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HomeMy WebLinkAboutSunfish Lake Park Area 2 Concept Plan revised 3 DRAFT – 11/13/09 Sunfish Lake Park Area 2 Concept Plan Introduction This document is intended to compliment the Conservation Easement with the Minnesota Land Trust for Sunfish Lake Park. It’s purpose is to further define the permitted improvements for Area 2 of the park, a 20 acre parcel that was cropped through the summer of 2009. Area 2 of Sunfish Lake Park is intended to be largely designated as a restored prairie / oak savanna area in which only limited improvements may be made in ways that are consistent with the primary goal of restoring this section of Sunfish Lake Park into a native plant community while making the parcel accessible to the general public for limited uses. The land may be improved to facilitate the recovery of a native plant community, including the planting of appropriate grasses and wild flowers, the construction of trails and signage subject to the design limits in effect in Area 1, and the construction of a modest warming and interpretive structure. This vision of Area 2 as primarily a native plant community containing only the very limited improvements iterated above is consistent with its topography, its unique location as part of a natural habitat area consisting of Sunfish Lake Park and the Lake Elmo Park Reserve to the south, and its designation as part of a much larger natural wildlife corridor, the Metro Greenway. The placement and nature of any limited improvements should be guided by the needs and consideration of park users, neighbors, and most importantly, ensuring public safety. Prairie / Oak Savanna Restoration Area Most of area 2 is slated for restoration to prairie and oak savanna. Care will be taken to research the area’s likely pre-settlement plant community with the goal of restoring the site to replicate the original genetics as closely as possible. A seed mix will be used that is comprised of the species that are believed to be native to the site. The seed will originate from the same ecoregion or in counties that adjoin this ecoregion. The installation of the restoration project and subsequent management will be based on sound and well-found ecological principles. Efforts will initially be made to restore the area to prairie with the possibility of creating areas of savanna. Native Planting / Interpretive Area The long drive into the park will be planted with plants native to the site, but in a more structured or “clustered” fashion. The goals of this somewhat more formal planting arrangement is 1) to create a defined and “showy” entrance to the park and 2) to provide effective interpretation of the various plant types. Parking Area The parking area will include structures and amenities that will assist in the effective management of the parking area and entire park. For example, rain gardens will be installed to filter run-off from the parking area and improve water quality. An information kiosk with regulatory, directional and interpretive information will be located in the area with the goal of enhancing park visitor’s experience and promoting conservation. The parking area will be defined through the placement of stones or other natural materials in an effort to prohibit unauthorized vehicles from entering other areas of the park. The size and shape of the parking area will be guided by needs. All structures and amenities will be rustic in nature and constructed / fabricated with materials, textures and colors that will effectively blend with the natural surroundings. The parking area should be as natural as possible. Interpretive Center / Picnic / Short Turf – Open Play Area Interpretive Center Approximately 1.5 acres in the northeast corner of area 2 is identified as space in which a modest interpretive center might be placed. The goal of the center would be to provide a facility that would promote awareness, appreciation and conservation of the park’s natural resources through interpretation, educational programs, activities and events. The facility might include a small indoor multi- purpose area that would be used as a gathering space or warming area in inclement or cold weather and restrooms and/or an adjacent outdoor gathering space with some overhead protection from the elements. The outdoor areas adjacent to the center would be utilized for interpretation and interactive learning opportunities. Placement of the center within the identified 1.5 acre parcel would be based on the desire for the facility to “hug” the land in a complimentary and unobtrusive fashion. The placement and design of the center should be guided by the desire for visitors to effectively observe and experience the diversity of the natural outdoor surroundings while within and just outside the facility. The structure should be rustic in nature and constructed / fabricated with materials, textures and colors that will effectively blend with the natural surroundings. The design and construction of the center should be based on sound environmental and conservation principles with the possible use of geothermal, solar, and wind for energy. The design should also reflect the city’s heritage and rural character. Picnic / Short Turf – Open Play Area These approximate 1.5 acres in the northeast corner of area 2 are also identified as space where-in an area of short turf might be established and maintained for the purpose of providing an area for family and small group picnics and informal play. The area would lend itself to casual play such as bocce ball, “catch”, tag, Frisbee, drama, badminton, kick-ball, etc. None of these play activities would be supported by the permanent placement of, or installation of equipment. A play area specifically for children might be designed and developed that would encourage creative and active play. The play area would consist of natural materials and might include the planting / placement of native plants in a fashion that encourages creative play and movement. Placement of this open space should be guided by the desire for the area to be accessible and safe, but not visually dominant. A small number of picnic tables might be scattered within the area along with a grill. ADA Compliant hard surface trail A segment of ADA compliant hard surface trail is desired with the goal of providing a high quality interpretive experience with as much diversity as possible. Soft-surfaced Trail A soft-surfaced mowed trail might be established throughout the perimeter of area 2 with a couple of cross-over trails designed to offer a variety of loop trail distances. Trail placement should be done with the goal of providing an effective fire break and catching as much diversity as possible while offering gentle curves for interest. Interpretive signage might be developed as a means of offering a high quality self-guided interpretive experience.