ANC 1C presentation-Kalorama Park Plaza-Dec 3 2014
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Transcript of ANC 1C presentation-Kalorama Park Plaza-Dec 3 2014
![Page 1: ANC 1C presentation-Kalorama Park Plaza-Dec 3 2014](https://reader033.fdocuments.in/reader033/viewer/2022060204/55a052ce1a28abc8578b483e/html5/thumbnails/1.jpg)
KALORAMA PARK
Presentation to ANC 1Cby
Belinda Reeder & Cynthia Polson the
Proposed DPR/DGS Re-design of the Plaza
Dec. 3, 2014
![Page 2: ANC 1C presentation-Kalorama Park Plaza-Dec 3 2014](https://reader033.fdocuments.in/reader033/viewer/2022060204/55a052ce1a28abc8578b483e/html5/thumbnails/2.jpg)
DPR/DGS’S PROPOSAL TO DEMOLISH & REPLACE
KALORAMA PARK’S PLAZA:
THE ORIGINAL NATIONAL PARK SERVICE DESIGN & WHY IT SHOULD
BE PRESERVED
![Page 3: ANC 1C presentation-Kalorama Park Plaza-Dec 3 2014](https://reader033.fdocuments.in/reader033/viewer/2022060204/55a052ce1a28abc8578b483e/html5/thumbnails/3.jpg)
THE NATIONAL PARK SERVICE’S 1947 PLANS FOR KALORAMA PARK
![Page 4: ANC 1C presentation-Kalorama Park Plaza-Dec 3 2014](https://reader033.fdocuments.in/reader033/viewer/2022060204/55a052ce1a28abc8578b483e/html5/thumbnails/4.jpg)
Overall Plans
![Page 5: ANC 1C presentation-Kalorama Park Plaza-Dec 3 2014](https://reader033.fdocuments.in/reader033/viewer/2022060204/55a052ce1a28abc8578b483e/html5/thumbnails/5.jpg)
Close-up of Plans for Plaza Area
![Page 6: ANC 1C presentation-Kalorama Park Plaza-Dec 3 2014](https://reader033.fdocuments.in/reader033/viewer/2022060204/55a052ce1a28abc8578b483e/html5/thumbnails/6.jpg)
THE NATIONAL PARK SERVICE CAREFULLY ADHERED TO THE 1947 PLANS AS IT BUILT THE PLAZA
SATELLITE VIEWS OF THE PLAZA OVER THE YEARS SHOW THE SYMMETRY & BALANCE OF THIS DESIGN & ITS CONSISTENCY WITH THE 1947 PLANS
![Page 7: ANC 1C presentation-Kalorama Park Plaza-Dec 3 2014](https://reader033.fdocuments.in/reader033/viewer/2022060204/55a052ce1a28abc8578b483e/html5/thumbnails/7.jpg)
1999 Satellite View of the Plaza Area
![Page 8: ANC 1C presentation-Kalorama Park Plaza-Dec 3 2014](https://reader033.fdocuments.in/reader033/viewer/2022060204/55a052ce1a28abc8578b483e/html5/thumbnails/8.jpg)
2005 Satellite View of the Plaza Area
![Page 9: ANC 1C presentation-Kalorama Park Plaza-Dec 3 2014](https://reader033.fdocuments.in/reader033/viewer/2022060204/55a052ce1a28abc8578b483e/html5/thumbnails/9.jpg)
2007 Satellite View of the Plaza Area
![Page 10: ANC 1C presentation-Kalorama Park Plaza-Dec 3 2014](https://reader033.fdocuments.in/reader033/viewer/2022060204/55a052ce1a28abc8578b483e/html5/thumbnails/10.jpg)
2010 Satellite View of the Plaza Area
![Page 11: ANC 1C presentation-Kalorama Park Plaza-Dec 3 2014](https://reader033.fdocuments.in/reader033/viewer/2022060204/55a052ce1a28abc8578b483e/html5/thumbnails/11.jpg)
2010 Satellite View of the Plaza Area
![Page 12: ANC 1C presentation-Kalorama Park Plaza-Dec 3 2014](https://reader033.fdocuments.in/reader033/viewer/2022060204/55a052ce1a28abc8578b483e/html5/thumbnails/12.jpg)
2012 Satellite View of the Plaza Area
![Page 13: ANC 1C presentation-Kalorama Park Plaza-Dec 3 2014](https://reader033.fdocuments.in/reader033/viewer/2022060204/55a052ce1a28abc8578b483e/html5/thumbnails/13.jpg)
2013 Satellite View of the Plaza Area
![Page 14: ANC 1C presentation-Kalorama Park Plaza-Dec 3 2014](https://reader033.fdocuments.in/reader033/viewer/2022060204/55a052ce1a28abc8578b483e/html5/thumbnails/14.jpg)
EXCEPT FOR THE INTERPLAY WITH NATURE (THE LOSS OF TREES IN THE PLAZA & THE ADDITION OF TREES IN THE PLAYGROUND), THE 1947 DESIGN OF THE PLAZA & THE OTHER “ROOMS” IN THE UPPER AREA OF THE PARK HAS REMAINED INTACT FOR SOME 50 - 60 YEARS
![Page 15: ANC 1C presentation-Kalorama Park Plaza-Dec 3 2014](https://reader033.fdocuments.in/reader033/viewer/2022060204/55a052ce1a28abc8578b483e/html5/thumbnails/15.jpg)
WE SUDDENLY FIND OURSELVES FACED WITH DPR/DGS’S PROPOSAL TO DEMOLISH THE PLAZA IN ITS ENTIRETY & REPLACE IT WITH A NEW PLAZA THAT WILL NOT HAVE THE STRUCTURE & SYMMETRY OF THE EXISTING PLAZA AS ESTABLISHED BY THE 1947 NPS DESIGN
![Page 16: ANC 1C presentation-Kalorama Park Plaza-Dec 3 2014](https://reader033.fdocuments.in/reader033/viewer/2022060204/55a052ce1a28abc8578b483e/html5/thumbnails/16.jpg)
DPR/DGS “Final” Redesign Plans (Nov 18, 2014)
![Page 17: ANC 1C presentation-Kalorama Park Plaza-Dec 3 2014](https://reader033.fdocuments.in/reader033/viewer/2022060204/55a052ce1a28abc8578b483e/html5/thumbnails/17.jpg)
TO PUT THE DPR/DGS PROPOSED CHANGES IN CONTEXT, IT IS HELPFUL TO LOOK AT THE PLAZA IN VARIOUS WEATHER CONDITIONS & SEASONS
NOTE THAT THE SYMMETRY & BALANCE OF THE PLAZA’S DESIGN SHINE THROUGH REGARDLESS OF THE CONDITIONS
![Page 18: ANC 1C presentation-Kalorama Park Plaza-Dec 3 2014](https://reader033.fdocuments.in/reader033/viewer/2022060204/55a052ce1a28abc8578b483e/html5/thumbnails/18.jpg)
Aerial View of Plaza (winter of 2009)
![Page 19: ANC 1C presentation-Kalorama Park Plaza-Dec 3 2014](https://reader033.fdocuments.in/reader033/viewer/2022060204/55a052ce1a28abc8578b483e/html5/thumbnails/19.jpg)
Aerial View of Plaza (2010)
![Page 20: ANC 1C presentation-Kalorama Park Plaza-Dec 3 2014](https://reader033.fdocuments.in/reader033/viewer/2022060204/55a052ce1a28abc8578b483e/html5/thumbnails/20.jpg)
Aerial View of Plaza (early 2011)
![Page 21: ANC 1C presentation-Kalorama Park Plaza-Dec 3 2014](https://reader033.fdocuments.in/reader033/viewer/2022060204/55a052ce1a28abc8578b483e/html5/thumbnails/21.jpg)
Aerial View of Plaza (spring of 2011)
![Page 22: ANC 1C presentation-Kalorama Park Plaza-Dec 3 2014](https://reader033.fdocuments.in/reader033/viewer/2022060204/55a052ce1a28abc8578b483e/html5/thumbnails/22.jpg)
Aerial View of Plaza (summer of 2011)
![Page 23: ANC 1C presentation-Kalorama Park Plaza-Dec 3 2014](https://reader033.fdocuments.in/reader033/viewer/2022060204/55a052ce1a28abc8578b483e/html5/thumbnails/23.jpg)
Aerial View of Plaza (July of 2014)
![Page 24: ANC 1C presentation-Kalorama Park Plaza-Dec 3 2014](https://reader033.fdocuments.in/reader033/viewer/2022060204/55a052ce1a28abc8578b483e/html5/thumbnails/24.jpg)
IT IS ALSO IMPORTANT TO KEEP IN MIND THAT THE PLAZA, IN ITS CURRENT FORM, ACCOMMODATES A WIDE RANGE OF USES & ACTIVITIES & IS MUCH MORE THAN AN EXTENSION OF THE NEARBY PLAYGROUND
![Page 25: ANC 1C presentation-Kalorama Park Plaza-Dec 3 2014](https://reader033.fdocuments.in/reader033/viewer/2022060204/55a052ce1a28abc8578b483e/html5/thumbnails/25.jpg)
People Using the Plaza (2005)
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People in the Plaza (2008?)
![Page 27: ANC 1C presentation-Kalorama Park Plaza-Dec 3 2014](https://reader033.fdocuments.in/reader033/viewer/2022060204/55a052ce1a28abc8578b483e/html5/thumbnails/27.jpg)
People in the Plaza (2009)
![Page 28: ANC 1C presentation-Kalorama Park Plaza-Dec 3 2014](https://reader033.fdocuments.in/reader033/viewer/2022060204/55a052ce1a28abc8578b483e/html5/thumbnails/28.jpg)
People in the Plaza (2011)
![Page 29: ANC 1C presentation-Kalorama Park Plaza-Dec 3 2014](https://reader033.fdocuments.in/reader033/viewer/2022060204/55a052ce1a28abc8578b483e/html5/thumbnails/29.jpg)
People in the Plaza (2011)
![Page 30: ANC 1C presentation-Kalorama Park Plaza-Dec 3 2014](https://reader033.fdocuments.in/reader033/viewer/2022060204/55a052ce1a28abc8578b483e/html5/thumbnails/30.jpg)
People in the Plaza (2014)
![Page 31: ANC 1C presentation-Kalorama Park Plaza-Dec 3 2014](https://reader033.fdocuments.in/reader033/viewer/2022060204/55a052ce1a28abc8578b483e/html5/thumbnails/31.jpg)
THE PLAZA, IN ITS CURRENT FORM, PROVIDES A WONDERFUL PUBLIC SPOT WHERE NATURE & DESIGN COME TOGETHER IN HARMONY
![Page 32: ANC 1C presentation-Kalorama Park Plaza-Dec 3 2014](https://reader033.fdocuments.in/reader033/viewer/2022060204/55a052ce1a28abc8578b483e/html5/thumbnails/32.jpg)
Hawthorn-Northeast Corner of Plaza (fall of 1993)
![Page 33: ANC 1C presentation-Kalorama Park Plaza-Dec 3 2014](https://reader033.fdocuments.in/reader033/viewer/2022060204/55a052ce1a28abc8578b483e/html5/thumbnails/33.jpg)
Hawthorn in Bloom in the Plaza (undated)
![Page 34: ANC 1C presentation-Kalorama Park Plaza-Dec 3 2014](https://reader033.fdocuments.in/reader033/viewer/2022060204/55a052ce1a28abc8578b483e/html5/thumbnails/34.jpg)
Hawthorn in Bloom in the Plaza (undated)
![Page 35: ANC 1C presentation-Kalorama Park Plaza-Dec 3 2014](https://reader033.fdocuments.in/reader033/viewer/2022060204/55a052ce1a28abc8578b483e/html5/thumbnails/35.jpg)
Eastern Side of Plaza (2008)
![Page 36: ANC 1C presentation-Kalorama Park Plaza-Dec 3 2014](https://reader033.fdocuments.in/reader033/viewer/2022060204/55a052ce1a28abc8578b483e/html5/thumbnails/36.jpg)
Western Side of Plaza (p re-erosion) (spring of 2003)
![Page 37: ANC 1C presentation-Kalorama Park Plaza-Dec 3 2014](https://reader033.fdocuments.in/reader033/viewer/2022060204/55a052ce1a28abc8578b483e/html5/thumbnails/37.jpg)
Western Side of Plaza (pre-erosion) (spring of 2003)
![Page 38: ANC 1C presentation-Kalorama Park Plaza-Dec 3 2014](https://reader033.fdocuments.in/reader033/viewer/2022060204/55a052ce1a28abc8578b483e/html5/thumbnails/38.jpg)
View of Plaza from the Oval (2008?)
![Page 39: ANC 1C presentation-Kalorama Park Plaza-Dec 3 2014](https://reader033.fdocuments.in/reader033/viewer/2022060204/55a052ce1a28abc8578b483e/html5/thumbnails/39.jpg)
View of Plaza in Winter (2009)
• file:///.file/id=6571367.16file:///.file/id=6571367.16042497041094
![Page 40: ANC 1C presentation-Kalorama Park Plaza-Dec 3 2014](https://reader033.fdocuments.in/reader033/viewer/2022060204/55a052ce1a28abc8578b483e/html5/thumbnails/40.jpg)
DPR/DGS PROPOSAL FOR A PERMEABLE PAVEMENT SYSTEM FOR THE PLAZA:
QUESTIONS & CONCERNS ABOUT THE VIABILITY OF THE PROPOSED SYSTEM
![Page 41: ANC 1C presentation-Kalorama Park Plaza-Dec 3 2014](https://reader033.fdocuments.in/reader033/viewer/2022060204/55a052ce1a28abc8578b483e/html5/thumbnails/41.jpg)
The bad history of the 2009 anti-erosion project requires extra vigilance
• Following DPR’s 2009 implementation of an anti-erosion project, erosion worsened
• That 2009 project involved tearing apart the park to install 3 “bioswales,” modify 3 catch basins, install 1 new catch basin, remove 2 catch basins, & install a new play area for children
• Some 5 years later, the 2009 project remains unfinished & caused damage to the park in many areas
![Page 42: ANC 1C presentation-Kalorama Park Plaza-Dec 3 2014](https://reader033.fdocuments.in/reader033/viewer/2022060204/55a052ce1a28abc8578b483e/html5/thumbnails/42.jpg)
The bad history of the 2009 anti-erosion project requires extra vigilance
• The 2009 anti-erosion project did not include improvements or repairs to the trench drain system in the plaza– The trench drain system had worked well for some 50
- 60 years– It was damaged in recent years either by DPR
contractors for the 2009 anti-erosion project or by some other occurrence like root intrusion
– It has not been repaired in spite of its central importance
– DGS confirmed in July of 2014 that the trench drain’s main drain pipe was damaged
![Page 43: ANC 1C presentation-Kalorama Park Plaza-Dec 3 2014](https://reader033.fdocuments.in/reader033/viewer/2022060204/55a052ce1a28abc8578b483e/html5/thumbnails/43.jpg)
The bad history of the 2009 anti-erosion project requires extra vigilance
• DPR commissioned a report in 2012 by an engineering firm (Volkert) to assess the 2009 anti-erosion project
• Volkert found numerous flaws in the implementation of the 2009 anti-erosion project, including that the 3 catch basins associated with the bioswales were not working properly
• DPR failed to develop proper contracts in 2009 for the anti-erosion project or to oversee the contractors
![Page 44: ANC 1C presentation-Kalorama Park Plaza-Dec 3 2014](https://reader033.fdocuments.in/reader033/viewer/2022060204/55a052ce1a28abc8578b483e/html5/thumbnails/44.jpg)
The bad history of the 2009 anti-erosion project requires extra vigilance
• The fix proposed by DPR/DGS in 2014 for the mess created by the 2009 anti-erosion project is a complex, engineered permeable pavement system
• Based on history, it is not wise to automatically assume that the planners have it right
• Given history, it is reasonable to question whether DPR/DGS will implement the aggressive maintenance plan required to keep the proposed system in operation
![Page 45: ANC 1C presentation-Kalorama Park Plaza-Dec 3 2014](https://reader033.fdocuments.in/reader033/viewer/2022060204/55a052ce1a28abc8578b483e/html5/thumbnails/45.jpg)
How the proposed permeable pavement system would work
• It captures & temporarily stores water in a stone reservoir directly below the pavement’s surface
• The system is designed to collect water & return it to the stormwater system or filter it into the soil within 48 hours
• If working properly, it provides some control of water run-off
• It can also slow down the speed at which surface water is released into the stormwater system
![Page 46: ANC 1C presentation-Kalorama Park Plaza-Dec 3 2014](https://reader033.fdocuments.in/reader033/viewer/2022060204/55a052ce1a28abc8578b483e/html5/thumbnails/46.jpg)
How the proposed permeable pavement system would work
![Page 47: ANC 1C presentation-Kalorama Park Plaza-Dec 3 2014](https://reader033.fdocuments.in/reader033/viewer/2022060204/55a052ce1a28abc8578b483e/html5/thumbnails/47.jpg)
What are key design issues as per DC’s Stormwater Management
Guidebook (SWMG)?
• The depth of the stone reservoir – typically in the 2’- 4’ range – is determined by several factors, including:
- Water flow into the reservoir from direct precipitation on the surface
- Water flow into the reservoir from adjacent areas
- Permeability of the soil beneath the reservoir
![Page 48: ANC 1C presentation-Kalorama Park Plaza-Dec 3 2014](https://reader033.fdocuments.in/reader033/viewer/2022060204/55a052ce1a28abc8578b483e/html5/thumbnails/48.jpg)
What are key design issues as per DC’s Stormwater Management
Guidebook (SWMG)?
• The below-surface drainage system for slowly emptying the reservoir:
- This system may consist of: drainage pipes (over & under drains – typically 4” – 6” in diameter & with 3/8” perforations); & the “infiltration sump”or a second stone reservoir below the under drain pipes
- Other factors: number of drainage pipes in the reservoir; space between drainage pipes
![Page 49: ANC 1C presentation-Kalorama Park Plaza-Dec 3 2014](https://reader033.fdocuments.in/reader033/viewer/2022060204/55a052ce1a28abc8578b483e/html5/thumbnails/49.jpg)
What are key design issues as per DC’s Stormwater Management
Guidebook (SWMG)?
• Connections to the stormwater system to drain the water out of the reservoir
• Geotextile & other walls between the stone reservoir & adjacent areas to prevent clogging of the pavement & drainage system
• Distance from nearby buildings and utility lines (DC’s SWMG recommends at least 10’)
![Page 50: ANC 1C presentation-Kalorama Park Plaza-Dec 3 2014](https://reader033.fdocuments.in/reader033/viewer/2022060204/55a052ce1a28abc8578b483e/html5/thumbnails/50.jpg)
Possible problems with permeable pavement systems?
• The reservoir has insufficient storage capacity
• Due to design deficiencies, the water retained below the pavement surface in the reservoir cannot drain within the requisite 48 hours
• Some or all of the drains in the reservoir become clogged over time
![Page 51: ANC 1C presentation-Kalorama Park Plaza-Dec 3 2014](https://reader033.fdocuments.in/reader033/viewer/2022060204/55a052ce1a28abc8578b483e/html5/thumbnails/51.jpg)
Possible problems with permeable pavement systems?
• The surface pavements clog up over time, blocking water from filtering into the reservoir
• The geotextiles used to create walls between the reservoir & nearby landscaped areas break down over time, allowing soil to migrate into the reservoir
![Page 52: ANC 1C presentation-Kalorama Park Plaza-Dec 3 2014](https://reader033.fdocuments.in/reader033/viewer/2022060204/55a052ce1a28abc8578b483e/html5/thumbnails/52.jpg)
Main problems with a permeable pavement system in the plaza area?
• The soil beneath the plaza has limited ability to absorb water: - A DGS subcontractor found the soil to be close to not
permeable – it can absorb only about ¼” inch of water in 48 hours (0.005 inches/hour)
- The subsurface reservoir must be engineered to both retain virtually all the water & to gradually release it into the stormwater system over 48 hours
- The stone reservoir must be deep (likely at least 4’) & equipped with multiple drains
- The system must be linked to the stormwater system
![Page 53: ANC 1C presentation-Kalorama Park Plaza-Dec 3 2014](https://reader033.fdocuments.in/reader033/viewer/2022060204/55a052ce1a28abc8578b483e/html5/thumbnails/53.jpg)
Main problems with a permeable pavement system in the plaza area?
DGS tested the water infiltration rate at 8 points in the park in July of 2014
- The plaza testing points are shown on the map in the next slide (B-2 is the main testing point for the plaza; tests were also conducted at B-1)
- The results of the tests at all 8 points are shown in the slide after that
![Page 54: ANC 1C presentation-Kalorama Park Plaza-Dec 3 2014](https://reader033.fdocuments.in/reader033/viewer/2022060204/55a052ce1a28abc8578b483e/html5/thumbnails/54.jpg)
Main problems with a permeable pavement system in the plaza area?
![Page 55: ANC 1C presentation-Kalorama Park Plaza-Dec 3 2014](https://reader033.fdocuments.in/reader033/viewer/2022060204/55a052ce1a28abc8578b483e/html5/thumbnails/55.jpg)
Main problems with a permeable pavement system in the plaza area?
![Page 56: ANC 1C presentation-Kalorama Park Plaza-Dec 3 2014](https://reader033.fdocuments.in/reader033/viewer/2022060204/55a052ce1a28abc8578b483e/html5/thumbnails/56.jpg)
Main problems with a permeable pavement system in the plaza area?
• Nearby areas drain into the plaza area (the roof of the rec center, the 2 playgrounds, & the Oval), compounding the problems associated with the soil’s limited permeability:- Additional issues are implicated by unformed plans to
reconstruct the adjacent playgrounds- The surface of the adjacent playground already poses a threat to
a permeable pavement system – it is 6” above the plaza & consists of mulch & similar loose materials
- DPR/DGS plans to upgrade the playgrounds but does not plan to install permeable surface (DGS Nov. 5 announcement)
- DPR/DGS plans to replace the existing surface with wood chips (likely incompatible with the proposed permeable pavement system as loose materials could clog the system)
![Page 57: ANC 1C presentation-Kalorama Park Plaza-Dec 3 2014](https://reader033.fdocuments.in/reader033/viewer/2022060204/55a052ce1a28abc8578b483e/html5/thumbnails/57.jpg)
Main problems with a permeable pavement system in the plaza area?
• The plaza directly abuts the rec center – under the SWMG, the 10-foot strip in front of the rec center should not be part of the permeable pavement system
• DPR/DGS plans to plant new trees & landscaping in the plaza (a source of loose materials)
• Unanswered questions include who will vacuum & maintain the permeable pavement system– This is a baseline question
– DC does not have an established track record of maintaining the park (trimming trees & hedges, repairing the trench drain)
![Page 58: ANC 1C presentation-Kalorama Park Plaza-Dec 3 2014](https://reader033.fdocuments.in/reader033/viewer/2022060204/55a052ce1a28abc8578b483e/html5/thumbnails/58.jpg)
THE BOTTOM LINE
• A permeable pavement system is a complex, engineered system, with numerous points of possible failure, and requires regular, systematic maintenance
• The plaza area has many features which are highly problematic for a permeable pavement system (mulch, organic materials, a building, trees, shrubs, grass)
• Permeable pavement is best suited to less environmentally complex areas (like parking lots with limited vegetation)
• Given the small surface area involved & the high cost, it is an ineffective way to manage stormwater
![Page 59: ANC 1C presentation-Kalorama Park Plaza-Dec 3 2014](https://reader033.fdocuments.in/reader033/viewer/2022060204/55a052ce1a28abc8578b483e/html5/thumbnails/59.jpg)
SUGGESTED APPROACH
• Defer finalizing plans for plaza improvements until plans for playground improvements are finalized
• Restore & augment the trench drain system & remediate erosion
• In developing plans for plaza improvements, preserve the 1947 NPS plaza design by steps like replacing the Hawthorn trees with similar trees, restoring the plaza’s privets, & planting compatible bushes or plants in the 2 oblong planters
• If it is conclusively determined that the permeable pavement system is technically & environmentally superior to the trench drain system & that maintenance questions can be resolved, consider deployment of permeable pavement in areas of the park where it will not require modification of the existing plaza design