Smithfield, VA: Windsor Castle Park Longleaf Pine ......College of Architecture and Urban Studie s Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State Universit y c a c Prepared for the Windsor

community designdassistance center

College of Architecture and Urban StudiesVirginia Polytechnic Institute and State University

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Prepared for the Windsor Castle Park FoundationAugust 2020

Smithfield, VA: Windsor Castle Park Longleaf Pine Demonstration Area

Conceptual Site Master Plan



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Smithfield, VA: Windsor Castle Park Longleaf Pine Demonstration Area Conceptual Site Master Plan

#CHECK NUMBER

Project funding provided in part by the US Forest Service in cooperation with the Virginia Department of Forestry Urban and Community Forestry Program

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Community Design Assistance Center101 South Main Street, Blacksburg, Virginia 24060

p: 540.231.5644 f: 540.231.6089http://www.cdac.arch.vt.edu

Elizabeth GilboyDirector

Nick ProctorProject Manager

Project Team

The Community Design Assistance Center (CDAC) is an outreach center in the College of Architecture and Urban Studies at Virginia Tech that assists communities, neighborhood groups and non-profit organizations in improving the natural and built environments. Assistance is provided in the areas of landscape architecture, architecture, planning, and interior design. Working with communities, the conceptual planning and design provides communities with a graphic vision of their project that can then be used for grant applications and fundraising for the next steps toward implementation.



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ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

The CDAC team would like to acknowledge the following individuals for their contributions throughout the project:

Sue IvyPresident, Windsor Castle Park Foundation

Henry McBurneyVolunteer, Windsor Castle Park Foundation

Amy NovakDirector, Smithfield Parks and Recreation

and

Those who volunteered time for the betterment of Smithfield and Windsor Castle Park.



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TABLE OF CONTENTS

Introduction 6Project Location 7Existing Site Images 11Design Process 12

Part 1: Final Design Concept

Site Master Plan Design Description 15 Site Master Plan 18 Perspective 1 and Precedent Images 19 Perspective 2 20 Precedent Images: Permeable Paving and Park Elements 21

Part 2: Appendix

Meeting NotesStakeholder Input Session 23Preliminary Design Presentation 25

Preliminary Design Concept Overview 26Site Master Plan 27




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PROJECT DESCRIPTION

Introduction

Located adjacent to historic downtown Smithfield, Windsor Castle Park’s 208 acres feature a four-mile woodland trail system, picnic and open areas, dog park, kayak/canoe launch, fishing pier, mountain bike path, scenic overlooks, fields under cultivation and the historic manor house--Windsor Castle. Windsor Castle Farm was originally part of a 1,450 acre parcel patented in 1637 by Arthur Smith, an ancestor of the town’s founder, Arthur Smith IV. The purchase of the land and the creation of the park in 2010 were made possible through the generous contributions of Mr. Joseph W. Luter III, former CEO of Smithfield Foods.

In the spring of 2014, the Town of Smithfield (which owns the park), the non-profit Windsor Castle Park Foundation, and representatives of the Virginia Department of Forestry decided to explore the possibility of creating a forest of native species on approximately 3.5 acres of the park’s farmland adjoining the Route 10 bypass. The project would serve to reintroduce species such as the Virginia Longleaf Pine. Called “the tree that built Tidewater,” the longleaf pine was the backbone of the area’s early boat-building industry. Experts believe more than 1 million acres of Longleaf forest once graced the Commonwealth but, according to a 2012 article in the Richmond Times-Dispatch, today “there are so few big, native Longleaf pines that you can literally count them — about 300 on a few patches of land.” Virginia Longleaf Pines can attain 300 years of age – they are the longest-living southern pine species – and can grow to be 150 feet tall.

The Windsor Castle Park Foundation, in collaboration with Windsor Castle Park and the Town of Smithfield, have been working on the Windsor Castle Park Longleaf Pine Restoration Initiative and identified the need for a conceptual site master plan for a demonstration area on a portion of Windsor Castle Park. The goal is to showcase several methods of planting small acreages of longleaf pines for the purpose of encouraging interested landholders to follow suit. To date, work on this effort has included the planting of three areas:

• a specimen planting area containing 47 longleaf pines; and• a contoured planting area consisting of 2.2 acres with a mixture of potted

longleaf pines and seedlings.

The Community Design Assistance Center worked with a Stakeholders Committee comprised of different agencies such as the Windsor Castle Park (WCP) Foundation, Windsor Castle Park, the Town of Smithfield, the Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR), the Virginia Department of Forestry (DOF), and the Nature Conservancy (TNC) to develop the conceptual site master plan for the demonstration area.




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PROJECT DESCRIPTION

Project Location

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RichmondIsle of Wight

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Isle of WightSouth Hampton

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The maps above and the aerials on the following page show the location of Isle of Wight County within southeast Virginia, where Windsor Castle Park is located within the county, and the location of the site near the HW 258 and Cypress Creek. Existing site images show to current condition of the site.




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Disclaimer : This drawing is conceptual and was prepared to show approximate location and arrangement of site features. It is subject to change and is not intended to replace the use of construction documents. The client should consult appropriate professionals before any construction or site work is undertaken. The Community Design Assistance Center is not responsible for the inappropriate use of this drawing.

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Disclaimer : This drawing is conceptual and was prepared to show approximate location, arrangement, and dimensions of site features. It is subject to change and is not intended to replace the use of construction documents. The client should consult appropriate professionals before any construction or site work is undertaken. The Community Design Assistance Center is not responsible for the inappropriate use of this drawing.

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Source: Esri, DigitalGlobe, GeoEye, Earthstar Geographics, CNES/Airbus DS, USDA, USGS, AeroGRID, IGN, and the GIS User Community¯ 0 0.1 0.20.05

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Windsor Castle Park Property LineApproximate Longleaf Pine Initiative Project AreaNearby Parcel Lines

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Windsor Castle Park Property LineApproximate Longleaf Pine Initiative Project AreaSpecimen Planting Area (Rows)Contoured Planting Area

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Contoured planting area. Contoured planting area. Contoured planting area.

Specimen planting area (rows) and contoured planting areaSpecimen planting area (rows). Specimen planting area (rows).

Demonstration area looking south.Demonstration area looking west.Demonstration area looking north.

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Design Process

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the design process began with a virtual stakeholder input session on May 7, 2020. During that meeting the CDAC team and community members familiar with Windsor Castle Park’s Longleaf Pine Initiative discussed their broad vision for the entire park, the demonstration area, management strategies of the demonstration area, and pedestrian and bicycle connectivity to nearby trail networks. A community partner obtained drone and on-the-ground photography that was shared with the CDAC team. These site photographs and input from the stakeholders created a comprehensive foundation that the CDAC team used to develop a preliminary conceptual site master plan for the longleaf pine demonstration area. The CDAC team presented the preliminary design concept virtually on June 18, 2020. Following the presentation, stakeholders provided feedback about what they (dis)liked about each design. The final design concept was presented virtually on July 16, 2020.

Meeting notes from the stakeholder input session and preliminary design presentation can be found in the Appendix.

PROJECT DESCRIPTION




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14PART 1:

FINAL DESIGN CONCEPT




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Site Master Plan

Design Description

The site master plan envisions the longleaf pine demonstration area as a regional destination for longleaf pine restoration and education while also utilizing the adjacent recreational opportunities of Windsor Castle Park. Two distinctly different longleaf pine planting styles offers unique potential to connect with people interested in protecting such an important native tree species with a variety of management strategies.

Main Entrance and Parking The entrance to the longleaf pine demonstration area is located off of Jericho Road and is marked by a large brick welcome sign. The welcome sign is large enough that it is visible from HW 258 and has a variety of colorful perennial flowers at its base. After visitors enter the site there is a permeable paving parking area that has enough room for 31 vehicles. There are 29 standard spaces and 2 ADA spaces. Permeable paving, an alternative to traditional asphalt or gravel surfacing, is both durable and environmentally friendly. The porous nature of a permeable paving system allows rain water to pass through instead of sheeting off into a centralized storm water system. Each space is delineated with striping and a concrete parking stop barrier. For more information on permeable paving, please visit: https://vaswcd.org/permeable-pavement-installation

Trail Connections and Site Amenities Visitors enter the site through the northeast corner of the parking lot. An information kiosk highlights the longleaf pine as a native species, the two distinct habitat/planting styles present at the demonstration area, management practices, and a trail map. Benches are located outside of the large, contoured planting area so that prescribed fires can be utilized without compromising the wooden benches. Further, the benches are oriented inward for best viewing of the planting areas.

Other amenities of the demonstration area include periodic environmental education panels located along the walking trail and bike racks at the information kiosk (bicycles are not allowed along the pedestrian trails). Three portable toilets are located in the northwest corner of the parking area. The toilets are surrounded on two sides with a wooden privacy fence. Further west of the portable toilets and across the maintenance road is a small picnic shelter, containing 2-3 picnic tables, where small groups can gather for a picnic or educational gathering.

Habitat Management Central to the longleaf pine demonstration area is how each of the two planting styles is maintained. First, the specimen planting area is located on the eastern one-third of the demonstration area and closest to Jericho Road. This area is planted in uniform rows and the understory vegetation is kept neat with regular maintenance. Second, the contoured planting area is located on the western two-thirds of the demonstration area. This area is planted in a more “natural” arrangement and the understory vegetation is left to grow throughout the season. Prescribed fires, a controlled burning




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process, can be conducted in partnership with the Virginia Department of Forestry and local fire departments to reduce understory vegetation and improve to overall health of the longleaf pine stand. It may not be necessary to perform prescribed fires on an annual basis but rather on an as-needed basis. A walking trail divides the two planting areas and serves as a fire break during burning.

Due to the unique nature of prescribed burns as a management strategy, it is an excellent opportunity for community outreach and environment education. Special events can be held in conjunction with the scheduled burns to raise awareness of the benefits of wildfires and provide the general public with opportunities to safely witness such an event in a controlled environment.

CDAC strongly encourages the Windsor Castle Park Foundation to continue to work with representatives from the Virginia Department of Forestry (VDOF) in managing the longleaf pine demonstration area. This office an excellent resource for long-term care, prescribed fires (including obtaining necessary permits), and community outreach related to forestry and forestry management. Prescribed fires should never be lit without prior approval of necessary officials or without the close supervision of professionals.

Contact information for the VDOF Isle of Wight County Senior Area Forester: Scott Bachman, Senior Area Forester Virginia Department of Forestry 757-653-2777 21615 Governor Darden Road Courtland, Virginia 23837

Site Maintenance Along the western edge of the site is a dedicated area for maintenance materials and equipment. There is a small maintenance building that provides a space out of the elements to work on equipment or store items that need to be secured. The building is neutrally colored in order to blend in with the existing tree stand behind it. Piles of gravel or stone are located to the east of the building. This maintenance area has a limited access roadway that is typically closed to the general public with a gate.

The following pages contain the site master plan, perspectives, and precedent images.

NOTE: Due to travel restrictions implemented as a response to the COVID-19 pandemic, soil samples were not able to be taken. Soil samples can provide useful information to guide decisions associated with the long-term care of various tree species




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KeyA Main EntranceB Welcome SignC Parking w/ Permeable Paving; 31 Total Spaces 2 ADA Spaces 29 Standard SpacesD Information Sign w/ Trash/Recycling Receptacles and Bike RacksE Walking Trail w/ Benches, Fitness StationsF Longleaf Pine Demonstration Area F1 Specimen Planting Area F2 Contoured Planting AreaG Trail Crosses Culvert and Drainage DitchH Material Laydown YardI Maintenance Building 25’ x 15’ (375 sq. ft.) Single Bay Garage DoorJ Maintenance Building Access RoadK Picnic Shelter 20’ x 15’ (300 sq. ft.) (2) 8-person tablesL Maintenance GateM Portable Toilets -Wooden Fence Screen -2 Standard Units -1 ADA unit Existing Feature Perspective Viewshed

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Perspective 1: Longleaf Pine Demonstration Area Site Entrance from Jericho RoadVisitors can enter the longleaf pine demonstration area from Jericho Road. The site entrance is enhanced with a formal welcome sign and colorful plantings. The fi rst portion of the entrance is gravel while the main parking area is permeable paving. Surrounding the main parking area is an information kiosk, trash/recycling receptacles, a walking trail, interpretive panels, and portable toilets.

Adjacent to the maintenance building access road is a simple picnic shelter with enough space for a few small picnic tables.

The metal maintenance building has earth color tones to blend into the surrounding forest. A garage door makes moving equipment in/out easy.

The walking trail has a compacted crushed stone base to match the existing trails of Windsor Castle Park.

The area beneath the longleaf pine contoured planting area is left to grow naturally and periodically managed with prescribed burning.

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Perspective 2: Walking Trail Along Maintenance Road, Picnic Shelter, and Portable ToiletsSurrounding the longleaf pine demonstration area is a walking trail. There is a small picnic shelter located between an existing gap in the trees, a dedicated pedestrian walking path, maintenance road with gate, and portable toilets. The portable toilets have a wooden fence that screens them from the main parking lot.

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Portable toilets with wooden fence enclosures. Manual swing gate to block off maintenance road when not in use. Combined metal outdoor trash and recycling receptacles.

Information kiosk.Swinging bench with wooden trellis.Bench along walking trail.

Permeable paving using interlocking concrete blocks. Permeable paving using concrete tiles and grass. Permeable paving using geocell (rigid plastic grid) and grass.

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APPENDIX




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Meeting Notes

Stakeholder Input Session

May 7, 2020; 12:00pm Virtual Meeting

General Purpose of the Demonstration Area• Daily visitation • Exhibition for private landowners interested in doing something similar on their

own property

Design Ideas• Maintenance

◦ Lay-down yard for maintenance materials ◦ Future maintenance building site in west corner ◦ Service road from parking lot to lay-down yard; located where existing

maintenance road is now ◦ Trees

− Specimen area: maintained and neat − Contoured area: ‘wild’, annual burns, scrubbier, thinned over time

• Parking; ◦ Location: in ‘field’ ◦ Access: use existing culvert for now; Town engineer to take lead on

confirming that the location is appropriate for general public use ◦ Number of vehicles:

− Maximize − ‘Harden the pad’ − Natural appearance − Permeable paving or substitute

• Interpretive signage ◦ Longleaf pine (LLP) and fire-dependency of this type of forest ◦ Herbaceous species ◦ Informational kiosk and pedestal sign

• Pedestrian access to existing trail system across drainage ditch ◦ U-trail between plantings straight to existing trail ◦ Returns along the west side of the contoured plantings ◦ Pedestrian trails that bound the LLP plantings double as a fire break ◦ Walking surface and nearby things should be implemented with the

anticipation of future burns − Concentrate on south side of plantings

• Picnic shelter ◦ Either side of the west end of the proposed parking area ◦ Don’t disturb any large trees

• Trash receptacles; double style with trash and recycling

APPENDIX




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APPENDIX

• Benches ◦ Swing style

• Fit-trail station• Restroom facilities

◦ Portable toilet preferred ◦ Avoid anything requiring utilities ◦ Include wooden enclosure around portable toilet and hand sanitizer

dispenser ◦ Quantity- 2

• Welcome sign w/brick columns




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APPENDIX

Meeting Notes

Preliminary Design Presentation

June 18, 2020; 12:00 pmVirtual Meeting

Design Revisions:

• Remove bridge at G, the ditch passes before there• Change pedestrian bridge to culvert and pass path above it• Fitness stations; remove all together• Add bicycle racks near welcome kiosk; four bikes• Benches along E; rotate to look at F2• Soften radius of walking trail around D• Move benches near parking lot to other side and add protective measures. • Add concrete vehicle bumpers• Add swing gate to maintenance road• Add ADA symbols to parking• Include information on permeable paving in the final report




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APPENDIX

Preliminary Design Concept

Overview

A preliminary site master plan was presented to the stakeholder group on June 18, 2020. The preliminary site master plan was revised but is included on the following page for reference.

Key differences between the preliminary design concept (following page; P. 27) and the final design concept (P. 18) are:

• Walking path and pedestrian bridges vs. culverts• Walking path layout near information kiosk• Bench locations along pedestrian path• Parking barriers within the permeable paving area


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KeyA Main EntranceB Welcome SignC Parking w/ Permeable Paving; 31 Total Spaces 2 ADA Spaces 29 Standard SpacesD Information Sign w/ Trash/Recycling ReceptaclesE Walking Trail w/ Benches, Fitness StationsF Longleaf Pine Demonstration Area F1 Specimen Tree Planting Area F2 Contoured Planting AreaG Pedestrian Bridge over Drainage DitchH Material Laydown YardI Maintenance Building 25’ x 15’ (375 sq. ft.) Single Bay Garage DoorJ Maintenance Building Access RoadK Picnic Shelter 20’ x 15’ (300 sq. ft.) (2) 8-person tables Existing Feature Perspective Viewshed

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Documents

Smithfield, VA: Windsor Castle Park Longleaf Pine ......College of Architecture and Urban Studie s Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State Universit y c a c Prepared for the Windsor