tipton greenways

www.cityblm.org

Case Study Tipton Trails Subdivsion

David Lamb, Horticulturist dlamb@cityblm.org

Kevin Kothe, P.E. City Engineer kkothe@cityblm.org

• 50 acre park. 85% native prairie. 7 acre lake • Waterplay, athletic fields, shelter, playground

1940 College Ave

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• 50 acre park. 85% native prairie. 7 acre lake • Waterplay, athletic fields, shelter, playground

1951 College Ave

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• 50 acre park. 85% native prairie. 7 acre lake • Waterplay, athletic fields, shelter, playground

1972 College Ave

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• 50 acre park. 85% native prairie. 7 acre lake • Waterplay, athletic fields, shelter, playground

1982 College Ave

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• 50 acre park. 85% native prairie. 7 acre lake • Waterplay, athletic fields, shelter, playground

1995 College Ave

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• 50 acre park. 85% native prairie. 7 acre lake • Waterplay, athletic fields, shelter, playground

2001 College Ave

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• 50 acre park. 85% native prairie. 7 acre lake • Waterplay, athletic fields, shelter, playground

2004 College Ave

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• 50 acre park. 85% native prairie. 7 acre lake • Waterplay, athletic fields, shelter, playground

2006 College Ave

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• 50 acre park. 85% native prairie. 7 acre lake • Waterplay, athletic fields, shelter, playground

2008 College Ave

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• 50 acre park. 85% native prairie. 7 acre lake • Waterplay, athletic fields, shelter, playground

2010 College Ave

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• 50 acre park. 85% native prairie. 7 acre lake • Waterplay, athletic fields, shelter, playground

2012 College Ave

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20 Year Pre-annexation agreement adopted 4/10/2000 Annexed 5/22/2000 9 Additions

Annexation Agreement Key Points

Mrs. Tipton sold 107.54 Acres to Larry Hundman, the developer of Tipton Trails Subdivision and gave 49.51 Acres to the City of Bloomington for Parkland

The developer will construct backyard drainage ways (swales with native plantings)

The City will allow a reduction in sewer sizing requirements

The City and developer will formulate a list of allowable plantings in these drainage ways

Concept Plan

Mary Tipton gave 49.51 Acres to Bloomington for a City’s park under certain conditions

Conditions for the Park

The park is to honor her family

Water detention must be in the park

The park must contain “passive” (non-

competitive sports) recreation activities

• 50 acre park. 85% native prairie. 7 acre lake • Waterplay, athletic fields, shelter, playground

• Planted in stages between 2001 and 2003 • Native prairie into urban environment

• Shoreline stabilized with plants not rocks • Species include arrowhead and bulrush

• Tall grass prairie dominates most of park • Species include bluestem and Indian grass

• How do you maintain a native prairie in town? • Education and communication with residents

• Prescribed burning • Ecological mowing

Challenges

• Invasive plants • Algae and aquatic weeds

• Beavers • Inlets/outlets and storm water

• Combination of active and passive recreation

• Clogged inlets due to beavers and tall grass • Water could not exit to Sugar Creek

• Life Trail exercise system • Encourages handicapped patrons

• Water play very popular • Parties and gatherings

• Open air barn shelter • Farming theme to play area

Covenants The developer filed the protective covenants

on May 12th, 2000

The covenants will expire in 2025 4 amendments has been approved since the covenants were

filed

Covenants are a type of contractual arrangement It states what the owner of the land can and can’t do with the

property

Per Covenants No trees, bushes, or other

landscaping materials should be placed in the drainage ways

Keep drainage way free and clear Drainage way and Utility Easement Typically 30 feet wide with 15 feet from each backyard

No playhouses, swing sets, or other recreational items should be placed in the drainage ways

No fences of any type are permitted in the drainage ways

Native Prairie Grass Facts

Enhances the landscape

Lives a long time after establishment

They generally establish slowly The root systems are the best natural soil anchors

Advantages

Cleans the water that filters into the pond The root system absorbs the nitrates and phosphates,

which allows the grass to grow Soil stabilization

The deep roots decrease erosion by anchoring soil

Disadvantages

• The grass becomes very tall

• Very hard to mow

• Difficulty to upkeep the maintenance

• Attracts unwanted wildlife