Title
Depot Park Team Update (B)
Explanation
The CRA has been designated as the lead agency for the Depot Park Team, comprised of CRA, GRU, Public Works, Parks, Recreation and Cultural Affairs staff. In May, the Depot Park Team convened to discuss the schedule, budget, and other issues related to park development and maintenance. A summary of discussions is presented below.
Stormwater Pond Performance and Maintenance: Due to the anticipated high visibility of the Depot Park Ponds and the dual role they will assume as functioning stormwater treatment areas and as a 'central park' focal point, it is imperative that the ponds maintain an aesthetic appearance while effectively treating stormwater runoff. CRA staff visited the existing ponds to conduct a visual assessment of current pond performance, maintenance, and aesthetics. Some of the notable challenges that may ensue are algal blooms and establishment of invasive hydrilla. The CRA, Public Works Departments, and Parks, Recreation, and Cultural Affairs are collaborating to develop a pro-active plan that will address challenges related to pond performance, maintenance, and aesthetics. Input from peer review resources such as Carol R. Johnson Associates and the University of Florida Environmental Engineering Department are being sought to insure that an innovative approach is developed.
Landscaping Phase I-A: This project consists of installing irrigation and landscaping trees at the existing Phase I pond site. Originally scheduled to begin construction during July 2008, complications with maintenance personnel having access to the site during remediation of the Poole/CSX sites has extended the project start date to Spring 2010. Site access limitations are attributed to remediation contaminant exposure, human health, and liability concerns.
Depot Building Rehabilitation: The CRA is requesting that a peer review of the current Depot Building Rehabilitation plans be conducted. This peer review will address rehabilitating the structure while it is stored in its temporary location as well as provide input to specific restoration procedures. The CRA recently selected firms from an RFQ process for professional services annual contracts in architecture, landscape architecture, and historic preservation. It is expected that the peer review will be performed by one of the selected firms.
Depot Park Design and Technical Standards: The CRA has been working collaboratively with Landscape architects from Carol R. Johnson Associates and professional engineers from Volkert Associates to develop design and technical standards for Depot Park. After a careful inventory, analysis and presentation of various options for over 30 potential park features to CRA, the consultants have narrowed down their recommendations to a palette of choices that celebrate the site's character, its history and the neighborhoods redevelopment objectives. The working meeting held on June 12, 2008 with City stakeholders, SPROUT and DRAB provided an opportunity for final public comments before a draft manual of recommendations on design and technical standards for Depot Park is produced.
Depot Ave Reconstruction: At the City Commission meeting held on May 29th 2008, the commission adopted a recommendation to fund Depot Ave III from the local gas tax revenue in the amount of $1,036,000.
Fiscal Note
Carol R Johnson and Associates has been retained for $49,000 and is funded out of a Parks & Recreation account (335-850-C350-965-5720-6030).
Recommendation
Executive Director to CRA: 1) Hear presentation from staff; and 2) provide input as necessary.