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HomeMy WebLinkAboutItem #11 Approval of Redevelopment Master Plan for Central Park I AGENDA ITEM COVER SHEET Meeting Date: April 3, ~007 Item # J f Contact Name: Contact Number: Jeffrey Hayes 407 -905-3180 Reviewed By: Department Director: City Manager: I/IuAJ.rJr Subject: Redevelopment Master Plan for Central Park Background Summary: In December 2006 the City contracted with HHI Consultants to develop a master plan for the redevelopment of Central Park. The City was seeking to upgrade the park to address several areas of concern that included: accessibility, safety, functionality, and aesthetics. The City sought HHl's assistance in assessing the park's existing conditions, making recommendation for upgrades and in preparing a master plan for the redevelopment of Central Park. City staff met with HHI in December 2006, to discuss the issues, concerns and problems it faced with the management and maintenance of the park. In January 2007, City staff and HHI representatives met with representatives of both the Ocoee Bulldogs Pop Warner Football League and Ocoee Little League. The purpose of the meetings was to receive feedback from the leagues and to determine what their needs were from a facility standpoint. Both groups provided additional insight into their programs and what their priorities were for the redevelopment of the park. In January and February 2007, City staff and HHI representatives presented conceptual plans for the redevelopment of the park to the Park and Recreation Advisory Board. Based upon the meetings with City staff, input from shareholders (Little League and Pop Warner Football) and the Park and Recreation Advisory Board, the attached conceptual plan, cost estimates and phasing recommendations have been developed. The conceptual plan, cost estimates and phasing recommendations are meant to serve to guide for the City in its planning and budgeting for future improvements to the park. In addition to this, these documents will assist the City in applying for local, state and federal assistance through various grant programs. The estimated costs to accomplish the improvements identified within the plan are anticipated to exceed four million dollars. The Parks and Recreation Department has developed a phasing plan that would spread this cost out over several years. The phasing plan is based upon the assumption that funding levels will remain consistent for the first three phases with that of the current fiscal year, $500,000. However, it is understood that funding could certainly vary form one year to another, based upon the overall needs of the City Commission. The phasing plan attempts to address the identified deficiencies that are related to safety and accessibility, and to take advantage of undeveloped or underdeveloped assets within the park that will enhance the use and enjoyment of the park by the general public. Issue: Should the City Commission approve the conceptual plan of the proposed improvements and new facilities for Central Park? Recommendations City staff recommends that the City Commission approve the conceptual plan of the proposed improvements and new facilities for Central Park. Attachments: Central Park Conceptual Masterplan Renderina.pdf Central Park Master Plan tech mem.pdf CentralParkRedevelopmentPhasina Plan032607 .doc Financial Impact: The City has appropriated $500,000 for improvements to Central Park in the 2006-07 budget. Future improvements to the park will be based upon the funding levels appropriated by the City Commission during budget deliberations. Type of Item: (please mark with an "x') Public Hearing _ Ordinance First Reading _ Ordinance Second Reading Resolution ~ Commission Approval Discussion & Direction For Clerk's Dept Use: _ Consent Agenda _ Public Hearing _ ~egular Agenda _ Original Document/Contract Attached for Execution by City Clerk _ Original Document/Contract Held by Department for Execution Reviewed by City Attorney Reviewed by Finance Dept. Reviewed by 0 N/A N/A N/A 2 CENTRAL PARK REDEVELOPMENT PLAN Current Year - 2007 Phase - I ($500,000) Improvements planned for Central Park this year will include: · Improvements to the playground area to include removing old, out of date equipment and installing new play equipment. Installing new surface material to meet safety and accessibility standards. . Improvements to the existing shelter at the playground to include painting and new site furnishings. . Improvements to the existing basketball court to include resurfacing and crack filling. . Upgrading the walkways in and around the playground area and ball fields areas. · Installing new site furnishings (benches, trash receptacles, tables, etc.) in the playground area. . Improvements to the pedestrian lighting in the playground area and ballfield areas. . Installing a decorative rail fence along the property line adjacent to the railroad right-of-way. . Removing the existing chainlink fence and installing new chainlink fence along the western and southern property lines. . Install landscape plantings and irrigation. · Replacement of the bleachers at the baseball fields and football fields. · Construction of ADA ramps for the baseball field and football fields, and reconstruct the stairs at the football field. . Install signage throughout the park. Future Years Phases - II ($500,000) Improvements could include: . Construction of the boardwalk and fishing piers at the lake. . Construction of the nature trail · Additional pedestrian lighting throughout the park. . Install landscape plantings and irrigation. · Renovations of the infield and outfield on the baseball fields and replacement of ballfield fence. · Upgrading the walkways in the ballfield and passive park areas. . Install additional site furnishings. . Install additional signage throughout park. Phase - III ($500,000) Improvements could include: · Renovations of the infield and outfield on the baseball fields and replacement of ballfield fence. . Install shade covers to the bleachers for football and baseball. . Upgrading walkways in the ballfield and passive park areas. . Improvements to the pedestrian lighting throughout the park. . Install landscape plantings and irrigation. . New batting cages. Additional Phases: Improvements could include: . Constructing additional parking for football, baseball, and passive areas. . Constructing new restrooms at playground area. . Construction new court areas (basketball and tennis). . Construction of stormwater retention ponds. . Upgrades to and expansion of concession buildings. . Upgrades to restrooms, pressboxes and storage facilities. . Construction of terraced wall at football field. . New picnic pavilions. planning landscape architecture environmental graphics Better Uving by Design! 423 south keller road. suite 300 orlando. fl 32810.6132 407.422.1449 (office) 407.875.0851 (fax) email@hhidesign.com www.hhidesign.com TECHNICAL MEMORANDUM To: Jeff Hayes, Director Ocoee Parks & Recreation Department From: Laura M. Minns, AICP Date: February 22, 2007 HHI #: 2642 Subject Central Park Master Plan BACKGROUND In late 2006, the City of Ocoee and HHI entered into an agreement to develop a site master plan for the existing Central Park facility located at 560 Flewelling Drive. Central Park is one of the City's most heavily used park and provides a blend of activity-based and resource-based recreation opportunities. The City desires to upgrade the park and sought HHI's assistance in assessing the park's existing conditions, making recommendation for upgrades and in preparing a master plan for the redevelopment of Central Park. This technical memorandum serves as the narrative portion of the plan developed for Central Park. Attached to this document is a rendered conceptual plan of the proposed improvements and new facilities, an estimate of probable costs for the development of the master plan, and recommendations for phasing the implementation of the plan. City of Ocoee Central Park Master Plan Technical Memorandum February 22, 2007 Page 2 of 9 PARK ASSESSMENT On 12/20/06, Laura Minns and Christi Burton (HHI) met on site with Jeff Hayes (City of Ocoee Parks and Recreation Director), Mac Briley (City of Ocoee Parks Supervisor), Vito J. Petrone (City of Ocoee Parks and Recreation Operations Manager), and Mark Johnson (City of Ocoee, Athletic Supervisor). General Observations: . Central Park is the oldest park in the City. . The park is approximately 40 acres in size and located with waterfront access to Lake Moxie. . Park hours are from 7am - 11 pm. . Overall 2006/07 budget for project renovation is $500,000 to be used before September 30, 2007. . Window for 2006/07 construction would be from July to September 2007. . Highest priorities according to staff were new fencing/bleachers, and parking. There also seemed to be a lack of adequate restrooms to serve the leagues using the park. There were no restrooms located in the passive area of the park (located to the east). . The park gets lots of use and most of the maintenance and new construction is performed by City staff or volunteers. Existino Facilities: . 1 football field in good condition . 3 Little League fields in good condition . 1 basketball court in fair condition . 1 tennis court in poor condition . 1 sand volleyball court in fair condition (court area is not defined and sand contained debris) . 1 playground area in fair to poor condition (graffiti painted on newest playground, older playground elements appeared very dated and worn) . 1 large picnic shelter and grill in fair condition (graffiti and vandalism present, appeared dated) . 1 small picnic shelter and grill in fair condition (in need of fresh paint) . 1 batting cage in poor condition . City maintenance/storage yard (inadequate for size of park . 2 concession buildings for football and baseball appeared to be in good structural condition. Graffiti present on football concession walls . 1 scorekeepers building for football with restrooms in fair condition (lacks ADA accessibility and adequate restrooms) . 1 press box for baseball with restrooms in fair condition, (lack of adequate restrooms) . 1 volleyball court located near football fields in poor condition (not a City facility, created by nearby residents using scrap materials and equipment) . 11 parking spaces by basketball court . 98 parking spaces/8 handicapped by baseball fields . 0 parking spaces by football field City of Ocoee Central Park Master Plan Technical Memorandum February 22, 2007 Page 3 of 9 ~ I Baseball Field Children's Playground Basketball Court r- -- - - -- - - Football Field Open Space Along Lakefront (retention/detention) Large Picnic Pavilion City of Ocoee Central Park Master Plan Technical Memorandum February 22, 2007 Page 4 of 9 Functionalitv/Safetv Issues: The following items relate to the functionality and safety of the existing facilities within the park. These items either relate to existing topographic conditions that create maintenance issues over time or accessibility and tripping hazards. Other items identified were those that relate to the capacity of the facility to meet the needs of the organizations that use the park. . Drainage and erosion problems were observed throughout entire park, but especially on ball fields and in the dugouts. As a result, over time the ball fields have begun to slope towards Lake Moxie, creating a less than ideal playing surface. With respect to the football field, erosion problems have resulted in maintenance problems, particularly at the south endzone. . No ADA accessible ramps were present throughout entire park. Many ramps were too steep or lacked required hand rails. . Tripping hazards including cracked concrete were noted throughout the entire park. . Active railroad tracks are located very close to children's play areas and in high traffic areas between overflow parking areas and the ball fields. Fencing should be installed between the walkways and the railroad tracks to provide for additional separation. An estimated 2-3 trains travel by park each day. . Vandalism/graffiti problem (especially at playground but also observed by football concession area) . Lack of parking throughout park, particularly near the football facility which had no designated parking. Lack of Handrails at Ramp Railroad tracks adjacent to walkway and ballfield Tripping Hazards Stairs Accessing Football Field City of Ocoee Central Park Master Plan Technical Memorandum February 22, 2007 Page 5 of 9 List of Improvements discussed bv Park Staff: During the site visit Parks and Recreation staff shared their opinions regarding potential new facilities and needed improvements. The following is a summary of their input. . Improve the overall aesthetics of park, particularly dated materials such as benches, wooden bleachers, bollards, landscaping, and the like. . Consider developing the old tennis and basketball site into a skate park sometime in future. . Add another basketball court in place of tennis if skate park is not built/desired. . Improve passive area: update site furnishings, new playground, larger picnic pavilion. . Provide access to lake: new fishing pier and boardwalk. . Need more parking for football field and ball fields (enough to accommodate 300 participants and spectators). . Lighting enhancements (especially in passive areas) . Make park more ADA accessible which is critical due to the topography of the site. . New fencing throughout entire park for security and aesthetics. There are problems with cars driving on the grounds of the park and damaging turf. . Re-grade site (especially ballfields) to improve drainage. . New dugouts and bleachers needed. . Terracing on slopes around football field with a possible retaining wall at the south end zone. . Add a connection trail to link all program and activity areas within the park. . Get rid of invasive vegetative species. . Add low maintenance plant material. Existing Swing Sets & Slide Existing Bleachers Existing Dugouts (Floods During Rain) City of Ocoee Central Park Master Plan Technical Memorandum February 22, 2007 Page 6 of 9 PUBLIC MEETINGS & FEEDBACK In January 2007, HHI and City staff met with representatives of both the Ocoee Bulldogs Pop Warner Football League and Ocoee Little League. The purpose of the meetings was to receive feedback from the leagues and to determine what their needs were from a facility standpoint. Both groups were enthusiastic and provided additional insight into their programs and what their priorities were for the redevelopment of the park. The following is a summary of each league's feedback. Ocoee Little Leaoue Meetino - January 4, 2007 . There are 40 teams in the program. . The league serves children aged 4-12 years old. . There are approximately 120-180 Adult volunteers. . There ar~ approximately 500 kids in the entire league. . The fall season is September thru November. . The spring season is February through May. . Play-offs are June-July. . Games are played all day on Saturdays and one day a week. . No Saturday games during the fall season so as not to compete with football. . During the fall, the fields are used for practice. Functionality/safety Issues discussed: . Parking is a major problem. The league tries to schedule games so there is no overlapping to allow for more open parking spaces . Drainage is a major problem, particularly in the dugouts where stormwater collects in the dugouts and then has nowhere to drain. . Lack of ADA accessibility . Vandalism is a problem on their buildings, structures, fencing and the like. Condition of existino facilities: . Field lights don't meet standards anymore. . Concession stand is very small and needs upgrades. . Bleachers and dugouts are old/run down. . Batting cages are poor quality. List of improvements discussed bv the Ocoee Little Leaaue Board: . Additional parking is needed but the group acknowledged that it may not be practical or possible. . New bleachers . New batting cages (possibly located in place of existing tennis courts) . Security lighting (especially around concession area) . Improve walkways (ADA accessible) . Upgrade lights and power for field lighting. . More restrooms (currently only have one women's stall and one men's stall) . New Concession stand with more space. . Higher fence to cover foul balls, particularly the field fronting Flewelling Drive. · Lono-term ooal for leaoue: The group as a whole desires new sports facilities or additional fields and they want to see continued growth in the program. - City of Ocoee Central Park Master Plan Technical Memorandum February 22, 2007 Page 7 of 9 Ocoee BulldoQ POP Warner Football- January 3. 2007 . The league was established in the late 70s. . The board consists of 9 executive members and up to 50 volunteers. . There are 35 football members and 35 cheerleaders per team (12 teams total) . The league serves children aged 5-15 years old. . There is 1 coach in a wheelchair . They play one season each year which starts August 151 and can go to the second week of December. . The first game is the last weekend of August. . Cheerleaders practice on the field. . Football teams practice 6 days a week at various open fields throughout the City. . Games are on Saturdays, and the last game ends between 7:30 and 8pm. . The cleanup crew stays after last game and it is usually dark making security a concern. Functionality/Safety Issues discussed: . Parking is most critical issue/need o There are always 4 teams at the park at once since each team usually arrives 1 hour before their game starts. This results in approximately 140 kids at the park at once on a Saturday including their family and other spectators. o Currently, overflow parking is provided at the nearby Church and throughout the nearby neighborhood. (no formal agreement has been made with the Church, but thee church has not complained) . Drainage problems o Water collects in front of press box and right in front of concession stand. . The area behind the press box has become a high crime area (car break-ins vandalism, and graffiti). As a result, security lighting is needed. . Lots of broken glass in the area where the kids warm-up and stretch. . Sidewalks are in bad shape and create tripping hazards. . The facility as a whole is not ADA accessible (1 team has a coach in a wheelchair) Condition of existinQ facilities: . Concession Stand: o Plumbing and electrical in need of upgrade, particular at concession stand and restrooms. o AlC upgrade is needed in press box. . Restrooms between baseball and football frequently clog. . There are two restroom facilities, one with 2 female stalls and 1 male, the other with 3 female stalls and 2 male. . The press box is in good condition, but the bathrooms located at the back are not ADA accessible. List of improvements discussed bv the Bulldoo Football board: . Upgrades to concession stand/possibly another new concession stand on the other end of field. . Additional parking (parking could also be added behind press box and move fence closer to press box). . Covered areas needed in stands. . Security Lighting needed throughout the facility but particularly near the concession stand and around the press box. - City of Ocoee Central Park Master Plan Technical Memorandum February 22, 2007 Page 8 of 9 . Repave sidewalks. . Keep landscaping low for safety and visibility. . More restrooms are needed to adequately meet the number of users. Existing restrooms frequently clog and need to be renovated. Recreation Advisory Board MeetinQ On 01/22/07, Jeff Hayes (City of Ocoee Parks and Recreation), Laura Minns (HHI), Christi Burton (HHI), and Ginger Corless (HHI) met with the City of Ocoee Parks and Recreation Advisory Board to present the concept plan for the renovation of Central Park. List of improvements/comments discussed bv the Recreation Advisory Board: The following is a list of suggested changes and comments made by those present at the Advisory Board meeting. . Locate restroom facilities in the passive park area. . Add bike racks throughout the park. . Explore possibility of building an amphitheatre in the natural sloping area of the site. . Add another baseball field in place of the proposed location for the new playground. HHI and Parks and Recreation staff determined that this was not the best use of the area, that it should remain more of an unprogrammed passive area of the park. . Move the passive area so that it is more centrally located in the park. . Develop a playground that is ADA accessible (boundless playground). . Explore possibility of locating a skate park in the natural sloping area of the site. HHI and Parks and Recreation staff determined that the area should be reserved for retention/detention. Additionally, having the skate park partially out of view could attract crime and vandalism. . Add tennis courts to the proposed plan. . Shift tennis and basketball courts away from each other. HHI located two tennis courts on the east side of the park away from the basketball courts. Tennis is also more compatible with the adjacent neighbors. . Appears to be too much parking on the proposed plan. PROPOSED MASTER PLAN Based upon the feedback received and discussions with City staff, HHI revised the concept and prepared the final Master Plan. Below is a reduced image of the Final Master Plan. A larger copy is attached at the end of this memorandum. (:"",J(k>lon:\ (]~"ntAI. !'.\IlK (~-qon.uI)I~ bbll~ '- City of Ocoee Central Park Master Plan Technical Memorandum February 22, 2007 Page 9 of 9 Phasina Plan HHI recommends that the park be developed in four phases. The most critical needs, such as ADA accessibility, and projects that can be completed by September 30, 2007 are included in Phase 1. Phases 2 and 3 focus on the redevelopment of the baseball and football facilities, construction of new parking areas, and construction of accessory structures such as restrooms and concession stands. Phase 4 includes longer term priorities and new facilities such as future active recreation areas, pedestrian lighting and utilities, a skate park and landscaping improvements. A detailed cost estimate is attached to this memorandum. Total Cost of all Improvements: $4,363,055 This cost includes a 15% contingency allowance of the total cost of all four phases. The cost estimates are order of magnitude costs and are intended for budgeting and capital planning purposes. CONCLUSIONS This Central Park Master Plan is intended to provide the City guidance with respect to budgeting and prioritization. HHI recommends that the City use the master plan to help leverage funds from a variety of grant programs from the state, county and other non-profit foundations to help offset the cost to the City. While HHI recommends four separate phases, the City may choose to extend those phases or add phases. It is also recommended that the City avoid piecemeal improvements within program areas so as to avoid tearing down/replacing any newly installed upgrades or improvements. This will also lessen the impact on any recreation programs disrupted by construction. Finally, for the more involved improvements and renovations, the City will need to hire a qualified civil engineer and develop more detailed design and construction documents. :bbi pI.InnIIlQ. I.Nldw..oIpt Mdld<<tUN . gr.lphk de-\Y' <IlJ touth....... nwd. wit. JOO-on.ndo. fl. UIIO ESTIMATE OF PROBABLE COSTS I.......... ...- ,/ Name of Project City of Ocoee- Central Park Project # 2642 Date March 27, 2007 Prepared By CB/LM ITEM QTY Units Unit Cost Subtotal Cost Notes Site Preparation Demolition I 450,000 I SF I $1.501 $675,000.00 I Sub-Total $675,000.00 T Overall Park ImDrovements Renovations/UDQmdes Existino Shelter at Plavoround 1 I LS I $5,000.00 $5,000.00 Existino Basketball Court 1 I LS I $2,500.00 $2,500.00 Clean un: renaintina Uoorades to all hardscaoe walkwavs 40,000 I SF I $3.50 $140,000.00 New Elements Nature Trail 22,230 SF $3.50 $77,805.00 Picnic Pavilion Lakeside 1 LS $25,000.00 $25,000.00 New Fishino Piers 175 LF $180.00 $31,500.00 Boardwalk Extension 372 LF $180.00 $66,960.00 New Hardscaoe walkwavs 2,500 SF $3.50 $8,750.00 New Parkino- 69 soaces/5HC 3,900 SY $25.00 $97,500.00 Restroom Buildino near New Plavoround 400 SF $80.00 $32,000.00 Park Entrv Sionaoe 1 LS $20,000.00 $20,000.00 Allowance Perimeter Fencino- chainlink 3,100 LF $12.00 $37,200.00 Perimeter Fencino- decorative 3-rail 2,000 LF $25.00 $50,000.00 Bollards 15 EA $350.00 $5,250.00 New Plavoround 1 LS $300,000.00 $300,000.00 Allowance Sinole Picnic Shelters 3 EA $15,000.00 $45,000.00 Tennis 2 EA $35,000.00 $70,000.00 Basketball Court 1 LS $25,000.00 $25,000.00 Site Fumishinos (Benches Picnic Tables Trash Receotacles) 1 LS $50 000.00 $50,000.00 Allowance Pedestrian Liohtino 1 LS $120,000.00 $120,000.00 Allowance Electrical Cost for Pedestrian Liohtino 1 LS $108,000.00 $108,000.00 Allowance Future Active Recreational Area 1 LS $100000.00 $100,000.00 Allowance Removal of invasive/exotic plant soecies 1 LS $20,000.00 $20,000.00 Allowance Shoreline Plant Material 1 LS $25,000.00 $25,000.00 Allowance Low maintenance Landscaoe Plant Material 1 LS $100,000.00 $100,000.00 Allowance Retention 1 LS $150,000.00 $150,000.00 Allowance Sub-Total $1,712,465.00 Baseball Improvements Renovations! Upgrades Ball Field Renovation/re-QradinQiduaouts I 11 LS I $200,000.001 $200 000.00 IAllowance Expandedl Uparaded Concession/Restroom Buildino I 11 LS I $75,000.001 $75 000.00 IAllowance StoraaelRestroom/Concession Buildina I 11 LS I $75,000.001 $75 000.00 IAllowance New Elements Bleachers-3 row 10 EA $1,300.00 $13 000.00 Covers for bleachers 10 EA $5,000.00 $50,000.00 Sinole Cantilever structure ADA Accessible ramos 800 SF $5.00 $4 000.00 Entrv Sionaoe/ Wavfindino Kiosk 1 LS $20,000.00 $20 000.00 Allowance Fencino 1 LS $60,000.00 $60 000.00 Allowance New Baltino Caoes 2 EA $8,000.00 $16000.00 New Concession Seatino Area 1 LS $20,000.00 $20 000.00 New Parking- 45 spaces/2 HC 2,200 SY $25.00 $55 000.00 Sub-Total $588,000.00 Footballlmorovements Renovatlonsl Upqrades Reconstruction of Stairs I 100 I LF I $100.001 $10,000.00 Exoanded/Uooraded Concession Buildino I 11 LS I $65,000.001 $65 000.00 UooradedlExpanded Restrooms at Pressbox I 1 LS I $50,000.001 $50,000.00 New Elements Security Liohtino 1 LS $50,000.00 $50 000.00 Allowance New ADA accessible ramp 1,700 SF $5.00 $8,500.00 Bleachers- 5 row 7 EA $5,000.00 $35,000.00 Bleachers- 10 row 2 EA $10,500.00 $21,000.00 Covers for Bleachers-5 row 7 EA $5 000.00 $35,000.00 Covers for Bleachers- 10 row 2 EA $8,250.00 $16,500.00 New Concession seatino area 1 LS $12,000.00 $12,000.00 New Restrooms 500 SF $80.00 $40,000.00 Terraced Retainino walls 620 LF $40.00 $24,800.00 New Parkino- 95 soacesl4HC 7,200 SY $25.00 $180,000.00 Paved Emerqencv Accessl Gate 1 LS $15 000.00 $15,000.00 Sub-Total $437,800.00 Sub-Total $3,413,265.00 Contingency 15% $511,989.75 TOTAL COST $4,363,054.75 . Site Utilities and Site Electrical are not included. Further site inspection is needed to accurately detennine these costs. I I I I I I ~ r- II' :: I" II', ~ 1\"" N 'Ilil ~ {.$ ~ ~\ ~~ v c:: ;:2 {\j ."'~ ~ g~~ ~ o :;s ..... ca o .8 o 0... oZ ~ ~ g UU '" ""'.... ~~ =~ ~:;;: ~~ ~g ::;:S 15;!