Cedar Creek Parkway West Master Site Development Plan.pdf

CEDAR CREEK PARKWAY WEST

MASTER SITE DEVELOPMENT PLAN

LEHIGH COUNTY

PENNSYLVANIA

DECEMBER 2011

This project was financed in part by a grant from the Community Conservation Partnerships Program, Keystone Recreation, Park and Conservation Fund, under the administration of the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, Bureau of Recreation and Conservation.

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Lehigh County Board of Commissioners

Dean N. Browning, Chairman William H. Hansell, Vice-Chairman

Thomas C. Creighton, III Percy H. Dougherty

Glenn Eckhard Gloria L. Hamm

David S. Jones, Sr. Daniel K. McCarthy

Andy Roman

Cedar Creek Parkway West Master Site Plan Study Committee

Michael Kaiser, Executive Director, Lehigh Valley Planning Commission Bob Stiffler, County of Lehigh Director of Parks and Recreation

Bob Fischer, County of Lehigh Parks and Recreation Michael Dunnigan, Softball League Coordinator

Peter Wotring, Leigh County Sports Field Association Tom Gettings, Wildlands Conservancy

Terry Elison, Community Member Patti Stollbrink, Community Member

Glen Solt, County of Lehigh, General Services

Department of Conservation and Natural Resources

Lorne Possinger, Recreation and Parks Adviser

Prepared by:

Maser Consulting P.A. 55 W. Lehigh Street, Suite B Bethlehem, PA 18018

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TABLE OF CONTENTS

INTRODUCTION.................................................................................................................................................. 1

PUBLIC PARTICIPATION ...................................................................................................................................... 4

MASTER SITE DEVELOPMENT PLAN GOALS ......................................................................................................... 5

SITE INFORMATION AND ANALYSIS – NATURAL FEATURES ................................................................................. 6

SITE INFORMATION AND ANALYSIS – PHYSICAL FEATURES ................................................................................ 10

PENNSYLVANIA NATURAL DIVERSITY INVENTORY (PNDI)................................................................................... 11

ACTIVITIES AND FACILITIES ANALYSIS ................................................................................................................ 16

DESIGN CONSIDERATIONS ................................................................................................................................. 21

DESIGN PROCESS .............................................................................................................................................. 28

DESIGN COST ESTIMATES .................................................................................................................................. 33

MAINTENANCE, OPERATING COSTS AND REVENUE............................................................................................ 37

POTENTIAL FUNDING SOURCES ......................................................................................................................... 44

APPENDIX ......................................................................................................................................................... 45

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INTRODUCTION

BACKGROUND

Lehigh County’s Department of General Services authorized a Master Site Development Plan for Cedar Creek Parkway West (“CCPW”) to address the need for additional multi-use facilities in the County to serve growing public demand and to also address the current parking and ADA accessibility issues within the Park. In January 2011, a request for proposal (RFP) was issued by the County for the preparation of this Master Site Development Plan. The CCPW Master Site Development Plan was funded by Lehigh County and the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (“DCNR”). Maser Consulting P.A. (“Maser) was chosen by the County to prepare this Master Site Development Plan.

LEHIGH COUNTY

Lehigh County is located in southeastern Pennsylvania in the area known as the Lehigh Valley with the City of Allentown as its County seat. The County is comprised of 347 square miles of rolling hills including over 18,000 acres of preserved farmland and a network of more than 17,000 acres of outdoor recreational parks that offer extensive leisure opportunities. Lehigh County is home to approximately 350,000 residents.

Cedar Creek Parkway West is one of ten (10) County park lands in Lehigh County. Located near the center of the County in South Whitehall Township, the Park is also known as the Lehigh County Sports Field Complex. Other County park lands include:

Jordan Creek Parkway

Trexler Nature Preserve & Environmental Center

Leaser Lake

Cedar Creek Parkway East / Haines Mill

Bob Rodale Cycling & Fitness Park and Lehigh County Velodrome

Lock Ridge Park

Troxell-Steckel House

Saylor Park

South Mountain Big Rock Park

The map on the following page shows the location of the ten (10) Lehigh County parks.

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CEDAR CREEK PARKWAY WEST

Cedar Crest Parkway West, located in South Whitehall Township, is the largest team sports facility in the Lehigh County Park System. It is a community park where patrons participate in both active and passive recreation activities. However, the majority of the CCPW’s acreage is used for active recreation.

Cedar Creek Parkway West lands were acquired by the County through Gen. Harry C. Trexler. The Park encompassing approximately 150 acres in size, Cedar Creek Parkway West has a 24 acre soccer facility comprised of six (6) adult sized fields, three (3) of which have lights and three (3) youth sized fields. The current fields are inadequate to support the number of teams utilizing the facility. This, along with additional needs within the community for multi-use fields, is driving the demand to upgrade and expand Cedar Creek Parkway West.

The Park also contains one (1) standard hardball field and five (5) multi-use ball fields. These fields are utilized by numerous local youth and athletic groups including Muhlenberg College, who contribute to and make improvements to the field facilities.

The southern border (approximately 15 acres) is comprised of a wooded wetland area with trails and is a very popular spot for walkers and nature enthusiasts.

The northwestern corner of CCPW contains an area of community gardens. An open air picnic pavilion is located near the center of the Park. A basketball court and three (3) tennis courts are located off the intersection of Cedar Brook Road and West Walnut Street in the southeastern corner of the site. The CCPW Maintenance Building and stormwater detention facilities are

adjacent to West Walnut Street, also in the southeastern area of the Park.

A privately owned residential outparcel, approximately 3/4 acre, is also located off West Walnut Street, between the detention basin and Maintenance Building. Access to the Park is provided on Broadway at a signalized intersection with Parkway Road and on Cedar Brook Road via West Walnut Street, which traverses the Park east/west along the southern end.

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PUBLIC PARTICIPATION PROCESS

In early 2011, the CCWP Master Site Development Plan Committee was formed. Members included representatives of the Lehigh Valley Planning Commission, Wildlands Conservancy, Park and Recreation Department, Softball and Soccer Leagues, community groups and residents. Liaisons from the County and the consultants also attended the committee meetings. The CCWP Master Site Plan Study Committee held monthly meetings to develop this Master Site Development Master Plan. See the next chapter, Public Participation, for the process and techniques used during this project.

PUBLIC PARTICIPATION

To gain public support for the project, a project study committee was formed, public meetings were held and key interviews were conducted. In early 2011, the CCPW Master Site Development Plan Committee was formed. Four (4) meetings were held with the CCPW Master Site Development Plan Committee between April and August of 2011.

Key person survey results were sent to the nine member project study committee, of which, five responded. Additionally, in-person interviews were conducted in May of 2011 with six of the nine members.

During these initial meetings, conversations and interviews with members of the CCPW Master Site Development Plan Committee and site visits, Maser gathered information about park conditions, recreation facilities, recreation programs, participation, maintenance capacity, scheduling of fields and amenities, parking and general circulation. Based on the information gathered and analyzed, Maser prepared an existing conditions map of the Park and two (2) alternative concept plans for the future development of the Park. The park analysis and results of the key person interviews, existing conditions map and concept plans were presented by Maser at the first public meeting held at the Park on June 28, 2011.

The existing conditions map (see Appendix E) depicts the current conditions at Cedar Creek Parkway West. The map includes the park boundary, surrounding roads and park access, the layout and location of all existing athletic fields, courts, pavilions, parking, maintenance area, community gardens, vegetation, stormwater management facilities, utility easements, agricultural areas and environmentally sensitive areas. The existing conditions map provided a framework to determine potential areas for future park development, areas for improvement and areas for preservation. The two (2) concept plans reviewed at the June public meeting presented alternative designs for the park development. Based on comments received at the first meeting, a third concept plan was developed. Concept Plan #3 was presented by Maser at the second public meeting held August 9, 2011. The plan incorporated a combination of alternatives from the first two (2) concept plans as well as additional comments expressed at the meeting. A draft of the

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Master Site Development Plan Report was also presented to the public at the August public meeting. (See chapter entitled “Design Process” for concept plans.)

Both the CCPW Master Site Development Plan Committee and Lehigh County officials were present for the public meetings held on June 28, 2011 and August 9, 2011. Public notices were published to solicit public input.

As the planning process proceeds, the CCPW Master Site Development Plan Committee will present a draft version of this plan to the Lehigh County Board of Commissioners during a regularly scheduled meeting, as well as to the community at a public hearing. Comments solicited from the public hearing will be incorporated into the final document. The Cedar Creek Parkway West Master Site Development Plan will also be reviewed and approved by the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR). In addition to DCNR grants, grants from other agencies will be sought to implement many of the recommendations in this Master Site Development Plan. Upon completion of this plan, Lehigh County can commence implementing this Master Site Development Plan’s recommendations by preparing proposals and applying for private organization and government agency grants.

MASTER SITE DEVELOPMENT PLAN GOALS

The Master Plan Site Development Master Plan Goals were established by the CCPW Master Site Development Plan Committee early into the master planning process to act as a guide for the tone and direction of this document. The goals are as follows:

Maximize the use of Cedar Creek Parkway West as a community resource by assessing and developing recommendations for the creation of additional fields, trails and facilities.

Improve and balance Park facilities and programs to meet the current and future needs and interests of the community.

Afford a high level of protection and stewardship to CCPW by identifying and protecting sensitive and important natural features, most importantly, Cedar Creek and its riparian buffer.

Review safety conditions of existing fields, address current parking deficiencies and ADA accessibility requirements within the existing Park.

Identify policies that will ensure the Park’s safe operation, protect its cultural, natural and recreational assets, and provide the greatest possible benefit to the public.

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SITE INFORMATION AND ANALYSIS – NATURAL FEATURES

ACREAGE

The Park includes approximately 150 acres in South Whitehall Township between Broadway to the north, Cedar Brook Road to the west, PA Route 309 to the east and the Cedar Creek to the south.

DEED RESTRICTIONS, EASEMENTS AND

RIGHT-OF-WAYS

The Park is encumbered by several utility easements, an extension of West Walnut Street and a residential outparcel. Two (2) gas lines cross the Park, running north / south. One is a 50-foot wide Sunoco pipeline easement on the western boundary between the Park and PA Route 309. The second gas easement is the 35-foot wide Buckeye pipeline easement, which runs through the center of the Park from Broadway to Cedar Creek. West Walnut Street runs east / west off of Cedar Brook Road toward the southern end of the Park. Approximately 550 feet west from the intersection of Cedar Brook Road and West Walnut Street is a 3/4 acre residential outparcel with frontage on West Walnut Street. A 30-foot wide sanitary easement and 70-foot wide PPL overhead electric line easement runs east / west along the Cedar Creek at the south end of the Park. A 20-foot wide water line easement also runs along the creek on the west side, then crossing up to West Walnut Street on the east side.

TOPOGRAPHY

The topography of CCPW is typical of the Piedmont landscape. The land is moderately sloping from Broadway down toward West Walnut Street and fairly level along Cedar Creek. Elevations vary from a high point of approximately 435 feet in the northwestern area near Broadway

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and Parkway to the lowest point of 320 feet in the southern area along Cedar Creek.

GEOLOGY

The site is underlain by the Allentown (Cambrian age) and Beekmantown (Ordovician age) carbonate formations. The southeastern portion of the property is mapped as Allentown Dolomite consisting primarily of broad banded dolomites (high magnesium limestone). The unit typically occurs in beds 6- to 18-inches thick with alternating light and dark beds caused by varying amounts of organic matter and magnesium content. The northwestern half of the property is mapped as Beekmantown Formation. This group of rocks reportedly consists of limestones and alternating calcareous strata of varying composition and physical properties. Both of these units are prone to dissolution by percolating rainfall and are susceptible to sinkhole development.

SOILS

The soils in Cedar Creek Parkway West include four distinct soils series including Bedford (BdB), Lindside (Ln), Melvin (Mh) and Washington (WgA2, WgB2, Wg3C, WgD2). The Bedford silt loam (BdB) characteristically contains three (3) to eight (8) percent slopes, is generally moderately well drained; however, has a high spring water table and a clay subsoil layer which contributes to the soil being seasonally waterlogged and poorly draining, especially in the winter and spring. The Lindside silt loam (Ln) is generally moderately well drained soils found in flood plains and low flat areas adjacent to streams. The surface layer is silty and the internal drainage is slow. Melvin silt loam (Mn) is traditionally found in flood plains and occurs along Cedar Creek. This nearly level soil is poorly drained and subject to occasional flooding. Washington silt loams range in slopes from zero (0) to three (3) percent (WgA2) to three (3) to eight (8) percent (WgB2) to eight (8) to 15 percent (WgC3) and up to 15 to 25 percent (WgD2). All of the Washington silt loams contain fairly well-drained silt loam mixed with silty clay loam along with gravel and boulders.

STORMWATER DRAINAGE

A storm drainage system discharges from an area near Broadway and N. 42nd Street, running into the Park and between the soccer fields, to a large detention basin located just above West Walnut Street. The basin discharges under the street and out to Cedar Creek. The portion of the drainage system which runs between the soccer fields has a dual configuration with a complete piped system from an inlet above Field #5 extending down to the

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detention basin and a riprap / swale overland system running from the discharge at Broadway and N. 42nd Street, which also leads to the detention basin.

CEDAR CREEK

Cedar Creek is designated as a High Quality Waterway for cold water fishes, which enters the Little Lehigh Creek west of the intersection of Martin Luther King Drive and 17th Street in Allentown. The stream extends west through the City of Allentown and South Whitehall Township to Schwarz Springs, just west of PA Route 309. The creek and its adjacent riparian buffer are important environmental features within the Park, which provide critical wildlife habitat, water quality protection and serve to create a continuous greenway through this area of Lehigh County. Cedar Creek provides corridors for travel cover and nesting spaces for many species of birds, aquatic animals and mammals. Thick vegetation along the creek is essential to provide high quality habitat for fish and other animals and also serves to filter out eroded soil and pollutants from storm water runoff. Preserving mature canopies over the creek maintains the proper water temperature of the creek, which is also a critical component to protecting this important environmental feature.

FLOODPLAINS

The floodplains are the land areas adjacent to the Cedar Creek channel that are subject to periodic inundation. The 100-year floodplain is the land area that has a one (1) percent chance of flooding in a given year. The floodplain is important in minimizing erosion, storing floodwaters and filtering non-point source pollution. The existing conditions map includes the limit of the floodplain adjacent to Cedar Creek. Portions of the tennis courts and southeastern softball outfield are subject to creek flooding.

WETLANDS

Wetlands are areas that are inundated by surface or groundwater at a frequency and duration sufficient to support a prevalence of vegetation typically adapted for life in saturated soil conditions. Wetlands include swamps, marshes and bogs. Many of these areas are considered seasonal wetlands in that they are dry during one or more seasons every year. Even wetlands that appear dry

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for significant portions of the year such as vernal pools can provide significant habitat for a variety of species. A wetland must have both hydrophytic vegetation and hydric soils to be designated as a wetland. Three (3) areas on the southern end of the Park, along the Cedar Creek, are shown on the available National Wetland Inventory maps as potential wetland areas. The actual limits of the potential wetlands have not been specifically field investigated or verified by state regulatory agencies.

VEGETATION

Vegetation growing at the Cedar Creek Parkway West consists of cultivated crops, ornamentally planted vegetation and naturally growing plant communities.

The majority of the northern two-thirds of the CCPW are open fields. The 17 existing fields are surrounded by a variety of shade, ornamental and evergreen trees planted around the field perimeters. Honey Locusts, Maples, Oaks, and Pines are the most commonly planted species. Three (3) separate areas within CCPW are leased for agricultural use and are actively farmed. Currently these fields have corn crop growing on them. In addition to the corn fields, the northwestern corner of the Park is home to a large number of community gardens. The gardens consist of individually rented garden plots, which are maintained by each individual gardener.

Thick vegetation forms the riparian buffer and woodland area along Cedar Creek. A wide variety of typical wetland vegetation occurs along the creek from low level wetland perennials to Cedars, Maples and Weeping Willow trees. Maintaining a healthy native riparian vegetation buffer is critical to the preservation of the Cedar Creek habitat.

ZONING

Cedar Creek Parkway West lies within the South Whitehall Township R-4 Medium Density Residential Zone. The Park use falls within “public buildings and uses”, which is a primary permitted use within the R-4 Zone. Medium density residential development continues to the

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north and east sides of the Park. A High Density Residential Zone lies to the south and Highway Commercial Uses occupy the western side beyond PA Route 309.

SITE INFORMATION AND ANALYSIS – PHYSICAL FEATURES

As an established park facility expansion of Cedar Creek Parkway West is a natural progression in the effort to accommodate increased demand for recreation space in Lehigh County. Areas of the site currently used for small scale agricultural production can be converted to active recreation without the loss of any established woodland cover or special habitat areas. The rolling terrain in the existing available agricultural areas will require regrading to create level playing field areas. There is sufficient area to accommodate additional playing fields. The southern area of CCPW along the Cedar Creek is not suitable for active recreation development due to the floodplain, potential wetlands and environmentally sensitive creek and creek riparian buffer. Cedar Creek provides a natural drainage course and high quality habitat for many birds, aquatic animals and mammals. Cedar Creek and its adjacent floodplain and wetlands do lend themselves to potential passive recreation, including walking rails, bird watching and environmental education.

The overall size of the Park and proximity to significant residential development makes it a great link to the community for additional passive recreation throughout CCPW. A series of walking trails around the entire Park would provide an excellent addition to the Park’s abundant existing active recreational amenities.

The existing road network through CCPW limits full access and circulation around the Park. West Walnut Street is extremely narrow making it difficult for two (2) cars to pass safely. The road must also accommodate bus traffic for school whose teams regularly use the Park’s facilities. The extension of Parkway into the site provides excellent access at the signalized intersection with Broadway. The access road connects to West Walnut Street to the south, but does not provide adequate circulation connections

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through the fields to the east. Expansion of the Park facilities adjacent to existing residences, including the residential outparcel on West Walnut Street should consider impacts of aesthetics, noise and traffic. Handicapped parking facilities are located in various parking areas throughout CCPW. Direct ADA compliant access to many of the Park’s facilities is not currently provided.

PENNSYLVANIA NATURAL DIVERSITY INVENTORY (PNDI)

A PNDI Project Environmental Review for Cedar Creek Parkway West was requested in January 2011. The review was performed on January 20, 2011. The search resulted in no known impacts to threatened and endangered species and/or special concern species and resources within the project area. A copy of the PNDI Project Environmental Review Receipt is provided on the following pages.

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ACTIVITIES AND FACILITIES ANALYSIS

KEY PERSON INTERVIEW AND SURVEY QUESTIONNAIRE SUMMARY

The purpose of the Key Person Interview was to obtain information and determine the needs and interests of the community. Four (4) groups of people within the County were identified as having a vested interest and, or, could provide information or insights: County Commissioners, County Staff, Cedar Creek Parkway West Steering Committee members and other community groups such as area businesses, County task groups / committees and Park users.

County officials were included in the Key Person Interview because they are elected officials who represent their respective constituents in their district. The Commissioners also are aware of all the issues and upcoming plans of the County and therefore have a broad perspective. County staff members were part of the Key Person Interview because they have professional expertise and experience into the issues at Cedar Creek Parkway West and also understand the day to day issues in the County. The CCPW Master Site Development Plan Committee members are a mix of local businesses, County task groups and committees and residents who have expressed an interest in partaking of the master planning process.

The seven-page Key Person Interview Survey form was given to all key persons interviewed. They were emailed, sent a copy or had a copy dropped off to them. A total of five (5) people (55%) completed the survey.

Not everyone was able to respond to all the issues with full knowledge of the Park and its issues, so they answered to the best of their knowledge. The public participation process revealed that parking is the most significant and pivotal issue.

Information gathered from interviews, surveys and meetings was categorized and is presented below.

Cedar Creek Parkway West Parking and Circulation

General problem with insufficient parking. There are six (6) small parking lots throughout the Park with additional grass parking spaces along the access drive between Fields #3 and #5 in the northeastern section of the Park.

Problems, especially during events and tournaments – not enough

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parking.

Parking deficiencies will increase as the soccer, softball, baseball and lacrosse programs grow.

Location of available parking in proximity to fields is inadequate.

Exiting the Park is difficult due to poor circulation.

Parking for team buses is inadequate.

Two-way traffic is a problem along West Walnut Street. Many suggest a one-way street for safety as well as to provide for additional parking or widen the street, if possible.

Though additional parking is desired, most additional parking should be grass parking.

New ideas for parking were suggested: o Additional hard surface parking is needed on the southern end of the Park to

service the baseball and softball fields. o Better organic grass parking areas in the northeastern area of the Park to

maximize cars. o Create a full vehicular access loop around Field #5 for better traffic circulation

across the site. Maintenance

Overall, most people felt the Park was well-maintained. One responder felt that the Park could be better managed. Specific problems identified: lack of access to the creek and the tennis courts are in need of repair.

Fields exhibit drainage problems which need to be addressed to avoid frequent field closures.

Usage and Future Programming

Address drainage issues with soccer fields.

Expand fields to include lacrosse and other uses as well as accommodate increasing soccer demand.

Repair tennis courts.

Need to improve internal Park vehicular circulation.

Add walking trails around the Park and connect with a Cedar Creek Trail.

Add more softball fields.

Add parking spaces, especially at the southern end of the Park, organize grass overflow parking more efficiently to maximize the number of cars.

Consider dog park area; better management of dogs in the Park.

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Add restroom facilities and water fountains.

Add central area for concession vehicle hook-ups.

Cultural / Recreation Balance

Better signage and paths leading to fields and trails to improve passive recreation opportunities.

Need more County-wide community events to be held at Cedar Creek Community Park.

Environmental

Cedar Creek is an important natural resource that is not visible at the Park.

More access points along the Park to the creek needed; greater connection to the actual Park.

Some concerns about adding more impervious surfaces as a result of new facilities or programs recommended in this Master Site Development Plan.

Forested areas need maintenance and invasive species removed.

Maintenance practices along the creek need to be improved; avoid dumping rock and debris and control the growth of invasive species.

Greenways

Cedar Crest Parkway West is designated as part of the Lehigh County Greenways Plan by the Lehigh Valley Planning Commission. The Greenways Plan establishes a network of parks, trails, forests, game lands, conservation areas, historical, cultural and recreational sites. Greenways increase opportunities for diverse populations to enjoy spaces across rural, suburban and urban landscapes including motorized and non-motorized recreational users, persons with disabilities and all cultural and ethnic groups. Greenways trails provide transportation alternatives to the automobile and promote physical activity and mental wellness in the community. The Cedar Crest Parkway Greenway establishes an area of protection for the natural resources and environmental qualities associated with Cedar Creek. This Greenway Area will also provide opportunities for environmental education, wildlife viewing and passive recreation. See the map on the following page for details.

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PUBLIC PARTICIPATION RESULTS

Based on the results of key person interviews, committee meetings, community input and Lehigh County Park Permit data, the top priorities for improvement included:

Additional soccer fields;

Additional baseball/softball fields;

Additional multi-purpose fields;

Walking trails;

Nature trails/wildlife viewing/environmental education;

Improved vehicular circulation;

Additional and improved parking;

ADA accessibility;

Consideration of a dog park area.

The Lehigh County Parks and Recreation Department tracks permit activity within the County parks. Permits are required at Cedar Creek Parkway West to secure use of the soccer, baseball and softball fields and the main pavilion. The Lehigh County Sports Fields Association independently schedules the use of all of the soccer fields at the Park. Per the County’s data on softball, baseball and pavilion use, overall 42.7% of permit requests were not approved, indicating a shortage of available facilities. The preliminary permit data prepared by Lehigh

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County reflects the growing demand for recreation facilities within the County (see the Appendix).

PROPOSED FACILITIES

The Design Process chapter outlines the concept plans and details the final master site development plan. The final plan includes two (2) full sized multi-purpose fields, a softball field, a practice field area and a walking path/nature trail.

The two (2) full sized multi-purpose fields will be used for, but are not limited to soccer and lacrosse. User skill level will vary from entry level to advanced (college-level). Usage will range from unstructured to high school and college competition. There will be no formal spectator seating. Lights are not proposed at this time. Both fields are 225 feet by 360 feet and are oriented with the long side of the field stretching from north to south. The maximum slope on the fields will be two (2) percent.

The softball field will also function as a little league field. User skill level will vary from entry level to intermediate. Usage will range from unstructured to recreation leagues to little league competition. There will be no formal spectator seating or lights. The field has a radius of 200 feet and is oriented north-south. The maximum slope on the field will be two (2) percent.

The practice field area will be used for a variety of sports. User skill level will vary from entry level to intermediate to advanced. Usage will include unstructured play time to practice usage. There will be no formal spectator seating or lights. The field is 450 feet by 330 feet and it is oriented with the long side of the field stretching from north to south. The maximum slope on the field will be two (2) percent.

It is anticipated that the new fields will be used on a daily basis in good weather. The softball field is expected to have high usage as 269 softball/youth baseball permits and 286 softball permits were denied in 2010.

Passive recreation activities include a nature trail with interpretive signage, a garden area with seating and continued protection of Cedar Creek. It is anticipated that portions of the nature trail will be handicapped accessible.

Finally, two (2) new buffer areas will be planted, the first along Cedar Brook Road between the new practice field area and the existing homes across the roadway and the second will be located along Broadway, between the roadway and the new garden area. Two (2) new living fences will be planted along the new full sized multi-purpose fields. The buffers along Cedar Creek will remain and the forested area will continue to be preserved.

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PROPOSED SUPPORT FACILITIES

There will be three new paved parking areas, which will provide parking for a total of 200 additional vehicles. An existing parking area near the pavilion, which be extended to provide parking for 18 additional cars. A grass overflow parking area is delineated, across from the community gardens that would provide parking for 300 to 350 vehicles. Finally, a grass overflow parking is proposed to the west and south of Field #6, which will accommodate between 250 and 300 vehicles.

The road around Field #5 will be connected to provide a continuous loop road and additional bus parking. A walking path will link the majority of the recreational areas in the Park. Finally, concession hook-ups will be provided between Field #3 and #4.

DESIGN CONSIDERATIONS PARK LIMITATIONS AND POSITIVE POINTS

Park limitations include:

Occasional flooding of tennis courts and southeastern softball outfield;

Wetlands;

Width of West Walnut Street;

Vehicular circulation.

Positive points for the Park include:

Large site;

Moderate slope;

Cedar Creek;

Variety of vegetation;

Diversity of existing facilities.

APPLICABLE LAWS AND REGULATIONS

As a public park, Cedar Creek Parkway West must comply with numerous laws and regulations. Some of the laws and regulations applicable in consideration of park development are noted below but the list is not intended to be all-inclusive.

The safety surfacing in playgrounds shall meet the requirements of the American Society for Testing and Materials F1487-05. Playground safety surfacing material and depth must comply with this standard.

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Protection of wetland areas and streams are regulated under Section 401 of the Federal Clean Water Act. The Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) (Chapter 105) via General Permits regulates minor disturbance of wetlands and streams. Improvements in the area of the wetlands or encroachment of the wetlands will require a permit from DEP.

The disturbance of earth is regulated both locally and at the state level. A General NPDES Permit for Stormwater Discharges Associated With Construction Activities is required for earth disturbance activities which disturb five or more acres or propose earth disturbance activities with a point source discharge to surface waters of the Commonwealth that disturb from one to less than five acres. Construction activities that are not eligible for coverage under the general permit (PA Code Chapter 92) must utilize the Individual NPDES Permit Application for Stormwater Discharges Associated with Construction Activities. These activities include, but are not limited to construction activities that require an NPDES Permit and which may affect existing water quality standards or threatened or endangered species and habitat, or construction activities that have the potential for toxic discharge. An approved Erosion and Sedimentation Control Plan is required for the disturbance of soil in areas of 0.5 acres of more.

Federal and State agencies regulate the protection of endangered species. An environmental review of the Pennsylvania Natural Diversity Inventory (PNDI) listing is required to verify if there are animal or plant species of special concern. This review is initiated through wetland and stream encroachment permits, NPDES permits, and sewage planning module permits.

Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection Sewage Planning Module permits are required for the expansion and/or development of sewage facilities. A sewage planning module will be required as new restroom facilities are developed in the park.

Laws of the Commonwealth protect significant historic areas and structures. If historic areas and structures are affected by park modifications or development or if improvements reveal areas of historic significance a review by the Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission will be required.

Local Building Codes require Occupancy Permits for structure for fire and panic safety requirements. All new buildings will require code review, compliance and approval prior to occupancy.

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Pennsylvania laws require notification of construction activities through the Pennsylvania One Call system. Three working days’ notice is required for construction phase work and ten working days for design stage work.

The Park lies within the South Whitehall Township R-4 Medium Density Residential Zone, which permits “public buildings and uses”. All improvements are regulated by the Township zoning code, SALDO, and the Uniform Construction Code.

HANDICAPPED ACCESSIBILITY AND ADA COMPLIANCE

On Friday, July 23, 2010, final regulations revising the Department’s ADA regulations, including its ADA Standards for Accessible Design were signed. The official text was published in the Federal Register on September 15, 2010.1 Compliance with the 2010 Standards for Accessible Design for new construction and alterations was allowed beginning September 15, 2010, but is not required until March 15, 2012.

These rules include standards on handicap parking spaces. Section 208.2 states “Where more than one parking facility is provided on a site, the number of accessible spaces provided on the site shall be calculated according to the number of spaces required for each parking facility”.2 For example, the two (2) new parking areas along West Walnut Street with 80 spaces each will be required, under the new rules, to provide four (4) handicapped spaces in each lot. Section 208.2.4 states that for every six (6) parking spaces required by Section 208.2 at least one (1) shall be a van parking space.3

Section 502.2 indicates that handicap car parking spaces shall be a minimum of 96 inches wide and van parking spaces shall be a minimum of 132 inches wide. Both types of handicapped spaces are required to have an access aisle that is at least 60 inches wide.4

Chapter 10 includes the requirements for recreational facilities and Section 1008 contains the standards for play areas. Requirements for accessible routes, turning space and ramps can be found in this section.

The project is required to comply with the applicable rules at the time of construction.

TOPOGRAPHY

The topography of CCPW moderately slopes from Broadway down toward West Walnut Street and is fairly level along Cedar Creek. Elevations vary from a high point of approximately 435 feet in the northwestern area near Broadway and to a low point of 320 feet in the southern area along Cedar Creek.

1 http://www.ada.gov/regs2010/ADAregs2010.htm 2 http://www.ada.gov/regs2010/2010ADAStandards/2010ADAStandards.pdf 3 Ibid. 4 Ibid.

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All proposed fields will be able to be constructed on the site and will have a slope of no greater than two (2) percent. The walking path/nature trail will follow the contour of the site.

COMPLIANCE WITH ASTM AND CPSC

The American Society of Testing Materials (ASTM) and the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) contain guidelines pertaining to playground areas and equipment. As the Master Site Development Plan contains no proposals for new playground equipment, these regulations are not applicable to the Park.

SUSTAINABLE SITE DESIGN

Sustainable sites use less energy, water and natural resources; generate less waste; and minimize the impact on the land compared to traditional design, construction and maintenance techniques. Unlike buildings, sustainable sites can even give back by cleaning the air and water, reversing climate change, restoring habitat and biodiversity – all while providing significant social and economic benefits as well to the immediate site and surrounding region.

Any landscape – whether the site of a large subdivision, a shopping mall, a park, an abandoned rail yard, or even one home – holds the potential both to improve and to regenerate the natural benefits and services provided by ecosystems in their undeveloped state.

Greenhouse Gas Emissions

Vegetation and soil help reduce the amount of carbon dioxide, a greenhouse gas, in the atmosphere by capturing and storing it for use in producing roots, leaves and bark. In the United States, urban trees capture up to 25 million tons of carbon each year.5

Urban Climate

Use of vegetation, shade structures and other techniques to cool the air can reduce costs associated with urban heat islands. Vegetation provides cooling through shading and evapotranspiration. Evapotranspiration alone can reduce peak summer temperatures by two (2) to nine (9) degrees Fahrenheit.6

Control of Invasive Species

Invasive species compete with and harm plant and animal communities. Approximately 85 percent of the invasive woody plant species in the U.S. were introduced for landscape or ornamental use,7 and approximately 5,000 plant species have escaped into natural ecosystems,

5 Nowak, D.J. and D.E. Crane, Carbon Storage and Sequestration by Urban Trees in the USA, Environmental Pollution 116 (2002) 6 U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Heat Island Effect: Trees and Vegetation, http://hiri/strategies/vegetation.html (accessed August 20,

2008) 7 Reichard, S.H. and P. White, Horticulture as a pathway of invasive introductions in the United States. BioScience 51 (2001): 103-113.

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resulting in millions of dollars in control costs.8 Through competition with native plant species, invasive species are a threat to native flora and fauna.

Water Waste

Irrigation of sustainable landscapes accounts for more than a third of residential water use – more than seven (7) billion gallons per day nationwide. 9 Typically, half of irrigation water can be wasted as a result of evaporation, wind, improper system design and overwatering.10

Water Pollution

Around the country, polluted and contaminated stormwater runoff accounts for 70 percent of water pollution in urban areas and is the leading cause of poor water quality and the degradation of aquatic habitat.11 The most widespread stressors on streams across the country are nitrogen, phosphorus, excess sedimentation and riparian disturbance (i.e., evidence of human disturbance in or alongside streams).12

Health and Well-Being of Site Users

Encounters with everyday nature, a stroll through a nearby park and well-tended landscapes restore the ability to concentrate, calm feelings of anxiety and reduce aggression.13 Studies link tree and grass cover to fewer property crimes, fewer violent crimes, stronger ties among neighbors, more frequent use of common neighborhood spaces and a greater sense of safety.14

SUSTAINABLE HYDROLOGY

Water is a limited resource that is essential to all life. In many older cities and towns around the country, rainfall is treated as waste, to be funneled directly from roof gutters and paved surfaces to sewers, leading to increased costs in stormwater management.

Rather than getting rid of stormwater as quickly as possible, a sustainable approach to stormwater management involves finding ways to harvest it on site, using it for irrigation, ornamental water features and groundwater recharge. As the value of water is recognized, the value of natural systems to store, clean and distribute available fresh water must also be recognized. Technology exists to integrate systems that mimic nature’s capacity to store, filter and clean water.

8 Pimentel, D., R. Zuniga, and D. Morrison, Update on the environmental and economic costs associated with alien-invasive species in the

United States. Ecological Economics 52 (2005): 273-288 9 U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Outdoor Water Use in the United States, EPA-832-F-06-005 (Department of the Interior, 2007). 10 U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Outdoor Water Use in the United States 11 S Loizeaux-Bennet, “Stormwater and nonpoint-source runoff: A primer on stormwater management”, Erosion Control 6, no. 7 (1999): pp.56-69 12 http://www.epa.gov/owow/monitoring/pdf/national_aqres_survey_factsheet_mar.pdf. 13 Wolf, Kathleen, “Urban nature benefits: psycho-social dimensions of people and plants”, Fact sheet from course in Human Dimensions of the

Urban Forest, University of Washington, College of Forest Resources, Center for Urban Horticulture (1998). 14 Kuo, Frances E. The role of arboriculture in a healthy social ecology. Journal of Arboriculture 29 no. 3 (May 2003): 149-155

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Examples of Sustainable Practices

Protect and restore existing hydrologic functions. Avoid development and disturbance near streams and wetlands and in sites with high risk of flooding. Plant native or appropriate non-native vegetation, re-grade soils where necessary and use soft engineering techniques to restore the functions of floodplains, and riparian and wetland buffers.

Manage and clean water on-site. Design a site to capture, slow and treat stormwater runoff by reducing impervious surfaces, harvesting rainwater and directing remaining stormwater runoff to soil- and vegetation-based water treatment methods, such as vegetated bioretention facilities, rain gardens, wetlands, green roofs and bio-swales. Maintain and restore vegetation to ensure water can percolate into the soil or groundwater.

Design stormwater features to be accessible to site users. Integrate multifunctional stormwater management features into site design to improve both water quality and aesthetics. Stormwater management features can provide calming views, spaces for restoration and even opportunities for play and interaction with water.

Design the site to minimize or eliminate use of potable water for irrigation. Use native and appropriate non-native vegetation adapted to site conditions, climate and design intent. Group plants with similar water needs to maximize irrigation efficiency. Climate-based controllers for irrigation systems can also be used to lower water consumption. In addition, non-potable water can be collected and used for irrigation from sources such as rainwater from rooftops, graywater, air conditioner condensate or stormwater basins.

SUSTAINABLE VEGETATION

Without vegetation, a site loses its natural capacity for stormwater management, filtration, and groundwater recharge. Reduced vegetative cover also affects soil health, because vegetation contributes to soil organic matter and prevents erosion. Through evaporation, transpiration, and the uptake and storage of carbon, trees and other vegetation moderate the climate of the world and provide a breathable atmosphere.


Protect and use existing vegetation. Design the site to minimize disruption to existing habitats. Preserve trees designated as important by local, state or federal entities. Mature trees are significant community resources because of their cultural and aesthetic relevance. Encourage a tight disturbance zone to limit construction damage to vegetation.

Use vegetation that promotes a regional identity and a sense of place. Use native and appropriate non-native plants adapted to site conditions, climate and design intent to support biodiversity, reduced pesticide use and water conservation. Use only non-invasive plants that are nursery grown, legally harvested or salvaged for reuse from on- or off-site.

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Use vegetation to lower energy consumption. To reduce urban heat island effects, use trees, green roofs, or vegetated structures (e.g., trellises) to cover non-vegetated surfaces such as walkways, roofs or parking lots, and select vegetation-based methods to achieve stormwater management goals for the site.

Manage landscapes effectively to reduce potential damage. Control and remove invasive species to limit damage to local ecosystems. To mitigate potential fire hazards, contact local fire departments for recommendations on plant spacing, fire-resistant plant species and fuel management practices appropriate to the local area.

SUSTAINABLE MATERIALS

Materials are natural resources that have been extracted, manufactured and/or processed for human use. Proper selection and use of materials can contribute to a site’s ability to provide ecosystem services. A sustainable approach to material use in landscapes begins with an assessment of the existing site – both built and non-built features – and a design that seeks to incorporate and reuse as much of the existing site materials as practical.


Use existing materials. Before purchasing new materials, look for structures, hardscape, infrastructure and other landscape amenities that can be reused, including existing on-site elements or those salvaged from off-site. Reduced materials consumption, the preferred method of materials management, lessens the need for new materials while preventing the generation of waste.

Purchase local and sustainably-produced plants and materials. Research options for plants and materials before buying. Select plants and products from companies that are striving to use sustainable practices, such as energy and water efficiency. For new materials, select local materials and those made with recycled content. For lumber, choose certified, sustainably harvested wood. By selecting materials that require reduced energy for production, transport and operation, greenhouse gas emissions can be decreased.

Consider the full life cycle of materials. Consider the environmental and health effects of a product, from the raw material extraction phase all the way through the end of the product life. Select products that are less damaging throughout their life cycle, especially those that can be recycled or deconstructed and reused rather than disposed of in a landfill.

Work towards zero net waste. During construction and demolition, look for materials that can be reused or recycled, both on-site and at other nearby sites. Continue looking for options to reduce waste throughout the life of the site, by mulching and composting landscape trimmings and offering collection spots for recyclable materials and compostable food waste.

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Reduce urban heat island effect. Use vegetation and reflective materials to reduce heat islands and minimize effects on microclimate and on human and wildlife habitat. Shade constructed surfaces with vegetation or other landscape features. Replace constructed surfaces such as roofs, roads and sidewalks with vegetated surfaces.

SUSTAINABLE HUMAN HEALTH & WELL-BEING

In addition to performing biogeochemical functions, healthy ecosystems are the source of the many less tangible, but very real and measurable, benefits that humans derive from a relationship with nature. These benefits are especially important to Americans who live in cities and towns.


Make the site user-friendly. Think about ways to make users feel safe by improving visibility, showing signs of human care and maintenance and making it easy for users to orient themselves.

Focus on natural views. Locate seating areas in front of beautiful views like large trees and water features, including those used for stormwater management. Screen visual or noisy distractions to enhance the restorative benefits of views.

Educate site users and keep culture and history alive. Highlight sustainable components and practices on the site with educational, interpretive and interactive elements. Help visitors understand environmentally responsible behavior and translate the lessons learned to off-site situations at home, school and work.

Provide spaces for mental restoration, social interaction and physical activity. Make the site comfortable by including elements like wind breaks, shading, appropriate lighting and movable furniture.

DESIGN PROCESS

Two (2) initial Concept Plans were developed and presented at the first public meeting held in June 2011. The plans offered alternative designs to address the results of the community needs assessment, public participation process and site analysis. Cedar Creek Parkway West is a highly used and well developed County park. Proposed improvements will provide additional structured and non-structured play areas for all skill levels. The addition of fields will alternate some of the existing scheduling demand for soccer, baseball and softball and allow for the growth of other sports programs such as lacrosse, field hockey, rugby and cricket. The increased number of fields, additional parking and provisions for concessions and restrooms will expand the opportunities to accommodate growing municipal leagues and competitive regional tournaments.

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CONCEPT PLAN #1

Highlights

Maintain all existing fields, facilities and gardens.

Add one full-size multi-purpose field adjacent to Field #1.

Add a large multi-purpose practice field with a softball field overlay near the corner of Cedar Brook Road and West Walnut Street.

Widen West Walnut Street to improve circulation.

Provide additional parking on the south side of West Walnut Street and adjacent to the main pavilion.

Provide a simple walking trail loop around the Park.

Provide a vehicular connection around Field #5 to improve circulation.

Provide off street bus parking near Field #5 and Youth Field #1.

Provide better organization and definition to grass areas designated as overflow parking.

Pros

Provides some additional field area and practice area.

Provides some additional parking.

Provides provision for concessions.

Provides basic walking trail for passive recreation.

Provides access to Cedar Creek / environmental education and wildlife viewing.

Minimizes impact to existing Park facilities.

Improves vehicular circulation around Field #5 and along West Walnut Street.

Provides off-street bus parking areas.

Cons

Does not maximize field development potential.

Does not maximize trail potential.

On-street parking near residential outparcel on West Walnut Street may be an undesirable location.

Practice field area should be buffered from Cedar Brook Road residents.

Loss of small agricultural production area.

CONCEPT PLAN #2

Highlights

Maintain all existing fields, facilities and gardens except for Youth Field #3.

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Replace Youth Field #3 with a full-sized multi-purpose field.

Add a second full sized multi-purpose field adjacent to existing Field #4.

Add a large multi-purpose practice field with two (2) overlapping softball fields near the intersection of Cedar Brook Road and West Walnut Street.

Widen West Walnut Street to improve circulation.

Provide additional parking on the north and south sides of West Walnut Street and adjacent to the main pavilion.

Provide a designated area for concession hook-ups near the existing electric vault and well.

Provide a restroom building off of West Walnut Street near the Maintenance Building.

Provide a variety of walking trails around and throughout the Park.

Provide a vehicular connection around Field #5 to improve circulation.

Provide off-street bus parking near Field #5 and Youth Field #1.

Provide better organization and definition to grass areas designated as overflow parking.

Pros

Maximizes field and practice area development.

Provides increased permanent parking areas.

Provides provisions for concessions.

Provides public restroom facilities.

Provides an enhanced walking trail system for passive recreation with multiple trail options.

Provides access to Cedar Creek / environmental education and wildlife viewing.

Minimal impact to existing Park facilities.

Improves vehicular circulation around Field #5 and along West Walnut Street.

Provides off-street bus parking areas.

Provides a dog run area.

Cons

On-street parking near residential outparcel on West Walnut Street may be an undesirable location.

Practice field area should be buffered from Cedar Brook Road residences.

Loss of small agricultural production area.

CONCEPT PLAN #3

The third Concept Plan was developed based on comments received at the initial public meeting and subsequent discussions with CCPW Master Site Development Plan Committee. Concept Plan #3 contained the preferred elements in Concept Plan #1 and #2 and addressed additional

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ideas and comments received in June. This plan, along with an initial draft of the narrative report, was presented at the second public meeting held August 9, 2011.

Highlights

Most of the existing facilities are proposed to remain.

Existing Youth Field #3 is proposed to be converted to a full sized adult field.

A second full sized multi-purpose field is proposed adjacent to Existing Field #4.

The eastern agricultural area near the corner of Cedar Brook Road and West Walnut Street is proposed to be converted to a large multi-use practice field with an overlapping softball field.

A series of pedestrian walking paths is proposed throughout CCPW offering short and long distance walking loops. The walking trails will provide an additional activity at the Park in addition to providing a link to Park facilities and new amenities such as an area for concessions and a restroom facility. The trails will also provide access to the creek area for wildlife viewing and environmental education.

To ease vehicular circulation, West Walnut Street is proposed to be widened to 18 feet to allow two cars to pass safely. Speed bumps shall be maintained to control vehicular speed.

The access road around Field #5 is currently a dead end. The concept plan proposes to continue the access road to form a complete loop and expand an aisle for bus parking. Additional bus parking is proposed adjacent to Youth Field #1. These improvements will enhance and ease vehicular circulation throughout the site.

Additional parking is proposed in three (3) areas off of West Walnut Street where there is a current parking shortage compared to the number of fields and facilities located on the southern end of the Park.

Expanded parking near the main pavilion.

Better organization and definition of the large overflow parking areas adjacent to Fields #3, #5 and #6 will increase parking capacity. These overflow areas are proposed to continue to be maintained as grass.

The existing detention basin is proposed to double as a dog run with improvements to the gates and protection from the drainage structures.

Provide fenced enclosures for existing port-a-john facilities.

Provide drinking water fountains.

Provide additional landscaping featuring specimen trees, shrubs, hedges for ball control near field edges, a buffer to Cedar Brook Road residences and a sitting/viewing garden at the higher elevation of the site off of Broadway.

Committee Review Comments

Identify parking areas between Fields #3 and #5.

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Add a sitting garden at the high elevation near the Broadway / Parkway Park entrance to provide another passive recreation area and take advantage of long-range views to the south. Connect to Park trails.

Identify overflow parking areas as grass.

Identify proposed width of West Walnut Street.

Note speed bumps on West Walnut Street to remain but shorten length to accommodate bicycle traffic along one side.

Provide additional garden areas and landscaping.

Provide shrubs as a living fence to control loose balls around soccer fields.

FINAL MASTER SITE DEVELOPMENT PLAN

A Final Master Site Development Plan was prepared to incorporate the Committee’s review of Concept Plan #3 and address the remaining comments and ideas discussed at the Steering Committee meeting held August 9, 2011.

Plan Highlights

Maintains highly used, existing facilities including all full-sized athletic fields, two (2) youth size fields, tennis and basketball courts, community gardens, pavilions and maintenance building.

Maximize use of available developable area, adding two (2) full size multi-purpose fields, a softball field and a practice field area large enough to accommodate multiple teams simultaneously.

Provides a variety of walking trails throughout and around CCPW, incorporating a nature trail with environmental education opportunities and wildlife viewing and ADA accessibility to some fields and Park amenities.

Provides provisions for concession hook-ups.

Provides a public restroom building.

Provides increased permanent and overflow parking areas.

Improves vehicular circulation.

Provides for off-street bus parking.

Provides a fenced dog run area.

Includes “living” fences for ball control around soccer fields.

Includes landscape buffers along Cedar Brook Road and Broadway and additional plantings throughout the Park.

Provides a passive sitting / reading / viewing garden near the Broadway Park entrance.

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DESIGN COST ESTIMATES The following cost estimates are based on each of the various Concept Plans reviewed by the Steering Committee:

CONCEPT #1 COST ESTIMATE Quantity Unit Item Unit Cost Price 583 LF Paved Driveway $300 $175,000 1,076 SY Parking Lot (50 cars) $50 $ 53,800 3,060 SY Parking Lot (80 cars) $50 $153,000 620 SY Parking Lot (18 cars) $50 $ 31,000 14,607 SY Grass Parking (300-350 cars) $5 $ 73,035 10,840 SY Grass Parking (250-300 cars) $5 $ 54,200 1 LS Concession Hookup $20,000 $ 20,000 7,865 LF Walking Trails $15 $117,975 1 LS Adult Soccer Field $200,000 $200,000 1 LS Softball Field $150,000 $150,000 1 LS Practice Field $300,000 $300,000 CONSTRUCTION TOTAL $1,328,010 ENGINEERING AND

ADMINISTRATION $ 132,801

CONTINGENCY 10% $ 146,081 TOTAL $1,606,892

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CONCEPT #2 COST ESTIMATE Quantity Unit Item Unit Cost Price 583 LF Paved Driveway $300 $175,000 2,440 LF Driveway Widening $75 $180,000 1,076 SY Parking Lot (50 cars) $50 $ 53,800 1,335 SY Parking Lot (40 cars) $50 $ 66,750 3,490 SY Parking Lot (80 cars) $50 $174,500 620 SY Parking Lot (18 cars) $50 $ 31,000 14,607 SY Grass Parking (300-350 cars) $5 $ 73,035 10,840 SY Grass Parking (250-300 cars) $5 $ 54,200 1 LS Concession Hookup $20,000 $ 20,000 10,428 LF Walking Trails $15 $171,375 2 LS Adult Soccer Field $200,000 $400,000 2 LS Softball Field $150,000 $300,000 1 LS Practice Field $300,000 $300,000 1 Unit Restroom Facility $30,000 $ 30,000 CONSTRUCTION TOTAL $2,029,660 ENGINEERING AND



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CONCEPT #3 COST ESTIMATE Quantity Unit Item Unit Cost Price 583 LF Paved Driveway $300 $175,000 2,440 LF Driveway Widening $75 $180,000 1,335 SY Parking Lot (40 cars) $50 $ 66,750 3,490 SY Parking Lot (80 cars) $50 $174,500 3,060 SY Parking Lot (80 cars) $50 $153,000 620 SY Parking Lot (18 cars) $50 $ 31,000 14,607 SY Grass Parking (300-350 cars) $5 $ 73,035 10,840 SY Grass Parking (250-300 cars) $5 $ 54,200 1 LS Concession Hookup $20,000 $ 20,000 10,428 LF Walking Trails $15 $171,375 2 LS Adult Soccer Field $200,000 $400,000 1 LS Softball Field $150,000 $150,000 1 LS Practice Field $300,000 $300,000 1 Unit Restroom Facility $30,000 $ 30,000 CONSTRUCTION TOTAL $1,978,860 ENGINEERING AND



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FINAL DESIGN COST ESTIMATE Quantity Unit Item Unit Cost Price 583 LF Paved Driveway $300 $175,000 2,440 LF Driveway Widening $75 $180,000 1,335 SY Parking Lot (40 cars) $50 $ 66,750 3,490 SY Parking Lot (80 cars) $50 $174,500 3,060 SY Parking Lot (80 cars) $50 $153,000 620 SY Parking Lot (18 cars) $50 $ 31,000 14,607 SY Grass Parking (300-350 cars) $5 $ 73,035 10,840 SY Grass Parking (250-300 cars) $5 $ 54,200 1 LS Concession Hookup $20,000 $ 20,000 11,425 LF Walking Trails $15 $171,375 2 LS Adult Soccer Field $200,000 $400,000 1 LS Softball Field $150,000 $150,000 1 LS Practice Field $300,000 $300,000 58 Unit Shrub Fence $75 $ 4,350 71 Unit Trees/Landscaping $450 $ 31,950 1 LS Sitting Garden Area $65,000 $ 65,000 25 Unit Benches $1,500 $ 37,500 138 Unit Buffer Planting $400 $ 55,200 1 Unit Restroom Facility $30,000 $ 30,000 CONSTRUCTION TOTAL $2,172,860 ENGINEERING AND



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MAINTENANCE, OPERATING COSTS AND REVENUE

Park maintenance within Cedar Creek Parkway West is provided by the Lehigh County Department of Parks and Recreation. Maintenance operations represent significant recurring costs. The investment in the development and expansion of Cedar Creek Parkway West mandates that maintenance support be sufficient to protect that investment and provide the level of service that the citizens expect. The appearance of the park in terms of cleanliness, attractiveness, and safety plays a significant role in the Citizens’ positive perception of community parks and of Lehigh County. Parks are frequently one of the few contacts people have with municipal services. They often provide the standard by which citizens judge their satisfaction with their local government. Interviews and public meetings here have found that the community has a strong land ethic and standard for public facilities. Routine scheduled maintenance provides the foundation for effective park security. A park that is well design and maintained attracts visitors. The more use a park gets, the less vandalism it receives. When park visitors see that a facility is well cared for, the risk of vandalism and other undesirable social behaviors tend to diminish. Parks that are not well tended get fewer visitors and higher levels of vandalism. Maintenance Management Protects the Investment Maintenance management is the process by which the Lehigh County plans, directs, and controls the care of parks and recreation facilities. Cedar Creek Parkway West should reflect the level of service, appearance of the park desired, and the reality of fiscal and human resource limitations. With a maintenance plan in place, there will be a clearly defined direction for the maintenance goals and operations. Making a repair in an emergency, unscheduled basis costs seven times as much as it does to perform the task on a routine basis. It is far more efficient and effective to perform park maintenance on a planned and scheduled basis. On-going maintenance also prevents the need for costly rehabilitation that results from deferred maintenance. Maintenance Challenges and Opportunities There are several challenges in maintaining a park. Responsibilities include litter pick-up, sports turf management, custodial services for the restrooms and pavilions, natural resource management, citizen outreach, volunteer supervision, issuing of permits and facility scheduling, programming, budgeting, personnel, procurement, and a host of other unforeseeable tasks. Allocating Resources Allocating sufficient human and financial resources to maintain a park the size of Cedar Creek Parkway West is a challenge. Park development should be phased in over time thus enabling the County to build maintenance capacity over time as well. The County currently has staff to perform scheduling, respond to citizen requests, developing policies and procedures, track information required for decision-making purposes and so on. It is not expected that additional staff will be required for these services.

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Partnerships Lehigh County provides a model for how a park can work. The County has established partnerships with the Lehigh County Soccer Field Association for management of the soccer fields. Additional partnerships with other groups such as organized sports, adopt-a-park, and neighborhood watches can provide valuable resources while building community stewardship for the park. Schools might also be considered as partners. The Wildlands Conservancy has expressed willingness to partner and host hiking excursions through the park’s new trail system. Volunteers Volunteers are often considered the means to managing parks and recreation at the least cost. Although volunteers are important, they are not free. Volunteers for defined tasks or programs often require recruiting, training, supervision, coordination, support, and recognition. Someone has to be in charge of overseeing volunteers. Policies need to guide volunteerism; otherwise volunteer efforts can get out of hand and run counter to the public good with respect to park operations. Effective policies need to be in place and acted upon. This would go a long way in facility care, preventing user conflicts and assuring equitable use of public space. Cedar Creek Parkway West requires reliable, dependable, knowledgeable workers in the area of sports turf management, natural resource management, and related services. Volunteers usually cannot perform to the level required due to their time limitations and demands in their own lives. Funding Challenges The major challenge for this park is increasing funding for operations and maintenance for the additional fields to be built. A phased approach to construction will allow the County to allocate additional funds over a period of time. Maintenance Goals The goal of park maintenance is to provide a clean, orderly and attractive appearance of Cedar Creek Parkway West for the healthful, safe and enjoyable use by the community through implementation of an efficient and effective management program. It is also a goal of the Lehigh County Soccer Fields Association to make this park the premier soccer complex in the region. The following action steps could guide the park’s maintenance operations:

1. All maintenance tasks will be performed as quickly and economically as possible without any loss in efficiency.

2. All equipment and materials will be operated and maintained in such a way as to insure safe, effective use and long life.

3. Preventive maintenance will be used in a continuing effort to avoid major problems and correct minor ones.

4. Maintenance tasks will be accomplished in a way that does not endanger the health or safety of the employees or the public.

5. Work will be scheduled in such a manner as to avoid duplication of effort and make the most use of the resources of the Lehigh County and community organizations.

6. All maintenance will be accomplished in a manner displaying respect and concern for the environment as well as public and private property.

7. All maintenance work will be performed with a sense of pride.

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Maintenance Standards Maintenance standards set forth the level of care, park and recreation facilities receive. The National Recreation and Park Associations offer a maintenance standard classification system with six modes. Modes refer to the “way of maintenance” ranging from most intensive to least intensive. It is perfectly acceptable and it makes a good deal of sense to establish different modes of maintenance for different parks and even within parks. It enables a community to direct resources towards where the need is greatest and the benefit the most. The modes range as follows:

Mode I - State of the Art Maintenance Mode II - High Level Maintenance Mode III - Moderate Level Maintenance Mode IV - Moderately Low Level Maintenance Mode V - High Visitation Natural Areas Mode VI - Minimum Level Maintenance

National Recreation and Park Association. (1986). Park Maintenance Standards. Alexandria, VA. 59p.

Park visibility is an important consideration for the Lehigh County. Since it is the largest soccer facility in the County, it is likely to be prominent in the public’s eye. Mode I is usually reserved for high quality diverse landscapes. Given the nature of the area, Cedar Creek Parkway West and the resources available, park maintenance should be a combination of modes. This would be the most efficient way to guide the park’s standard of maintenance. Mode II should be used for the park overall, with high use facilities designated as Mode I. The maintenance intensity of Mode II is appropriate for a high level of maintenance associated with well developed park areas with reasonably high visitation. By assigning the combination modes to the park, forecasting the maintenance requirements and costs, can be achieved with time and experience. This information would be used to chart the workload and costs over a year to determine how they should be adjusted for planning, operational, and budgeting purposes. The following standards for Cedar Creek Parkway West are based on a combination of modes: Turf Care - Turf care for the park would include: ball fields and general park areas.

Ball fields and Soccer Fields - Mode I -Mowed every five working days typically with variation given to rainy and dry season. Aeration is done at least three times annually. Seeding, fertilization and weed control are practiced with a goal of not more than five percent weeds. Park areas - Mode II -Mowed every five working days but only receive annual aeration. Weed control is done through pre-emergent products and seeding done when bare spots are present.

Litter Control - Mode I - Litter is picked up daily during peak season, twice a week during non-peak.

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Pruning - Mode III - Pruning would be done when the health or appearance of the tree or shrub would require it. A policy on forestry management should be developed for long-term care of the woodlands and trees used for landscaping. Disease and Insect Control - Modes would vary by facilities.

Ballfields - Mode I - In Mode I, problems with disease and pests would be anticipated and prevented through a scheduled program of disease and pest control. If damage appears, corrective action would be taken.

Natural Areas - Mode V working towards Mode I - Disease and insect control is done only to insure public safety or when a serious problem discourages public use in initial stages of park development. As partnerships grow with the Wildlands Conservancy, then staff could pursue the development of a natural resource management system. This could be moved up in time should the County be able to secure a grant and/or a partner to establish the management systems.

Park Areas - Mode III -When the health or survival of plan materials is threatened or there is an issue of comfort of park visitors control measures may be taken. Disease and insect control is done usually on a complaint basis.

Lighting - Mode I - When fixtures are observed as not working, they should be replaced. Consideration should be given to a regular replacement schedule according to manufacturers guidelines. Pavilion - Mode I and Mode II - Since the pavilion will bring in citizens that would not use the park otherwise, the appearance of the pavilion is crucial to the image of the park overall.During the season of peak use it should be maintained at a Mode I level. During the off season, it can get into Mode II care. Surfaces and Trails - Mode I - Before appearance has noticeably deteriorated, the surfaces should be cleaned, and repaired. Repairs - Mode II - When safety, appearance or function is an issue, repairs are made Inspections - Mode I - Park inspection should be done daily during peak season. Community Gardens - Mode III – Because of their location near the entrance to the facility, weekly maintenance consisting of enforcement and trash removal is required. Restrooms - Mode I - Should be done at least once per day. Special events or times of high use may warrant more than one service per day. Estimating a Maintenance Budget Lehigh County currently maintains the grounds within Cedar Creek Parkway West as part of its General Operating Budget. In order to estimate a budget for continued maintenance of Cedar

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Creek Parkway West, projections should be made based upon national standards; local experience; and cost tracking for labor, materials and equipment. In any mathematical estimation, adjustments need to be made as more specific information about work hours; task time and equipment became known through the County’s experience. The following information is presented as an estimate and departure point for formalizing a maintenance management plan. This is based upon the maintenance standards presented above and information provided by Lehigh County.

Cost Basis The maintenance wage rates ranges are set at $18 per hour for full-time staff with 30 percent required costs for items such as worker compensation, payroll taxes etc. For an hourly rate of $23.40 rounded up to $24 per hour for conservative budgeting purposes. Part-time staff rates are $10 plus 10 percent for payroll requirements for an estimated budget rate of $16 per hour. Equipment rates are projected based on prevailing rates at $12 per hour for small equipment and $33 per hour for major equipment. Equipment costs are projected at a rate of $25 per hour for large equipment and $15 for small equipment. Equipment costs are estimated and should be changed as the Lehigh County develops a cost tracking system and method for equipment depreciation and operational costs. Establishing real costs for park maintenance helps in negotiating agreements, establishing facility use policies, and setting program fees.

An important note on the estimate: The estimate is based upon all costs including labor, equipment and materials. While there are alternatives such as the use of volunteers, in-kind donations from the participating municipalities, it is important to project these costs based upon actual costs for staff and equipment. Dependability and quality are essential for this park. Many estimates of real costs are done without including all of the costs just to make them look better on paper.

Cedar Creek Parkway West Maintenance Task Budget

Task Units Units/Hr Total Hours Frequency x

Hours Hourly Rate Total Cost

Mowing Labor 87 Acres 2 Ac/hr 43.5 36x43.5=1566 $16 $25,056 Equipment “ “ “ “ $33 $51,678

Field Turf Aeration

Labor 18 Fields 1 Field/8 hrs 144 2 x 144=288 $16 $4,608 Equipment “ “ “ “ $33 $9,504

Weed Control Labor 18 Fields 2 Fields/hr 9 4 x 9 =36 $16 $ 576 Equipment “ “ “ “ $12 $ 432

Litter Control Labor 1 Each 4 hours 4 52 x 4=208 $16 $3,328

Tree Care Contracted 1 Each $3,000

Restrooms

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2 Each 4 hours 8 52 x 8 =416 $16 $6,656 Trails

Annual Prep 11,425LF .1/mi/6hrs 2workers/1 eq.op.

129 1x129x3=387 $16 $6,192

Equipment “ “ “ 1x129=129 $33 $4,257 Routine Labor “ .1/mi/1hr

2workers/1 eq.op. 22 6x22x3=396 $16 $6,336

Equipment “ “ “ 6x22=132 $33 $4,356 Tennis Courts

Annual Prep 2 Each Each/3 hr 6 1 x 6=6 $16 $ 96 Routine Labor “ Each/1hr 2 12x 2=24 $16 $ 384 Inspections “ Each/.25 hr .5 12x.5=6 $16 $ 166

Site Amenities Annual Prep 1 Each 40 hrs 40 1x40=40 $16 $ 640 Routine Labor “ “ “ 12x40=480 $16 $7,680

Parking Areas-Paved

Labor 5,300 SF 8 hours 8 4 x 8=32 $16 $ 512 Equipment “ “ “ “ $33 $1,056

Parking Areas-Grass

Labor 168,000 SF 16 hours 16 4x16=64 $16 $1,024 Equipment “ “ “ “ $33 $2,112

Ballfields Annual Prep 7 Each Each/6 hours 42 1x42=42 $16 $ 672 Equipment “ “ “ “ $33 $1,386 Routine Labor “ Each/1 hour 7 18x7=126 $16 $2,016 Inspections “ Each/.25 hr 2 36x2=72 $16 $1,152

Basketball Court Annual Prep 2 Each Each/2 hours 4 1x4=4 $16 $ 64 Routine Labor “ Each/1 hours 2 4x2=8 $16 $ 128

Inspections “ Each/.25 hr 2 36x2=72 $16 $1,152

Sub Total Labor $ 68,438 Sub Total Equipment $ 74,781 Sub Total Contracted $ 3,000 Sub Total $146,219 Non-Routine Maintenance (10%) $ 14,622 TOTAL $160,841 The total estimated cost of park maintenance for labor and equipment is estimated at $160,841. This is about $1,850 per acre which falls within a normal average range for park maintenance with the number and type of facilities proposed for this park.

Cyclic Maintenance

In addition to daily, monthly, seasonal and annual repairs, the park requires cyclic maintenance as shown in the following table. Cyclic maintenance deals with the normal replacement of a capital item such as a roof. Cyclic repairs are a function of weather, use, and other circumstances such as natural events. The cyclic repairs are shown in the following table. Because the time frame is years away, projecting actual costs is not possible. The American Public Works Association recommends budgeting two to four percent of the development costs annually to

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establish as a capital reserve account for cyclic repairs. Advances in technology will also impact the future costs based upon changes in design and materials.

Cedar Creek Parkway West

Cyclic Repairs Item Time Frame Pavilion 30 years Re-Paving 20 years Field Equipment 15 years Fencing 20 years

Budget The Projected Operating Budget table presents the projected budget for Cedar Creek Parkway West based upon the master plan. The phasing in of facilities over time would result in maintenance costs at a basic level that would increase as more facilities are added.

Cedar Creek Parkway West Projected Operating Budget

Personnel- Wages and Benefits $ 68,438 Equipment $ 74,781 Insurance 0* Contracted Services $ 3,000 Park Materials and Supplies $ 10,000 Seed $ 500 Fertilizer/Weed Control $ 3,000 Infield Mix $ 4,000 Utilities $ 12,000 Sub Total $175,719 Contingency $ 17,572 Capital Improvement Reserve $ 22,500 TOTAL $215,791

* Included in County Policy

Potential Revenues Sources for Cedar Creek Parkway West are presented in the following table. The fees are presented conservatively and will vary by the nature of the programs and the policies and fees the County set forth. The fees depend upon maintaining the current recreation program planning staff in place. They also depend on high quality maintenance of ball fields for which field use fees would be dedicated. Typical revenue generators include ball field use fees, tournaments, pavilion rental, and recreation programs. Based upon the type of park and facilities that comprise Cedar Creek Parkway West, revenue projections will not cover operating coats and will require taxpayer support.

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Cedar Creek Parkway West Potential Revenue Sources

Pavilion Rentals (20 days at $50/day) $ 1,000 Field Use Fees $12,000 Sponsorships $ 1,000 TOTAL $14,000

POTENTIAL FUNDING SOURCES The Community Conservation Partnership Program (C2P2) The State of Pennsylvania makes available grant money to municipal governments through this program to support greenway and park planning, design, and development. Applications for these grants are due in the spring of each year, and a 50 percent match is required from the local project sponsor. The amount of maximum award varies with the requested activity. Construction (development) grants typically range from $100,000 to $400,000. Having completed the master plan, The City of Reading will be in an appropriate position to apply for a development grant in 2008, if so desired. If interested in applying for a grant for City Park, it is recommended that the City meet with the regional DCNR advisor as soon as possible. Additional information can be accessed at: http://www.dcnr.state.pa.us/brc/grants/ Growing Greener 2 Growing Greener funds can be used for farmland-preservation projects; preserving open space; cleanup of abandoned mines, watershed planning; recreational trails and parks; and to help communities address land use concerns. Eligible applicants include non-profit groups, counties, and municipalities. A local match of 15% is required. The match can be met with cash, or in-kind goods and/or services. Applications for these grants are due in April of each year. Additional information is available at: http://www.depweb.state.pa.us/growinggreener/site/default.asp Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development (DCED) DCED's mission includes four elements that each has a relationship to parks and greenways: economic development, travel and tourism, technical assistance, and community development. The Community Revitalization Program is an applicable funding program that supports local initiatives aimed at improving a community's quality of life and improving business conditions. These grants, typically range from $5,000 to over $50,000, require the active support of state legislators. Additional information can be accessed at: http://www.newpa.com/default.aspx?id=1 Private Foundations

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There are various corporations and foundations, which support public works such as park improvements. The competition for these funds has become brisk, but the opportunities should be researched. Funding often is to non-profit organizations. Friends-of-the-Park Similar to participation by school groups, the establishment of a non-profit 501 (C) (3) friends group can help raise grass roots funding for the park and provide a conduit for tax deductible donations and foundation funding.

APPENDIX A. Meeting Minutes B. Key Person Survey Results C. County Permit Summary Form D. Field and Walkway Details E. Maps

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APPENDIX A: MEETING MINUTES

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APPENDIX B: KEY PERSON SURVEY RESULTS

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APPENDIX C: COUNTY PERMIT SUMMARY FORM

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APPENDIX D: FIELD AND WALKWAY DETAILS

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\\njncad\projects\2011\11000044a\reports\101511crr_ccpw_mp.docx

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APPENDIX E: MAPS

Documents

Cedar Creek Parkway West Master Site Development Plan.pdf