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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2002 03 11 Regular B Central Winds Park Expansion Report and Concept Plan f' COMMISSION AGENDA ITEM B CONSENT INFORMA TIONAL PUBLIC HEARING REGULAR X 3/11/2002 Meeting MGR. ~ /DEPT cO Authorization REQUEST: The Parks and Recreation Department is requesting the City Commission to accept the Central Winds Park Expansion Report and Concept Plan from the Central Winds Park Expansion AD Hoc Advisory Committee. PURPOSE: The purpose of this agenda item is to obtain commission approval to accept the Central Winds Park Expansion Report and Concept Plan. CONSIDERA TIONS: . On September 4,2001, a majority of the Citizens of Winter Springs voted for a Bond Referendum to acquire and develop property adjacent to Central Winds Park known as the Parker Property. . On October 8, 2001, the City Commission approved the employment of Michael Design Group to develop a Master Plan for the expansion of Central Winds Park. . On October 29,2001, the City Commission approved Resolution 2001-44, commissioning a Citizens Central Winds Park Expansion Advisory Committee to be composed of nine members. One appointed from each Commissioner. Two appointed by the Mayor and Two Staff appointments. . Appointments were as follows Seat 1: Ms. Jacqueline Adams, Seat 2: Mr. George Barcus. Seat 3: Mr. Vernon Rozelle, Jr, Seat 4: Ms. Sally Mcginnis, Seat 5: Mr. Ron Zarbaugh, Mayor's appointees Ms. Paula Davoli and Mr. Tim Johnson, Staff appointees Mr. Rodney Owens and Ms. Kelly Thompson. . The committee met on January 3rd, January 1ih, January 31st, February 7, February 1 14, February 21, and February 28 (the January 1 ih meeting was entirely about swimming pools). The committee received verbal and written citizen input at it's meeting. . After much study, discussion, and public input, the Central Winds Park Expansion Ad Hoc Advisory Committee recommends the attached report and concept plan. FUNDING: N/A RECOMMENDA TION: Approval of the Central Winds Park Expansion AD Hoc Advisory Committee Report and Concept Plan. IMPLEMENTATION SCHEDULE: March 2002 Request Proposals for Design & Engineering of the CWP Expansion. May 2002 Award Contract. ATTACHMENTS: Attachment #1 Central Winds Park Expansion Ad Hoc Advisory Committee Report. Attachment #2 Concept Plan. COMMISSION ACTION: 2 ATTACHMENT III City of Winter Springs Central Winds Park Expansion Ad Hoc Advisory Committee Final Report . After study, discussion and public input, we recommend the following to the City Commission: That the City Commission adopt the Park Plan as illustrated by Michael Design Associates to include the following: 1. Four (4) relWIation practice fields designed for the purposes outlined below: ~ One (1) footbalVmulti-use field including capabilities for track and field events ~ One (1) footbalVregulation lacrosse field ~ Two (2) soccer fields ~ One lacrosse/multi-use practice wall, if practical from an aligrunent standpoint ~ Bleachers and tern benches ~ Accessibility to potable water via fountains and spigots The committee is aware of the growing demand of various groups to provide athletic opportunities to the youth of our community. We feel this allocation and aligrunent of fields affords a maximum utilization of space constraints. 2. Two (2) Softball and two (2) Baseball 200' relWIation Little League fields with a ten-foot (10 foot) easement on the baseball field for future accommodation of any change in standards; including backstop, dugout and bleachers. Additionally, we call for the construction offour (4) batting cages. The committee recognizes the necessity for expanding the number of practice and game fields for use by organizations such as Little League and others for practice, game and tournament opportunities. 3. Park Pavilion/ Multi-Usage Center We envision this two (2)-story structure to contain concessions and restrooms, provide an overview of the playing fields, and offer a staging area for concerts and other events. Additionally, we foresee the construction of "Tot Lot" play areas in one or more locations to provide safe play for younger children who must accompany athletes to practices. We are confident that the fullest consideration will be given to handicapped accessibility and safety precautions such as fencing. Where necessary, we recommend that such fencing be in a manner that will not detract from the natural surroundings, and advise the use of vinyl -coated chain link where necessary, and natural planted buffers to camouflage fencing where possible. 4. Parking Recommendations Following the guidelines established by the parking analysis conducted by Michael Design Associates, we concur with the recommendations presented to staff for review. We recommend a minimum of four hundred (400) spaces for the E),..pansion Area to accommodate the playing field areas, and 80 (eighty) places for the Recreational Center. There is an area identified for overflow parking that is not a preferred area, in close proximity to the Children's Memorial and Passive Park area. We hope that all sensitivity be used in identifying and moving the Children's Memorial Area if ever necessary. We recommend shade trees to define parking areas for respite from the sun. Buffers of existing tress are encouraged. 5. Horse Trails and Trail Head envisioned by the committee as a continuation of the Seminole Trail, with a scenic overlook on Lake Jessup. We encourage the establishment of one or more partnerships with various users' groups to provide a way to keep the trails in a sanitary condition. 6. Other considerations recommended bv this committee: ~ Drop-off Only areas around fields to facilitate transportation of practice equipment ~ JoggingIBike Trails outside and concurrent with the scenic drive circling the fields ~ Handicapped accessibility and utilization/convertibility wherever available ~ Shaded parking areas and tree buffer areas ~ Preparation of infrastructure for the lighting of the fields for expansion of practice hours ~ The construction of a system of paved walkways to channel pedestrian traffic and maintenance equipment and prevent that traffic from deteriorating the grassy areas. ~ Design and install heavy-duty irrigation system and Bermuda grass to accommodate heavy traffic from maximum use. ~ A Park Maintenance Support building for equipment and maintenance storage. 7. Pool and Multi-Use Recreation Building The committee recommends the building of a fifty (50) meter competitive pool and splash pad that will be utilized for the athletic, recreational, and health and safety needs of the Winter Springs Community. Water Safety education must be accessible to all residents. We see the pool as a social and recreational benefit to the City, inviting the possibility of various aquatic programs and competitive events for all ages and abilities. We envision the Multi-Use Recreation Building as a center for indoor activities and classes including basketball, aerobics, community events and meetings. An outdoor basketball court is placed at this location as well. We recommend that the City construct both the Pool and the Recreation Building in a manner for maximum utility and convertibility for persons of all abilities. 8. While beyond the original scope and intent of this Committee, we would be remiss if we did not offer these recommendations for other uses which we were unable to accommodate within the confines of the Central Winds !Parker Parcel boundaries. Therefore, we urge the City Commission to consider allocation of other properties for the following uses: ~ A "Paws Park" facility ~ A SkateboardlIn-Line Skate Park facility ~ Additional Tennis Courts (with lighting) ~ Additional Basketball Courts (with lighting) 9. In addition, the committee strongly recommends that every effort be made for the City of Winter Springs to obtain the privately owned Springs Land tract for expansion of Central Winds Park. We understand that this parcel is zoned for commercial use, which we consider incompatible with our vision of Central Winds Park. 10. TIris committee also encourages the acquisition of the Wincey Property for future expansion. We feel that we have addressed the immediate needs of the community but are aware that as Winter Springs grows, those needs will as well. Respectfully submitted, Jacqueline Adams George Barcus Paula Davoli Tim Johnson Sally McGinnis Rodney Owens Vernon Rozelle,Jr. Kelly Thompson Ron Zarbaugll Approved February 28, 2002 ATTACHMENT #2