Parks, Recreation and Cultural Services

Agenda Parks and Recreation Advisory Board

Please silence your phone during the meeting.

PR&CS Administration 1401 Recreation Way

Colorado Springs, CO 80905

Thursday, November 9, 2017 7:30 am Palmer Room

Call to Order Citizen Discussion Time for any individual to bring before the Parks and Recreation Advisory Board any matter of interest they wish to discuss that is not elsewhere on the agenda. Comments are restricted to three (3) minutes; you will hear an alarm when your time is up. Please contact PR&CS staff no later than the last Wednesday of the month prior if you wish to place a longer presentation on the agenda.

Approval of Minutes- October 12, 2017 Minutes are posted no later than 5:00pm on the Tuesday before the meeting at: http://parks.coloradosprings.gov/explore-play/get-involved/boards-committees/parks-and-recreation-advisory-board

Ceremonial items (10:00 a.m. time certain) Edmondson Foundation Jody Derington TOPS 20th Anniversary – Staff Karen Palus Action Items Indigo Ranch Park Master Plan Britt Haley/Connie Perry/Chris Lieber School Yard Initiative – Will Rogers Elementary Tilah Larson Presentations The Farm – Land Use Master Plan Amendment, Filing No.5 Connie Perry Garden of the Gods Restroom Project David Deitemeyer Rustic Hills Drainage Improvement at Rock Island Trail David Deitemeyer/John Adair America the Beautiful Park Water Resource Facilities David Deitemeyer/Adam Copper Staff Reports Regional Parks, Trails and Open Space Update Scott Abbott Budget Update Karen Palus Manitou Incline Britt Haley/Steve Bodette Board Business Adjournment

COLORADO SPRINGS PARKS AND RECREATION DEPARTMENT

PARKS AND RECREATION ADVISORY BOARD ___________________________________________________________________________ Date: November 09, 2017 Item Number: Action - Item # 1

Item Name: Indigo Ranch at Stetson Ridge Park Master Plan SUMMARY: Pursuant to City Code § 4.1.104 the Parks and Recreation Advisory Board (“Board”) shall act in an advisory capacity to the Department and City Council on all matters that pertain to the planning, development, beautification, equipping and maintenance of the City’s historic medians. The Board shall review and approve all park master plans, subject to appeal to City Council, in accord with the

City Comprehensive Plan and Zoning Code. Classic Homes, through its contractor NES, requests that the Board review and approve its neighborhood park master plan for Indigo Ranch at Stetson Ridge Filing No. 16 Final Plat.

PREVIOUS BOARD ACTION:

N/A BACKGROUND: This is a request presented by N.E.S., Inc. on behalf of Classic Homes for approval of a neighborhood park master plan. The review and consideration of the park master plan is a companion action to land-use review items for Indigo Ranch at Stetson Ridge Filing No 16 including a Final Plat and Zoning Change. These land use review items are currently under consideration by the City’s Land Use Review Division. The final plat proposes 48 single-family lots and a 2.365 acre neighborhood park on a 12.488 site. The site is located southeast of Issaquah Drive and Sonesta Drive and it is the final parcel of property available for residential development in the Stetson Hills master plan. Consequently, this proposal presents challenges to development similar to those of an infill site. Those challenges include that all development is constrained to that site as it exists, and land for expansion is not available. Also, to be economically viable, a certain number of residential lots must be able to be planned for the site. The present site is a former combination School and Park site identified in the original Stetson Hills Master Plan adopted in the early 1980s. As the Stetson Hills/Indigo Ranch area developed, School District - 49 determined it did not need the site for a school and declined the site. Pursuant to City Code requirements, the entire 12.488 acre parcel was offered to the City’s Parks, Recreation and Cultural Services Department (“Parks Department”). The Parks Department also declined the site. As a result, the site became available for sale and Classic Homes acquired it. Based on the original Stetson Hills Master Plan, existing adjacent residential density, and residential density proposed for this filing, the City’s Parkland Dedication Ordinance requires dedication of a 5 acre park site or fees in lieu of the land dedication. The Parkland Dedication Ordinance obligation may be satisfied if the developer dedicates the full acreage or if they pay fees in lieu of land dedication to provide for a future park. This proposal presents a combination of the two. Due to the small size of the site the developer is only able to dedicate 2.365 acres of land for the park. The developer proposes to expend at least the value associated with the remaining balance of 2.7 acres in design, construction and park improvements such as a loop trail, a bike rack, benches, picnic tables and a shade structure to meet the balance of its parkland dedication requirement. Additionally, the developer proposes that this neighborhood park would be operated and maintained by the Stetson Ridge Metropolitan District #1.

This neighborhood park master plan presents a tradeoff. Although the acreage that is available in this filing is reduced, the plan does present the opportunity to have a park site designed, developed, constructed and maintained by a special district while the residential development is underway. If the five acre Park site had been dedicated, Parks staff would not be in a position to develop the site into an operational park for numerous years due to a lack of maintenance and operational funds for the additional site. This proposal dedicates 2.365 acres for the park and commits the developer to the design, construct, and provide for the long term maintenance of the park. This obligation would be captured on a plat notation. Ken Jordan Park, a 3.35 acre park built and operated by the City Parks Department, is located within a ½ mile radius of this proposed park. The Indigo Ranch at Stetson Ridge development also features eleven pocket parks in the vicinity, including one that is essentially one lot to the north of this proposed park. Five other pocket parks that feature playground equipment are located within .5 miles of the proposed park. This proposed park offers a multi-use playfield area and is proposed as an amenity that is not currently represented in that neighborhood. FINANCIAL IMPLICATIONS: N/A ALTERNATIVE: The Board could recommend changes or not approve the proposal. RECOMMENDATION: Staff recommends that the Board approve the neighborhood park master plan for Indigo Ranch

at Stetson Ridge Filing No. 16.

PROPOSED MOTION: Move to approve the proposed Neighborhood Park Plan. Attachments: Indigo Ranch Neighborhood Park PowerPoint Presentation

Indigo Ranch Neighborhood Park

Master PlanColorado Springs Parks, Recreation and Cultural Services

Advisory Board MeetingNovember 9, 2017

Indigo Ranch Neighborhood Park Vicinity Map

Indigo Ranch at Stetson Ridge Fil. 16Development Plan

Indigo Ranch at Stetson Ridge Playground Distribution

Indigo Ranch Neighborhood Park Plan

COLORADO SPRINGS PARKS AND RECREATION DEPARTMENT

PARKS AND RECREATION ADVISORY BOARD ___________________________________________________________________________ Date: November 9, 2017 Item Number: Action - Item # 2

Item Name: THE CITY OF COLORADO SPRINGS SPONSORSHIP OF THE SCHOOL YARD INITIATIVE GRANT TO GREAT OUTDOORS COLORADO ON BEHALF OF WILL ROGERS ELEMENTARY SCHOOL. SUMMARY: The Parks, Recreation and Cultural Services Department proposes to sponsor 2 Great Outdoors Colorado (GOCO) School Yard Initiative grant applications. The $110,000 grant applications will assist with supporting the construction of unstructured play and outdoor learning facilities for youth. An Intergovernmental Agreement will define the roles and the responsibilities of the City and primary partners. In many cases, schools will replace aging metal play sets, fields of pea gravel and cracking concrete slabs with nature-inspired climbing structures, soft all-weather surfaces, play and learning areas featuring natural materials, outdoor classrooms, or water features that can simulate floods and erosion. Projects can also include traditional play equipment to complement natural components and provide a variety of play opportunities. Each grant application will request $110,000 from GOCO and the required matching dollars will be raised by each school. PREVIOUS BOARD ACTION: None BACKGROUND: GOCO’s School Yard Initiative aims to create school grounds that inspire more active physical play and enhance learning about nature and the environment. Because all School Yard Initiative projects are required to be open to the public during non-school hours, the benefits extend far beyond the student body. School Yard Initiative grants support schools and local governments in constructing outdoor spaces where kids have frequent opportunities for unstructured play and outdoor learning. All school yards must be designed, in part, by the student population to ensure the components constructed are the most appealing and beneficial to the users they will serve. This program emphasizes projects that reach underserved youth and families who may otherwise have limited access to quality parks.

FINANCIAL IMPLICATIONS: The City has agreed to sponsor the partner schools as GOCO requires that a qualified government agency submit the application, and receive and disburse funds for this planning grant. City funds are neither needed nor requested as part of this sponsorship application. BOARD/COMMISSION RECOMMENDATION: Support the City’s sponsorship of a School Yard Initiatives Grant application to Great Outdoors Colorado on behalf of Will Rogers Elementary School. ALTERNATIVE: The Board may choose not to not support the grant application. Doing so would limit the ability of the school to apply for a GOCO School Yard Initiative grant. RECOMMENDATION: Support the City’s sponsorship of a School Yard Initiatives Grant application to Great Outdoors Colorado on behalf of Will Rogers Elementary School. PROPOSED MOTION: Move to support the City’s sponsorship of a School Yard Initiatives Grant application to Great Outdoors Colorado on behalf of Will Rogers Elementary School. Attachments: None

COLORADO SPRINGS PARKS AND RECREATION DEPARTMENT

PARKS AND RECREATION ADVISORY BOARD ___________________________________________________________________________ Date: November 9, 2017 Item Number: Presentation Item # 1 Item Name: Request on Behalf of La Plata Communities to Approve The Farm

Master Plan Amendment BACKGROUND: The Farm consists of approximately 475 acres of land between Interstate 25 and Voyager Parkway, located on the west side of Voyager Pkwy at Ridgeline Drive. The Farm - Land Use Master Plan (formerly known as The Allison Valley Master Plan) was originally approved in 2004 with annexation of the property. The Master Plan has been amended several times since 2004 unrelated to parkland. The Parks Advisory Board last took action on this Master Plan in 2014. That amendment maintained the original 50 foot trail corridor along Black Squirrel Creek (approx. 14.57 ac) with multiple park sites creating a linear park concept totaling 21.86 acres. CURRENT STATUS: La Plata Communities, LLC has submitted to the City Planning and Community Development Department a Land Use Master Plan Amendment application associated with the Filing 5 Development Plan and Plat applications. The proposed Master Plan reduces the parkland obligation from 21.83 acres to 17.80 acres based upon revised final densities of the approved Filings 1-4, proposed Filing 5; and newly estimated densities for future Filings 6 and 7. The new parkland configuration eliminates one prior park site (the bike park). The park spaces to receive credit are: Overlook Park (2.89 ac), Knoll Park (0.36 ac), Filing 5 (south) pocket park (0.13 ac), Homestead Park (1.27 ac), Swing Park (0.20), Slide Park (5.66 ac); an ADA accessible City Tier 2 public trail corridor plus the Tier 2 soft surface trail (combined to satisfy the original 50 foot public trail corridor obligation). Combined with the entire interior community trails and opens space, the community will far exceed the City Parkland (17.8 acre) obligation. These park sizes are being finalized with each plat application approval. Staff has requested that La Plata Communities, LLC bring forward in 2018 the completed park master plan designs for the full 17.8 acres to ensure amenities within the overall linear park fully meet the Park and Trail Master Plan intent. Staff will bring forward for Board approval each of the designs at a future date, recognizing that the slide and swing parks were approved in 2014. La Plata Communities, LLC. requests Board approval of the Master Plan amendment revising the total parkland obligation from 21.83 acres to 17.80 acres. FINANCIAL IMPLICATIONS: N/A ALTERNATIVE: The Board could recommend changes, postpone consideration of the proposal or not approve the proposal.

STAFF RECOMMENDATION: Staff recommends approval of The Farm Master Plan Amendment. ACTION NEEDED BY THE BOARD: A motion approving The Farm Master Plan Amendment revising the parkland obligation from 21.83 acres to 17.80 acres of parkland. This will include the City Public Tier 2 Black Squirrel Creek Trail (the combined ADA accessible and soft surface trail alignments to satisfy the original single 50 foot trail corridor). PARTIES NOTIFIED OF THIS MEETING: Cody Humphrey, La Plata Communities, LLC.

THE FARM MASTER PLAN MINOR AMENDMENT

PARKS AND RECREATION ADVISORY BOARD PROJECT STATEMENT November 9, 2017

PROPOSED MINOR AMENDMENT TO THE FARM MASTER PLAN

La Plata Communities, LLC proposes to amend The Farm Master Plan to facilitate the following changes: 1) Reduction of the required amount of acreage for park credit. The acreage has been reduced

from 21.86 ac to 17.80 ac based on more detailed access, lot studies, and continued development in the higher density parcels to the south of Black Squirrel Creek.

2) Reconfiguration and a reduction in density of the residential use areas, north of Black Squirrel Creek. The Medium Density parcel (Parcel 8) located north of The Farm Gathering Place has been reduced from 10.3 ac to 8.45 ac.

3) Reconfiguration of Ridgeline Drive as it approaches The Farm Gathering Place (community center). The road will curve to the south and where the public ROW ends, the road will become a private access drive into the community center. Secretariat Dr. will intersect Ridgeline Drive at a T-intersection.

4) Relocation of the Black Squirrel Trail Corridor (10 foot wide Tier 2 trail). The trail will meander through a designated greenway corridor within the community where it will eventually connect with the LaForet Trail to the west. City Parks, Recreation, and Cultural Services’ staff have agreed to this change, which will allow for a soft surface community trail along Black Squirrel Creek. These community trails will be open to the public.

5) Realignment of park and open space locations to maximize value to the community, allow for easy access along designated community trail connections, and preserve existing mature vegetation on the site. Additionally, existing and proposed detention pond sites have been included in the proposed amendment.

JUSTIFICATION STATEMENT FOR THE MASTER PLAN AMENDMENT

The owners of The Farm property partnered with La Plata Communities, LLC to envision and realize a unique community in Colorado Springs. The 2014 Master Plan Amendment was the first step in achieving this vision. The 2017 proposed Master Plan Amendment continues to maintain the vision by further reducing density, while maintaining a progressive approach to integrating parks, trails, and open space into the community, and by making every effort to preserve existing vegetation. The original Master Plan for Allison Valley addressed the Review Criteria for Master Plan approval. No changes proposed by this amendment alter the relationship of the Plan to the City Review Criteria; therefore, the proposed amendment continues to be in conformance with the Comprehensive Plan and the 2020 Land Use Map.

Public facilities have been respected and enhanced throughout the Master Plan by adding trail connections, including the LaForet Tier 2 Trail, consistent with the City of Colorado Springs Parks, Recreation and Trails Master Plan.

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The Farm Master Plan conforms to the adopted plans and policies of Colorado Springs Utilities and the public facilities are consistent with the strategic network of long range plans.

The Farm Master Plan has a logical hierarchy of collector and residential streets with an emphasis on the reduction of through traffic within The Farm neighborhood. The design of the streets and trails eliminates uncontrolled crossings and allows LaForet Trail users, which includes students access to the safest routes.

The Farm Master Plan has made no changes to the preservation areas of the Preble’s Meadow Jumping Mouse Habitat. These areas are shown on The Farm Master Plan as open space and wetland areas. This is consistent with the Colorado Springs Open Space Plan.

In 2018, La Plata Communities, LLC will submit park land master plans for approval by the Parks and Recreation Advisory Board.

REQUEST FOR THE FARM MASTER PLAN AMENDMENT La Plata Communities, LLC respectfully requests approval from the Parks and Recreation Advisory Board for the proposed park land dedication of 17.80 acres as illustrated in 2017 proposed The Farm Master Plan Amendment.

2017 LAND USE MASTER PLAN AMENDMENT

PARK LAND DEDICATION

OVERVIEW

• Update parks installation and locations

• Black Squirrel Trail alignment(Tier 2 Regional

Trail)

• Park acreage provided will fulfill and exceed

City park credit requirement

• Individual park designs to be submitted for

review starting in 2018

• Estimated timeline for park construction

SITE AERIAL E X I S T I N G V E G E TAT I O N & L A N D

F O R M S T O B E P R E S E R V E D

APPROVED THE FARM

MASTER PLAN (2014)

PROPOSED MASTER PLAN

AMENDMENT (2017)

PARK CREDITS

COORDINATED PARK CREDIT CALCULATION

2014 Park acreage required = 21.86 acres

2017 Park acreage required = 17.80 acres

PARK AMENITIES &

TRAILS MAP

PARK CREDIT EXHIBIT

1.7 Total Miles

5.38 Total Miles

PARK CREDITS

2017 COORDINATED PARK CREDIT CALCULATION

SUMMARY

• 2 Park Nodes completed in 2016 & 2017

• Individual Park designs to be submitted in 2018

• 3 parks anticipated to begin construction in late 2018

• The remaining parks are anticipated to begin construction in 2019

and 2020

• 17.8 acres of parks/trails are being provided on the Master Plan

amendment to achieve the required city park credits

• An additional 8.87 acres of parks/trails are being provided over the

required city park credit amount (26.67 acres)

• 142 acres, or nearly 30%, of the entire 477-acre Farm Master Plan is

currently designated parks and open space

Garden of the Gods Restroom Facility Improvement Plan

Parks Board

November 9th, 2017

Project Team

1994 Master Plan

• Traffic and Parking Improvements

• Removal and Relocation of Visitor Center

• Additional Trails and Picnic Areas

• Further

Consideration for Hidden Inn • Ultimately Removed

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Garden of the Gods Park

Regional Park in Natural Setting • Public Park Deeded to the City in 1909 • 1300 acre Regional Park • National Natural Landmark

Visitor Centers • Hidden Inn 1915 to 1999 • Baldwin House Visitor Center 1976 to 1995 • New Visitor Center outside the Park 1995

TripAdvisor • #1 Park in the Country • #2 Park in the World

Visitation • 1 Million visitors a year in 1994 • New traffic and pedestrian counters estimate

4 Million visitors

Current Restroom Facilities

Main Parking Lot Restroom • 1 stall & 1 urinal in men’s restroom

• 2 stalls for women’s restroom

Scotsman Picnic Area Restroom • 1 stall & 1 urinal for men’s restroom

• 2 stalls for women’s restroom

• Seasonal operated

Project Goals

• Develop new and/or renovate restroom facilities within the park

• Increase restroom facility capacity with

growing visitor demand • Complement and blend exterior architectural

designs with existing structures and natural setting

• Maintain visitor satisfaction while preserving

natural splendor • Engage in community dialog

Community Engagement Plan

1. Preliminary Site Development Input

2. Concept Plan Review and Feedback

3. Final Design and Site Plan

1. Preliminary Site Development Plan Input

Stakeholder Engagement September 19 & 21st, 2017

17 key stakeholders

Existing Facility Survey (Online and at Park)

208 completed online

150 completed in the Park

Community Meeting October 24th – Discuss opportunities collect the community’s feedback

2. Concept Plan Review/Feedback

Parks and Recreation Advisory Board November 9th – Informational Presentation

Community Meeting #2 November 30th – 5pm to 7pm. Review Draft Plan

Garden of the Gods Visitor and Nature Center

1805 N 30th Street

3. Final Design and Site Plan

Parks and Recreation Advisory Board December 14 – Presentation of the Plan for Approval

Project Locations Overview Map

North Main Parking Lot

Scotsman Picnic Area

Alternative A Central Garden -Parking Lot 4

Alternative B Central Garden -Parking Lot 7

Parking Lot 10 South Garden

Public Comment to Date

• Online Survey

• Stakeholders

• Community meeting

Draft Concept Plan

• Map of proposed locations

Next Steps

Community Meeting #2 November 30th – 5pm to 7pm. Review Draft Plan Garden of the Gods Visitor and Nature Center 1805 N 30th Street

Parks and Recreation Advisory Board December 14 – Presentation of the Draft Plan for Approval 1401 Recreation Way Meeting Starts at 7:30 AM

Project Implementation Phase 1 - Main Parking Lot Facility Construction Winter/Spring 2018

Phase 2 – Remaining locations fall 2018 – Spring 2019

Questions

THANK YOU!

Project Information

coloradosprings.gov/GOGrestrooms

Proposed Rustic Hills Drainage Improvements Project

PRESENTED BY:

David Deitemeyer – Park Planner

John Adair, P.E. - Stormwater Construction Manager

Background Information

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Background Information

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Former Railroad ROW Chicago, Rock Island and Pacific Railroad

Multiple Parcels along corridor

Rock Island Trail construction in 2003

Subject Parcel Acquired by TOPS Program in 2007

Project Goals

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Neighborhood Trail Access

Correct Encroachments on TOPS Property

Drainage improvements

Water Quality and Retention

Channel and Slope Stabilization

TABOR Funded project

Initially a IGA Project (~2025)

Existing Conditions

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Existing Conditions Continued

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Existing Conditions Continued

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Conceptual Plan

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Examples of Proposed Facilities

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Examples of Proposed Facilities

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TOPS Policy The Trails, Open Space and Parks Advisory Committee (TOPS Working

Committee) is charged with the oversight of the TOPS program (City Code section 4.6.103). Not only is the TOPS Working Committee charged with making recommendations on TOPS acquisitions, but it is also responsible for making recommendations on any other matter relating to or affecting the TOPS Program. City Code section 4.6.103(A)(2)

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TOPS Policy Per City Codes 4.6.101, the follow general purposes are applicable to this

request:

D. To acquire rights of way and easements for access to open space lands and for trails and to build and improve the accessways and trails.

G. To manage, patrol, improve and maintain all new open space lands and trails acquired with revenues generated by a sales and use tax approved by the electorate pursuant to this article, in accord with the purposes set forth in this article.

P. When public improvements are located in urban trail corridors, maximum effort will be undertaken to restore the land to its natural state while also providing for efficient maintenance of the constructed facilities.

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Project Timeline November 1st, 2017: TOPS Working Committee – Presentation Item

November 9th, 2017: Parks Advisory Board – Presentation Item

December 6th, 2017: TOPS Working Committee – Action Item

December 14th, 2017: Parks Advisory Board – Action Item

Winter 2018: Project Design

Winter/Spring 2018: Project Implementation

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Proposed Pond Retrofit

America The Beautiful Park PRESENTED BY:

Adam Copper, P.E. – Senior Engineer with the City of Colorado Springs

Joe Roerkohl, P.E. – Senior Engineer with AECOM

Park Location

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Background Information

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• ATBP WAS BUILT AND DEDICATED ON SEPTEMBER 30, 2005 AND THE JULIE PENROSE FOUNTAIN DEDICATED ON JUNE 7, 2007

• THE SW POND WAS REBUILT IN 2015 WITH A GOCO GRANT TO PROVIDE AN ENVIRONMENTAL PLAYGROUND AND ENHANCE CONNECTION WITH MONUMENT CREEK

Background Information

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• CITY SIGNED AN IGA WITH PUEBLO COUNTY IN 2016 FOR STORMWATER • PROJECT TO PROVIDE WATER QUALITY IN THE DOWNTOWN AREA • ENHANCE THE PARK AND POND

Existing Conditions

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Existing Conditions

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• TRAIL GOES DOWN THROUGH THE BOTTOM OF POND

• POND DOES NOT PROVIDE WATER QUALITY INTO MONUMENT CREEK TO CURRENT WATER QUALITY STANDARDS

• SMALL BRIDGE IN NEED OF REPAIR

Existing Conditions

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Proposed Improvements

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• GOAL TO PROVIDE WATER QUALITY, MAINTAIN AESTHETICS AND ENHANCE THE PARK • RECONFIGURE POND AND OUTLET • RAISE TRAIL THROUGH POND

Proposed Improvements

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• PROJECT TIMELINE ESTIMATE • CONSTRUCTION COMPLETE BEFORE APRIL 2018

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Manitou Incline

Before After