9.B.1. PRSR 07 14 2004 SUPP. MEMO

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The oval park located in the center of the single-family area is the main focal point for the entire development and will serve as an active recreational area. Some features of this park include additional trees and a trail around the perimeter, open turf areas for active recreation, picnic and gathering areas and a fountain in the pond on each end of the park. The park is also connected to the landscape median as stated earlier. This enhanced feature will provide the River Park Development with a central green corridor amenity. The park located on the south end of the development will serve as a natural park and passive recreational area. Some features of this park include additional trees on the northeast and northwest perimeter; native tree stands along the south side, native prairie grass areas for passive recreation, picnic, and small gathering areas. The south side of this park is adjacent a regional park providing additional opportunities for the River Park Residents. VIII. PUBLIC TRAIL An extensive trail system is proposed for the area. This trail is depicted on the site drawing labeled Preliminary Grading Plan. Depending upon where the trail is located, it will be a combination of bituminous and wood chip. The proposed system is intended to allow access throughout the development, to parkland, and to the previously mentioned natural areas. Further, it is proposed that interpretive and educational kiosks be erected within the natural areas. The information presented will discuss the ecology of the areas and their significance. These will also be used to inform the public about the potential habitat for Blanding's turtles and measures that can be taken to protect the turtles and their habitat. At the kiosks, benches and/or gazebos will be constructed periodically for the users of the resource. The trail will be constructed to the southwest corner of the property so that it could be connected with a future local or regional trail system, thereby allowing the public access to this system and the amenities preserved and restored in the area. IX. SITE GRADING The proposed site grading, in general, retains the current topographical features of the site. The most significant grade change is on the south side of the power line easement where the ground elevation would be lowered by up to 25 feet. The proposed grades provide some walkout and lookout lots and provides positive drainage for all areas of the site. The site grading is expected to be done in phases over about afve-year period. The farmstead buildings will be removed or demolished as part of the development. F:\ENG163300\264\REPORTS1River Park Narrative.426.doc ~ ~