7. PRSR 11-09-2005 - Laserfiche WebLink

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5. This bench is located under a big oak tree in the woodland, between points "O" and "M." From this high point, there is a nice view of the ditch and oak woods, and the wetland is just down the trail. 6. Bench 6 is an the intersection of trails at point "L." It offers a very beautiful view towards a path through the woods, and would really be beautiful in the winter. 7. The location for bench 7 is at a panoramic view of the large central wetland. We recommend that there be a trail "pullout" which would allow visitors to pull off the main trail and access the bench (see attached photos and sketch). A small amount of landscaping around the bench could include native plantings that correspond to the information on an interpretive sign, also located in the pullout. 8. Bench 8 is located on the top of a knoll in the oak woodland, just before the intersection at point "K," and offers views of woods and wetlands. 9. Bench 9 is located next to the "triangle" at the center of the trail intersection at point "K." We are going to recommend that a "garden" of native plantings and wildflowers be installed in place of the current mowed turf grass in the center triangle, for the long-term sign master plan. Bench 9 enjoys a nice view of the surroundings as well as of the future plantings. 10. Bench 10 is located adjacent to the same intersection as bench 9, but on the southeast side. Enjoys the same nice views. 11. Bench 11 is located under the shade of a small red oak adjacent to the prairie and woodlands at intersection point "C." It is very nice and has nice views. 12. Bench 12 is located on the trail between the parking lot and point "C", with nice views of the prairie. Other Benches: We recommend that the trail system for Woodland Trails be amended to include experiences in which visitors are led "off the beaten path." The prairie, for instance, is a plant community that is best experienced from within, surrounded by a sea of grasses and wildflowers, rather than from the edge, where it is only a visual image. By entering the prairie, one can feel the spatial and experiential difference between it and the woodland, for instance. We recommend 2 bench locations, i and ii (below), which bring people "off the beaten path" and into the prairie. These suggested locations require some additional minor alterations to the trail system, and could be incorporated next season, or as part of the long-term park improvement schedule. (Plan keyed with i and ii). i. Locate a bench just off the Prairie Loop trail, in shade of red cedar tree. Great views of prairie, and sense of space away from the trail. ii. Locate a bench on a spur loop that is connected on both ends to the Prairie Loop trail. The spur trails leading to i and ii should be mowed soft-surface paths. The trails may or may not be maintained during winter, depending on the City's preference. Priority Bench locations for Fa112005 (6 total): 2, 4, 6, 9, 10, 11 - we suggest that bench 7 and the wetland pullout either be constructed this fall or next season Table Locations The tables can be located anywhere in the grassy area northeast of the parking lot. r 1'HE KFSTREL UliSIGn GROUP, INC. -A Woman-Oenied Businenx ~Ty' ~IBfi H:mkernon Avenue, Suite I Mint~eapolie, MinnesoCa a543fi (9.i2) 92FF9600 F;ix (952) 928-1939 ww~e.kextreldesiya~group.com