kiwanis park project report - nc-pittsboro.civicplus.com

Kiwanis Park - Kiwanis Park Project Report - Lift[ED] - November 2019 1

Kiwanis ParkProject Report 11/22/2019Facilitated by the Town of Pittsboro Parks Department and Lift Environmental Design, Inc

The following report summarizes the results of site analysis, public engagement, design workshop, and meetings facilitated by the Town of Pittsboro Parks Department and Lift Environmental Design, Inc for the purpose of gathering data to support the design of Kiwanis Park in the Town of Pittsboro, NC.

Facilitators Paul Horne, Town of Pittsboro Jesse Turner, PLA, Lift[ED] Zeke Wilkinson, PLA, Lift[ED] Grayson Baur, PLA, Catalpa

Community Outreach Meeting Attendees: Candace Bailey, Kevin Boone, Makenna Boone, Andy Bowlen, Sarah Brinson, Pat Cothren, Noah Decker, Patti Dukes, John Donahue, Ray Forrest, Christina Hardin, Pat Harris, Jim Hart, Libby Hart, Walter Harris, Evan harrison and Family, John Justice, Esther Neal, Richard Parr, Lee Sullivan, Niegel Sullivan, Sledd Thomas, Jim Vaughn, Toddy Yanders, Suzanne Yanders

Charrette Participants: Sarah Brinson, Sarah Carr, Anne Clancy, Onicas Gaddis, Malcom Henry, John Justice, Sheen Klaus, KT Leary, Bridget Perry, Julie Wilkerson

Contents:Introduction 2Images of Existing Condtions 3-4Analysis 5-7Online Questionnaire Summary 8-11Design Charette 12-17Functional Diagrams 18-19PARTF Grant Summary 20-22Critical Questions and Recommendations 23-25


Lift[ED]’s community-centered participatory process began with an analysis of the existing conditions of the site, the project requirements, and meetings between the Town of Pittsboro and Kiwanis Park. A public meeting was held at the Kiwanis building and an online questionairre was launched to gather broader input and almost 100 community members responded. Lift[Ed] prepared a report from the questionnaire data and held a design workshop with community represenatives in order to develop alternative visions for the park, based on community input. This process produced two essential approaches to the overall layout of the park, and generated many questions that must be addressed before we can proceed with our planning efforts. This report summarizes and illustrates the findings of our efforts on the project to date and highlights important considerations for our future efforts.

Past Meetings and Events:June 5th, 2019: Project Kickoff MeetingAugust 29th, 2019: Community Outreach MeetingAugust 27th - September 15th: Online Questionnaire ActiveOctober 3rd, 2019: Stakeholder Design CharretteNovember 6th, 2019: Follow-up Meeting with Kiwanis and Town of Pittsboro

Introduction

Project Site

Kiwanis Park in Pittsboro, NC. Image source: Google Maps


Images of Existing Conditions

Aerial view of the project

Entrance Signage Kiwanis Building Gravel Parking/ Lawn/ Storage

Concrete Pipes Edge of Woods Woodland Area with Erosion Issues


Images of Existing Conditions

View of Existing Playground

Playground Entrance Turtle Sculpture Music Station

Toddler Area Swing Set Water Fountain


Map 2-Site Charactistics

Analysis

Map 1-Kiwanis Expansion Diagram


Analysis

Map 3-Environmental Analysis

Map 4-Vegetations Analysis with Tree Health Analysis as Observed by Lift[ED]

Analysis


Map 5-Slope and Drainage Analysis

Analysis

Map 6-Utilities


The following summarizes the results of an online questionnaire facilitated by the Town of Pittsboro and Lift[ED] for the following purpose of gathering data to support the design of Kiwanis Park. The online questionnaire was active from 08/27/2019 to 09/15/19 and recieved input from 99 respondents.

1. Respondent Identities:

Parents or guardians were the primary respondents (88%), followed by community organization representatives (7%), and teachers/care providers (5%).

2. Do you or your children/ students have special needs?

The majority of respondents do not have children/students with special needs (90%).

3. Does your child/ do your children have special needs listed below?

The majority of respondents cited not having children with special needs (85%), followed by children with autism spectrum disorders/ asperger’s syndrome (12%), physical impairment/ limited mobility (3%), visual impairment (2%), intellectual disability (1%), and hearing impairments (1%).

4. How often do you visit Kiwanis Park?

The majority of respondents visit Kiwanis Park less than once a month (31%), but an almost equal amount visit 1-2 times per month.

5. When are you and your children/ students most likely to visit Kiwanis Park?

Weekday afternoons were cited as the most popular time to visit Kiwanis Park (37%), followed by weekend mornings (26%).

6. Is it important that your children/ students have the opportunity to play with a variety of children, including those with disabilities?

The majority of respondents strongly agree or agree (86%).

7. Do you believe that playground equipment should be designed so all children can play together, including those with physical and other disabilities?

The majority of respondents strongly agree or agree (84%).

8. Would a sidewalk with benches and street tress along Credle Street make walking to Kiwanis Park safer or more pleasant?

The majority of respondents agree (70%) that a sidewalk with benches and trees along Credle Street make walking to Kiwanis Park safer and more pleasant.

Online Questionnaire Summary


9. Would a connection toward Rectory Street make walking to Kiwanis Park safer or more pleasant?

The majority of respondents agree (60%) that a connection toward Rectory Street would make walking to Kiwanis Park safer or more pleasant.

10. What type of programs would you like to see offered at an expanded Kiwanis Park?

The majority of respondents would like to see educational activities (73%), followed by outdoor crafts (67%), and summer day camps (51%).

11. The top ten play equipment priorities survey participants regarded as “very important” to include in a new design:

1. Swings/ Swinging Equipment 2. Slides 3. Climbing Areas 4. Water Play Areas 5. Spinning Elements 6. Pretend/ Sensory Play Kitchen 7. Fort Building Areas 8. Small Stages/ Raised Platforms for Children 9. Sensory Play (Lights/ Sounds, Tactile, Music) 10. Art Areas 12. Survey participants ranking of functional priorities for our playspace to include in a new design:

1. Shade Elements 2. Bathrooms 3. Fences and landscape zones to enclose play areas and protect “runners” 4. Drinking Fountains 5. Seating Areas 6. Wheelchair/ Stroller Accessibility 7. Picnic Tables 8. Picnic Shelter 9. Parking 10. Wheelchair accessible playground safety surfacing 11. Visual or tactile overview map to help orient visitors



13. Survey participants ranking of natural features for our playspace to include in a new design:

1. Shade 2. Boulders 3. Logs for climbing and playing on 4. Sensory gardens 5. Digging areas 6. Maze/ labyrinths 7. Hills and slopes 8. Wildlife viewing areas 9. Gardening opportunities 10. Unprogrammed open grassy areas

14. Of the choices below, which would you consider to be the most important potential benefit of Kiwanis Park?

- It will provide a safe and challenging place to play, play having inherent benefits - It will help me and my children/ students feel free and de-stress - It will help my child/ student develop - It will help my child/ student learn science and concepts

The most important benefit of visiting Kiwanis Park, cited by respondents, is that the park will provide a safe and challenging place to play, and that play will have inherent benefits (67%).

15. What do you and your children like the most about other playgrounds? (open-ended question)


The top ten elements participants like the most about other playgrounds:

1. Shade (16%) 2. Space (12%) 3. Slides (12%) 4. Climbing (12%) 5. Variety (11%) 6. Swings (10%) 7. Unique (8%) 8. Safe (6%) 9. Different (5%) 10. Ability (3%)


15. What do you and your children like the least about other playgrounds? (open-ended question)

The top ten elements participants like the least about other playgrounds:

1. No Shade (21%) 2. Poor Equipment (18%) 3. No Bathrooms (14%) 4. No Fencing (8%) 5. Hot (4%) 6. Unsafe (4%) 7. Small (4%) 8. No Seating (4%) 9. No Water (3%) 10. Older Kids (3%)



Design CharetteThe charrette began with a brief presentation providing participants with a refresher of all of the data and analysis performed to date. Thisi included site analysis, site photos, and the results of the online questionnaire.

Brainstorming the activities, experiences, and priorities of a new play space

Charrette participants were given an introduction to the charette process from Jesse Turner of Lift[ED]. Participates began the charette by brainstorming ideas for priorities and goals of the Kiwanis Park. After a brief review and discussion of the brainstorm activity, three teams were created and given a basemap featuring the project area, as well as a collection of materials ranging from #2 pencils and pens, to craft paper and glue. Participants then spent two hours with their teams visualizing their ideas for improvements to the outdoor space with periodic check-ins from the Lift[ED] team.

Jesse Turner giving an introduction

Teams sharing their ideas for improvements to park Describing goals during the brainstorm activity


Mission, Goals, and PrioritiesCharette participants began with a brainstorm activity that included documentation of priorities and desired goals for Kiwanis Park.

Mission Statement

The following is a working mission statement provided by the Pittsboro Kiwanis Club and the Town of Pittsboro prior to the design charette:

“To integrate a universally designed playground or playgrounds fostering inclusive play for children aged roughly 2-12 years old into a larger site containing more universally appealing park amenities such as asphalt trails, open fields, wooded areas, neighborhood connections, picnic shelter/s and a bathroom facility. The park should be a great place first, which happens to contain useful, fun, and whimsical park amenities. There should be a strong arts component throughout the park.”

Kiwanis Organization’s Mission Statement (below) is reinforced by the statement above.

“Kiwanis empowers communities to improve the world by making lasting differences in the lives of children.”

Goals

The most frequently mentioned goals and experiences for visitors to Kiwanis Park by charette participants include (from most to least mentioned):

1. Permission to explore 6. Connection to nature 2. Discovery 7. Accessible Play 3. Creativity 8. Variety of Play 4. Freedom to play 9. Observation of Natural Functions 5. Inclusive

Program Elements

The most important program elements for visitors to Kiwanis Park by charette participants include:

1. Climbing Elements 6. Pretend/ Sensory play 2. Shade Elements 7. Art elements 3. Swinging elements 8. Digging opportunities 4. Water play elements 9. Construction play 5. Spinning elements 10. Hiding opportunities


Features to Retain

-Turtle -Valuable trees or other vegetation -Sandboxes

Site Elements to Retain

These are constraints largely dictated by the Kiwanis Club. It has taken this level of design to really even be able to frame these issues well so the Kiwanis Club can now consider these constraints within the context of several overall possible design scenarios.

Some parking will be required, a loop access road of some sort is practical, and the Kiwanis Hut isn’t going anywhere. Mature healthy trees would obviously need to be retained. We left downed walnut and cedar trees for incorporation into the park.

Utilities/ Infrastructure to Include

See the park prototype below from the Pittsboro Parks and Recreation Masterplan for typical local park amenities. This would serve as the starting point, though some elements could be eliminated due to this being smaller than a neighborhood park and is serving as a specialized playground oriented park.

-Connection to municipal sewer -Public WiFi -Some Kiwanis Storage -Parking -Building Service Areas -Path connections to points East -Stormwater -Picnic Shelter -Restrooms (possibly but not necessarily integrated into the picnic shelter)


Mapping ActivityBelow is a summary of major ideas from each of the three maps generated by each team, including features common to all three maps and unique ideas for the map featured.

Map AA central pavilion/shelter with bathroom facilities behind the existing Kiwanis building serves as a central hub adjacent to the entrance of the park by the expanded parking lot. The park has an added entrance in the rear, with a primary path linking the front and rear entrance and a secondary path circulating around park features.

Common Features:- Art/ Sculpture Elements- Swings- Open Space- Climbing play- Water Play- Shelter/ Pavilion- Restrooms- Quiet Area- Digging play- Zip Line - Nature play

Unique Features:- Entrance in the rear- Mudzone- Ropes course - Re-Align stream


Mapping Activity

Map B


Unique Features:- Labyrinth- Telescope- New entrance sign - Speed Bumps- Open space in wooded area

A central area towards the stream is used for grilling, games, and adults congrigating. Play areas are in the wooded area to the rear of the site and along the south boundary of the site. The existing parking lot is expanded and the entrance sign is redone with art incorporated.


Mapping Activity

Map CA central lawn with an amphitheater and shelter with bathrooms on opposite ends. Two circular path systems work to enclose elements of the design and focus the attention of the park inward. A central area for small children and guardians is situated in the rear wooded area for visibility to the rest of the playground.


Unique Features:- Play tunnels- Animal theme- Garden/ walkway in front- Art wall


Functional Diagrams

Diagram 1

Concept A is organized by a central lawn in the rear of the Kiwanis building into a circular path with various uses of space along the path. The building is expanded in the concept to include possible restrooms and sheltered space for the park. Additional parking is accommodated by renovating the existing gravel parking lot, and by adding parking to the existing driveway loop.


Functional Diagrams

Diagram 2

Concept B has a primary serpentine pathway through the site with an entrance in the rear with the possibility of connecting to Pittsboro’s greenway system. Second to that are minor paths specifically related to the park and its functions. A central lawn anchors the design with a stand alone structure providing restrooms and functional elements to the park. The existing gravel parking lot is expanded to accommodate proposed parking.


Parks and Recreation Trust Fund (PARTF) Grant SummaryThe PARTF scoring system for grants is divided into the following five categories:

1.Planning (20 possible points)2.Level of public involvement in developing and supporting the project (15 possible points)3.Public recreational facilities provided by the project: (45 possible points)4.The Suitability of the Site for the Proposed Project. (5 possible points)5.The applicant’s commitment to operating and maintaining the project (15 possible points).

The current Park Master Plan process is designed to specifically address these categories in detail as follows:

Planning: The scoring system calls for a recent master plan for the park, preferably adopted by the governing authority. The present master plan effort will fulfill this requirement by providing a graphic plan and cost estimate as required by PARTF.

Public Involvement: The scoring system awards significant points for both public meetings and a recreational survey to assess the needs for the park. The current master plan process has already accomplished both these recommendations and documented them as required. This documentation includes meeting advertisement, meeting minutes, and public comments.

Public Facilities: The scoring system awards points for providing new and renovated recreational facilities, with higher scores granted to three or more planned facilities. In response, the Master Plan will specifically document three or more such facilities proposed for Kiwanis Park, such as climbing structures, a water play area, a restroom building, and so forth, and demonstrate how they will fit on the site.

Site Suitablity: The scoring systems asks for documentation of the appropriateness of the park and its location relative to public access, environmental concerns, and uses on adjacent properties. The analysis maps already developed for the Master Plan will be used to demonstrate the suitability of this park to its site.

Operations and Maintenance: By providing a quantifiable plan of improvements, The Master Plan process will enable the Town to establish a plan for maintaining the park in partnership with the Kiwanis Club as agreed upon. The Master Plan will also identify community groups who might be enlisted to help maintain or manage the Park.

In addition to the guidelines listed in the scoring system, the PARTF Grant Application calls for a Description and Justification of the project and a summary of Project Costs. We will derive the park description directly from the master plan and demonstrate (with the help of the Planning Department) why the park is needed in Pittsboro. We will base the project cost estimate specifically on improvement quantities proposed in the Master Plan using current unit prices that have been vetted by similar recent bids.

Please see following pages for PARTF Grant Application timeline and application checklist.


Parks and Recreation Trust Fund (PARTF) Grant ChecklistPer 2019-2020 PARTF Grant Application Package

6

Checklist to Submit a Complete Application

Use this checklist to ensure that all required documents, as well as the correct number of paper copies for each document, are included with your digital application. Paper clip the copies of each item on the checklist together. Do not use staples. Keep a copy of the application for your files. Each application must have the digital items on a flash drive in PDF format and must accompany paper copies as per the guidelines in the table below. Applicant: ___________________________ Project’s Title: _________________________

Required for All Applications (File Name)

Page

Reference

Number of Required Copies

Included

Paper Digital

1. Checklist for Submitting a Complete Application (Checklist) 6 1 Submit one flash drive including each file as a separate PDF. U

se the (file name) denoted on the checklist.

2. Applicant’s Basic Facts and Assurances (Basic facts) 7 1

3. Description and Justification for the Project (Justification) 8 20

4. Site Plan: for projects to construct or renovate facilities (Site plan) OR Conceptual Plan: for land acquisition only projects (Site plan) 9-10 20

5. Project Costs (Project costs) 11-12 1

6. Source of Matching Funds (Matching funds) 14 1

7. Site Vicinity Map (Site vicinity) 15 1

8. Scoring System (Scoring system) 22-29 1

Required for Projects to Construct or Renovate Facilities

9. Attorney’s Certification of Site Control (Site control) Does not apply if the site will be acquired with this PARTF project

13 If applicable, 1

10. Environmental Review (ENV review) 20-21 1

11. Local Government & School Joint-Use Agreement (Joint use) Only applies to facilities located on school property

4 If applicable, 1

Required for Projects to Acquire Property (including acquisition with a waiver)

12. Acquisition Form (Acquisition form) 18 1

13. Appraisal, Property Tax Value or estimate by an appraiser (Land value) 17 1

14. Legal Description of the Land (Land description) 19 1

15. History of Conveyance for donated land (Conveyance) 17 If applicable, 1

Documents for the Scoring System

16. Master Plan for the Park (Master plan) 22 & 30 If available, 1

17. Parks and Recreation Systemwide Plan for the Jurisdiction (Comp plan) 23 & 31 If available, 1

18. Capital Improvement Plan for Parks and Recreation (CIP) 23& 32 If available, 1

19. Documentation of Surveys or Public Involvement (Public meeting), (Survey), (Civic Groups), (Advisory board)

24 & 32 If available, 1

20. Local Board Minutes or Resolution Adopting of Planning Documents 22-25 If available, 1


Parks and Recreation Trust Fund (PARTF) Timeline

DEC

PREPARE DRAFT APPLICATIONFinalize lease agreement

Draft Masterplan

April 1st Grant Application Due for Review

Mid-September Grants Awarded

May 1st Final Grant Application Due

Final Masterplan

Town Council Masterplan Approval

JAN FEB MAR APR MAY JUN JUL AUG SEP OCT

The timeline below represents target completion dates of design deliverables and grant application drafts. Internal deadlines such as revisions to conceptual/functional diagrams, preparation of schematic design iterations, illustrations, etc. will be delivered as quickly as possible. Lift[ED]’s workflow depends upon decision making by the Town of Pittsboro and Kiwanis Club. See the example plan below, provided in the PARTF applicaiton package. This example shows less information that the final schematic design for Kiwanis Park will provide. Production for this plan will be simple and quick, but the decisions required in order to delineate requests for funding from PARTF will require in-depth coordination between the Town of Pittsboro and Kiwanis Club in order to provide a feasible and successful proposal.

Example plan from PARTF application.

Timeline for PARTF grant application


Critical Questions and RecommendationsDuring the process of holding workshops and responding to user input during the design process, key questions have emerged. Where possible, Lift[ED] has provided recommendations below:

1. How can the relationship between the proposed park and the functions of the Kiwanis Clubs co-exist?

Recommendation: Many potential synergies and conflicts exist between Kiwanis Club use and park use. Lift[ED]’s functional diagrams illustrate alternatives that either separate or combine use of various features such as the park shelter, which could be constructed as an addition to the existing building or as a stand alone element. Programming for each of these features need to be carefully considered before decisions are made. We recommend further meetings and discussions with all stakeholders to determine the most appropriate course of action.

2. Can the park connect to Pittsboro’s larger parks and recreation system?

Recommendation: Lift[ED] was provided with a study for shared use paths during the design process. This path connects Kiwanis Park to the larger parks and recreation system and presents an opportunity to increase the pedestrian and bicycle mobility throughout the town. We recommend creating a path through the Kiwanis Park site and developing entrances along the west and east property boundaries. These connections can be managed with a security fence along the property boundaries and clear indications of park operation hours. Connections increase safe access for all users, particularly those that benefit most from universal design and accessibility.

3. How does pathway and vehicular circulation impact the design and use of Kiwanis Park?

Recommendation: Functional diagrams provided by Lift[ED] illustrate two possible circulation systems. The key differences between these alternatives are the approaches to fitting the shared use path through the park and the configuration of parking. Lift[ED] recommends adding parking to the driveway loop in order to minimize impervious surfaces and take advantage of existing asphalt pavement. The shared use path alignment should be discussed with the Town of Pittsboro and community stakeholders to determine of there is an appreciable advantage to creating a discernable pathway, or if the shared use path can meander throughout a looping path system.

4. Would acquiring property to the SW of the parcel be beneficial to the Kiwanis Park?

Recommendation: While it is not necessary to acquire the additional property, aquisition of it would provide the following benefits: simplify property boundary geometry, the ability to provide greater erosion control and stabilization and improvement to the aesthetics of the park. We recommend further discussion with the land owner in order to make an informed decision.


5. What natural features and site characteristics of the site can be used as park features?

Recommendation: Trees that exist along the edges of the property are in better health and will be easier to preserve during construction. There are several trees within the property that need to be removed due to apparent decline in health. These trees are primarily in the center of the undeveloped area (west end of the property). Stormwater is of primary concern on the site, having currently caused major erosion and channelization throughout the west end of the property. Lift[ED] recommends consolidating funding for stormwater management and erosion control into park use by creating a natural amenity that can be used for play and exploration. In addition, nearby construction activities have unearthed many natural boulders that could be used for the construction of Kiwanis Park. Lift[ED] recommends creating a stockpile area on site in order to save boulders for use in terracing, erosion control, potential retaining walls, and as park features. The variations in topography on site allow for more inherently interesting play environments and site responsive design will allow for reduced grading, concentrating funding on play opportunities.

6. What is the most reasonable and affordable method of connecting the park shelter and Kiwanis Club building to the municipal sewer system?

Recommendation: Lift[ED] and Wake Land Design (Civil Engineer) explored three options for municipal sewer connection as illustrated in our site analysis diagrams shown in this report. Two of these options explore connections to the west and would create a gravity sewer connection. The required pipe depth, length, and alignment makes these options physically challenging and cost prohibitive. The design team recommends installing a grinder pump and connecting to the sewer line along Credle Street in order to minimize construction cost and avoid entanglement with adjacent property owners.

SummaryThis report documents the progress-to-date of this transparent design process. A process oriented approach was consciously employed because of the special dynamics inherent in public private partnerships with diverse groups of stakeholders. The design process is just entering the schematic design phase. The charrette greatly informed the conceptual design which has been consolidated by the design team into two potential alternatives. While these sketches are polished and finished-looking, there is nothing set in stone with these proposals.

Next StepsFeedback will be received from the Kiwanis Club. Questions about the extent and arrangement of potential park features has evolved through the design process with continual involvement of the Kiwanis project representatives. The entire site has been viewed in a comprehensive manner in order to envision potential best uses of the property. A discussion and feedback from a larger group of Kiwanis Club representatives hasn’t been possible without being at this stage of design. Part of the PARTF grant requires the site to be delineated into what is considered the park or non-park for the grant’s purposes. An assessment of this can be more intelligently made at this stage of the process. Likewise


Town representatives, and the Parks & Recreation Advisory Board, along with community stakeholders including charrette participants and others, will need to ensure that the park will meet community needs and desires. The results of these discussions will be reflected in the park sketches. There is an elegant design solution where most if not all stakeholders needs and desires can be met. Community, Town and Kiwanis Club goals remain in alignment so refinement of the details is where we’re at in the process. Once a firm conceptual design with early schematic elements are in place the Town’s elected officials will need to be briefed in order to check-in to see if the process is proceeding along the track that they’ve envisioned, answer any questions they may have, and make any course corrections if necessary.