EXECUTIVE SUMMARY REPORT - Nature At The Confluence · SAA DESIGN GROUP, INC. 101 EAST BADGER ROAD,...

SAA DESIGN GROUP, INC. 101 EAST BADGER ROAD, MADISON, WI 53713 608.255.0800 www.saa-madison.com #259821 January 2015

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

REPORT

iii

SAA Design Group

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY REPORTPREPARED FOR:

Beloit 2020

Plan and Contents Prepared in Cooperation with:

Beloit 2020 Jeff AdamsCity of South Beloit, IL Alice Schoonover, MayorFirepoint Media Therese Oldenburg, Owner

PLANNING AND DESIGN ASSISTANCE PROVIDED BY:

SAA DESIGN GROUP, INC.David Schreiber, PrincipalJacob Blue, Project ManagerCaitlin Blue, Design AssociateAaron O’Keefe, Cartography

101 East Badger RoadMadison, WI 53713608-255-0800www.saa-madison.com

ECOLOGICAL ANALYSIS PROVIDED BY:

APPLIED ECOLOGICAL SERVICES, INC.Susan Lenhardt, Senior Ecologist

17921 Smith RoadBrodhead, WI 53520608-897-8641www.appliedeco.com

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

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NATURE at the Confl uence

INTRODUCTION 1

EXISTING CONDITIONS 2

PROGRAMMING OPPORTUNITIES 3

CONCEPT PLAN 4

CONCEPT PHASING 6

LAND ACQUISTION 10

PLAN IMPLEMENTATION 11

COST ESTIMATE 14

PROPOSED SCHEDULE 15

TABLE OF CONTENTS

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SAA Design Group

Native meadow restoration, 2008.

ATURE at the Confl uence was identifi ed as a signifi cant public open space opportunity in the 2012 Connections

Plan. Since then the vision, name, and concept of NATURE at the Confl uence has grown.

While developing the 2012 Connections Plan, the site was identifi ed as the possible location of Turtle Village, a Ho-Chunk village dating to the early 1800’s. The likely attractor for native populations to the site are the same as those that attract visitors and users to the site today - the nature that is found when two riparian systems (Turtle Creek and the Rock River) intersect.

The site has been a gathering point for historical populations for centuries. It is because of the Confl uence that the cities of Beloit, Wisconsin and South Beloit, Illinois are located where they are today.

Situated on the state line of Wisconsin and Illinois as well as the joining point for the cities of Beloit and South Beloit, the site is an urban

natural area left undeveloped as a result of industrial abandonment. The site is located nearly at the center of a region populated by almost 100,000 people.

Those who fi nd their way along rail lines or game and foot trails to the Confl uence fi nd it still has much of its wilderness charm, though it is plagued by two problems resulting from human development patterns:

1. The Confl uence is overgrown with non-native invasive species and weedy natives; and

2. The Confl uence and surrounding properties have been denuded by rail, manufacturing, and landfi ll operations.

The Master Plan concept envisions a place that highlights the signifi cance of the nature that has been preserved at the Confl uence and restoring the site as a place of learning, recreating, and gathering for people of all ages and abilities.

Several special places are proposed at the site all with a focus on nature and ecological processes or historical understanding. In addition, the site is proposed as a major regional destination and it is hoped will be a catalyst for nearby redevelopment.

The concept proposes a variety of spaces, experiences, hiking and biking trails, outdoor education, historical interpretation, and one-of-a-kind scenic overlooks.

In addition, the site will connect several existing trail systems and is central to many existing natural parks or preserves in the region.

When completed, NATURE at the Confl uence is expected to provide visitors with almost 70 acres of prairie, meadow, wetlands, woodlands, and savanna as well as host a wetland laboratory and natural play area, amphitheater, ropes course, and more.

INTRODUCTION

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The NATURE at the Confl uence site today, 2014

The NATURE at the Confl uence site has had a long history of uses, beginning with early settlements and industrial revolution development and ending with site landfi lling and post industrial uses. These land use activities presented several design challenges including:

• Previous landfi lling activities;• Contamination concerns;• Seasonal fl ooding;• Poor soils;• Site access;• Invasive species;• Stream alignment; and• Two active railroad crossings and

easements.Two archeological investigations were completed at the site in 20121 and 20142. Both studies focused on discovering evidence of Turtle Village, suspected to be on or near the project site.

A natural resoucres inventory in early 2014 found the site’s ecology severely impacted by previous land uses, an abundance of invasive species, inappropriate bank stablization techniques within Turtle Creek and upstream of the project, and declining ecological health of the site. However, nature continues to persist and evidence of many special organisms and vegetation can be found on site.1 Green, 20122 Bird, Kolbe and Tolmie, 2014

ROCK RIVER

MEANDER CREEK

TURTLE CREEK

CHARLES ST

SHIRLAND AVE

DICKOP ST

BLAC

KHAW

K BL

VD

DALLMANBUILDING

EXISTING LAND COVER

Mowed Grass

Landcover

Floodplain Forest

Water

Pavement

Confluence Boundary

Railroad

EXISTING CONDITIONS

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SAA Design Group

Conceptual site programming developed during stakeholder interviews and workshops, 2014.

Hiking/Biking Trail

Canoe/Kayak Trail

Project Boundary1

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5

Rock

Rive

r

Turtle Creek

Blac

khaw

k Bo

ulev

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Shirland Avenue

Dickop St.

Charles St.

Kelly’s Creek

CONCEPT PROGRAMMING OPPORTUNITIES

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The Confl uence site was fi rst identifi ed as a possible regional destination opportunity in the 2012 Connections Plan for the Greater Beloit region. The Connections Plan envisioned a continuous public open space along the Turtle Creek corridor, extending from the confl uence of Turtle Creek and the Rock River in South Beloit, east and north to Milwaukee Street in Beloit. A key element of the Connections Plan was the development of an open space and recreation spine along which revitalized commercial and residential land uses could be created.

NATURE at the Confl uence is the fi rst of many steps to follow the 2012 Connections Plan and the result of on-going commitment by Beloit 2020 to a more vibrant, prosperous community. A commitment that began with the Vision Plan in 2005, followed by the Life at the Center Plan in 2010, the 2012 Connections Plan, and now NATURE at the Confl uence. The NATURE at the Confl uence Concept Master Plan that follows, outlines the steps and commitment for the success of this project.

Interpret Native American history, settlement, and impacts on the landscape Interpret Industrial land use history Site restoration Habitat development Trail connectivity Flood mitigation

1 Habitat restoration Hiking, biking, snowshoeing, cross cournty skiing Bird watching & wildlife viewing

2 Multiuse space Habitat restoration Silent sports Ecological interpretation Citizen science Picnics Nature play Camping

3 Learning center Teaching gardens Multiuse space Ecosystem services demonstration

Regional destination Special events

4 Boating access Fishing Stream science Creek restoration

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PROGRAMMING OPPORTUNITIES

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Concept plan for NATURE at the Confl uence, 2014

VISION:

Nature at the Confluence will be a destination, nature-based, public open space dedicated to making City Center’s historic confluence of the Rock River and Turtle Creek a place of gathering, exploration, recreation, learning, and inspiration for people of all ages and abilities.

LEGEND

1. The Nature at the Confl uence Learning Center

2. The Learning Gardens3. Learning Center Outdoor Courtyard/

Classroom4. Interim Parking5. Entry Signage6. Raingarden Infi ltration Exhibit7. The Meadow8. Council Ring9. The Beach10. 3 Looks Confl uence Overlook & Trails11. Savanna Restoration 12. The Trestle & Eagle’s Nest13. The Naturatory 14. New Enry & Parking15. Drumlin Gardens16. Wetland & Forest Restoration17. Bend in the Creek Amphitheater18. The Knoll19. Trail to Boney Island20. Ropes Confi dence Course21. The Wetland Works & Kelly’s Creek

Restoration 22. Bridge Connections23. Community Gardens24. Turtle Village Interpretive Trails

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CONCEPT PLAN

CONCEPT PLAN

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SAA Design Group

Conceptual rendering of NATURE at the Confl uence, looking southwest from Blackhawk Boulevard, 2014.

NTSLEGEND

1. The Nature at the Confl uence Learning Center2. The Learning Gardens3. Learning Center Outdoor Courtyard/Classroom4. Interim Parking5. Entry Signage (Not Shown)6. Raingarden Infi ltration Exhibit7. The Meadow8. Council Ring (Not Shown)9. The Beach10. 3 Looks Confl uence Overlook & Trails (Not Shown)

11. Savanna Restoration 12. The Trestle & Eagle’s Nest13. The Naturatory 14. New Enry & Parking15. Drumlin Gardens16. Wetland & Forest Restoration17. Bend in the Creek Amphitheater18. The Knoll19. Trail to Boney Island20. Ropes Confi dence Course

21. The Wetland Works & Kelly’s Creek Restoration

22. Bridge Connections23. Community Gardens (Not Shown)24. Turtle Village Interpretive Trails (Not Shown)

Site view looking southwest

Rock RiverTurtle Creek

Dickop Stre

et

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11b

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Proposed Phasing for future design and construction, 2014; Concept image of the NATURE at the Confl uence Learning Center, 2013, Angus Young and Associates.

PHASE II

LEGEND1. The Nature at the Confluence

Learning Center2. The Learning Gardens3. Learning Center Outdoor Court

Yard/Classroom4. Interim Parking5. Interpretive Signage6. Raingarden Infiltration Exhibit7. The Meadow8. Council Ring9. The Beach10. 3 Looks Conflunce Overlook

& Trails11. Savanna Restoration12. The Trestle & Eagle’s Nest13. The Naturatory14. New Entry & Parking15. Drumlin Gardens16. Wetland & Forest Restoration17. Bend in the Creek

Amphitheater18. The Knoll19 Trail to Boney Island20. Ropes Confidence Course21. The Wetland Works & Kelly’s

Creek Restoration22. Bridge Connections23. Community Gardens24. Turtle Village Interpretive

Trails PHASE I

PHASE III

11.C

20 1817

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35 5

5

49

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11.B

11.A

7

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13 14

16

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1

19

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2122

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24

8

BLA

CKH

AW

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LVD

GARDNER ST

ROCK R

IVER

TURTLE CREEK

KELLY’S CREEK

DICKOP ST

SHIRLAND AVE

CHARLES ST

Phase I explores the improvements needed in order to provide the fi rst level of site programming and operation. This includes: remodeling and development of the Learning Center and key features associated with this facility, interim parking, establishment of initial trails to the confl uence and in the fl oodplain forest adjacent to the Rock River, entry signage, the beach and boat access from Turtle Creek, and initiation of savanna restoration and prairie restoration immediately adjacent to the Learning Center area.

Phase II includes the Trestle and Eagle’s Nest, the Naturatory play area, and establishment of the new parking south of the Learning Center with the Drumlin Gardens along Blackhawk Boulevard. Additional habitat restoration is also planned for this phase.

Phase III includes restoration and realignment of Kelly’s Creek, the Bend in the Creek Amphitheater, the Knoll, the Savanna Ropes Course, additional trails, and habitat restoration.

CONCEPT PHASING

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SAA Design Group

Proposed special places A-E, 2014; Nature education, passive nature education.

Phase I: A. The Learning CenterThe Learning Center provides a place to connect people of all ages and abilities with the unique ecology and historical signifi cance resulting from the confl uence of Turtle Creek and the Rock River.

Phase I: B. The Learning GardensThese gardens are designed for use by the facility to illustrate gardening practices and outcomes.

Phase I: C. Outdoor Courtyard/ClassroomThis space has been conceputally sized for reception events or outdoor instruction.

Phase I: D. The Multiuse LawnThis space is intended to be used in a variety of ways such as programmed events, receptions, yoga, fi tness bootcamps, or just a picnic. The space is sized for event tents or for multiple smaller programmed events operating in concert.

Phase I: E. Raingarden Infi ltration ExhibitThe rain garden will treat site runoff and serve as a demonstration for surrounding and regional commercial and institutional uses.

A

B

C

D

E

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Special places F-I; Wetland playground, 2007, Joy Schoenberger; Stream restoration, 2008; Willow maze by Patrick Dougherty, 2014, Jean-Pierre Dalbéra.

Phase 2: F. The Trestle & Eagle’s Nest This pedestrian structure is an art piece and an opportunity to view the region in a very special way. At more than thirty feet high, the Eagle’s Nest is an overlook modeled after an eagle’s nest in form and structure.

Phase 2: G. The NaturatoryThe Naturatory is designed to be a nature-based playground dedicated to learning and fun.

Phase 2: H. Drumlin Gardens The Drumlin Gardens mark the entrance to the NATURE at the Confl uence site along Blackhawk Boulevard and are an interpretation of the region’s glacial past.

Phase 2: I. ParkingAmple parking is proposed for the park. Beginning north of the Learning Center and eventually expanding south along Blackhawk Boulevard.

I

F

G

H

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SAA Design Group

Special places J-N; Climbing wall; Ropes course; Oak savanna restoration, 2010, Applied Ecological Services, Inc.

Phase 3: J. The Wetland Works and Kelly’s Creek Restoration

A proposed outdoor wetland and creek laboratory for students and visitors.

Phase 3: K. The KnollThe Knoll is expected to highlight native prairie species and provide an informal, mown trail to the peak.

Phase 3: L. Bend in the Creek AmphitheaterInformal seating on lawn and boulders overlooking a small stage/lecture/performance area.

Phase 3: M. Savanna Ropes CourseA training experience within nature and an opportunity to experience nature from a different perspective.

Phase 3: N. Community GardensThe gardens are proposed to be small plots that can be leased by citizens of South Beloit for growing vegetables and table fl owers.

L

MK

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J

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Rail trestle, 2009; Existing site ownership, 2014.

LAND ACQUISITIONMost of the NATURE at the Confl uence site is owned by the City of South Beloit. The Dallman property has been acquired.

Other properties that need to be acquired include the Mannino Trust properties and the Salgado properties. Acquiring the Mannino Trust properties is needed in order to establish site access off of Charles Street and the proposed large parking lot south of the Learning Center. The Salgado property is needed in order to link a continuous Rock River trail access from the project south to Nygren Prairie as well as other parks.

City of South Beloit


City of BeloitCity of Beloit

TransitCenterTransitCenter





Cana

dian

Pac

ific R

ailw

ay

Union Pacific Railway

SHIRLAND AVE

BLAC

KHAW

K BL

VD

OAK GROVE AVE

CHARLES ST




Salg

ado

Salgado

SHIRLAND AVE

BLAC

KHAW

K BL

VD

OAK GROVE AVE

Parcel Boundary

Nature at the Confluence Pro-posed Phase I Area - 25.6 Acres




Salg

ado

Salgado

SHIRLAND AVE

BLAC

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OAK GROVE AVE

Publically Owned (City of Beloit)

Publically Owned (City of South Beloit)

Presently Privately Owned

LAND ACQUISTION

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OWNERSHIP

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SAA Design Group

Nature walk; Prairie restoration.

APPROACHThe implementation of NATURE at the Confl uence will focus on two long-term objectives:

1. Continuous partnership building; and 2. Continuous community and partner

engagement.On-going partnership building will be needed at the public and private levels. The vision of NATURE at the Confl uence was built through collaboration and consensus with potential partners and users. It’s expected the project will continue to engage partners such as:

• Welty Center;

• The Winnebago County Forest Preserve District;

• YMCA;

• School districts;

• Beloit College; and

others in order to maintain the vision of the project and build capacity for site management and programming.

Additional partners should also be sought among recreational or other user groups:

• Fishermen;

• Silent water sports;

• Bikers;

• Native plant enthusiasts;

• Bird watchers; and

• Regional higher education institutions.

STRATEGIESThe following strategies for plan implementation propose a foundation for the near-term implementation of the plan through Phase I of development.

» Development Advisory Team

A Development Advisory Team (DAT) will be developed by Beloit 2020 and the City of South Beloit. The DAT is anticipated to assemble regularly to ensure that near-term action steps for the project are completed in a timely fashion. It is expected that the existing advisory council will grow into the DAT. Potential DAT representation could include representatives of:

• South Beloit, as appointed by the Mayor and City Council;

• The Winnebago County Forest Preserve District;

• Welty Center;

• YMCA;

• South Beloit School District; and

• Beloit College.

» Property Ownership

Two ownership models could be applied to the project:

1. Partnership Approach: Project partners with expertise related to the type of landscape or facility being proposed in the Master Plan take ownership and operational responsibility for portions of the site corresponding with their expertise.

2. Consolidated Approach: The City of South Beloit becomes the sole owner of all properties covered by the Master Plan. Facility operation, staffi ng, site maintenance and landscape management would be led by the City with input from project partners and stakeholders.

» Property Management & Facility Programming

Management and facility programming should revolve around the strengths of each of the partners, the sites resources, and access. This plan anticipates one of the DAT members will take leadership in day to day management of the site including staffi ng, programming activities, budgeting, maintenance and promotion of site programs and events.

PLAN IMPLEMENTATION

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Proposed organization model; Sledding; Stream play; Boardwalks

» Stimulating Redevelopment

It is expected that NATURE at the Confl uence will stimulate adjacent and regional redevelopment. The prospect of creating a visitor and regional attraction by cleaning, improving the aesthetic, and providing community access to derelict and abandoned lands at the Confl uence creates a powerful story and argument for the improvement of adajacent property. Anticipated improvements immediately adjacent to NATC are expected to include Blackhawk Avenue (IL Highway 2) and Gardner Street (IL Highway 175). These streets have been identifi ed in the City of South Beloit’s comprehensive plan as priority transportation corridors; and serve as the southern gateway to the Beloit/South Beloit City Center.

Improved roadway function, aesthetics, and more people in the area, will make private property adjoining the roadways more attractive for private redevelopment.

NATC

OwnershipRegulatoryGrantsLeases/EasementsAgreements

Operation & Programming

StaffingMaintenancePromotionBudget

Development Advisory Team

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SAA Design Group

Great horned owl (Bubo virginianus), 2011, William H. Majoros; Snow-shoeing; Cookout; White -tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus), 2011, Steve Hillebrand, USFWS.

» Agency Coordination & Support

The Illinois Department of Transportation, Illinois Department of Natural Resource, Illinois State Historic Preservation Offi ce, and federal and state Environmental Protection Agencies provided initial input as part of the master planning process. Ongoing input and engagement is expected in order to facilitate agency cooperation, understanding, and support. It is recommended that agency round tables are held as the plan is refi ned.

Union Pacifi c and Canadian Pacifi c railroads will need to approve track crossings, safety fencing, and landscape maintenance access proposed in the Master Plan. Communication with the railroads and approval often takes longer than hoped; these issues should be given early consideration in the plan implementation.

» Community Engagement

Continuing to engage the community with special events, news articles and progress updates on the project web site will be important if the project is expected to remain a priority in the community.

» Establish Taxing or Development Districts

The NATURE at the Confl uence project was fi rst proposed as part of the 2012 Greater Beloit Connections Plan and envisioned the Confl uence as part of an open space corridor that will one day be framed with redevelopment projects.

A TIF district has been proposed by the City of South Beloit for the park area and property adjacent to the park.

NEXT STEPSThe following describes the anticipated next steps. These steps are more or less arranged in order of priority.

» Site Control

» Site Survey

» Soil Survey and Sampling

» Interim Site Maintenance

» Rail Road Coordination

» Community Outreach

» Threatened and Endangered Resources Survey

» Coordination with Regulators and Agencies

» Coordination with Partners

» 2015 Grant Opportunities

» Project Budgeting by the City of South Beloit

» Phase I Design Refi nement

» Construction

SAA #2598

101 East Badger Road, Madison, WI 53713608-255-0800 www. saa-madison.com

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY REPORT - Nature At The Confluence · SAA DESIGN GROUP, INC. 101 EAST BADGER ROAD,...

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Transcript of EXECUTIVE SUMMARY REPORT - Nature At The Confluence · SAA DESIGN GROUP, INC. 101 EAST BADGER ROAD,...