HomeMy WebLinkAboutFord Park Master Plan Appendix 20132013 Gerald R. Ford Park
Master Plan Appendix
An Element of the Vail Comprehensive Plan
November, 2013
Resolution No. 14, Series 2013
1. Ordinance No. 6, Series of 1973, authorizing the purchase (by
condemnation) of the property known as the Antholz Ranch.
2. The Vail Plan, 1974
3. Resolution No. 1, Series of 1977, naming the property commonly known
as the Antholz Ranch to Gerald R. Ford Park.
4. The Gerald R. Ford Park and Donovan Park Master Plan Development
Final Report, 1985
5. Resolution No. 27, Series of 1987, designating the seven acres around
the Nature Center as an area to be preserved as an example of the Gore
Valley's natural history
6. Resolution No. 44, Series of 1988, amending the 1985 Master Plan to add
four tennis courts and to change the location of the aquatics center.
7. Ford Park Management Plan, 1997
8. Ford Park Management Plan Update, 2012
9. BFAG Building — Site Evaluation Matrix, 2013
10. Betty Ford Alpine Gardens — WBFW Site Evaluation, Martin/Martin,
August 15, 2013
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—3—
VAILI
MAYOR
VAIL TOWN
N
COUNCIL
COLORADO
TOWN MANAGER
JOHN A.DOBSON
RICHARD BAILEY
JOHN DONOVAN
,JOSEPH LAN MAID
TERRELL J. MIN ER
JOSEF STAUFER
DR. TOIL STEINBERG
DERRY WHITE
PREPARED BY ROYSTON, HANAMOT } BECK & ABEY LANDSCAPE ARCHITECTS
LIVINGSTON & BLAYNEY
AUGUST 1973
PLANNERS
THE VAIL PLAN
TABLE OF CONTENTS
LNTRODUCTION 1
THE TOWN ZONIItiCt ORDINANCE 2
T�lE TOWN TRANSPORTATION SYSTENT 2
TRANSPORTATION TERAUNAL 2
uA,jon YEHICELA 11 SYSTF)?t 3
TRAT FTC ]VIANAGEM EIS T 4
THE TOWN RECREATION SYSTEM 5
THE TOWN LANDSCAPE 6
DRAWINGS
TRANSPORTATION CENTI;R PLAN F
'ITH-AN- R'1'r' TION CENTER AND PLAZA SKETCH 8
ANTHOLZ PARK SKETCH
0
BICYCLE TRAIT. S ETCH
10
TOWN ENTRY PLAN
11
TO�VN' ENTRY SKETCH
12
RF CREEK PLAZA PLAN
13
COME CREEK PLAZA SKETCH
14
134IT]GF STREET SKETCH
15
UPPER BRiDOE STREET SKE'TC'H
16
ENLARG ED PERE STRiAN AREA PLAX ANN SK ETCH
17
THE V AIL PLAN (FOLDOUT}
18
INTRODUCTION
The Town of -Vail has emerged within an extremely short span of time from a
natural, agricultural, Rocky Mountain Valley to become a very lively, ex-
panding, somewhat accidental urban center surrounded by the grandness of
nature. The uniqueness and delight of the ski slopes has attracted thousands
of people and this very attraction threatens the beauty and values of the ori-
ginal pleasures of Vail.
Vail Village, the oldest part of the Town, began with an Alpine scale and
style that for many years was subordinate to the Valley. The street widths
are nicely proportioned to building sizes. Windows, roofs and doorways are
mostly residential in scale and the combination of wood and stucco constru-
ction is not unlike the patterns of Austrian and Swiss towns. Gore Creek,
passing through the Village, is a strong natural landscape element which
further reduces the apparent scale of the Village and the mature trees in many
instances equal or exceed the heights of the earliest buildings. This gentle
beginning must have been somewhat seductive for quicker than many have
realized, the scale of the Town has changed, the building materials appear
harder, the Alpine roof lines are no longer apparent, the windows have given
way to city -scale recessed balconies and terraces, and most apparent of all,
the buildings are higher than the trees.
The newest portion of the Town, Lionshead, differs dramatically in terms of
site characteristics from the Village site. Gore Creek passes along the
south side of Lionshead, nearest the toe of the mountain and farthest visually
from the road network through this narrow valley. The mature trees and
dominant landscape of the Creek appears as a backdrop to development rather
than as a participant. The tall buildings effectively block out much of the
stream and this visual loss of natural landscape plus the verticality of archi-
tecture has created an urban center dominating its portion of the Valley.
Height equals more bedrooms, more bedrooms equal more automobiles, and
more automobiles require the spaces, road widths and attendant service
facilities common to their functions. With a new Interstate Freeway now
passing through the Valley, the automobile, by sight, sound and odor, further
emphasizes the narrowness and urbannes:s of the Town. At either end of the
Valley, sporadic building and poorly controlled land development further adds
to the visual confusion as one approaches the Town.
The Town is now multi -centered with the Village and Lionshead equally popu-
lous and both at the base of major ski lifts. The mile separating them is
predictably heavily traveled and growing more congested. The total visual
and physical impact is confused and urban; totally opposed to the natural
characteristics of the Valley and to the apparent objectives of the early
developers of Vail.
The Town is at a point of crisis in its existence. It is congested, in many
parts it has lost contact with nature, it fails to satisfy year-round recrea-
tional needs, it represents an investment in development which demands more.
than the winter time ski activities can economically support, yet the very
sprawl of development has removed the natural open spaces which would have
been available as year-round recreation areas.. The Town is trapped by its
success. Its choices are several, continue at its current rate of growth and
totally destroy the Valley, grow more slowly and accept the mediocrity of
the current problems, or to grow with wisdom and attempt to achieve a
greater ideal of service to the residents.
The third option is the most difficultbut is the choice of the Town Council and
Town Administration. The problems are apparent and the decision has been
made to follow an aggressive course of action in preparation of an overall
Town Plan to create full -year vitality and attractiveness. This planning pro-
cess is to result in The Vail Plan. There is a tremendous sense of pride in
many of the Vail residents, and awareness that what was once unique can only
partially be recaptured but that there is the possibility of creating a recrea-
tionally -based community of individuality, beauty and pleasure that can be
unique in the United States. A full -year community identity can be achieved.
The process being followed to achieve this objective is fourfold. First, to
completely rewrite the Zoning Ordinance, secondly, to modify all systems of
vehicular and pedestrian transportation, thirdly, to acquire and develop space
for community -wide recreation system preserving and including Gore Creek,
and fourth, to create an overall landscape system which will reforest the
Town, unify the many different architectural styles, and ameliorate the sight
and sound of the Interstate. The following sections describe the major ele-
ments of the Vail Plan.
1
THE TOWN ZONING ORDINANCE
The Zoning Ordinance is a complete and detailed document. Because of size
it is not included in this report but is available at the Town offices. The new
Zoning Ordinance is without precedent in Colorado. It establishes twelve
types of zoning districts and reduces density from the current zoning by up to
35 percent. Open space and landscape requirements are tailored to the spe -
cial conditions encountered in building in this very fragile environmental area.
Particular attention is paid to protection and preservation of existing trees.
A design review procedure is now a part of the Ordinance which controls the
visual qualities of grading, protection of natural water courses, preservation
of views, architectural harmony with the building sites and neighboring stru-
ctures, and the extent and qualities of landscaping related to any project.
The Review Board consists of three members of the Planning Commission and
two members at large appointed by the Council. Provision is also made to
retain the services of outside design consultants if the complexity of a project
makes this desirable.
The Ordinance also contains a section describing fifteen conditions which may
require an applicant to submit an Environmental Impact Report. These con-
ditions include such impacts as the alteration of an ecological unit or land
form; affect upon wildlife habitat, removal of vegetative cover, change in
appearance of a significant scenic area or resource; potential cause of ava-
lanche or flood; discharge of odors, toxic materials, or particulate matter,
strain upon utility systems; displacement of significant numbers of people or
significant population increase, pre -empting potential recreation or open
space values; creation of offensive sound, and alteration of traffic patterns or
the requiring of transit. Any single significant change in environment requires
the preparation of a report prior to issuance of any permits.
THE TOWN TRANSPORTATION SYSTEM
The second aspect of the Vail Plan has been the analysis of a variety of systems
of moving people and goods to and within the Town. The obvious problem as
one attempts to walk within the Town is, with the exception of a portion of
Bridge Street in the Village and the plaza area of Lionshead, that it is literally
impossible to walk without conflict with moving autos, parked autos, or un-
loading trucks. The two areas relatively free of the car are delightful and do
simulate the feeling one has in Wengen, Switzerland, or other vehicle free
communities. The control of autos on a portion of Gore Valley Road in the
Village is partially successful but more compromised than respected.
To successfully modify and give order to the transporation systems, it is
necessary to select major central parking areas and to clearly direct vehicles
to these destinations. The key element of the Transportation Plan is the
creation of a central transportation terminal, serving the Village primarily,
for the most serious congestion problems occur in the Village. The terminal
is to contain facilities, however, that are of value to the total operation of the
Town. Four systems of vehicular transportation will use the terminal as the
single -most important vehicle destination in the Town. The Transporation
Terminal and related movement systems are described in this section.
A. TRANSPORTATION TERMINAL
After analyzing available space in the Town suitable for a major parking
facility, it was judged that the site of the present Town parking lot adja-
cent to the frontage road was the logical location. Proximity to shopping
and eating destinations, easy access, quick visibility to motorists, and
the shape of the terrain, are all positive characteristics of the site.
More remote sites were considered and rejected.
The Transportation Terminal will serve a variety of functions. Its con-
struction will be phased, beginning with space for 1, 000 cars and then
with an eventual capacity of 1, 500. The four levels will have capacity
and appropriate metering or rate scales for long-term parking, for lodge
visitors, for the quick shopping visit, for limited use by day skiers, or
for the tourist stopping for information. The design would also provide
drop-off and pick-up space for skiers, similar to the drop-off space now
used near the Covered Bridge.
2
Interstate or regional buses would stop on the upper level of the Terminal.
Waiting space will be available both at the top and bottom levels of the
Terminal for users of large buses or for those using the smaller local
buses stopping in the handsome plaza at the lower level. Bus control will
be such that the delivery and pick up of packaged goods from the buses can
be controlled by one person on.the upper level.
It is intended that the Terminal will provide space for various ticketing
agencies and would eventually house rental vehicles. In the future, ter-
minal expansion provides the capability of creating space for a central
truck depot handling the majority of materials used or sold in the Village
commercial area.
Another extremely important function of the Terminal will be as the major
tourist information center and directory for the Town. A kiosk is planned
for the upper level adjacent to the frontage road with both curb -side and
short-term parking adjacent. The kiosk will be at the top of the landscaped
plaza with a great view over the Village, a tremendous statement of en-
trance to the newcomer.
The construction of the garage is unusual in that it can take advantage of
a significant change in grade from the frontage road to the lower elevation
of the Village. The structure will be totally enclosed with earth and the
broad sloping bank facing the Village will be totally planted with Aspen
and Spruce, the surface of the ground shaped freely in response to the
natural terrain surrounding. The upper parking surface would be divided
by a large landscaped plaza stepping downward to the Vail Covered Bridge,
focused upon the Clock Tower, serving as one of the access points into
the various parking levels. Adjacent to the plaza will be the bus ticketing
and waiting room facilities.
The character of the plaza on and adjacent to the Terminal becomes very
important for it is the introduction to the pedestrian characteristics of
the Town. The plan included with this report indicates the casual chara-
cter of the space with its broad steps, large boulders, and great quanti-
ties of trees and flowers. The pattern of pavements and street furniture
used will be repeated throughout the pedestrian areas of the Town.
The plaza is a place to pause, to adjust from the long ride in a vehicle in
reaching Vail, to look at the mountains an.6i the Town, and to become acqu-
ainted with the various transportation options available. Few towns are
able to achieve such a pleasant entrance.
B. MAJOR VEHICULAR SYSTEMS
Vail is currently serviced by the private or rental automobile, interstate
bus systems, tour buses, and service trucks of various sizes. The duality
of the Town centers, Lionshead and the Village, now results in all of the
vehicle types going to both central areas. Trucks and autos also circulate
thoughout the various adjacent residential areas. The current movement
patterns are not well defined.
The Transportation Terminal will become the destination eventually of
almost all buses arriving in Vail and will be the destination of perhaps
50 percent of the automobiles arriving in the Village (the remaining 50
percent going directly to lodges, condominiums or residences accessible
from streets at the north and south edges of the Village).
Lionshead will also be a destination of automobiles, special tour buses,
and service trucks for some time to come.
The transportation segment of the Vail Plan proposes that four public
transportation systems service the Town.
(1) INTERSTATE BUSES
These buses now stop at Lionshead. They would be accommodated
on the top -most level of the Transportation Terminal.
(2) REGIONAL BUSES
With growth of Vail Valley, development at Beaver Creek, and future
unknown development in the County, it is necessary that a regional
bus system be developed. The Town of Vail cannot possibly accomm-
odate all of the private automobiles that regional growth will develop,
3
so an attractive and efficient regional bus system is essential. Bus
size, frequency of service, number and location of destinations in the
region, are all factors deserving study. The Vail Plan can only point
out the need for such service and propose that the Transportation
Terminal is the logical major destination in the Town of Vail of such
a system. Lionshead may also become a regional stop but at this
time, it is advised that the regional buses use the Interstate Route
coming to Vail rather than the frontage road.
(3) TOWN OF VAIL MINI BUS
The Town currently is using two types of free buses connecting be-
tween the Village and Lionshead. The success in both summer and
winter is obvious. The Vail Plan proposes an expanded system of
bus loops serving both sides of Lionshead, to additional ski and
recreational areas. in the Village, to the Sandstone Area, and perhaps
to the Sunburst Project now beginning near the golf course clubhouse.
There would be periodic stops along the routes so that all residents
of the Town could use this system far more easily than using private
These special buses would be low to the ground, easy to enter, with
racks for skis on the outside, warm in winter, open to the breeze in
the summer, and would move at five minute intervals depositing
people close to ski lifts or other destinations. The large lower level
plaza at the transportation center becomes a prime destination and
collecting point for skiers, lodge guests, or shoppers. .Attractive-
ness, frequency, low cost, become the keys to success.
(4) ELECTRIC VEHICLE
For several years service trucks will enter into pedestrian areas to
deliver materials to stores and restaurants. This is not a desirable
process for the pedestrian areas will suffer in quality by the presence
of large trucks. It is recommended that a fleet of small electric
vehicles be used as the eventual replacement for the turcks.
These vehicles, operated by the Town and by lodges, will be for
movement of people, baggage and materials to particular destinations
within the Village. Lodge guests arriving by automobile at the Trans-
portation Terminal would telephone a Lodge requesting pick up and be
picked up either directly at their automobile or at the waiting room at
the base of the Transportation Center. These same vehicles would
also distribute materials and merchandise delivered to the terminal
by trucks and buses. The truck center would be considered at time
of future expansion of the garage.
The combination of collected parking and the bus and electric car
systems, will free much of the center of the Village from vehicular
conflict. These streets, now narrow and with charm, can then re -
receive a high quality landscape, now not possible because available
space is consumed by vehicles.
C. TRAFFIC MANAGEMENT
It has been pointed out that the presence of the delivery vehicles, trucks
of all sizes, in the pedestrian areas is a significant problem. It is re-
commended that a strict time management schedule be implemented so
that the trucks are permitted in these select areas only at certain times
of the day. For instance, all deliveries should be made prior to 11:00
a. m. of any day. A management program deserves further careful ana-
lysis.
Control of traffic into the Village at Vail Rcad and Gore Creek Road,
from the frontage road, has also been discussed and a traffic management
system seems desirable. Human control in a booth, rather than a mech-
anical gate device, seems the most workable solution but also requires
further research.
0
THE TOWN RECREATION SYSTEM
The Town for many years has been primarily a winter sports center. Growth
has concentrated at the base of ski lifts. As the Town has grown, the year -
round resident population has increased and the need for recreation facilities,
not only for visiting tourists, but for the resident townspeople, has become
apparent. The quality of life of a community can sometimes be judged by the
quality of amenities provided, by the beauty and variety of recreational faci-
lities available, and at this time Vail must be found lacking.
In recent years, six public tennis courts, a delightful children's play area,
green space for a soccer field, and a golf course has been installed. To
attract summertime activity, and to satisfy year-round residents, it has
been decided by the Town Council that a nia,jor recreation facility for the total
town is essential. All properties of significant size within the Town limits
were researched and the recommendation made that the Antholz property,
adjacent to development at the east end of the Village, was the only site satis-
fying the recreation uses anticipated. Selection criteria included such factors
as ease of walking distance from the Village, adequate space within a single
parcel for large, meadow -like turf areas, proximity to me frontage roan for
simple and direct access by autos or buses, natural beauty such as the Gore
Creek provides, and directness of connection to the major bicycle and pedes-
trian trails. In addition, the site is ideal in creating a sense of open space
at the edge of the Village, it clearly defines the limit of higher density devel-
opment and eases the transition of Town into the forested environment possible
in the Valley.
The intended use program is a comprehensive one and eventually the park will
include an impressive number of facilities in addition to extensive open turf
space and the delight of the natural earth forms and mature tree growth ad-
jacent to Gore Creek. The uses include:
A place for showing and creating art, crafts, sculpture, etc.
A theater for music, dance, ballet, drama, festivals, stage pre-
sentations, meeting and conference use. In addition to indoor
space, an outdoor grass amphitheater seating approximately 800
people is planned.
Meeting rooms and community workshops.
Nide outdoor terraces and natural landscapes.
Indoor ice arena, tennis and handball courts.
Children's play facilities, space for family activities.
Headquarters for the Annual Vail Symposium and local television.
Possible location of an ecologium where wildlife, geology,
vegetation and other natural elements and recreation oppor-
tunities
ppor-
tunities can be explained.
This major community park -cultural center will contain parking for over 200
cars and will also be served directly by the Town bus system. Major parking
will be accommodated in the transportation center. The various trails and
bikeways become the significant connectors from this park to additional turf
spaces, children's play areas, family facilities and tennis courts at Lions -
head. Major spaces for family recreation are planned for development in
Lionshead and are shown on the Vail Plan. These facilities then operate al-
most as the generators of activity in a shopping center, attracting people to
each end and moving them through pleasant landscape corridors, shots and
restaurants to recreation destinations. The narrowness of the Valley be -
comes an attribute in this way for it channels the greenway movement along
the spine of Gore Creek.
A major water sports center is proposed at the northern edge of the Lions -
head area and will provide both indoor and outdoor swimming, a diving pool,
and children's wading pool. The site is adjacent to Gore Creek and to a
small building now being used as an art center. The art facilities can be ex-
panded to add further family use facilities to the swim center. Tennis courts
are planned on adjacent land.
Much of the family development is occuring in the Sandstone area, and the
plan proposes development of a small neighborhood facility adjacent to the
frontage road. Space is available for tennis courts, open turf space, and
5
creative play facilities. This recreation space can be connected to the neigh-
boring residences by a trail system and construction of an overpass over the
Interstate makes possible a safe and direct linkage to the bicycle and pedes- ki
trian network adjacent to Gore Creek.
With space available for safe and comfortable walking, an extensive network
of walkways throughout the Town, adjacent to portions of Gore Creek, reach-
ing into the mountain and linking recreation areas to each end of the Town is
planned. Approximately 7-1/2 miles of bicycle trails are also planned and
currently under construction so that each person can choose his individual
mode of travel throughout the Town. The trails eventually will extend
throughout the Valley. All trail locations have been carefully considered.
In several areas near Gore Creek trails are possible, however, in other I
areas either the terrain, soil conditions or fragile natural landscape con-
ditions rule out trail construction.
The walkways and bicycle systems become an important part of the overall
greenbelt, open space, recreational system throughout the Town. Removal
of the automobile congestion permits greenway linkages not possible pre-
viously.
THE TOWN LANDSCAPE
The Vail Plan proposes that the beauty of the Colorado landscape be evident
wherever one walks, drives, bikes, or skis within or adjacent to the Town.
The storage of the stray automobile, the logical control and direction of the
service vehicle, and movement of people with a variety of transit systems
makes possible the relandscape of spaces previously dominated by vehicles.
The paved surfaces can be textured and scaled to the pedestrian rather than
to the car or truck. Trees and benches can occur where they previously
would have been destroyed.
Major changes are possible in the Village. Lionshead has begun a pedestrian
plaza precinct which hopefully will be extended with the quality now evident.
The Vail Plan shows many important textured plazas defining the extremities
of the pedestrian area in the Village. These plazas would be paved with brick
and contain benches, lights, informational kiosks and other important ele-
ments of landscape.
In several instances the mini bus will pass through the plazas, in fact, the
plazas will be marked as transit destinations with appropriate shelters and
vehicle control arms,
Over a period of time the asphalt paved roadways are to be replaced with
textured concrete surfaces shaped to angular forms repetitious of the boulder
forms throughout the Valley. Boulders will be used as decorative accents
to effect a transition from the man -formed to the natural landscape.
Two major plazas are proposed as important focal points in the community.
One at the Transportation Terminal, previously described, the other termed
the Gore Creek Plaza. Each is specially designed with a fountain and sculp-
ture. Each incorporates large boulders and other rocky materials surrounded
by brick or concrete pavements.
The streets in the Village will become auto free corridors, narrow and with
charm, with benches of split log and low rock walls, lighted with special gas
fixtures, and so designed to invite the expansion of tables and chairs into the
spaces available. Trees and flowers will complete the landscape.
0
Over a period of time the Town has secured title to significant areas of land
adjacent to Gore Creek and elsewhere in the community. These are mostly
inter -connected and the trail systems further unify the public area. Some
of this land is covered with natural growth, other portions not so. The final
portion of the planning process is a carefully conceived tree planting plan for
the length of the Town with restoration of a forest environment wherever
possible.
The Plan includes both the visual and acoustic treatment of the Interstate
Corridor and entrance to the Town. The main entry will be heavily planted
and accented with stone walls and coarse stone pavements as shown by the
plans and sketches prepared. Approximately 5, 000 trees are to be moved
primarily Aspen and Spruce of up to 40 feet tall, into the Interstate Corridor
and elsewhere in the Town.
Earth berms, and large boulders will be used to further absorb the sound and
visual impact of the highway. The intended visual effect is one of the adjacent
forests creeping from the hillsides, over the roadway, into the Town itself.
Wherever open public spaces remain, trees will be planted. As cars are
removed from the sides of roadways, trees will be planted.
As the pedestrian area within the Village is developed, trees will be planted.
Wherever and whenever possible, private developers and homeowners will be
encouraged to protect, replace or add greater numbers of trees.
Only by this effort for massive planting can the impact of man within the
Valley of Vail be softened. Only by this effort, coupled with the objectives
stated by the Town Council, can Vail recapture some of its original values
and create new values of community delight which will survive for an unknown
span of time to come. The time in Vail for man to work in harmony with
nature is now.
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RESOLUTION IV)- 1
A RZSOLUT;f)M OF THE TGKN ['-DLRJC ZL OF WM
TOW; op VAIG. FAMI •JC, T13E ANTICOLZ PRDPFRTy
THE GERATrD R. PORD PARK AND STATING
C'ERTATIJ 7'LATrFJ4$ IN RF.LATIoN 'f`J ERETG
WHERULS. Gerald R, Ford has benught to the ToMm of
'faik his int•eYr!;t artd 1hi8 -eriC-U13ra17ennnt;;
Ml -P 51 (,grald R- Ford ha6 shown thl-oUgh hiS private
Llie ary<I his ruhl_c kj[L a c'CmnitmCrit tr} reOY�ati[#n, ih�
et<v iron,"-.kt n %d Place-" sr: t• 'u 5 ide t hercf o r
WHEREAS, the I'rywn of v}il is inrdebEed r -O Gerald R.
FOYd the man 1=1j3 c:errsY lc] R- i'oi d the pr r. 5 kd q?h'L ra E thr un i tcd
Sthtes tof hie Otkntritrution Co this Cummunsj,y; and
WHEREAS, Lhi. Tu-wri t"r�unu•i'. 0?liev-6 that .3 stet{'meynt
'jf "e crmIrP.L:: Ws JPPr47C13tion .rnd reglj `rt EOr Gerald R. FoYti
i . appropr]iatu and us L lec9 :or r
NOW. T!?E: E EFORE . =sE IT hE: GLVE-f) BY THE 'L'{X" COUN-CI L
OF THE 'T'-'ONN CP VAIL, COLDRADO. LfrhT-
Ther --hPV1 etia4Ur)n rsC L'w (=nuritil and Lhe resid$at8
uE theTa:m o: -ja Ll in heY'-ahv Axprr.sserl to J'reui<lent C:fira tc!
R. Fr!Tfl ;ne 1,12; is#.?Ye t i,ry -1r.d f!4ntrihaLtion tr.) t.ne To6riS of
Vailr ,Inti ns J;L rxoie;4]{YIY t'.:r.rrof, =hnL property Qmmornly
LUfCTLed t.eti as the Anthol3 Park iu hnreby named khe Gerald R.
Ftrrd Pack. '
INTRMUC€a, READ, A1'FR0VF.Dr ALNID AIN3PTED, thin xAth
d V of Oanuary. 1973.
ATTEST
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Iiai tion
The Rocky Mountai n 1 andstapR of the Gare A 11 ey nbraces a pl ea -
sant -nosai c of vegetation, water Features and land fQrn5, The
discerning observer will rEtognize this landscape as the proud
of bo;,h nature and roan, reflecting a conpl ex h i story dating from
th-0 last gl ac i at i Ori and spanning e-ar ly a co larat ion, the westward
expansion, the pioneer mining era and. f ina 4 7y. LINE birth acrd
Igrowth of the renreaticnal skiing industry,
rh1s area i-5 the siM ing for the Gerald R. Ford and John F.
Mum Parks, part of over S60 acres of ;and acquired by the form
of Vail and Set aside for uSe as open space and park areas within
the develooed valley, This ON acquisition program has two pri-
mary godl s. The first is Q preserve devolopab 1 e land a, open
space to M ,used either actively for recreational 15urpvses or
passively is open space retaining the alpine or r'parian character
' ,if the 4 and, The second pal is to =49e the b-novrki of growth
oiat can odour in the Sore Valley. The Master Plans of the two
parks meet these goals while providing for the recreational needs
of the Town to last for into the next VOnturyr.
Resident, and visitors will notice that these facilities differ
i ntr i ns i Gal by foam the i atense act i Y i tyr centered character of
War large municipally owned parks, Here, sono has been taken to
conserve and enhance thea natural ar-Pas, and t-0 fit the aut i ve
retreat i 0 n a I a 1 ements toyather arLO aw- ly f rom the 5 i tip' s mead-aw-5
a and creek areas.
-his report descrihes the environment (if the sates and their
hi�tor,y, the Master Plans for their dewel�pr�ernt, and 9U3delines
' for imp!Qmentat ion . It outlines the trar sform ion of two opera
Space parcels into town parks which will be protected forever Frorr
development and will ;Erse to maintain thle �i,al ity taf i iE-e for
residents did visitors to the Vail area,
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Regional Context
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Local Context
-- - - J
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I iGerald
L � J
r L' ail 'M �Ildq$
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— John F. Donovan Dark
lee vr6oti
InIorLI3Le-7
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Contents
|NIIZfflUCTlON
PART !—BAC■GR(NJND
Location and Hf�.[Ory £
Site Analysiis and Data Collecti§n 13
PART 2 — HASfER PLAN
program Development lD
5cnema|icc, is.
Design Concepts 201
Mester Plans. 24
M «� Feature§ 25-
Eosks and Phasing 31
PARI 3 — RECOWENDATIONS
Land-scape Character $
Oe O yn Crite'ri-a 34
5] e aui&.lin
l)r:(i m4n49Umnnt and Parks Kainuwanco 41
�UHKARY 42 -
APPENDIX
Credits 43
Data Elements and Tabulations 44-
August
&
A_gust 6,u3m
R
7
Part'l
to
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Loc. tion and History
Tall pint trees and quaking aspen nowere6 the mounts inti s I open Awn to the
valley Floor where the Gore Creek meandered uninterr-uptad through Che Pry
Valley. bi ghoen sheep could be seen gra fi i rig on bhp j ush grassos of the
val 1 oy+ Meadaws. His once alpine and pasturage setting vegan ch4ng i rg in
1962 to Way's year- round resort C hOun i ty with a perrrwyn t resioent popy-
1 at ion of over 5,000 and part-time popul at i -on of approximately �5.000
annually.
[n an attempt to preserve Me quality of life in wail' the Town residents
ire 1971 approved the tcqui s i t ion of its f ir5t n4jor open space parol known
as the AMU Ranch for $3,300,050. On January 10. 1971, the Vail Town
Council unanimously passed a rml u t i oo designating th, Anthol z prapprtyr as
Gerald R, Ford Pork.
Nhereas, President Gerald R. ford has brought to the Town of
{fail hit interest and eccouragement: has shm, through his
private 1 i fn and public life a commitment too recreation, the
en v i r -on rrent and places set aside therefor, and believes that a
staterenit of the t unity's appreciation and respect for Gerald
R. Ford is appropriate arra called for; that the property cumnonly
referred to as the ,4nt'hol a Ranch is hereby named the Gerald R.
Ford Part.''
s unique and highly valuable 39 aoF� park site repr
es-er,ks the last
remaKing parcel of land central to use by all residents am uisitors of
Ira Va i i community, and as a result AS development has drawn much puhl Q
eebaty and controversy over the past few roars. The Site includes remnants
of the ea:~ ly+ r enc: n history of the Valley in We Form Q` sew -era[ old and
beautiful wooder. 5 tructures _
r
in FaorUary -of l9?", a 51 acre parcel of land in the Matterhorn area of
West Vail was acquired for S3.875,310D dno designated by Council ReSolu'.ion
as ,Jahn F' , Donovan. pane,
W h-ore as, John F. Dorlow an has -,erwed on the roNri COURicil for
fourtees years* has long been a supporter of a strong recreation
program for residents and w i s i tm; the Town Council hereby
connards John F. Donavan for his le-adprship -arid dedication to
insuring the future -o# the Town of Mail. and designates the
recently acquired public park in the 'Matterhorn area John F.
Donovan Park."
The landscapp5 of both part sites includa native plant communities typical
of the Valley, W h as sagebrush, yucca, maur: t a i n -cUr;rioo juniper, creeping
mahon i a and s t o Nds of Quaking Asper,- The yore Creek wh`f-n winds through
the entire ler.,th of both parks from east to west is lined with Colorado
spruce and oubalpine fir,
At Furd Rark , Njo if ing land uses to the east. and Sou tK emphaS i 2a aad Gun -
tribute to the area's pleasantly wooded cnaracter and provides permanent
,suffering r=rom nearby high donsit:y residential development_ A condominiurn
complex to toe west, owerloS s the park and has no natural oUffering Wak-
soeaer. The frontage read access and east: bound tales of interstdty 70 ;ie
i mmeci ate 4 y to the north of the property and are c a.ii e for much of tn-e
noir-e pop-up ation -affecting. Lha tip-p-er portinn of the- site, Fortunavely.
no i sp generat i ng activities such as softoal l and parking arelS are located
in this area and arc not affected by road slide noise.
Dor_ovairk Park is actually two separdts parcels of open space separated by
PeSiOen i a 1 land US15 to thl southeast. A the Gore Crook. TO two parcels ANN
are ccamon ly referred to as too upper bench and Wer Kench _ The lower
bench is comprised of approximately 12 acres. Sure Creek located to the
south is Inst pradominoAt. as a lands~alus feature with its natural barrier
of �p-uc-e and fir, The adjoining land ,uses to t.hP hast and west are I
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res i dent i a! i a character w i th very 1 1 Q A natur4l buf ter i ng. Ari t terfhor11
L i rc 1 p M a. rPn id n t i.a 5 orpa lie tri the south of the cite and is separaNd
and huh f crud Ny Core Creek, Once again, tq toe north and adjacent to the
park site is the Front agH load and e& tbwund lanes of f 0erstate W,
Th -e upper bortich part ion of the site i s located further South of W Gore
Creek natural corridor and highor up the mountain, This parcel in cefn-
pr i Sed of apprux imatel y 39 acren. mych of wh i cO i S heave i ll woodod wit" a
steep slope of 251 to 30%, The rel4ining portion of the site is mountairl
rieadow with a small, unimproved residential access road cutting across V
east to west_ The upper bench parcel is surrpuoded on three Sidps by scat-
tered =nixed single family residential, and is totally open to the rti7ovntain
forest imwed i tel yr to the south
We Analyssis and Data CoUeWon
The Envi romnent
Calpatab i 1 i r y of the ,Dark sieve iopwants within the Unv ironnient is the most
significant aspect rd the Master Rldnv, The exi-sting 13rdscape i5 an
tintegra! ;part -of each plan and not mc -rely a backdrop against which thLo
pians are staged. Thio in especially nPCOSsary with parkIanos, for Were
we expect the ! anKcapo to oe s; ao I y, p 1 pasan t ani above A 1 l , functional.
Knord i ng l y, the planning anti des i g 7 proue5 s was founder_ on a sound under-
ntanding ur too foatures and dynamics of the park sm anvirannent.
,Just ms a tr0es,r'1 is woven from xany threads 0 different colors, Qxtuve&
ano s tr'eng t 74, so the I and sc aaµ is composed ue a variety u f rrrIponents such
as slopes, i 5 p!anw com'unin ips and aquatic features. Each rm..jst Le
iden4+t+ed and desc-ibex, but more. tr,ar 4nat, the roie of P.ach oust b,
inder,tood AS a dynamic entity so that 1 i mi va Y ti nns arc opportunities can be
properly addresser.. This inoelves the tears:atiun of forms, such aS slopes
.I:ld 5-0 i 1 type'., 3 ni.ij processes, such a5 moff a& soil 1 eecn i ng, and the-
definition
he-
definition or critical among Karr.
3
Ford Park
The basic s acture of Ford park i s ccmpri sed of two broad terraces} hr
henche5 K locally referred to, wh icii ltgp oown the north 061 61 O F the Gore
Grenc and is typiczi of nlo,irltain, vat ley and 5treafn physiagrephy. The
Lipper b0i`L05 Aro, ad j jci;nt to Lhe roadways was not formed naturally, but was
creited by man-made 1 ind f i I 1 processes as part of the or i y i ria 1 construction
of wai! Pass, eallfield and WAS rour-t rac11ities were even tuall.y
[ocVed here due to the sui tdbi 1 i by of the ferroin ind c loss pr-oximi ty 0
the Town. Although nis landfilling protiess could haws been implemented in
a more 4es that i s and functional manner, the ;upper bench Waires the primary
I anoform of t drd i ny 1 ung v i ews and sweepi-nq v i star of the �,oro? Va 11 ey and
reek _
Sjrf act runoff i s moderate aver most of the 5 i to where the f } at benches
,:_cur. but heavier on the steeper sloped areas between bencies and along
Lne Stream._ As a i"essu t, some erosion of the Sens i t i ve native c]r-asses
uQui-S which cootri bates to the loss of valuable sail and a ncrcased risk of
muds h :dvs5 a roal danger in tine Va 1 : ey during spring runoff.
[ n add 3 W on to the Sur face runof f , groundwater i s ahunoant throughou t th.�
site. The depth to yroYi,6water is variable, ranging from near- the Surfaco
i n the I ower 1 ewe I s duri ny 5pr my runsf f where i t pray i des w4ter For r oarby
wet 1an&s and pL:ndsas much as 11 fejt t}�low the s-.;rface 3� h iyher-
The soi! 5 on the site are a1ayRy send fur the most part, underlain by c oh ee
sive C14Y lenses, ccIIUYiwr. dePO5IL& of river rack and u-nder -lying bed-
rock. -nes(, so i Is are ideal tr)r C4111ttrLIC t i (M and road hu i 1 d i nq b,jt,
her,•iusi? nt an iht,ro.i nce ii 5tlrt,iC+; rock, rL'Gui're some surf -ac$ f 7!1 to
bupport 1awn5 �rjd undeground irrigation systems, Certain areas of tine
site wnere previous conStructrion has Luken palace We peen badlyr d is+urbed
and will require a program of 5oi: management in order to restore a sait-
able level of voi; fertility_
4
i= ver,reen forest i 5 the predominant plant coauun i ty wh i Ch OCCUry a 1 ting Care
'rHek natvra 1 torr. i dGr . The greni :meadow of the, :ower h- nc n t h i Ck w i to
coarse gr oSses Opo wild f lnwer5 g i vP way to the cau iet Stands of t it and
spruce along the creek buttollt the v i s i Czar wi i ' find iruch Lo the
eye. The vegetation patterns appear to be as much a rySpanSe to vbyn io-
grdphy as anything else. Within the froTework provided by [)e henchtLs,
stropes and creek brittom, seueral mijor plant assn-riations ore apparent.
Some, such as fir and spruce finest are prominent and valued and eontribut-P
yreat ly to the formation A MAYA understory pl aM such as Oregrape
hilly, rauntlin maple and kinnikinnick.
Ex1srinq onysica1 coni!i[ions in O Park consist A active recreation
area, sca.ted on the upper bene o, and pass i n recreation rema i n i req on th43
lower port i cn, Moe contras t inq uses were croated in part by the orienta-
tion of the site and landscape, the influence of aaj acent land uses. and
1 the `nfloeneq of Tan -wade improvevents upon the site iiri the fcrrn of. 5oft-
&al 1 fie TVs, tennis caurts, parking, d F I at area for use as a winter sniw
dump 5 ti r P, and bev-pra l waocen structures inu 1 ud i ng a rHcent l y rel acated
Distori v S shoo l hou>.
-ht? Upper b4-nc[i deyel opmoitit was i:nj3l-P.n,P.nted ori tnotih the Gen-ef i t of hr p-
p1,wninor dESiq-i efforts and, 85 a result, apaears forced, haphazardly
celaced, and s a Barrier to public access to the lower bench natural areas
-orad the Vo i 1 Ijature Cornvre. This pro:4err. `+ s been m i t i fjated by etre
* in,ta l I at i on of two pedes br i an bridge gross i nqs an, unifying pa .n systeir
An i sh has greatly increased the use of this unique and beau t , f u l moinla i n
Icrepk env L ronment
in defense of the pan site's current conditions, it niust be undoestood
that Vail is largely a recreation supported community in which Swands for
needed facilities can easily Put -distance the t itne neeO! ,d for 5 Lucy and
planning,
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IPlant asloc i a 4 ions and comntiu i t i es are a l su similar to the F= Park SAO,
jn-derstoryr s*iruahery with uar i o is overstory ;3 1 arLt types sued Z* quAing
aspen and lodgppa I e pine. wn in al tcrnato domi n6nce depending on too iota i
micronlimatic conditionS.
There islop no existing deue 1 Cpwt ars either pwt ions of Donavan Park, which
makes recr-eationd1 d?ae'oppenC easier to phx5e and impl?ment witho& inter-
fering with Pxisting can -900 uses. While the upper portion of the site
offers MP. nest viewsheds of We valley, it offers the least potential fur -
1
r?asonaWe nevelcpnen= due to its severe site constrainCs, the lower por-
tion
or-tion of the parr site, wile less dynamic in its ,riewshids, hes the best
opportunities for oeve 1 opnwnt affording easy Kress and protection to its
oeveloped recreU iota I foci l ities. Like Ford Pori. it bso provides Vail
res mien is and visitors •fiith a beau t i fig S backrrop o f the [sora Creek, a
natural mnity to ne enjoyed by a1 I _
iPwit ComiallLulities
Evergreen green Association
Typically, occurring in higher elevations. moi l; crit well drained soi!s,
IN north facing s ! Does, along streams and in ever- aged stands throughout the
galley,
�I
however,
the pattyrns Of
vege Cat i ori c l the
lower, portion of Danovin pdrk
are more
interesting and
ComPl ox, suggesting
that many f actors Me p I ayea
a roto,
in shAping them.
Re -cent history of
th45 area reseals that W -man
trot i ons,
related to adjoacent development have
omouni-
destroyed some o l ant communi-
ties
ties and
i ntraduC90 others, This is sv idyn t
wnen onp v i 5ual l y inspects the
site from west to cast.
The hl caner mountd i rY N ev at ions on the upper por-
or-
tion of
tion
the Ute to include
transition areas,
wneri:� caper. meadows change to
jn-derstoryr s*iruahery with uar i o is overstory ;3 1 arLt types sued Z* quAing
aspen and lodgppa I e pine. wn in al tcrnato domi n6nce depending on too iota i
micronlimatic conditionS.
There islop no existing deue 1 Cpwt ars either pwt ions of Donavan Park, which
makes recr-eationd1 d?ae'oppenC easier to phx5e and impl?ment witho& inter-
fering with Pxisting can -900 uses. While the upper portion of the site
offers MP. nest viewsheds of We valley, it offers the least potential fur -
1
r?asonaWe nevelcpnen= due to its severe site constrainCs, the lower por-
tion
or-tion of the parr site, wile less dynamic in its ,riewshids, hes the best
opportunities for oeve 1 opnwnt affording easy Kress and protection to its
oeveloped recreU iota I foci l ities. Like Ford Pori. it bso provides Vail
res mien is and visitors •fiith a beau t i fig S backrrop o f the [sora Creek, a
natural mnity to ne enjoyed by a1 I _
iPwit ComiallLulities
Evergreen green Association
Typically, occurring in higher elevations. moi l; crit well drained soi!s,
IN north facing s ! Does, along streams and in ever- aged stands throughout the
galley,
�I
Donovan Park
Donavan Park is actually two separate and distinct open saw parcels which
are separated by a residential arca, The ,upper portion of tree park :on-
sists of wounta n Property in which the park is situated on a qorthyesterlyr
facing slope with sple"did ,news of Gore Creek and the Gore mountain rang
towards the east. -he site is partially bisected by Matterhorn Cir+C1e, an
unpaved Subd i w i s ion access road wh iCh greatly d i 5rVptS the limited deve lop -
able area existing on tree site.
He l owor portion of titre site i s a smaller 12 acre parcel of land borderad
OA the korth ay the Frontage Road and [nterstate 70 and on thi south ay the
Gore Creek, fwo terraces step down th-e site to-aard the Ore Crep.+, or
tiwntivl, the somll uppe=r 4FrraCk Words a grand Yiew of the entire site and
Neek hotum, Access to the ;ewer port inn i5 I imited to the northwestern
rornar of the sive where Matternhorn Circle and the Frontage Riad connect -
There is no development currently existing on either portion 0 Dowivap,
Par k .
AM, runoff conditions, groundwater- and existing soils are very W Kar
to those founC in Ford Farb. at are other areas of the Valle!. However, do
the upper oort i on of Donavan Park has two very Serious geYogic conn i : ions
which will greatly affect the !ong-tyrm QOvelopment of the Park. A "creep
slope" coocition exists witnin a portion of the rpen meadow. approximaKi-
wharP. thy very steep slopes begin at contour eslevatioi1 8,070, which is
it med i ate 1y soatheast of one Matterhprn C i rC 1 e yrAvAl road. Nis severely
interferes with the potential for development hore Decause of possiok dis-
turhanze of Lhe be=drock underlying the unstable soil mass. In addition Co
this prey lem, a ' Jenr i 5 flow' area ex i Sts tOwarG5 the souLbwestern quodranE
of the lite, Any disturbance of the site i o this area .may cause the debris
flow to :hongu direction and endangtr adjjcent residential pr000rtie}s.
13
Co io-aoo Rlue Spruce Qicea pungens glauca' )
■ Poge l mann Sopuc a (Picea enge imanni )
* Loolevotic Pine (Pinus. contort.ar
■ Suba!pcne fir jAbien lasiocairpa)
■ iWountain Common Juniper (Jun;perus communti5 oaxitoIis)
■ Sagebrvin Artemisia Lr inentatz
■ ireepiny hiahonia (Manonia repens)
} Shrubby Cingunfai1 (Patentilla fruitcasa)
KinnikinniQ (AratQsiaphylas uva ursi) 'Bear's grape'
000duous Association
Typically occurring with some evergreen cemninities and at lower elevatiGns
such as meadow Pdges and above wetland arew, often occurs within f 1 ood- log
plain areas whicn nave drier soils,
Quakirg Aspen (Ropulus tremi!oide,)
Mountain Ash (Frax i nu s I nceol at a) -
t Lambe' Oak (Pnerm g axbe i i i)
} Mounia-n MannyAny (Cereocarois Pontanus)
• Aesturn Ghtaker:herryr (Prvnun w i rgin i ana dens ssa)
* 5quaw5ush (Rhus trilobata)
t Alpine Currant, Gooseberry (Ribes a l pi nun)
Meadow areas t voughout tie Valley contain many species r,! native grassses
and wi lst l uYer5, peon id ing a richness of spring and sunner color,
Wat l and Association
Typically, occurring a 1 ong streams, ponds and Oars.h areas along the Ya l i q
floor. Thee plant comnunities play an important eco iogical We within
toe mare Valley ana project sites, acting as a buffer and sanctuary for
wildiily.
Native willow (Salix)
v mountain RapIR (Acer glabruw)
■ W i ' d Raspberry
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The Nay t Rr Plan concept reflects:
a blend of recreational activities aimed of satisfying the needs of
the cDmmunity residents, specifically a pork for all ages and
interests;
concern for the recreational experience of the park visitor;
• Gonearns and desires obtained through an intensive citizen participa-
tion program;
• respect for the n atur a I resources eS and beauty of the sites;
conservation of energy;
. fiscal responsibility.
Lnmeniateiy folkwing the Site a7alysk gh4SU for the two parks and prior
o hey i nn i req work on program development, it was determined treat a nore
intens2ve rev iaw and response mechanism was neederi in grdpr to efficiently
address the 'nwa of Yaik's concerns and 00jectiwes. To achieve this, a
Project Steer r nq Com-ni ttee was t orlih?d to orow ide the CL�n�td l t ant ?. enorc
"hands-on" review and advisory grUup. ;his group consisted Qi the follow-
inq
* Virecter, unpartment of CoMmunity Oeve op ent
* -oAn Planner
* Director, Department aF Recreation
* Di rec Gar, Jepartman t of NOW W Works and frannpartati orr
* Menber of the Tnwn Council
* Member of the P 1 am inn and Env i rQgijftnta 1 Cunni ss i on
a RepresenCatiwa, Vail Valley Foundation
t Representative, Vail Associates. Inc,
This Ci)mni ttee net with the Consultantt�3m ars a weekly �;r semi-weekiy
basis to review the progress of the planning work, and to advise on criti-
cal
riti-
cal issues and nexC steps.
10
Previous Planning and Related Studies
As cart of the proyram developmont. phasE, an irventpry and review of pre-
vious planning efforts and related studies was contiuct&d, and important
Y ormatiori identified and outlined. The following doownts and studies
were reviewed during this effort:
t
-Parks Feasibility Stud - Town of Vail Department of Eumrunity AQYel-
opment and Recreation Departmm. July 1984_ F
-Parks and Recreation Re rt - Town of Wail Re�crg4tior Department,
October 1983.
-TAYentogy of Recreation Facilities - Town of Vail ReCrWion Oppart-
mRnt, July Mh
-Ford Park Amphitheater and Transit Study- A, Ger st enbe rg Associates,
April 1979.
-Vail WE - Royston, Hanamuto, Beck, and Abey, 1973.
=wail Sumer Research PrograR, Vi5itQrs Survey - Frosa11„ Remen and
Cares, 1984.
-Economic Developient Commission Final Report Geconber•, 190.
-miscellanew Town Correspondence related to concerns regarding p4rks
development,
Note; Refer to TNK Associates, Inc. Task Report P and 3, Ford and Donovan
Park Master Plan for detailed information concerning these studies.
1P
lrtional Nis Azysis
.A large part of the work performed during the program cies-elopmerit was
directed toward identifying the recreational need -s sof the Community at
large To accompl isn this. the Planning Consultant met on S-evera l occa-
sions with the Community Development Stoff and the project Steering Commit-
tee to determine the hist methods to obtain adequate recreational ne-eds
information, From thuSe meetings, it was dec And that this information
would be obtained from the following sources
-meetings with specific special interest grapp5
-A Series of Fawn meeting
-Rhddti district
-Youth Services
-School survef
Malt Survey*
The Consultant pravided the survey format, which was then administered by
the Department of Community Development, The purpaSe of the two Surveys
was to serve as a cross-check for ire -put obtained through the puoiic meet-
ings,
COMMU Pity Involvement
Two public meetings were 'held during January 19BS fur the purpos.e of
obtaining public opinion on the recreational needs No ey h ArV The
meeting format include a presentatioa of the site analysis findings for
.each park, a work session period to identify pr i ort t ies for rer reciti aonal
facilities/activities and ronwn S, anal a general qupstiGn. and answer
period. The meetings were well attended and yielded oc,nprehensive lists of
needs and cone.erns for each Park. A third public meeting was then held to
present isin6ings on recreational programming garnered from the two preyiaus
public meetings and the survey Ota. These meetings, in addition to the
survey findings, were the basis for the formulation of the Project's design
wcept and criteria.
*5urycyt CoahiSted of an informal QUM or mail ba?k format and were not
based upon accepted practices A statistical methodo logy+.
12
A summary of the surYPy an& icetings input is as fo11own
Sohol Orgy - New by pr iar i ty; all ages:
1, Playground area
2. Free Play, kites, frisbge
3. Soccer
4, Picnic area
5. Socialize. relax, lay around
6. Nin
7. Football
B. Baseha l l
9. Outdoor ice stating pored, fish, daCks,
Adu1 t Surveyt
1 . what €aci l i t i n do you feel are needed for chi laren? P l ay+ground5, opera
fields and parks, recreation center, trails.
2. what recreational activities do ,you participate in row?
Alpine skiing
8 i cyc 1 i rig
Cross-country skiing
Picnicing
Carp i n g
Physical fitness programs
Rhak activities would you INN to see in Ford park? (ranked by
priority)
1. Swimming Pool
3. Picric arae
5. Runcinn{exercise course
7. Playground area
K Recreation area
iV Alpine garden
2. Bkytle trMI
4. Running/jogging trails
K Crass -country ski trail
B. Open turfed areas for informAl
play
11. Lighted facilities for night
P1aY
1:3
What activities kouln you Jike to see in DOgovan Rark? franked by
prioritY)
!. 'S■�rmnimj Fool
]_ 3icni-� are a%
§_ Running/jogging trails
/. OpRn turfea areas for
infnrma1 p|ay
10. Sledding ar-ea
2. Bicycle trail
a_ P1aygrDund area
, Runningeetercise courw
§. (russ-country ski Crail
9, Recre-Aion c -enter
Ford Park - Public Meeting Priorities
1. Alpine ydr-dere
3. AqudO c Center, iodoorl
outdoor pouf
6, Pasti,e. quiet dreesi
Op@rk Space
2, Amphith-cater
4, Piuli£ing
S. Softball fields
OanGydn Pdrk - Public meting PrigriO as
!. Agwati c- center
3. Ad'ITren's pIaygra uno
5. Ndtural ar-pas/op-en space
green area
2. Picnic are&s
4_ Bike palm/h■kinq trail, jcgging
& cross-country trails
6, KaIti-purpose athletic Field
Pmlinin Ary Site Dove opmentPrWam
JpOn -completion Of the rpi�reatti-Onal neecs analysis. a prelWiroaey site
prggram wad de,elcpad for each ipark lisinq [hq� inform -W ori obtained from uhe
public meetings and surveys, the prel „nirkary site dewelopment pro -grains
contained the followin-g recreational activities:
Ford Park
1. Swimming pool
2. Bicycle trail
3. Hiking/jogging trail
4. Gross -country Ski trail
a. Pioni, VMS with Shelters
6. ;hi1dren's playground with small basketball court
7. Open tuffed play areas
1. Softball fields
9. loccer field ( practice)
1 ExerCiSe eovrt,e
11. Nature confer
12. Alpine garden
13. Amphitheater
14. FiShing
15. Kayak ingf raft i nth
16� Sledding/tubing
17. Restroom facilities
1$. Rarking{drup-off
0060 a.0 Park
1. Bicycle trail
2, Picnic areas with shelters
3, Hiking/jogging VON
4. Crass -country Ski trail
S. Children'S playground with small basketball court
6. ExerC HO Course
7_ Open turfed areas for informal play
8. WWII field (informal)
g. w a l l eyb& l
10. Fishing
11. Kayaking rafting
12+ Sledding/tubing
13. Archery range
14. Ice rink (outdoor pond)
15. Restroom facilities
IQ Parking
PW
F
f
f
A Site Program A 5tab i1iLy Matrix was prepared for each park which was userl
to CUr-paro, program elements against a list of physical considerations
common tri ookh Sites, The object iYe of thu "uitabi I :cY r�.atrix was to
dL�,terrrin-e i ` ar--y of the program elements ware unsuitable for dewol apsent
due to exCEssiue constraints, and if Maim, the amount of dewe1upment
roquirid to mitigate the constrdint$_
ThY phys i cdl conSidarat i oris used i aC l uded: adjacent land uAQ; ut i l i; ieS.
s l upas ower and under 15%1 hydro logy; f 1 oodpl e ins; gcn logy} su i 1 s; veyeta-
tion; wildlife; views on/off-site; interrtallexterAai noise; vehicular)
pedes tr p aq access; and ava i 1 ab 1 e site acreage. Each program S ement was
assigned a suitability weight valus based upon its affect onfofBert from �
particular physical consideration.
Values were weighted as (1) high suitability; (2) moderate suitaiility; and
(3) low suitability. Those elements which were hig4lyr suitable for devel-
opment hAd a weighting range of between 1546 points; moderate from 22-A
oqd low from 38-48, While a few progrdm Qlements were close to tine unsuit-
able range, none 0 tholl ,sere actually considered low suitability (see
Matrix in Apponaix).
Following this analysis of the program elements, and. with some minor iodi-
f i c at i on to the Donovan Pork program", t 7e Final site wase lopment prugrain
was chosen for troth parks and approval ski van to proceed into the Schematic
Pps iqn phase of the stjdy.
*7he Obnow an Park program was modified during this process at tree request
of the Town Council to i nc 1 side an evaluation of ,potential Town of Veil
cemetery sites,
16
The final Site Development RrogrAms for Fora and Oonovaa Parks are:
Ford Park
Suitability
Program
Element
4fe�
Value
1.
1.
Cross-country ski trails
(1 )
High)
1,
Kayaking{rafting
(High)
Wign)
2.
Hikingi jogging trail
{17)
(High)
1,
Fishing
(18)
(High)
4,
Ileddingitubing
(19)
(High)
5.
Nature caatyr
(22)
(High)
6.
WrCiSe Coni -Se
(23)
(09h)
7.
Picnic area
(24)
High)
8.
,Aping 91rden
(251
(0,11)
9.
ripen turfea play drea5
(16)
(High)
10.
Children's playground
(29)
(Moderate)
10.
Softball fields
(A)
{Moderate)
1a.
Soccer field (practice)
(29)
(moderate)
11_
Restroom facilities
(32)
(Moderate)
12_
Amph.ithe&er
(33)
(Moderate)
13.
Swimminq Pool
(14)
(Moderate)
14,
Parkinq drop-off area
(36)
(Hoderate)
Donavan Park
Suitability
Program E l err+en t. height Value
1.
Cross-country ski trail
(15)
(High)
1.
Kayakingfr'afting
{16)
(High)
2_
hiking/jogging trail
(17)
(High)
3_
r ishinq
(1a)
(High)
4,
Sledaingftibiaq
(19)
(Nigh
4_
Bicycle traiI
(11)
(High)
5,
Exercise course
(?3)
(High)
V
Town cemetez,y
(24)
(High)
7.
Picnic areas
(25)
(High)
S.
[Ce rink (outdoor pond)
(26)
(High)
$,
Open Larted ptay areas
RO
(High)
9.
voll eyDall
(27)
(Moderate)
10,
Children's pl aygrouQ
(30)
(Moderate)
11.
Parking
(35)
(Moderate)
11.
Restroom facilities
(35)
(Vaderate}
17
i
f
4W
J.
SchemAiics
Using the recreation program developed For vaCh park, schematiC fixasibility
Di any were prepared to study tho potpot i a 1 rel at ionsh i as of prrkgrom ele-
ments.
Ie-
ments. rhis process began with an intensive "hands -van" workshop with mem-
bers of the steering Co mittee, This was an all -day wi-king session where
ideas for foci 1ity locations were sketched, revised and comb inod into three
ochemat i c o I an al ternat i ven for each pork, During the dewel opr.ient of the
schematics, savaral progran filaments were changed from original Men in
regard to NO facility. These changes Mc l used;
1. Alpine Garden - The Alpine Garden was originally located in the area
by tip' 'tai I Nature Contra in Ford Park, This was done to Isolate it
5amewhat From the more intensive, actively used aretas of the park.
he yardein area was a15D reduced in size and placed i n a rumoer of
separate loom:iunS throughout this portion of the Park. This Concept
was changed and the Al p i ni? Garden was subsequ-ent 1 y relocated to the
area adjacent to the west side of the peopbspo amphitheater, Kis was
dorLe for tie eul lowing reasons.- 1) �L wa1 felt from members ikf tho
,Tine Garden Club that a larger oTtla of approxi:n,�tulyr 1.5 acres was
needed to adequitel y W i gn the Garden; ?) it was suggested that the
GardQn could serve OW a Offer area Mum the AMP.W i t heater and the
rest of the Park; 3 ) i t was f e I t that the Al p i ne Gardon eras more Com-
patible with the Amphitheater ars regard to the typo of uses; and 4) it
-rr-as a des i re ijf th-e S teer in, Comp i tten t M t ge Va, r Mature Centre
arca remain undisturbed _I There were some concerns exl}mSed by q'rLn-
ber5 of the Onqu 1 tarp t Team and the Steering Committee in regard to a
private i ntereSt group being resporps i b I e for the copib tract tion and
maintenance of a labor imnsive ampnityr within a public nark.
E Amphitheater - Another change was to snow one schem%kLiC without the
amoh i theater. AW was mentioned by the Steering Committee as f ands
for ouch o f ac i 7 i ty mai' not become a rea 1 i ty, and i t was f A t by them
that the overall design of the Park would f upct ion bet ter without the
amphitheater facility, fne Consultants recommendation wou4d b�e to
locate such a facility claser to Min center of Own, A stony for the
hest Wr4tion of $ucb a facility would be desirable, in the other two
5iShemes. the location of the imphitheater was taken to be a given.
is
Op
3. Swinjing Pool Complex - Roth the sirvey data 4nd the pub L is meeting
inp n showed 4he swimming pool to be the higbest priority Or a recre-
ational facility. No prefervace was indicated for Lhe actual pool
locat i un. Orae again, the GonSu 1 tin t recommends t hac the best loca-
tion for the Swianing pool would be the centtr of the vi I I age where
access. parking and support Facilities world be availably. SiInce
there is no known available site in the village, Ford Park waS ChOSIn
for the location of a pool foci 1 i ty,
GDrrnvari Park .vas not. found to be a feasible toCotiun f-ur the pool
because the area available on the 1 war bench i s not adequate For a
Care p[)ul €aCility with its associated parking. Access and water
table would also present problems at Usnoyan Park, The GonsUltants
also fee l that whatever the pool complex becomes, it should offer more
in the way of aquatic recreation. than just a lap paa I and d i w i ng
board$. THS is not to sugya$t a gave action 0041. but 50mothing MnrQ �
imaginative, ;his wou'd be one suee way of helping the 00101 pay
for itself.
After the schematic oltern4tiwas were completed, a work Ses ion with PE
the Coi.munity 3e4eloprrent StaFf, SUmering Chittee, Planntnj and
Environmental Commission And Own Council was held. A presentation of
the schematic alternatives was followed by a discussion period. The
concensu5 an ford Park was for Scheme 'A`, perhaps with the addition
of in vucc or skating oond and a horse sled trai 1 . The feas i b k l i ty
and timing of the pool was brought tap numerous times and a request was
made to do a doviln without a pool.
The presen W OOn was thea directed to Donovan Park, in Ahich Scheme
'A' was also chosen with the addition of an outdoor Skating wd ON -
lar tq tMe one in Ford Pork,
Tho schematic plans wer-a refined at ,he ConCeptu4 C Design. 1 -eve 1 in
regard to ,eco rrended changes or additions. Toe Schematic plans Are,
included as attachments to this section cf the study.
k
19
cza
a
r
r
:a
pq vs.,
5
IrL
b
CD
w
CD
to
IL
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LL
IrL
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CD
w
CD
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IL
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Dc- pts
upon selection of an approved schematic p1aa for both Park sites, a series
of ]e5ign Concept studie% were prepared in order to carefully o,raluate the
detailed relatignShips between attiwity areas.
The design oonceptS were prepared in a rough Sketch plan format over h
topograoW base sheet. This allowed the Conswlta:nt to evlauate many
different alternatives to the plan' keeping the relationships and ideas
which worked well together 4nd were within the accepted schwatic frameark
and Ciscarding those which did not meet the criteria.
Tne design concepts were prepared as a base Concept Alternative Plan which
indicated ars acceptable design of the Dark site. Thi�Se plans included
graphic sections of different activity areas within the park, which helped
explain haw theSY areas might appear, their relAtionships to other actiMi-
ties, grid haw they fit Upon the Site_ In addition to the base plan were
several Subarea PlanS whish presented Wernative relationships, locations
and Configurations of wont of the major activity areas.
The major ¢i Ff erences of each concept plan are described below:
FORD PARI
Concept Alternative Bane Plan
This frl an mast C ioSe ly fol 1 ows the approved SCheMat is rel at ionSA ps of the
orogran s 1 empnts. It contains a large plaza connecting pool and amph i the-
atera and indicates the amphitheater architect's service access solutiun on
the far west WQ of the facility. The alpine garden is split Into two
segments, an, adjacent to the Vail Mature Centre and the other adjacent to
the amphitheater. The nkat i nq pond is located next to th-2 a,�phi the4ber
plaza space. The proposed pedestrian bridge was placed east of the Mature
Centre and included a more circuitous trail curnnection, The bike path
bypasses the soM portion of the Park site and travels a long the top of
the slope toward the frontage road.
20
Subarea Plan 'A'
Di f F-LIrS from r.ho haSa plan in that the skating pond waS re located to the
west of the open rioadow adjar nt to the Recreation 0olparstment storage
build5j. Amphitheater serveice area has Wen mooed to the Maia OnteaaCe Of
d -
the €acitity instead of along the steep Wbankment, A larger outdoor plaza
Spale rix i 5 L5 bo tweed pool and ariphi thiyatlr IoMp lex . Pool building concept
includes a glassed gallary at the drop-off area, F
Subarea Plan ' 11'
f
The piirul toinp 1 ens changes to include a proposed cowered mezzanine deck over F
the pool tank aqd a Southeasterly solar orientation, the outdoor space
R
join together the pent complex and amphitheater and fora onG karge recrea-
tion comp:ex. A larger parking area waS 01SO realiz.ed ey making this com-
binatign. whils this altyrnatiwq Wd irerit in regard to ri2duced visual
impact of the facility, common outd= use spaces. and possibly shared con-
struction r-ethti-ds, the organizers of the Imphithenter Rrojact Felt that
conflicts between the two 6ifferent userS could neat 5o 0YJrcnM2_
r
Wbdrea 000 'G'
A more irben IQr)kii,�q d-P5ign 's,.InS' poo) coirpl-ex_ ihkc, dasign became the
basis of a f a t l back po5 i t i on s hLiu 1 d the 131)o 1 camp h erx fail to b e c one a
real i ty. Emphasis was placed on deve lQp i ng the podus tri ar« spaei; between
the skating pond and the amphitheater entrance. This a1turnatiYe has many
ooS i t i we QailArvs. Gut the urhari des igrr elements were Felt Co be out of
place in BY nountsio sinvironmerlt of the Park. r
DONOVAN PARK
Concept Alternative B ase P ilan
As per the Qrd Park plan. this ptan follows ne approved schematic rela-
tionships of the prrugr, eleirientS, Parking is ad,jacerit to the access road
and is screened from view. The large open turf play wo has hurl p14CH
in t ne more 1 ewe 1 and open portion of the site and ddjacerFt to the play
a3reas. The play ;gees Sit Uri -a t.2rraced portion of t1ne site any below a
prominent rioge ared for protection
21
Tho outdoor skating pond and picnic areas are located in the most Sheltered
area of the sits and away from high SCO V i ty ares5. The bikelpedestri ars
path f al 1 ows Core Creek anO i 5 is Wordance with the. Vail Trails Plan -
The
lan_The p{stent i a I Town cemetery Site i s sh-uwrr i)n t'he upper beach portion of
Donovan Park. and in the open meadow area_ 'Iattlarhorn Circle his been
realigned to create a ;arger open space with the old a1igRment acting A an
anterior roadway due to existing underground utilities. The upper tench
portion of Donuvan Park has very lox potential for highly developed recrea-
tianal use due to severely steep and wooded terrain ever much of the site.
and a 'creep slope' Condition South of the subdivision roadway (Matterhorn
Circle) at approximately contour elevation 8,070 ft.
Subarea P 1 an ' A'
Very Similar to the base plan except for soi* .ize and configuration
Changes an Many of the activity areas.
5 area Plan ',
Alai n, qu i to s imi 1 ar to the other p lams wi th the except i on of an expanded
parking area and circular drop-off.
Subarea P 1 an ' C'
An alternative far the potential Town cemetery utilizing the existing
Matterhorn Circle roadway ant placing dewRloped cemetery land on either
side. obis alternative was fawcred by the Steariaq Committee arra the 'fawn
Council, It was Suggesteb by the consultant that further study of this
site and other potential cemutnryr sites be carried on to detertine the best
location For a Town cemetery. It also recommended that this portion of
Donovan Park remain as part of the 'own's open space.
During this phase of the study, the Con,vltant teary and Steering Committee
had several three to four-hour working sessions where th-ey reviewed the
concepts' and proposed oranges or modifications to thea hosed upon outside
factors and scenarios which would have an infIuence or. the Park develop-
ment. Once completed, all changes and modifications were synthesized onto
final Conceptual Plans for presentation to TcwR Council, and thR P lanniog
and Environmental Commission,
12
f
Signific4nt aspects of the final Conceptual Plans included:
M
■ Location of hi gb use f aci 1 i t iqRs sway from those of a r rp passive
nature, i.e., children I play WA vs. stream -fide picnic.
Adaptation of major structures to the site topography such as stappinq
the pool complex Irmo upper bench slope. F
• Continuous bike}pedestrion paths through the Parks witft additional
Stream Crossinq poipts for increased accessibility.
Narking areas adjacent to Frantay Road and separated from areas with
children.
r
F
Beans and 1 andWdpe buffers are used for protective sereeni ng and to
wate a feeling of privacy in activity spaces. F
w Southern origntation of winter use facilities such as the poa1 complex ON
orad parking areas to increase passive solar heating and snow removal.
* Orientation of pard anal, to take a-dwantage of water sDvrCes and
winter shade patterns,
* The identification of a potential site within the upper bench portion
of Dogoyan Nark for a proposed Tuan cemetery. (rete: no final determ-
ination has been maid, to regard to a cemetery location within the Town
of Vai I as a ,toy f or this purpose has not been copiducted at t h i s
writing, nor is it within the purview of this study to locate poten-
tial Cwtery s itos j
The Design Concept plans are included as attachments to this SeC t i vn
of the study.
211
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Master Plans
The culmination of the park planning OrowSw of site analysis, citizen
Participation meetings, program development, schematic design, and concep-
tual design are the final Manor Plans. The Master P1 ares for Ford and
Donovan Parks, Olong with this dalumelt, become the guidelines upon which
development will he based For these two KPOrtant park sites, to mit ion,
the design quidelines and maintenance recommendations presented in this
report are the beginning of those to be developed by the Town of Wail for
use in the plannipg, design and manapment of future parks, open spaces and
pedestrian/bikeway systems.
When the Parks are completed, park visitors will noticQ that parkin] areas,
buiA ingS and playground areas are fitted cIosely into thQ natw4l tarrain
wbere possible to minimize disruption of slopes, vegetation and water
resources. Stands of mature evergreen or deciduous trees were integrated
into the Park designs and will be managed as natural cons Yation areas,
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Numeroos f e at ur es o f t Fie Has t e r P l errs ref I ec t as awareness of each s i t e' s
AdEurat re50urcvs and a desire to prowrwe and enhanck as much of the ndtU-
rak habitat as possible. Rative plantings and ibuffer arca hhdye been
retained WUnd tAe WIM of newly designed recreational fA-Cklities and
pond developments' and existing plant material clearing was minimized.
Men actions reflect the intEnt to create parks that respect and enhance
the natural quality of the land, while at the same time providing for the
recreat %a l needs of the resident c&mmun i ty.
Certain park areas are particularly exciting and attractive by virtue of a
unique interplay between the design and the existing physiographic condi-
tions, The design attempts to identify the -se special feature areas and
establish them a -s focal or destination VOW, They, arQ distr fluted
throughu t edch park site and are easily rE-ached frrrm ceess pgints by
vehicle. peduStrian walks, hi-eycle paths. or nature tr4I1s. Each ,area
offers a different type of recreational experience,
FORD PARK
1. Pool Complex/Entry Area
The Pool Complex and shuttle bus drOD-Off becomes th-e front dkor to the
Wk and servos as the collecting area For Park v i s i tars arriving by bus or
car. The distinctive architecture terraced into the siope gill be an
important focal element for visitor orientation within the Park. The Pool
C-omplex will hk? one of the maanr recreational centers within the Town of
Vail,
P. Wess Plaza
The Access Plaza i s the primary pedestrian link from the pork i rig area to
the amphitheater, alpine garden and lower bench facilities. The pav5d dnd
rappPa Spam cascade down the slope along the backside of the pool com-
pleK, affording heautiful viers of the Park and Gore Greek.
2a
dw
P,
3, Skating Pond/later Feature Area _
Thy aestw is qualities of water enrich this Setting for passive recreation
and meditation, The bike path system al l aws bicycle and pedeStr i an n i rcu-
lation vast tnd pond area which act$ aS an entry portal to the lower bench
R
park area. The bike path bridge allows water to circulate from the upper
pond hooted in the alpine garden area. A warning huts restroom facility
allows for year -round use as the pond is tc onsf or red i n t o a winter play-
ground
iay-
ground for ice skating and informal hocked garner. The pond area is sepa-
ratyd by the warming but and by elevation to allow an area for young child- ..
ren and beginning ice skaters.
R
4. Picnic Areas
T
Picnic areas are provided for those visitors who enjoy pi cmc Out ingS and
PP
group COMUS_ - Pieni c QbleS with gr i 1 1 S are 1 G YK along the Crock and
at the community shelter adjaeent to the Cowered footbridge, where privacy
and Count pleaSureS are predominant. In addition. piCKC 4reaS are also
provided adjaCynt to th, Children's play area and the softball fields for
Chose who wish to he close to the vctivitieS.
5. Historic Buildings and looden Structures or
Several beautiful wooden StruCtures Currently ex it on -Site which are to he IF
and int a fined or Cunyerted i tQ community p ic:KC Shelters, In Add i t i un. this
area has been designated as the new location for the placement of Historic
Bvilthieig!i and i)thEr StrtPCbureS which ar-e to he preservEd hS part of the
Town's awareness of Gore Valleys hittory, An old SChoulhpuse acrd stmge 'K
barn currently occupy sites on the lower bCr hr These structures are the `
beginning of this preservation effort. F_
6. Amphitheater F aO l i ty Area
ThQ Anpbi theater Fac i I i tyr of furs a 1 ocat ion for Torn -wide cu 1 tura 1 events
Such as nonterts. plays and war Ous community presentations. Administered
by the Vail Ya11ey Foundation, a non-profit organization, the Amphitheater
is to be constructed totally through~ priw4te funding.
20
k
7_ Alpine Garden Area
In association with the development of the Amphitheater FaCility, an Alpine
Garden area was set aside for deveLooment adjacent to the amphitheater and
acting as a buffer between it and the attire park areas. This area would
be an attractive display of the unique plant communities and associations
typical of alaine enyirunment5 complete with rock out -crops - 0 wetland
areas. As with the Amphitheater, this feature would be adm ire it trated and
implemented through the efforts of a private organixatiop, the Friends of
the Alpine Garden.
S. W ldren' s Play krea and Open Turf P 1 ay Area
Th -e Children's Play and Open Turf Play ,krei�5 Complete the major reCre-a-
M anal developments on the lower bench* Designed to provih imtmst and
challenge for all ages. the Children's P1ey Area Q comprifed of a hard -
court play surface, multi-level play area with various pie&S of play appa-
ratus, rack outcrops And plant material, and is CAnUrwEd between the
s1opionq terrain of th, upper and lower bench. The Open Turf play Area is
placod upon the fl -at area of the lower bench adjacent to the Children's
F 14y Area and is provided for informal Hold games, rennin, frixbeas and
kite flying.
9. Bal afield Areas
These existing facilities have been maintained as pant of tho MASter Plan,
and have been imoroved to provide grQatQr uso, Wets and maintenance effi-
ciency.
10, Vail Nature Centre Area
This aria of U traCtive natural landscape is a strong contrast to the more
developed .area, of the Park. This area is to remain in a natural statQ,
and thus, Miaimal Woripr improvements are suggested.
11+ Pathways and Pedestrian Bridge Crossings
Sicye1e and pedestrian baths along with hiking and cross-country Ski trails,
nake up the system of non -motorized panways within Ford park. he path-
ways closely follow the Gore CreQk natural Corridor, and as a result offer
Som -2 of U-2 mast hey ut ifu l scenery and ,ri ewshe-c1s that the S i tP hA, to
offer, Pedestrian bridge trussings provide for easy access from adjacent
residential amd develapQ areas.
27
DKOVAN PAIM
1. Open Turf Play Area
As an informal playfield, this area can be used for a multitude of recrea-
tional activities such as softball gaw. . rovs ani for group picnic enw r-
tainment. A backstop/seating area is provided along with an adjacent group
picnic shelter.
1. Pathways and Podestrin Rredge Grossing W
Similar to Ford Park in deSign concept including access for the physically
handicapped to all areas. ',
3. Picric Areas
R
Picnic areas with tables and yrilis are provided along the creek and adja-
cent to play areas and the skating pard. Two large community shelters ar,
provided For group picnics and relfted 6& rvitte5. W
4, Skating kand}water Feature Area
WON in the aorthern dost section of the ON, the skating PondfWater
Feature Area is the final de5tinq pl point aloha the pathway system before fop
exiting the Park. Situated 4moaq ,tandS of Spruce and fir. the Rond area
is the rnost secluded and sheltered are, irk the site, offering a resQite
from the nearby play areas and elevated roadways. The pond area includes a
warming hutIrestroam facility, plaza area, dockside edge, and natural
plantings with boulder edge treatment,
5. Children's Play Are -d
A more expended army of play activities than at Ford PArk. the desigr« prn-
vides dual sand volley+bW Courts, two large separated play areas, full
court basket area, and a central connecting plaza spate with a shaded seat-
ing area. The play areas connect directly with the skating punt, but are
screened from the ba l l f i e l d area and adjacent roadways.
W
P
25
6. Potential Tam Cemetery
Potential site of a new Town cemetery of approximately 4.9� dCres in the
Upper Bench. This area will be one of many others whiCh will be studied ir.
the Future to determine the best location for a Town cemetery. In addition
to this stuily, d potential easement location will be studied by the Town
Planning ning Staff to try and peovi de a ConneV i on butweQn toe upper and laxer
beaChO5. The details and legal wndarieS of the easement will be worked
out with the adjacent landowners,
Master Plan Notations
1. Amphitheater, Ford Park: This element has become a +najor part of the
Fort NO Master Plan and steps should should be taken to On Sure t1at
its €onstruf t i" is in total agreement and harmony xi;h khe Pl art,
in€luaing the selection of cons,tructiOn materiallS. Support facilities
such as the Seryke road{bikv path and the Larking area should he
implememed as loon as posSib1e Sia that the amphitheater can beeoma a
viable fool i ty. in addition, final construction plans suDr QUO by
the drChiteCt should be tborDughly reviewed to ensure- that final
grades. locations, plantings and utilities are placed in as-�ociatian
with other facilities shown on the Master Plan,
2, Alpine Garden, Ford Park: Since LKS projeCt is to be implemented by
an outside interest group. they Should demanstrate the financial and
LeCh& Cal O ility to coaplety their project within a reasonable period
of t inn, Also. they 000d ba required to Suhmi t Co the Town a final
design in accordanri� with the Platter Plan including. locat icnl l ayout
plan, grading plant planting plant irrigatiOn plan and a construction
phasing Plan. It may also be reasonable to consider bondiny or secar-
ity to ensure the completion of the project and a garden maintenance
plan,
3. Skating Pon water Feature, Ford and Dorroran Parks: Further research
in regard to mar rights and Other legal requirements should be con-
ducted prior to construction of the ponds and use of water from Gare
Creek.
29
4, Histor k Structures, Ford Pari: Prior to the inclusion or relocatioft
of any structures of historical significance within the Valley,
contact shoulO be made with the Gore Valley Preservation Chapter of
the Eagle County Historical Society, and coordination concern i rig such
.activities should 40 implemented as necessary.
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Costs amd Phasing
FORD PARK
Phase One: tower 8 -enc � I mp rovement Sf P ark i n g Lot
A, wk��i 1 iratia0pemoo
lizatign
5 30,000
D. ConstruCtion
tayouL
6,-G-�D
L. rem IitiDn &
CI ars q
18,Q89
D. General S i t -e
Impro,reironts
387,2M
C. Parking Area
64,8;Q
F_ Play Ari --a
119}?96
C. Skating Pond
165,3
H, N-ew Pe-destriar,
Bridge & r}loza
90,314
[. PicniC Areo
66,975
5uh�.ota 1
51,148,6-5
Con t i n€ en cy 8%
91,89?
TQTAL $1,240,543
Pa ase Two: Pm l CoWlex, West Uda If MCI
A. MO i16 a:tgri{Il m bilin tip $ 4S,OOD
B. CunScruct io?� bayou+. 3,600
C. Demo3;Lkon $ Clearing 18,170
i) . a.31 l f a e ll d J :uprovE�Aik�rr t$ 124, 860
L Sw i mrr i nq OQ01 CGMP 1 Px 4,500,000
SuotoFa1
colt i ggency 6% 375.310
TOTAL $5,066,960
Phase T1 ree: East Balifield [mprcvem ait5
A. mot)i I Ionjopgatfi 1 izatiorr 1} 6,000
D,
(cm-stractiarl I,ap)rt 1,20D
C , 3,,1 11 i LF1 d IMiprt)werrierjts 108 .817
S.j!)tck6l116
TOTAL S 1 �5, 298
SUMMARY
Phase I $1,240,543
Phase 11 5, 85, 96f]
Pli as -e T ] T 1 5 ,29$
G[AMI] TOTAL. $6,43Z,801
31
DONOVAN PARK
Phase Onn= Lower Bench Improvements
A, .'•'ohi1 iz4tior_{peiuob11 iza[ion
E�_ Construction Layoat
2,400
C. t,Kneral Site
131,072
1
G. Varkinc; Area
131} 16
E. Ral1ti0d
114,015
F. P 14y Area ( pl aygroupia, v0 )i.q.Yho 1 1 )
i97,975
1
G. Skating Porti
208,094
N. Basketball Court
SUGtotal
49 516
8
Continency EM
68,23
TDTAL S 921,016
Phase T-wo, Ped es tr i ao gr i o ge and Path to L mer Bench
A. MW 1 iz�t ior.•}Bemobilizat.ion S 3,250
B. Construction Layout .00
C_ Pedestrian Bridge 41,000
D. Grading & Gravel }ath 7 718
Subtotal 52.568
Contingency ?% 0,205
TOTAL S 56,773
Phase Three_ Upper Bench Improwemnts
A. Mabiliz-ation/Demooilization 50
d. Construction Layout 6'3�
C. Parking Area 24,637
I)_ Oat i uc Seed )i st-jr,bed Areas 1 25Q
Sut�Cotal 23.5JCT
Coatin�ency G% 2,36.2
TOTAL 3 m.6n
SOMMARY
Pfkati� 1 5 921,015
VhaSe ([ 56.773
Phase IN 31,899 1
GRAND TDTAL Sl ,ODg, 687 a
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F k .Deloap nt and Landscape
The planning of ford and Donovan Parks has carefully considRrod the preser-
vation
reser-
vation and retention of the Gare Creek and its natural Wractar, in con-
trast to the creation and maintenance of a totally manicured landscape. A
careful blend of maintained acture recreat lana 1 orm 4nd natural pass i ire
areas has teen achieved to accommodate the diverse pleasures and interests
of this mountain cairunity,
Pork, Minn should notice that care has beim taken to conserve natural
areas, pint communities, slopes and creek edges. Were new construction
of trails, builYings, roads and play facilities will disturb natural areas,
the creative blending of grades, and the use of trees, shrubs and gr0unu
taper native to this area should be used to revegetate the disturbed
areas. Dense planting buffers have been designed to insure privacy and
protection within the park developments by screQn i ng adi agent public road-
ways and nuncompatible land uses.
Planting buffers nave also been used to protect and separate adjacent use
areas within the parks where potential conflicts are present. Existtnq
slopes and change in grad -a have been integrated into the master plan to
enhance separations between activity areas, rein its i to the Werk i cal i ty of
proposed structures, define spaces, and to provide new v 0wsheds into the
park and Surrounding mountains.
A sensitive development program responds to these qualities, seeting to
- reinforce the overall park character by careful planning and management of
constructioq phases, Dur Oq the Oplementation of the amphitheater and
alpine garden P l esont s, a monitoring procedure should be cowe loped by the
Town which will provid, for some measure of contra) over the privAte Iroups
responsible for the construction of these fat a ities, These progr Nns ark
needed to ensure that all development within the parks is in accordance
with the Master Plan and related guidelines.
33
FP
M"
i tr
Considerations & conservation, Sia i ntenence. and park deyel ailment 1 ed to
the design criteria discussed in this section.
W
site Preserwation
Tree quality of the existing sites in regard to Gore Creek aro existing
plant Comnv&ties is reinforced through the removal of Creek debris, unde- i
sirabie mars -made elemms, scrub undergrowth, diseased and damaged plant
specimens. Ex tending these preservation programs into projQcted phase
development helps to keep future maintenance costs lew by prQventing
undesirable growth and part usor practices. in addition, outside interest
groups whose projects are included in the Master Plan should be required to
maintain a site preservation program during their construction phase,
W
Pewegetation
Natural areas that are cleared or disturbed during construction, and are
not subsequently developed, are replanted to encourage pliant ,associations
tnat develop naturally under these specific site conditions.
Activity Transition
ScreLe,n plantings soften tMe edge between developed park areas, -natur'al
sectors, and conf1Qting aQaCent 1And uSe5, Such plantings unify AM-
nped and natural areas as well as pr-ovide a protective luffer where the
adjacent land uses conflict with recreational activities.
Definition of Pctiwity Spaces
Spaces for different recreational activities are enclosed by land fauns, T
structures or plantings. By defining these spaces and creating Oars and
contr4st. visual 1andmorks are formed to assist visitors in movement Gn the `
site.
JW
34
View
Plantings and landforn manipulofion direct Views by framing intoresting and
attractive Features 5ugn as d i st ant mountain r angel, ponds' ar the Gore
Creek naturt area. Visual screens of plant Materials serve to close off
undesired vitws to interstate. frontage roads or neighboring development.
Energy Conservation
Due to the un roue wind and sure patterns within the Va l kyp open spaces'
play areas, and buildings are oriented to take adWantage of warm winter
exposurQv and buffering from wind. Vegetation is impienented as an energy
conservation measure, providing recreational spaces with a protective wind
buffer and shade in the summor. Snow accumulation �y wind drifts is
directed through the use of ,rind channels farmed by planting masses aotiaq
as a snowfem ,
Accent
In areas of spQcial interest or activity, and in pedestrian areas, plaot-
ings provide color, texture, form and scent to n i ghl ight and ernpha5 i ze the
special character of these places. 'Vertical architectural elenents such as
shade structures and play apparatus are colored to bland harmoniously with
the surrounding landscape. Horizontal grovndpl4ne texturel mh as native
shrut*s, groundeoversF colored pavers, and smooth boulders are also a&ed to
compliment the environment, Maur architectural strunLyres such as the
pool building complex and the amphitheater Should be designed and accente4
to attract visitors without becoming a distracting vinuat element to the
yalleyr
Wessibility
Areas with difficult access routes have been impruwed through the addition
of a well planned System of bike paths, bridge crossings an.d pedestrian
trails. Parking areas have Wen sensitively planned t4a proyide needed
parking without impact i rig the natural or racreat i onai use areas, and ar-O
visually screened. 'vehicles have been prohibited from park areas except -
For periodic maintenance and service visits.
05
Se paration/ Integrat0n
Lan& orms rind massed plantings aru u -sed to separate conf1icEinq recrca-
tional{cuItura l activities. Noise generating and active vidy 4rea5 ark
integrated together and placed away from passive or natural areas. Needed
service facilities, such as restrooms. drinking fountains, etc., are
lvnated in or adjacent to activities wit+ a nigh user demand.
Existing Character of the Site
Open Meadows
of native grasses
and flowers,
and prominent
stands of ever.
green f)re$t
arie maintained in
undeweloRed
areas of the
park$. To the
spirit of the
Vail Nature Centre located in Ford Park, these naturd areas
of meadow' woodland
and sloping
terrain with
exposed rock,
prawide for the
wildlife and
their habitats and
should repain
unchanged for
all to enjoy.
Site Gaidelinjas
Alternative builoing materials and construction techniques which Aould be
usna to aahieve a park -like mountain theme environment were invostigated.
Thi resintireq vocabulary of desipned elements should be consilered a
Ofami 1y- of materials and datai1s which are in harmony with the
envirommun t. During the construction phase, materials should be chosen and
construction methods used which adhere to the following general guidelines;
Appropriateness
■ Mateeiais and detailing fit into the park's environment and is both
00ting and functional.
ITLIb]11ty
t Coastruction materials expressive of natural and nature material, not
contrasting.
xi
Rwdbilit
► Material and techniques able to adapt tg future exvanYon needs an -i
programs.
x uity
• Common materials theme with interrelated forms ani Calor.
0 R'easondtile aut realistic in Cost with ease -of acicom•p l i Sha-.ent, and
consideration of loo -term maintenance expenditures.
.. ISI., 1 • �� • � •I '� ' � r
2
� •; i � •�•' ISI. ��•`+r
PedeStrido walki and bike paths arc pro-
vided in the areas of dewe loped f at i 1 i -
ties and circulation routes. Walks and
bike paths are accessible to the phySi-
caliy handicapped and are constructed of
concrete or asphalt. Destination paints
Should be identified and highlighted
through the one of a unified park Sign-
age
ign-
age system.
Cross-country Ski trails and other path-
ways through natural areas shall be
placed where MUM grade change is
required and stall to constructed of
compacted. i nexpen s i we ro adb ase materi-
als.
ateri-
als. Other surface materials which pro -
wide a hard surface, but appear natural
should be Considered.
37
CD OH
Pu bli-cati ars
Landsape buffer planting -i are prawided
along public perimeter roads and between
barking areas to provide screening of
noise and visual pollution.
Collected native riyar rock and Mulders
.are used widely in the Valley. The
application Shown here indicates exposed
boulders for low retaining WIS. Other
uses are pond edge treatments, slope
stabilization and play area accentrs.
Waned river Cobble may be used for
,)rchitectural futures such as exposed
building waIls and small retaining
walls. The sandy -gray anti brown color
b 1 end in with the natural tnvironment -
Temporar'y erniOrr control-neasures dur-
ing construction, and permanent control
measures after construction should be
established tP pr -went sediment pollu-
tion of the geek and to stabilize dis-
turbed areas. Straw talcs should be
used for temporary control measuret anis
.jute netting Should be used to
permanently stabilize sl6pes.
38
r�l �i � .5.�•-tip_ �I
IF
wry`'`;
�J• L
k-•
1h.L PUMMIAM
I� rl'Q"I
I�I+MI MSI rsl��i■I� -
1dONISIA�IF+r
��rdlnfir�f]� �
Gent lir sloping lawns ar0- des i rab ?e f -Or
pacriie areas and Lipen field !P1ay-
Irrigated and manicured 1 a•dn areas -can
transition into natur-al areas through
the use of native grasses and shrubs.
Special inter l,Wag concrete payers are
us -ed in several instan-ces where it is
appropriate to emphasize important
features or pedestrian areas. The
pavers dark gr"a,yi sh-purp 1 e color blends
to well win woad, stone and plant
t
materials,
Structures. shelters or other site
x
- T
building -5 aroo, designed in a low "pr•a-
.�� f i 1 e" or are s e t into s lope areas t o
4r reduce their vertical dominance upon the
y site. Construction materials Should he
P.: r
harmDriious with other matr i al s being
��' ';: .,•, t - used on kh� site.
L
�• RON � '{• • rte, "1., `�. L �Y
WES
bw
`+ x
Children's play areas are designed with
challenge in mind, Multi-level play
structures, tunnels ;md other c 1 iKi ng
apparatus are designed to excite and
encourage frQ* expression. Matiue land-
scape materials shall be incorporated
into the play areas to soften 4nd blend
them with the environment. Plant mater-
ials shall be provided for enclosure and
summer shading.
39
Inviting skat ing pond arc-as have be,--n
designed to promote year-round use of
the park-s, 1n sumer. the ponds would
serve as focal elements and destination
ar-eas For relaxing and inforruLl picnic-
ing. In ,sinter th-ey would be u3ed for
daytime and n i ghtt irne family ice skating
and inforrmal hoCkey games. A w-Arming
bit}restroom is provid26 along with
seating areas and ac_-�ess docks. dative
pi arnt i rigs and rock wou ld he used
9errerDusIy.
40
T .� d Alanagvmmt and Ar3c's i t e
.4 land xanagemanz and parks maintenance plan for tie Parks needs t« be
developed and should reflect a need to conserve energy, Town resources, and
have an awareness of the natural resources of the Site. Because most of
the soils on the sites are limited in their Capacity to suppDrt turf
grasses and other plant material S the most deve lopobl e land areas require
some sort of soil improvement fallowing constructiori, Thu bulk of the
areas designated for park development requires some clearing of vegetation,
and rQmoyal of subsurface rock. Folowing Blearing, a final evaluation; of
soil eonditiun5 Can A rude to determine the type and amount of remedial
work necessary to prepare the Soil For development and landscaping.
Successful land management inCIUMS eariehing the 501 in certain areas
with inexpensive, readily availahla organic, nutrient rich humv, in combi-
nation with nitrogen -fixing cover crvp5. These techniques improvQ the fer-
tility and moisture holding capacity of the native gravelly sails so as to
provide water for turf grasses during dry spells.
A parks maintenance program also needs to Oe dayol oped and should reflect
the type and frQueMy of maintenance tasks requived by the pork develop-
ment. During the initial 5t,s of phased construction, a detailed prograo
-of plannod maintenance tasks nhould he developed based upon xhe type of
facilities proposed. The sea5ona 1 sequence of an -going park care such as
watering, mowing, aeration, mulching, weeding dnd fer#iliza.tion should be
charted not and follGwed to ensure tOat the park dress are properly main-
t.ainod and ready for use.
This "maiatenan a calendar~ shQuId also cower a longer term program of
n.attire area mainNnance which would include the selective cutting of
dineaved or damaged trees and, the replanting with 0 different species or
merely allowung morn light it to A low Competing trees to fforish. Unfor-
tunate ly, it i S not in the purview of this study to prepare seta i lid main-
tenance guidelines. In WiLinn, completion time schedules of construCtion
should be roquired from all outside interest groups who will he Construct-
ing a project in the Park, including a maintenance manual on 411 now facil-
ities or lapd5caped arQas.
41
This Master Plan report illustrates a pIonning and design orocesi�
rah i c n included:
+ understanding the plant communities, soils, pkySiography,
hydrology and climatic f OrCe s wh i ct? act upon the -site. and
making pImning and design decisions baste on that un-
der -OWN,
* involving the Town -staff, suing committee, governing mem-
bers, outside interest groups, and foremost., the public In
the program development process and in expression of their
cmern5 over deYeMopment;
• the thorough investigation of design altereiatiwe-s and con-
cepts, so as to anSvte the proper loCdtion of facilities to
meet the need -s of the ToW of Vail without violating the
OWN eovironmental desip criteria.
Gerald R. FDrd Park and John F. Donuvan Park represent recrea-
tloiiol indster planning values which rnSpect the natural anwiron-
ment of the sites. Proper dewelopimnt and tonagement provides in
parpetu i ty for the recreational reeds and enjoyment of O t i zen.&
and visitors for generations to come.
42
Appendix
Credits
Rmiect Steering Pzminit
Stan Berryman. Di rector - Deparlwnt of Public WorkS and Transportation
Patrick Dodsun. Director - Department of Pecrtptation
Diana Wnovan, Member - Planning and Environff ntal Ca mission
John Horan -Dates - Yari l Wa 1 1 oy Foundation
Joe Macy - w a i i Associates
Kent Rose, Member - wail Town Council, Mayor Pro TPm
Town of Vail — D > ment of Community Development
P-eter Pakten, Director
Kristan Prita, rows P1arner
TIM Associates. Inc.
Mich4el iMaral l i, ASLA - Pnn je�ct Manager
Larry Petri, ASLA - Prciject Oe-5tigner
Janet WToole, ASLA - Project Des i grner
Leslie Fr mon, ,SPA - Project Planner
9.3
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School Survey Summary - Jankka ry
8 Years - Under
1. playground ,area (swiin�, roQ-PS, clirnb, caves, etc.)
2, f rea play. kites, f r i sbe-P
3. out -door i tient at in -g, pond, fish ducks
picnic area
4. Swimming
5. sDccer
sand area
football
7. basketball
sled-dingJski
$, baseball
rollerskate
13-9 ,years
1, playgriund area (swings, ropes, climb, caves, etc.)
freff ploy. kites, frist�ea
4, swiRl
5, picnic aeea
6. football
7. :wses ba 11
S. social i z a, relax, lay around
9- space
10. bikes
ll_ aasketbail
tennis
Volleyball
tr�!eS
12. outdoor DreSkatting, pond, fish, ducks
18-14 VwS
1. wcializp, relax, lay around
2. sDccer
3, picnic area
4, free play, kites, frisheQ
5. foutball
&_ tf l l
volleyball
swifn
8. nutdaar~ iceskating, pond, fisl)} ducks
�
�
SPOnUent Spry (2]1 Surve s returned total re5p-orkses 405)
[. playgrauna area (swings, rape, climb, r„e5, eta. (197) Pr
2. freeplay, kit@%, friisbee {61) _
]. SuCcer (53)
4, picnic or@a (49) m
5. socialize, relax, lay around (41)
a. swim (36)
7, fw%W l �]§)
a_ baseball (22) -
9_ cutdL�or icpskatinq, pond, fish, ducks (!g)
IO. bikes [!g)
(*Th -2 10 highest pri-ority activltiEs ■�r2 listed.)
Recreation Survey Summary ® February I].IbI,93
there do you live?
East Vail
. 37
(19.2%)
West Vail
- SO
(31.5%)
Central Vail
- 27
P8.6%)
Outside Vail
- 11
(24.3%)
Outside (olrjradu
- l
(2.1%)
uestion 12 - Mow old are You?
la years
. I
(1.06%)
lg-]O
. 32
(13.9%)
31-45
- 48
(50.n)
46-64
- /-�
(24.3%)
B§-D,er
- Z
(2.1%)
Question f] - Are you m Femaie?
4,11-� . 62 (65.7%)
Feffiale - 44 (46,6%)
Question 14 - Are you adult mer f amity sib le?
AO-u|t member of Faini�/ - 71 (25_/#)
5iinq�e ]raiwidual - 35 ($2.i%)
Question #5 - Are there children in the house■oldr
Yep - 46 (48.7%)
question 06 . What are the ages children in yomr household?*
Ungar G /gars -of age. . 26 (2/.5%)
12 through 18 years of 19e - /! (28.6%)
-ante: Print2cl in error on quest]Onaire, a-ges 7-11 were mitteo.
quue5tion #8 - Whioh of the foillowiog f aCillities do jLqu feel are needed for
the chi 1dren ii n' your areal Check wre than ane i f appropri ate.
1. Equipped playgroundS for younger c�hiIdren - 48 (50.8%)
? . Open f i e 1 d 5 acrd pork-, for Lin -supervised play - Z6 (26.5%)
.3. More arnd hotter facilities for organized sports (ie. cools, tennis
courts, ballfields, ice-rinks,eEc.) - 24 (25,4%)
4, Natural arias for explGring and r+ature Studies - 17 08M)
5. Trails (hiking, biking, riding)
5. A recreation center - 17 X18.1►
7. Supervised sports instruction and veereation programs - 16 (16,9%)
8. Are -)s for and instructian f or Graf is and Skies - 11 (11.6%)
Question #13 - what recreational activities do y" participate irr now?
(CheGk more than, one if app lica6lej
1.
alpine ski my
- 28
(8z G.)
3.
bicycI ing
- 75
(79.516)
3.
cross country skiing
- 6g
p3,j%)
4.
picnicking
- $2
(65.7%)
5,
camping
- 58
(61.4TO
5.
swimming
- 56
(59.3%)
7.
physical fitness programs
- 56
(59.3%)
8.
,jaggiagf running
- 54
(57.2%)
9,
attending ,pect,tor ewents
- 44
(46.6%)
CO.
0(31f
- 39
(41.3%)
ll.
fishing
- 38
{40.2%)
12.
ice skLting
- 33
(34,9%)
13.
rac-queth�Ll1
- 28
(29,6%)
14.
sleddingltuhing
- 20
(21,2%)
15.
kayakinglr-afting
- 20
(21.2%)
16,
boating
- is
(19.076)
17.
arts, -crafts, h-abhies
- 18
{19.x}
18.
horseback riding
- 18
(19.x)
19.
sofma197baseball
(18, )
M
volleyha''U badminton
- 17
(18 AM)
21,
water skiing
- 15
22,
Si)Ccer
- 13
23.
archery
- 1<8
(10,6%)
24.
hockey
25.
basketball
!1)
P6.
p itching hor scsboe s
- 8
f 8.4%)
27,
howling
- 8
( 8.4%)
28.
team sports
- 8
8,4%)
Question 114 - What activities w0u)d you like to sae in Ford Park? (Check
more t Fran one it dppropr i a to
i.
2.
swirrming pawl
bicycle trail
- SLS
- 4g
(63A%)
(51 _.9%)
3.
picnic areas
- 49
(51,9%)
4.
aru-noing/ jagging trails
- 48
(50A%)
5.
Cross-country ski trail
- 42
04.5t)
r
dw
w
w
f
t
5_
Running/exercise course
- 42
(44.5%)
7-
playgrournd areas
- 4Q
(42.4%)
A_
open turf, -d arNaE for
- 44
4.
Inf-urmal play
- 40
(42.4%)
5.
alpine -garden
- �4
?42A%,
6.
recreation cent -pr
- 34
(36.0%)
11.
more lighte-d facilities for
night play
- 28
(24.6%)
12_
ice -rink (outside)
- 26
(27.5%)
13,
tennis -courts
- 23
(24.30
14,
fishing ared5
- �2
15o,
sledding area
- a
16.
alpine slide
-
{j
17.
5cftbaIU baehall fields
-
P1,2%)
M.
soccer field
- 20
(21.2%}
14.
vo I 1 eyba l l/ hadmi nt-on areas
- 16
(16,0)
20_
basketball Cejurt5 (Gatsire)
- 1
(15.9%)
21.
convention center
- ]
(11,611
22.
kayaking -course
- 1
(14.6%)
23_
livery stable5lequestrian trials
- 14
(10.&%)
24.
archery range
- 5
( 5.3%)
25,
gulf course
- 4
( 4.2%)
Question t16 - What activities wou d you like to see in Donovan FArk?
(Cfieck wre t Iran one i tern TT appropr- i at P.
I.
5wimrring po-ol
- 48
(54,D%)
2,
bicycle trail
- 47
(49.9%)
3.
pirnir, areas
- 44
4.
nlaY groun-d areas
- 40
(42.4%)
5.
running/jogging trails
- 40
?42A%,
6.
running/exerCiS,� COurSe
- 34
(41.30
7.
open turfed areas fL)r informal
play
- 3�
(41.3%)
_
Cross-country ski trails
- 32
M,9%)
g_
sledding area
2f�
(�9,6%)
10,
recreation center
11,
tennis courts
12,
uoI1eybaIl/ba.dminton� rejS
-
(23,A)
13.
basketball Cuurt5 (OLitside)
-
P1,2%)
14,
snCCer fiigid
- Lh
(16.9%)
45.
softball/baseball fields
- 16
(16.4x,)
°6,
fishing areas
- 15
{16,9%}
17,
alpine garden
- 16
? .
ice -rink (outside)
- 1�
19.
alpine Slide
- 13
(13,7%)
20,
mere lighted focilities f -or
night play
- 13
(1.3.7:
?1_
archery range
U.
kayakinq course
23.
livery PtahleS}equestrian trails
- 7
7.4%)
74.
gulf range
- 2
( 2,14,.)
2S,
conventi-on center
- 2
{ 2.1%)
Question P19 - ID qeAerdl hair do yvcru feel about tree ranje of recreat i na l
opportunities f-ound in Vail? Sport$, open areas, PIC i king, seen i c
areas, etc,) cNeck one.
Excel lent, many intereninq and easy to use activities. - 22 (23.3%)
Good, bvt sone important activities and facilities ar R laWnq, - 69
1%)
Fair, probably what we can expect Or d town of our size. - 6 0.3%)
Poor and inadequate. - 9 (93%)
uestion #20 - Are you aware of the programs and services of the Will Parks
and Recreation Department? (check yes or 001
Organized athletic programs
(hockey, $o mr, etc,}
Yes
9D,0%
No
10.0%
Mature Center
Yds
51.
MA
9.0%
Equipment renEal
Yes
70.E
No
30,01
Youth Center
Yes
87.0%
No
13-0%
Putpa«rri (day care center)
Yel
73-0%
No
2?.
more
l_
L
3.
4
5.
ace. which of the
Ldod mpinq -and beautification of the town's strRets an01 important
open space fadtUre5. - 49 (01.9%)
Preservation. arra heautrfication of the town's important natural drain -
ay a ways (Gore Creek, Booth, Creek, Bighorrn Creek, etc _ I - 60 ( 6M%)
A few centrally located parks and recreation areas for use of the
entire co munity, - 54 (572%)
Acquisition of strategically located open land to buffer urban deyel-
opme r. - 43 (50.8%)
Preservation of axistigq natural areas and important Mand Forms. - 34
(36.0%)
Neighborhood playground and p i cn i c areas convenient to most MUM
tial areas. - 42 (44.51)
A fer'r centrally tocated parks and recreation areas partkularly
attractive to viS i t my Lour i sts _ - 29 (30,M)
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FORD PARK MASTER PLAN AMENDMENT REQUESTED BY VAIL
ALPLN C GARDEN FOUNDATION
7a, A I pine Garden Ed ucation 1--a d I i lY A rca
Tlw enviroiimeciIal education bw[di lih of tlit Alfpsm C Arden (since I9called
L,t'kty ].Vr41 A11)1ric (,'tlrdwO PTuv idiLFs a cum inL3nity f.icality duvottd to fu-5ter1rig
1111&f1,LA3)d'L1%' 4)FV-.111'.lriigi47 113igik aItii�i(Ie vri-vI mrlrltiew, the cmIIve pJailti it
s u ppOrLs, and nian'S rel l L it'llsh i F) It% L hk -fl 1. I t A 1-1;q a t(P rl r ler) t I'i k,i LOP, k) 111P.ttV
'Furd E Alp ins} (�:1 rJU n -,L.. [)k'-ii gn-ud tv I. -,c px;-s iv -v.. solar and energy con survi Lig, the
LILL]ILIing is ca rt 1i-shelLered -amJ r0l)4trUdt.d Of 11AtriraL rj1ck :NiId Limb-'rti. ]t IiL��
1131clt-nkVilth 111V fOr rth F11MYL3 Of the Ga the A1pino Rock C and -en, and is
lova ted adj icon t to I hc. exist innC. a rcpt i)* 01 r I 11 1 kc )r t 11 icL •_ As with I lu• H rLt I tire"
[11KSeS Of K4tV 1:0 rd A11)3'no' C.RArdC114r 111 LF -al uca tLon faciIity will be buklt .arid
ii rel it 1i Lige cL 1)3' a prit'aty, nwiproht 03-g )iZatiO3), t]W. Vail A][x'HW C:trrrlC11
Found -a t i0l), far FAI l) l w t I W.
1
9W 4W qW
RFSOU CII W_ 27
rt -1£':R of 190
h REMKYLP FM FM ME I'F'IM.WFATIC44 AM NXUIiMWWZ -LW TEFF VA3L J,7h7URF C-MTrM
I'lfE7a, , Qld3 Vaal 14-khei-C- c'eht r 1S, ja..ited on : x.nxLn { Pi ,Lctp�s -oC rIDALrd
tilorj thn Lv nk of thn i-rslw Ctlxtk, irk U5 c cwcutJ•G of Fo:xl Park, aa,d
L MEXR; tha Vail N.abum {pntek- is b valUUblet a kr uU n3 to U16 t+MI OC Vail
DI t)%'L. it RTari cIc?s tl}a T -m with a ;XI Mural jjixak rwc , .ire i ncerperltive +-X3:ntC'Y,
3e if -9wded tri Y is aW urwLrorrvritti1 ml -Cx �' t iLY6,jl Pmrrsrre. � Lr i
�� JAS; 4].n Sf43�1 IziLum Cdh- rx ra=r 42:s as ti3rL OducaLiusl Lcxa1 aria rx,mpIq rm
d—trate jxL . eUun and owe&Lvativn of ttx- -Riimi c'nvirrxment, arzi
LA024EASF 4hn 'ik-%.Ti Cuy} cil sof Um Tnm DL vtii l J21 o f rrt;3Ld3 i :}yy rq
qcriLta1 poL is s t,} ftti liIU in, i'rC -"3:k7je tinrt3 PcJ-urKm 4J1a appx•ti 4 :.t th❑ V4 1 T-raItuLe
4-)L,-nL,rL-r
MY, IMF]P1:-RA , bn it tic-';fA 6d by tha -LL3vn CkxmrLiL of U" 'Ltatira of fail,
tl-at=
J1ia LA'oing j-MC1 YC-.�-' -a-ali J} L;X.Lrai e;u.id.clirr!:r, Car uhC
U.1 i ntrjklrx a, e:7sharrWnV-nt '.rr! tti Lvem 4Jrmpl {r 7t; f t F i * Vch LL Ltiaturc € pf : re
1. 'lh- -;,?L e -n f,71 atri fL— i ; m.7ted <u; the C5.-rX'Qr w Ill be
I y!evrxJ in tPwFi c mita aL Letr. ,c. 3n cf L7a2 t:grla vml lr:yr'
I ut.-U a I r. i'.telLy,
?, ,110 4'r=�Lrr Wkll J%"= -lire .ica.'.Usihle• r:nLy t'Sa 1J7a CoaleLk,t}� : �d :.r.Lf
rP l i +J Lt.] J 1 u 1 - • n icle ao-e--^s w i 11 bn 11F4r'}ibit-od with UA: rScoe[X Sun
-, k rl'?J i': t'iy Of i s r.n- I -M Cl[rL%*t!l rQ 4,2• ?:•%,s^Ir t-0 :k% AI MU 2Z y 4C! l iK.tx L
kC. Me. Cy'Jlte`r.
'J. OSx LMS l ioi e a 0ry3 I s-LxvYJu . nvx►31 of L:y-- 'V%L'L l t-LL.kLrrL CCLX !r.Ir
in ck-k_ii L Ux. wjc%ikL:: .7r,J No-jmtiwt'u aaf 1J7r krai L Nilh3tr f'ry+k?i- 1IFYL k:•kr
'_wx%- IBJ fr>c I JK: ep¢TaJrxL- LiA Mr: ] J xky • M t%l f C J,CT_+A%3lli't"S for.
i4a}�r'31'= intr* r tiiv G,r t'xrrat. ion mrol r_,1 rLtl?i 0i r_a oC 7hr. C mL•rA•' : iM i ] di rsg
IrYJ e I N-AIs M- l i s; I.rcJ i n cdi*M i L JLJ7 tILi!:; r..sinLtil _
�. f; :lF�„snt i•�l Umirx : In I lii2 hiih3m-z -l; i 1 -p -*31-11•. rr._:'L 1U-- r1W4:-L-A+Lu krj 'JiLI
I}-%fti iwxrxil i.p! c,ll.. _ .q��Lit.•F,lr-'Iknra �r'�_,•.� .tiJ.yrw�t'..
YND-L71J_CM, FIFAD. J1P LK rUl htll} ArXM rM, t15Ys -'•rda: y raf. . 1.5V+`WWL” 313H7_
5ectiQn 1.
The Pail 'fawn Coungil hereby adflpts the rhasg I and Fhhse YE
am1en,dr;L-Cn ks to t he Ford Park }alas to r P1a75 13m; d Yaawn by THK
kssn.Giakes. Saptembar 21r 19119.
&PPRO Y-1) &N D ADOPTED THIS E t h 13AY OF Lie -C -gr mtre C r 19S.9,
Ment R.R. Rase, Maydr
h''tE:S;T
camel a A. arandmeyc e d Tose ;�l ark �
AESOEIJTIDN SFO. 44
Sari -es of 1-988
�► RE5QL1r1Iphr i4MENDINC. 7HE FORD PARD HASTrSk ptAhr
WHEREX9. the Vail Tg3wn Cgunril and Vail Metr _qpQl jtti n
'
Recreation District be]!icvc that the amendment3 to the F<£J
Pork Maste; Plan 13-rov, dq #Qr a acre e t [e c c ive Way to develop
Fa;d Park far the benefit of t]se v.3i1 rmnstlnity; and
WHE12Eh5 , thfi Vail Tar— Council and Vail M9`t rvpok ita n
Itecr at;�� Dlst;ict are of tn$ Opinion that kha Phase I
am-endment to utilize the orL-sitL- tonnis cvurts with a pruvision
to a-dd Sn additi0fza1 four -courts Ind the Phase III amendment to
14-cate the aquatic fa-iYity on UPM -e-&Atern saftball fieLd am
in accordance Lcit:M cffectinvo park -dezlgn and recro3tLonal nends
-of the cDmmunity and effLuient expendituzq of public funckw :o
Park Eaprover_ontµ; tinLL
HKEREAs, the aRtndments tO the F-Prd I'.3Zk MatiLcr Elan
;i O"dc fOr Yerrcati�PMI unan, ,)C•ttur, and enj4}'me•rLI of Ford
1'arK lay Citi.;lrn,s and qupNt.} of va y 1 ; mnd
WHEREAS, it is Imprrtanc to tho Sk;r-ress -Of l— r.clmnnity
to make cuery effart to nax1,ia4? the rusk of thc- Town of VaY1's
rCCrratlOt23'_ facilitiC�=; and resour=off,
P40'41 T1Q;RE€1DRE, DE :T RES -3L -M) ) RY THE TOWK COUNCII, or THE
TOWN OF VAIL, COLi)n Wo A5 FOL:DWN.,
5ectiQn 1.
The Pail 'fawn Coungil hereby adflpts the rhasg I and Fhhse YE
am1en,dr;L-Cn ks to t he Ford Park }alas to r P1a75 13m; d Yaawn by THK
kssn.Giakes. Saptembar 21r 19119.
&PPRO Y-1) &N D ADOPTED THIS E t h 13AY OF Lie -C -gr mtre C r 19S.9,
Ment R.R. Rase, Maydr
h''tE:S;T
camel a A. arandmeyc e d Tose ;�l ark �
FINAL REPORT
FORD PARK MANAGEMENT PLAN
An Amendment to the Ford Park Master Plan
Town of Vail
Department of Public Works and Transportation
Department of Community Development
Administration Department
Consultants:
Winston and Associates
April 14, 1997
Introduction.
The Ford Park Management Plan herein presented is to serve as an amendment to the 1985
Master Plan for Gerald R. Ford Park. The Ford Park Management Plan contains eight sections.
Sections 1 - 4 introduce the plan: An executive summary, a history and time line of Ford Park, a
description of the management plan process, and a statement of purpose of the management plan.
Section 5 is the heart of the management plan: a set of six management goals with accompanying
objectives, action steps, and policy statements to provide a framework for future management
decisions. Section 6 contains illustrative, conceptual plans and written descriptions which support
the various action steps. A 5 -Year Capital Improvements Program for Ford Park is presented in
Section 7. Section 8 is an appendix containing copies of pertinent legislative and legal documents.
Section 1: Executive Summary.
The property which is today Gerald R. Ford Park was acquired by the town in 1973 in response to
public reaction against a high density residential development proposal. The 39 acre park site
represented the last remaining parcel of land central to use by all residents and visitors of the Vail
Community. The Vail Plan (1973) described the site as a major community park - cultural center
that would satisfy the town=s growing recreational and cultural needs.
Development of the lower portion of the park was directed by the Gerald R. Ford/Donovan Park
Master Plan (1985). Strong public participation led to the establishment of guidelines for the
implementation of future improvements. Upper area improvements, softball fields, tennis courts,
and parking areas, were constructed without the benefit of preplanning and subsequently created
some barriers to the lower bench, natural areas, and Nature Center.
The Vail Village Master Plan (1990) recommended the park be considered as a site for additional
skier parking to serve expansion on the eastern side of Vail Mountain. It also recommended the
construction of bike/pedestrian ways along the South Frontage Road and Vail Valley Drive.
There are currently four main organizations involved in the operation of Ford Park. The Town of
Vail, Vail Recreation District, Alpine Garden Foundation, and the Vail Valley Foundation all play
distinct roles and manage separate portions of the park. The Town of Vail is the owner of the park
and manages the community park, stream tract, and parking lot areas. The other three
organizations each hold a lease or license agreement to operate their respective facilities and
programs within the park.
A proposal by the Alpine Garden Foundation to construct an educational center within the garden
area was a significant impetus to the creation of this document. However, several other formal and
informal development expansion proposals and numerous unresolved park management issues
existed. This plan is intended to create a means to evaluate development proposals in order to
protect and enhance the character of the park.
This plan is a direct product of strong public participation in focus groups and public input sessions.
One clear, concise message was conveyed to the town staff from the public participants: AYour
role is steward to the park; don=t screw it up by over development.@ To that end, this plan, serving
as an amendment to the 1985 Ford Park Master Plan, is intended to guide the outcome of future
development and improvement proposals through the implementation of six major goals.
2
1. Preservation and protection
2. Reduction of vehicular intrusions
3. Reduction of conflicts between venues
4. Resolution of parking and Frontage Road access problems
5. Improvement of pedestrian circulation
6. Delineation of financial responsibilities
Designed to be a framework for future management decisions, a series of objectives, action steps
and policy statements facilitate the implementation of each goal statement.
Section 2: Background of Ford Park.
History
Gerald R. Ford Park has been the subject of numerous legislative and community planning actions
over the last 24 years. The time line at the end of this section illustrates the relationship between
the actions discussed in this section.
The Ford Park site was acquired by the Town of Vail in April of 1973 for the stated purpose of
improving the quality of life in the community. This 39 acre park site represented the last remaining
parcel of land central to use by all residents and visitors of the Vail community. The existing
conditions plan, which follows this section, illustrates Ford Park in its current condition.
Ordinance No. 6, Series of 1973, signed April 3, 1973, (a copy of which is included in the
Appendix), authorized the purchase (by condemnation) of the property known as the Antholz
Ranch. The ordinance listed a variety of possible uses for the property including the following:
X for park and greenbelt purposes,
X to preserve the natural and physical character of the area to be condemned,
X for bicycle, equestrian and hiking trails,
X for children=s playground,
X for performing arts and civic center,
X for a ski lift and related facilities,
X for picnic areas,
X for recreational facilities such as tennis courts, swimming pools, gymnasium, ice
skating rink,
X for theater and assembly halls, convention center, public schools,
X for possible exchange or trade of condemned land, or a portion thereof, with other
property which may exactly meet the needs of the town,
X to construct and maintain water works, transportation systems, and other public
utilities relating to public health, safety, and welfare.
In August of 1973, the Vail Plan was completed. This plan was designed to control the growth and
development of the community and contained a chapter on the town recreation system. The
Antholz Ranch property was mentioned as the only site satisfying the recreation use anticipated. In
the Vail Plan the uses intended for the property were further defined. The uses listed include a
place for showing and creating art, crafts, etc.; an indoor theater as well as an 800 seat outdoor
amphitheater; meeting rooms and community workshops; wide outdoor terraces and natural
3
landscapes; indoor ice arena, tennis and handball courts; children=s play facilities and space for
family activities; headquarters for the Annual Vail Symposium and local television; and a possible
location for an ecologium (nature center). The property was described as a major community park -
cultural center. The plan called for 200 surface parking spaces and direct service from the town
bus system. Major parking needs were to be accommodated in the Vail Transportation Center with
various trails and bikeways connecting to the park.
In January of 1977, Resolution No. 1, Series of 1977, was passed naming the property commonly
known as the Antholz Ranch as Gerald R. Ford Park in appreciation of President Ford=s
contributions to the community. Resolution No. 1, Series of 1977 is included in the Appendix.
In August of 1985 the Gerald R. Ford Park and Donovan Park Master Plan Development Final
Report was completed. The Ford Park Master Plan was adopted by Council with Resolution No. 19,
Series of 1985, which is included in the Appendix. The purpose of the master plan was to guide the
future development of these parks and establish guidelines for the implementation of
improvements. The master planning project used a Recreation Needs Analysis Survey and
involvement of the public in determining the recreation priorities of the community and the design
concepts and criteria for the two park sites. The Ford Park master plan proposed a swimming pool
complex, neighborhood park improvements, a skating rink on the lower bench, and the realignment
of the eastern softball field. The neighborhood park open space area, playground, and access road
were the only portions of the master plan actually constructed.
The first major structure to be constructed in the park, the Gerald R. Ford Amphitheater, was
completed in July of 1987. The Parking and Transit Study completed in April of 1979 for the
Amphitheater made five recommendations: The Village Structure should be considered the major
parking facility for Ford Park, with improvements to the signs, sidewalks, and bus service being
necessary; extend shuttle bus service to the soccer field; disallow Frontage Road parking; construct
a vehicle turn -around and passenger unloading area at Ford Park; and do not schedule concurrent
events.
Resolution No. 27, Series of 1987, was passed on November 3, 1987. Resolution 27 designated
the seven acres around the Nature Center as an area to be preserved as an example of the Gore
Valley=s natural history. Vehicular traffic was restricted and certain policies and procedures for
preservation and maintenance of the grounds and facilities were established with the resolution. A
copy of resolution No. 27, Series of 1987, is included in the Appendix.
Development of the community park portion on the lower bench of Ford Park included the restroom,
playground area, open turf area and picnic facilities, and the west access road. These
improvements were completed in November of 1988.
11
In December of 1988, the Vail Metropolitan Recreation District (Now the Vail Recreation District)
and the Town of Vail, requested an amendment to the 1985 Ford Park Master Plan. The two phase
amendment was adopted by Council as Resolution No. 44, Series of 1988. A copy of the resolution
is included in the appendix. Phase one of the amendment was to utilize the on-site tennis courts
and allow the construction of four additional courts. Phase two of the amendment changed the
proposed location of the Aquatic Facility to the eastern softball field. Funding of the Aquatic Facility
was rejected by voters in a special election on February 6, 1989. Vail Town Council was presented
with a petition to delete all reference to an aquatics center from the Ford Park Master Plan in April
of 1990. No record of Council action on the petition was found. While the tennis center building is
not mentioned in the Master plan amendment, the VRD did receive a Conditional Use Permit for the
project on May 8, 1990.
The Vail Village Master Plan, adopted January 16, 1990, addresses Ford Park as a specific study
area. This study acknowledges the use of the park in recent years to accommodate overflow skier
and local parking needs. It recommends the park be studied further as a site for additional skier
parking to serve expansion of the eastern side of Vail Mountain. Action Step #5 under Goal #5
states Astudy the feasibility of an underground (recreation fields would remain) parking structure in
Ford Park.@ The Parking and Circulation Plan, within the Vail Village Master Plan, identifies the
western portion of the upper bench for Apotential parking beneath park,@ and calls for separated
bike/pedestrian ways along the South Frontage Road and Vail Valley Drive.
The Vail Transportation Master Plan, completed in 1993, states, AThe existing Ford Park Parking
area (east end of park) should be considered for a possible 2 -level parking facility with the second
level below existing grade.@ Ford Park and the athletic field parking area are also listed as two
possible sites for oversized vehicles if the lot east of the Lionshead Structure becomes developed.
Current Park Management
There are currently four main organizations operating in Gerald R. Ford Park. The Town of Vail,
Vail Recreation District, Alpine Garden Foundation, and the Vail Valley Foundation all play distinct
roles and manage separate portions of the park. The Town of Vail is the owner of the entire Gerald
R. Ford Park site and manages the community park, stream tract, and parking lot areas. The other
three organizations each hold a lease or license agreement to operate their respective facilities and
programs within the park.
The Vail Recreation District Lease of December 21, 1993, describes the premises license as
including the upper bench of Ford Park, public tennis courts, athletic fields and Nature Center,
although the graphic representation of the premises was not attached to the lease agreement. The
VRD offers a variety of sports leagues, camps, and tournaments to area residents and guests. The
Vail Nature Center occupies the seven acres between Vail Valley Drive and Gore Creek and offers
environmental education and research opportunities to residents and guests. While officially a
public parking lot, Vail Associates frequently utilizes the athletic field parking lot for employees
working out of the Golden peak ski base. A copy of the Vail Recreation District lease is included in
the Appendix.
The Vail Valley Foundation, (VVF), a non-profit, charitable organization, manages and maintains
the Ford Amphitheater and immediate grounds. The terms of the agreement between the Town
and the VVF, signed December 8, 1987, and extended to October 31, 2001, include an endowment
for ongoing repair and maintenance of the Amphitheater. The amphitheater seats up to 2,500
people and is scheduled an average of 58 days during the summer. Hot Summer Nights concerts,
Bravo! Colorado, and the Bolshoi Ballet are some of the more popular programs held at the
5
amphitheater.
The Vail Alpine Garden Foundation, a Colorado non-profit corporation, manages the three existing
phases of the Betty Ford Alpine Garden under a Limited License Agreement signed June 8, 1994.
The terms and conditions of a Lease Agreement are currently being negotiated. The original Alpine
Display Garden was constructed in 1987 under a license agreement with the Town at the entrance
to the amphitheater. The site for the Alpine Garden was established in the 1985 Ford Park Master
Plan to act as a buffer between the amphitheater and active park areas. The second phase of the
garden, the Perennial Garden, and third phase, the Meditation Garden, were constructed in 1989
and 1991 respectively. A fourth and final phase, the Alpine Rock Garden, is currently being
planned for construction in 1998. A proposal by the Alpine Garden Foundation to construct an
Educational Center with the final phase of the garden has been controversial. Opposition to the
expanded use of the garden and the interior of park has been a significant impetus to the creation
of this master plan amendment. In response to that opposition, the Vail Alpine Garden Foundation
modified the proposal to locate the Educational Center near the athletic field parking lot on Vail
Valley Drive. This location received conceptual approval by the Council on October 15, 1996,
allowing the Foundation to proceed through the design process within the Town.
The lower bench of Ford Park, is managed by the Town of Vail Department of Public Works and
Transportation and serves as a community park and open space facility with picnic, playground and
open play areas. The lower bench is utilized several times a year for special events where large
tents are often erected to accommodate the activities. Access to the park from the Golden Peak
ski base is by a public access easement through the Manor Vail property. A copy of the easement
is included in the Appendix. The Town operates the upper bench parking lot as a public parking
facility during the ski season. Access to the upper bench parking areas is from the State owned
South Frontage Road. The Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT) is the agency
responsible for reviewing and approving access permit applications from the State-owned Frontage
Road. Currently, no access permit has been issued for the access by the CDOT. CDOT Frontage
Road right-of-way covers a substantial portion of the existing gravel parking lot.
Cel
Time Line of Ford Park Activities:
April 1973
Condemnation of Antholz Ranch. Ordinance 6, 1973
August 1973
Completion of Vail Plan.
January 1977
Antholtz Ranch named Gerald R. Ford Park. Resolution 1, 1977
August 1985
Completion of Ford/Donovan Park Masterplan. Resolution 19,1985
July 1987
Amphitheater construction complete
August 1987
Alpine Demonstration Garden complete.
November 1987
Preservation of Nature Center. Resolution 27, 1987
December 1987
Vail Valley Foundation lease signed.
November 1988
Lower Bench improvements complete.
December 1988
Masterplan amendment by VRD. Resolution 44, 1988
December 1988
Service agreement with VRD. Resolution 46, 1988
May 1989
Tennis Center receives Conditional Use Permit.
July 1989
Alpine Perennial Garden complete.
January 1990
Completion of Vail Village Masterplan.
February 1990
Aquatic Center rejected by voters in special election.
April 1990
Council petitioned to delete Aquatic Center from masterplan.
May 1990
Tennis Center construction complete.
June 1991
Alpine Medetation Garden complete.
April 1993
Completion of Vail Transportation Master Plan.
December 1993
Vail Recreation District agreement renewed.
June 1994
Vail Alpine Garden Foundation license agreement signed.
June 1995
Town begins Ford Park Management Plan..
October 1996
Council allows Vail Alpine Garden Foundation to proceed through
process
with Educational Center plans at Soccer Field parking lot.
7
Section 3: Descriation of the arocess of develoaina the Manaaement Plan.
The Ford Park Management Plan process was initiated in June of 1995 in response to several
development proposals which had been formally and informally discussed and as a means to solve
existing park management issues. The development proposals included an Educational Center for
the Betty Ford Alpine Garden, cultural/performing arts center, expansion of the tennis facility,
athletic field fencing, and a community parking structure. Park management issues included parking
shortage, frontage road access, pedestrian access and circulation, access for the elderly and
disabled, utilization of the lower bench, conflicts between uses within the park, conflicts with
adjacent property owners, and delineation of financial responsibilities. At the time the project was
authorized, Council expressed concern that a new master plan for Ford Park would result in an
excessive amount of new development. In response, staff noted the intention of the project was to
create a Amanagement plan@ as a means to adequately and consistently evaluate development
proposals, thus limiting development and protecting the character of the park.
Those organizations with a financial and managerial role along, with two neighborhood
representatives, were identified as the Stakeholder Group and were invited to participate in the
process. A third party facilitator was retained for the project in August of 1995. Staff members from
the Town, Vail Recreation District and Alpine Garden participated in the facilitator selection process.
Staff felt that a third -party facilitator would be beneficial to the project by offering a non -biased
opinion and increasing Stakeholder participation. The Stakeholder Group was assembled in a
series of meetings over the eight month period from August 1995 to April 1996. The meetings drew
out issues, ideas, expansion proposals, and began formulating possible solutions.
Alternative design solutions addressing parking options, vehicular access, Frontage Road
improvements, additional sports facilities and management policies, were presented to the public in
an open house at the Gerald R. Ford Amphitheater on June 12, 1996. Citizens were asked to
complete a self -guided presentation and opinion survey form. A synopsis of the open house
presentation and summary of the opinion survey are included in the Appendix.
The open house presentation was a turning point in the process of developing the Management
Plan. Several residents were alarmed by the alternatives included in the presentation and initiated
a grass-roots movement to place a referendum on any future expansion/development within the
park. This strong public reaction, combined with a lack of closure with the Stakeholders Group,
prompted the Town to revise the process to include more public involvement at that time.
Previously, public input was being reserved for a time when alternative plans could be presented for
comment. Three Focus Group meetings with selected individuals from the community were held on
September 18, 1996. Stakeholder groups were invited to submit a list of questions for inclusion in
the Focus Group discussions. In round table discussion, individuals were asked to respond to a list
of prepared questions regarding uses and issues associated with Ford Park. The Focus Group
questions and responses are included in the Appendix. Additional public input sessions were held
on October 2 and 3, 1996„ which validated the focus group responses and further refined staff=s
understanding of the public perception and desire regarding Ford Park.
The combined results of the focus group and public input sessions along with a preliminary master
plan framework, were presented to the Planning and Environmental Commission on October 14,
1996, and Town Council on October 15, 1996. Both PEC and Council directed staff to proceed with
drafting the plan as an amendment to the 1985 Ford Park Master Plan based on the input received
and presented.
I
Section 4: Purpose of the Management Plan.
This document is formatted as an amendment to the 1985 Master plan (revised) for Ford Park.
While some of the physical aspects of the park have changed since the adoption of the 1985
Master plan, the essential character, concept, and function of the park have remained consistent.
The 1985 Master Plan, enhanced by this amendment, remains a valid document to be used in the
future planning and decision-making process for Ford Park. As with all master plans, this document
will have a definite life for which it remains a useful decision-making tool. The life expectancy of
this plan is approximately 10 years but should remain in effect until replaced by an updated master
plan document. The Ford Park Management Plan will take precedence over the 1985 Master Plan
where conflicts or discrepancies occur.
The intention of the combined documents is to guide the outcome of future development proposals
within Ford Park by modifying the permitted uses (1973 acquisition legislation), recommending
development guidelines, limiting the number of leaseholders within Ford Park, and designating
buffer/protection zones within and adjacent to the park.
The 1985 Master Plan Acknowledges some shortcomings in the overall design of the park,
particularly the layout of the upper bench area and the internal pedestrian circulation system. This
amendment will formulate design alternatives to these specific problem areas to correct the
deficiencies that exist. This amendment will also delineate managerial, operational, and financial
responsibilities between the Town and the leaseholders.
Section 5: Goals, Objectives, Policies and Action Steps.
Goals for Ford Park are summarized in six major goal statements. Each goal statement focuses on
a particular aspect of Ford Park brought up during the stakeholder and public input portions of the
Management Plan process. As one might anticipate, there is a certain amount of overlap between
the goal statements. The issues concerning Ford Park are complicated and convoluted as are the
solutions to these issues. It is intended that the goal statements be consistent and complementary
to each other and be designed to provide a framework, or direction, for the future management of
Ford Park. A series of objectives following each goal statement outline specific steps that can be
taken toward achieving each stated goal. Policy statements are intended to guide decision-making
in achieving each of the stated objectives in reviewing development proposals and implementing
capital improvement projects. Action steps are the final measure in implementing the goal
statements.
Illustrative plans following the Goals, Objective, and Action Steps are included to help explain the
concepts represented by those statements. The illustrations are conceptual and are not to be
considered as final design solutions.
Goal #1:
Preserve and protect Ford Park.
Objectives:
1.1: Limit future development.
Action Step 1.1.1: Draft a new ordinance to exclude those uses listed in Ordinance No.6,
Series of 1973, now considered to be inappropriate, and to redefine the allowable uses
within Ford Park.
W
Policy Statement 1: The following uses that are allowed and prohibited for Ford Park shall
take precedence over Section 18.36.030 of the Municipal Code concerning the General Use
Zone District.
Allowed Uses
X Park and greenbelt
X Bicycle and hiking trails
X Children=s playground
X Outdoor amphitheater
X Botanical gardens
X Environmental, educational, and historical centers
X Picnic areas
X Recreation and athletic facilities
X Transportation systems and other public utility easements
X Parking
X Administrative offices
Prohibited uses
X Ski lift and related facilities
X Exchange or trade
X Civic center, convention/conference center, public schools, gymnasium, and
assembly hall
X Swimming pools
X Equestrian trails
X Type III and IV employee housing
Policy Statement 2: New or changed facilities or uses will not be permitted to curtail
existing public uses of facilities in the Park unless there is either a compelling public interest
or adequate alternative facilities are available to its users. All functions in the park shall be
maintained and function at a high quality level.
Action Step 1.1.2: Create and attach plan sheets which outline lease areas, referred to as
Exhibit A in the Vail Recreation District lease agreement and Exhibit B in the Vail Valley
Foundation lease agreement, but which were never attached.
Policy Statement 3: The existing variety of uses and facilities in the Park will be preserved.
The Town will not enter into a lease agreement with any party that does not currently hold
such an agreement, hereby maintaining current leaseholder status to: Vail Valley
Foundation, Vail Alpine Garden Foundation, and Vail Recreation District, or their
successors.
1.2: Refine criteria for evaluating future development proposals.
Action Step 1.2.1: Update the Design Criteria and Site Guidelines included in the 1985 Ford
Park Master Plan by:
a) Creating additional development guidelines for underground, low visual impact type
structures, enhanced landscaping, and full and complete impact mitigation.
b) Enforcing existing criteria and guidelines to solve and/or avoid problems associated with
10
development projects within Ford Park.
1.3: Designate Preservation Zones within Ford Park to protect sensitive natural areas and/or buffer
zones between venues areas from developmental impacts. Define allowed uses within
Preservation Zone areas.
Action Step 1.3.1: Define criteria for designating Preservation Zones and their uses within
Ford Park. For example, significant native vegetation, wildlife habitat, and wetlands may be
criteria for designating sensitive natural areas, while grade separations and dense
landscape plantings may be criteria for designating sensitive buffer zones.
Action Step 1.3.2: Delineate Preservation Zones within Ford Park.
Policy Statement 4: All proposed development projects shall be reviewed for compliance
with Design Criteria and Site Guidelines, as well as other Town regulations, and shall be
additionally judged according to the recreational, educational or social benefit they bring to
the community.
Policy Statement 5: Functions that do not maintain high standards of quality or that
diminish the experience of park users, will not be permitted.
Policy Statement 6: The historic qualities and natural character of the Nature Center are
to be maintained.
1.4: Enhance use and preservation of the Historic School House.
Action Step 1.4.1: Negotiate a contract with the Vail Alpine Garden Foundation to open the
School House for public visitation and to perform preservation activities of photographs and
artifacts.
Action Step 1.4.2: Make physical improvements to the school house to enhance lighting,
public access and viewing areas.
Goal #2:
Reduce vehicular intrusions in, and their impact on, the park.
Objectives:
2.1: Reduce the demand for vehicular intrusions into the park.
Action Step 2.1.1: Provide additional on-site storage facilities within the Amphitheater,
Alpine Garden and Recreation District areas to reduce and control the frequency of delivery
and service vehicle intrusions into the park.
Action Step 2.1.2: Improve traffic gate operations and restrictions on both the east and
west access roads to eliminate unnecessary and unauthorized vehicular intrusions into the
park.
Action Step 2.1.3: Construct a central trash collection facility, accessible from the South
Frontage Road, to be used by all leaseholders within the park for the disposal of trash,
landscape debris, and recyclables.
Policy Statement 7: Vehicular encroachment into the park will be minimized. The only
vehicular uses allowed in the park are for: maintenance; delivery of goods and materials too
large or heavy to be carried by non -motorized means; access for people with disabilities or
limited mobility; public transportation; and emergency services.
2.2: Reduce the conflicts between vehicles and park users.
Action Step 2.2.1: Coordinate delivery schedules to reduce the frequency of delivery and
service vehicle intrusions into the park during peak use time periods.
Action Step 2.2.2: Improve loading dock facilities in the Amphitheater to expedite the
unloading and setup for performances and to reduce the need for large vehicle parking
outside of the Amphitheater area.
Action Step 2.2.3: Improve the configuration of the east access road to allow use by large
delivery vehicles, thus reducing the overall number of trips on the west access road and the
need for the backing and turning of large vehicles on the lower bench of the park.
Goal #3:
Reduce conflicts between all Ford Park venues.
Objectives:
3.1: Coordinate events on all Ford Park venues.
Action Step 3.1.1: Expand the master schedule kept by the Town Clerk to include all
venues within the park.
Action Step 3.1.2: Hold preseason and monthly event/activity coordination meetings.
Action Step 3.1.3: Hold semiannual (2x per year) coordination and input meetings with the
Town Administrators, leaseholder representatives, and neighborhood and adjacent property
owner representatives.
Policy Statement 8: Overlapping or simultaneous events that exceed the available
community parking or other park infrastructure shall be discouraged.
Policy Statement 9: No one event or type of use will be allowed to dominate the usage of
the Park.
Policy Statement 10: The Park is a Town of Vail community facility and in the case of
conflicting uses, functions that best serve the interests of the community will have the
highest priority. In all cases, final decisions regarding the Park rest with the Vail Town
Manager.
Policy Statement 11: The day-to-day management and coordination of activities in the
Park will be assigned to the Park Superintendent. The Park Superintendent will coordinate
as necessary with a representative of:
$ the Town of Vail
$ the Vail Valley Foundation
12
$ the Alpine Garden
$ the Vail Recreation District
3.2: Improve buffers between different use areas within the park.
Action Step 3.2.1: Enhance the buffer zone between the softball fields and the amphitheater
and gardens by reversing the orientation of the center and east softball fields.
Action Step 3.2.2: Enhance existing and new buffer zone areas through the addition of
landscape planting.
Goal #4: Resolve parking and South Frontage Road access problems.
Objectives:
4.1: Develop and implement a parking management plan for Ford Park.
Action Step 4.1.1: Locate a variable message sign between the main roundabout and
entrance to Village Structure for the purpose of informing drivers that close -in parking at
Ford Park is restricted, at a fee, or full, and parking in the VTC is free and shuttle bus
service is available.
Action Step 4.1.2: Schedule shuttle bus service from top deck of the Village Structure to
Ford Park Frontage Road stop for special event/high demand days. Extend in -town shuttle
bus service to Ford Park Vail Valley Drive stop.
Action Step 4.1.3: Designate drop-off parking from Frontage Road using 15 spaces north of
bus stop. Enforce 5 minute time limit. Drop-off lane functions as a turn around once lot is
filled. Schedule attendants on-site to manage drop-off spaces and assist users in loading
and unloading.
Action Step 4.1.4: Allocate close -in parking on Frontage Road and Vail Valley Drive through
reserve ticket purchases or on a fee basis. Parking attendants on-site to manage entrances
and exits. Establish a ticket surcharge or parking fee price schedule which will generate
sufficient funds to cover attendant and shuttle bus service costs. Fee parking is to be in
effect for high -parking demand days only.
Action Step 4.1.5: Construct Frontage Road sidewalk from the Village Structure and
improve sign system as necessary to accommodate pedestrian traffic to Ford Park.
Policy Statement 12: Adequate parking for the needs of the park are to be provided in the
park and at the Village Structure.
4.2: Improve vehicular access from the South Frontage Road and improve parking lot design to
maximize the number of parking spaces, aesthetics, and safety while mitigating environmental
impacts.
Action Step 4.2.1: Design and construct improvements to the South Frontage Road to meet
CDOT requirements for obtaining a state highway access permit.
Action Step 4.2.2: Design and construct improvements to all existing parking areas that
13
maximize the number of parking spaces; provide landscape buffering and treatment of
storm water run-off.
Goal #5:
Improve internal pedestrian circulation within Ford Park and the pedestrian connections
between Ford Park and Vail Village.
Objectives:
5.1: Improve directional and informational signs to and within Ford Park.
Action Step 5.1.1: Develop a comprehensive sign plan to direct Ford Park visitors from
central sites in the Vail Village and from each level of the Village Parking Structure to
destinations within Ford Park.
5.2: Improve pedestrian routes to Ford Park.
Action Step 5.2.1: Design improvements to existing pedestrian routes that will correct
grading, surfacing, and lighting and will provide resting and sitting areas.
5.3: Improve internal pedestrian circulation within Ford Park.
Action Step 5.3.1: Design a central pedestrian path to enhance the connection between the
upper and lower bench areas of the park.
Policy Statement 14: Any uses added to Ford Park in the future shall be structured to
encourage users or participants to walk or ride the bus rather than drive.
Policy Statement 15: Pedestrian access to the Park from the Vail Village should be easy
and visible. The Park shall be as pedestrian -friendly as possible.
14
Goal #6:
Delineate financial responsibilities among Ford Park leaseholders and the Town of Vail.
Objectives:
6.1: Formalize existing division of facility management/operation costs.
Action Step 6.1.1: Research current lease, license and use agreements for delineation of
financial responsibilities.
Action Step 6.1.2: Correct inequities in utility billing procedures and distribution systems,
current utility use, and payment relationships.
Policy Statement 16: All Ford Park leaseholders and the Town of Vail shall be required to
share in common operating costs that benefit the whole park facility and as outlined in
current lease or license agreements. These include but are not limited to, electrical charges
for pedestrian path and parking lot lighting, trash removal charges, and regular parking lot
and pedestrian path maintenance costs.
6.2: Create a cost-sharing agreement for Capital Improvement costs.
Action Step 6.2.1: Create a five year capital improvements program for Ford Park.
Action Step 6.2.2: Establish the benefit/cost relationship for capital projects to determine
appropriate cost sharing agreements.
Policy Statement 17: Ford Park leaseholders and the Town of Vail desiring to make capital
improvements within their respective lease areas shall be required to provide funding for
those improvements and for subsequent modifications to those areas outside of the lease
area caused by those improvements.
Policy Statement 18: Services, functions, and programs provided by Ford Park
leaseholders, by bringing visitors to the community, generate sales tax revenues which
contribute General Fund funding sources. Residents of the community which participate in
those programs, contribute to the Real Estate Transfer Tax funding source through real
estate transactions. Both of these funding sources can be utilized by the Town of Vail to
pay for capital projects and improvements within Ford Park, reducing the need for
contributions from the leaseholders.
Section 6: Illustrative Plan Components.
This section contains the maps and drawings necessary to illustrate the physical aspects and
relationships of the plan. There are 7 plan sheets at a scale of 1" = 50'. The Index sheet orients
each plan sheet to the overall park layout. A 24" x 36"' plan sheet at 1 "=100' is included in the back
of this document.
The following text for each of the 7 plan sheets offers a written description of the improvements
illustrated. These drawings and descriptions are intended to illustrate the concepts of the
improvements only and are not considered to be final construction documents.
Sheet 1: Streamwalk and West Access Road Improvements.
15
Streamwalk.
Regrade eastern 370' of path to reduce existing slope of 15% to a maximum of 4.5%. Construct
approximately 320' of 8' maximum height retaining wall. Replace existing vandal -prone path lights
with a more vandal -resistant fixture. Install benches at 150' intervals to provide sitting and resting
places.
West Access Road.
Reduce width of road entrance from South Frontage Road from the existing 50' to 10' to reduce
visual significance of this entrance. Install an automated traffic control gate. Control gate to be
hand-held opener operated on the Frontage Road side and automatic loop operated on the park
side. The gate is to function as an exit only gate in conjunction with the East Access Road. Install
additional landscape plantings and directional and park entrance signs. Install benches at 150'
intervals to provide sitting and resting places.
South Frontage Road Walk Path.
Construct 12' concrete pedestrian/bike path along south edge of roadway from Vail Valley Drive to
the West Access Road entrance. Path will be separated from the roadway by 6" curb and gutter.
Construct left-hand turn lane and right-hand turn traffic island at South Frontage Road and Vail
Valley Drive intersection. Install additional path lights as necessary.
Sheet 2: Ballfield and Circulation Route Improvements.
Pedestrian Path.
Extend pedestrian/bike path beyond West Access Road as 10' detached pathway. Widen path
between softball infields and extend beyond the Tennis Center to the proposed main park entrance.
Install 300 feet of highway guardrail along South Frontage Road to protect bleachers and
spectators adjacent to softball fields. Install additional path lights as necessary.
Softball Field and Path:
Remove existing paved parking area and move eastern softball field approximately 30' north.
Construct an 8' paved pedestrian path around the east and south sides of the eastern softball field
to connect to the existing concrete path from the playground area. Install additional path lights and
benches as necessary. Install directional signs at all path intersections. Install additional
landscape plantings east and south of ballfield as a landscape buffer.
Sheet 3: Bus Stop / Main Entrance Improvements.
South Frontage Road Improvements:
Widen South Frontage Road to provide 6' bike lanes on each side, two 12' through lanes, 12' east
bound right-hand turn lane, and 16' west -bound left-hand turn lane. Construct curb and gutter on
both sides of the roadway. Construct raised, landscape median islands where possible to reduce
the quantity of paved surface and to delineate travel lanes. (See typical cross section of median
island). The turning and travel lanes indicated are in accordance with Colorado Department of
Transportation (CDOT) highway access code requirements. Obtain Highway access permit form
Colorado Department of Transportation.
Bus Stop/Drop-off.
Construct dedicated bus stop lane, accessed by an enter only drive cut from the South Frontage
Road. This drive will also provide access to 15 dedicated drop-off parking spaces directly across
from the Tennis Center entrance. Install additional landscape plantings to buffer and screen
parking areas from the roadways.
Main Park Entrance.
Construct Main Park Entrance drive with one entrance and two exit lanes. Install main park
entrance sign and landscape plantings at this location. Install directional signs at all pedestrian
paths and intersections. Install pedestrian and roadway lights as required.
Tennis Court Relocation.
Remove eastern court from existing bank of 4 courts. Construct new court on the western end of the
existing bank of 2 courts. Excavation of the existing berm and relocation of water meter pits will be
required.
Sheet 4: Parking Area improvements.
Parking Lot.
Construct 7 disabled accessible parking spaces along east side of Tennis Complex. Expand area
of existing gravel parking area by constructing two sets of tiered 4' retaining walls. Revegetate
hillside with native wildflowers and shrubs. Construct 194 space paved parking lot with curb and
gutter and landscape islands. Install storm water filtration system to clean water before discharge
into Gore Creek. A total number of 209 parking spaces are indicated on this plan, an increase of 10
spaces. Install landscape plantings along Frontage Road and south edge of parking lot to screen
and buffer parking area from adjacent roadways and neighborhoods. Install parking lot lighting as
needed.
Central Trash Enclosure.
A central trash enclosure is shown at the southwest corner of the parking lot. This is intended to be
a fully enclosed building which contains a trash dumpster or compactor unit. All leaseholders will
utilize the central enclosure to dispose of trash generated at each facility. No trash truck traffic will
be allowed into the park.
Sheet 5: Manor Vail Entrance Improvements.
Manor Vail Walkway.
Repair existing brick and concrete walkway as needed. Install Ford Park Entrance signs at
intersection for walkway and Vail Valley Drive and at right-hand turn to the Manor Vail Bridge. The
second entrance sign should be located where it is clearly visible from the walkway.
Manor Vail Bridge.
Increase the deck height of the Manor Vail covered bridge by approximately 4'. This is
accomplished by removing the bridge from its footings intact, pouring an additional 4' of wall on the
existing concrete footings, and resetting the bridge. Any structural improvements can be made to
the bridge at that time. The 4' increase in elevation will allow the walks approaching the bridge form
both directions to be reconstructed at lower grades. Replace existing pedestrian lights with vandal -
proof fixtures. Install benches at approximately 150' intervals to provide sitting and resting places.
Sheet 6: East Access Road Improvements.
Access Gate.
This entrance is intended to function as the primary service vehicle entrance to the Lower Bench.
17
Install Automated traffic control gate at Intersection with parking lot. Gate will be hand-held opener
operated on the parking lot side and roadway loop operated on the park side. This will be an enter
and exit access point. Reconstruct existing access road to a 15' width at a maximum of 7.9% slope.
Construct approximately 160' of 8' maximum height retaining wall along uphill side of the road.
Install benches at approximately 1 00'intervals to provide sitting and resting places. Install additional
path lights and directional signs as needed.
Amphitheater loading Dock.
Construct an additional 12'x 35' loading bay on the south side of the amphitheater to accommodate
performance deliveries. The additional loading bay will reduce vehicle traffic during peak park use
times and reduce the need for parking outside the managed amphitheater area.
Sheet 7: South Entrance Improvements.
Soccer Field Parking.
Improve the Soccer Field parking lot driveway entrance and restripe the existing lot to maximize the
number of parking spaces. The Soccer Field lot is noted as the future site of the Alpine Garden
Foundation=s Education Center pending development review process approval.
Section 7: Capital Improvements Plan for Ford Park.
This section outlines a five to ten year plan for making physical improvements to the park. The final
list of projects will be reviewed and coordinated with Ford Park leaseholders, and adjacent property
owners and must be validated through open public participation. Ford Park projects and
improvement costs are eligible for Real Estate Transfer Tax funds and grant funding through Great
Outdoors Colorado.
Preliminary list of protects:
1. Streamwalk reconstruction.
2. Streamwalk path light installation.
3. Directional sign package design and installation.
4. Additional site furnishings installation.
5. West Access Road control gate installation and landscaping.
6. South Frontage Road pedestrian/bike path construction.
7. Relocate eastern softball field.
8. Internal pedestrian path construction.
9. South Frontage Road accel/decel lane construction.
10. Relocate tennis court.
11. Bus stop, parking lot, and main entrance improvements construction.
12. Central trash enclosure design and construction.
13. Manor Vail walkway repair and sign installation.
14. Manor Vail bridge and path reconstruction.
15. East Access Road improvement construction.
16. East Access Road control gate installation.
17. Amphitheater loading dock design and construction.
18. Athletic Field parking lot improvement construction.
19. Nature Center trail reconstruction.
101
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AN UPDATE TO THE
FINAL REPORT
FORD PARK MANAGEMENT PLAN
An Amendment to the Ford Park Master Plan
April 14, 1997
Updated April, 2012
AN UPDATE TO THE
FINAL REPORT
FORD PARK MANAGEMENT PLAN
An Amendment to the Ford Park Master Plan
Prepare for:
Town of Vail
Public Works Department
Community Development Department
Administration Department
Prepared by:
Braun Associates, Inc.
AECOM
Zehren Associates, Inc.
Updated
April, 2012
Introduction
The Ford Park Management Plan herein presented is to serve as an amendment
to the 1985 Master Plan for Gerald R. Ford Park. The Ford Park Management
Plan contains eight sections. Sections 1 - 4 introduce the plan: An executive
summary, a history and time line of Ford Park, a description of the management
plan process, and a statement of purpose of the management plan. Section 5 is
the heart of the management plan: a set of six management goals with
accompanying objectives, action steps, and policy statements to provide a
framework for future management decisions. Section 6 contains illustrative,
conceptual plans and written descriptions which support the various action steps.
A 5 -Year Capital Improvements Program for Ford Park is presented in Section 7.
In 2012 the Ford Park Management Plan was updated to reflect new ideas for
improvements planned for the Park. Plans to make improvements to the Park
were initiated when Vail voters approved funding by re -allocating a portion of
Convention Center Funds to Ford Park. The other stakeholders in the Park are
also participating in the funding of these improvements.
The 2012 update continues the overall direction for the Park established by the
1997 Management Plan and in doing so maintains the role the Park has played
in the community for the past 30 years. The 2012 update makes no significant
changes to the activities that currently take place in the Park. By way of
example, all of the major uses in the Park — athletic fields, passive recreation, the
Gerald R. Ford Amphitheater, the Alpine Gardens and tennis remain in place.
There are no changes to the six major goal statements or to the related
objectives, policy statements and action steps outlined in the 1997 Plan.
Refinements to the Plan resulting from the 2012 update are limited to the
Illustrative Plan Component of the 1997 Management Plan. The Illustrative Plan
Components are conceptual site plan diagrams of improvements suggested for
the Park. Many of the park improvements identified by the 2012 Update will
implement improvements first identified in the 1997 Plan. These improvements
and new improvements not previously contemplated by the 1997 Plan are
outlined in Section 6.
Ford Park Management Plan Update
April 2012
Section 1: Executive Summary
The property which is today Gerald R. Ford Park was acquired by the town in
1973 in response to public reaction against a high density residential
development proposal. The 39 acre park site represented the last remaining
parcel of land central to use by all residents and visitors of the Vail Community.
The Vail Plan (1973) described the site as a major community park — cultural
center that would satisfy the town's growing recreational and cultural needs.
Development of the lower portion of the park was directed by the Gerald R. Ford/
Donovan Park Master Plan (1985). Strong public participation led to the
establishment of guidelines for the implementation of future improvements.
Upper area improvements, softball fields, tennis courts, and parking areas, were
constructed without the benefit of preplanning and subsequently created some
barriers to the lower bench, natural areas, and Nature Center.
The Vail Village Master Plan (1990) recommended the park be considered as a
site for additional skier parking to serve expansion on the eastern side of Vail
Mountain. It also recommended the construction of bike/pedestrian ways along
the South Frontage Road and Vail Valley Drive.
There are currently four main organizations involved in the operation of Ford
Park. The Town of Vail, Vail Recreation District, Alpine Garden Foundation, and
the Vail Valley Foundation all play distinct roles and manage separate portions of
the park. The Town of Vail is the owner of the park and manages the community
park, stream tract, and parking lot areas. The other three organizations each hold
a lease or license agreement to operate their respective facilities and programs
within the park.
A proposal by the Alpine Garden Foundation to construct an educational center
within the garden area was a significant impetus to the creation of this document.
However, several other formal and informal development expansion proposals
and numerous unresolved park management issues also existed. The Ford Park
Management Plan was created as a means to evaluate development proposals
in order to protect and enhance the character of the park.
The 1997 Plan was a direct product of strong public participation in focus groups
and public input sessions. One clear, concise message was conveyed to the
town staff from the public participants: Our role is steward to the park; don't
screw it up by over development. To that end, this Plan, serving as an
amendment to the 1985 Ford Park Master Plan, was intended to guide the
outcome of future development and improvement proposals through the
implementation of six major goals:
1. Preservation and protection
2. Reduction of vehicular intrusions
Ford Park Management Plan Update
April 2012
3. Reduction of conflicts between venues
4. Resolution of parking and Frontage Road access problems
5. Improvement of pedestrian circulation
6. Delineation of financial responsibilities
Designed to be a framework for future management decisions, a series of
objectives, action steps and policy statements facilitate the implementation of
each goal statement.
The most recent motivation for initiating improvements to Ford Park evolved from
discussions of how to utilize the Town's Conference Center funding. In the Fall
of 2011 Vail voters approved the re -allocation of the $9 -plus million Conference
Center Funds by an 87 percent margin. As endorsed by the voters, a portion of
these funds was to provide funding for improvements to Ford Park, specifically
improvements to the Ford Amphitheater, the Alpine Gardens, park -wide
pedestrian flow, as well as expansion of the athletic fields and restroom
improvements at the Ford Park athletic complex.
As a part of the 2012 Update process the 1997 Management Plan was one of the
considerations used to define improvements both necessary and appropriate for
the Park. Improvements contemplated for the Park are consistent with the
goals, objectives, policies and action steps of the 1997 Plan. However, some
improvements were new ideas and necessitated some clarification to the
Illustrative Site Plan concepts depicted in the 1997 Plan. In response to this the
2012 Update to the Ford Park Management Plan was prepared.
Ford Park Stakeholders
The Town of Vail is the land owner of Ford Park and plays an active role in the
management and operation of the Park. The Town also has lease or other
agreements with three other entities that manage and maintain facilities in the
Park:
• The Vail Recreation District,
• The Betty Ford Alpine Gardens, and
• The Vail Valley Foundation.
Collectively the Town and the Ford Park stakeholders have been working
collaboratively on the preparation of improvement plans for the Park and to
varying degrees each of the stakeholders are collaborating with the Town by
participating in the funding of their respective improvements
Ford Park Management Plan Update
April 2012
Section 2: Background of Ford Park
History
Gerald R. Ford Park has been the subject of numerous legislative and
community planning actions over the last 24 years. The time line at the end of
this section illustrates the relationship between the actions discussed in this
section.
The Ford Park site was acquired by the Town of Vail in April of 1973 for the
stated purpose of improving the quality of life in the community. This 39 acre park
site represented the last remaining parcel of land central to use by all residents
and visitors of the Vail community. The existing conditions plan, which follows
this section, illustrates Ford Park in its current condition.
Ordinance No. 6, Series of 1973, signed April 3, 1973, (a copy of which is
included in the Appendix), authorized the purchase (by condemnation) of the
property known as the Antholz Ranch. The ordinance listed a variety of possible
uses for the property including the following:
• for park and greenbelt purposes,
• to preserve the natural and physical character of the area to be
condemned,
• for bicycle, equestrian and hiking trails,
• for children's playground,
• for performing arts and civic center,
• for a ski lift and related facilities,
• for picnic areas,
• for recreational facilities such as tennis courts, swimming pools,
gymnasium, ice skating rink,
• for theater and assembly halls, convention center, public schools,
• for possible exchange or trade of condemned land, or a portion thereof,
with other property which may exactly meet the needs of the town, and
• to construct and maintain water works, transportation systems, and other
public utilities relating to public health, safety, and welfare.
In August of 1973, the Vail Plan was completed. This plan was designed to
control the growth and development of the community and contained a chapter
on the town recreation system. The Antholz Ranch property was mentioned as
the only site satisfying the recreation use anticipated. In the Vail Plan the uses
intended for the property were further defined. The uses listed include a place for
showing and creating art, crafts, etc.; an indoor theater as well as an 800 seat
outdoor amphitheater; meeting rooms and community workshops; wide outdoor
terraces and natural landscapes; indoor ice arena, tennis and handball courts;
children's play facilities and space for family activities; headquarters for the
Annual Vail Symposium and local television; and a possible location for an
ecologium (nature center). The property was described as a major community
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park -cultural center. The plan called for 200 surface parking spaces and direct
service from the town bus system. Major parking needs were to be
accommodated in the Vail Transportation Center with various trails and bikeways
connecting to the park.
In January of 1977, Resolution No. 1, Series of 1977, was passed naming the
property commonly known as the Antholz Ranch as Gerald R. Ford Park in
appreciation of President Ford's contributions to the community. Resolution No.
1, Series of 1977 is included in the Appendix.
In August of 1985 the Gerald R. Ford Park and Donovan Park Master Plan
Development Final Report was completed. The Ford Park Master Plan was
adopted by Council with Resolution No. 19, Series of 1985, which is included in
the Appendix. The purpose of the master plan was to guide the future
development of these parks and establish guidelines for the implementation of
improvements. The master planning project used a Recreation Needs Analysis
Survey and involvement of the public in determining the recreation priorities of
the community and the design concepts and criteria for the two park sites. The
Ford Park master plan proposed a swimming pool complex, neighborhood park
improvements, a skating rink on the lower bench, and the realignment of the
eastern softball field. The neighborhood park open space area, playground, and
access road were the only portions of the master plan actually constructed.
The first major structure to be constructed in the park, the Gerald R. Ford
Amphitheater, was completed in July of 1987. The Parking and Transit Study
completed in April of 1979 for the Amphitheater made five recommendations:
The Village Structure should be considered the major parking facility for Ford
Park, with improvements to the signs, sidewalks, and bus service being
necessary; extend shuttle bus service to the soccer field; disallow Frontage Road
parking; construct a vehicle turn -around and passenger unloading area at Ford
Park; and do not schedule concurrent events.
Resolution No. 27, Series of 1987, was passed on November 3, 1987. Resolution
27 designated the seven acres around the Nature Center as an area to be
preserved as an example of the Gore Valley's natural history. Vehicular traffic
was restricted and certain policies and procedures for preservation and
maintenance of the grounds and facilities were established with the resolution. A
copy of resolution No. 27, Series of 1987, is included in the Appendix.
Development of the community park portion on the lower bench of Ford Park
included the restroom, playground area, open turf area and picnic facilities, and
the west access road. These improvements were completed in November of
1988.
In December of 1988, the Vail Metropolitan Recreation District (Now the Vail
Recreation District) and the Town of Vail, requested an amendment to the 1985
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Ford Park Master Plan. The two phase amendment was adopted by Council as
Resolution No. 44, Series of 1988. Phase one of the amendment was to utilize
the on-site tennis courts and allow the construction of four additional courts.
Phase two of the amendment changed the proposed location of the Aquatic
Facility to the eastern softball field. Funding of the Aquatic Facility was rejected
by voters in a special election on February 6, 1989. Vail Town Council was
presented with a petition to delete all reference to an aquatics center from the
Ford Park Master Plan in April of 1990. No record of Council action on the
petition was found. While the tennis center building is not mentioned in the
Master plan amendment, the VRD did receive a Conditional Use Permit for the
project on May 8, 1990.
In 2008 a new lease between the Town of Vail and the Vail Recreation District
was created and included all Town owned facilities managed by the Vail
Recreation District. The lease requires a 20 year Capital Maintenance Plan,
reviewed annually, to detail the financial responsibilities of each party.
The Vail Village Master Plan, adopted January 16, 1990, addresses Ford Park as
a specific study area. This study acknowledges the use of the park in recent
years to accommodate overflow skier and local parking needs. It recommends
the park be studied further as a site for additional skier parking to serve
expansion of the eastern side of Vail Mountain. Action Step #5 under Goal #5
states "study the feasibility of an underground (recreation fields would remain)
parking structure in Ford Park". The Parking and Circulation Plan, within the Vail
Village Master Plan, identifies the western portion of the upper bench for a
potential parking beneath park, and calls for separated bike/pedestrian ways
along the South Frontage Road and Vail Valley Drive.
The Vail Transportation Master Plan, completed in 1993, states, the existing
Ford Park Parking area (east end of park) should be considered for a possible 2 -
level parking facility with the second level below existing grade. Ford Park and
the athletic field parking area are also listed as two possible sites for oversized
vehicles if the lot east of the Lionshead Structure becomes developed.
The 2009 Vail Transportation Master Plan Update replaced the 1993 Plan and
mentions Ford Park as a possible area for increasing the Town's parking supply,
and that "potentially, 300-600 net new parking spaces could be provided at Ford
Park" and suggests a roundabout be constructed east of the Vail Valley Drive
intersection with the South Frontage Road to allow east bound traffic to be
diverted back to the west. Currently this action occurs at the Ford Park bus stop
area.
Current Park Management
There are currently four main organizations operating in Gerald R. Ford Park.
The Town of Vail, Vail Recreation District, Alpine Garden Foundation, and the
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Vail Valley Foundation all play distinct roles and manage separate portions of the
park. The Town of Vail is the owner of the entire Gerald R. Ford Park site and
manages the community park, stream tract, and parking lot areas. The other
three organizations each hold a lease or license agreement to operate their
respective facilities and programs within the park.
The Vail Recreation District Lease of December 21, 1993, describes the
premises license as including the upper bench of Ford Park, public tennis courts,
athletic fields and Nature Center, although the graphic representation of the
premises was not attached to the lease agreement. The VRD offers a variety of
sports leagues, camps, and tournaments to area residents and guests. The Vail
Nature Center occupies the seven acres between Vail Valley Drive and Gore
Creek and offers environmental education and research opportunities to
residents and guests.
The Vail Valley Foundation, (VVF), a non-profit, charitable organization,
manages and maintains the Ford Amphitheater and immediate grounds. The
terms of the agreement between the Town and the VVF, signed December 8,
1987, and renewed in 1999; includes an endowment for ongoing repair and
maintenance of the Amphitheater. The amphitheater seats up to 2,500 people
and hosts approximately 60 events during the summer. Hot Summer Nights
concerts, Bravo! Colorado, and the Bolshoi Ballet are some of the more popular
programs held at the amphitheater.
The Vail Alpine Garden Foundation, a Colorado non-profit corporation, manages
the Betty Ford Alpine Garden under a Limited License Agreement signed June 8,
1994. The original Alpine Display Garden was constructed in 1987 under a
license agreement with the Town at the entrance to the amphitheater. The site
for the Alpine Garden was established in the 1985 Ford Park Master Plan to act
as a buffer between the amphitheater and active park areas. The second phase
of the garden, the Perennial Garden, and third phase, the Meditation Garden,
were constructed in 1989 and 1991 respectively. The Alpine Rock Garden was
constructed in 1998 and the Children's Garden was constructed in 2002. A
proposal by the Alpine Garden Foundation to construct an Educational Center
with the final phase of the garden was controversial. Opposition to the expanded
use of the garden and the interior of park was a significant impetus to the
creation of the 1997 Management Plan. In response to that opposition, the Vail
Alpine Garden Foundation modified the proposal to locate the Educational
Center near the athletic field parking lot on Vail Valley Drive. This location
received conceptual approval by the Council on October 15, 1996, however the
project was not implemented.
The lower bench of Ford Park is managed by the Town of Vail Department of
Public Works and Transportation and serves as a community park and open
space facility with picnic, playground and open play areas. The lower bench is
utilized several times a year for special events where large tents are often
Ford Park Management Plan Update
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erected to accommodate the activities. Access to the park from the Golden Peak
ski base is by a public access easement through the Manor Vail property. A copy
of the easement is included in the Appendix. The Town operates the upper
bench parking lot as a public parking facility during the ski season. Access to the
upper bench parking areas is from the State owned South Frontage Road. The
Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT) is the agency responsible for
reviewing and approving access permit applications from the State-owned
Frontage Road. Currently, no access permit has been issued for the access by
the CDOT. CDOT Frontage Road right-of-way covers a substantial portion of the
paved parking lot.
Time Line of Ford Park Activities
April 1973 Condemnation of Antholz Ranch. Ordinance 6, 1973
August 1973 Completion of Vail Plan.
January 1977 Antholtz Ranch named Gerald R. Ford Park. Resolution 1,
1977
August 1985 Completion of Ford/Donovan Park Masterplan. Resolution
19,1985
July 1987 Amphitheater construction complete
August 1987 Alpine Demonstration Garden complete.
November 1987 Preservation of Nature Center. Resolution 27, 1987
December 1987 Vail Valley Foundation lease signed.
November 1988 Lower Bench improvements complete.
December 1988 Masterplan amendment by VRD. Resolution 44, 1988
December 1988 Service agreement with VRD. Resolution 46, 1988
May 1989 Tennis Center receives Conditional Use Permit.
July 1989 Alpine Perennial Garden complete.
January 1990 Completion of Vail Village Masterplan.
February 1990 Aquatic Center rejected by voters in special election.
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April 1990 Council petitioned to delete Aquatic Center from Masterplan.
May 1990 Tennis Center construction complete.
June 1991 Alpine Meditation Garden complete.
April 1993 Completion of Vail Transportation Master Plan.
December 1993 Vail Recreation District agreement renewed.
June 1994 Vail Alpine Garden Foundation license agreement signed.
June 1995 Town begins Ford Park Management Plan.
October 1996 Council allows Vail Alpine Garden Foundation to proceed
through process with Educational Center at Soccer Field
parking lot (not implemented).
April 1997 Ford Park Management Plan adopted.
1999 Lease with Vail Valley Foundation renewed.
2008 Lease with Vail Recreation District renewed.
2009 Vail Transportation Plan Update completed.
November 2011 Voters approve use of Conference Center Funding for Ford
Park Improvements
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Section 3: Process of Developing the Management Plan
The Ford Park Management Plan process was initiated in June of 1995 in
response to several development proposals which had been formally and
informally discussed and as a means to solve existing park management issues.
The development proposals included an Educational Center for the Betty Ford
Alpine Garden, cultural/performing arts center, expansion of the tennis facility,
athletic field fencing, and a community parking structure. Park management
issues included parking shortage, frontage road access, pedestrian access and
circulation, access for the elderly and disabled, utilization of the lower bench,
conflicts between uses within the park, conflicts with adjacent property owners,
and delineation of financial responsibilities. At the time the project was
authorized Council expressed concern that a new master plan for Ford Park
would result in an excessive amount of new development. In response, staff
noted the intention of the project was to create a management plan as a means
to adequately and consistently evaluate development proposals, thus limiting
development and protecting the character of the park.
Those organizations with a financial and managerial role along, with two
neighborhood representatives, were identified as the Stakeholder Group and
were invited to participate in the process. A third party facilitator was retained for
the project in August of 1995. Staff members from the Town, Vail Recreation
District and Alpine Garden participated in the facilitator selection process. Staff
felt that a third -party facilitator would be beneficial to the project by offering a
non -biased opinion and increasing Stakeholder participation. The Stakeholder
Group was assembled in a series of meetings over the eight month period from
August 1995 to April 1996. The meetings drew out issues, ideas, expansion
proposals, and began formulating possible solutions.
Alternative design solutions addressing parking options, vehicular access,
Frontage Road improvements, additional sports facilities and management
policies, were presented to the public in an open house at the Gerald R. Ford
Amphitheater on June 12, 1996. Citizens were asked to complete a self -guided
presentation and opinion survey form.
The open house presentation was a turning point in the process of developing
the Management Plan. Several residents were alarmed by the alternatives
included in the presentation and initiated a grass-roots movement to place a
referendum on any future expansion/development within the park. This strong
public reaction, combined with a lack of closure with the Stakeholders Group,
prompted the Town to revise the process to include more public involvement at
that time. Previously, public input was being reserved for a time when alternative
plans could be presented for comment. Three Focus Group meetings with
selected individuals from the community were held on September 18, 1996.
Stakeholder groups were invited to submit a list of questions for inclusion in the
Focus Group discussions. In round table discussion, individuals were asked to
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respond to a list of prepared questions regarding uses and issues associated
with Ford Park. The Focus Group questions and responses are included in the
Appendix. Additional public input sessions were held on October 2 and 3, 1996,
which validated the focus group responses and further refined staff's
understanding of the public perception and desires regarding Ford Park.
The combined results of the focus group and public input sessions along with a
preliminary master plan framework were presented to the Planning and
Environmental Commission on October 14, 1996, and Town Council on October
15, 1996. Both PEC and Council directed staff to proceed with drafting the plan
as an amendment to the 1985 Ford Park Master Plan based on the input
received and presented.
Plans to make improvements to the Park were initiated in 2011 when Vail voters
approved funding by re -allocating a portion of Convention Center Funds to Ford
Park. During the election schematic plans were presented that involved
improvements to the athletic fields, the amphitheater, the alpine gardens,
pedestrian circulation, transit and other areas of the park. Following voter
approval of funding the main stakeholders in the Park began to refine
improvement plans. Meetings were held with adjacent neighbors, a community
open house was held and numerous public meetings were held by the Planning
and Environmental Commission and the Town Council.
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Section 4: Purpose of the Management Plan
This document is formatted as an amendment to the 1985 Master plan (revised)
for Ford Park. While some of the physical aspects of the park have changed
since the adoption of the 1985 Master plan, the essential character, concept, and
function of the park have remained consistent. The 1985 Master Plan, enhanced
by this amendment, remains a valid document to be used in the future planning
and decision-making process for Ford Park. As with all master plans, this
document will have a definite life for which it remains a useful decision-making
tool. The life expectancy of this plan is approximately 10 years but should remain
in effect until replaced by an updated master plan document. The Ford Park
Management Plan will take precedence over the 1985 Master Plan where
conflicts or discrepancies occur.
The intention of the combined documents is to guide the outcome of future
development proposals within Ford Park by modifying the permitted uses (1973
acquisition legislation), recommending development guidelines, limiting the
number of leaseholders within Ford Park, and designating buffer/protection
zones within and adjacent to the park.
The 1985 Master Plan acknowledges some shortcomings in the overall design of
the park, particularly the layout of the upper bench area and the internal
pedestrian circulation system. This amendment will formulate design alternatives
to these specific problem areas to correct the deficiencies that exist. This
amendment will also delineate managerial, operational, and financial
responsibilities between the Town and the leaseholders.
As outlined above, the 2012 update to the 1997 Management Plan furthers the
overall direction for the Park established by the 1997 Plan and in doing so
maintains the role the Park has played in the community for the past 30 years.
Specifically, the 2012 Update suggests few significant changes to the overall
level of development and activities that take place in the Park. In addition, many
of the improvements identified in the 2012 Update were originally proposed in the
1997 Plan. Most importantly all improvements proposed in Section 6: Illustrative
Plan Components are in keeping with the goals, objectives and policies of the
Management Plan.
Ford Park Management Plan Update 12
April 2012
Section 5: Goals, Objectives, Policies and Action Steps
Goals for Ford Park are summarized in six major goal statements. Each goal
statement focuses on a particular aspect of Ford Park brought up during the
stakeholder and public input portions of the Management Plan process. As one
might anticipate, there is a certain amount of overlap between the goal
statements. The issues concerning Ford Park are complicated and convoluted as
are the solutions to these issues. It is intended that the goal statements be
consistent and complementary to each other and be designed to provide a
framework, or direction, for the future management of Ford Park. A series of
objectives following each goal statement outline specific steps that can be
taken toward achieving each stated goal. Policy statements are intended to guide
decision-making in achieving each of the stated objectives in reviewing
development proposals and implementing capital improvement projects. Action
steps are the final measure in implementing the goal statements.
Illustrative plans following the Goals, Objective, and Action Steps are included to
help explain the concepts represented by those statements. The illustrations are
conceptual and are not to be considered as final design solutions.
Goal #1: Preserve and protect Ford Park.
Objective 1.1: Limit future development.
Action Step 1.1.1: Draft a new ordinance to exclude those uses listed in
Ordinance No.6, Series of 1973, now considered to be inappropriate, and to
redefine the allowable uses within Ford Park.
Policy Statement 1: The following uses that are allowed and prohibited for Ford
Park shall take precedence over Section 18.36.030 of the Municipal Code
concerning the General Use Zone District.
Allowed Uses
Park and greenbelt
Bicycle and hiking trails
Children's playground
Outdoor amphitheater
Botanical gardens
Environmental, educational, and historical centers
Picnic areas
Recreation and athletic facilities
Transportation systems and other public utility easements
Parking
Administrative offices
Ford Park Management Plan Update 13
April 2012
Prohibited uses
Ski lift and related facilities
Exchange or trade
Civic center, convention/conference center, public schools, gymnasium, and
assembly hall
Swimming pools
Equestrian trails
Type III and IV employee housing
Policy Statement 2: New or changed facilities or uses will not be permitted to
curtail existing public uses of facilities in the Park unless there is either a
compelling public interest or adequate alternative facilities are available to its
users. All functions in the park shall be maintained and function at a high quality
level.
Action Step 1.1.2: Create and attach plan sheets which outline lease
areas, referred to as Exhibit A in the Vail Recreation District lease
agreement and Exhibit B in the Vail Valley Foundation lease agreement,
but which were never attached.
Policy Statement 3: The existing variety of uses and facilities in the Park will be
preserved. The Town will not enter into a lease agreement with any party that
does not currently hold such an agreement, hereby maintaining current
leaseholder status to: Vail Valley Foundation, Vail Alpine Garden Foundation,
and Vail Recreation District, or their successors.
Objective 1.2: Refine criteria for evaluating future development proposals.
Action Step 1.2.1: Update the Design Criteria and Site Guidelines included
in the 1985 Ford Park Master Plan by:
a) Creating additional development guidelines for underground, low visual
impact type structures, enhanced landscaping, and full and complete
impact mitigation.
b) Enforcing existing criteria and guidelines to solve and/or avoid problems
associated with development projects within Ford Park.
Objective 1.3: Designate Preservation Zones within Ford Park to protect
sensitive natural areas and/or buffer zones between venues areas from
developmental impacts. Define allowed uses within Preservation Zone areas.
Action Step 1.3.1: Define criteria for designating Preservation Zones and
their uses within Ford Park. For example, significant native vegetation,
wildlife habitat, and wetlands may be criteria for designating sensitive
Ford Park Management Plan Update 14
April 2012
natural areas, while grade separations and dense landscape plantings
may be criteria for designating sensitive buffer zones.
Action Step 1.3.2: Delineate Preservation Zones within Ford Park.
Policy Statement 4: All proposed development projects shall be reviewed for
compliance with Design Criteria and Site Guidelines, as well as other Town
regulations, and shall be additionally judged according to the recreational,
educational or social benefit they bring to the community.
Policy Statement 5: Functions that do not maintain high standards of quality or
that diminish the experience of park users, will not be permitted.
Policy Statement 6: The historic qualities and natural character of the Nature
Center are to be maintained.
Objective 1.4: Enhance use and preservation of the Historic School House.
Action Step 1.4.1: Negotiate a contract with the Vail Alpine Garden
Foundation to open the School House for public visitation and to perform
preservation activities of photographs and artifacts.
Action Step 1.4.2: Make physical improvements to the school house to
enhance lighting, public access and viewing areas.
Goal #2: Reduce vehicular intrusions in, and their impact on,
the park.
Objective 2.1: Reduce the demand for vehicular intrusions into the park.
Action Step 2.1.1: Provide additional on-site storage facilities within the
Amphitheater, Alpine Garden and Recreation District areas to reduce and
control the frequency of delivery and service vehicle intrusions into the
park.
Action Step 2.1.2: Improve traffic gate operations and restrictions on both
the east and west access roads to eliminate unnecessary and
unauthorized vehicular intrusions into the park.
Action Step 2.1.3: Construct a central trash collection facility, accessible
from the South Frontage Road, to be used by all leaseholders within the
park for the disposal of trash, landscape debris, and recyclables.
Policy Statement 7: Vehicular encroachment into the park will be minimized.
The only vehicular uses allowed in the park are for: maintenance; delivery of
Ford Park Management Plan Update 15
April 2012
goods and materials too large or heavy to be carried by non -motorized means;
access for people with disabilities limited mobility; public transportation; and
emergency services.
Objective 2.2: Reduce the conflicts between vehicles and park users.
Action Step 2.2.1: Coordinate delivery schedules to reduce the frequency
of delivery and service vehicle intrusions into the park during peak use
time periods.
Action Step 2.2.2: Improve loading dock facilities in the Amphitheater to
expedite the unloading and setup for performances and to reduce the
need for large vehicle parking outside of the Amphitheater area.
Action Step 2.2.3: Improve the configuration of the east access road to
allow use by large delivery vehicles, thus reducing the overall number of
trips on the west access road and the need for the backing and turning of
large vehicles on the lower bench of the park.
Goal #3: Reduce conflicts between all Ford Park venues.
Objective 3.1: Coordinate events on all Ford Park venues.
Action Step 3.1.1: Expand the master schedule kept by the Town Clerk to
include all venues within the park.
Action Step 3.1.2: Hold preseason and monthly event/activity coordination
meetings.
Action Step 3.1.3: Hold semiannual (2x per year) coordination and input
meetings with the Town Administrators, leaseholder representatives, and
neighborhood and adjacent property owner representatives.
Policy Statement 8: Overlapping or simultaneous events that exceed the
available community parking or other park infrastructure shall be discouraged.
Policy Statement 9: No one event or type of use will be allowed to dominate the
usage of the Park.
Policy Statement 10: The Park is a Town of Vail community facility and in the
case of conflicting uses, functions that best serve the interests of the community
will have the highest priority. In all cases, final decisions regarding the Park rest
with the Vail Town Manager.
Ford Park Management Plan Update 16
April 2012
Policy Statement 11: The day-to-day management and coordination of activities
in the Park will be assigned to the Park Superintendent. The Park Superintendent
will coordinate as necessary with a representative of:
The Town of Vail
The Vail Valley Foundation
The Alpine Garden
The Vail Recreation District
Objective 3.2: Improve buffers between different use areas within the park.
Action Step 3.2.1: Enhance the buffer zone between the softball fields and
the amphitheater and gardens by reversing the orientation of the center
and east softball fields.
Action Step 3.2.2: Enhance existing and new buffer zone areas through
the addition of landscape planting.
Goal #4: Resolve parking and South Frontage Road access
problems.
Objective 4.1: Develop and implement a parking management plan for Ford
Park.
Action Step 4.1.1: Locate a variable message sign between the main
roundabout and entrance to Village Structure for the purpose of informing
drivers that close -in parking at Ford Park is restricted, at a fee, or full, and
parking in the VTC is free and shuttle bus service is available.
Action Step 4.1.2: Schedule shuttle bus service from top deck of the
Village Structure to Ford Park Frontage Road stop for special event/high
demand days. Extend in -town shuttle bus service to Ford Park Vail Valley
Drive stop.
Action Step 4.1.3: Designate drop-off parking from Frontage Road using
15 spaces north of bus stop. Enforce 5 minute time limit. Drop-off lane
functions as a turn around once lot is filled. Schedule attendants on-site to
manage drop-off spaces and assist users in loading and unloading.
Action Step 4.1.4: Allocate close -in parking on Frontage Road and Vail
Valley Drive through reserve ticket purchases or on a fee basis. Parking
attendants on-site to manage entrances and exits. Establish a ticket
surcharge or parking fee price schedule which will generate sufficient
funds to cover attendant and shuttle bus service costs. Fee parking is to
be in effect for high -parking demand days only.
Ford Park Management Plan Update 17
April 2012
Action Step 4.1.5: Construct Frontage Road sidewalk from the Village
Structure and improve sign system as necessary to accommodate
pedestrian traffic to Ford Park.
Policy Statement 12: Adequate parking for the needs of the park are to be
provided in the park and at the Village Structure.
Objective 4.2: Improve vehicular access from the South Frontage Road and
improve parking lot design to maximize the number of parking spaces,
aesthetics, and safety while mitigating environmental impacts.
Action Step 4.2.1: Design and construct improvements to the South
Frontage Road to meet CDOT requirements for obtaining a state highway
access permit.
Action Step 4.2.2: Design and construct improvements to all existing
parking areas that maximize the number of parking spaces; provide
landscape buffering and treatment of storm water run-off.
Goal #5: Improve internal pedestrian circulation within Ford
Park and the pedestrian connections between Ford
Park and Vail Village.
Objective 5.1: Improve directional and informational signs to and within Ford
Park.
Action Step 5.1.1: Develop a comprehensive sign plan to direct Ford Park
visitors from central sites in the Vail Village and from each level of the
Village Parking Structure to destinations within Ford Park.
Objective 5.2: Improve pedestrian routes to Ford Park.
Action Step 5.2.1: Design improvements to existing pedestrian routes that
will correct grading, surfacing, and lighting and will provide resting and
sitting areas.
Objective 5.3: Improve internal pedestrian circulation within Ford Park.
Action Step 5.3.1: Design a central pedestrian path to enhance the
connection between the upper and lower bench areas of the park.
Policy Statement 14: Any uses added to Ford Park in the future shall be
structured to encourage users or participants to walk or ride the bus rather than
drive.
Ford Park Management Plan Update 18
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Policy Statement 15: Pedestrian access to the Park from the Vail Village should
be easy and visible. The Park shall be as pedestrian -friendly as possible.
Goal #6: Delineate financial responsibilities among Ford Park
leaseholders and the Town of Vail.
Objective 6.1: Formalize existing division of facility management/operation
costs.
Action Step 6.1.1: Research current lease, license and use agreements
for delineation of financial responsibilities.
Action Step 6.1.2: Correct inequities in utility billing procedures and
distribution systems, current utility use, and payment relationships.
Policy Statement 16: All Ford Park leaseholders and the Town of Vail shall be
required to share in common operating costs that benefit the whole park facility
and as outlined in current lease or license agreements. These include but are not
limited to, electrical charges for pedestrian path and parking lot lighting, trash
removal charges, and regular parking lot and pedestrian path maintenance costs.
Objective 6.2: Create a cost-sharing agreement for Capital Improvement costs.
Action Step 6.2.1: Create a five year capital improvements program for
Ford Park.
Action Step 6.2.2: Establish the benefit/cost relationship for capital
projects to determine appropriate cost sharing agreements.
Policy Statement 17: Ford Park leaseholders and the Town of Vail desiring to
make capital improvements within their respective lease areas shall be required
to provide funding for those improvements and for subsequent modifications to
those areas outside of the lease area caused by those improvements.
Policy Statement 18: Services, functions, and programs provided by Ford Park
leaseholders, by bringing visitors to the community, generate sales tax revenues
which contribute General Fund funding sources. Residents of the community
which participate in those programs, contribute to the Real Estate Transfer Tax
funding source through real estate transactions. Both of these funding sources
can be utilized by the Town of Vail to pay for capital projects and improvements
within Ford Park, reducing the need for contributions from the leaseholders.
Ford Park Management Plan Update 19
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Section 6: Illustrative Plan Components
This section contains site plan diagrams that illustrate conceptual plans for the
Park. The Ford Park Illustrative Plan provided herein replaces site plans from
the 1997 Ford Park Management Plan. This new plan reflects many of the same
improvements contemplated by the 1997 Plan, but also includes a few
improvements not previously contemplated. Concepts depicted on the Illustrative
Plan are considered to be appropriate improvements and activities for the Park.
However, all improvements are subject to further review by the Town
(Conditional Use Permit, Development Plan review, DRB review) prior to being
implemented. In some cases the description of improvements provided below
include parameters or considerations that should be addressed during detailed
design and as a part of subsequent review by the Town.
Brief descriptions of improvements depicted on the Illustrative Plan for Ford Park,
and when appropriate enlargements of such improvements, are provided below.
It should also be understood that the site plan depicting these improvements is
done at a very general, conceptual level. This plan is intended to illustrate
concepts only and improvements depicted on this Plan will be refined as designs
progress. As such final designs may vary from what is depicted on this
generalized plan. Prior to the implementation of any improvements in Ford Park
additional design details will be provided for review by the Town as a part of the
Planning Commission's review of a Development Plan (as part of a Conditional
Use Process) and/ or as a part of the Design Review Board review process.
The Illustrative Plan provides a comprehensive depiction of improvements
contemplated for Ford Park. This does not mean however, that only those
improvements depicted on this plan may be made. Improvements not depicted
on the Illustrative Plan may be proposed provided they are consistent with the
overall goals for the Park and with applicable objectives, policy statements and
action steps outlined in the Management Plan. It should also be understood that
the improvements being depicted on the Illustrative Plan does not ensure if or
when they will be implemented. In many respects the Illustrative Plan is a vision
for how the Park may be developed and not a commitment to any specific
improvement.
Ford Park Management Plan Update 20
April 2012
Implemented Improvements from 1997 Illustrative Plan
A number of improvements proposed by the 1997 Plan have been implemented.
These improvements are listed below:
1. Reduce width of road entrance from South Frontage Road; install an
automated traffic control gate.
2. Construct 12' concrete pedestrian/bike path along south edge of roadway
from Vail Valley Drive to the West Access Road entrance.
3. Extend pedestrian/bike path beyond West Access Road as 10' detached
pathway. Widen path between softball infields and extend beyond the
Tennis Center to the proposed main park entrance.
4. A central trash enclosure is shown at the southwest corner of the parking
lot.
5. Increase the deck height of the Manor Vail covered bridge by
approximately 4'.
6. Widen South Frontage Road to provide 6' bike lanes on each side.
2012 Ford Park Illustrative Plan
The Ford Park Illustrative Plan is found on the following page. Subsequent
pages provide descriptions of specific improvements identified on each
enlargement sheet of the Illustrative Plan. These improvements are presented
by "topical" category (i.e. pedestrianization), location (i.e. the lower bench area)
or major user (i.e. the Amphitheater or the athletic fields).
Refer to the Illustrative Plan when reviewing these descriptions for a graphic
depiction of the improvement and the surrounding context. When appropriate an
enlarged section of the Illustrative Plan is provided in the context of narrative
descriptions.
Ford Park Management Plan Update 21
April 2012
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Ford Park Management Plan Update 22
April 2012
Preservation Zone
One of the objectives of the 1997 Plan was to:
Designate Preservation Zones within Ford Park to protect sensitive
natural areas and/or buffer zones between venues areas from
developmental impacts. Define allowed uses within Preservation
Zone areas.
A Preservation Zone is identified on the Ford Park Illustrative Plan. This zone
primarily includes the Gore Creek Corridor and the 7 acre Nature Center area
located south of Gore Creek. The location of the Preservation Zone was
determined based on natural features and existing improvements, the 100 -year
floodplain and the 50 -foot waterbody setback.
Within the preservation zone it is intended that existing uses, improvements and
buildings can be maintained and that no new uses, improvements or buildings
inconsistent with the preservation of these areas is to occur. Low -impact
improvements such as soft surface walking paths, fishing access, etc. along with
utility improvements, drainage improvements, creek crossings, creek restoration
projects and similar activities may be initiated within the Preservation Zone.
Fisherman access to Gore Creek, while currently not an issue (i.e. excessive use
resulting in riparian area degradation), could become an issue in the future. A
creek access point was considered at the east end of the Nature Center (using
the bus turnaround on Vail Valley Drive as an unloading area) but was rejected
as contradictory to the intended use of the Nature Center. A defined creek
access point is now being considered above Ford Park in the vicinity of the Pulis
Bridge.
Some improvements to the Park are contemplated adjacent to the Preservation
Zone, notably the potential widening of Betty Ford Way. If the widening of this
road is pursued, great care and attention to design and construction will be
necessary in order to protect Gore Creek. Best management practices (BMP's)
will be essential in controlling runoff, erosion, debris, etc. that could otherwise
harm the creek.
Pedestrianization/Park Arrival
Ford Park has two distinct areas — the upper bench which has an athletic focus
and the lower bench which has more of an arts and cultural focus. Access to the
Park is provided by one of six portals, each with their own unique purpose and
characteristics. These portals are identified on the Ford Park Illustrative Plan.
Ford Park Management Plan Update 23
April 2012
Improvements are contemplated for a number of these portals, many of which
originate outside the actual boundary of the Park. One improvement
contemplated for each portal is to introduce a distinctive monument or
identification feature to identify access to Ford Park. For example, the Gore
Creek Trail provides access for people who park in the Village Parking Structure.
An identification feature where the trail begins east of Vail Valley Drive could help
people find their way to the Park. These features would signal the beginning of
one's "entry" to Ford Park with "arrival" coming when one reaches the Park.
While the design of individual identification features may vary, a common design
character for all features should be used in order to create continuity and
consistency in how the Park is identified.
• Manor Vail Entry at Vail Valley Drive — A pedestrian easement is in place
that provides pedestrian access from Vail Valley Drive to the Covered
Bridge. An identification feature should be considered at this location, the
design of which would need to be coordinated with Manor Vail.
• Gore Creek Streamwalk — This tranquil trail provides park access for many
who park at the Village Parking Structure. An identification feature should
be installed at Vail Valley Drive. Efforts should be made to lessen the
grade of this trail behind the Wren Condominiums. This could be
accomplished by re -grading the trail and installing retaining walls along the
existing trail that could bring the grade down from +/-15% to +/-9%.
Another alternative could be to re -align the trail immediately adjacent to
the Park in a manner that would contour across the hillside and eliminate
the trail from "going up to only come down". Due to steep terrain and
proximity to Gore Creek, this solution would require sensitive design and
construction so as to minimize impacts on the creek. An alternative to a
retaining wall solution could be to cantilever a portion of the trail over the
steeper hillside sections.
• Frontage Road Sidewalk — This sidewalk provides direct access to the
Park from the Village Parking Structure. An identification feature should
be considered at the intersection of the Frontage Road and Vail Valley
Drive.
• VV Drive/Soccer Field - During performances and special events buses
are added to the town's system and their route is extended to the
turnaround at the east end of the Soccer Field in order to serve this portal
(topography and roadway width prevent the development of a bus
turnaround closer to this portal). An identification feature should be
considered at the intersection of the Frontage Road and Vail Valley Drive.
• Frontage Road/Transit Stop — A new transit stop will provide access to an
improved pedestrian corridor that leads into the Park and to the lower
bench. An identification feature, along with identification of access to the
Ford Park Management Plan Update 24
April 2012
tennis center should be considered where this corridor begins. An
accessible route consistent with the Americans with Disabilities Act
Guidelines should be identified from the transit stop to facilities throughout
the park.
• Frontage Road/Parking Area — East Betty Ford Way is the primary access
to the lower bench from the parking area. An identification feature, along
with identification of access to the tennis center should be considered
where this corridor begins. Other pedestrian improvements to this corridor
are described below. An accessible route consistent with the Americans
with Disabilities Act Guidelines should be identified from the transit stop to
facilities throughout the park.
Shuttle
During events at the Amphitheater, golf cart shuttles are utilized for moving
people to and from the venue. The idea of creating a similar system to provide
shuttle service to general park users throughout the summer months is under
consideration. The purpose of this shuttle is two -fold - one is to provide the
shuttles as a guest service and the other to provide alternative access into the
Park for elderly or disabled guests. With regard to the later, the shuttle system
could allow for the removal of accessible parking spaces at the Amphitheater and
in doing so reduce car trips into the Park. Until such time as a shuttle system is
implemented the accessible parking spaces at the Amphitheater should remain.
Frontage Road Entry/Parking/Transit
Existing transit and parking facilities along the Frontage Road are ill-defined and
in many respects do not function well. For example, vehicle access points to
parking areas are unclear and buses are not adequately segregated from private
vehicles. While it is likely that more people enter the Park via pedestrian routes
from the west and south, many guests do access the Park from this area via
buses from the Frontage Road transit stop and from parking areas. A number of
improvements are planned in order to improve both the appearance and function
of this area.
Ford Park Management Plan Update 25
April 2012
1 Y
Frontage Road Entry/Parking/Transit
Parkina Facilities
v
Existing parking areas should be redesigned in order to achieve the Town
Council's goal of "no net loss" of parking. Currently there are approximately 200
parking spaces in the Frontage Road area, of which 17 are disabled parking
spaces. An equivalent number of spaces are reflected on the Ford Park
Illustrative Plan.
Major changes to parking include the elimination of approximately 50 existing
spaces in order to accommodate the expansion to athletic fields and a new
transit drop-off area. New spaces can be created with the re -design of the
eastern portion of the lot and by locating parking where the bus drop-off is
currently located. The addition of "low impact" parking spaces along the South
Frontage Road is also under consideration. This improvement will necessitate a
sidewalk along the south side of the road and coordination with CDOT will be
necessary in order to implement this improvement.
Access points to parking areas should be consolidated into two locations and
may include turn lane improvements on the Frontage Road (subject to CDOT
review).
Short term drop-off parking spaces will be established, the location of which will
be determined during detailed design. Efforts should be made to locate short-
term drop-off at the western end of the parking lots.
The re -design of the parking area as depicted on the Illustrative Plan will still
allow for use of this area for special events and concerts. Determination of how
Ford Park Management Plan Update 26
April 2012
this area is used will be made by the Town Council and the Commission on
Special Events.
Bus Stop/Drop-off
A dedicated bus stop lane separate from private vehicles will be provided. This
facility is planned just west of the re -designed parking area. This location may
allow for a bus shelter to be incorporated into or adjacent to the
Concessions/Restroom building.
Pedestrian Improvements -Transit Stop
Currently the relationship of the transit stop and the adjacent tennis center area
is not well defined nor does this area have a clear image or relationship to other
facilities within the Park. For example, the arrangement and relationship of
existing improvements is not clear and pedestrian routes to the Alpine Garden,
the Amphitheater or lower bench recreation facilities are not intuitive. Landscape,
signage and pedestrian improvements throughout this area will be implemented
to improve existing conditions.
Pedestrian Improvements -East Betty Ford Way
East Betty Ford Way is a major pedestrian route from parking facilities to the
Amphitheater. While this corridor provides excellent views to Gore Creek and
the Gore Range, the trial itself is in need of improvement. Portions of the trail are
very steep and present challenges for some park users. The trail is also very
narrow, particularly during periods of peak usage. This problem is compounded
during Amphitheater events when golf cart shuttles share the trail with
pedestrians. This trail should be widened and efforts made to lessen the grade
of the trail. Widening of the trail (12' to 13' maximum) will alleviate golf cart -
pedestrian conflicts, enable a shuttle system to be implemented at a future date,
and allow increased use by delivery vehicles thus reducing delivery vehicle —
pedestrian conflicts to the west. Pedestrian overlooks to Gore Creek along this
route should be considered, both for aesthetic purposes and to provide
pedestrians a safe location to stand at times shuttles (or trucks) may be using
this route.
Athletic Fields Concessions/Restroom Building
A new concessions/restroom building is contemplated at the east end of the
athletic fields. The building may also include a small satellite office for the
Recreation District (for use during events and tournaments). This facility, along
with the existing tennis center will "anchor" this area of the Park.
Athletic Fields
The size and shape of existing athletic fields is inefficient. The following
improvements are planned to provide more usable fields:
Ford Park Management Plan Update 27
April 2012
Field Expansion
Removal of the existing restroom/concession building and the westernmost
surface parking lot will allow for increased field area that will accommodate three
full-sized softball fields or two full-sized soccer/lacrosse fields. This is a major
improvement to the Park in terms of the type of events that could be hosted. A
retaining wall at the southwest corner of the fields will be necessary. It is
anticipated that at the tallest point will be approximately 12' and will taper back to
existing grade at either end. Various wall systems and designs will be studied.
This field improvement will also include new fencing around most of the fields
and improvements to spectator areas. The introduction of additional landscaping
on the south side of the fields should be done to provide both shade and
screening.
West Field Restroom/Storage Building
A new restroom and park storage building is suggested at the west end of the
fields. The small storage component for the Recreation District and the Alpine
Garden will minimize the number of vehicle trips into the Park. This building
replaces an existing storage building and will clean up existing unsecured
maintenance and storage areas currently scattered throughout the park. Giver
the prominent location of this building at the west entry to the Park, it will be
critical that users of the storage facility keep all vehicles and stored material
enclosed. Restrooms will serve users of the fields and pedestrians
entering/exiting the Park from the west. The building should be low -profile and
have a "grounded" appearance in the landscape.
Athletic Fields/Concession Building
Ford Park Management Plan Update 28
April 2012
Lower Bench
The following improvements are contemplated for the Lower Bench area of the
park:
Playground Restrooms
Restrooms at the playground are poorly sited, undersized and present an
uncomfortable relationship to the rest of the Park. In the near future these
restrooms will be in need of renovation and at such time consideration should be
given to re -locating them to a more discrete location. One alternative is to bench
the restrooms into the hill below the athletic fields. This location could allow
these facilities to be accessible to users of the fields. If this solution is pursued
consideration should be given to creating a stronger connection between the
playground and the adjacent playfield.
Ford Family Tribute
The design intent and objective for the Ford Tribute is to announce the arrival to
Ford Park in an iconic manner that celebrates the life and influence of the Ford
family on our community. Envisioned as a unique landscape feature comprised
of a combination of plants, stone, art and other natural materials, the Tribute will
be located in the vicinity of the Manor Vail Bridge at the intersection with Betty
Ford Way. The goal is to help solidify the Ford's legacy for posterity, and to do
so in a manner that is contextual to the natural environment, the Betty Ford
Alpine Garden, the Gerald R. Ford Amphitheater, and the overall context of Ford
Park. The Tribute is not envisioned as a building or structure, but rather a series
of elements that help create a very special sense of place as the beginning of the
enhanced park experience along Betty Ford Way, between Manor Vail and the
Social Courtyard at the amphitheater.
Betty Ford Way
Betty Ford Way provides a major pedestrian access route into the Park, both
from Vail Village/Village Parking Structure and from the Park's upper bench
parking lot and transit stop. The section of Betty Ford Way between the Covered
Bridge and the Amphitheater entry is envisioned to be a "feature area". This
pedestrian corridor will be treated with a higher level of design, surface materials,
lighting, seating, etc.
Enhancements to Betty Ford Way will improve a park visitor's experience to and
through the lower bench of the park. The existing path will be widened from
approximately 10 feet to between 11 and 13 feet to accommodate the multiple
user types that visit the park in peak use times (e.g. pedestrians, bicyclists,
skateboarders and roller -skaters) and reduce conflicts when golf cart shuttles
share the trail with pedestrians. The asphalt pavement along Betty Ford Way
should be replaced with finer textured, higher quality pavements such as colored
concrete, or stone or concrete pavers. Seating areas with benches at select
locations along the path, and lighting fixtures to match new architectural features
in the park will better unify the image and character of the entire Park.
Ford Park Management Plan Update 29
April 2012
Landscaping adjacent to Betty Ford Way should be enhanced with additional
shrubs and wildflowers to provide more interest and color along the route, and
new wayfinding signage installed. The portion of the path between the Manor Vail
Bridge and the Amphitheater entrance is the portion of the path that receives the
highest level of use. It should be of the same character as the rest of Betty Ford
Way, but receive a higher level of finish on the path surface, and the landscaping
should include more floral displays, which will be designed to be complementary
to the Betty Ford Alpine Gardens landscape.
Nature Trail
Improvements to the informal nature trail along Gore Creek are envisioned.
Lower Bench
Gerald R. Ford Amphitheater
Host to approximately 60 events each year, the Amphitheater is one of, if not the
main activity generator in the Park. A number of improvements are planned for
this facility.
Social Courtyard
Expansion of the existing plaza at the entry to the Amphitheater is intended to
provide a more gracious and more functional entry to the venue. The design
Ford Park Management Plan Update 30
April 2012
intent and objective for the new "social courtyard" is to create a multi -use outdoor
space of that serves as the primary arrival for the Amphitheater as well as a pre -
convene and post -function space during scheduled events.
The social courtyard will also serve as a new programmable space within the
lower bench of Ford Park for smaller gatherings and events. Use of the space
will be available by various groups and stakeholders such as the Betty Ford
Alpine Gardens or the Art in Public Places, and the common park user, during
times when the amphitheater is not in operation and when there are no
scheduled events taking place.
The space is envisioned to be richly landscaped, and have a high level of design
and attention to detail. Two new gates are planned to serve as ticket control and
baggage check, and a perimeter landscape barrier combining plants and a
decorative artistic fence will be designed to provide security for the venue.
Portions of the social courtyard are envisioned to be covered by a roof feature to
shelter patrons from rain during inclement weather and provide shade during
sunny days. In this case consideration should be given to the relationship of this
structure to surrounding improvements and to how important viewsheds can be
maintained.
Ticketina/Restrooms/Seatin
A number of improvements are planned to the operations and interior of the
Amphitheater. These include expanded ticket windows, remodeling of existing
restrooms and new restrooms at the east entry to the Amphitheater. Re -
contouring of the lawn seating area is also planned, the primary purpose of which
is to lessen the existing grade of the lawn area.
Noise Mitigation
The relationship between the Amphitheater and the athletic fields at times
creates conflicts, specifically with noise. 1-70 traffic also creates problems for the
Amphitheater. Noise mitigation studies have been completed and to date no
definitive decisions have been made regarding possible noise mitigation
measures. Space between the Amphitheater and the fields has been defined in
order to accommodate potential measures that may be pursued in the future
(walls, berms, landscaping, etc.).
Ford Park Management Plan Update 31
April 2012
Gerald R. Ford Amphitheater
Betty Ford Alpine Gardens
The Alpine Gardens are a major summer attraction and the following
improvements are contemplated for this facility:
North Entry
A more formally defined entry to the Gardens from the upper bench, along with
improved pedestrian corridors are planned.
Garden Expansion Area
Expansion to the gardens is planned along Gore Creek, in an area east of the old
schoolhouse.
BFAG Education Center
Located proximate to the Gardens on the lower bench, the Education Center is
envisioned to house administrative offices, a greenhouse and a multi -use space
for a variety of functions. The building is planned to be two levels (one story with
a lower walkout level) with a building footprint of approximately 1500 SF.
The BFAG building is envisioned to be west of the old school house. The
location is preferred for two reasons — to preserve the Children's Garden (located
Ford Park Management Plan Update 32
April 2012
just east of the old school, and to not "crowd" the entry to the Amphitheater. Site
design of the building should give consideration to the following:
• The building should be "low profile" and not dominate the immediate area.
• The design of the building should be sensitive to its close proximity to the
old school house and should create unified compound of structures.
• While the old school house and the Education Center will be two separate
buildings, landscape features, patios, etc. should be used to "link" the two
buildings,
• Consideration should be given to creating a new entry to the gardens that
is adjacent to the new building,
• The specimen spruce tree should be maintained,
• The degree to which the building extends to the west should be minimized
in order to maintain the existing open space and views to Gore Creek from
Betty Ford Way.
The location of this building is appropriate given its proximity and relationship to
the Gardens. However, measures will need to be implemented that will minimize
vehicle trips to the building and how winter access is provided.
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Betty Ford Alpine Gardens
Ford Park Management Plan Update 33
April 2012
Art in Public Places (AIPP)
AIPP has an active program in Ford Park. The organization has placed
permanent art within the Park, the most recent being the Jesus Moroles
sculpture. AAIP also uses a portion of the Lower Bench for temporary/summer
exhibition space. AAIP has the opportunity to utilize other areas of the park
which may be appropriate for art installations. However, any installation
(temporary or permanent) will be evaluated with respect to how it minimizes
impacts on other existing facilities and uses in the Park.
Service and Delivery
The following initiatives are contemplated to improve the efficiency of and
minimize the impacts from service and delivery functions within the Park
Central Trash Enclosure
A new central trash enclosure (to replace an existing building) is planned at the
eastern corner of the parking lot. This is intended to be a fully enclosed building
which contains either a trash dumpster or compactor unit. All leaseholders would
utilize this central enclosure to dispose of trash generated at their respective
facilities. One of the underlying goals of this approach is to not have trash truck
traffic within the Park.
Amahitheater Deliveries
Amphitheater operations necessitate a significant number of deliveries, including
on average 8-12 large semi -trucks each year (typically delivering for
performances) and frequent truck deliveries from food, beer and other vendors.
During the peak summer season deliveries from these vendors can be as much
as two to four per day. These deliveries currently access the Amphitheater via
West Betty Ford Way and create a very negative impact on the rest of the Park,
particularly the highly pedestrianized lower bench area. One of the six goals for
Ford Park is to "reduce vehicular intrusions into the park" and in response to this
a number of alternatives are under consideration that could dramatically reduce
the impact of these delivery vehicles.
Consideration has been given to "management solutions". For example, truck
deliveries could be limited to specific times (i.e. early morning) of day to avoid
vehicle/pedestrian conflicts. Given the constraints Vail already imposes on
deliveries in the Vail Village area, it is assumed that further confining delivery
times to Ford Park would be impractical on trucks and drivers. Another idea
would be to have trucks deliver to the parking lots then off-load deliveries to
smaller vehicles. While this may be viable for some deliveries, it may not be
viable for liquor/beer deliveries due to state laws.
Ford Park Management Plan Update 34
April 2012
The reconstruction of East Betty Ford Way such that all or some delivery vehicles
could utilize this corridor (in lieu of entering the Park from the west) would greatly
reduce vehicle/pedestrian conflicts. In order to do so the eastern portion of Betty
Ford Way would need be reconstructed to widen the path platform and to reduce
steep portions of the path. As noted above, these improvements are already
planned in order to improve pedestrian use of this corridor. In conjunction with
these improvements to the path, the re -design of the new Social
Courtyard/Amphitheater entry could be done to accommodate truck turning
movements such that trucks could enter from the east, turn around and then exit
to the east.
While in concept these improvements would address a major goal for the Park in
reducing vehicle trips and minimizing pedestrian impacts, there are a number of
other factors to consider. For example, the cost of these physical improvements
must be considered relative to the benefits (reduction of vehicular trips) and other
design implications such as how designing the amphitheater entry to
accommodate truck turning movements might affect the qualitative aspects of the
entry and how the need for retaining walls and the width/alignment of East Betty
Ford Way will affect this pedestrian corridor. These and other considerations will
be addressed during the detailed design of these improvements.
An existing sewer line servicing the tennis center needs to be replaced in the
East Betty Ford Way corridor and as such this pedestrian corridor will be re-
constructed to some degree. At a minimum it is anticipated that the path will be
enhanced to address the pedestrian improvements described above. The
degree to which improvements can be done to accommodate all or some truck
traffic will be determined following more detailed design with further evaluation of
the proposal during the Development Plan review process.
Access Road Management
The gate -controlled entrance to East Betty Ford Way is intended to limit vehicle
access to the Lower Bench. This gate/traffic control system is also utilized on the
west end of Betty Ford Way and should continue.
Ford Park Management Plan Update 35
April 2012
Vail Nature Center
The Vail Nature Center is located on the south banks of Gore Creek at the
southern end of Ford Park. The Nature Center is intended to be a natural
preserve and includes self -guided trails with a small interpretive center that
provides environmental and educational programs. Resolution #27 of 1987
documents the Town's intentions for how the Nature Center is to be managed.
No changes are contemplated for this area.
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Ford Park Management Plan Update 36
April 2012
FORD PARK/BFAG EDUCATION CENTER SITE ALTERNATIVES
1-Nov-13
West Betty Ford Wav
Soccer If..
Tennis Center
North and of Alpine Gardens
West End of Parking Lot
Nature Center
NW Corner of Park
Site is relatively flat and accessible. Site
Gently sloping site. Proximate to
area is fairly limited by West Betty Ford
Site is Rat, accessible, confined by road
Site is tight, constrained by athletic
Site is tight, constrained by parking
Site is flat, has some access
Frontage road, however vehicular
Way, the tot lot and athletic fields.
and parking lot but should be
Site it tight, confined by EBFW and
fields, amphitheater and gardens.
lot and steep slopes. Soil conditions
challenges but sufficient in size to
access has challenges. "buildable
General Site Suitability Isi:e, shape, soles, slope-
Sewer line, storm drain and electrical
sufficient to accommodate preferred
existing building. May necessitate
May necessitate compromises to SF.
are poor. May necessitate
accommodate building program.
area' is limited. Very close proximity
ability to accommodate optimal building SF
line present constraints.
program.
compromises to SF.
Access challenges.
compromises to SF.
Difficult site access.
to neighboring condos.
Good solar orientation, no real views.
Good exposure provided by West Betty
Ford Way. Somewhat remote from
Site affords excellent views to Gore
Excellent views to Gore Range and
Gardens. Location would be "busy"
Range. Proximity to road and parking
Site offers excellent Gore Range views
Gore Creek. Exposure to parking lot,
Strong connection with Creek, site
Good solar orientation. Storage
Site character (qualitative observations ofsfe
given proximity to tot lot and fields.
lot is less than ideal setting. Detached
orientation to Gore Creek. Location
Frontage Road and 1-70 is less than
offers solitude in delightful, natural
building would likely limit Gore Range
attributes, constraints, opportunities, relationship
Opportunity for outdoor space is
from Garden, road and steep
would be "busy" given activity at
ideal. Site is quite remote from
setting. Site is quite remote from
views. Frontage Road/170 noise
to Gardens, etc.)
limited.
topography present "barrier".
Tennis Center and proximity to EBFW.
Strong relationship to Gardens.
Gardens
Gardens.
impacts. Site is remote from Gardens.
Design would need to respect existing
Education center would appear to
Building would either displace
parking lot (ie no net loss of parking).
have compatible relationship with
Nature Center or would involve
Relationship to/Impact on existing Park
Location would not displace existing
Site presents no direct impact to other
leaseholders. Building may necessitate
VRD's use of Tennis Center building.
Design would need to respond to,
Design would need to respect
existing buffers between athletic
Design would need to respect
existing parking lot and access
BFAG and Nature Center sharing a
building. In concept the two uses
Design would need to respond to
uses and facilities (does location present
ompatible relationship with existing uses/will
uses in park. Garden building would not
existing berm between parking lot and
coordinate with VRD's use in building,
fields and amphitheater (or establish
to/use of EBFW. No direct impact to
could present a workable,
storage/bathroom buildings. Potential
1—ti- displace or directly impact existing uses.
adversely impact surrounding uses.
Northwoods Condominiums,
etc,
sufficient buffers).
other leaseholders
compatible relationship.
compatibility issues.
Existing pedestrian access is limited.
No existing pedestrian access.
Pedestrian Circulation (is convenient pedestrian
Pedestrian access to site and between
Grade change and road crossing could
Pedestrian improvements are in
Improvements would be needed,
ss in place/will location enhance ordweinmh
site and Gardens is in place. Site is very
be constraints. Significant
place. Design of building needs to
corridor along creek could provide
pedestdan circulation/year around access
remote from parking. Does provide
improvements would be necessary.
EBFW provides convenient access to
ensure adequate pedestrian flow be
EBFW provides convenient access to
pleasant walk between building and
Re-location of WBFW would likely be
o sideratiom)
easy access to Village Parking Structure.
Excellent year round access
Gardens. Excellent year round access.
maintained.
Gardens.
Gardens.
necessary.
n mg uea�gn mmdm
Terrain could allow for a two
positive relationship with EBFW,
Storage/concession building was
level/walkout type of design (one level
terrain could allow for a lower level
To avoid building looming over
Site is at prominent "highpoint", site
designed in deference to views from
Visual Considerations (does location allow for
Site drops +/-12'from back to front, site
on parking lot side and two levels on
walkout level with a level above.
Amphitheater and Lower Commons,
is limited to a one level building
Site has sufficient size to
neighboring condos. Respecting this
low-profile buildin&avoid ridge lining, etc./is site
has potential for building to be benched
street side). Visible from Vail Valley
Visible could be limited depending on
site is limited to a one level building
(note that terrain may allow fora
accommodate a single level building.
view corridor would appear to present
conducive to one or two levels)
Into hillside.
Drive.
site design.
(or one level with a full basement)
lower, walkout level).
No significant view shed issues.
design constraints.
Significant constraints to emergency
Conceptually vehicle access off
No real access constraints. Would
vehicle access. Service vehicles
Grade change between Vail Valley
Frontage Road could be provided with
need to resolve how parking lot is
EBFW provides emergency vehicle
would impact pedestrian corridors.
Drive and site presents challenging
minimal impact to other Park users,
Vehicular Access (abilityro manage and Gtr rol
WBFW provides emergency vehicle
currently managed with parking needs
access. Would need to control
Would need controls to limit
emergency vehicle access, would
however, land area needed for
vehiclesAnnergenvehicle /year around
q
cess. Would need to control passenger
of building. No issues with year
passenger car access. No issues with
passenger vehicles. Corridor is
No real constraints. No issues with
need to control/manage vehicle
vehicles/turning movements, etc. is
eidere me)
car access to site.
around access.
wintertime access.
currently not plowed in winter.
year around access.
access to site.
very limited.
All services appear to be proximate to
site. Re-location of sewer line and/or
Proximity to utilities (wager, sewer, gas, electric.
electric line may be necessary. Re-
Lift station may be needed for sewer
services readily available/if not can services be
location of storm drain will be
Services are assumed to be located in
May require some modifications to
service. Shallow utilities would need
Currently no services are proximate
Lift station would be required for
Appear to be minimal impacts to
brooghtec srei)
necessary. Cost implications.
Vail Valley Drive.xisting
a utility service (not main) lines.
to be extended to site.
to site.
existing utilities.
Close proximity to existing parking lot.
No parking proximate to site. Site is
Close proximity to existing parking
No parking proximate to site. Site is
Parking/Trans R (proximity to parking/impect on
Site is relatively remote from parking
Site is currently not proximate to
Close proximity to existing parking lot
proximate to transit stop on
lot and to transit stop on Frontage
currently not convenient to transit
Site is very remote from
parking facilities/proximity to transit facilities)
and transit.
transit stop,
and to transit stop on Frontage Road.
Frontage Road.
Road.
stop.
parking/transit facilities.
Improvements to access may be
ADA access (general ability to accommodate ADA)
necessary
No issues.
No issues.
No issues.
No issues.
May present challenges
Access would appear to be feasible
wgmncanr scneounng/coorpmatlon
Relative Ease of Implementation
with improvements currently
No significant issues other than
No significant issues other than
Z,-nent of oth,,leas,h,ld... coordinaeion
No significant issues other than those
No significant issues other than those
This site would involve significant
under construction (or planned)
those listed would impede
those listed would impede
No significant issues other than those
with on-going projects, etc.)
listed would impede implementation.
listed would impede implementation.
coordination with VRD.
around site.
implementation.
implementation.
listed would impede implementation.
Being within the "Lower Bench"
Amendment to 7th Filing covenants
area, this site can be expected to
would be required. Amendment to
VRD Board has provided a written
prompt controversy. 1987 Town
Potential impact on neighboring
Other considerations (polhical, covenants,
covenant with Northwoods would
letter to the Vail Town Council stating
Council Resolution »27 limits use of
condos could would be significant
other—Aderati—)
None
need to be amended.
their opposition to this location.
None
None
this site to nature center
issue/design parameter.
Legend
Orange type -site could work subject to
site specific designand/or compromises
Red type - less than desirable
Green type -site presents positive/workable
in design/program and/or cost
relationshipto criteria and/or
relationship to consideration.
implications.
unworkablerelationship).
MARTIN / MARTIN
CONSULTING ENGINEERS
August 15, 2013
BETTY FORD ALPINE GARDENS — SITE EVALUATION
Martin/Martin performed a preliminary site evaluation of the area south of the existing outfield
retaining walls, west of the basketball court, and north of West Betty Ford Way on the lower
bench of Ford Park in Vail, Colorado. The purpose of this study is to assist the Town of Vail and
the Vail Valley Foundation with their efforts to determine the opportunities and constraints
associated with developing the site to construct a one-story building with a footprint of
approximately 3,000 square feet. This Executive Summary was prepared from a detailed
technical report which includes analysis of flow rates, capacities, and quantities.
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
Utilities
Water
The existing location of the water main is on the opposite side of the path from the
building footprint. The location of the water main does not require relocation and
provides a direct connection for water service adjacent to the proposed site.
The additional water service for this building may trigger the need to complete the water
main loop from the covered bridge to the Gerald Ford Amphitheater. Eagle River Water
and Sanitation will be involved in the decision on whether the loop is required to be
completed.
The approximate cost to complete the water line is $43,000 and reconstruct the West
Betty Ford Way is $40,000 with asphalt. Pavers in this section of WBFW have been
consider with possible alternate funding.
Sewer
The existing sanitary sewer line location defines the building envelope closest to the
path. Due to elevation and cover issues, the sanitary sewer line can not be relocated
and must remain in place. It is recommended that a 10' separation from the building to
the sewer line be maintained. This separation may be less depending on specific
architectural elements adjacent to the sewer line, an additional 400 square feet may be
utilized. The location does provide for direct connection of the sewer service for the new
structure. No additional costs are anticipated for the sanitary sewer.
Storm Sewer
The existing storm sewer location does conflict with the proposed building footprint but
can to be rerouted to accommodate a footprint at this location. The attached Exhibit A
shows the anticipated rerouting through the adjacent pathway. The approximate cost to
reroute the storm sewer is $30,000.
Electric
The electrical loading was based on a typical visitor center/retail type facility. The facility
would require electric heat since no gas service is available in Ford Park. Electric
service can be provided from 2 different locations, a transformer near the new West
Restrooms or panels behind the School House. A secondary electric for pathway
lighting crosses through the site and can be rerouted.
The West Restroom service would cost approximately $57,000 and the School House
service would be approximately $110,000, the difference is costs are due to the distance
from each location. These costs do not include surface reconstruction. Although the
School House service may be more costly, the reconstruction costs may be coupled with
the water main loop completion and associated pathway construction if it determined
that is required. Final decision on the service location should be re-evaluated once the
water looping requirement has been determined.
TPIPr.nm
Considering the anticipated retail usage for this building, it is estimated that 4 phone
lines would be required. The cost to provide service at this location is approximately
$15,000. To additionally provide fiber optic, the cost is another $6,000.
Accessible Route
ADA accessible route options were analyzed from the upper bench to the lower bench. Current
Ford Park improvements to the upper bench provide an accessible route to the top of ROUTE A
and ROUTE B shown in Exhibit B. A recent survey completed by Gore Range Surveying was
used to evaluate possible routes from the upper bench.
ROUTE A — This route is the current defined route for ADA accessibility to the lower bench.
Review of the survey show areas of the route that would need to be modified to meet ADA slope
standards. A more detailed review of the survey would be needed to ensure full ADA
compliance which is not within the scope of this report. Improvements for compliance of this
route may vary from $10,000 to $30,000 depending on the extent of non-compliant aspects of
the route.
ROUTE B — This route is the more direct access to the proposed BFAG site. The entire length
of this route would need to be reconstructed to meet ADA standards. Railing would be required
for the length of the route. Approximate cost for reconstruction of these improvements is
$60,000 to $100,000.
ROUTE C — This portion of path access appears to meet ADA standards and would complete
the accessible route from ROUTE A or ROUTE B once upgrades to them have been complete.
Building Footprint
Due to utility constraints the building footprint has been defined by the sewer line location and
the storm relocation, the building footprint is additionally constrained by the location of the
outfield walls. See Exhibit A.
The building footprint size can vary with the construction of a shoring wall to support the existing
outfield walls. If shoring is not provided, a building footprint of approximately 2,400 SF can be
accommodated. if a shoring wall is provided, a building footprint of approximately 3,500 SF is
possible. Either building footprint size can be increased by 400 SF if architectural elements
such as roof overhangs do not encroach over the sewer line. The cost of the shoring wall is
estimated to be $50,000.
The building footprint limits shown are the maximum allowable per the site constraints, actual
usable footprint may decrease the square footage depending on programming and architectural
layout.
Architectural Considerations
A one-story structure floor elevation will be limited by West Betty Ford Way. The finished floor
elevation of the building is 13' lower than the grade adjacent to the outfield wall and 9' below the
playground path. The structure could be a buried on the left and back sides of the building with
a green roof. The right side could be partially exposed depending on the proximity to the
playground path and/or additional walls.
The building setback from West Betty Ford way is approximately 20' and could serve as a small
plaza. Location of landscaping or permanent elements in this area shall be placed as not to
disturb the sanitary sewer line and relocated storm sewer within this 20' buffer.
Estimated Cost Summary
Water Loop/Path
Storm Sewer
Electric Service
Telecom
ADA Route
Shoring Wall
$83,000
$30,000
$57,000 - $110,000
$15,000 - $21,000
$10,000 - $100,000
$ 0 -$50,000
TOTAL RANGE $195,000 - $367,000