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HomeMy WebLinkAboutBozeman Creek Project InfoBOZEMAN CREEK ENHANCEMENT AT BOGERT PARK PEDESTIAN BRIDGE (BIRDSEYE) PEDESTIAN BRIDGE (NORTH PERSPECTIVE) SITE PLAN STREAM CROSS SECTION Project Narrative A project to improve Bozeman Creek through Bogert Park is set to begin construction in September. Conceived in 2010, the project is the result of six years of planning, community involvement, fundraising, design and permitting. A top priority of the Bozeman Creek Enhancement Plan adopted by the City Commission in 2012, the Bogert project is the second project to be constructed using funding partially provided by the City’s Trails, Open Space and Parks Bond Fund. Originating in the Gallatin Mountains and flowing north to its confluence with the East Gallatin River, Bozeman Creek runs right through the heart of Bozeman. Since the City’s early days, the river has been narrowed and straightened, banks armored and vegetation removed to accommodate development. Bogert Park is located at the head of the most highly altered and impaired section of the creek - the one-mile reach on either side of downtown. The creek through Bogert Park is little more than a ditch with high and unstable banks, no floodplain and only a thin line of vegetation, offering poor habitat for fish and wildlife. The creek’s existing degraded condition discourages recreational use. Its steep banks and linear, monotonous character are unattractive to most park users. The creek is difficult to access, presents a safety hazard during springtime high flows, and contributes far less than it could to the experience of park users. The enhancement project will improve the ecological and recreational values of the creek. The channel will be reconstructed to add a meander and a secondary channel for floodwater. A floodplain will be re-established to slow velocities, filter runoff, and improve safety. Banks will be re-graded to sustainable slopes. Existing vegetation will be augmented, widening the riparian zone and improving diversity of species and age-classes. New park amenities will include a stream access site hardened to withstand use, additional gravel trails, and a wider and longer clear-span footbridge, and a new swingset. The project will vastly improve the value of the creek as a community amenity, with opportunities for fishing, wildlife watching, and outdoor education. Ground breaking is planned for September 19th. Construction activities will be ongoing through this fall and early winter, with the majority of the project expected to be completed by year’s end. Construction was planned for the tail-end of construction season so as to conflict as little as possible with ongoing public use of the park. Project Chronology: - Fall, 2010. A group of community organizations, city and agency staff, and landowners began meeting to discuss how to improve Bozeman Creek through Bogert Park. - Feb 2011. A well-attended public workshop was held in the County Courthouse to identify community desires and priorities regarding potential improvements to Bozeman Creek. - 2011 & 2012. Community input was gathered regarding potential Bozeman Creek improvements and the Bogert project in particular. Presentations were made to neighborhood associations and other community groups, surveys were conducted, there were driving and walking tours, and a table was staffed at the Bogert Park Farmer’s Market. The Bozeman Chronicle ran several articles and a guest column on the creek project. Public opinion regarding constructing an enhancement project at Bogert Park was overwhelmingly positive. - Nov. 2011. A public workshop was held to present the public with 5 alternative scenarios for a stream improvement project at Bogert Park, including the benefits, risks, and relative costs of each. A survey on the City’s website presented this same information and solicited input from those who did not attend the workshop. Out of this work, a preferred conceptual plan emerged. - June, 2012. A 30% design was completed by the design team of Confluence Consulting, TD&H Engineering, Intrinsik Architecture, Nishkian Monks, Vaughn Environmental, and Design 5. - July, 2012. The Bozeman Creek Enhancement Plan was adopted by the City Commission, with the Bogert Park project identified as a very high priority. - 2012 & 2013. Fundraising activities raised $667,000 in grants from the City of Bozeman (TOP bond fund and Park Improvement Grant), the State of Montana (DNRC Renewable Resource Grant and Loan Program, FWP Recreational Trails Program, and FWP Future Fisheries Program); Gallatin Va lley Land Trust, and Friends of Parks. - July, 2015. Final design was completed by the design team. - 2015 & 2016. Permits acquired. - August, 2016. Highland Construction Services out of Belgrade was selected to build the project. PLAYGROUND PAVILION BANDSHELL TRAIL ACCESS TRAIL SECONDARY CHANNEL NEW BRIDGE MEANDER NEW SWINGSET