hope, City of Redmond Jennifer Creveling, The Watershed Co Ryan Kahlo, The Watershed Co Jeremy Sather, PACE Engineers File ---PAGE BREAK--- MacLeod Reckord Landscape Architecture Planning Urban Design Colman Building 91 Marion Street Seattle, Washington 98104 P [PHONE REDACTED] F [PHONE REDACTED] MEETING NOTES June 18, 2009 Present: Craig Larson City of Redmond, Director P&R Greg Byszeski City of Redmond, Deputy Director P&R Carolyn Hope City of Redmond, Senior Park Planner Jon Spangler City of Redmond, Director Natural Resources Tom Hardy City of Redmond, Senior Planner, NR Jean Rice City of Redmond, Financial Analyst, P&R Jeff Hagen City of Redmond, Recreation Program Administrator Ed MacLeod MacLeod Reckord Lauren Perry MacLeod Reckord Jennifer Creveling The Watershed Company The purpose of today’s meeting was to discuss the preliminary site analysis, site potentials / constraints, and potential program elements / alternatives and receive city direction in preparation for the first Sammamish Valley Park Master Plan public meeting to be held. The following presentation and discussion occurred: 1. Site Analysis: MacLeod Reckord, with input from Watershed, presented the preliminary site analysis to city staff. Included in the presentation was brief discussion of site context (including adjacent parcels), history of the site and river valley, regulatory issues affecting the site (comprehensive plan and zoning regulations), topography, sensitive areas on site (wetland, floodplain, streams, seismic hazard), utilities (including existing bio-swale along Willows Road), site access, views, sense of space, and vegetation. 2. Potentials and Constraints: MacLeod Reckord, with input from Watershed, presented the preliminary site potentials and constraints to city staff. Included in the presentation was brief discussion of park development limitations and opportunities related to wetland buffers, wetland enhancement / restoration / creation, stream buffers, building setbacks and restrictions, pedestrian access and circulation, vehicular / bicycle access and parking, utilities, views and viewpoints, earthwork and topography, vegetation, incorporation of the arts, educational opportunities (natural environment, food and agriculture and Sammamish Valley history), active recreation (such as softball, tennis, basketball) and passive recreation (such as picnic facilities, open lawn, boardwalks). ---PAGE BREAK--- 3. Park Programming: MacLeod Reckord presented potential program elements in the form of photos for a PowerPoint show and three master plan design directions as indicated below. Due to the extent of the wetland, the site is primarily a natural resource park. A limited area in the north-western quadrant of the site could be developed in a variety of ways. a. Natural Resource: Maximize Athletics b. Natural Resource: Agricultural Emphasis c. Natural Resource: Passive Park Emphasis 4. City Comments: The city staff had the following comments and questions: a. Site Analysis, Potentials and Constraints: • The preliminary site analysis graphic informative. Staff was surprised at the large size of the wetland and relatively small developable area. • If the public has questions about 60 Acres Park, the City will have back-up information regarding what is happening there. Nine more soccer fields are planned for that park. • Wetland is Category 2 with buffers varying from 50 to 100 ft depending on use intensity. • Streams are Class 3 with 100 ft buffers. • See UR zoning for building restrictions and limits for impervious surfaces. Maximum building height is 35 ft. • Visit Redmond West, and the wetland restoration at the UW Bothell campus (where Sammamish River Trail crosses under 405) b. Park Programming: • Add more photos of potential program elements. A PowerPoint show with photos to inspire ideas has worked well at past presentations. Run images prior to meeting. • The staff liked the full spectrum of the three alternative plans represented by the athletic, agricultural and natural resource emphasis. Each alternative is feasible and could be developed into a great park. • A 350 ft softball outfield is preferred. • It is not in the city’s model to have a single isolated play field that they are scheduling. It is less desirable and less efficient from an infrastructure and maintenance standpoint. • A single field may work if there is an associated indoor softball practice facility. The indoor facility would be the size of a small gym with associated support spaces. (Size might be about 180/200 ft x 50 ft?) • Alternatively, the indoor recreation facility could be court games such as tennis or basketball. Supply enough courts for a tournament (3 courts minimum). • The agricultural alternative could be modeled after “21 Acres” in Woodinville. • The city needs large group picnic areas. The maximum size now accommodates 75 people. They need accommodation of at least 200, with 250 or 300 as an ideal. ---PAGE BREAK--- • Paint a picture of the third alternative with more images. Tell a story with a “model” wetland. The city has Redmond West, a restored wetland. Examples might include ideas from other cities as well. • The passive park emphasis could include a new oxbow. • Small boat rental. Possible boating in a created open water area. • Bike rental related to the future multipurpose trail. • Flexible lawn and activity space related to picnic facilities. • Environmental education / interpretive center. • The city’s goal is to make the park 100% sustainable. Maximize sustainability. Meet highest LEED standards. Zero net energy use. • Formal sports activities such as golf and ball fields are accessible only to select groups of people. Make this park site accessible to a broad spectrum of citizens. Provide opportunities for all to enter the space. 5. Next Steps: a. MacLeod Reckord to develop final graphics to present to city staff for comment prior to the public meeting. b. The public meeting will be held in late June or early July (exact date to be determined) at the Old Redmond Schoolhouse Community Center, Room 101. It is a double classroom. cc: Carolyn Hope, City of Redmond Jennifer Creveling, The Watershed Co Jeremy Sather, PACE Engineers File ---PAGE BREAK--- Natural Resource: Maximize Athletics Wetland, Buffer, and Habitat Enhancements Interpretive Trails, Signage, Boardwalks, and Viewpoints Pedestrian and Bike Access; Circulation (Trailhead) Vehicular Access and Parking Picnic Facilities Play Area Restrooms and Small Concession Small Softball Field, 200´ Outfield Small Indoor Recreation Facility Court (Basketball or Tennis) Community Gathering Space Art Incorporation City of Redmond Sammamish Valley Park POTENTIAL PROGRAM ELEMENTS Natural Resource: Agricultural Emphasis Wetland, Buffer, and Habitat Enhancements Interpretive Trails, Signage, Boardwalks, and Viewpoints Pedestrian and Bike Access; Circulation (Trailhead) Vehicular Access and Parking Picnic Facilities with Picnic Shelter(s), > 250 people Pea Patch Gardens Restrooms Storage Coordination with Full Circle Farms Demonstration Garden Large Gathering Space and Farmers Market Art Incorporation Natural Resource: Passive Park Emphasis Extensive Wetland, Buffer, and Habitat Enhancements, Open Water Interpretive Trails, Signage, Boardwalks, and Viewpoints Pedestrian and Bike Access; Circulation (Trailhead) Vehicular Access and Parking Picnic Facilities with Picnic Shelter(s), <100 People Small Interpretive Center Restrooms Bridges Meeting Space Amphitheater or Small Gathering Space Art Incorporation POTENTIAL DESIGN EMPHASIS DIRECTIONS: ADDITIONAL PROGRAM ELEMENTS SUGGESTIONS: COMMENTS ---PAGE BREAK--- MacLeod Reckord Landscape Architecture Planning Urban Design Colman Building 91 Marion Street Seattle, Washington 98104 P [PHONE REDACTED] F [PHONE REDACTED] MEETING NOTES July 14, 2009 Present: Carolyn Hope City of Redmond, Senior Park Planner Dave Tuchek City of Redmond, Assistant Manager Operations Betty Sanders City of Redmond, Senior Park Planner Jean Rice City of Redmond, Financial Analyst, P&R Jeff Hagen City of Redmond, Recreation Program Administrator Ed MacLeod MacLeod Reckord Lauren Perry MacLeod Reckord The purpose of today’s meeting was to follow up on the previous staff meeting held on June 18, 2009 with the addition of updated “final” graphics, and to receive further city comment in preparation for the first Sammamish Valley Park Master Plan public meeting. The following presentation and discussion occurred: 1. Site Analysis, Potentials and Constraints, and Programming: Ed MacLeod briefly reviewed the site analysis, site potentials and constraints and potential programming with new and updated graphics. 2. City Comments: The city staff had the following comments and questions: a. Site Analysis, Potentials and Constraints: • Make the font sizes larger on the graphics. Make “Category 2 Wetland” bigger. • Remove “PSE Trail” from drawing and add “116th Street Trail”. That trail is not complete. • Add a bold arrow at the potential vehicular entrance to site • Remove zoning and comprehensive plan designations from the park site. Mention in the public presentation that the site zoning will be updated by 2010 to “Urban Recreation” to conform to the comprehensive plan. b. Park Programming: • Make 3 additional photo boards and delete the PowerPoint show. • Have we considered a dog park or skate park? Ed responded that a small skate park could be an option if desired. However, a dog park ---PAGE BREAK--- would take up a larger area and may not be appropriate on this site due to the limited developable area. • Make extra prints of the sheets for the public to write in programming ideas. • Currently there is a farmers market in downtown Redmond. A farmers market on the park site would duplicate this and the site may be too remote for this activity. • Food grown from pea patches could possibly be sold from roadside / trailside stands, sold through Full Circle Farms, or donated to food banks. • There are pea patches at Crossroads Mall. • The pea patch plots at Marymoor Park were expanded. Some are empty now. • 21 Acres is currently building new facilities for a farmers market, meeting space and educational facilities. • Will we be having the public vote on the program elements? Ed preferred that we stay away from voting. The Parks & Trails Commission and the City Council will consider public comments when making their decisions. Voting can skew results away from accurately representing the community if attendance is weighted with special interest groups. • Include open water element. c. Schedule: • Revise the Parks & Trails Commission meetings. July meeting did not happen. Meetings should be set to include review of master plan alternatives, preliminary master plan, and city council study session for the final alternative. Take out their programming meeting. • Revise the City Council meetings. It is difficult to get onto the city council agenda in December, and sometimes they cancel December meetings. They should review the final master plan only, after the Parks & Trails Commission reviews it. Prior to council approval meeting, Council should look at a preliminary draft of the final master plan at the committee level. • City staff needs more time to finalize the schedule. There is a staff meeting this Thursday. • If we present a schedule graphic, we should simplify it to include only the months (not the dates) across and the major headings (yellow bars) down. Note only which months the public meeting may occur in. • It was agreed that the schedule is very tight. Staff will find out if we could finalize the plan and present to council into early 2010. 3. Next Steps: a. The public meeting will occur on July 16, 7:00pm at the Old Redmond Schoolhouse Community Center. City to bring 3 easels and snacks. b. MacLeod Reckord to provide draft schedule per above discussion. City will research potential meeting dates and modify schedule accordingly. ---PAGE BREAK--- c. MacLeod Reckord to visit 21 Acres Farm in Woodinville for photos to include in presentation. cc: Carolyn Hope, City of Redmond Jennifer Creveling, The Watershed Co Jeremy Sather, PACE Engineers File ---PAGE BREAK--- ---PAGE BREAK--- MacLeod Reckord Landscape Architecture Planning Urban Design Colman Building 91 Marion Street Seattle, Washington 98104 P [PHONE REDACTED] F [PHONE REDACTED] SAMMAMISH VALLEY PARK MASTER PLAN FIRST PUBLIC MEETING July 16, 2009 7:00 PM – 9:00 PM Old Redmond Schoolhouse Community Center The purpose of today’s meeting was to present to the public the Sammamish Valley Park Master Plan site analysis, site potentials & constraints, and potential program elements, and to receive public input on the analysis and program for the park. The following presentation and discussion occurred: 1. Introductions: Carolyn Hope, Senior Planner from the City of Redmond, acknowledged members of the community who are serving the community in various appointed and elected positions. She introduced the project and consultants to the public. 2. Overview: Ed MacLeod provided an overview of the project process and schedule. 3. Site Analysis, Potentials and Constraints: MacLeod Reckord presented the site analysis including discussion of site context, history, regulatory issues, topography, sensitive areas, utilities, existing site access, views, wildlife and vegetation. Presentation of the site potentials and constraints included discussion of park development limitations and opportunities related to wetland buffers, wetland enhancement / restoration / creation, stream buffers, building setbacks and restrictions, pedestrian access and circulation, vehicular / bicycle access and parking, location and availability of utilities, views and viewpoints, earthwork and topography, vegetation, potential locations for active recreation and passive recreational uses. Reference Graphics: “Context Aerial”, “Site Analysis”, “Site Topography” and 2 sheets with “Existing Conditions” photos. 4. Park Programming: MacLeod Reckord presented potential program elements in the form of three master plan design directions: a. Natural Resource: Maximize Athletics b. Natural Resource: Agricultural Emphasis c. Natural Resource: Passive Park Emphasis Due to the extent of the wetland, the site is primarily a natural resource park. A limited area in the north-western quadrant of the site could be developed in a variety of ways. ---PAGE BREAK--- Reference Graphics: “Potential Program Elements”, 6 sheets with photos illustrating potential “Athletic Facility Emphasis”. 5. Public Comments: The public had the following comments and questions: a. Site Analysis, Potentials and Constraints Comments: • Add bus routes and stops along Willows Road. The city can coordinate with Sue Stewart, who works for KC Metro, if we think a bus stop needs to be moved, based on driveway location, etc. • Add bike lane locations along Willows and 116th. • Request for clarification on what development could occur in the wetland, and consequences of developing playfields there. • Include another (aerial photo) board that shows the proximity to downtown including driving time, bicycling time and distance, and walking time. Also include routes such as bike lanes on Willows from downtown, Sammamish River Trail from downtown, PSE Trail from Education Hill then up Sammamish River Trail, North Redmond across 116th or 124th to park, PSE Trail from West side of town up Willows or Sammamish River Trail to park, and future BNSF trail up to park. b. Park Programming Comments: • Would like to see soccer fields on the site. Frustrated that the site is encumbered by wetlands and can’t do more with the land. • Desire to expand the park to adjacent sites in order to increase the area developable as sports fields and support facilities. Specifically, expansion to the adjacent LWYSA and Button properties. Advantages to acquiring the Button property include existing direct vehicle access from 116th Street, enhancement of the old oxbow, potential for fish habitat development connection to the river, connection to the Sammamish River Trail and public park adjacency to the river. With acquisition of all the adjacent properties, the city could combine wetland natural areas, trails, and active recreation. Stan Konzen has old plans from when LWYSA owned the Button property and the Full Circle property and designed fields, trails, and park features. • The park should be a place for the entire community • Provide a place for community gathering and events • Enhance site for bird habitat and provide places for bird watching • Include open water in the design. • Interest in keeping bees on site. Question about the logistics of keeping them. • Desire to have the entire site accessible to walk in, including the wetland (not just on boardwalks). • Coordinate agricultural concept with other nearby agricultural facilities such as “South 47 Farm” and the horse farm. Don’t compete with local farms, make sure the programming is complimentary. • Combine agricultural and passive park concepts with a teaching facility. • Like the willow tent idea on the boards. • Like green building and green roofs. • Could be an area where you teach wilderness awareness. • Could have fruit trees, orchard. This could be a distinguishing characteristic to Full Circle or other neighbors. ---PAGE BREAK--- • Willows Road could be an agriculturally themed a gateway corridor to the city. Opportunity to express valley history along the corridor, including on this park site. • Create a viewpoint with views of Mt. Rainer and the Sammamish River Valley. Make a public gathering space that takes advantage of the views. • Buffer views of the business park to the west from the park site, especially if we emphasize a passive natural resource design. • Create a strong relationship to the future multipurpose trail. • Preference for a combination of agricultural and passive park uses. • Include artworks within the site and along Willows Road and the future multipurpose trail 6. Next Steps: a. The public will have the opportunity to comment on the master plan design at the following points in the design process: • Master Plan Design Alternatives (public meeting and Parks & Trails Commission meeting) • Preliminary Master Plan (public meeting and Parks & Trails Commission meeting) • Final Master Plan (Parks & Trails Commission meeting andCity Council meeting) 7. Attendees: a. The following is a list of people who attended the public meeting: • Liz Brandigee, resident • Jeremiah Cox, resident • Stan Konzen, resident • Terri Dige, Parks and Trails Commissioner • Sue Stewart, Parks and Trails Commissioner • Richard Cole, Council member • Kim Allen, Council member • Greg Byszeski, Deputy Director of Parks • Mary Yelanjian, Arts Administrator • Carolyn Hope, Park Planner • Lauren Perry, MR • Ed MacLeod, MR • Greg Johnston, Watershed • Ryan Kahlo, Watershed cc: Carolyn Hope, City of Redmond Jennifer Creveling, The Watershed Co Jeremy Sather, PACE Engineers File ---PAGE BREAK--- ---PAGE BREAK--- MacLeod ReckordLandscape Architecture Planning Urban DesignColman Building91 Marion StreetSe MEETING NOTES Sammamish Valley Park City Staff Meeting September 17, 2009 Present: Craig Larsen City of Redmond Gregory Byszeski City of Redmond Carolyn Hope City of Redmond, Senior Park Planner Dave Tuchek City of Redmond, Assistant Manager Operations Betty Sanders City of Redmond, Senior Park Planner Jean Rice City of Redmond, Financial Analyst, P&R Jeff Hagen City of Redmond, Recreation Program Administrator Tom Hardy City of Redmond, Stream & Habitat Planner Ed MacLeod MacLeod Reckord Lauren Perry MacLeod Reckord The purpose of today’s meeting was to present and receive city comment on the three draft alternative designs for Sammamish Valley Park Master Plan in preparation for the second public meeting. Key results of the meeting held earlier today with Full Circle Farms were summarized. The following presentation and discussion occurred: 1. Site Analysis, Potentials and Constraints, and Programming: Ed MacLeod provided an overview of the project process and schedule, and briefly reviewed the site analysis and site programming. 2. Full Circle Farms Meeting: Ed MacLeod summarized the meeting with Andrew Stout of Full Circle Farms (FCF). Key results of the meeting related to the park design were as follows: FCF would like to provide interpretive trails on their property that could connect with the park trail system. Andrew would like to provide hay rides, demonstrations and / or a self guided tour of the farm. FCF has a parking lot in the north-west corner of their site which they would be willing to share with the city for SVP overflow parking for special / joint events and uses that relate to FCF goals such as P patches, a farmers market and organic farming / cooking classes. ---PAGE BREAK--- FCF would like to have access to the potential classroom / meeting space in the park to teach about organic gardening FCF would like to assist the city in constructing the P patch gardens. They could help to prepare the land with their farm equipment. City staff members were excited about the potential for finding mutually beneficial ways to partner with Full Circle Farms on the Sammamish Valley park site. 3. Alternative Park Designs: Ed Macleod and Lauren Perry presented three draft alternative park designs. Staff had the following comments: a. General Comments: This neighborhood is one that could take a bigger recreational building better than some other sites under consideration. Add a kiosk with a message board to all schemes. Use of sustainable design and materials is a priority. Discuss driveway location with transportation planner. b. Alternative 1 – Athletic Emphasis: Move the play area away from the field The building should incorporate flexible space. The sides of the building should open onto the adjacent outdoor spaces so that activities can expand outside in good weather. These outdoor spaces could be turf areas as well as paved areas. If the field fits in this orientation, locate the backstop in the north corner of the field so the building can open onto the field. Make the field more flexible by eliminating the infield. De-emphasize locker rooms in the building. Label the size of the field. Add tall fencing to prevent balls from going into wetlands. c. Alternative 2 – Agricultural Emphasis: Leave this alternative as is except for the changes stated below. Switch locations of bike rental building and meetings/classrooms building. Or consolidate classrooms into picnic buildings. The storage buildings should be within the allowable building area. Make the picnic shelters flexible spaces that could be used as covered farmers market, classrooms, and performance space. The sides of the building could be large, transparent roll-up doors. Incorporate spaces for movable table and chairs. Possible additions to the building program are storage space, a café, kitchen facilities that could serve special events such as weddings, catering and cooking classes, and spaces that could accommodate a pre-school or summer camp. Include common storage buildings in the P patch area. Provide vehicular access between the P patches and the parking lot. Make this alternative less formal at the north end. ---PAGE BREAK--- The parking lot won’t accommodate the activities shown in this alternative. Experiment with a linear parking scheme for the preferred alternative. Could a basketball court fit in this scheme? Consensus at this meeting was that the athletic alternative is not a natural fit for this site. City could achieve more by working with the school district to upgrade school district athletic facilities. Label the gardens. Add potting shed with gathering areas for gardeners. d. Alternative 3 – Natural Resources Emphasis: There are too many buildings shown in this alternative. Consolidate the buildings. Delete the concessions building or consolidate it with the restrooms. Delete the bike and boat rental building. Provide space at the dock to store boats for rent The stream from the pond to the backwaters should be navigable. Possibly extend the navigable water to the north part of the site. Stock the pond with fish and provide places for the public to fish. Reduce the amount of parking. Put more emphasis on viewpoints and various ways to access the water. Add more landscaping and significant trees. Like a big open field. Locate play area close to picnic area. 4. Next Steps: Carolyn Hope reviewed next steps for the project: The second public meeting will occur on September 24, 2009 at 7:00pm at in City Council Chambers. On October 1, 2009 the three alternative designs will be presented to the Parks & Trails Commission. Following these meetings, the consultants will develop a Draft Preliminary Master Plan to present to staff for review in November. cc: Carolyn Hope, City of Redmond Jennifer Creveling, The Watershed Co Jeremy Sather, PACE Engineers File ---PAGE BREAK--- ---PAGE BREAK--- MacLeod Reckord Landscape Architecture Planning Urban Design Colman Building 91 Marion Street Seattle, Washington 98104 P [PHONE REDACTED] F [PHONE REDACTED] MEETING NOTES SAMMAMISH VALLEY PARK MASTER PLAN Meeting with Full Circle Farms September 17, 2009 Present: Andrew Stout Full Circle Farms Carolyn Hope City of Redmond, Senior Park Planner Craig Larsen City of Redmond, Greg Byszeski City of Redmond, Betty Sanders City of Redmond, Senior Park Planner Jean Rice City of Redmond, Financial Analyst, P&R Jeff Hagen City of Redmond, Recreation Program Administrator Ed MacLeod MacLeod Reckord Lauren Perry MacLeod Reckord Meeting Purpose: Full Circle Farms (FCF) is currently negotiating purchase of the site to the north of Sammamish Valley Park (SVP). The purpose of today’s meeting was to gain an understanding of Full Circle Farms vision for the site and to discuss potential opportunities for complimentary development. Ed MacLeod began the discussion with a brief review of the site analysis, potential programming and alternative designs for the park. The following discussion occurred: Full Circle Farms Vision: Andrew Stout summarized the history of Full Circle Farms and his vision for the site as follows. 1. Full Circle Farms is currently negotiating a purchase agreement with the current owners, the Lake Washington Youth Soccer Association. The agreement would allow soccer club use of the site for a period of up to 3 years until the club finds an alternative location for their activities. 2. FCF is an organic farm that sells directly to it’s members, approximately 8,000 consumers. A three year period of no fertilizer use is required for the land to qualify as certifiably organic. 3. FCF intends to maintain an ecologically friendly approach to this property just as they have done on their other properties (i.e. Griffen Farm). 4. Andrew Stout is excited about opportunities to educate the public about organic farming. ---PAGE BREAK--- 5. The organic farming use will be complimentary to other agricultural uses in the valley such as wineries and South 47. Andrew coined the word “coopetition” to describe his vision of complimentary relationships between FCF and other agricultural businesses. Potential Opportunities for City / FCF Cooperation: 1. FCF would like to provide interpretive trails on their property that could connect with the park trail system. Andrew would like to provide hay rides, demonstrations and / or a self guided tour of the farm. 2. FCF has a parking lot in the north-west corner of their site which they would be willing to share with the city for SVP overflow parking for special / joint events and uses that relate to FCF goals such as P patches, a farmers market and organic farming / cooking classes. 3. FCF would like to have access to the potential classroom / meeting space in the park to teach about organic gardening. 4. FCF would like to assist the city in constructing the P patch gardens. Andrew offered help to prepare the P patch land with his farm equipment. cc: Carolyn Hope, City of Redmond Andrew Stout, Full Circle Farms File ---PAGE BREAK--- MacLeod ReckordLandscape Architecture Planning Urban DesignColman Building91 Marion StreetSe SAMMAMISH VALLEY PARK MASTER PLAN SECOND PUBLIC MEETING September 24, 2009 7:00 PM – 9:00 PM City Council Chambers The purpose of today’s meeting was to present to the public the Sammamish Valley Park Master Plan Alternative designs and to receive public input on the alternatives. The following presentation and discussion occurred: 1. Introductions: Carolyn Hope, Senior Planner from the City of Redmond, acknowledged members of the audience who are serving the community in various appointed and elected positions. She introduced the project and consultants to the public. Andrew Stout from Full Circle Farms was in the audience. Carolyn introduced him and summarized potential ways the city could work with Full Circle Farms to enhance potential agricultural elements of the park. 2. Project Overview: Ed MacLeod provided an overview of the project process and schedule, and briefly reviewed the site analysis and site programming that were presented at the July 16 public meeting. Reference Graphics: “Context Aerial”, “Site Analysis”, “Site Topography” ,2 boards with “Existing Conditions” photos, “Potential Program Elements” and 6 boards that were presented at the July 16th public meeting. 3. Site Design Alternatives: Ed MacLeod presented three design alternatives for the park that were developed based upon input from city staff and the public. The 3 alternatives illustrate primary concepts and are somewhat diagrammatic. a. Common Characteristics between the three Alternatives: The most intensive types of park development, such as buildings and parking, are limited to the north west corner of the site to avoid vehicular crossings of the streams and wetland area A future multi-purpose trail is shown within the existing BNSF Railroad right of way at the west edge of the park site. All alternatives would accommodate trailhead functions once the multi- purpose trail is built. ---PAGE BREAK--- Vehicular access off of Willows Road is shown at the center west side of the site. The location is within a narrow zone that is not restricted by existing streams, wetlands or the existing bio-swale and has adequate setbacks from existing driveways and intersections. All three schemes contain a small (39 to 41 car) parking lot with auto/bus drop-off areas located close to the vehicular access zone. All intensively developed areas are outside the wetlands and a 75 foot wetland buffer area. Wetland buffer averaging is assumed to compensate for some overlap of development within the 100 foot wetland buffer zone. Trails and boardwalks with interpretive viewpoints encourage enjoyment of the wetland. A children’s play area is associated with picnic and/or community plaza areas Picnic and community plaza areas are located with views and easy access to parking Restoration of the entire wetland and wetland buffer areas are included in all schemes using a variety of approaches. The existing stream is enhanced and re-aligned in a natural configuration within the park. The open water areas within the wetland would be supplied primarily from ground water table that currently lies close to the surface. All park features and pathways are ADA accessible Views of Mt Rainier, the Sammamish Valley and the restored wetland are maintained from various locations within the park. Taller vegetation is carefully located to preserve important views. A connection to Full Circle farm is maintained form the northwest corner of the site. The city would like to maximize the use of sustainable design in this project b. Alternative 1, Athletic Emphasis – Distinguishing Characteristics: A two story, 80 ft by 170 ft. multipurpose recreation building occupies the central portion of the developed area of the site. The building could accommodate functions such as a large multiuse room for sports practice or special events, an indoor running track, meeting space, small locker rooms, weight or exercise room(s), restrooms, and a lobby. A fenced natural turf softball field with a 200 foot outfield occupies the north part of the developed area A 41 car parking lot is associated with the multipurpose building The boardwalk and pathway system connects to two viewpoints with interpretive signage. The pathway system does not cross the stream or connect with NE 116th Street. The north path has a small loop. Pedestrian access to Full Circle Farm is maintained Wetland restoration work incorporates “depressions” at the north part of the wetland and “backwater” areas along the realigned stream. The open water areas would be supplied primarily from ---PAGE BREAK--- ground water table that currently lies close to the surface. The “depressions” would hold shallow water during the wet seasons and would dry up during the summer. The “backwater” areas would hold some water year round. c. Alternative 2, Agricultural Emphasis – Distinguishing Characteristics: P patch gardens occupy the north part of the developed area of the park and near Full Circle Farm. Two small storage buildings serve the gardens. Pedestrian and farm vehicle access are maintained to Full Circle Farm to the north. Gardeners may use this vehicular access to deliver large items to the P patches. Vehicular access to the gardens from the parking lot, controlled by lockable removable bollards, is available across the community plaza. A restroom building with classroom space and a small kitchen is associated with the main community plaza / picnic area as well as the P patch gardens A large, centrally located community plaza could accommodate activities such as performances, a farmers market, outdoor classes, and picnicking. Picnic / performance / classroom structures surround the west end of the community plaza. A viewpoint with interpretive signage anchors the east end of the plaza. A small herb or demonstration garden separates the plaza from the parking lot. A play area on the north edge of the plaza is visible from the P patch gardens. A 39 car parking lot located to the south of the community plaza Wetland restoration work incorporates an open water (pond) area at the north part of the wetland and “depressions” along the realigned stream. The “depressions” would hold shallow water during the wet seasons and may dry up during the summer. The open water pond would hold water year round. Some parts of the pond would be up to 6 feet deep. The boardwalk and pathway system creates a large loop through the wetland that crosses the stream and connects to NE 116th Street near the south east and southwest corners of the site. A viewpoint with interpretive signage is located along the loop trail in the upland area at the east side of the site. d. Alternative 3, Natural Resources Emphasis – Distinguishing Characteristics: The 39 car parking lot is centrally located within the developed area at the west side of the site. A large open lawn area north of the parking lot could accommodate picnicking and passive recreational games such as Frisbee, crocket, badminton and volleyball. The community plaza to the south of the parking lot accommodates small community events, picnicking and special events such as weddings and small performances. Beyond a trellis, the adjacent elevated viewpoint and interpretive site is oriented towards the views ---PAGE BREAK--- of Mt Rainier, the river valley and the restored wetland. A 105 x 40 foot community center at the west side of the plaza contains meeting rooms, an interpretive center, restrooms and a small kitchen to serve special events. A 45 x 40 foot picnic shelter borders the north side of the plaza. A play area at the east side of the plaza overlooks the wetland. Wetland restoration work incorporates “depressions” at the north part of the wetland, a large mostly navigable open water (pond) area with an island at the central part of the site and “backwater” areas along the realigned stream. The “depressions” and “backwater” areas would hold shallow water during the wet seasons. The “depressions” may dry up during the summer. Some parts of the pond would be up to 8 feet deep. The public could rent small, human powered boats at the dock. The pond would include a water oriented interpretive trail. The boardwalk and pathway system creates a large loop through the wetland that crosses the stream, follows open water edges and connects to NE 116th Street near the south east corner of the site. A large viewpoint with picnic tables, a shelter and interpretive signage is located along the loop trail in the upland area at the east side of the site. The pathway system passes a variety of environments including the various wetland features and some upland wooded areas. Pedestrian access to Full Circle Farm is maintained Reference Graphics: “Alternative 1-Athletic Emphasis”, “Alternative 2-Agricultural Emphasis” and “Alternative 3-Natural Resources Emphasis”. 4. Public Comments: The public had the following comments and questions regarding the alternatives: a. Q re Alt # 1: Is there a need in the city for a recreational building with volleyball, basketball, etc? A: Yes, there is a deficit of indoor sports facilities. b. Q: Could Alt # 3 include a play area? A: A play area is included next to the plaza. c. Q re Alt Is the softball field big enough? Regulation size? A: The field will accommodate regulation fast pitch softball and Little League play. d. Q: The dead end trails in Alt #1 are not as desirable as the loop trails in the other Alts. Alt 2 and 3 connect to 116th so trail users could walk from the river rather than having to access from Willows Rd. e. Q: A boat dock could be a headache in the floodplain. A: The dock would have to be engineered for survival and would need to be permitted. f. Q: Preference for Alt # 2 in general. Observe that patches duplicate the South 47 gardens are in the vicinity. We have the opportunity to do something different here. A: South 47 did not rent any p patches this summer. We don’t have any in the city right now. Yes, there is a demand for the p patches. g. Q: Likes buildings with classrooms as it is tough to find this in a natural setting. There is a high demand for that kind of space. Possible nature classes for kids or outdoor first aid classes. The large building would be a big plus for the community. It offers more indoor activity space for kids. ---PAGE BREAK--- h. Q: What is the difference between the pond and the depressions? Would stagnant water cause a problem with mosquitoes? A: The depressions would be no different from the intermittent standing water on site now. The center and south part of the site designed for water movement. The design attempts to create a variety of habitats. The various habitats would encourage more bats and swallows that would eat the bugs. i. Q: Would this be similar to the UW Bothell wetland site? A: yes. This site would have greater access via more, longer pathways. j. Q: Preference for pathways connecting to 116th. k. Q: Softball field seems squeezed onto the site. Questions adequacy of parking for the softball field. l. Q: The park site is in an Agricultural Production District (APD). Agricultural uses and natural resource uses don’t come back easily once a site is developed for something else. There is not much flat bottomed land remaining in the area for agricultural uses. Full Circle Farm is excited about partnering with the city on the agricultural alternative. The Button property and the Full Circle Farm property are both in King County’s agricultural preservation program. This area is part of a vital natural and agricultural corridor along the Sammamish River. The park could be an important connector piece. Full Circle Farm would offer their parking lot as overflow parking for the Natural Resources or Agricultural Alternatives. m. Q: The wetland design in Alt #1 looks more manmade while the one in Alt #2 looks more natural. A: The wetland design will be developed to look natural for the final master plan design. n. Q: Why is there no parking in the southwest corner of the site? A: The reason is it’s close proximity to the Willows Rd 116th intersection and this area is almost entirely within the 100 foot wetland buffer area. o. Q: How big is the p patch area? A: Approximately 68 10 x 20 foot plots are included. p. Q: Can there be other forms of agricultural uses besides p patches? A: Yes, however there is demand for p patches in the city. q. Q: Preference for no big buildings on this site. 5. Next Steps: The public will have the opportunity to comment on the Sammamish Valley Park Master Plan design at the following points in the design process: a. Master Plan Design Alternatives (Parks & Trails Commission meeting on 10- 1-2009) b. Preliminary Master Plan (Parks & Trails Commission meeting in December 2009) c. Final Master Plan (Parks & Trails Commission meeting in January 2010 and City Council Study Session in January 2010) cc: Carolyn Hope, City of Redmond Jennifer Creveling, The Watershed Co Jeremy Sather, PACE Engineers File ---PAGE BREAK--- ---PAGE BREAK--- REDMOND PARKS & TRAILS COMMISSION Redmond City Hall – Council Conference Room 15670 NE 85th Street, Redmond Washington Thursday, October 1, 2009 7:00 p.m. Meeting Convened: 7:02 p.m. Adjourned: 10:08 p.m. Commissioners: Staff: Peter McDonald, Chair Craig Larsen, Parks Director Cindy Jayne, Vice- Chair Dave Tuchek, Asst. Maintenance Mgr. Mary Bourguignon Jean Rice, Parks Analyst Terri Dige Mary Yelanjian, Arts Administrator Becky Reininger Carolyn Hope, Sr. Parks Planner Sharon Sato, Dept. Coordinator Commissioners Absent and Excused: Ken Bechmann Polly Kirkpatrick Youth Advocate Absent and Excused: Joey DiMarco I. Call to order/Welcome to Citizen Guests Chair McDonald opened the meeting. II. Approval of Minutes Motion to approve minutes of the August, 2009 Parks and Trails Commission meeting. Motion by Jayne to approve minutes as written Second by Dige Unanimous – 5-0 Presentation of Certificate - McDonald presented a Certificate of Appreciation to Terri Dige on behalf of the Commission. Dige is relocating to Kirkland and will no longer be serving on the Commission. McDonald announced that staff is in the process of recruiting for the now vacant Commission positions. III. Items from the Audience No items. ---PAGE BREAK--- Redmond Parks & Trails Commission October 1, 2009 Page 2 IV. New Business A. Arts and Parks - Yelanjian Mary Yelanjian, Arts Administrator, gave a brief PowerPoint Presentation on art concepts that might be integrated into future park design as the park planning process begins. The idea is to change the way park design is approached by incorporating new concepts and elements to park design throughout the planning process. Elements that would encourage the park experience to be more than just a visit. Some concepts/elements of design include – Goals for park design, Intellectual challenge, Where am Who else is there?, What should I do there?, It reminds me Should I try?, What Does it mean (space for you.), Mystery and suspense – different each time (change, journey), What’s next?, Last time – different., Reminds me of……, Aesthetic intellect and comfort, Rest and a sense of wonder, Special place, Look what I found!, Encourage creativity for visitors, Leave something for me behind, Is it quiet so I can reflect, I am different when I leave the park. B. Westside Park – Rice/Berger Associates Rice gave a brief summary on the previous process for the park; including community input, consultant briefings, and staff meetings. She noted that based on public comments at two open houses, three conceptual designs were created by the consultant. The final draft design was developed from those public meetings and professional direction by staff and the consultants. Berger and Associates consultants, Greg Brower and Whitney Summerfield presented the “draft” design to the audience. The designed uses the natural contours of the landscape to develop natural play structures using the existing trees as a backdrop. The open play meadow will remain as well as a new grass area with picnic structure, restroom, and seat wall. New swings will be added and the existing sport court would be removed and replaced for safety. A woodland trail would be added to provide more walking trails and safe child/toddler corridors for riding bicycles. After reviewing the draft plan neighbors made the following comments: Park is surrounded by homes, impact on privacy and concern for over use by those outside the neighborhood’s community, opposed to new or second trail. Concerned about traffic, speeding, increased parking, and vehicles in and around the park. Playground equipment facing south may become too hot for children to play on, creating a berm would cause lack of privacy in houses facing park, labyrinth type land forms would be expensive to maintain, preserve habitat, build sustainably, create green roof and use recycled materials as much as possible. Thanked consultants for their efforts. Homeowners dues ensure privacy, concerned about increased traffic, drainage issues. ---PAGE BREAK--- Redmond Parks & Trails Commission October 1, 2009 Page 3 Bathroom closer to street, address parking on 156th (front of park), play equipment and line of sight, use of entire park, higher level of activities, include rock climbing, add drinking fountain. Liked natural structure, concern about adding additional trails due to littering and inappropriate behavior, disrupt wildlife. Felt that consultant captured essence of what community is looking for, likes the natural amenities – open space, undeveloped areas, forested area, no trails in forested area, no lighting. Create a balance with what the community wants and natural amenities of the park, likes the designed plan. Any lights in Park are a concern especially after dark, need restroom, utilize full area of park, create an island, opportunity for more people than animals, take advantage of water, water play, small soccer field or goal backboard for self play. Good job incorporating community ideas into draft plan. Some improvements, not much change. Parking spaces – diagonal Higher level activities – rock climbing. Preserve open space, undeveloped and forested areas. Protect wildlife. Take advantage of water – water play. Concern about cars driving on to the park lawn. Board Comments: • Bathroom closer to street, water feature, edible elements/pea patch. • Like natural features, composting toilet, long loop trail, concern about wildlife and limited space. • Excited about change and growth in Redmond, leaving legacy for future generations, balancing park amenities within the park and neighborhood, impact of park on surrounding areas. • Current park amenities are deteriorating, restroom closer to street for visibility and safety, concerns about the wildlife (Red Tail Hawk) and litter on trail, light on restroom, loop trail. • Concern about safety on the trails on lower part of the park – downhill to Marymoor. Consultants will return to give a final presentation for the Park in coming months. Rice suggested questions and concerns be addressed to her via email. C. Sammamish Valley Park Master Plan – Hope/consultant Hope gave an overview of the past two public meetings which focused on park concepts and themes. Taking those suggestions, discussion and emails consultants came up with three alternatives/broad concepts which would take advantage of the existing natural amenities of the site and then came up with ---PAGE BREAK--- Redmond Parks & Trails Commission October 1, 2009 Page 4 ideas to utilize the property in the best way possible and meets the needs of the community. The 32 acre property is located on the west side of the Sammamish Valley next to Willows Road and situated 3 miles from Redmond, in close proximity to the Sammamish River Trail, PSE Trail and on the future Burlington Northern Railway right-of-way on the west side of the site. Residential residents on the east side of the valley site and also some on the west, as well as light industrial. The site has excellent bike access and is well sited for access. Lake Washington Youth Soccer Assn. owns the property north of the site. Consultants presented three emphasis/alternatives – Athletic, Agricultural and Natural Resource. The plan emphasized - parking, sports field, picnic amenities, children’s play area, open water areas (small weirs/fingerling lakes), walking path and trails, boardwalks, community plaza area, some water access (seasonal depressions to invite natural micro-organisms), storage building, possible learning/education center/interpretive center, community garden (herb garden/pea patch), bus parking, small kayaks, small kitchen, restrooms, classrooms, overflow/shared parking on the adjoining property, active trail use, demonstration garden, and multi-purpose open space area in varied degrees. Consultants would like feedback from the Commission so that Commissioners felt that emphasis two and three utilized the property the best way while offering a variety of amenities including teaching, sharing and learning experiences. They also felt that wildlife would benefit most from minimal disturbance to the natural site amenities. V. Old Business A. PAARC Plan – Hope Hope distributed the draft policy handout and noted that the PARCC Plan would be going before the Planning Commission on October 28th and City Council on November 10th. She discussed the levels of services necessary to meet the park standards qualifications per park types. Goals is to fine tune standards for specific neighborhoods. Commissioners discussed the resident/non-resident use of Redmond Park facilities. Park categories/types were discussed. Hope noted that the PARCC Plan would be going to the Planning Commission October 28 and November 4 and requested Commissioners attend the meeting to show support for the Plan. ---PAGE BREAK--- Redmond Parks & Trails Commission October 1, 2009 Page 5 VI. Project Updates Handout. No discussion. VII. Adjournment Motion to adjourn by: Dige Second by: Bourguignon Unanimous: 5-0 Meeting adjourned at 10:08 p.m. Next Regular Meeting November 5, 2009 7:00 p.m. Redmond City Hall Council Conference Room ---PAGE BREAK--- ---PAGE BREAK--- MacLeod ReckordLandscape Architecture Planning Urban DesignColman Building91 Marion StreetSe MEETING NOTES Sammamish Valley Park City Staff Meeting November 12, 2009 Present: Craig Larsen City of Redmond Gregory Byszeski City of Redmond Carolyn Hope City of Redmond, Senior Park Planner Dave Tuchek City of Redmond, Assistant Manager Operations Betty Sanders City of Redmond, Senior Park Planner Jean Rice City of Redmond, Financial Analyst, P&R Jeff Hagen City of Redmond, Recreation Program Administrator Tom Hardy City of Redmond, Stream & Habitat Planner Ed MacLeod MacLeod Reckord Lauren Perry MacLeod Reckord The purpose of today’s meeting was to present and receive city comment on the draft preliminary design for Sammamish Valley Park Master Plan in preparation for the December 3 Park and Trails Commission meeting. The following presentation and discussion occurred: 1. Site Analysis, Potentials and Constraints, and Programming: Ed MacLeod provided a brief overview of the site analysis, programming and the three design alternatives. He reviewed the public and Parks Commission responses to the alternatives as well as direction from staff regarding choices for the preliminary master plan. 2. Draft Preliminary Master Plan: Lauren Perry presented the Draft Preliminary Master Plan. Staff had the following comments: a. Buildings/Parking/P-Patch Increase parking if possible. Shared parking with full-circle farms is a good idea, but we cannot rely on it for a long-term solution. Reduce parking demand by eliminating boat rental and reducing shelter rentals. Locate a small shelter at west viewpoint location. Plan for a community building to accommodate a preschool/daycare program. Locate restrooms in community building. Provide a small staff office in community building. ---PAGE BREAK--- Provide p-patch compost storage/potting/tool sharpening sheds and a small shelter (not for rent). Not all p-patch renters show up all at once. The parking demand is not that great. Many users will arrive by bike. Provide a connection from parking to p-patch along the west side of the community building. Provide a garden entry structure in the southwest corner of the p-patch. The breezeways are a nice feature and should be retained. Consider a less rectilinear layout of p-patch. Provide some curved pathways. Consider a storytelling areas arranged around a fire pit. The pit could have a lockable lid. Details and materials used in plaza should be of a high quality. This will be a gateway to the City. Pay attention to the west edge and the character seen from Willows Road. Give Park & Trails Commission the task of coming up with a suitable name for the park. Researching historic ownership in the valley may be a good place to start. b. Wetland & Trails Provide wide spots along boardwalks for benches and interpretive signage or occasional short “T”s to provide spots off the path for people. (i.e. Foster Island, University of Washington Arboretum) Raise viewpoint on east side to provide true overlook of wetland (multilevel – not ADA at highest level). Maintenance of view corridors is important.Maximize habitat diversity. Plan for eventual at-grade connection of creek to river. Keep ponds as deep as possible to maintain a layer of cool water. Keep the shoreline of ponds as long as possible with peninsulas, woody debris and snags. Keep shorelines of ponds shallow. Wetland banking is a possibility, but City needs to develop a policy. Eliminate boat rental as program element. Staff may have interpretive program with a small boat. Reference Graphics: “Draft Preliminary Master Plan” 3. Next Steps: Carolyn Hope reviewed next steps for the project: Following this meeting, the consultants will finalize the Preliminary Master Plan to present to the Parks and Trails Commission and the Parks and Human Services Committee in December. The Final Master Plan will be developed based upon comments on the Preliminary Master Plan received from the public, the Parks and Trails Commission, the Parks and Human Services Committee and city staff. The Final Master Plan will be presented to the Parks and Trails Commission and at a City Council Study Session in January 2010. cc: Carolyn Hope, City of Redmond Jennifer Creveling, The Watershed Co Jeremy Sather, PACE Engineers File ---PAGE BREAK--- REDMOND PARKS & TRAILS COMMISSION Redmond City Hall – Council Conference Room 15670 NE 85th Street, Redmond Washington Thursday, December 3, 2009 7:00 p.m. Meeting Convened: 7:01 p.m. Adjourned: 9:50 p.m. Commissioners: Staff: Peter McDonald, Chair Dave Tuchek, Asst. Mgr - MOC Cindy Jayne, Co- Chair B Sanders, Sr. Parks Planner Mary Bourguignon Jean Rice, Parks Analyst Ken Bechmann Carolyn Hope, Sr. Parks Planner Becky Reininger Sharon Sato, Dept. Coordinator Polly Kirkpatrick Student Advocates Absent and Excused: Joey DiMarco and Adam Mukerjee Audience: 2 I. Call to order/Welcome to Citizen Guests Chair McDonald opened the meeting and welcomed guests. McDonald thanked the Commission and staff for their hard work and support during the past year. II. Approval of Minutes – November 2009 Carried over to January 2010 meeting. III. Items from the Audience No items. IV. New Business A. BNSF City Council approved city staff’ and Mayor to negotiate terms for acquisition of the Burlington Northern Santa Fe Railroad (from East Lake Sammamish Trail the city limits at 124th Street). Staff’s hope is to finalize the acquisition by the end of the 2nd quarter of 2010. B. 2010 Parks and Trails Commission Meetings Beginning in January 2010 regularly scheduled Parks and Trails Commission meeting will be held the first Thursday of each month (unless otherwise noted on the City’s website) at 6:30 p.m. ---PAGE BREAK--- Redmond Parks & Trails Commission December 3, 2009 Page 2 V. Old Business A. Perrigo Park – Phase II – Sanders (John Barker, Barker Architects) Sanders presented the latest plans and drawings for Perrigo Park. The project is a little more than halfway through the design phase. The consultant has submitted 60% construction drawings. Plans for expansion on the four acre addition include a larger play area, small picnic shelter (drop in) and an additional parking area. The old barn on-site will be converted into a maintenance/storage facility. King County is currently working on a road project extending from Novelty Hill Road, creating a new connector down 196th to Union Hill Road, which impacts Perrigo, Arthur Johnson, and Martin Parks. The road in front of Perrigo Park will be revised, with the park entry drive raised two feet. The county will provide a temporary construction access at the south end of the existing parking lot. King County will begin their bid process during December and start construction in March 2010. (Note: The bid has been delayed to January, and will push the start of construction back accordingly.) If permitting for Perrigo Park is completed as planned, park improvements/ construction will go out to bid in mid-summer 2010; construction will begin end of summer 2010. Barker gave an overview of the entire park site. Plans are to blend the two phases together without differentiating between the projects. Parking will be increased from 92 spaces to 139 spaces and a new driveway will be added. A trail will cross a small portion of wetlands to an overlook near the road. The pasture will provide the site with an open space play lawn, and series of landforms and berms, sheltering a small spray area. Multiple play areas to serve different ages are proposed, including sand play, and zip line. Three small to medium-sized picnic shelters are patterned after the old dairy barn on site. Commissioners discussed the possibility of swings and wading pools vs. splash areas. The splash areas are low maintenance and high use, and are the preferred approach to informal water play nowadays. Commissioners also discussed their concerns about the pedestrian safety aspect of the existing parking lot and parking along the street. ---PAGE BREAK--- Redmond Parks & Trails Commission December 3, 2009 Page 3 B. Sammamish Valley Community Park Final Master Plan - Hope Hope introduced Ed McLeod and Lauren Perry of McLeod Reckord, Consultants, who would be presenting the final master plan for the Park. Hope is also asking the Commission’s recommendation to move forward for Council approval. McLeod gave a short overview and review of the site (location, amenities, acreage, wetlands, etc.), as it is presently. He noted that after buffers and setbacks only 15 acres are developable out of the existing 32 acres. At the last presentation, Commissioners had agreed that the combination of agriculture, natural resources, and educational aspects would benefit the site and utilize the site the best way possible. Amenities suggested for the site includes: • Community building/educational center/restrooms – larger activity room, fireplace, roll up doors to plaza area, staff office, small and large meeting rooms (rental space), kitchen, potential/possible pre-school use • Fenced community garden/herb garden – separate access for transporting materials (fertilizers, mulch, compost) to and from the gardens • Plaza • Parking area – 43 cars • Bus parking area • Viewpoint above wetland • Trail system through wetland area • Open water area – creating “edge” water habitat, natural plant materials, snags • Ponds – dependant on water table (staff and consultant are investigating the potential) • Interpretive shelter • Picnic shelter • Small children play area • Boardwalk – expanded areas to open water or informational/interpretive areas • Small storage shed • Kiosk • Trail head use – access to Sammamish River Trail, BNSF Trail • Secure bike parking • Taller tree grove • Interpretive signs throughout • Possible shared parking with the adjoining property – Full Circle Farms ---PAGE BREAK--- Redmond Parks & Trails Commission December 3, 2009 Page 4 Motion by Bourguignon to recommend the preliminary master plan to the City Council with the Commission’s endorsement. Unanimously approved. 6-0 Hope noted the project is slated for City Council Study Session on January 26. C. PARCC Plan – Hope Hope gave a brief overview of the last presentation given to the Commission. Since that time the Plan has been reviewed and presented to the Planning Commission and City Council; both have supported the Plan at this stage. Hope discussed the changes in level of service approach, results of level of service analysis (LOS), strategies to meet goal of analysis and methodology for ranking projects and capital improvement projects (CIP). LOS measures demand which determines the City’s demands which creates the capital improvement projects list (CIP). Estimated costs are then determined and used to again determine parks impact fees for all new development in the City. In the past, LOS for parks has been based on acres or miles of trail per 1,000 residents, which was the national standard. The recommendation now, by national and state park agencies, is for cities come up with a more customized way to determine demands and needs for each city/town (demand, function of park, walkability of parks and trails, geographic equity by neighborhood, and need). Hope explained each of the individual categories. Pertinent information was gathered from a variety of methods: residents, meetings, and city-wide survey. Hope’s presentation was accompanied by a PowerPoint presentation explaining categories, impacts, needs (rating/priority status), statistics, projections, population to existing amenities, definitions, achieving goals (solutions) and strategies for funding. 2017-2020: • Renovating Teen Center and performing arts center 2020-2030 • More neighborhood parks • More fields – Redmond El and Lake Washington Soccer fields • Parks and East Redmond Corridor • Possible renovation • Backbone trails ---PAGE BREAK--- Redmond Parks & Trails Commission December 3, 2009 Page 5 Hope will email the list to Commissioners. Hope added that funding in the coming year will be limited however staff is looking into innovated ways to partner with other jurisdictions, organizations, and schools to increase the level of service, as well as look to the city’s park foundation for additional support. Questions about a bond measure will be discussed further into 2010. Further discussion will continue at the January Parks & Trails Commission meeting. VI. Project Updates Handout. No discussion. Questions can be directed to project planners noted on the project update handout. VII. Adjourn Motion by Bourguignon to adjourn. Second by Bechmann. Unanimous – 6-0 Meeting adjourned at 9:50p.m. Next Regular Meeting January 7, 2010 6:30 p.m. Redmond City Hall Council Conference Room ---PAGE BREAK--- ---PAGE BREAK--- City Council Study Session Summary Page 1 of 3 January 26, 2010 REDMOND CITY COUNCIL STUDY SESSION January 26, 2010 Mayor Staff John Marchione Craig Larsen, Parks and Recreation Director Carolyn Hope, Parks Senior Planner Members of the Council B. Sanders, Parks Senior Planner Richard Cole, Council President Chip Cornwell, A/V Program Coordinator Pat Vache, Council Vice-president Michelle M. McGehee, CMC, City Clerk Kim Allen David Carson Hank Margeson Hank Myers John Stilin MEETING SUMMARY Convened: 7:30 p.m. Adjourned: 10:00 p.m. Councilmember Cole opened the meeting and overviewed the agenda items. He noted that Councilmember Myers would be leading the discussion this evening with staff regarding park issues. Sammamish Valley Master Plan Senior Parks Planner, Ms. Carolyn Hope: • noted that the purpose of the plan is to develop area along Willows Road in the North end of town as a park; this is the final step in defining the master plan; • introduced a representative from the MacLeod-Reckord group, the consultants who worked on the Master Plan; • stated that the area in question is a 32-acre parcel, with 28 acres being designated as wetland/wetland buffer; • reported that two public meetings have been held with residents in the area in order to receive their feedback on the proposal; and • noted that if Council is in agreement with staff’s recommendations, then the next steps would be to move forward with the SEPA process, and then come back to Council in approximately one month for Council consideration of adoption. MacLeod-Reckord consultant reported regarding: • the vicinity around the park; • site analysis; • wetland areas on the site; • developing the park as a resource park; and ---PAGE BREAK--- City Council Study Session Summary Page 2 of 3 January 26, 2010 • the recommendation to install a community garden with a plaza concept offering classes in connection with the neighboring farm. Members of the Council commented regarding the ‘pea patch’ feature of the master plan, and offered their support of the more natural farm concept of the proposed park. Park Facility Plan Ms. B. Sanders, Senior Parks Planner, provided a report in conjunction with a consultant from the SHKS Architects group, to the Mayor and Members of the Council. The presentation addressed: • four City facilities: the Old Redmond Schoolhouse Community Center (ORSCC); the Old Firehouse Teen Center; the Redmond Senior Center (RSC); and the Redmond Pool at Hartman Park; • more work that needed to be done in order to finalize the study, including identifying repair work that must be done right away; • combined facility uses; • repair work and the status of the facilities at this time; • partnering with other entities regarding the Hartman Park pool facility; and • the current lease of the Old Redmond Schoolhouse Community Center with the Lake Washington School District. (The regular meeting recessed at 8:55 p.m. and reconvened at 9:04 p.m.) PARCC Plan Draft Councilmember Myers relayed that the parks comprehensive plan (the Parks, Arts, Recreation, Culture & Conservation/PARCC Plan) is required to be updated every six years. Mr. Craig Larson, Parks and Recreation Director, spoke regarding the public involvement process on the update, noting that nine future meetings will be held prior to bringing the matter back to the Council for consideration of adoption in approximately one month with recommendations. Ms. Carolyn Hope spoke regarding: • the goal of the plan – to preserve the quality of life in Redmond; • the purpose of the plan; • changes proposed since the 2004 plan review; • levels of service policies being added in an effort to balance future growth in the City; • PARCC Plan components; • the priorities of the public; • Capital Improvement Program prioritizing of projects; • the development of a rating scale; and • costs being broken down into three phases and funding options. ---PAGE BREAK--- City Council Study Session Summary Page 3 of 3 January 26, 2010 Councilmember Vache requested that the plan specifically identify a goal of partnering with user groups. Councilmember Cole: • stated with regard to equity distribution, that emphasis be placed on park lands in the south and west areas of the City; • requested the Sammamish Waterfront Park be added to the plan for credit; • noted the references in the document to the Burlington Northern Santa Fe Railroad will need updating based on the current status of that project; and • opined there is a need for further discussion of funding in the future, perhaps, at the conclusion of the budget discussions. Council Talk Time Councilmember Cole noted that the draft Council retreat report has been distributed and that comments are due back by Sunday evening to the facilitator. Councilmember Myers spoke regarding the City of Bellevue’s discussions of rerouting the preferred alignment of light rail through Bellevue, which may have impacts on Redmond. Councilmember Allen stated that the Code Rewrite Commission will be bringing its first round of work to the Council for consideration, and asked that any questions from Council be formulated and sent to staff prior to that discussion.