J.B. Tudhope Memorial Park DESIGN PLAN UPDATE · J. B. Tudhope Memorial Park is the second most...

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J.B. Tudhope Memorial Park DESIGN PLAN UPDATE

February 2016

TABLE OF CONTENTS

SECTION PAGE EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

1.0 INTRODUCTION 1

1.1 Process …………………………………… ………………… 1 1.2 Consultation ………………………………. ………………… 1

2.0 SITE DATA AND CONTEXT 2 3.0 ASSESSMENT 3

3.1 Summary Assessment ……………………. ………………… 3 3.1.1 Vegetation ……………………….. ………………… 3 3.1.2 Utilities …………………………... ………………… 4 3.1.3 Buildings……………………….. ………………… 4 3.1.4 Mariposa Folk Festival ….................. ………………… 4 3.1.5 Heritage ...................................... ………………… 4 3.1.6 Site Analysis................................. ………………… 5

4.0 RECOMMENDATIONS AND REVIEW 6

4.1 Short Term ………………………………... ………………… 6 4.2 Medium Term…………………………........ ………………… 6 4.3 Long Term ………………………………… ………………… 6 4.4 Programming……………………………… ………………… 7

4.4.1 Culture …………………………... ………………… 7 4.4.2 Recreation ……………………….. ………………… 7 4.4.3 History …………………………… ………………… 7 4.4.4 Environment …………………….. ………………… 7

4.5 Review ……………..……………………… ………………… 8 4.5.1 Mariposa Festival……..................... ………………… 8 4.5.2 Public Consultation……………….. ………………… 8

5.0 MASTER PLAN 9

5.1 Park Zones ………………………………… ………………… 10 5.1.1 Celebration Centre ………….......... ………………… 10 5.1.2 Park Entry & Atherley Road Streetscape ………………… 12 5.1.3 Barnfield Point Recreation Centre …… ………………… 12 5.1.4 Waterfront Zones …………………. ………………… 13 5.1.5 Couchiching Point Picnic Area ……… ………………… 14

SECTION PAGE

5.0 MASTER PLAN (CON’T)

5.1.6 Environmentally Sensitive Area ……… ………………… 14 5.1.7 Infrastructure ……………………... .…………..…… 14 5.1.8 Sports Venues ……………………. ………………… 14

5.2 Key Components and Pieces ……………… ………………… 15 5.2.1 Pedestrian and Bicycle Circulation ….. ………………… 15 5.2.2 Vehicular Circulation and Parking ……. ………………… 15 5.2.3 Soft Surfaces …………………….. ………………… 15 5.2.4 Planting …………………………. ………………… 15 5.2.5 Services and Infrastructure …………. ………………… 15 5.2.6 Concessions and Food …………….. ………………… 15 5.2.7 Stormwater and Drainage ………….. ………………… 15 5.2.8 Passive Open Space / Picnic Pavilions ………………….. 15 5.2.9 Seating – Fixed and Movable ……….. ………………… 15 5.2.10 Shade Structures / Small Performance Stages ……………. 15 5.2.11 Lighting …………………………. ………………… 16 5.2.12 Signage and Wayfinding ……………. ………………… 16 5.2.13 Public Art ………………………… ………………… 16 5.2.14 Donor Recognition ………………… ………………… 16 5.2.15 Operations and Maintenance ………... ……………….. 16

6.0 MARIPOSA FOLK FESTIVAL 17

7.0 IMPLEMENTATION 18

7.1 Phasing …………………………………… ………………… 18 7.1.1 Implementation Sequence and Costs …. ………………… 18

7.2 Budget ……………………………………. ………………… 18 7.2.1 Short Term Improvements ………….. ………………… 18 7.2.2 Medium Term Improvements ………… ………………… 19 7.2.3 Long Term Considerations …………. ………………… 19

City of Orillia – J.B. TUDHOPE MEMORIAL PARK - Design Plan Update

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

J. B. Tudhope Memorial Park is the second most visited attraction in the City of Orillia. Noted for its trails, natural shoreline and community facilities in the form of baseball diamonds, curling arena, restaurant, splash pad and natural beach, the park attracts a wide range of visitors and users. The beautiful setting of the Jerry Udell Baseball Diamond augments this spirit and is a key ingredient in the success of the park. As part of the new Parks, Recreation and Culture Master Plan, the park is proposed to be reclassified from a Community Park to a Celebration Park, accommodating special community, regional or national events.

The City of Orillia and the Mariposa Folk Foundation are committed to a Design Plan Update to identify a number of park improvements that will transition the Park from active sports orientation into a Celebration Centre, including the opportunity for the Mariposa Festival to grow in attendance and creative expression.

As part of the update process, conceptual planning explored themes of; Carriageway Circulation; Environmental Restoration; and Waterfront Activity. Elements of all three themes form part of the preferred plan selected by the Steering Committee.

In addition to general improvements and upgrades to washroom

facilities, pedestrian and vehicular circulation and shoreline

character, the Design Plan Update is founded on the introduction of

four new organizational zones:

A central Celebration zone capable of accommodating 5 –

10,000 visitors;

A Service Pavilion and Plaza capable of meeting the parks

special events and festival needs;

A string of Community Picnic/Performance Pavilions joined

by a connected open space system;

A Welcome Point to identify entry to the park and orient

visitors to the key features within.

The plan is conceived to respond to many specific technical and program requirements and objectives, including:

Provide continuous, lighted, trail system that is connected

to the larger Lightfoot Trail;

Improve safety and accessibility;

Additional central washroom facilities;

Provide a diverse shoreline condition of water’s edge

access;

Preserve and restore environmentally sensitive areas and

tree canopy;

Improve underutilized park zones;

Enhance visitor experience

(sightlines / orientation / comfort);

Upgrade general services and utilities;

Improve vehicular access and parking.

Short term Improvements The following short term improvements are proposed for the first phase of re-development over a 5 year period:

A new centrally located Washroom Building;

Improvements to hydro service, water services, lighting

and a new transformer for the central area of the park;

Improvements to the pathways and roadways servicing the

central portion of the park ;

New pathways and vehicular Couchiching Point Road

Egress;

Mariposa Folk Foundation Storage Building;

Establishment of a Welcome Point Plaza north of the main

parking lot;

Grading and contouring of a Central Bowl and Lawn area

and installation of a Multi-court ;

Volleyball court expansion and reorientation;

A new picnic pavilion including water and hydro service.

The Design Plan Update provides the City with a plan to grow, while

preserving the qualities that have made it successful; continuous trail

system, clean beaches, natural treed environment and quality sports

facilities and activities.

City of Orillia – J.B. TUDHOPE MEMORIAL PARK - Design Plan Update 1

1.0 INTRODUCTION

1.1 PROCESS

Research and field work for the update was performed in June and

July of 2015. In addition to Fleisher Ridout Partnership Inc., the

consulting team included; Adam Kavski of Kavski Associates, Don

Loucks of Metropolitan Design, and John Smale of Pace Design.

Assessment Reports, accessed, as schedules 1, 2 and 3 on the City

of Orillia website were prepared for; Electrical, Water and Light

Considerations, Park Buildings and Mariposa Venue Planning.

Access was made available to all buildings and utilities within the

park and community centre and reports were prepared in

consultation with Municipal Staff and Mariposa personnel during site

walks. In addition, the Mariposa Festival was attended by all team

members and an Information Tent was set up to receive feedback

from festival attendees on the Festival and Park facilities.

1.2 Consultation

During the Design Plan Update, public consultation with local

residents and community partners played a pivotal role in the

development of a plan that meets the needs of the residents of Orillia

and ensures that the characteristics of the park that make it special,

will be protected and enhanced.

For the implementation of the plan, the public, community interest

groups and stakeholders should be encouraged to participate in the

design process. The City should continue to work with the various

City committees e.g. Recreation Advisory Committee and the Active

Transportation Committee in the realization of the Park Design Plan

Update recommendations.

Project Start Up & Steering Committee Goals & Objectives

Site Review of Existing

Conditions & Anaysis,

Review of Findings

Concept Options

Preliminary Master Plan

Development and Review

Draft Master Plan Review

Public Open House and Feedback

Review of Findings

Final Master Plan and Design Plan Update Report

1.1.1 Flow Chart

2.0 SITE DATA AND CONTEXT


Location: Bounded by Lake Couchiching to the north and west,

Atherley Road/Highway 12 and Lake Simcoe to the

south and Couchiching Point Road to the east.

Address: 450 Atherley Road, Orillia, ON L3V 1P7

Political Ward: Ward 1

Size: 28.8 hectares

Park Classification: Community Park

Future Classification: Celebration Park

(Orillia Parks, Recreation, Culture

Master Plan, 2014)

Trail Networks: Millennium / Lightfoot Trail /

Trans Canada Trail

3.0 ASSESSMENT


3.1 SUMMARY ASSESSMENT

The park has a high quality landscape ambience based on the mature vegetation and extensive waterfront, specifically:

Barnfield Point and Couchiching Point open spaces have

significant mature high quality vegetation;

The shoreline character is generally defined as beach or

treed with limited access;

The hydro corridor detracts from the overall park ambience

in the area of the park entrance and Moose Beach;

Numerous park structures (Udell Fieldhouse, Rowing Club

Storage Building) detract from the overall ambience;

The Bayside Restaurant / Curling Rink are hidden gems

and key community program elements;

The high water table and flat terrain results in numerous

low areas that are only seasonally usable;

The park is poorly connected to the section of the Lightfoot

(Millennium) Trail along Atherley Road;

Moose Beach lacks picnic opportunity or shelter;

Portage Bay Beach is poorly defined and accessed;

The Couchiching Point Road side of the park is poorly

serviced, lacking trails, shelter, water and lighting; and

Pedestrian / vehicular connections to the central and east

areas of the park are poor.

3.1.1 Vegetation

The majority of the park vegetation is mature and beginning

a state of decline.

A program of maintenance, including regular pruning and

removal of die back from the crown, contributes to the

health of the trees

There are a number of specimen and heritage quality red

and white oaks and sugar maple trees that merit close

monitoring and protection

Several large green and white ash are in a state of decline /

susceptible to the emerald ash borer and should be

monitored / removed

The high water table is affecting the health of a large

proportion of the newly planted trees over the past decade

The wetland vegetation of the central and south quadrants

of the park (willows and poplars) are healthy

3.1.2 Utilities

The main hydro line appears adequate for additional supply;

The main park transformer at Udell Field is at capacity;

Underground feeders take 600v power from Bunker 1 to

Bunkers 2 and 3;

Pathways are generally unlit;

Hydro corridor provides opportunity for path lighting;

Better distribution of potable water is needed ;

Lighting is at a minimum level for central park areas only

(ball diamond and recreation centre).

Water is available from a 200mm water main running

through the central portion of the park.

Sanitary sewer is active to the central portion of the park

and is capped in the east side of the park, but has not been

verified as suitable.

Bunker No. 3 east of washroom building

Bunker No. 2 near main stage


3.1.3 Buildings

The early park block buildings; Washroom (former field

house), North Storage Building (former cookhouse) and

Rowing Club (former recreation hall) have little potential for

reuse based on location, form, function. These building are

ultimately proposed for removal / replacement.

The contemporary park facilities (Barnfield Point Recreation

Centre, Moose Beach Washroom, Trans Canada Trail

Pavilion, and Kids for Turtles Centre), have long term

value;

North Storage Building could be repurposed in the short

term to better accommodate event storage needs.

The Ice Cream Concession could be relocated closed to

the Trail Pavilion and grouped with other concessions.

3.1.4 Mariposa Folk Festival

The Festival functions at capacity under the current configuration.

Additional flat or gently rolling open space is needed to

increase main event venue capacity to 6500;

Upgrades to electrical service and distribution networks is

required;

Permanent washroom building, complete with change

rooms and first aid room would be beneficial;

Upgrades to water service is required, including fire

hydrants and additional drinking water stations;

Camping area requires upgrades to access, water, hydro,

lighting and drainage ;

On site storage is preferable to ongoing operations.

3.1.5 Heritage

The Atherley Narrows Bridge relocation was evaluated and

found not suitable due to water depths and lack of marine

transport context.

North Storage Building (former Cook House)

Kids for Turtles Building (former campground office)

Rowing Club and Washroom

Trans Canada Trail Pavilion at Moose Beach


Beach Areas at Capacity

East Side of Park Poorly Serviced (Roads, Paths, Water, Hydro, Lighting)

Couchiching Point Road Neighbourhood Well Buffered From Passive Use

Overflow / Event Parking Opportunities Limited by Poor Grading / Tree Canopy

Main View Corridor Centered on Old

Campground Block Building

Central Park Features (Barnfield Point / Field House) Inaccessible to Senior Users

Limited Shade / Sheltered Picnic Opportunities

Rowing Club Building Poorly Located

Recreation Centre Arrival Poorly Defined

Main Park Entry Poorly Defined

Poorly Lit for Night Time Use

Lightfoot Memorial Sculpture Place

3.1.6 Site Analysis

Primary / Secondary Pedestrian Route

Primary / Secondary Vehicular Route

Water Oriented Activity Area

Active Recreation Area

High Quality Park Setting

Environmentally Sensitive Area

Utilitarian / Operational Space

Auxiliary / Underutilized Space

Zoned Residential

Vehicular / Pedestrian Gateways

4.0 RECOMMENDATIONS AND REVIEW


4.1 SHORT TERM - 1-5 Years

Short Term Improvements that would enhance the Park,

create opportunity for larger scale community events and

allow the Mariposa Folk Festival to increase capacity,

ambience and function include:

Re-grading / filling to remove seasonally wet areas in the

central and east quadrants of the park;

Re-grading / terracing of the centre venue gathering area;

Vehicular egress to Couchiching Point Road;

Connect east parking lot and main driveway north of the

Udell bleachers;

Improve temporary parking opportunities east of Jerry Udell

Baseball Diamond;

Establish a welcome point plaza north of the main parking lot;

Provide improved lighting to the centre of the park;

Provide new washroom facility to centre of park;

Provide increased power to the centre of the park;

Make infield / outfield areas of the Tudhope Ball Diamond

available to event programming;

Installation of a Multi-court;

Installation of a new Picnic Pavilion;

Reorientation / 4 additional volleyball courts in existing location;

New storage building for Mariposa Folk Festival.

4.2 MEDIUM TERM - 5-10 Years

Medium Term amenities and facilities to augment central

park features.

Provide upgrades to the existing transformer and provide

continuous lighting for the primary pathways;

Provide secondary circulation capable of accommodating

vehicular traffic for event set-up, parking and connection to

the east side of the park;

Development of a plaza to support the new Lightfoot

Sculpture on Barnfield Point;

Improve beach conditions for Portage Bay and Moose Beach;

Provide Picnic Pavilions at key destinations throughout the

park, complete with hydro and water provisions;

Provide playground for the east side of park;

Improve Atherley Road Streetscape and Park Entry

Features;

Tree removals and replanting.

4.3 LONG TERM - 10-25 Years

Long term improvements that would allow the Park to accommodate celebration activities, taking advantage of its waterfront location and amenities, include:

Decommissioning the Tudhope Ball Diamond, west of the

Field House, to reduce the circulation bottleneck and

provide additional open space with a new Community

Pavilion and Meadow;

Improvements to central stormwater features to remove

seasonally wet areas and establish hydrological balance

between Couchiching and Simcoe water levels;

Provide environmental education pavilion and boardwalk

within environmentally sensitive area of park.

Provide power and water to the east side of the park for

event camping and seasonal picnicking;

Provide washroom facility to the east side of the park;

Relocate Rowing Club operations to Portage Bay;

Provide Performance Canopy and complete central plaza;

Upgrades to the Barnfield Point Recreation Centre;

Improved connections to Atherley Road;

Operations and maintenance building for municipal use.

Tudhope Ball

Diamond

Rowing

Club

New Washroom

Building

Short Term Improvements


4.4 PROGRAMMING

4.4.1 Culture In addition to the Mariposa Festival, opportunities for artistic

performance, activity or display in the park and the event venue in

particular should be explored.

4.4.1.1 Performances

Performances should include a variety of community activity, music

and the arts. A seasonal schedule of concerts, festivals, or summer

pageant relating to the history of the park and its environs might merit

consideration.

4.4.1.2 Public Art

Public art should be promoted in the spirit of the new Lightfoot

Sculpture recently implemented on Barnfield Point. Summer day

camps held in the park could emphasize cultural pursuits, to set it

apart from other camps offered by the City. A series of art or craft

classes in the park might all be suitable responses increased cultural

programming in the park. The large park Celebration Plaza and

facilities or the Multi-court / Shade Structure could host these

activities.

4.4.2 Recreation Summer recreation programming in the Park could capitalize on

upgraded lawn and gathering facilities to be developed in the centre

of the park. Use of the park for lawn games could be promoted by

making a variety of equipment for lawn games available for loan. A

summer festival of lawn games and activities in the Celebration

Centre lawn might appeal to a variety of ages and interests.

Expanded water play facilities and activities could provide the basis

for special summer events catering to children and adults alike,

including boat rentals, wind surfing, rowing races/classes, etc.

Existing events in the park provide a basis for expanded recreational

programming. Events for all ages might be developed to complement

the Folk Festival activities, including yoga, kite flying, plant and book

sales. Following the festival, a community barbeque could be held

as a way to recognize the many participants.

Lighting the trees in the park during the holiday season might serve

as the launching point for a winter long schedule of activities in the

park. The proposed pathway ramble would provide a reliable focus

for community activity which might be complemented with music, hot

beverages, snow or ice sculpture, and indoor events. The lighting of

the trees during the Mariposa Folk Festival could be repeated with a

mid-winter festival of lights and events in the park, such as cross

country skiing.

4.4.3 History

A historic chronology of activities and uses in the park are identified

in the Trailhead Pavilion. Interpretation signage and themes could

be developed and expanded to include Aboriginal and First Nations

history and culture, incorporating the Narrows, The Narrows Bridge

at Atherley Road and the Mnjikaning Fish Weirs.

4.4.4 Environment

The environmental systems of the site should be documented and

quantified, beginning with an inventory and classification of woody

vegetation and an assessment of the wetland along the southeast

boundary and the central naturalized area. This area should be

integrated as part of the storm water management system for the

site, connecting both bodies of water and supporting wildlife habitat.

Relocation of the Kids for Turtles information centre and an

interpretive boardwalk should be developed adjacent/through the

wetland and connected to Atherley Road, to integrate proximity with

environmental education initiatives.


4.5 REVIEW

4.5.1 Mariposa Festival

Public feedback from the Festival attendees was generally positive

and identified that maintaining open access to the majority of the

park for festival attendees was preferable. Non-festival areas of the

Park including; Moose Beach, Portage Bay Beach and Barnfield

Point Recreation Centre, should be maintained as open to the public

without cost. Improved washroom/change facilities was identified as

a 2nd priority.

4.5.2 Public Consultation

A Public Information Centre (PIC) was held on September 23, 2015,

with 10 residents attending. Panels were presented and included an

inventory and analysis of the existing site conditions; concept

development; short term improvements; a Mariposa Site Plan and a

preliminary Park Master Plan with costing.

Following the PIC, the presentation panels were posted on the City

website allowing further public review and comment. A total of

approximately 28 questionnaires and 28 emails were received with

the vast majority of responses coming from the Couchiching Point

Road subdivision. The main areas of concern which were identified

included, but were not limited to:

The impact of additional parking on the green space.

The proposed road connection to Couchiching Point Road.

Special events restricting public access to the park.

Special events noise.

A proposed wake board facility.

Following the PIC, the Steering Committee met with the President of

the Couchiching Point Residents Association (CPRA) and board

members on October 29, 2015 to review the comments/concerns

expressed to date and clarify any concerns regarding the preliminary

Park Master Plan. At the end of this meeting, the CPRA was satisfied

with proposed direction of the Update.

5.0 MASTER PLAN


Feature Improvement Areas:

1 Celebration Plaza

2 Welcome Point

3 Contoured Event Venue

& Multi-court

4 J.B. Tudhope Meadow

& Pavilion

5 Vehicle Accessible Turnaround

6 Park Entry & Atherley

Road Streetscape

7 Barnfield Point

Recreation Center & Porch

8 Moose Beach

Waterfront Enhancement

9 Picnic Area

10 Volleyball Court Expansion

11 Lightfoot Memorial

Sculpture Place

12 Jerry Udell Baseball Diamond

13 Parking

14 Portage Bay Waterfront

Enhancement

15 Enhanced Stormwater System

16 Couchiching Point

Picnic Area

17 Rowing Club Storage Building

18 Park Maintenance and

Operations Storage Building

19 Environmental Education

Pavilion and Boardwalk

20 Couchiching Point Road

Vehicular Egress

20

LAKE SIMCOE

PORTAGE

BAY

LAKE COUCHICHING

16

19 18 17

15 14

13

13

13 13

12 7

10

9

8

6

5

4

3

2 1

11


5.1 PARK ZONES 5.1.1 Celebration Centre

The Celebration Centre is the geographic heart of the park,

composed of a Celebration Plaza, contoured event bowl and lawn, a

new picnic meadow and pavilion, a paved multi-court and a

continuous pathway system. The collective capacity of the

Celebration Centre is 6,000 to 10,000 visitors based on a 1.5 to

3.0m2 per person (lawn chair vs. small tarp/blanket), and is

accommodated by the removal of the Tudhope Ball Diamond, west of

the Field House/Washroom Building and the Rowing Centre Storage

Building.

5.1.1.1 Celebration Plaza and Welcome Point A new Welcome Point is proposed in the northeast corner of the

reconfigured Moose Beach parking lot, acting as an distinguishable

point of arrival to the Celebration Centre. The Welcome Point

establishes a meeting place for visitors to be comfortably droped off

or picked up, equipped with benches, ornamental plantings, gateway

public art and in close promimity to lay-by parking.

The Celebration Plaza space is located in the centre of the park in

the same area as the current Field House. The space will

accommodate a new Washroom/Change Facility, with additional

space for special events storage, information, Wi-Fi, first aid and a

large canopy overhang addressing the lawn from the west. In

addition to seating and shade, the plaza will provide opportunity for

themed sculpture, public art, a fog / misting station and a donor

recognition wall. The plaza provides room for a second smaller

performance canopy addressing the new meadow on the west side.

Celebration

Plaza

Welcome

Point

Section through Celebration Plaza

Washroom

Facility

Performance

Canopy

Celebration

Center


5.1.1.2 Contoured Event Venue & Multi-court The contoured event bowl, lawn and terracing is oriented east to

establish the multi-court as the main staging area for community

events and festivals. The multi–court is large enough to house a

basketball court with removable nets and is sized to be fitted with a

custom tensioned fabric performance structure and associated

sound/lighting system for festival events. The multi-court is raised on

the west side to elevate and separate the stage from the lawn and is

accessed by a set of concrete stairs/bleachers for casual year round

use. The multi-court is accessible to pedestrians and event vehicles

along the east edge. Grading associated with the multi-court will

provide adequate surface drainage for previously low lying wet areas

of the event lawn and temporary festival parking. A wide pedestrian

‘Ramble’ encircles and accesses the Celebration Centre, providing

space for vendors, display and seating along its edges.

5.1.1.3 J.B. Tudhope Meadow & Pavilion

A feature Community Pavilion is proposed for the area northwest of

the Welcome Point once the Tudhope Ball Diamond is

decommissioned. The Community Pavilion will be large enough to

host small corporate and large family events, weddings and will form

the visual focus upon arrival.

Contoured

Bowl

Event

Lawn

Main

Stage

Section through Contoured Event Venue

Picnic Meadow

Community Pavilion

Performance Canopy


5.1.2 Park Entry & Atherley Road Streetscape The park entrance requires additional gateway signage and features

in addition to the current horticultural feature to signify the primary

point of entry into the park. Considerations for an entry feature

include a wetland feature and information kiosk as shown in the

Master Plan. Secondary park entrances should be established at

Couchiching Point Road, through the south wetland connecting to the

Lightfoot Trail and at the west end of the park at Panoramic Point.

5.1.3 Barnfield Point Recreation Centre An addition is proposed for the west end of the recreation centre, in

the form of a new restaurant space or community rooms. The ‘Front

Porch’ concept for the addition allows visitor and users alike to perch

on the veranda and provides a new covered entrance to the Curling

Facility.

Vehicular

Egress

Secondary Pedestrian

Entry

Primary Pedestrian

Entry Secondary Pedestrian

Entry

Barnfield Point Recreation

Centre

Entry

Primary Vehicular

Access / Egress

Environmental Education

Pavilion

Portage

Bay

Moose Beach

Entry Feature

View of Proposed Front Porch Addition


5.1.4 Waterfront Zones 5.1.4.1 Moose Beach Waterfront Expansion of the Moose Beach Waterfront includes an extension to

the existing beach, a new picnic pavilion at the west end of the

beach, a new concession area northeast of the Change Rooms and

Trailhead Pavilion, expanded beach volleyball facilities and new

shoreline improvements including terraced armouring to create sitting

and viewing opportunities, and a new activity pier accommodating

small watercraft rentals/put ins with a performance structure for

special events.

The existing Volleyball courts will remain in place and be expanded

and reoriented to provide for an additional 4 courts. The introduction

of terraced bleachers will provide seating for viewers and players.

5.1.4.2 Portage Bay Waterfront

Improvements to Portage Bay include activity/launch dock, the

relocated Rowing Club Storage Building, a formalized beach and a

storm water outlet to allow overland flow from storm events to reach

the lake.

Lake Couchiching

Moose Beach

Volley Ball

Pier

Beach Enhancement

Beach

Expansion

Terraced

Edge

Picnic

Area

Portage Bay Beach

Enhancement

Rowing Club Storage Building

House

Launch

Dock

Bridge


5.1.5 Couchiching Point Picnic Area Currently an underutilized portion of J.B. Tudhope Memorial Park,

the east side of the park is to be re-graded to mitigate seasonally wet

areas to provide a tree canopied meadow for informal activities such

as picnicking or kite flying. A picnic pavilion is proposed to provide

shelter, a gathering space or meeting place for its users, supported

by a small washroom/change room facility. A playground close to

portage bay waterfront will reinforce the beach expansion and create

a family destination.

5.1.6 Environmentally Sensitive Area

The wetland along Atherley Road and the seasonally wet area in the

centre of the park fronting on Portage Bay are important components

of the parks landscape character and natural ecosystem. These

areas provide a diverse flora and fauna and should be studied and

incorporated into the stormwater design for future park needs.

5.1.7 Infrastructure 5.1.7.1 Parking & Vehicular Circulation

Parking and vehicular circulation is reworked to reduce the visual

impact upon arrival and access underutilized areas of the park,

reducing pressure and congestion on Moose Beach during peak

periods. The existing parking area will be reworked to include a

visitor drop off area, recognizable vehicular circulation route and

south green buffer with separated sidewalk. Additional parking is

proposed northeast of the Recreation Centre.

5.1.7.2 Operations and Maintenance

A Parks and Operations and Storage building for maintenance

equipment is proposed to be centrally located south of the wet

meadow feature. This area will include storage space for Mariposa

Folk Festival and can be used for temporary festival storage needs in

the short term.

5.1.8 Sports Venues 5.1.8.1 Jerry Udell Baseball Diamond The Jerry Udell Baseball Diamond remains the sports centre of the

park, with preserved capacity and surrounding treed context with

enhanced parking capacity.

Playground

Picnic Pavilion

Picnic

Area

Additional Parking

Overflow

Parking

Maintenance & Operations

Storage

Jerry Udell

Baseball Diamond

Paved connection to east parking area

Washroom

Environmentally

Sensitive Area

Environmentally

Sensitive Area


5.2 KEY COMPONENTS AND PIECES

5.2.1 Pedestrian and Bicycle Circulation The pedestrian circulation system for the park is broken down into

three typologies; a tree lined, lighted, 3m wide pedestrian walkway

that completes a continuous loop along the perimeter of the park; a

5m wide pedestrian ‘Ramble’ defining the Celebration Centre of the

Park; and secondary paths that link the main pathway system to the

secondary amenities and features of the park.

5.2.2 Vehicular Circulation and Parking The vehicular system for the park is defined as a Carriageway,

connecting park visitors to lay-bys and drop offs at the features of the

park. The vehicular system is also designed in consideration of the

set-up and access requirements of special events and water’s edge

access for rowing and windsurfing activities. All roadways to the

central areas of the park are to accommodate two-way traffic and the

Couchiching Point Road egress is to accommodate one-way exit

traffic and emergency vehicles.

5.2.3 Soft Surfaces

The Celebration Centre gathering area will be a 100 x 60m turf grass

lawn, suitable for large crowd events and organized informal field

games. The lawn will be supported with terraced sections of turf

grass and boulders. Picnic areas will be meadow grass with turf

grass lining all pathways and roads.

5.2.4 Planting

The planting strategy is threefold;

all new pathways and roads to be lined with indigenous

deciduous species;

introduction of mixed deciduous and coniferous trees in

picnic and shade areas of the park

removal of old trees and replacement with indigenous

species, including all green ash trees susceptible to the EAB

(emerald ash borer);

Horticultural features to remain restricted to entry areas.

5.2.5 Services and Infrastructure

Hydro services to be upgraded to accommodate seasonal events

requiring peak demand loads and better overall distribution. Service

bollards providing water and electrical connections are to be located

at key points in the park including picnic pavilions, piers, docks and

plazas. The location of washroom and concession facilities requiring

sanitary and storm sewer connections requires careful consideration

of existing services and inverts. The park watermain (2008) is

adequate to meet all park needs. Sanitary sewers will have to be

checked and tested for function and capacity.

5.2.6 Concessions and Food

Seasonal park concessions are to be located at Moose Beach, north

of the Washroom. Event concessions will be accommodated at the

Celebration Plaza and along the Pedestrian Ramble.

5.2.7 Storm Water Systems & Drainage

The park site has a high water table, within 1m of the surface at most

locations, resulting in numerous poorly drained areas and artificial

contouring to achieve positive surface drainage. The development of

a storm water management plan for the park will require the retention

of a Civil Engineer with expertise in natural drainage systems.

The existing drainage system between the Portage Bay wet forested

area and the wetland strip adjacent to Atherley Road should be

maintained and enhanced with regards to storm water function and

ecological habitat.

5.2.8 Passive Open Space / Picnic Pavilions Passive open space is increased by re-grading areas of the park that

are currently poorly drained and under serviced. Animating this open

space are a series of picnic pavilions, providing shade, shelter, water

and hydro.

5.2.9 Seating – Fixed and Movable

Fixed seating will be provided throughout the park in the form of

benches with wood slats at a minimum spacing of 1 per 50m and

clustered in feature viewing areas. Movable seating will be provided

at the Celebration Plaza.

5.2.10 Shade Structures / Small Performance Stages

Two families of shade structures are proposed for the park in the

form of traditional framed pavilions and tensioned fabric structures

similar to the Moose Beach Splash Pad canopy. The pavilions are

purposed and located to have the dual function of general park

amenity for shade and function as small stages for the Mariposa

Festival. All pavilions will be serviced with power and water

pedestals.


5.2.11 Lighting

The park will be lighted at a minimum level of 1 foot candle along all

primary pathways and parking areas. Typically, a pedestrian scale

4m tall metal pole with a full cutoff luminaire at spacing’s of 20 – 25m

on centre should be implemented along the perimeter 3m wide

pedestrian walkway. Feature lighting will be provided at all plazas

and entry points. Accommodation will be provided for event lighting

in the form of decorative lanterns and tree lighting.

5.2.12 Signage and Wayfinding

Primary signage will be provided at all park entry and exit points

including Atherley Road at Moose Beach and Atherley Road at

Couchiching Point Road. Secondary park signage will be provided at

new entrances at the north end of Couchiching Point Road and at

connections across the wetland to the Lightfoot Trail on Atherley

Road. Feature signage is to be developed at the Welcome Point at

the northeast corner of the main parking lot. Interpretive signage

should be developed for the Atherley Road Wetland and the Portage

Bay storm water system.

5.2.13 Public Art

Public Art, in recognition of Community Leaders in the arts and

culture, by example of the new Lightfoot Sculpture, should be located

either within the Celebration Plaza or along the Pedestrian Ramble at

key view or amenity points.

5.2.14 Donor Recognition

Public art, tree planting and benches can all be used to recognize

donor contributions to the improvements to J. B. Tudhope Memorial

Park. A Mariposa donor feature in the form of an architectural or

landscape wall should be developed in the Celebration Plaza, to

recognize the contributions of the Mariposa Folk Foundation to the

community spirit of Orillia.

5.2.15 Operations and Maintenance

Snow clearing of the main park paths and parking lots would facilitate

day to day use of the park by pedestrians.

6.0 MARIPOSA FOLK FESTIVAL


The Mariposa Folk Festival is one of the most important international

folk festivals and a major event on Canada’s cultural calendar. Now

in its 56th year, this celebration of people and music attracts over

20,000 patrons including hundreds of committed volunteers for three

days every year. The beautiful J. B. Tudhope Memorial Park setting

augments this spirit, and is a key ingredient in the success of the

Festival. The City and the Mariposa Folk Foundation are committed

to a Design Plan Update to identify a number of park improvements

that will transition the Park into a Celebration Centre and enhance

the opportunity for the Festival to grow in attendance and creative

expression.

The Event Site Master Plan is founded on three organizational concepts for the Celebration Centre of the Park:

A large pedestrian ‘Ramble’ that encompasses the ‘main

festival venue;

A unique family of secondary stage sites that connect the

larger festival venue as a whole;

A main stage and multi-court platform to accommodate a

temporary outdoor performance stage.

In addition, the plan is conceived to respond to many specific technical and program requirements, including:

Incrementally improving low lying or underutilized areas;

Carefully planning new venues for temporary Festival

camping and water access;

Enhancing audience experiences;

(sightlines, orientation, wayfinding and comfort)

Resolving functional issues of electrical service and

distribution;

Improving access for venue set-up;

Improving emergency access and egress;

Addressing key environmental issues; and

Provide flexibility for the festival to operate in different ways.

The Event Site Master Plan provides the Festival with opportunity to

grow and evolve, while preserving the qualities that have made it

great, in short, to advance the Festival’s mission;

“The promotion and preservation of folk art in Canada through

song, story, dance and craft”

Main

Stage

Artisans

Village

Community Village

Main Gate

Pub Tent

Folk

Play

Lightfoot Memorial Sculpture

Place

Barnfield Point

Recreation Centre

7.0 IMPLEMENTATION


7.1 PHASING

7.1.1 Implementation Sequence and Costs

The proposed implementation schedule reflects the priorities identified by various groups involved in the Design Plan Process, the current condition

of the park and the logical sequencing of construction activities. The implementation sequence may be adjusted based on funding availability for

specific project components. The order-of-magnitude costs associated with the various initiatives provide a current dollar value estimate, accurate

within plus or minus 20% of the total cost, to realize the various initiatives. The final cost to implement master plan initiatives will depend upon the

detailed designs for the various elements and the material, equipment and labour costs current at the time of construction.

7.2 BUDGET

7.2.1 Short Term Improvements (1-5 Years)

Measures proposed for the first phase of the Design Plan Update address the need to:

1) provide adequate washroom facilities to the centre of the park;

2) improve safety standards on site (Lighting, grading and drainage, wayfinding and accessibility) ;

3) improve utility (hydro/water/sewer) infrastructure.

Note:

Tasks must be logically undertaken early in the construction process to take advantage of cost benefits.

Costs shown below include the allowance for design and 20% contingency.

New Washroom / Change Room Facility

New Washroom Building and Plaza area including;

demolition of existing washroom building, new water service,

new stairs, ramps, railings, and services for special events.

$1,150,000

Improved Hydro and water Services and Lighting

New transformer and underground wiring to support the

Washroom Building and central festival venues.

Upgrades to existing transformer / distribution network.

Water and hydro service bollards to outlying areas.

Lighting of the primary event areas and walkways.

$ 775,000

Configuration of Parking and Roads

Site preparation, paving and landscape restoration

for new roads and parking for central park area.

$ 150,000

Couchiching Point Road Egress

Site preparation, granular paving, bollards and

Landscape restoration for new park egress to

Couchiching Point Road.

$ 40,000

Mariposa Folk Foundation Storage Building

65m2 Temporary Steel Storage Structure

$ By MFF

Walkway Improvements and Welcome Point

for central park area

Asphalt surfacing; design and construction of the

network of walkways shown in the Master Plan.

$ 125,000

Multi-court

Site preparation, grading and installation of multi-court.

$ 200,000

Volleyball Court Expansion

Site preparation, grading, installation of 4 additional courts and

provision for re-orientation of existing courts.

$ 50,000

Event Bowl and Lawn

Site preparation, drainage, grading and boulder

retaining walls for terracing & sound booth area.

$ 310,000

Picnic Pavilion (1)

New pavilion including lighting, water and

landscape improvements. $ 125,000

Total $ 2,925,000


7.2.2 Medium Term Improvements (5-10 Years) The second phase of park improvement includes items identified as priorities by the community, steering committee and City. Costs shown below

include allowance for design and 20% contingency.

Improved Hydro and Water Services and Lighting

Distribution upgrades to existing transformer and

underground wiring to support new continuous lighting

of the primary park walkways.

$330,000

Configuration of Parking and Roads

Site preparation, paving and landscape restoration for new park

roads and parking for Couchiching Point picnic area.

$420,000

Lightfoot Memorial Sculpture Plaza

Pavement, lighting and seating upgrades

$195,000

Shoreline Renovation and Improvements

Reconfiguration and terracing of the shoreline as

suggested in the master plan, including additional

sand beaches. $258,000

Picnic Pavilions (5)

New picnic pavilions including lighting and water service $630,000

Adventure Playground at Couchiching Point $330,000

Site preparation, safety surfacing and

playground equipment

Water Network

(pedestals/drinking fountains) (2) $ 30,000

Walkway Restoration & Streetscaping

Further enhancement of the walkway system will include

permanent pavement treatment in high profile areas; – park

entrances off Atherley Road, main walkways, and Recreation

Centre entrance and terrace.

$516,000

Basic Horticultural Care and New Plantings

Aerating, fertilizing and liming of lawn areas, to

support improved health of the trees. Basic

pruning and tree removals.

Tree Planting (100 Trees)

$144,000

Total $ 2,853,000

7.2.3 Long Term Considerations (10-25 Years)

Improvements suggested for subsequent years include suggestions ranked as secondary priorities.

Celebration Centre Performance Canopy and Plaza

New Open Performance Canopy and completion of Central Plaza

area including; stairs, ramps, railings, spray feature and services for

special events.

New Washroom / Change Facility at Couchiching Point

New Washroom Building to service east end of the park.

Community Centre Addition

Expansion of Community rooms, Restaurant facility with, improved

entrance and profile on Atherley Road.

Custom Tensioned Framed Fabric Structure

Removable structure over Multi-court.

Community Pavilion & Meadow

New wooden pavilion and grading, sodding and planting of meadow

Environmentally Sensitive Area Improvements

Improvements to central stormwater features to remove seasonally

wet areas and establish hydrological balance between Couchiching

and Simcoe water levels and provision of environmental education

pavilion and boardwalk.

New Rowing Club Facility at Couchiching Point

New boat storage facility including; demolition of existing

boat storage building, new dock and vehicular access.

Tudhope Ball Diamond

Decommissioning, not including relocation costs.

Operations and Maintenance Building

New storage building with capacity for MFF equipment

J.B. Tudhope Memorial Park DESIGN PLAN UPDATE · J. B. Tudhope Memorial Park is the second most...

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