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HomeMy WebLinkAbout6B - Valmont City Park Informational Update\~~ ~ ~~ 2~ ~~3U ~~2 DO NOT REMOVE - ~-- CITYOFBOULDER PRABF~IeMatenal '~..,. PARKS AND RECREATION ADVISORY BOARD MEETING DATE: September 30, 2002 (Agenda Item Prepazation Date: Sept. 27, 2002) i AGENDA TTTLE: Valmont City Park InformaHonal Update REQUESTING DEPARTMENT: Jan Geden, Director Sazah DeSouza, Assistant to the Director Teresa Grills, Manager of Valmont City Pazk Management and Planning Assistance Team (MPA'I') Joni M. Palmer, MPAT Consultant I. APPOINTMENT OF VALMONT CITY PARK PRAB LIAISONS ~ As per discussions at the August 2002 PRAB meeting, staff and the MPAT team have reviewed possibilities for increasing PRAB member involvement in the MPAT work, and the viability and efficiency of such involvement. After much evaluation, the recommendation at this point is to appoint two PRAB members as "Valmont City Pazk MPAT Board Liaisons". The two members who have volunteered for this role are Charlie Manlove and Tom Sanford. These two members will attend a monthly meeting with Teresa Grills, Manager of MPAT, on the Tuesday followulg the monthly PRAB meeting The purpose of the meetings and the roles for the Liaisons are as follows• • To facilitate additional information exchange and discussion between MPAT and PRAB members regarding the workplan and issues as related to VCP, MPAT and the work of the Technical Team • To help create a lugher level of PRAB member comfort and trust related to the processes and plans for the development of VCP. • To provide an addirional channel for relay of questions or suggestions • To provide a more in-depth update on VCP for interested PRAB members than rime w~ll allow given the constraints of our current PRAB meeting/study sessions schedules. ~ PRAB members are encouraged to individually discuss any suggeshons or concerns related to VCP with the appointed Liaisons, or can continue to call Teresa Grills direcfly at303-439-8369 AGENDA TPEM # VI-B , PAGE 1 II. SCHEDULING OF THE PRAB STUDX SESSION WORKSHOP ON 10/30/02 ~ SCHEDULE: The upcomutg PRAB Study Session/ Workshop on "Developing the Valmont City Pazk Mission StatemenY' is scheduled for Thursday, October 30, 2002, from 6- 8 pm, at the Meadow Branch Library. While many, many planning documents and summaries have been used since the start of planning for Valmont City Park, there has been, to date, no Mission Statement developed that concisely explains the values, goals, and objectives for the pazk. The Workshop with the PRAB to create a"Mission StatemenY' is not meant to as an attempt to "redefine° the park, but as an attempt to coalesce the previous approved planning language and intent into a Mission that provides cohesion and consensus as the planrung efforts go forward. The intended outcomes of this Workshop aze: 1 To cleazly articulate a Mission Statement that combines the language and intent of past planning efforts and public involvement. 2 To attribute approved work plan goals into objectives based on the Mission ~ Statement. PR~WORKSHOP The members of PRAB are asked to review the attached information and complete the worksheet, and return it to the MPAT by Tuesday October 15~. WORKSHOP OUTLINE I. Review of the Information Packet and Worksheet ^ The MPAT Team will review, with the PRAB, the language and intent of past planning efforts and public involvement ^ The MPAT Team will report on a compilation of the PRAB responses to the "Developing A Mission Statement Worksheet" (responses will be compiled for use in the Workshop) II. Intended Outcome #1 ^ PRAB members will work together, using the MPAT's report, to clearly articulate a Mission Statement that combines the language and intent of past planrung efforts and public involvement ^ Draft of Mission Statement ~ AGENDA ITEM # VI-B . PAGE 2 ~ III. Intended Outcome #2 ^ PRAB members will work together, using the Draft Mission Statement and approved work plan goals, to incorporate the current workplan goals into a set of objectives. ^ Draft of Goals and Objechves, based on the Draft Mission Statement IV. Discuss and Schedule Upcoming Workshops 1. Update of Design Gmdelines for VCP 2. Public Art, Cultural and Historic Resource Inclusion Process VI. Next Steps after 10/30 Workshop 1. Post-Workshop: MPAT will. o Clazify language and fuialize Mission Statement ^ Deliver Mission Statement and Goals to PRAB for fuial review 2. Upcoming Workshops o Design Guidelines and Theming ^ Public Art, Interpretation, Cultural, Historical, and Educational/Outreach ATTACHMENTS: ~ Appendix A. Summaries of language and intent from past plaruung efforts and public involvement Appendix B: What Is A Mission Statement? Appendix C: Developing A Mission Statement - Worksheet Appendix D: The Workshops: Details about upcoming workshops and overall organization of workshops ADDITIONAL HANDOUTS TO BE PRESENTED AT 10/30/02 STUDY SESSION: A. Techrucal Team Report: Developing A Mission Statement - Compilation Sheet ~ AGENDA ITEM # VI-B , PAGE 3 APPENDIX A ~ SUMMARIES OF LANGUAGE AND INTENT FROM PAST PLANNING EFFORTS AND PUBLIC INVOLVEMENT While many, many planning documents and summaries have been used since the start of planning for Valmont City Pazk, there has been, to date, no Mission Statement developed that concisely explains the values, goals, and objectives for the park. The Workshop with the PRAB to create a"Mission Statement" is not meant to as an attempt to "redefine" the pazk, but as an attempt to coalesce the previous approved planning language and intent into a Mission that provides cohesion and consensus as the planning efforts go forward. Please review the following documents, to remind you of the language we have been using thus faz to describe and develop Valmont City Pazk: Language... Page L Bond/Ballot Language ......................................................: 1 II. 1995 Departu-ent Master Plan ............................................. 3 III. Conceptual Planning Process .............................................. 8 N. Description of Site Review Approval + CEAP ......................... 9 V. VCP Planning and Design Working Assumptions, Apri11997..... 9 VI. Wildlife Study Session ...................................................... 13 (^ VII. Valmont City Pazk Design Guidelines .................................. 14 .r~, * You may wish to bring copies of these documents to the workshop so that you can refer to them during the evening's conversations. The following texts include excerpts from the above listed documents and will provide you with an overview of language used to describe the intent of the pazk, project goals, working assumptions, project needs, citywide needs, neighborhood needs, constraints, opportunities, and the planning process: I. 1995 Bond/Ballot Language The one-quarter of one percent sales tax increase approved by the citizens as pazt of the 1995 ballot issue provided funds to purchase lazge parcels suitable for development of active intensive use recreation facilities such as lighted bailfields, roller hockey courts, skateboard facilities, and recreation buildings, as well as neighborhood and "pocket park" lands. The development of active and intensive use facilities requires a large site, well-distanced from residential development and easily accessible from major ~,,,, transportation corridors. The sales tax increase was not intended to provide funding to (~ fully develop a new large city park site. However, the funding did provide $4.1 million PRAB VCP Workshop #1: The Mission Statement 1/16 APPENDIX A to pay for the costs of the uutial pazk planning, design, engineering work, annexation "'°~ fees, infrastructure costs, and a limited amount of initial pazk construction. '"' The site annexation process identified the following annexation requirements: new water and sanitary sewer service for the Piatt Farmhouse, new water service and minor fire safety additions for the large metal storage building (the "egg farm'), interior sprinkler systems for and new fire access roads to these two buildings, a fire hydrant and water line extension to the Roney house. Improvements required as a condition of annexation aze complete. From the Parks and Recreation 1995 Ballot Issue Fund (.25 cent sales taz fund) Bonding Information Packeh ~ "City Pazk •$18 M to be bonded for acquisition of a minimum of 100 acres for a sit or sites for a City Park, and $200,000 per yeaz for infrastructure maintenance. • No less than 75% of the land would be acquired in Areas I or II. The requirement for a lazge parcel City Park is driven by the need to provide additional acreage to meet the current standazd for community park acreage and by the need for a ,,,~ location which is appropriate for the placement of active recreational facilities to meet ,,.,, current and future demand. There aze very few remauung parceLs which would be appropriate for this purpose. While there are numerous azguments in favor of clustering facilities in one location, including cost effectiveness, it would be possible to break out some of the proposed facilities from others." Ballot Language: "Revenues were pledged for payment for the principal, interest, and premium, if any, on bonds; and then for development, operation, and maintenance of the land and improvements purchased or constructed with the proceeds of the bonds; renovation and refurbislunent or replacement of four pooLs; renovation and replacement of recreation facilities; playgrounds, mountain park irails, civic pazk complex; improvements to recreation centers and development of new recreation projects to be determined in the future through the Master Planning Process by the City Council; maintenance of the community park in north Boulder; development of a mountain pazks environmental education program; and for the renovation of city- owned historical and cultural facilities; with the remainder being dedicated for parks and recreation purposes." A'1 ~ PRAB VCP Workshop #1: The Mission Statement 2/16 APPENDIX A F^ II. From the 1995 Department Master Plan ~rr Language from the 1995 Master Plan is tncluded to provide a brief reminder of the concepts under which the Partnership Policy and development planning is based. Staff and the MPAT Technical Team have been utilizing this language as a basis for denston-making, and it should be supported by the VCP Musion Statement as appropnate. '9blaster Plan Flexibilifiy - The City recognizes the Master Plan as a general guide to aid in projecting long term needs, but not as a document to follow verbatim regazding service level projections. Variations will most likely occur within the plan on a yeaz-to- year basis and flexibility for those variations must be maintained. T'he Department, Pazks and Recreation Advisory Board and City Council will need to review these changes as they affect the overall program or direction of the plan The plan should be evaluated annually for modifications before approval of the Capital Improvement Program. Changes affecting the BVCP will be dealt with during the five-year update. Overational Policies Operational Effectiveness - The annual budget wiil be managed for efficient use of personnel, equipment, and facilities. Park and recreation services will be provided by using appropriate equipment and trained personnel on a continuing basis. (BVQ' Policy 3.13) ~ Interagency Cooperation - Joint planning and close cooperation among the University of Colorado, the Boulder Valley School District, the City, the County, and federal land management agencies influencing park, recreation, and related programs and facilities shall be aggressively pursued to avoid conflicts and to help each entity benefit from the presence of others. Within City administration, emphasis will be placed on collaborating across departments on high priority concerns. (BVCP Policy 1.0~ School District Coordination - The City shall aggressively pursue opportunities for cooperative planning with the Boulder Valley School District to address mutual financing, common recreational facilities, shared use of park land, and joint or complementary programming at neighborhood schools. (BVCP Policy 1.0~ Private Sector Cooperation - The DepartmenYs recreation facility and program planning process recognizes private and nonprofit facilities and programs such as the YMCA and YWCA. The City will seek parinerships with a variety of potential partners, including opportunities for joint facility development and program planning, as well as agreements that permit private sector organizations to provide public recreation facilities on City land. Advisory Group Cooperation - The Department will consult with the relevant City advisory boards and other community groups. For example, the Landmarks Boazd and historic preservation groups would be informed of plans for the restoration of historic structures. r ~ PRAB VCP Workshop #1: The Mission Statement 3/16 APPENDIX A Citizen Involvement - The Pazks and Recreation Advisory Boazd and Depaztment shall ~ recognize the rights of citizens to play a role in govemment decisions that affect their lives and property, through efforts to maintain and improve open and public communication and conduct of business. In addition, the Pazks and Recreation Advisory Boazd and Departrnent shall continue to support programs and provide opportunities for citizen participation and neighborhood involvement. (BVCP Policy 1.25) Public Process - The Deparhnent will ensure the public`s involvement in its activities and plans through notices of ineetings advertised in newspapers and flyers, through neighborhood and community meetings, and through public hearings of the Pazks and Recreation Advisory Boazd, Planning Board, and City CouncIl. The process includes neighborhood review for neighborhood projects, community review for community projects, and review of entire projects before specific location reviews for projects covering more than one neighborhood. Safety - Facilities and programs shall have operating plans that dictate safety procedures. Controlled-access azeas, such as recreation centers, will have staff to ensure that the facility is safe to use. Staff will be trained to conduct their work assignments in a safe manner. Pazk and recreation facility design and construction shall be guided by recommendations from the National Playground Safety Standazds, manufacturers' instructions and other safety sources. Maintenance programs will address safety issues as soon as they aze discovered or reported. Safety inspections will be made according to ~ departmental procedures. General park maintenance inspections aze dictated by park maintenance standazds. Accessibility - Changes required to conform with provisions of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) will be made as funds are available. Accessibility will be emphasized when developing new facilities or renovating older ones. (BVCP Policy 6.05) Environmental Policies Process Compliance - The environmental effects of pazks and recreation projects shall be considered in the public decision-making process. Local, state and federal environmental review processes will be followed when required or appropriate, and consideration of ecological systems will be incorporated into the planning process through completion of the Community and Environmental Assessment Process (CEAP). (BVCI' Policy 4.04) Resource Protection - The Depaztment shall protect and restore significant ecosystems and habitats for native plant and animal species on lands managed for these purposes. Promotion of biological diversity and protection of endangered species and their associated habitat will be emphasized. Degraded habitat may be restored and trails may be provided to limit resource damage. On lands managed for their natural and cultural resources, a balance will be maintained between low-impact recreational opportuiuties and the need to ensure the long-term protection and stewardship of these resources. ~ (BVCI' Policy 4.06; Mountain Parks Mission Statement) PRAB VCP Workshop #1: The Mission Statement 4/16 APPENDIX A ,~^ Wetlands - Recognizing that natural and human-made weflands aze valuable for plant `r and animal habitat, recreation amenities and enhancement of water quality, the Department is committed to preserve and protect, where possible, wedands associated with properties under the Parks and Recreation jurisdiction. In cases where wefland destruction cannot be avoided, they shall be restored or replaced. The Department shall comply with the City of Boulder Wedands Ordinance and the Federal GovernmenYs 404 Permit requirements. (BVCP Policy 4.09) WildTife - The Department shall employ a full range of alternative wildlife management techniques, using best management practices based on experience, research, effectiveness, and ecological responsibility. Cooperation with other jurisdictions and public involvement in management decisions will be emphasized. (BVCP Policy 4.11) Water Conseraation - Water conservation shall be promoted through recycling techniques, improved plumbing methods and fixtures, water efficient landscaping and efficient site design. The Department will work with the City Utilities Deparlment to ensure compliance with the City water conservation efforts. (Ref. BVQ' Policy 4.34) T'he Department is committed to the reduction of water use over the five yeaz period starting in 1993 and maintains several xeriscape demonstration azeas for public education. Starting in 1997 the Deparhnent will be charged for water use exceeding 75 percent of its historic use. (BVCI' Policy 4.34) Pesticides - The Department is committed to integrated pest management, which ,_, emphasizes environmentally sound approaches to pest management, with the overall '~ goal of reducing, and where possible eliminating, the dependence on chemical pest control strategies. Recycling - The Department encourages and supports recycling efforts in its facilities and at special events and promotes the use of products and services which are durable, repairable, reusable, recyclable, or otherwise represent a low-waste solution, including the recycling of organic waste. The Department complies with City purchasing guidelines which promote the purchase of recycled products. (BVCP Policies 4.40 and 4.41) Energy Conservation - The Departrnent will promote energy conservation through its choices of building and landscape designs, building materials, and the use of renewable energy sources wherever possible. (BVCP Policies 4.36 and 4.3'~ Environmental Education - The Department supports numerous public education programs which promote an environmentally aware and sensitive attitude among visitors and encourage a strong stewazdship ethic towazds natural and cultural resources. The Department strives for excellence in its environmental education programs in order to build understanding of natural processes and human interactions with nature. Public Access to Public Lands - Public access to public lands shall be provided except where necessary to protect such areas from unacceptable degradation, unacceptable impact to habitat, or to protect public safety. The Department strives to balance long- g° term protection of natural resources and functions while providing for appropriate ~. PRAB VCP Workshop #1: The Mission Statement 5/16 APPENDIX A visitor access for education, enjoyment, and low-impact recreational opportunities ~ consistent with resource protection goals. (BVCP Policy 4,10) Alternate Modes -The Department seeks to increase the use of non-auto transportaiion to parks and recreational facilities to help meet city wide goals to increase the use of biking, walking, and mass transit, fight deterioration of Boulder Valley air quality, relieve traffic and pazking congestion around pazks and recreation facilities, and reduce txaffic burden in neighborhoods azound facilities. In order to accomplish this the Depaztment will coordinate with the Regional Transportation District (RTD), GO Boulder, and bicycling and pedesirian groups to develop specific programs which could include education, information, design features, and guided bicycle or bus tours of parks and recreaiion facilities. (BVCP Policy 6.01) Appendix A~from the 1995 Master Plan) The Parks and Recreation Advisory Board (PRAB) and staff developed the following principles regarding programs and services: - 1. Park and Recreation services aze basic to the quality of life. However, recreation opportunities aze a matter of choice. It is critical to promoting healthy lifesryles that facilities be convenient, challenging yet enjoyable, and affordable to all residents. ~1 2. The Depaztment serves the residents of the city of Boulder. Others are invited to ''~ participate to help support the facilities and programs. Our primary mission is participation except when spectators aze necessary to make an activity economically successful. Park and Recreation services aze available to all regardless of race, color, creed, national origin, ancestry, religion, sex, age, ability and income. The Department is sensitive to the special needs of persons who are physically or mentally challenged and is committed to meeting the requirements of the Americans with Disabilities Act. 3. The Department plays a pivotal role in providing and coordinating recreation services for Boulder and balances its roles as catalyst, facilitator, and provider within our lunited resources. 4. The Department encourages nonprofit agencies, and private and public agencies to provide recreation services at a reasonable price. The Department should consider providing affordable and convenient services when they are not otherwise available. 5. The Depazrinent strives to balance the preservation and protection of Boulder's pazk and recreation resources with peoples' desire to use public spaces. 6. The Depaztment provides a balanced program of activities to meet the recreation needs of the community. Dur primary intent is to introduce people to wholesome activities that are enjoyable and contribute to the development of lifetime leisure skills and a sense of well being. 7. The Depaziment assures geographic accessibility to citizens through neighborhood parks, community recreation services and city-wide or major facilities. Facilities are '~ linked where possible by recreation corridors focusing on pedestrian and bicycle use. PRAB VCP Workshop #1: The Mission Statement 6/16 APPENDIX A ,,,~••. 8. Resources aze balanced for both programmed and spontaneous uses. ~.... 9. The Department promotes a sense of community and enhances the community's image through a varied program of special events that draw a social mix of all ages and ethnic backgrounds while promoting tourism and a positive economic effect. 10. The Department is committed to creative solutions in designing facilities that are efficient and flexible given our lunited resources and the inevitability of change. 11. The Department responds to the changing needs of the community by soliciting ideas and suggestions from the public, anticipating recreation needs and trends, and professional evaluation. The Master Plan is revisited annually and reviewed in depth every five years in conjunction with the Boulder Valley Comprehensive Plan. Avvendix B Envision a parks and recreation system which provides: • a breadth of opportunities for free play, participation in individual and team sports, skills development, creative expression and personal growth • activities and environments that nourish the emotional and physical development of children and youth • programs designed and marketed to appeal to and be accessible to all residents • gathering places and social events where families, neighbors, and community members of all ages and backgrounds come together and weave a sustaining web of relationships while celebraiing and expanding an appreciation for diversity ~ • beautiful and peaceful settings which refresh the spirit and remind us of our connection with the natural world Envision a pazks and recreation system in which: • pazks and playgrounds are accessible to all residents within walking distance of their homes and places of work • excellent, state-of-the-art facilides have been developed to meet the needs of all sports enthusiasts and spectators • a Natural Ecosystem Preserve has been established in the western foothills and is cooperatively managed by the City, County, State, and National Pazks systems • a system of safe and scenic paths and trails, as well as transit systems, connecting all pazks and facilities make alternate modes the preferred choice of the majority of residents and visitors • all parks aze managed within the limits of their carrying capacity and areas of past environmental degradation have been fully restored • naturalized azeas have been reintroduced into the major urban pazks using native plant materials, and water and pesticide use on pazk lands has been significandy reduced • an extensive array of environmental education programs aze available to teachers, students, and the community • community gardens and edible landscaping flourish, and are used for classes and demonstration sites ~ • tree-lined streets enhance the beauty of the city and encourage pedestrian use while PRAB VCP Workshop #1: The Mission Statement 7/16 APPENDIX A helping to maintain a high level of air quality ~ Envision a pazks and recreation department that: • coordinates and works as a catalyst with other City depaztments, non-profit agencies, and voluntary organizations in building capacity for the provision of services, especially to seniors, children, teens, and families • emphasizes a preventive approach to optimizing health and wellness among Boulder's citizens • pioneers pubhc/private partnerships to achieve its goals • provides a model of effective approaches to public involvement and earns the enthusiastic support of a large corps of volunteers, providing skill building and leadership opportunities • enjoys a national reputalion as an innovator on the cutting edge of pazks and recreation planning, programming, management practices, and appropriate use of technology • retains a team of highly-qualified, dedicated staff inembers III. Language from the Conceptual Planning Process The conceptual planning process was completed over 18 months Qanuary 1997 to June ~ 1998) and included over 18 public review meetings. The Approved Concept Plan incorporated the guidelines of the approved Parks and Recreation Master Plan, data obtained from The 1996 Pazks and Recreation Citizen Survey, and input hom the Parks and Recreation program staff, residential neighbors, the community at lazge, and special-interest recreation groups. The Transportation Advisory Board, Open Space Boazd of Trustees, and Planning Boazd aiso reviewed the plan. The Pazks and Recreation Advisory Boazd approved the Concept Plan in Mazch 1998, and the City Council reviewed and approved the Concept Plan in Apri11998. "Develo~ment Ple ~xibilitv The Approved Valmont City Pazk Concept Plan represents a broad range of input from the community and the approval of the Planning Board, the Pazks and Recreation Advisory Board, and City Council. The Valmont City Pazk Site Review Plans provide a greater level of design detail for the site and establish basic development requirements such as road and walkway alignments, right-of-way landscaping, pazking lot screening, lighting requirements, and utility service needs and locations. Given the long-term future development schedule for the entire pazk site and limited funding for immediate development, the Approved Concept Plan is intended to be flexible enough to respond to emerging recreational needs and funding opportunities, bearing in mind that significant changes to this plan will require new Concept Plan and Site Review processes. While the site development options of the Approved Concept Plan listed /~+~ .J PRAB VCP Workshop #1: The Mission Statement 8/16 APPENDIX A ~ above describe the current intended uses for this site, additional or different recreational uses may be accommodated on the Valmont City Park site in the future.° IV. Language and Description from the Approved Site Review Submittal + CEAP Site Review is a required City of Boulder planning process which involves staff and public review of developed site plans for the project. Staff completed the Site Review plans and review process for the park in December of 1999, including Planning Board and City Council review. Approvals by the Parks and Recreation Advisory Boazd, Planning Boazd, City Council, and the County will be required for the Valmont city-wide park site. Development approvals include: Area IIB to IIA changes/ Boulder Valley Comprehensive Plan land use changes, rezoning, subdivision and lot line adjustrnents, annexation, dedications, major site review steps 1,2,3, and the community and environmental assessment process (CEAP) review. ~ ,~ V. Excerpts From the: VALMONT CTTY PARK PLANNING AND DESIGN WORIQNG ASSUMP'I'IONS Date: Apri12,1997 These assumphons were compiled by staff in 1997, and have been used to guide all planning since that hme, unless spenfic changes were made and approved (i.e.; the wildlife corridor planning, etc.) °PROJECT GOALS Provision of Short- and Long-Term Park and Recreation Needs. The Valmont City Pazk site (132 acres) and the Area III city-wide pazk site (191 acres) were purchased to provide quality, functional space to meet current and future city wide pazks and recreation needs. Many of these needs will utilize the space intensively, generating significant day and evening use, noise, and traffic. Some of these needs may be provided through public-private partnerships. WORIQNG ASSUMPTIONS Park Name ~ The park site will be referred to as the Valmont City Pazk Site until an officiai name is selected. PRAB VCP Workshop #1: The Mission Statement 9/16 APPENDIX A Pazk Property '"~ The Valxnont City Park currendy includes the following property: "~~ 104 acres of recently purchased property north and south of Valmont Drive 28.10 acres of city owned property comprised of the east portion of the Gty Yazds. Please note: 1 The park will need to accommodate the existing uses including the Pazks Operations Facility. 2. Roughly 7-10 acres of the overall park site will be sold or leased for housing or neighborhood retail services. Valmont City Pazk Project Needs • Valmont City Pazk Intensive-Use Site. The Valmont City Pazk site is specifically intended to meet the community's needs for intensive, high-use pazk and recreation facilities such as lighted playfields, one or more lazge recreation structures, lazge group gathering and picnicking azeas, muld-use trail systems, and adequate pazking for all facilities. IYs location adjacent to industrial land uses and major transportation arterials is well suited for the anticipated significant amounts of traffic both during the week and on weekends, during the day and at night. Site Development Priorities: ~ The development plan shall balance the following priorities: a) Respond to public requests for recreational facilities based on the approved Parks and Recreation Master Plan, the 1996 Pazks and Recreation Citizen Survey, staff observations, analysis of existing available facilities, and current public input. c) Provide recreational activities to serve a variety of interests including but not lunited to: comperitive programmed team sports, drop in recreationai use, fitness and health use, and multi purpose trail uses. d) Provide community benefits for social, cultural, and educational uses e) Provide recreational activities for the full diversity of people in the city with specific emphasis on provisions for youth, teens, and families. fl Provide adequate flexibility for multi-use of facilities g) Provide adequate flexibility to respond to future trends in recreational needs Provision of Aesthetic Amenities for the Urban Environmenh The development of the Valmont city-wide park site must enhance the urban environment with landscaped open spaces, providing a gracious gateway for the eastern edge of the City. Land Banking. Valmont and Area III Lazge Pazcel Pazk Site. $4.1 million is available for infrastructure development and general park development of approximately 20 acres of the Valmont City Pazk Site. The remaining parksite will be land banked until additional city funding is identified or until a suitable private ''"~ public partnership occurs. '"'~ PRAB VCP Workshop #1: The Mission 5tatement 10/16 APPENDIX A ~ • Inclusion of the City Yazds and Eco-Cycle. The Parks and Recreation Operations and Maintenance compound should be considered for inclusion in the development of the city pazk site. The portion of the City Yazds which is temporarily dedicated for Eco-Cycle use, will be redeveloped to accommodate lazge city pazk needs. . Inclusion of the Abandoned Railroad Right-of-Way (ROW) and the Wonderland Creek ChanneL The railroad ROW is located along the north property line of the City Yards and the existing Wonderland Creek channel. The Wonderland Creek channel alignment is not yet determined. Both of these azeas should be considered for inclusion in the city pazk site with the requirement that the needs of the Utility Division will be met. Reduction of Impacts. Any large development will entail some negative impacts to the community and the sunounding area. The Valmont City Pazk site must be designed and operated to minimize or mitigate impacts such as traffic, air emissions, noise, light pollution, etc. The pazk site development must be compatible with surrounding land uses. Efficient Pazk Use, Operations, and Maintenance The Valmont city-wide pazk site must be designed to allow for long term efficiency of operations and maintenance, certain economies of scale, opportunities for shared facilities, and flexibility for redevelopment. Development choices will address the efficient use of city personnel, equipment, vehicles, energy, and water. ~ City W'ide Needs • Attractive Gty Entryways The overall urban design of the pazk must contribute to aesthetically attractive city entryways as viewed from Pearl Parkway and Valmont. This design could involve setbacks, extensive landscaping, screening, shielding of light sources, interior location of parking lots, quality architeclural design for structures, etc. • Affordable Housing. The City needs additional affordable housing, especially with provisions for permanent affordability. Any housing provided on land subdivided from the park site must consider affordability requirements. The most likely location for possible housing is the 4-6 acre site in the north section of the park property north of Valmont Drive. This land is not as suitable for park land development because of its topography. • Access from Peazl Pazkway. Because the intersection at Foothills Pazkway and Peazl is better capable to accommodate additional trips generated from more intense land uses east of Foothills Parkway, and because of the need to preserve the neighborhood livability of the existing residential neighborhoods on the north side of Valmont, one of the primary access points to the new park must be located off of Pearl Parkway. • Provisions for Alternate Modes. The pazk site must be designed to maxunize opportunities for use of alternate transportation modes and provide convenient ~'"'"" alternatives to vehicle use that can minimize new auto trips generated. Excellent ~`'"" pedestrian, bicycle, and transit connections must be provided. PRAB VCP Workshop #1: The Mission Statement 11/16 APPENDIX A ~ Neighborhood Needs "'} • Location of Intensive Uses. The more intense developed pazk and recreation uses, including lighted ballfields, should be located in those portions of the park site that will minimize the neighborhood impacts. • Neighborhood Commercial/ Service Center. It may be desirable that a small parcel be subdivided off from the pazk site, and sold or leased in order to provide the opportunity for a small neighborhood commercial / service center. The most desirable location is probably the northwest corner of the land on the south side of Valmont (approximately 3-5 acres). This center could aiso provide convenience goods and services for users of the pazk site. CONSTRAINTS • Wonderland Creek ChanneL Construction of the Wonderland Creek channelized drainageway will potentially require a significant use of undeveloped pazk acreage and may have the effect of cutting up uses on the park site south of Valmont. • Peazl Street Extension. Depending on whether or not the Pearl Street Extension is built and whether it is located along the originally planned right-of-way or further east, this roadway could make it easier or harder for vehicle traffic to access the pazk site from Gunbarrel or the east County. OPPORTUNITIES ~ • Goose Creek Channel. The Goose Creek Channel could aLso be viewed as an opportunity to create a natural riparian corridor and trail system which appropriately separates pazk uses. • Preservation of the Park Site's Natural Features. Various ditches and the future Wonderiand Creek channel: These natural features could be retained in Pazks and Recreation or Public Works ownership, in order to protect urban wildlife habitat, maintain natural qualities, and provide amenities to the park site itself. • Chicken Farm Building. The lazge chicken farm building on the property north of Valmont represents a short- or long-term opportunity for Parks and Recreation maintenance or operations use. • Public-Private Partnerships. The Valmont City Pazk site is relatively lazge and is suitably located to accommodate intensive, developed pazk uses. Consequendy, the site can provide opporlunities for public-private parlnerships to provide new recreational facilities. In other words, in some cases the City could provide the land and private entities could provide new public-use facilities. This kind of arrangement requires that planning and development of the Valmont City Pazk maintain some flexibility to accommodate public-private ventures, as opportunities come up, both with regazd to overall site design and locarion of faciliries and also phasing of the bu~ld-out of the park site. ~ PRAB VCP Workshop #1: The Mission Statement 12/16 APPENDIX A ~ PLANNING PROCESS FOR THE PARK SITE • Building Off Previous Analysis and Public Input. The Pazks and Recreation Needs Assessment,1996 Parks and Recreation Citizen Survey, and overall program and facility recommendations completed for the recently-adopted Parks and Recreation Master Plan have identified key recreation trends and the public s desires for new pazks and recreation programs and facilities. This information provides the starting point for developing a program plan and concept plan for the Valmont City Pazk. • Planning Process. Various methods will be used to obtain the input from parks and recreation user groups, neighborhood residents, and the general public in the overall planning process for the Valmont city-wide pazk site. Staff seeks to build a planning process that will provide the desired recreation facilides while balancing competing goaLs and long term operation and maintenance requirements. • Input from City Departments. All City departments through the staff review group (SRG) will provide input in the planning process for the Valmont City Pazk site during the Major Site Review Process. Design considerations and potential impacts will be topics for input. The formal development review committee (DRC~ process will be utilized for interdepartmental review. • Development Approvals. Approvals by the Parks and Recreation Advisory Boazd, Planning Boazd, City Council, and the County will be required for the Valmont city- ,,,_ wide pazk site. Development approvals include: Area IIB to IIA changes/ Boulder ~ Valley Comprehensive Plan land use changes, rezoning, subdivision and lot line adjustrnents, annexation, dedications, major site review steps 1, 2, 3, and the community and environmental assessment process (CEAP) review." VI. Wildlife Study Session In the eazly months of 2001, the Pazks and Recreation Advisory Board and the City Council considered how accommodations for wildlife habitat should be made part of the future development of Valmont City Park. Utilizing a consultant study of the value of potential wildlife habitat on the Valmont City Pazk site, the Pazks and Recreation Advisory Boazd and City Council concluded that a corridor of natural and wildlife habitat landscaping along the eastern pazk boundary between Valmont Road and Pearl Parkway should be incorporated into future pazk plans. This corridor can facilitate wildlife movement north from the Boulder Creek area, via a planned pedestrian underpass beneath Valmont Road, to a natural landscaped azea in the park north of Valmont Road between the North Boulder Fazmer's Ditch and Boulder and Lefthand Ditch. This particular azea, which is planned to be restored to mixed-grass prairie vegetation, communicates northeast along the two ditches to the Sawhill Ponds and ~ should be focused on wildlife habitat and passive recreahonal uses, such as paths and interpretive exhibits and signage. The following summary of the outcome of the PRAB VCP Workshop #i: The Mission Statement 13/16 APPENDIX A PRAB/Council Joint Study Session has been approved in subsequent PRAB minutes, ''~ and is used as the basis for ongoing MPAT planning: "A summary of the options accepted include the following parameters for future development: • The northern side of the pazk above Valmont Road is identified as valuable wiidlife habitat and should preserve and restore the riparian corridors adjacent and between the iwo ditches for passive uses. All trails along the ditches should be minimi~ed, with the relocation of an interpretive trail located centrally between the ditches. To support wildlife enhancements, trails and other facilities adjacent to the riparian habitats should be minimized, and artificial snowmaking should be prohibited north of Valmont Road. • On the south side of Valmont, there should be sufficient allocation of land on the eastern boundary to allow for a viable wildlife corridor without deleting any of the identified recreation facilities shown on the Approved Concept Plan. As development occurs, the road and pazking should be creatively redesigned to maximize the azea for the wildlife corridor and other activities. Parking should be reassessed, and aiternative options should be fully explored to limit the amount of park surface that is dedicated to pazking and automobile use. • Several identified azeas that were previously undesignated in the conceptual stages should be slated to include landscaping enhancements geared towazd incorporating ~ native landscape and wildlife habitat. • The pazk will continue to incorporate partners for active recreation uses as identified during the concepiual planning stages. Staff is directed to complete a full needs assessment and survey to continue to identify current needs, and to provide updated information valuable for future decision making about potential and proposed partnerships." During the work for the ]oint Study Session, the recommended corridors were named A, Bl, and B2, zuith A being qrimanly what was aiready planned into the park in the Concept Planning processes but tncludrng a more dearly defined corridor, and widentng to B2 as the most des:rable goal in terms of wildltfe accommodation. MPAT hns been workixg under fhe assumphon that for future plnnning purposes, A is a'given", BI can most likely be accommodated in much of the park, and B2 unll be included as possible and when tt does not conflict with the other parameters as stated above. T7te Wildlife corrtdors are now referred to as '~ldlife Enhancernent Areas", and include addihonal areas that are sensihve in terms of plant or wildltfe needs and proznstons. ~ PRAB VCP Workshop #1: The Mission Statement 14/16 APPENDIX A ~ VII.. Valmont City Park Design Guidelines - Sept. 9, 2002 These Design Guidelines have been prepared urith staff and for the Ctty of Boulder Parks £a Recreation Deparfinent by Play Enznronments, LLC. The following excepts provide an overoiew of language used in the Dessgn Guidelines: "A. Purpose of the Design Guidelines These guidelines provide design requirements or recommendations for specific park elements with the intention of unifying the overall pazk appeazance and function. The guidelines will ensure that future phases of park development aze congruent with eazlier phases of development. This docuxnent [Sept. 9, 2002] addresses Phase I Development elements in detail with the assumption that these elements in exact or similaz fornns, will be incorporated into future phases of construction. For design elements not included in Phase I Development, the guidelines recommend criteria for design intended to match future design solutions with existing pazk features. The VCP M-PAT will complete the guidelines for major architectural elements (i.e. recreation buildings) in the future, including review by PRAB. A number of pazk design elements aze regulated through the Boulder Revised Code, the Site Review Process, and the Building Permit Process. All pazk site development ~ must comply with existing city, state, and federal development codes. B. Proposed Pazk Program This city pazk property was purchased with funds provided by a tax increase approved by citizens in 1995 with the intention that this site would provide adequate and suitable space for development of active intensive-use recreation facilities. The Valmont City Park Concept Plan and the Community Environmental Assessment Process were approved in Apri11998. The approved concept plan included a proposed pazk program with areas for active recreation such as ballfields, hard surface court facilities, recreation buildings, bike racing/multi-use track, cross country ski trails, lazge group picnic azea, and playgrounds. The concept plan also reserved specific areas for passive recreational uses including soft surface trails and, sitting and picnic azeas. Preservation fo the two historic farmhouses and the two irrigation ditches with associated riparian plantings were identified as valued elements that might have lunited or appropriate uses to ensure sustaining these significant features. The proposed park program evolved with the development of the Site Review Plans for the pazk. The detailed Site Review Plans, approved by the Planning Board and ~ City Council in late 1999, represent a legal development commitrnent for specific ~ PRAB VCP Workshop #1: The Mission Statement 15/16 APPENDIX A pazk elements such as roads, sidewalks, rights-of-way and parking lot landscaping, '~ utility development, off-street parking provisions, and lighting. G Des~ Chazacter To ensure that a certain quality or cohesiveness of development is provided in Valmont City Pazk's current and future phases of construction a"design character" was developed. This design character will guide decisions concerning specific site elements Given the site's agricultural history and natural features while taking into account the proposed pazk program, the design character is described as the intention to "harmonize the urban and rural connection." This design character will establish a framework for the overall park development by incorporating the simple, rural, functional, natural, elegant qualities into the basic design components of the pazk. However, each primary intensive-use recreation facility will also bring specific design elements that are lively, colorful, and vital as appropriace for the facility. There is an opportunity for a dynamic interplay between these two design styles. The design character will provide a cohesive environment for the overall site development without limiting the potential for creative and appropriate design of active use faciliiies. The specific design elements described in Phase I were selected to establish a palette of design materials, forms, and colors which reflect this design character." ,,~ ~ ~ ,..f PRAB VCP Workshop #1: The Mission Statement 16116 APPENDIX B ~,~., WHAT IS A MISSION STATEMENT? ~.., ^ The Mission Statement should be flexible, to stand up to the test of time- over at least 5 -10 years. ^ The Mission Statement acts as a Guiding Pnnciple for Valmont City Park ^ Mission Statement does not change when the Board changes, because the Board is helping to create a future for Valmont City Pazk, based on prior study sessions, conversations, reports, etc. ^ T'he Mission Statement is created m order to pmvide continuity for the future development of the Pazk I~FIG Pt.AhqdIA16 PROC~us _ . - MtsSION As far raaddng as pass'bk. ambi9~cus, inciudes p~rtpase ad dmect~on. devebP~a M~' cr nwnoga~art~pl~ra'g temn,,~tvisea inPnquenfN t5-10 rears), thc top parr of nw r~- dawn model I'", 4... EioALS Morc cakreta. n~orc apecifle. sha~d be attakebk ad wp+orf ti~ 1Nission. developad bN mvqgqlYprf or plardrg tomns, rcWSed no nwre tfan omialiyor Wamwly, more af ihe tup part of the t n model ~BJECTIVES vey spWNa retpona ro ctwrges an the w,s~ness awirarnent, ore the ralp« by wWeh the y~~s or~ ~,piu~e. ~d ~fi«r swor w~d«~r~, a~i~a br ~r remns. empkyea md refawa by rhase bxrviduma M rhe mgwumrfon wtw «mr+-~m our. rewsed cansfwtly, the bottom port of the 6ottan-up model i°~ `~.~.- PRAB VCP Workshop #1: The Mission Statement 1/3 APPENDIX B INTE>GRATING PLANNING ELEMENTS ~ ....,.~ • OPPORTUNITIES ~ THREATS , M i s s i o N . . . . ~ ~ ~ Oe, ~...... ' z, ,; A . . . . . ~~ ^ the underlying structure of VCP - as an organization? ^ the underlyuig stcucture of VCP - as a city pazk? o the aim of VCP o the thrust of VCP ^ the vision of VCP o why does VCP exist? ^ what, in general, VCP will offer? ^ what, in general, will be the retum? o how long will the pazk be ~nable/serve the community? • STRENGTHS • WEAKNESSES ~ ~ ~ PRAB VCP Workshop #1: The Mission Statement 2/3 APPENDIX B /'"'~ o the key people, orgamza6ons, agencies, etc. mvolved with the development of VCP ti.r o how will the people associated with VCP be morivated? ^ what, in general, will be the direction of VCP? o what is the image of VCP? ^ what is the tone/atmosphere/theme of VCP? o what is the philosophy of VCP? ~ ~ PRAB VCP Workshop #1: The Mission Statement 3/3 APPENDIX C ~ DEVELOPING A MISSION STATEMENT - WORKSHEET Please answer the following questions about Valmont City Pazk. Please lumt your answers to one or two sentences that are general enough to remam usefiil over the next five to seven years. 17us mformation will be compiled for use at the October 30"' Workshop Worksheet due Oct I S`h (to allow MPAT Team time to compile responses) via U.S. mail or fax: Atteneion: Joni M. Pa[mer Fax: 303. 439. 0628 MPAT Consultant 30507ndustrial Lane, Ste. 200 Broomfte[d, CO 80020 1. What is the purpose of VCP~ 2. What is the vision of VCP~ 3 What, ~n general, will VCP offer? 4 What, m geneial, is the expected return to VCP~ 5 Who aze the key people, orgazuzations, agencies, etc who will be mvolved w~th the '~' development of VCP~ ~.. 6 How will the people (re Queshon #5) associated with VCP be mohvated? 7 What will be the operatmg ph~losophy of VCP~ 8 What will be the tone/atmosphere/theme of VCP? 9 What will be the unage of VCP~ 10 a What will be the underlyuig structure of VCP - as an orgamzation~ b. What will be the underl}nng structure of VCP - as a city pazk~ 1 I. How long will VCP remam viable/sernng the commwuty~ r`r. PRAB VCP Workshop #1: The Mission Statement APPENDIX D ~,.., PRAB WORKSHOPS ~r.. The Workshons 1. Mission Statement: October 30, 2002 2 Design Gwdehnes and Themmg: Date TBA 3 Pubhc Art, Interpretation, Cultural, Historical, and EducationaUOutreach: Date TBA The orQanization of the workshoas is sueQested as follows: (This jormat is rypica! of juture workshops, though the d¢tails are specific to the first workshop.) Pre-workshop A Information Packet and Homework for PRAB - dehvered to PRAB on September 30`~ B. Homework due back to MPAT by Oct. 15~' (to allow Techmcal Team hme to review and compile responses) via U.S. mail or fax: Attention Jom M Palmer Fa~c 303 439 0628 MPAT Consultant 3050 Indusmal I,ane, Ste 200 Broomfield, CO 80020 II. Workshop: PRAB and the Tecluucal Team ~ Homework will be basis of acheeving intended workshop outcomes A. 2 hour session B. Accomphsh the two mtended outcomes (hsted on cover sheet as"Purpose") III. Post-Workshop: Tecluucal Team A. Clarify language and finahze Mission Statement B. Dehver Mission Statement and Goals to PRAB for final review ~ PRAB VCP Workshop #1. The Mission Statement