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HomeMy WebLinkAboutAppendix E.0 - Parks Master Plan 03-24-2021 Blackwood Groves Parks Master Plan RC#1 Application March 24, 2021 Prepared for: City of Bozeman & Blackwood Land Fund, LLC Prepared by: With: Intrinsik Architecture C+H Engineering Blackwood Groves Parks Master Plan 1 PARKS MASTER PLAN SECTION 1 2 PROJECT LOCATION AND HISTORY 3 PROJECT SCOPE 4 TRAIL NETWORK 4 PARK FRONTAGE & LINEAR PARK DESIGN 8 SUBDIVISION DEDICATED PARKLAND AND OPEN SPACE 11 IMPROVEMENTS IN LIEU PROPOSAL SUMMARY 11 PROJECT PHASING 15 NEIGHBORHOOD CENTER 15 GENERAL PARKLAND & OPEN SPACE AMENITIES 16 VEGETATION 16 IRRIGATION 18 SOILS 18 PLAYGROUND 18 MAINTENANCE 18 SECTION 2 22 SOILS INFORMATION SECTION 3 29 VARIANCE & ALTERNATE COMPLIANCE LETTERS SECTION 4 30 APPENDIX E.1 – REQUIRED PARKLAND CALCULATIONS APPENDIX E.2 – GREEN PLAN AND PARKS MASTER PLAN DOCUMENTS APPENDIX E.3 – IMPROVEMENTS IN LIEU ESTIMATE APPENDIX E.4 – WELL IRRIGATION & WATER DEMAND APPENDIX E.5 – PHASE 1-3 CONCEPT PARK DRAWINGS SECTION 5 31 CITY OF BOZEMAN CONDITIONS OF APPROVAL Blackwood Groves Parks Master Plan 2 Section 1 PROJECT INFORMATION Blackwood Groves Parks Master Plan 3 PROJECT LOCATION AND HISTORY The Blackwood Groves neighborhood is a 119.45-acre property that is located to the south and west of the current terminus of South 11th Avenue and sits directly south of Alder Creek Subdivision. Sacajawea Middle School comprises most of the eastern boundary, whereas South 19th Avenue acts as the Property’s western boundary. The land that makes up the Blackwood Groves neighborhood has been used primarily for agriculture and livestock production for many years. The site is predominately grass land and agricultural land. The property, which is approximately 2.5 miles south of Downtown Bozeman, is situated with panoramic views to the Bridger Range to the north, Gallatin Range to the east, Madison Range and Spanish Peaks to the south, and Tobacco Root Mountains to the west. It is the goal of the community to embrace the Property’s proximity, natural features, and stunning vistas to create public space that seamlessly connects to the greater south Bozeman neighborhood, but is distinct in its inherent walkability and sense of place. The community will have an important focus on its environment, open space, waterways, trails, and view corridors, all while focusing on delivering a broad mix of product types with easy access to great natural features and park amenities. Blackwood Groves lies in proximity to several existing parks and open spaces. In planning for the neighborhood, existing landscape features were considered first and foremost, which resulted in a layout that prioritizes wetlands and open spaces. The eastern boundary is shared with Sacajawea Middle School and will provide extended open space to their property, with an opportunity to directly connect the schools fields with the parks at Blackwood Groves. The parks along the eastern boundary will also provide an extension for the Gallagator Trail network south through the property. Finally, the neighborhood provides a north/south linear park connection with an opportunity to connect north to the Yellowstone Theological Institute. The proposed Green Plan is included below and best illustrates the location and quality of open spaces (Exhibit 1.0). Exhibit 1.0 Blackwood Groves Parks Master Plan 4 PROJECT SCOPE The Blackwood Groves Park Master Plan is comprised of 16 Dedicated Parks (4 Neighborhood Parks & 12 Linear Parks) within 5 distinct networks and 8 different Common Open Space areas (most with Public Access Easements). The primary purpose of this document is to serve as a guide to inform the park designs, installation, maintenance, and future recreation facilities of each individual phase. The landscape construction drawings, park amenities, and cost estimate for all future project phases will be added to Appendix E.5 of this document as they come online. The guiding ideas for the Blackwood Groves Master Park Plan can be seen below: • Protect, retain, and improve native and natural drainage corridors • Address current parkland needs while also minimizing impacts to wetlands and streams • Emphasize walkability and connectivity throughout the neighborhood, its parks, and its open spaces • Provide a variety of experiences and opportunities for recreation and play, both passive and active • Minimize hard or impervious surface and maintain an attractive landscape throughout • Consider various partnerships for public art commissions as part of the community plan • Allow the surrounding land uses, needs of existing users, and needs of proposed users and products to inform all park design and programming TRAIL NETWORK The trail network proposed at Blackwood Groves, and its abundant opportunities for walkability, is the primary focus of the neighborhood. Blackwood Groves is designed to be a fully connected and walkable community. Every neighborhood is connected to another by not only streets and sidewalks, but also trails, green spaces, paseos, and parks. This trail and park system connects neighborhoods to one another, connects neighborhoods to the mixed use center, and connects neighborhoods to the surrounding features, with the most important being nearby Sacajawea Middle School and Morningstar Elementary School. The trail network involves a combination of shared use paths and bikes lanes that are comfortable, safe, and walkable to all on-site amenities. It will also provide connections to off-site trail networks and open spaces, including further extending the Alder Creek trail system and providing an extension of the nearby Gallagator Trail network. A diagram of these connections is further described below (Exhibit 1.1). This section proposes a hierarchy for these pathway connections that align with the City of Bozeman UDC and the PROST Plan Trail Map. All pathways will comply with the City of Bozeman’s design specifications. The vision for the Blackwood Groves park and trail network is described below. There are five distinct strings of parks that will be tied together by five overarching storylines that include educational and historical information related to the area. The network of parks along the eastern boundary (Parks 1, 2, & 4) are the primary of these storylines that will set the stage for the trail networks that extend west. These storylines are connected through intentional design choices such as the materiality of furnishings, character of signage, and theming of amenities. A diagram of these five storylines, their themes, and schematic concepts are further described below (Exhibit 1.2). Blackwood Groves Parks Master Plan 5 Exhibit 1.1 Exhibit 1.2 Blackwood Groves Parks Master Plan 6 Trail Hierarchy The frontage along Blackwood Road will be treated as a Shared Use Path, as outlined in the PROST Plan Trail Map. This east-west connection is especially important to the surrounding area and provides connections for the long-range transportation plan of south Bozeman. It will feature a 5’ separated asphalt bike lane, street trees, and a 5’width concrete sidewalk on both sides of Blackwood. This approach provides ample space for transportation and connections to the neighborhood’s main network of parks. The PROST Plan identifies two proposed trial corridors running north-south along the watercourse on the eastern boundary. The primary connection and extension of the Alder Creek trails will be provided along both sides of South 11th Avenue with 10’ width combined use trail for pedestrians and bikes. The trails provided along the watercourse will serve as the Gallagator extension trails and will be treated as Recreation Pathways with trails made of natural fines at 6’ width. Due to the neighborhood’s focus on preserving these wetland areas, this trail material provides a more environmentally sensitive option for travel near the watercourse setback. The trail will meander through the park areas, taking advantage of the view corridors towards the northern Bridger Range and the southern Spanish Peaks. Signage will be provided to clarify direction and educate the public about the nearby wetland area. Beyond the trail connections identified in the PROST Plan, the Blackwood Groves neighborhood will feature an expansive trail network. These pathways will provide a network of pedestrian access to the parks while also providing space on the interior of the parks for various amenities. The layout of trail widths for the overall Blackwood Groves trail system is shown below (Exhibit 1.4). The network also provides various loops within itself for different user groups, which will be described on signage and maps throughout the neighborhood. The layout of this loop trail system is shown below (Exhibit 1.3). The trails near the town center provide a short “lunch break loop” for those visiting. Longer trail loops, such as the “grove loop”, will lead users throughout the various park networks. Exhibit 1.3 Blackwood Groves Parks Master Plan 7 Exhibit 1.4 Pedestrian Crossings & Signage. It is crucial for the network of parks at Blackwood Groves to be linked with a trail network that is safe for pedestrians. All pedestrian crossings within the park network will feature landscaping and signage that notifies all users of the crossing, including those on foot, by bike, and by car. Mid- block pedestrian crossings will feature striping across the roadway and a change in texture of the pavement as traffic calming measures. A layout of the signage master plan can be seen below, which identifies proposed locations for signs, posts, and totems. Sign content, material, and construction details will be identified for each park by phase as they come online, but a summary is included below (Exhibit 1.5). Easements for trails within open space parcels will utilize city-wide wayfinding to match the rest of the neighborhood aesthetic. Exhibit 1.5 Blackwood Groves Parks Master Plan 8 Trail Construction & Design Specifications • Class I Trails o Adequate visibility will be provided for safety. Trail entrances will be signed describing the degree of ADA access. o Concrete Trails: Width of trails shall be 6 feet or 10 feet depending on their location, with a minimum cross slope of 2% or maximum of 5%. Tread width may be reduced to 36 inches for a maximum distance of 10 feet to pass or preserve significant features such as rock formations, important vegetation, etc. The trail base shall consist of a minimum of 3 inches of crushed gravel compacted to 95 percent of maximum density as determined by AASHTO T99. Concrete shall be a minimum of 6 inches of M4000 reinforced with 1.5 lbs. per cubic yard of Fiber mesh. Where terrain allows, slope of trail should not exceed 12:1. o Maximum sustained running grade is 5%. A 10% maximum grade is allowed for a maximum distance of 30 feet. o Tread will be raised above adjacent surfaces and have a 1 to 2 inch crown. Where this requirement is not possible, the tread will have a 1 to 20 cross slope and/or side ditches outside the cleared zone. Stream crossings will be over culverts or bridges. Only dips or slot- entrance drainpipe will be used for cross tread water stops. • Class II Trails o Shall be a minimum of 6 feet in width. Trail bed must be excavated a minimum of 6 inches deep, prior to installation of tread mix. All existing organic material shall be completely removed from the proposed trail location and subgrade sterilized. Tread mix shall be installed in two parts. The first 3 inch lift shall be a ¾” Road Mix, compacted, and then the top 3 inches of 3/8th inch minus gravel (natural fines). Natural fines used for these trails shall consist of 80% sand, 10% silt, and 10% clay. If the material falls outside of these parameters, the City of Bozeman Parks Division must be consulted for approval and modification. If the natural fines tread mix does not contain enough clay or silt binder, additional binder must be mixed in. alternative soil stabilizer products are acceptable, but must be approved by the City of Bozeman Parks Division. o Trail bed must be filled up to original surface along both edges with a cross slope of no less than 2% cross slope and no more than 5% to provide for water drainage and meet ADA requirements. Tread mix must be rolled flat and compacted after installation, maintaining a 2% to 5% cross slope. (If moistures content is not adequate for compaction, water should be added prior to rolling and compacting). o Where terrain allows, slope of trail should not exceed 20:1 with a cross slope no greater than 50:1, to provide for ADA accessibility. All damage to surrounding features and/or vegetation shall be reclaimed immediately. Encroaching weeds, due to trail construction, shall be treated and controlled for a minimum of 2 years after trail section is completed. Minimum overhead clearance shall be 96” in height for pedestrian and bike traffic and 120” in height for equestrian traffic. PARK FRONTAGE & LINEAR PARK DESIGN In order to comply with Sec 38.420.060 of parkland frontage requirements, a variety of approaches are being used for each of the 16 different dedicated parks. These approaches are described below and in Exhibit 1.6. 1. Approach A (NEIGHBORHOOD PARKS): Parks 1 & 2. It is the City’s standard for street frontage to be along 100% of the perimeter of proposed parkland. The City may consider less than 100% frontage, but not less than 50%, when the park layout is necessary due to topography or the presence of critical lands. City staff approved a reduction in frontage requirements for Parks 1 & 2 due to their watercourse adjacent features. Providing these parks limits development in sensitive areas, buffers differing uses between adjacent properties, and provides direct connection to Sacajawea Middle Blackwood Groves Parks Master Plan 9 School. It is a benefit for the surrounding neighborhood and the school system for these parks to front along this eastern boundary. 2. Approach B (LINEAR PARKS): Parks 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, & 16. The City may consider frontage on less than 100% frontage when a linear connection is provided. Linear parks tie park components together to form a cohesive system of open space and trails. Creating a robust, connected trail network at Blackwood Groves is one of the neighborhood’s biggest goals. Linear Parks typically provide uninterrupted pedestrian and bicycle movement, but in order to satisfy block size requirements and provide accessible parkland within close proximity of all residents, the linear park system at Blackwood Groves includes some street crossings. These crossings are designed with curb bulb-outs, enhanced landscaping, and signage to protect pedestrians as much as possible and to visually provide a cohesive experience. a. City staff supports acceptance of Park 4 as a Linear Park due to site constraints and its adjacency to the Alder Creek trail network. b. City staff supports acceptance of Parks 3, 13, 14, & 15 as Linear Parks because of the east/west connection across the development. These park parcels provide connections to and facilitate the protection of the watercourse and mature trees within Park 3, and they provide adequate width throughout the network. The layout of Park 3 has also been adjusted to provide more direct street frontage. In order to connect Parks 1 & 3 effectively, a 30’ width pedestrian access easement has been added across Blocks 24 and 25 to provide ample space for travel and maintenance. c. It is the applicant’s intent to request that the north/south and east/west connections through the property (Parks 5, 6, 7, 8, 11, 12, & 16) be considered for Linear Park designation as well. This network provides crucial north/south and east/west connections through the property. Park 16 also provides an opportunity to link to future trails at the Yellowstone Theological Institute. In order to effectively connect Parks 5 & 2, a 30’ width pedestrian access easement has been added to provide ample space for travel and maintenance. The layout of Park 5 also been adjusted to provide more direct street frontage. i. Within these parks, a 6’ width concrete sidewalk will be provided along the street edge and a 5’ meandering gravel path will be provided on the interior of the park parcel. This design will separate the park parcels into two zones, one for travelling and another for utilizing the amenities provided. The combined paths provide a total of 11’ in width and should therefore satisfy the requirements of a transportation pathway. A section further describing this scenario is included below (Exhibit 1.7). 3. Approach C (NEIGHBORHOOD PARKS): Parks 9 & 10. The City also may consider frontage along less than 100% frontage, but not less than 50%, when direct pedestrian access is provided to the perimeters without street frontage. In the Blackwood Groves neighborhood, this occurs at Parks 9 & 10, which provides less than 100% of park frontage, but greater than 50%. A concrete sidewalk at 6’ width will be provided along the perimeter of the remaining park edge, providing direct pedestrian connection from the adjacent properties. Parks 9 & 10 also provide important park space and refuge for those walking or biking along 19th Avenue. The open space adjacent to these parks will feature a direct public access easement through to the South 19th trail corridor, bringing that user group into the Blackwood Groves park system, and serving as a safe node away from the busy street. This park will be landscaped with a fitness station and several picnic areas. Blackwood Groves Parks Master Plan 10 Exhibit 1.6 The Blackwood Groves neighborhood strives to do more than just provide 25’ width corridors in these linear parks. The designs will connect people through the neighborhood and provide amenities, play spaces, and unique experiences. There will be scavenger hunt elements hidden throughout with signage to lead users from one park to another. The linear parks will incorporate landscape berms and nature play elements that are interactive. The 5’ meandering gravel path will weave in and out of the amenities and separate the park into two zones: a travel zone and an amenity zone that create a combined trail width of 11’ (see Exhibit 1.7). The nature play elements proposed within the linear parks are described further in Exhibit 1.9. Exhibit 1.7 Blackwood Groves Parks Master Plan 11 SUBDIVISION DEDICATED PARKLAND AND OPEN SPACE Open Space The neighborhood will also provide 3.30 acres of common subdivision Open Space which will be utilized for on-site stormwater detention and provide important community trail connections. A mix of boulders, trees, and other landscape materials will be combined to provide an attractive aesthetic that blends into the surrounding landscape and context of the community. Beyond the subdivision open space, each development block will provide its own open space to serve its individual use. Open space corridors that provide park connections in the community will include appropriate public access easements. Parkland Intent A summary table of overall parkland calculations is included in Appendix E.1. The parkland is provided through a series of 16 Dedicated Parks that provide a network of nature-based refuge and space for community gatherings, for both residents and visitors alike. The neighborhood plan puts emphasis on open, maintained areas for passive and active recreation. These spaces contain wetlands, ponds, trails, playgrounds, manicured lawns, community gardens, pavilions, and other major park amenities. The playgrounds will include age appropriate equipment. Water and sewer connections will also be stubbed in with the intent for future installed restrooms and water fountains. The Blackwood Groves neighborhood plan provides a total of 18.34 acres of parkland, which is 5.48 acres more than the parkland required. Based on current expected densities up to 8 dwelling units per acre, the subdivision will require 12.86 acres of parkland. Of the 18.34 acres, 6.70 acres is provided within wetland areas and the zone 1 & 2 watercourse setback areas; and 0.75 acres is utilized by stormwater storage ponds. This shifts the total qualifying parkland to a total of 10.88 acres, which is 1.98 acres short of the parkland required. The applicant is proposing a hybrid of cash and trail related improvements in lieu, far above UDC minimum requirements, to accommodate this small deficit in land provided. Master Parkland Tracking Table Net Residential Land Area (Acres) 64.20 Required Parkland up to 8 DU/AC 12.86 Provided Parkland – Gross (Acres) 18.34 Provided Parkland – Qualifying (Acres) 10.88 Balance Acreage Owed (Acres) 1.98 Cash or Improvements-In-Lieu Owed (8 – 12 DU/AC) 5.15 Total Cash or Improvements-In-Lieu Owed (Acres) 7.13 Parkland Appraisal Value ($ per SF) $1.72 Cash or Improvements-In-Lieu Owed $534,135.65 Value of Required Baseline Park Improvements $1,666,495.00 Value of Additional Park Improvements-in-Lieu $790,736.00 Surplus Improvements-in-Lieu Value $256,601.00 Surplus Improvements-in-Lieu Equivalent Area (Acres) 3.42 A summary table of overall parkland calculations is included in Appendix E.1. A detailed description of the overall improvements provided is included within Appendix E.3. Cost estimates, additional details on park amenities, and a formal improvements in lieu proposal will be provided for future phases as they come online within Appendix E.5 of this document. IMPROVEMENTS-IN-LIEU PROPOSAL SUMMARY An equivalent of 5.15 acres of cash-in-lieu is required to accommodate residential units up to the maximum dedication of 12 dwelling units per acre. At today’s current value estimation of $1.72/SF, this equates to a total Blackwood Groves Parks Master Plan 12 of approximately $385,525.48 worth of cash-in-lieu required throughout the neighborhood. In order to satisfy the deficit in land provided, an additional $148,610.17 is required as cash-in-lieu, bringing the total value of cash-in-lieu required to $534,135.65. This amount is an estimation until final valuation is determined at the time of application for final plat for each phase. The applicant is proposing a hybrid of cash and trail related improvements in lieu, above UDC minimum requirements, to further reduce the total CIL required across the subdivision development. The value of code required baseline park improvements required by the city is approximately $1,666,495.00. Beyond this amount, the Blackwood Groves neighborhood will provide an additional $790,736.00 worth of improvements- in-lieu, in the form of park site amenities including items such as furnishings, play features, fitness equipment, natural playgrounds, and garden areas. This equates to providing approximately $256,601.00 more improvements than required, which is 48.04% more improvements than is required by the city and the equivalent of approximately 3.42 acres of improvements. In reference to Resolution 4784, this proposal prioritizes the acquisition of land rather than payments to the city, but attempts to find a balance between the options. The land that is provided is desirable and suitable for the development and amenities that are proposed. The improvements proposed will exceed the minimum requirements of the Bozeman UDC Section 38.27.080 and the value will exceed the equivalent value of cash- in-lieu. Cost estimates and additional details for each phase of improvements will be provided as they come online within Appendix E.5 of this document. The improvements will also do the following: - Support recreation for onsite residents and, because connection will be provided to nearby existing parks, the improvements will directly enhance the City’s existing trail networks - Provide vital recreation and open space in an area of Bozeman where it is in high demand - Be consistent with the master plan for the park where the improvements are proposed and be consistent with the city’s approved specifications for park equipment and improvements. All installation with conform to the City’s adopted standards and specifications of Article 39.39 BMC. - The proposed locations of the improvements will serve the residents of the development according to the service radii established by the city-wide park master plan A detailed description of the overall improvements provided is included within Appendix E.3 of this document. All subsequent preliminary plat phases incorporating CIL or IIL will show compliance with the Parks Master Plan IIL proposal (Appendix E.3) and will be updated to reflect any changes to the IIL appraisal value. An updated itemized table with the value of specific improvements will be provided for each phase. A summary of the improvements can be seen below (Exhibit 1.8) and within Appendix E.2 of this document. Improvement Planning The surrounding land uses, needs of existing users, and needs of proposed users helped to inform all park design and programming. The residential density within the neighborhood is further described in a heat map below, along with the phased improvements selected for each park (Exhibit 1.8). The vision for the parks on the eastern boundary is of natural open space with key amenities in focal areas. These areas will have the highest density of visitors and length of stay. The vision for the network of linear parks includes more programmed play areas and gathering spaces in proximity to areas of higher residential density. The goal is to create attractive spaces for people to stop by on their way home from work or during breaks between school. The locations of play areas are described below in Exhibit 1.9 and delineate between traditional playgrounds and areas with nature play elements. Both are sprinkled throughout the neighborhood to meet the needs of all families, no matter their location. Throughout its park system, the neighborhood is also proposing a designated “Fitness Loop” walking trail with various fitness equipment stations of all different skill levels. The diagram below describes these 10 different stations and their locations (Exhibit 1.10). More information for the vision of these play areas and fitness loop can be seen within Appendix E.2 of this document. Blackwood Groves Parks Master Plan 13 Exhibit 1.8 Blackwood Groves Parks Master Plan 14 Exhibit 1.9 Exhibit 1.10 Blackwood Groves Parks Master Plan 15 PARKLAND PHASING The proposed Phasing Plan for Blackwood Groves is based on current and future infrastructure requirements and the constructability of each phase. Currently, 9 phases have been identified. The applicant understands there is a requirement for parkland within each phase, and these requirements are identified within Appendix E.1 of this document. It is ensured that in the sequencing of parks, ample parkland, and improvements in lieu will be provided to serve each development phase individually. Financial guarantees will be provided as necessary to ensure the development is constructed according to the proposed Phasing Plan. Should modification of the proposed phasing become necessary, the applicant will ensure any modified phasing sequencing will line up with City standards and requirements. NEIGHBORHOOD CENTER Blackwood Groves is greater than 10 net acres in size and, therefore, provides four different neighborhood centers for the development, in accordance with Sec. 38.410.020 of the Bozeman UDC. It is the intention of the neighborhood for dedicated Parks 3, 4, & 5 to serve as three of the neighborhood centers, while the town center plaza serves as the fourth. The qualifying criteria for these locations are described below: - Sec 38.410.020.1 - The geographic center point of the four different neighborhood centers is no further than 600 feet from the geographic center point of the development. - Sec 38.410.020.2 - The locations are easily recognizable and shown below, relative to the limits of phasing. Improvements at each neighborhood center will be installed with each phase and all center- improvements are considered required development improvements. - Sec 38.410.020.3&4 - Frontage approval for these neighborhood centers is further described in this document under the Frontage section (Page 8). Maintenance of these spaces are further described in this document under the Maintenance Section (Page 19). - Sec 38.410.020.5&6 - Each of the centers provides an area greater than 1 acre in size. The centers that land in park parcels are each predominantly open space with enhanced natural features and a gathering space that is easily accessible. The neighborhood trail network will lead to the neighborhood centers and circulate throughout, while also providing seating and landscaping. Within the neighborhood centers, there will be limited stormwater detention facilities. Blackwood Groves Parks Master Plan 16 - Sec 38.410.020.7 – The improvements within the neighborhood centers will adhere to the community design framework from the master plan. GENERAL PARKLAND AND OPEN SPACE AMENITIES Financing: All Parks, Open Space, street boulevards adjacent to the parks, and detention storm water basins for any phase of the subdivision will be bonded, if necessary based on final plat timing, with the Final Plat for that phase. Cost estimates will be provided for future phases as they come online within Appendix E.5 of this document. Construction: Any and all site work (including trails) must be preceded by a preconstruction meeting with the City of Bozeman. All plans, improvements, structures, and plantings must be approved by the City prior to installation. Building Permits are required for any structural improvements, if necessary. Any deviation from the Park Master Plan must be submitted to the City and approved before construction. VEGETATION All vegetation shall be quality nursery stock and construction documents will dictate further specifications and species selection. A variety of species shall be selected to ensure that a pest or disease event does not decimate the entire project. Trees, shrubs and herbaceous plants will be chosen for their size, hardiness and aesthetic nature. Plants used will be regionally native and/or adapted to the extent possible. Trees All trees are subject to approval by the City of Bozeman. Tree selection should be based on the recommended species list provided by the City of Bozeman. Tree size and selection shall be varied in order to create visual interest and a varied genetic palette. Recommended Tree List Colorado Blue Spruce Northwoods Red Maple Quaking Aspen Blackwood Groves Parks Master Plan 17 Cottonwood Common Honeylocust Spring Snow Crabapple American Linden Norway Maple American Elm Shrubs Shrubs used within the watercourse setback will be used to enhance the existing native vegetation, increase native habitat, and provide a varied visual experience. Plants will be chosen based on hardiness, aesthetic quality, and size. The City Forester will approve final plant selection for all woody plant material. Recommended Shrub List Red Osier Dogwood Geyer Willow Yellow Willow Native Chokecherry Grasses Herbaceous seed mixes will be dictated by the construction documents. In general, turf areas will receive a Kentucky bluegrass mix, detention areas will be seeded with a mix tolerant of wet conditions. All areas disturbed by construction will be properly prepared and seeded with a narrow spacing drill seeder. Before seeding, the soil shall be loosened to a minimum depth of six inches, in order to improve initial root development, and amended if necessary. The soil will not be compacted in any manner. Sufficient compaction is readily achieved through the grading process and normal rainfall. Fertilizer should be applied prior to planting to insure healthy plant development. Recommended Turf Grass Mix (Dedicated Parkland, Open Space and Boulevards) Pennfine Perennial Rye 30% Glade Kentucky Bluegrass 30% Baron Kentucky Bluegrass 30% Pennlawn Creeping Red Fescue 10% Recommended Native Grass Mix (Storm Water Detention Areas) Common Name Scientific Name Percent % Western Wheatgrass ‘ Rosanna’ Pascopyrum Smithii 40% Streambank Wheatgrass ‘Sodar’ Elymus Lanceolatus ‘Sodar’ 20% Thickspike Wheatgrass ‘ Critana’ Elymus Lanceolatus‘ Critana’ 10% Covar Sheep Fescue Festuca Ovina 10% Bluebunch Wheatgrass Psuedorogneria Spicata 10% Sherman Big Blue Grass Poa Secunda ‘Sherman’ 10% Watercourse Setback Plantings Any area disturbed within the watercourse setback shall be reclaimed with native plant material. Area of disturbance will be assessed at time of construction. Appropriate plantings will be determined by a professional landscape designer and submitted to the City of Bozeman for approval before construction. Recommended Plant Species for Watercourse Setback Common Name Scientific Name Pounds/Acre* Blackwood Groves Parks Master Plan 18 Slender wheatgrass Agropyron trachycaulum 10.0 “Sodar” streambank wheatgrass Agropyron riparium 3.0 Tufted hairgrass Deschampsia cespitosa 3.0 Fowl bluegrass Poa palustris 0.25 American mannagrass Glyceria grandis 0.25 Slender rush Juncus tenuis 0.06 *Based on a drill-seeding rate of approximately 16.56 pounds PLS per acre. The rates will be doubled for hand broadcast seeding, which is 33.12 pounds PLS per acre. Arctic rush (Juncus articus) can be substituted for slender rush. IRRIGATION All irrigation systems will be designed to meet City of Bozeman requirements. It is the intent of the Blackwood Groves subdivision to use the wells on site for irrigation water, rather than the city municipal water supply. All wells installed on City of Bozeman property will be registered in the City’s name and have a stainless steel screen at the intake. Any wells installed in a public dedicated park that is larger than two acres must have a minimum potential of 100 gpm. See Appendix E.4 of this document for more information regarding proposed well locations and Appendix E.3 for inclusion of these wells in the baseline improvements cost estimate. Irrigation systems will be compatible with Maxicom systems or approved alternate. All water lines shall be schedule 40 PVC or Black Poly pipe. Pipe shall be installed at a minimum depth of twelve (12) inches, main lines at eighteen inch minimum depth. If this depth is unachievable, the Parks Division must be consulted. No stacking of irrigation lines shall be permitted. Four (4) inches of sand shall be placed beneath pipe, and four (4) inches of sand above the pipe, to prevent compaction and settling. Sprinkler heads will be installed on manufactured swing joints (schedule 80 w/ o-rings). Heads to be installed must be approved by the Parks Division and shall be gear driven, with interchangeable nozzle sizes, unless noted otherwise, and shall be capable of producing the specified gpm and coverage area and shall be set to manufacturers’ specifications. Electrical locate tape shall be installed along all lines. Upon completion of installation, all warranty and maintenance information, as well as well logs and pump warranties and information, if applicable, and an “as- built” map shall be supplied to the City of Bozeman Parks Division. SOILS All soils to be used on public park land shall be inspected by and meet the approval of City of Bozeman Parks Division Staff prior to installation and shall meet the minimum depth requirement of 6 inches. All rock in excess of 1 inch in diameter shall be removed. Soil tests (a sieve analysis and soil analysis) shall be performed prior to planting to determine the classification and texture of the soils, along with any nutrient deficiencies. The classification and texture will determine what amendments, if any, are needed, while the soil analysis will help correct any nutrient problems with a pre-plant fertilization. * Guidelines for soils - The soil will be deemed acceptable if: it is less than 35% clay and less than 70% sand and 70% silt. Ph must not exceed 8.4. The soil will be screened at 1” minus for rocks and debris; topsoil depth will be at least 6 inches. Amendments may vary depending on existing soils but will generally consist of 60% coarse sand (generally concrete sand), 20% organics (C: N ratio below 30) and 20% approved native soil. Soils will be mixed, prior to installation, with a screener / mixer machine, or applied in layers on site and mixed thoroughly with a deep rototiller. Depth of amended soil will be a minimum of ten (10) inches. There will be no compaction following the grading process. Fertilizer, and the rate at which it will be applied, should be dictated by the soil test report. Blackwood Groves Parks Master Plan 19 PLAYGROUNDS Playgrounds shall be installed on Parkland managed by the City of Bozeman. All playgrounds must be approved by a Certified Playground Safety Inspector (CPSI) and meet current ASTM, CPSC and ADA guidelines and specifications. Playgrounds shall be age appropriate, for area served, and be signed accordingly. There shall be an adequate use zone area around equipment, approved material in use zone, which meets impact attenuation criteria as specified in ASTM 1292, and adequate drainage. All installation plans, materials list, construction guidelines, maintenance information and manufacturer’s name shall be supplied to the City of Bozeman’s Parks Division, upon completion of playground installation. All work will be overseen and approved by a CPSI. MAINTENANCE Responsible Party With the passing of the Parks and Trails District, park maintenance responsibility will fall to the Parks Division upon acceptance of parkland dedication (easement or deed) or park staff acceptance of installed improvements, whichever comes later. The Declarant will be responsible for maintaining pathways, open space, and parkland until parkland improvements are completed and fully accepted by the City. At such time, the Parks Division will take over maintenance. The Association shall be responsible for liability insurance, local taxes and maintenance of recreation and other facilities in the common space areas. The assessments levied by the Board for the maintenance, upkeep, repair, and operation of common areas like all other assessments, become a lien on each lot within The Blackwood Groves Subdivision. The Board may, in its discretion, adjust the assessments to meet the changing needs of the community and the areas serving the community. The Association shall enter into an annual contract with a certified landscape nursery person for upkeep and maintenance. The Association will be responsible for park maintenance until such time a City Wide Park Maintenance District is created. The Association shall be responsible for the maintenance of all common properties, paths and trails, stormwater facilities, other facilities, centers, and adjacent sidewalks and/or landscaping in street boulevards. The maintenance of all stormwater facilities, including stormwater facilities within the park parcel, is the responsibility of the Association. All stormwater infrastructure located outside of the public right-of-way must be maintained by the Association. The maintenance, including all snow clearing, of all trails and pathways within parks that serve as primary egress for buildings will be maintained by the Association. Maintenance will include the following as well as care and replacement of playground equipment (CPSI approved) and/or site furnishings, replacement of doggie pick-up bags and emptying of refuse containers. Any and all work and/or park fixtures must meet standards set by the City Parks Division. Trees and Shrubs A contractor will be hired to perform park maintenance. Maintenance duties to be performed will consist of spring and fall clean up, routine mowing, lawn patching, care and replacement of dead trees and/or shrubs. All tree trimming and pruning must be performed by a certified arborist as outlined in City Ordinance 12.30.040 in coordination with Forestry Division. All trees on public property are subject to City of Bozeman permits and ordinances. Trails Natural fines trails will not be plowed. These trails will be inspected regularly and receive routine patching and surface maintenance to prevent erosion or unsafe conditions. Weeds on the trails well be controlled following City of Bozeman standards, set by the City Parks Division, and using industry standards or as part of the weed control plan described in this document. Blackwood Groves Parks Master Plan 20 Turf Care Native grass areas should be mowed 3-4 times per year dependent on rainfall levels. The first mowing should occur at the end of May, and the second time should take place around mid-July, with the final mowing in Mid- October. Kentucky bluegrass areas should be maintained between 2"-4 1/2" and should receive approximately 12" water between June 1st and late September. This translates to about 1" water per week for lawn areas. Mowing will not be done during extremely wet periods or when sub-grade is saturated or with standing water. Established lawns can receive a deep, but less frequent watering in order to conserve and not over water. Noxious Weed Control A weed control program will be developed that conforms to the requirements of the City of Bozeman, Gallatin County Wed Control Board Supervisor and NRCS. This program will consist of an annual visit in June to spot spray where necessary, including trails and sidewalks. Weeds will be sprayed by a licensed contractor, according to industry and local standards, on a regular basis, using appropriate applications and products. The utmost care will be taken to protect water sources, park users and adjacent property owners. The City of Bozeman shall be notified of any and all applications of pesticides and/or herbicide on public lands. Signs shall be posted prior to application in appropriate and noticeable locations identifying the product applied and the date applied. Signs will remain in place for a minimum of two days after treatment. Records shall be maintained in accordance with State of Montana Pesticide Act, Administrative Rule 4.10.207 and copies submitted to the City of Bozeman Parks Division. Fertilization Fertilization should be minimized to prevent unnecessarily high amounts of nutrients running off into streams and wetlands on and off the site. No fertilizer should be applied within 50ft of streams or wetlands to further minimize the potential for contamination through run-off. Trees and shrubs inside the 50ft buffer should be monitored and if fertilization is necessary, capsule fertilizer should be used. Lawns should be fertilized once in spring with a 24-4-24 blend after the last frost and with a 21-3-21 in mid to late summer. It is recommended that slow release fertilizer be used to prevent excessive shoot growth and to provide turf nutrition over an extended period. Lawns should be fertilized according to manufacturer standards. Annual soil test should be performed to check nutrient levels and determine whether changes are necessary. Outside the 50ft buffer, shade trees should be fertilized in April with a 16-10-9 blend plus iron and zinc. Other trees should be fertilized with food spikes, but no fertilization of woody vegetation should occur past mid-July. Trees under one year old should not be fertilized. Evergreens should be pruned as necessary in June and shade tree pruning should be done in April, except for birches and maples. Birches and maples should be pruned in mid-July to prevent bleeding. All trees should be continually monitored for pests and diseases throughout the growing season. Woody vegetation should be deep watered right before the ground freezes. Snow and Leaf Removal Snow removal will be provided within the park by a snow removal service retained by the Neighborhood Association. Sidewalks must be cleared within 24 hours after the end of a snowfall event per Bozeman Ordinance 1529. The Home Owner’s Association will be responsible for clearing snow on sidewalks, on walks adjacent to Parks and Open Spaces and the South 19th boulevard; no snow removal will be performed on the natural fines trails. Leaf removal will be provided most likely by a landscape contractor or handyman service, as retained by the Neighborhood Association. Playground Inspection Blackwood Groves Parks Master Plan 21 Playground inspection should be performed on an annual basis by an independent contractor certified as a National Certified Playground Safety Inspector. The inspector shall submit a report to the City of Bozeman Parks and Recreation Department. The Neighborhood Association is responsible for hiring the independent contractor. Irrigation System The irrigation system should be charged in May, after the ground thaws and plants start growing. The manual drain valves should be turned to the closed position and well pump power switch turned on. The controller should be programmed for the anticipated water requirements for the current month. All heads should be checked for breakage and proper coverage and check on a monthly basis for necessary adjustments. Drip emitters should be periodically checked, and the entire system should be regularly monitored for line breaks, head breakage and vandalism. Head replacement should be done with the same brand to ensure efficient coverage for the system working pressure and dispersal at an equal precipitation rate. The height of heads should be checked to avoid damage from mowers or maintenance equipment. Winterization should take place during the last week of October. Power to the well pump should be shut off and all manual drain valves opened. To flush out the lines, a high-power air pump shall be connected to the quick coupler valves and air should be run through the system. Each valve zone should be opened and closed until all water is completely flushed out, then the controller should be turned off and water left off until spring. Any necessary watering during the winter months should be done with a tank to prevent damage to the irrigation system. Animal Control Pets should always be leashed while in the parks and open space in addition residents must clean up after their pets. If rodents become a problem with regards to damaging plant material or posing a health risk to residents or pots, rodent control should be utilized. However, no poison is permitted on within parkland or open space areas. Refuse Refuse within the parks and open space will be collected weekly by a service retained by the Neighborhood Association or the party responsible for maintenance. Blackwood Groves Parks Master Plan 22 Section 2 SOILS INFORMATION Blackwood Groves Parks Master Plan 23 Blackwood Groves Parks Master Plan 24 Blackwood Groves Parks Master Plan 25 Blackwood Groves Parks Master Plan 26 Blackwood Groves Parks Master Plan 27 Blackwood Groves Parks Master Plan 28 Blackwood Groves Parks Master Plan 29 Section 3 VARIANCE & ALTERNATE COMPLIANCE LETTERS Blackwood Groves Parks Master Plan 30 Section 4 PARKS MASTER PLAN APPENDICES APPENDIX E.1 REQUIRED PARKLAND CALCULATIONS APPENDIX E.2 GREEN PLAN AND PARKS MASTER PLAN DOCUMENTS APPENDIX E.3 IMPROVEMENTS IN LIEU ESTIMATE APPENDIX E.4 WELL IRRIGATION & WATER DEMAND APPENDIX E.5 PHASE 1-3 CONCEPT PARK DRAWINGS Blackwood Groves Parks Master Plan 31 Section 5 CITY OF BOZEMAN CONDITIONS OF APPROVAL RESPONSE TO BLACKWOOD GROVES PRE-APPLICATION #20377 TO: PARK PLANNING AND DEVELOPMENT MANAGER The maintenance of all stormwater facilities will be designed to be minimally intrusive, will be signed as a stormwater facility, and all maintenance of these facilities is the responsibility of the POA. The City is not responsible for maintenance of parkland dedicated for future phases, in accordance with BMC 38.420.020.D., until parkland improvements are complete and fully accepted by the City. See landscape drawings for satisfaction of all other conditions of approval. RESPONSE TO BLACKWOOD GROVES PRELIMINARY PLAT APPLICATIONS #20447 TO: DEVELOPMENT REVIEW COMMITTEE The maintenance of all stormwater facilities, including stormwater facilities within the park parcel, is the responsibility of the property owners’ association (POA). All stormwater infrastructure located outside of the public right-of-way will be maintained by the property owners’ association (POA). Park, pathway, boulevard, and neighborhood center improvements will be installed or financially guaranteed prior to final plat approval. See landscape drawings for satisfaction of all other conditions of approval. RESPONSE TO BLACKWOOD GROVES MASTER SITE PLAN APPLICATIONS #20292 TO: DEVELOPMENT REVIEW COMMITTEE See landscape drawings for satisfaction of conditions of approval. RESPONSE TO PARKLAND PROPOSALS FOR 20292 AND 20447 BLACKWOOD GROVES MASTER SITE PLAN AND PHASE ONE PRELIMINARY PLAT TO: PARKS PLANNING AND DEVELOPMENT MANAGER Although an easement or parkland dedication is required at the time of initial subdivision, the Parks and Recreation Department does not assume maintenance responsibility until improvements within each phase have been installed and fully accepted on behalf of the City, or at Final Plat whichever comes later. Snow-clearing of park trails/sidewalks that serve as primary egress shall be the sole responsibility of the POA. See landscape drawings for satisfaction of all other conditions of approval.