Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAbout2002 04 15 Regular A-1, A-2 Michael Design Association COMMISSION AGENDA ITEM A-I Consent Informational Public Hearings Regular X April 15. 2002 Workshop Meeting Mgr. / Dept. Authorization A-I. Parks And Recreation Department Proposed Central Winds Park Expansion Concept Plan In Power Point By Forrest Michael Of Michael Design Associates. COMMISSION AGENDA ITEM A-I Consent Informational Public Hearings Regular X April 15. 2002 Workshop Meeting Mgr. / Dept. Authorization A-2. Parks And Recreation Department Analysis Of Three (3) Concept Plans Regarding Additional Properties With Site Design Diagrams By Forrest Michael. ~\ -1+-< REPORT AND RECOMMENDATIONS OF THE CITY OF WINTER SPRINGS CENTRAL WINDS PARK EXP ANSNION AD HOC ADVISORY COMMITTEE PRESENTED TO THE CITY OF WINTER SPRINGS MAYORAND COMMISSION MARCH 11,2002 Committee Member Jacqueline Adams Committee Member Paula Davoli Committee Member Sally McGinnis Committee Member Vernon Rozelle, Jr. Committee Member Ron Zarbaugh Committee Member George Barcus Committee Member Tim Johnson Committee Member Rodney Owens Committee Member Kelly Thompson INTRODUCTION On October 22,2001 the Winter Springs City Commission approved Resolution 2001-44 establishing the nine member Central Winter Park Expansion AD HOC Advisory Committee. The purpose of this committee as defined in the Resolution was to assist the City staff, City Consultant, and City Commission in formulating a Master Plan of Development for the twenty-seven (27) acre expansion of Central Winds Park to include football fields, baseball fields, soft ball fields, soccer fields, a swimming pool, and other recreational facilities, rest rooms and other related and necessary support facilities. The recommendations of the Committee were to be consistent with scope of facilities approved in the September 4, 2001 Public Referendum authorizing the levy of one- quarter (\.4) mills to acquire and develop the twenty-seven (27) acres of property located immediately adjacent to Central Winds Park. The Committee held its first meeting on December 20, 2001, which was dedicated to organizational matters. All together the Committee has had eight meeting. All meetings were held in accordance with the Florida Sunshine Act requirements and public input was encouraged at all meetings. The final recommendations of the Committee represent the Committees best efforts to comply with its charge of responsibilities provided in Resolution 2001-44 in consideration of the ideas and input provided by the Public, the City Staff, City Consultant, and members of the Committee. LETTER OF TRANSMITTAL March 11, 2002 Mayor and Commission: The members of the Central Winds Park Expansion Advisory Committee are pleased to present to you our recommendations for the expansion of Central Winds Park. We believe that the recommendations contained in our report are consistent with the change of responsibilities provided by the City Commission in Resolution 2001-44. In addition we made general recommendations related to activities that cannot be accommodated at Central Winds Park. In arriving at our recommendation we considered with great interest all the input provided by interested citizens, the city consultants, city staff and members of the committee. We believe that implementation of our recommendations will result in the highest and best use of the twenty-seven (27) acres of property and will result in a first class facility that will carry on the tradition of excellence for which Central Winds Park is known. In performance of our responsibilities it didn't take long to realize that there were far more expressed needs than could be accommodated on the twenty-seven (27) acre tract, and that our challenge would be to prioritize those needs based upon those that were most clearly conformed to the intent and purpose of the September 4, 2201 referendum. We would like to acknowledge that the successful completion of our responsibilities could not have been provided without the excellent assistance of the City Consultant, Forest Michael of Michael & Associates, Winter Springs Parks and Recreation Director Chuck Pula, and other city staff and citizens who took time to come forward and present their ideas and thoughts. In closing we would like to thank the Mayor and City Commission for giving us this opportunity to serve our community through our participation on the Advisory Committee and inclusion in this most important and worthy community project. We look forward to seeing the vision and dreams of the community, the city, and the members of the Advisory Committee become a reality in the near future. We stand ready to assist the City in accomplishing that goal in any way the Commission might deem appropriate. Conunittee Member Jacqueline Adams Conunittee Member Paula Davoli Conunittee Member Sally McGinnis Conunittee Member Vernon Rozelle, Jr. Conunittee Member Ron Zarbaugh Committee Member George Barcus Conunittee Member Tim Johnson Committee Member Rodney Owens Conunittee Member Kelly Thompson RECOMMENDATION That the City Commission adopt the Park Plan as illustrated by Michael Design Associates to include the following: 1. Four (4) regulation practice fields designed for the purposes outlined below: ~ One (1) football/multi-use field including capabilities for track and field events ~ One (1) football/regulations lacrosse field ~ Two (2) soccer fields ~ One lacrosse/multi-use practice wall, if practical from an alignment standpoint ~ Bleachers and team 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 alignment of fields affords a maximum utilization of space constraints. 2. Two (2) Softball and two (2) Baseball 200' regulation 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 of four (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 Expansion Area to accommodate the playing fields areas and eighty (80) 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 trees are encouraged. 5. Horse Trails and Trailhead. Envisioned by the committee as a continuation of the Seminole Trail, with a scenic overlook on Lake Jesup. 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 by this committee. )> Drop-off Only areas around fields to facilitate transportation of practice equipment. )> Jogging/Bike 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 theses recommendations for other uses, which we were able 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 Skateboard/ln-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 make 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. This committee also encourages the acquisitions 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.