HomeMy WebLinkAboutArea Two design development Parks Commission
Date: 4-19-10 Item: 4
ITEM: Review and discussion on Sunfish Lake Park Area Two
Improvement Project design development
SUBMITTED BY: Carol Kriegler, Project Director
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The 2010 Park Capital Improvement Program includes funding for the installation of a prairie, “boulders, gate and landscaping”, rain gardens, information kiosk and signage at Sunfish
Lake Park. The prairie restoration is being funded by a DNR Metro Greenways Grant with the goal of restoring approximately 20 acres to a plant community that would have existed in
the area at the time of pre-settlement. Other improvements have been scheduled with the primary goal of “managing” the parking area and providing information for the purpose of enhancing
a park user’s experience. As indicated in the S.F.L.P. conservation easement, facilities and amenities shall be constructed with materials, textures and colors that are “natural”
in character and consistent with the natural surroundings.
The next step in the improvement project process is for the City to further refine the plans and specifications and submit them to the Minnesota Land Trust for their review and approval.
Carol Kriegler, with the assistance of the City’s forester, Dr. Kathy Widin, and Rusty Schmidt, an ecologist and landscape architect with the Washington County Conservation District
are working on the design development phase of the project. A report will be made on the progress to date.
Details in the plan are anticipated to include:
A seeding plan dictating various seed mix types for areas within Area Two. Various seed mixes will be specified such as Tall Grass Prairie, Low Mow Mix, and Brillion. Tall Grass Prairie
mix will cover the vast majority of the area with the Low Mow Mix being utilized in the area designated for the Interpretive Center / Picnic / Short Turf – Open Play Area. A Brillion
seed mix is anticipated to be used along the footpaths. The seeding plan will be done in a manner that anticipates and provides for the potential placement of other year-round amenities,
such as a non-competitive pleasure skating rink and related facilities, consistent with the natural character and theme of the park - - as requested by the City Council at their 2-16-10
meeting.
A plan for trail placement with consideration of 1) enhanced views and park experiences and consideration for effective screening from Highway 5 and future development; 2) complimenting
the existing trail system in Area One; and 3) universal users / access issues.
A plan for planting seedlings and other plantings at the entry of the prairie so as to create a welcoming and inviting entry.
A plan for “cluster plantings” at various points along the paths for the purpose of plant interpretation.
A native garden near the parking area for plant identification and interpretive purposes.
A rain garden in the north east corner of parking area for the purposes of managing run-off (improving water quality) from the parking area and education.
Boulder and bollard placement for the purpose of defining and managing the parking area.
An information kiosk for posting regulatory, wayfinding and interpretive information.
An entrance sign and associated native garden at the entry of the park.
ACTION REQUESTED:
In anticipation of the need for volunteers for the planting of seedlings in the prairie, rain garden and native gardens, it is suggested that the Commission consider scheduling a community
volunteer planting event at the park sometime in June.