10.3. SR 11-02-2015 - Laserfiche WebLink

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City of Elk River Rivers Edge Commons Expansion — Phase 1 Design Update The proposed phase one expansion of the Rivers Edge Commons Park follows the recently completed Park Master Plan and includes replacing the lower section of the existing alley on the west side of the park with additional turf slope and stone seating. This expansion will approximately double the seating capacity of the amphitheater program for the park. The failing wood retaining wall between the upper and lower City-owned parking lots will be replaced with a modular block wall to match the existing lower wall (most of which will remain). The resulting retaining walls and related regrading will reduce the slope between the parking lots to a more manageable cross slope to eliminate the current problem of mulch being continually washed off of the steep slope. The plan includes the areas around the walls to be landscaped with low maintenance shrubs. The new expanded amphitheater seating area will include grassy level areas for spectator lawn chairs, grassy slopes for blankets and hillside play, and shrub beds on steeper slopes and to buffer parking lot from views. Trees will be planted on perimeter to offer shade, and will be located to not encumber the view of the stage from the amphitheater seating areas. The irrigation system will be expanded to assist in keeping the lawn areas healthy. Based on staff level design review meetings, we are proposing to include additional elements from the overall master plan into this phase one bid set. These additional items are shown with blue labels on the concept plan and have the term ADD in their related label: Addition of a west stairway- With the doubling of the seating capacity, it would be useful to add a second set of stairs in phase one. A proposed second stairway would be installed on the western edge of the expanded amphitheater seating to improve pedestrian access to the seating areas.The 6ft wide stairs would include a center handrail with lighting to match existing stair handrail in park.The steps are designed as 3 sets of staircases with landings between them to provide access the amphitheater terraced seating areas.The mid landing would serve as a small overlook with a decorative railing facing the river. The design of the railings will duplicate similar existing elements in the original park. Addition of an upper plaza -The upper plaza/balcony space is also being proposed as part of this bid package.This upper level space would offer great viewing of the stage and the river. Bleachers and picnic tables could be placed in the plaza area, and City should also consider a future shade structure or setting up temporary shade tents during the hot summer months for events. The upper balcony would have decorative railing for spectators viewing the river and stage. Addition of site lighting - Five decorative light pole fixtures are proposed throughout the expanded park area to enhance safety in the evenings and to better visually tie the new park