Title
Design and Technical Standards for Depot Park (NB)
Explanation
Implementation of the Depot Park concept, adopted by the City Commission in 2002, has begun and will continue for several years. In April 2006, the Phase I storm water ponds, landscaping, and walking paths were completed. Construction plans for additional landscaping, walking paths, and an irrigation system were completed in June 2007. Staff anticipates that the construction of these improvements will commence this fall. The following phase will be to install park amenities around the Phase I improvements.
The park concept contains amenities such as lighting, seating areas, picnic pavilions, bridges and other items that have yet to be specified. These amenities can be specified early in the park development in order to unify the palette of materials over time, streamline the design process, and save time and money in engineering. These specifications can be formally incorporated into a document of design and technical standards that can be used as a template for the phased development of the park. As each phase of the park enters into the design stage, the designer will incorporate the standards into the design documents and bid specifications, thus avoiding having to make decisions regarding amenities at every phase.
Since Depot Park falls within the Downtown Redevelopment District and the CRA could potentially fund some of the park improvements, staff recommends that the CRA take the lead on the effort to develop the design and technical standards. The adopted downtown redevelopment plan supports this type of park planning activity under the proposed strategies for enhancing the central business district. The CRA will continue to work in partnership with the Department of Public Works and the Department of Recreation, Parks, and Cultural Affairs to ensure that concerns regarding park development are addressed. The Department of Parks, Recreation, and Cultural Affairs suppor...
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