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HomeMy WebLinkAboutPEC090018Planning and Environmental Commisson਍ഀ ACTION FORM਍ഀ TORW(FYAII,਍ഀ CXXAW.MTY DEVELOPMENT਍ഀ Department of Community Development਍ഀ 75 South Frontage Road, Vail, Colorado 81657਍ഀ tel: 970.479.2139 fax: 970.479.2452਍ഀ web: www.vailgov.com਍ഀ Project Name: NATURE CENTER GREENHOUSE PEC Number: PEC090018਍ഀ Project Description:਍ഀ NEW GREENHOUSE AT VAIL NATURE CENTER਍ഀ Participants:਍ഀ OWNER TOWN OF VAIL 06/03/2009਍ഀ C/O FINANCE DEPT਍ഀ 75 S FRONTAGE RD਍ഀ VAIL਍ഀ CO 81657਍ഀ APPLICANT VAIL RECREATION DISTRICT 06/03/2009਍ഀ MIKE ORTIZ਍ഀ Project Address: 841 VAIL VALLEY DR VAIL Location: VAIL NATURE CENTER਍ഀ Legal Description: Lot: Block: Subdivision: Ford Park Unplatted਍ഀ Parcel Number: 2101-081-0000-2਍ഀ Comments:਍ഀ Motion By: KIESBO਍ഀ Second By: VIELE਍ഀ Vote: 6-1-0 (Pierce opposed)਍ഀ Conditions:਍ഀ BOARD/STAFF ACTION਍ഀ Action: APPROVED਍ഀ Date of Approval: 06/22/2009਍ഀ Cond: 8਍ഀ (PLAN): No changes to these plans may be made without the written consent of Town of਍ഀ Vail staff and/or the appropriate review committee(s).਍ഀ Cond:300਍ഀ (PLAN): PEC approval shall not be not become valid for 20 days following the date of਍ഀ approval.਍ഀ Cond: CON0010821਍ഀ This conditional use permit approval is contingent upon the applicant obtaining Town਍ഀ of Vail approval of the associated design review application.਍ഀ Planner: Bill Gibson PEC Fee Paid: $0.00਍ഀ Department, of Community Development,-*਍ഀ ~3 3 r , ' - ^R 75 South Frontage f,?bad਍ഀ ' Vail,. or l W.਍ഀ Deeop'rnen਍ഀ ~NrConditional Use Permit p਍ഀ Application for review by the JUN 0 ? 2009਍ഀ Planning and Environmental Commis n਍ഀ General Information: A conditional use permit is required for any use classified as "co i਍ഀ zone districts. Uses listed as conditional uses are subject to such conditions and limitations as the Town may prescribe਍ഀ to ensure that the location and operation of the conditional uses will be in accordance with development objectives of਍ഀ the Town and will not be detrimental to other uses or properties. The proposed project may also require other permits਍ഀ or applications and/or review by the Design Review Board and/or Town Council. All PEC approvals shall lapse if con-਍ഀ struction is not commenced within two years of the date of approval and diligently pursued to completion, or if the use਍ഀ for which the approval is granted is not commenced within two years.਍ഀ Fee: $650਍ഀ Description of the Request: lS r~ 4T N`'` C c «c਍ഀ Physical Address: /਍ഀ Parcel Number: 2/6) - 081 - 60 - av2 (Contact Eagle Co. Assessor at 970-328-8640 for parcel no.)਍ഀ Property Owner: ' p Lfa7 /਍ഀ Mailing Address: -Ig- 0਍ഀ yt,Owner's Signature:਍ഀ Primary Contact/ Owner Representative: v ~ a:l k"'dd? M; ke- Orf"z਍ഀ Mailing Address:਍ഀ E-Mail:਍ഀ Fax:਍ഀ Phone:਍ഀ For Office Use Only: Cash_ CC: Visa / MC Last 4 CC # Auth # Check #਍ഀ Fee Paid: 1jatveJ Received From: N/A਍ഀ Meeting Date: 4&zLd9 PEC No.: eatma0/8_0 2'~਍ഀ Planner: 13C- Project No:਍ഀ Zoning:਍ഀ Land Use:਍ഀ Phone: (47a) Y79- zf -73਍ഀ Location of the Proposal: Lot: 8VA_ Block: o_ Subdivision:਍ഀ L`` `LO9~਍ഀ t `਍ഀ Department of Community Developmentlk਍ഀ 75 South Frontage Rbaa਍ഀ Vail, olorac~m਍ഀ Deve oilmen਍ഀ F.਍ഀ Conditional Use Permit਍ഀ Application for review by the਍ഀ Planning and Environmental Commission਍ഀ General Information: A conditional use permit is required for any use classified as "conditional" in any of the Town's਍ഀ zone districts. Uses listed as conditional uses are subject to such conditions and limitations as the Town may prescribe਍ഀ to ensure that the location and operation of the conditional uses will be in accordance with development objectives of਍ഀ the Town and will not be detrimental to other uses or properties. The proposed project may also require other permits਍ഀ or applications and/or review by the Design Review Board and/or Town Council. All PEC approvals shall lapse if con-਍ഀ struction is not commenced within two years of the date of approval and diligently pursued to completion, or if the use਍ഀ for which the approval is granted is not commenced within two years.਍ഀ Fee: $650਍ഀ Description of the Request: To LA.PC- `O r"਍ഀ Q xis o (mod a:t ~1.,o J ; I tJ(A~,-e Ce23 4e-*- ~rt~ ~ d g, vie cd cd cxra਍ഀ Physical Address: 'R l ( \Ja VC !tZ <1yR- (y~;1 N~ Ct+~~e+r਍ഀ Parcel Number: (Contact Eagle Co. Assessor at 970-328-8640 for parcel no.)਍ഀ Property Owner: o-~ V'aA - W\,l -D.sa nc- -਍ഀ Mailing Address: Tao S. Fwn::k &e Kul 64,s t Vo« 11. Co 8 I 5 -7਍ഀ Phone: C 9 -70) y 79 -a a 9 J਍ഀ Owner's Signature:਍ഀ Primary Contact/ Owner Representative:਍ഀ Mailing Address:਍ഀ Phone:਍ഀ E-Mail:਍ഀ Fax:਍ഀ For Office Use Only: Cash_ CC: Visa / MC Last 4 CC #਍ഀ Fee Paid:਍ഀ Meeting Date:਍ഀ Received From:਍ഀ PEC No.:਍ഀ Auth # Check #਍ഀ Planner: Project No: _਍ഀ Zoning: Land Use: _਍ഀ Location of the Proposal: Lot: Block: Subdivision:਍ഀ ਍ഀ TOWN OF PAIL਍ഀ THIS ITEM MAY AFFECT YOUR PROPERTY਍ഀ PUBLIC NOTICE਍ഀ NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the Planning and Environmental Commission of the਍ഀ Town of Vail will hold a public hearing in accordance with section 12-3-6, Vail Town਍ഀ Code, on June 22, 2009, at 1:00 pm in the Town of Vail Municipal Building, in਍ഀ consideration of:਍ഀ A request for a final recommendation to the Vail Town Council, pursuant to Section 12-3-਍ഀ 7, Amendment, Vail Town Code, to allow for amendments to Title 11, Sign Regulations,਍ഀ Title 12, Zoning Regulations, Title 13, Subdivision Regulations, Title 14, Development਍ഀ Standards, Vail Town Code, and setting forth details in regard thereto. (PEC090017)਍ഀ Applicant: Town of Vail਍ഀ Planner: Rachel Friede਍ഀ A request for a final review of a conditional use permit, pursuant to Section 12-9C-3,਍ഀ Conditional Uses, Vail Town Code, to allow for the construction of a seasonal structure਍ഀ or use to accommodate educational, recreational or cultural activities (greenhouse) at਍ഀ the Vail Nature Center, located at 841 Vail Valley Drive/Unplatted, and setting forth਍ഀ b~ details in regard thereto. (PEC090018)਍ഀ Applicant: Vail Recreation District਍ഀ A~ Planner: Bill Gibson਍ഀ c9` The applications and information about the proposals are available for public inspection਍ഀ during office hours at the Town of Vail Community Development Department, 75 South਍ഀ Frontage Road. The public is invited to attend project orientation and the site visits that਍ഀ precede the public hearing in the Town of Vail Community Development Department.਍ഀ Please call 970-479-2138 for additional information.਍ഀ Sign language interpretation is available upon request, with 24-hour notification. Please਍ഀ call 970-479-2356, Telephone for the Hearing Impaired, for information.਍ഀ Published June 5, 2009, in the Vail Daily.਍ഀ http:llwww,stewartaffiliates.com/downloadj1008fhoa vaillhomeowner_detail_820,html w਍ഀ Eagle County਍ഀ Association:਍ഀ Contact:਍ഀ Address:਍ഀ Phone:਍ഀ Fax:਍ഀ E-flail:਍ഀ Wren਍ഀ Senn਍ഀ 500 S. Frontage Rd਍ഀ Fail- CO 8165"਍ഀ 4"6-00{2਍ഀ 4?6-=1103਍ഀ Notes: tS Ins.-Incuded "THIS IS SOT WREN਍ഀ HOUSE" E I^CA 1I,ir Ar 1S'਍ഀ Done Internet 100%਍ഀ As a service to our customers: Stewart Title has put its਍ഀ Homeov,mer and Condominium Associations on-line.਍ഀ # http;llwww.stewartaffiliates.comldownload11008lhoavail/homeowner_detail_307.html V਍ഀ Eagle CounI3r਍ഀ Association: 'Manor Fail਍ഀ Contact: 'gd~ Q 6L--) VLA_~ C l਍ഀ Address: 595 E_ Fail Valley Drive /਍ഀ Fail, CO $1657਍ഀ Phone: =1776-5000਍ഀ Fax: 4776-1424਍ഀ -Notes: Billed Monthly- WS-Included; Ins--Separate RQFR-਍ഀ es਍ഀ Close Window਍ഀ ' Internet 100%਍ഀ As a service to our customers: Stewart Title has put its਍ഀ Homeov..°ner and Condominium Associations on-line_਍ഀ http:llwww.stewartaffiliates,com/downloadj1008lhoa vail/homeowner_detail_385.htmi V਍ഀ Eag,le County਍ഀ :association: Pinos del \orte਍ഀ Contact:਍ഀ Kin,਍ഀ :address:਍ഀ PO Box 69਍ഀ Vail, CO 31613਍ഀ Phone:਍ഀ 4"6-??4'਍ഀ Fax:਍ഀ 477 6-?612)਍ഀ E-'►lail:਍ഀ -Notes:਍ഀ Quarterly Dues਍ഀ ' Done Internet +ti 100%਍ഀ As a sersice to our customers: Stewart Title has pout its਍ഀ Homeov,ner and Condominium Associations on-line.਍ഀ Account਍ഀ Account: R017044਍ഀ Location਍ഀ Parcel Number 2101-081-01-001਍ഀ Tax Area SC103 - VAIL (TOWN) -਍ഀ SC103਍ഀ Situs Address 000967 VAIL਍ഀ VALLEY DR਍ഀ Legal Summary Subdivision: VAIL਍ഀ VILLAGE FILING 7 TRACT C਍ഀ BK-0215 PG-0298 SWD 04-09-69਍ഀ BK-0215 PG-0299਍ഀ BK-0335 PG-0380 12-16-81਍ഀ BK-0505 PG-0565 WD 04-26-89਍ഀ R798320 EAS 06-11-02਍ഀ R200630481 WD 10-24-06਍ഀ Transfers਍ഀ Sale Price਍ഀ $1,250,000਍ഀ Page 1 of 1਍ഀ Owner Information Assessment History਍ഀ Owner Name DON E. ACKERMAN Actual (2009) $6,108,780਍ഀ TRUST Primary Taxable $486,260਍ഀ Owner Address 24311 WALDEN Tax Area: SC103 Mill Levy: 46.1240਍ഀ CENTER DR਍ഀ BONITA SPRINGS, FL 34134 Type Actual Assessed Acres SQFT਍ഀ Improvements $3,258,780 $259,400 5426.000਍ഀ Land $2,850,000 $226,860 0.445਍ഀ Sale Date਍ഀ 10/01/1996਍ഀ Images਍ഀ • GIS਍ഀ Reception Number Book Page਍ഀ B: 0707 P: 0906਍ഀ http://property.eaglecounty.us/assessor/taxweb/account.jsp?accountNum=RO17044 06/03/2009਍ഀ f਍ഀ MEMORANDUM਍ഀ TO: Planning and Environmental Commission਍ഀ FROM: Community Development Department਍ഀ DATE: June 22, 2009਍ഀ SUBJECT: A request for a final review of a conditional use permit, pursuant to Section 12-਍ഀ 9C-3, Conditional Uses, Vail Town Code, to allow for the construction of a਍ഀ seasonal structure or use to accommodate educational, recreational or cultural਍ഀ activities (greenhouse) at the Vail Nature Center, located at 841 Vail Valley਍ഀ Drive/Unplatted, and setting forth details in regard thereto. (PEC090018)਍ഀ Applicant: Vail Recreation District਍ഀ Planner: Bill Gibson਍ഀ SUMMARY਍ഀ The applicant, Vail Recreation District, is requesting a final review of a conditional use਍ഀ permit, pursuant to Section 12-9C-3, Conditional Uses, Vail Town Code, to allow for the਍ഀ construction of a seasonal structure or use to accommodate educational, recreational or਍ഀ cultural activities (greenhouse) at the Vail Nature Center, located at 841 Vail Valley਍ഀ Drive/Unplatted, and setting forth details in regard thereto.਍ഀ Based upon Staff's review of the criteria outlined in Sections VII of this memorandum਍ഀ and the evidence and testimony presented, the Staff recommends approval of this਍ഀ request subject to the findings noted in Section VIII of this memorandum.਍ഀ II. DESCRIPTION OF THE REQUEST਍ഀ The applicant is proposing to construct a 250 sq. ft. solar powered geodesic dome਍ഀ greenhouse at the Vail Nature Center located at 841 Vail Valley Drive. The proposed਍ഀ greenhouse has an 18 foot diameter and will be 10 feet in height. The proposed਍ഀ greenhouse will be used for gardening exhibits and numerous educational programs by਍ഀ the Vail Nature Center. A vicinity map (Attachment A) and the applicant's request਍ഀ (Attachment B) have been attached for reference.਍ഀ III. BACKGROUND਍ഀ In 1973, the Town of Vail acquired the Antholz Ranch for the purpose of open space and਍ഀ parks. In 1976, this property was rezoned to the Public Use District, and in 1977 the਍ഀ property was named Gerald R. Ford Park. In 1985, the Town of Vail adopted the Ford਍ഀ Park and Donovan Park Master Plan. In 1997, the Town of Vail adopted the Ford Park਍ഀ Management Plan.਍ഀ The Vail Nature Center is located at Ford Park along Gore Creek adjacent to Vail Valley਍ഀ Drive. The Vail Nature Center is operated by the Vail Recreation District and provides਍ഀ numerous educational opportunities and programs for the public.਍ഀ IV. APPLICABLE PLANNING DOCUMENTS਍ഀ Title 12, Zoning Regulations, Vail Town Code (in par-t)o਍ഀ ARTICLE 12-9C: GENERAL USE DISTRICT਍ഀ Section 12-9C-5: Development Standards:਍ഀ A. Prescribed by Planning and Environmental Commission: In the General Use District,਍ഀ development standards in each of the following categories shall be as prescribed by the਍ഀ planning and environmental commission:਍ഀ 1. Lot area and site dimensions.਍ഀ 2. Setbacks.਍ഀ 3. Building height.਍ഀ 4. Density control.਍ഀ 5. Site coverage.਍ഀ 6. Landscaping and site development.਍ഀ 7. Parking and loading.਍ഀ B. Reviewed by Planning and Environmental Commissior7: Development standards shall਍ഀ be proposed by the applicant as a part of a condition a/ use permit application. Site਍ഀ specific development standards shall then be determined by the planning and਍ഀ environmental commission during the review of the conditional use request in਍ഀ accordance with the provisions of chapter 16 of this title.਍ഀ CHAPTER 12-16: CONDITIONAL USES PERMITS (in part)਍ഀ Section 12-16-1: Purpose; Limitations:਍ഀ In order to provide the flexibility necessary to achieve the objectives of this title, specified਍ഀ uses are permitted in certain districts subject to the granting of a conditional use permit.਍ഀ Because of their unusual or special characteristics, conditional uses require review so਍ഀ that they may be located properly with respect to the purposes of this title and with਍ഀ respect to their effects on surrounding properties. The re view process prescribed in this਍ഀ chapter is intended to assure compatibility and harmonious development between਍ഀ conditional uses and surrounding properties in the Town at large. Uses listed as਍ഀ conditional uses in the various districts may be permitted subject to such conditions and਍ഀ limitations as the Town may prescribe to insure that the location and operation of the਍ഀ conditional uses will be in accordance with the developm ant objectives of the Town and਍ഀ will not be detrimental to other uses or properties. Where conditions cannot be devised,਍ഀ to achieve these objectives, applications for conditional use permits shall be denied.਍ഀ A. Factors Enumerated. Before acting on a conditional use permit application, the਍ഀ planning and environmental commission shall consider th e following factors with respect਍ഀ to the proposed use:਍ഀ 1. Relationship and impact of the use on development objectives of the town.਍ഀ 2. Effect of the use on light and ' air, distribution of population, transportation਍ഀ facilities, utilities, schools, parks and recreation facilities, and other public਍ഀ facilities and public facilities needs.਍ഀ 3. Effect upon traffic, with particular reference to congestion, automotive and਍ഀ pedestrian safety and convenience, traffic flow and control, access,਍ഀ maneuverability, and removal of snow from the streets and parking areas.਍ഀ 4. Effect upon the character of the area in which the proposed use is to be਍ഀ located, including the scale and bulk of the proposed use in relation to਍ഀ surrounding਍ഀ uses.਍ഀ 2਍ഀ 5. Such other factors and criteria as the commission deems applicable to the਍ഀ proposed use.਍ഀ 6. The environmental impact report concerning the proposed use, if an਍ഀ environmental impact report is required by chapter 12 of this title.਍ഀ Ford Park Donovan Park Master Development Plan, 1985 (in part)਍ഀ 10. VAIL NATURE CENTRE AREA਍ഀ This area of attractive natural landscape is a strong contrast to the more developed਍ഀ areas of the park. This area is to remain in a natural state, and thus, minimal exterior਍ഀ improvements are suggested.਍ഀ V. SURROUNDING LAND USES AND ZONING਍ഀ Current Land Uses਍ഀ Zoning਍ഀ North:਍ഀ Ford Park਍ഀ General Use਍ഀ South:਍ഀ Ford Park਍ഀ General Use਍ഀ East:਍ഀ Vail Golf Course਍ഀ Outdoor Recreation਍ഀ West:਍ഀ Ford Park਍ഀ General Use਍ഀ VI. ZONING ANALYSIS਍ഀ Standard Allowed Proposed਍ഀ Site Coverage per PEC 250 sq. ft. new਍ഀ VII. CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT REVIEW CRITERIA਍ഀ Before acting on a conditional use permit application, the Planning and Environmental਍ഀ Commission shall consider the following factors with respect to the proposed use:਍ഀ 1. Relationship and impact of the use on the development objectives of the Town.਍ഀ Staff believes the proposed greenhouse furthers the purpose of the General Use District਍ഀ "to ensure that public buildings and grounds and certain quasi-public uses permitted in਍ഀ the district are appropriately located and designed to meet the needs of residents and਍ഀ visitors to Vail."਍ഀ Staff believes the 10 foot tall and 18 foot diameter scale of this proposed greenhouse will਍ഀ provide year-round opportunities for the Vail Nature Center to further its mission while਍ഀ meeting the spirit of the Ford Park Donovan Park Master Development Plan਍ഀ recommendation that "This area (Vail Nature Centre Area) of attractive natural਍ഀ landscape is a strong contrast to the more developed areas of the park. This area is to਍ഀ remain in a natural state, and thus, minimal exterior improvements are suggested."਍ഀ 2. The effect of the use on light and air, distribution of population, transportation਍ഀ facilities, utilities, schools, parks and recreation facilities, and other public਍ഀ facilities needs.਍ഀ Staff believes the proposed greenhouse will enhance the park, recreation, and਍ഀ educational facilities and operations of the Vail Nature Center; and will not negatively਍ഀ affect light or air, population, transportation, or utilities.਍ഀ 3਍ഀ 3. Effect upon traffic with particular reference to congestion, automotive and਍ഀ pedestrian safety and convenience, traffic flow and control, access,਍ഀ maneuverability, and removal of snow from the street and parking areas.਍ഀ Staff does not believe the proposed greenhouse will have any effect upon traffic in਍ഀ comparison to existing conditions.਍ഀ 4. Effect upon the character of the area in which the proposed use is to be located,਍ഀ including the scale and bulk of the proposed use in relation to surrounding uses.਍ഀ The Vail Nature Center is located below Vail Valley Drive along Gore Creek and is not਍ഀ highly visible from adjacent properties. Staff believes a greenhouse is consistent with the਍ഀ scale, bulk, and character of the Vail Nature Center and its surroundings.਍ഀ VIII. STAFF RECOMMENDATION਍ഀ The Community Development Department recommends the Planning and Environmental਍ഀ Commission approves this request for a conditional use permit pursuant to Section 12-਍ഀ 9C-3, Conditional Uses, Vail Town Code, to allow for the construction of a seasonal਍ഀ structure or use to accommodate educational, recreational or cultural activities਍ഀ (greenhouse) at the Vail Nature Center, located at 841 Vail Valley Drive/Unplatted, and਍ഀ setting forth details in regard thereto. Staffs recommendation is based upon the review਍ഀ of the criteria described in Section VII of this memorandum and the evidence and਍ഀ testimony presented.਍ഀ Should the Planning and Environmental Commission choose to approve this conditional਍ഀ use permit request, the Community Development Department recommends the਍ഀ Commission pass the following motion:਍ഀ "The Planning and Environmental Commission approves this request for a਍ഀ conditional use permit, pursuant to Section 12-9C-3, Conditional Uses, Vail Town਍ഀ Code, to allow for the construction of a seasonal structure or use to਍ഀ accommodate educational, recreational or cultural activities (greenhouse) at the਍ഀ Vail Nature Center, located at 841 Vail Valley Drive/Unplatted, and setting forth਍ഀ details in regard thereto."਍ഀ Should the Planning and Environmental Commission choose to approve this conditional਍ഀ use permit request, the Community Development Department recommends the਍ഀ Commission makes the following findings:਍ഀ "Based upon the review of the criteria outlined in Section Vlll of this Staff਍ഀ memorandum to the Planning and Environmental Commission dated June 22,,਍ഀ 2009, and the evidence and testimony presented, the Planning and਍ഀ Environmental Commission finds:਍ഀ The proposed conditional use permit amendment is in accordance with the਍ഀ purposes of the Zoning Regulations and the General Use District as਍ഀ referenced in Section V of this Staff memorandum to the Planning and਍ഀ Environmental Commission dated June 22, 2009.਍ഀ 4਍ഀ 2. The proposed conditional use permit amendment and the conditions under਍ഀ which it will be operated or maintained are not detrimental to the public਍ഀ health, safety, or welfare or materially injurious to properties or improvements਍ഀ in the vicinity.਍ഀ 3. The proposed conditional use permit complies with each of the applicable਍ഀ provisions of Chapter 12-16, Conditional Use Permit, Vail Town Code, as਍ഀ referenced by Section V of this Staff memorandum to the Planning and਍ഀ Environmental Commission dated June 22, 2009."਍ഀ Should the Planning and Environmental Commission choose to approve this conditional਍ഀ use permit request, the Community Development Department recommends the਍ഀ Commission applies the following conditions:਍ഀ "I. This conditional use permit approval is contingent upon the applicant਍ഀ obtaining Town of Vail approval of the associated design review application."਍ഀ IX. ATTACHMENTS਍ഀ A. Vicinity Map਍ഀ B. Applicant's Request਍ഀ 5਍ഀ Attachment B਍ഀ Vail Nature Center਍ഀ 841 Vail Valley Drive਍ഀ Vail, CO 81657਍ഀ June 9, 2009਍ഀ TO: Design Review Board਍ഀ Department of Community Development਍ഀ 75 South Frontage Road਍ഀ Vail, CO 81657਍ഀ Growing Dome Geodesic Greenhouse਍ഀ 1. Introduction਍ഀ This year, the Vail Nature Center celebrates its 35"' year of operation. We wish to mark this historic season with਍ഀ a project that conveys the Vail Nature Center's continued relevance to environmental education and outdoor਍ഀ recreation while creating the potential for a wider variety of programming and increased visits.਍ഀ II. Objective਍ഀ To install a Growing Dome Greenhouse at the Vail Nature Center. A Growing Dome is a geodesic dome਍ഀ greenhouse which enables year-round high-altitude gardening without (or with minimal) consumption of fossil਍ഀ fuels. This greenhouse space would serve as an innovative, hands-on educational space with an interesting਍ഀ "look" to attract visitors to the Vail Nature Center.਍ഀ III. How this project meets VNC goals and mission਍ഀ ■ The current greenhouse is not large enough to use as an exhibit or educational space; a Growing Dome਍ഀ is large enough for approximately 12 people to walk through with wall and floor space for displays and਍ഀ posters (in addition to garden space).਍ഀ ■ The greenhouse can be used to educate on a large variety of topics including high-altitude gardening,਍ഀ organic gardening, local food, hydroponics, what plants need, and solar energy. It can be used as a਍ഀ vehicle to teach about global issues such as carbon footprints, water shortages, and food production.਍ഀ n਍ഀ ■ The VNC already has an excellent hydroponics unit that needs to be displayed!਍ഀ ■ The innovative design of the greenhouse itself serves an educational purpose; people can learn about਍ഀ energy efficiency, solar power, and green construction by learning how the Growing Dome functions.਍ഀ ■ The Growing Dome would be an interactive and hands-on exhibit; something the Vail Nature Center਍ഀ prides itself in and visitors love. Gardening creates possibilities for children's activities (Camp Eco Fun਍ഀ especially) and volunteerism.਍ഀ ■ The Growing Dome is unique and interesting-looking, which may make the Vail Nature Center more਍ഀ appealing from a marketing perspective and attract more visitors who see it from afar. A greenhouse਍ഀ also offers the appeal of growing gardens that change on a daily and annual basis. It would invite਍ഀ questions, which would engage visitors more closely with staff who could in turn communicate about਍ഀ other VNC programs.਍ഀ ■ The current greenhouse is in disrepair and is in a bad location for growing. We would like to fix-up the਍ഀ existing greenhouse and use it for the less "attractive" gardening stages, i.e. starting seedlings and਍ഀ mixing fertilizer/compost.਍ഀ IV. Specifications (size, location, etc)਍ഀ Growing Domes come in many sizes; we feel we only need one large enough to serve as an exhibit space. The਍ഀ desired Growing Dome specifications are:਍ഀ ■ 18 ft. diameter਍ഀ ■ 250 square feet of floor space and 10' tall਍ഀ ■ Location: south side of existing outdoor garden beds in open field. No tree or shrub removal required.਍ഀ Should not change character of area or diminish any vistas.਍ഀ ■ Built to withstand harsh, high-altitude winters, including wind, hail, and snow਍ഀ ■ Photovoltaic (solar) panel which automatically opens window vents at preset temperatures and can be਍ഀ used to run water pumps for a hydroponics system or cooling fans.਍ഀ ■ Will not require external power source or emit light or create emissions.਍ഀ ■ Does not require a concrete foundation and is designed to be easily disassembled. Sits on a gravel base.਍ഀ ■ Can be installed by 2 people, but is a good "volunteer day" project.਍ഀ ■ No effect on vehicular traffic, utilities, or other public facilities.਍ഀ A unique combination of seven features make the Growing bonier"਍ഀ the most energy-efficient greenhouse on the market today/਍ഀ Temperature activated vents਍ഀ Solar ven-਍ഀ insulated਍ഀ (nor Sho਍ഀ Undersoil਍ഀ More information available at http://www.geodesic-greenhouse-kits.com/.਍ഀ V. Plan of action/Upkeep਍ഀ ■ The Vail Nature Center has staff and volunteers who are willing and able to install the Growing Dome,਍ഀ and we may be able to arrange for a Growing Spaces staff member to help supervise and help for free.਍ഀ ■ Current VNC staff and volunteers are already maintaining a regular garden and hydroponics garden; they਍ഀ would continue to maintain the Growing Dome through the fall with the possibility of winter gardening.਍ഀ The Growing Dome is built to handle large loads of snow and therefore would require only minimal਍ഀ ■ winter maintenance.਍ഀ t਍ഀ ,਍ഀ Growing Spaces, LLC. "Greenhouse Kits of the Future." 2009. Growing Spaces, LLC. 25 May 2009 http://www.growingspaces.com.਍ഀ Your perfect sanctuary will feed your spirit਍ഀ as you joyfully harvest bountiful baskets of healthy, nutritious produce.਍ഀ 1਍ഀ Vail Nature Center Greenhouse Proposal਍ഀ Aerial view of proposed greenhouse location਍ഀ vPllnur stake will he the renter਍ഀ