Nelly Custis Park NC Project

Presentation to Aurora Highlands Civic

Association

January 11, 2017

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Nelly Custis Park NC Project

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Background – Completed Scoping Phase

Scope and funding has been approved for Nelly Custis project • Approved by Aurora Highlands Civic Association on October 14, 2015• Approved by Neighborhood Conservation Advisory Committee on December 10, 2015• Approved by the Arlington County Board on February 23, 2016

Elements of Approved Scope ($798,222) • Drainage

– Correction of existing drainage problems– Solutions could potentially include rain gardens, underground retention facilities and additional plantings

• Invasive Species– Eradicate existing bamboo through a multi-year removal process

• Circulation and Accessibility – Existing paths will be reviewed for ADA compliance and modified as necessary to bring into compliance

• Playground – Expand existing playground through the addition of “natural looking” play elements for 5-12 year olds, sited on

the east side of the park• Tree Canopy

– Increase shade through additional tree canopy plantings

• Site Furnishings– New park signage, benches, and trash/recycling receptacles

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Background – Completed Scoping Phase

Scope and funding has been approved for Nelly Custis project • Approved by Aurora Highlands Civic Association on October 14, 2015• Approved by Neighborhood Conservation Advisory Committee on December 10, 2015• Approved by the Arlington County Board on February 23, 2016

Elements of Approved Scope ($798,222) • Drainage

– Correction of existing drainage problems– Solutions could potentially include rain gardens, underground retention facilities and additional plantings

• Invasive Species– Eradicate existing bamboo through a multi-year removal process

• Circulation and Accessibility – Existing paths will be reviewed for ADA compliance and modified as necessary to bring into compliance

• Playground – Expand existing playground through the addition of “natural looking” play elements for 5-12 year olds, sited on

the east side of the park• Tree Canopy

– Increase shade through additional tree canopy plantings

• Site Furnishings– New park signage, benches, and trash/recycling receptacles

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Moving Forward – Implementation Phase

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Moving Forward - Implementation Phase

Where Project is Today:

Multi-Year Removal of Invasive Species - ONGOING• The County has hired a contractor to remove invasive species. The first step is to remove

the bamboo in the northwest portion of the park. – Cutting and Treatment - Contractor uses power equipment to cut the bamboo stalks and apply

a glyphosate-based herbicide to the stumps– Remove Bamboo Corpses - Contractor immediately removes bamboo stalks from the site– Foliar Spray of Regrowth- Over time, depending on the regrowth, contractor will spray

herbicide to the bamboo leaves that regrow. This may require several years of follow-up treatments.

• Treatments occurred in April 2016 and November 2016 • Additional treatments will occur in 2017

Topographic Survey/base map – COMPLETE, posed on website

Meeting with Aurora Highlands Civic Association Executive Committee - COMPLETE

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Moving Forward - Implementation Phase

Design Development – Public Engagement Phase – 3-4 Months • Form neighborhood working group to work with staff through the design process

– Hold meetings with staff and working group to prepare refined concept plan and develop final design– Focus will be on the six elements of approved scope and within the approved budget. Flexibility to tweak

within an element (for example, could renovate existing playground rather than enlarging the area to add additional equipment due to site constraints identified in site analysis and workgroup input)

– Opportunity to refine concept plan, help select materials, play equipment, site furnishings, landscaping • Aurora Highlands Civic Association approval of final design

Construction Documents and Permitting – 4-6 Months• Staff prepares detailed construction drawings and technical specifications• Documents are submitted and reviewed by County agencies responsible for building, land disturbance and

stormwater permits

Bidding and Contract Award – 2-3 Months• County competitively bids the project• County Board approval of contract award to lowest qualified bidder

Mobilization and Construction – 5-6 Months• Contractor mobilizes on site, orders materials and equipment, does any necessary demolition and site work• Construction involves closing off the entire effected area (limits of disturbance)• Staff conducts walk-through with contractor and creates punch list of outstanding issues to be completed before

project closeout• Project opening and ribbon cutting coordinated with Aurora Highlands Civic Association

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KvB Project Samples

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Top row – Glebe and Randolph ParkBottom row – Rocky Run/Barton Park – restroom and labyrinth

KvB Project Samples

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Top row – Glencarlyn Park Arlington Forest playground and buffer plantingBottom row – Woodlawn Park playground and reforestation – under construction

KvB Project Samples

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Top row – Tyrol Hills Park – playground and bioretentionBottom row, non-County: Hilton Plaza, BJs bioswale, Arlington Condo

Next Steps

Design Development Starts Late Spring 2017

• Coordinate with the Department of Environmental Services on offsite runoff issues• Develop tree inventory and existing vegetation plan • Work with Aurora Highlands Civic Association’s Neighborhood Conservation Representative (David

Litman) to form neighborhood working group• Neighborhood working group meetings

• Project information will be posted on County website. Sign up to receive all project updates

• Any questions? Please contact Kathy von Bredow kvonbredow@arlingtonva.us

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