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s, . Orono Par; Playground Ce6m:eC Jme 2013 Noya JoM DZ 2 1 Project Understanding The implementation of site and building improvements at the Youth Athletic Complex and Orono Park provides the opportunity to improve the quality of the recreational experience in both parks and provide new amenities which can better serve the needs of youth, teens, seniors, and families. Based on outcomes of the master planning process, moving forward with the detailed design of improvements provides the opportunity to create a new and updated identity for both parks. It also provides the opportunity to promote how public investment in parks can contribute towards improving the quality of life for all Elk River residents. The following issues will be key to address for designing and implementing improvements at each park. CREATING A NEW AND UNIFIED IDENTITY FOR THE PARK The implementation of new site and building improvements at each park should strive to create a unified appearance through the use of matching site furnishings, lighting, and a strong building vocabulary which reflects the identity of Elk River and the surrounding community. Providing other high demand park amenities like shade provisions, electrical plug ins and serving counters for picnicking, and convenient access to drinking water will contribute towards creating a high quality park experience for visitors. INCORPORATING SUSTAINABLE PARK DESIGN PRINCIPLES The development of new park amenities should strive to implement sustainable design solutions for treating storm water runoff from hard surface areas, minimizing the use of high maintenance site and building materials, and implementing turf and landscape improvements which can be easily maintained by park and operations staff. the incorporation of a recirculation system for the splash pad facility will also be a big contributor towards minimizing water consumption in the park, and a good public demonstration project for promoting being good stewards of the cities water and land resources. UTILITIES AND SUBSURFACE SOIL INVESTIGATION The alignment and capacities of utility services at each park should be evaluated to ensure any needed upgrades are integrated into overall construction costs. Assessing existing water, storm, sanitary, and electrical services early in the design and cost estimating process will ensure no delays are encountered redesigning site and building improvements because of unforeseen utility or soil correction costs. ACCESS AND CONNECTIVITY With new parking facilities being constructed at Orono Park, evaluating how new trail circulation can be organized to provide access to the play and splash areas, beach, and picnic facilities, will create a better sense of arrival and wayfinding for the park. Accessibility issues should also be evaluated and addressed to ensure physically challenged user groups can gain access to all areas of the park. Safety and security needs should also be considered in the design process utilizing crime prevention through environmental design (CPTED) principles to implement all site and building improvements within each park property. BUILDING FACILITIES The design for a new pavilion and restroom building at Orono Park offers many possibilities for best serving the needs of park visitors. Size and space configurations for these building uses for covered picnicking, flush toilets, and watercraft rental should all be evaluated to determine if any of these uses should be separated or combined to maximize the function and accessibility to all these issues. Maintaining good sight lines to restroom building entries from the play and splash pad area, allowing for flexibility in how the picnic shelter and surrounding lawn space can be used for small and large group gatherings, should all be considered for how the building is configured on the site. Evaluation of the existing concession and storage building should consider how the existing footprint can be remodeled, repurposed, or expanded to better serve the needs of park user groups. A preliminary feasibility study for constructing a new building should also be considered as well as how additional forms of revenue or funding can be secured to help offset costs for a new concession and restroom facility. SRF CONSULTING GROUP CITY OF ELK RIVER // Active Elk River Park Improvements 3