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GRESHAM CITY COUNCIL AGENDA ITEM TYPE: DECISION

Master Plan Revision- Nadaka Neighborhood Park

Meeting Date: December 18, 2012 Agenda Item Number: E-3 Service Area: Urban Design & Planning Service Area Manager: Jonathan Harker REQUESTED COUNCIL ACTION

Approve the proposed revisions to the Nelson Property Master Plan, now referred to as the Nadaka Neighborhood Park Master Plan.

PUBLIC PURPOSE AND COMMUNITY OUTCOME

The Master Plan describes key elements of this future neighborhood park to guide engineering, construction and operation. Revising the Master Plan is appropriate at this time due to several proposed changes, which have been suggested in response to community and stakeholder feedback.

BACKGROUND

On June 1, 2010, Council adopted the Nelson Property Master Plan (see Attachment A for map), which provided a framework for future design and construction of a neighborhood park in the Wilkes-East neighborhood of Rockwood. The 1.77-acre Nelson property that abuts Nadaka Nature Park was purchased in September of 2009 with grant funding from Metro and East Multnomah Soil and Water Conservation District and with extensive help from key community volunteers.

After a series of workshops and community meetings, the design team identified some modifications to the master plan that could be made to maximize the beneficial uses of the park. Given the scope of changes, a revised Master Plan map (Attachment B) and design narrative (Attachment C) is proposed by the Friends of Nadaka. Staff has reviewed these proposed master plan changes and find that they are generally consistent with the original Master Plan objectives. Staff has identified several conditions and is recommending that Council include the changes as conditions of approval. These recommendations are centered around the principles of “Community Policing Through Environmental Design” (CPTED). Although CPTED principles are acknowledged in the design narrative, staff anticipates the need to incorporate additional CPTED principles into the design.

Community partners are supportive of the proposed changes and concur that the revisions are consistent with Intergovernmental Agreement requirements. Partners include:

St. Aidan’s Church (Letter of support, Exhibit D). Metro (Letter of support, Exhibit E) and East Multnomah Soil & Water Conservation District

As a community-initiated and led project, this is a highly unique model for moving a project of this size and scope forward. City staff members have participated on the design team,

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but the design and public outreach will be managed by the community group, Friends of Nadaka. Given the scope of the project, it is anticipated that City staff will oversee construction of the project. In addition to City staff, the design team includes representatives of the Wilkes-East and Rockwood Neighborhood Associations, Metro, East Multnomah Soil and Water Conservation District, Audubon Society, Saint Aidan’s Church, and the Columbia Slough Watershed Council. A Declaration of Cooperation (Exhibit G) was signed by many of the partners.

Key Changes to the Master Plan include: 1) Relocation of the Community Gardens: After performing a detailed sunlight analysis of

the site with surveyed locations of trees, it was determined that the ideal location for the community garden plots is the eastern side of the site rather than the west. This will maximize hours of sunlight the gardens will receive in the growing season.

2) Nature Play Area: Feedback at community workshops indicated that a “nature play” area would be more desirable to the community and would fit better with this natural park than a standard “tot lot” with playground equipment. The nature play area is much larger than originally planned, and is intended to provide children of all ages with a unique play opportunity and require a low amount of maintenance. Staff recommends that the City’s Risk Management Department be involved early on in the review of construction elements for the Nature Play area.

3) Picnic Shelter: Community feedback strongly supports a picnic shelter for community and family gathering. It was originally removed from the Master Plan due to concerns about undesirable after-hours activity. The current proposed shelter is located in a highly visible area close to Glisan with sufficient lighting, however Parks and Police Department staff highly recommend that consistent lighting be provided at the picnic shelter.

4) Park Access Points/Pathways: Access points to the Saint Aidan’s Church parking lot have been modified to account for the site’s topography. A second access point to the lot was added along the northern property line to increase connectivity. As explained in the attached letter, St. Aidan’s Church is supportive of Nadaka visitors using the church parking lot. The number of access points into the Nadaka nature park to the north was consolidated from two to one, as one of the routes did not lead to an established trail and was deemed unnecessary.

5) Orchard Size and Fencing: The size of the orchard was reduced after research on maintenance was conducted. Fruit trees that will be planted will now be located outside of the community garden fencing to allow access for all members of the community.

6) Rain Gardens on Glisan: Rain gardens on the Glisan-side of the site were eliminated due to the extremely porous nature of the soils. Rain gardens will still be incorporated into the streetscape improvements along NE Pacific Street to the north.

7) Glisan Fence: A low fence along Glisan Street was eliminated from the plan and replaced with a row of boulders. Fences along the front edge of public parks are not usual in Gresham or regionally, and are not considered welcoming.

8) Plaza Removal: A 30-foot diameter community plaza was eliminated from the plan during the community involvement process and after further review of potential park uses and features. There are other sufficient outdoor gathering places, and the picnic shelter can serve as a year-round gathering place for groups or classes.

9) Lighting: The community group has eliminated lighting from the plan. Staff recommends that lighting be included in the Master Plan and final construction plan consistent with ‘Community Policing Through Environmental Design’ principles.

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Master Plan Objectives had been developed and adopted as part of the original master plan. Staff reviewed the objectives and believes that the revised Master Plan with proposed staff conditions meets the project objectives. The objectives are:

1. Develop the Nelson Property as a neighborhood park, serving residents within a half-

mile radius. 2. Integrate the Nelson Property with the existing Nadaka Nature Park. 3. Improve park access for residents. 4. Protect natural resources and water quality. 5. Retain large trees. 6. Minimize impervious surfaces. 7. Utilize native plants. 8. Protect natural character and health of Nadaka Nature Park by locating more

intensive park features and facilities on the Nelson Property. 9. Evaluate opportunities for shared parking and access with St. Aidan’s Church. 10. Provide a children’s play area for various age groups. 11. Provide an enhanced community garden with electrical power, water and other

facilities. 12. Create a safe park environment. 13. Meet the Metro and East Multnomah Soil & Water Conservation District grant

Intergovernmental Agreement (IGA) requirements. In addition to incorporating CPTED principles into the design of the park, staff recommends that the community group create a maintenance and operation plan for the park that includes CPTED and risk management operating principles. The Friends of Nadaka will be responsible for maintenance and operation of the plan for five years. Staff would be available to assist with this plan. RECOMMENDATION AND ALTERNATIVES

Recommendation: Staff recommends that Council approve the proposed revisions with staff recommended conditions to the Nelson Property Master Plan, now referred to as the Nadaka Neighborhood Park Master Plan. Alternatives: The alternatives to the staff recommendations are:

1. Adopt the master plan with deletions, additional or modifications to any provision of the proposal.

2. Not approve the proposed master plan revisions. This means that the current master plan would provide the framework for construction of the park.

3. Refer all or part of the proposed revisions back to the Friends of Nadaka design team.

BUDGET / FINANCIAL IMPACT

This item does not have a direct impact on the City’s budget. The design and construction of the project (including City staff time and overheads) is anticipated to cost approximately $1.4 million and will be funded by a combination of grants. Once constructed, Friends of Nadaka will be responsible for maintaining the park for the first five years, after which the City will take over the responsibility.

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PUBLIC INVOLVEMENT

The attached public outline narrative was provided by Lee Dayfield (Exhibit F). NEXT STEPS

Upon Council approval of the revised master plan, the community-managed design team will use secured grant funding from Metro and the East Multnomah Soil and Water Conservation District to complete the design and permitting of the park. The City will apply for Oregon State Parks grant funding in 2013, and if successful will complete the construction of the park in 2013 or 2014. Construction of the park may be phased in as resources allow. The park will be maintained by Friends of Nadaka for the first 5 years, and will become the City’s responsibility after that time.

ATTACHMENTS

A. Original Nelson Property Master Plan Map B. Revised Nadaka Nature Park Neighborhood Park Master Plan C. Revised Nadaka Nature Park Neighborhood Park Master Plan Design Narrative D. St. Adian’s Church Letter E. Metro Memorandum F. Public Outreach Summary G. Declaration of Cooperation

FROM: Jonathan Harker, Urban Design and Planning Director Steve Fancher, Environmental Services Director Rachael Fuller, Senior Manager REVIEWED THROUGH: Office of Governance and Management FOR MORE INFORMATION Staff Contact: Jonathan Harker Telephone: 503-618-2502 Staff E-Mail: jonathan.harker@greshamoregon.gov Website: www.greshamoregon.gov

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0' 40'20'Nelson Property Master Plan Site Plan March 10, 2010

SITE PLAN

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1 - Community Garden2 - Potting Shed / Storage Bin3 - Tot Play Area4 - Picnic Table5 - Orchard6 - Restroom

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9 - Eco-Lawn10 - Rain Garden11 - Berry Patches12 - Entry Gate and Bollard13 - Pervious Surface Path14 - Low Fence15 - Community Gathering Space16 - Bench

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NE Glisan Street

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Nadaka Nature Park

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rtm

ents

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rch

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7 - Nature-Based Playground8 - Meadow

Legend

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Nelson Property

Light

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Attachment A

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ECOLAWN

ECOLAWN

COMMUNITY GARDENS

PICNIC SHELTERRESTROOM

NE GLISAN STREET

TO NE PACIFIC STREET

BIKE RACKS

FRUIT TREES

EDIBLE BERRY BUSHES

EDIBLE BERRY BUSHES

NATURE PLAY AREA

ADJUSTMENTS TO THE ADOPTED NELSON PROPERTY PARK PLAN’S DESIGN NARRATIVE PATHWAY SYSTEM The park’s circulation system is designed to provide access onto the site and to define the spaces within the park’s interior. Pedestrians can access the park from two primary entry points along NE Glisan Street, as well as from the Pine Square apartment complex to the east and from two different points in the St. Aidan’s Church parking lot – one at the south end and one at the north end. Removable bollards at the Glisan Street entrances will prevent unauthorized vehicles from driving into the site, while still allowing police, emergency, and maintenance vehicles to access the site as needed. One additional connection will be designed off of the existing soft-surfaced pathways in Nadaka Nature Park, integrating the two properties and creating a measurable 1/4 mile loop for walking. All main pathways will be ADA-accessible and eight feet wide to allow for service vehicles. Secondary paths within the community garden, or connecting pathways in the park, will be comprised of porous materials such as gravel or bark mulch. COMMUNITY GARDEN Approximately 26,690 square feet, or just over one third of the site, is dedicated to the establishment and maintenance of community agriculture, which is split between two areas: the community gardens and the edible landscape. The community garden is located in the center of the park along the eastern boundary of the Nelson Property and includes a small plaza with an arbor and a custom log bench, two potting sheds, storage bins, a materials drop-off area, and approximately 50 garden plots that will be fenced in for security purposes. The location of this feature is based on the results of a sun/shade analysis that indicated that this area is the only one on site that will get a minimum of six hours of direct sunlight throughout the May to October growing season. Edible fruit shrubs and vines will be planted along the outside of the garden fence and a cluster of orchard trees will be planted in a small, sunny spot at the west entrance of the park, and both of these communal landscapes will be available to anyone visiting the park. OPEN SPACES The remaining two-thirds of the park are devoted to passive recreation and open areas that provide progressions from space to space and eventually transition seamlessly into the existing Nadaka Nature Park. These open space features include meadow areas, ecolawn areas, a nature play area, picnic areas, and existing Douglas Fir trees. The meadows will be comprised of a dwarf perennial rye grass, clover, and low-growing wildflower mix that can take foot traffic and requires no irrigation and less mowing and will substitute for traditional turf. The eco-lawn will be more refined than the meadows and is comparable to a convention lawn for sitting, walking, and playing. The benefits of planting ecolawn areas, however, are that they are comprised of native grass seeds that – if planted correctly and at the right time of year – will require no irrigation and significantly less mowing than a traditional lawn.

PLAY AREA Nature-based playgrounds foster imaginative and open-ended play, encourage exploration and collaboration, get children (and parents) comfortable with natural materials and features, and promote more contemplative moments than traditional play areas. Here, a nature play area is located all along the west side of the park and sits amidst an existing grove of Douglas Fir trees on the northwestern side of the site. This location provides good visual access while being safely nestled in the center of the park. It also creates a pleasant walking sequence between NE Glisan Street and the Nature Park, luring people in to its nature-based elements and providing a continuum of natural features that span the park’s length. The nature play area will be comprised of boulders, fallen tree logs, tree stumps, stepping stones, wooden footbridges, sand play, a willow arbor tunnel, native plantings, and other custom play features made from natural materials. It will be surrounded by a permeable pathway, will have a wood fiber safety surfacing interior, and will include a child-activated water pump so that children can mix water with sand. OTHER FEATURES Other park amenities include an ADA-accessible, 2-stall unisex restroom; park benches; log benches; seatwalls; picnic tables; bike racks; park signage; buffers along the eastern and western edges; and a picnic shelter. The picnic shelter is located in the front portion of the park and is sited as close to Glisan Street as possible. Because of its proximity to the street, and because the Douglas fir trees surrounding it are limbed up for easy visual surveillance, this location provides the safest and most accessible spot for this feature. Additionally, locally-sourced boulders will be placed at the central driveway apron along Glisan Street to discourage unauthorized vehicles from entering but still allow surveillance into the park. CRIME PREVENTION THROUGH ENVIRONMENTAL DESIGN (CPTED) During the review process, the adopted Master Plan was routed to Gresham Fire and Police. The Fire Department had no concerns, but the Police Department made recommendations based on Crime Prevention through Environmental Design (CPTED) principles. These recommendations included: • Shrubs to be maintained to a maximum height of 36 inches and tree branches to be maintained to a height of 96 inches to allow surveillance of the park. • No sunken play areas. • Sufficient lighting to allow visual surveillance of the picnic shelter during dusk or low-light hours. • Entrance/exit points on both the north and south sides of Nadaka Nature Park. PARKING The 2001 Nadaka Open Space Master Plan identified onsite parking as a recommended feature, but with the acquisition and subsequent development of the Nelson Property, onsite parking is no longer desirable. Because NE Glisan Street prohibits on-street parking, a shared Parking Agreement will be made between St. Aidan’s Church and the City to allow visitors to park in the eastern-most parking lot on the church’s property. Two pedestrian pathways will connect the parking lot to the park, one from the north and one from the south. Additionally, as part of the half-street improvements along the Nadaka Nature Park frontage, a few supplementary parking spaces will be provided on NE Pacific Street.

November 29, 2012 Mr. Steve Fancher Director of Environmental Services City of Gresham 1333 NW Eastman Parkway Gresham, OR 97030 Re: Nadaka Park and Garden Project Dear Steve: I want to take this opportunity to express Metro’s support of the proposed revisions to the Nadaka Master Plan that are being considered by the Gresham City Council.

Metro has provided financial support to the Nadaka Nature Park project through two Nature in Neighborhoods capital grants. The first $220,000 grant helped acquire the 2-acre Nelson property to connect Nadaka to Northeast Glisan Street. The second $239,000 grant will help fund the park’s infrastructure including gathering spaces, nature-based play and community gardens.

Over the last six months Metro staff has participated in the design development process that has led to the need for the Gresham City Council to revise the current master plan. Staff feels that the design team has been responsive to Metro’s interest in creating a seamless transition from Northeast Glisan Street to the natural area as well as incorporating sustainable site development practices. Therefore, the terms of our Intergovernmental Agreements continue to be met.

Metro is proud to be a partner on this innovative project and is excited to see the vision come to life, providing natural places for community gathering, nature-based play and community gardens to an underserved neighborhood.

Please feel free to contact me if you have any questions.

Best regards, Jim Desmond, Director Sustainability Center

NADAKA NATURE PARK & GARDEN PROJECT Public Involvement & Outreach 2012

For all meetings of the Project Committee the public was invited. Notices of all meetings were always posted at the North and South gates of Nadaka. For the last two meetings there were an additional three signs on each side posted along the North and South fences. In addition the meetings were posted on the websites of the Wilkes East Neighborhood Association (WENA) and Friends of Nadaka. Emails were sent to all project partners as well as any individuals who had indicated they wanted to be involved in the project. Lee Dayfield spoke at each of the three WENA general meetings March (34 attended), August (17 attended) & November (37 attended) to update on Nadaka. At the August and November meetings the proposed designs were displayed. April 3rd 11 members of the Project Committee attended meeting including Gresham staff. The agenda included: Design firm interview report by subcommittee with their recommendations, future project management needs, Operation & Maintenance (O&M) planning, Meyer Memorial Trust grant, brochure update, festival, outreach and media. Meeting chaired by Jim Labbe, Audubon Society. Meeting held at St. Aidan’s. May 3rd First meeting with MIG consultants. 19 people attended including Gresham staff. Meeting led by Jane VanDyke of Columbia Slough Watershed Council (CSWC). Agenda included master plan discussion, media and outreach update, overview of project schedule and goals, tools for growing the project. Meeting held at St. Aidan’s. May 30th 12 people attended meeting including Gresham staff. Jane VanDyke, CSWC, led meeting. Agenda included O&M plan, design investigations and development, media and outreach update, procurement process. Meeting held at St. Aidan’s. June 18th Lee Dayfield made a presentation at the Rockwood Neighborhood Association general meeting giving an update and showing the proposed designs. July 17th Jim Labbe and Lee Dayfield gave a 10 minute update to City Council on Nadaka which included possible changes to master plan design. July 19th 25 people attended meeting including Gresham staff. Jane VanDyke, CSWC, led meeting. Agenda included improvement on NE Pacific, design process and options, O&M plan update, procurement process, media and outreach update, forest management/regenerative landscape soil samples. Meeting held at St. Aidan’s. July 25th Lee Dayfield and Jim Labbe did 30 minute program at MetroEast Community Media talking about Nadaka and the proposed master plan.

August 7th participated in Rockwood’s National Night Out event at Vance Park with project display and information. August 11th Nadaka Community Festival attended by approximately 250-275 people. MIG was there with the deisgn options to talk with people about the project. Flyer for the August 11th festival and upcoming meeting on Sept. 13th were professionally mailed to all residents within ¼ mile of Nadaka. Sept. 6th Lee Dayfield gave presentation at Rockwood Business Coalition meeting about project. Sept. 13th 17 people attended meeting. Meeting led by Jane VanDyke, CSWC. First half of meeting was held onsite where the community garden spot had been outlined w/paint. Agenda for 2nd half of the meeting was to review and discuss the design for project. Meeting held at St. Aidan’s. Oct. 4th Update given at Rockwood Business Coalition meeting. Oct. Jim Labbe and Sue Aschim spoke to approximately 20 residents in houses on the north and east edges of Nadaka about project plans for Nelson property as well as NE Pacific. Oct. 11th Bich Trinh, Audubon Society did 15 minute presentation at MetroEast Community Media for El Programa Latino in Spanish about Nadaka and the proposed master plan. Oct. 31st Jane VanDyke and Lora Price gave presentation to Rockwood Kiwanis about project. Nov. 4th Lee Dayfield gave presentation to Eastrose Unitarian church with update on project. Nov. 17th Canvassed the Pine Square Apartments, Human Solutions’ Rockwood Building apartments and Madronna apartments. Spoke with 75 residents about project and upcoming Dec 1st event. Lee Dayfield attends the Rockwood Action Group which meets almost every month and gives them updates on Nadaka and has shared the project design with members. There were articles in the WENA Summer and Winter 2012 issues about what was going on at Nadaka with contact information for those interested. These newsletters are hand delivered to approximately 1500 households as well as dropped off at various locations. Public Involvement & Outreach 2012