HomeMy WebLinkAbout2013-11-05 Agenda and Support Documentation Town Council Evening SessionVAIL TOWN COUNCIL
EVENING SESSION AGENDA
VAIL TOWN COUNCIL CHAMBERS
75 S. Frontage Road W.
Vail, CO 81657
4:30 P.M., NOVEMBER 5, 2013
NOTE: Times of items are approximate, subject to change, and cannot
be relied upon to determine at what time Council will consider
an item.
1.
ITEM/TOPIC: Town Managers Report: (5 min. )
PRESENTER(S): Stan Zemler
2.
ITEM/TOPIC: Consent Agenda:
1) Approval of October 1 and October 15 meeting minutes;
2) Council letter of support for mountain recreation enhancement
(5 min.)
3.
ITEM/TOPIC: Appoint one member to the Local Licensing Authority (LLA)
(5 min.)
PRESENTER(S): Suzanne Silverthorn
ACTION REQUESTED OF COUNCIL: The Council interviewed all
interested parties at the work session and Council should appoint one
member to the LLA for an eight month term at the evening meeting.
BACKGROUND: The Town received 2 letters of interest for the open
position on the LLA as follows:
Tom Saalfeld
Tom Scola
STAFF RECOMMENDATION: Please appoint one member to the LLA at
the evening session.
4.
ITEM/TOPIC: RAMP Update- Simba Run (20 min.)
PRESENTER(S): Tom Kassmel
ACTION REQUESTED OF COUNCIL: Listen to update on the RAMP
projects and provide Staff with direction
BACKGROUND: At the June 18th Council work session Council directed
staff to apply to CDOT with three projects for RAMP funding. The three
RAMP projects included; Simba Run Underpass, Frontage Road
Improvements,and the East Vail Water Quality Improvements.Staff received
notification on October 18th that the Simba Run Underpass project was
chosen to receive RAMP funding. The current estimate of the project is $20.8
million dollars. CDOT has awarded $14.6 million towards the project with the
remaining $6.2 million to be funded by the Town of Vail. Staff has proposed
that the Town’s portion be funded with Tax Increment Financing (TIF) dollars. 11/5/2013
The purpose of this Council work session is to update the Council on the
status of the project and outline next steps.
STAFF RECOMMENDATION: Staff recommends proceeding with the
RAMP process and approving the recommended PLT members.
5.
ITEM/TOPIC: First reading of Ordinance No. 16, Series of 2013, An
Ordinance Amending Section 13-7-8 of the Vail Town Code Regarding
Recovery of Costs in Enforcement Actions and Setting Forth Details in
Regard Thereto. (5 min. )
PRESENTER(S): Matt Mire
ACTION REQUESTED OF COUNCIL: Approve, approve with amendments
or deny Ordinance No. 16, Series of 2013 on first reading.
BACKGROUND: The Town Council desires to amend the Vail Town Code
to provide for an award of reasonable attorney fees and costs in successful
court actions to enforce violations of Section 13-7-8.
STAFF RECOMMENDATION: Approve, approve with amendments or deny
Ordinance No. 16, Series of 2013 on first reading.
6.
ITEM/TOPIC: Second reading of Ordinance No. 13, Series of 2013, an
ordinance repealing and reenacting the approved development plan for
Phase IV of Special Development District No. 6, Vail Village Inn, pursuant to
Section 12-9A-10, Amendment Procedures, Vail Town Code, to allow for an
increase in the allowable gross residential floor area (GRFA), located at 16
Vail Road (The Sebastian)/ a portion of lots M, N, and O, Block 5D, Vail
Village Filing 1, and setting forth details in regard thereto. (10 min.)
PRESENTER(S): Warren Campbell, Community Development Department
and Dominic Mauriello, Mauriello Planning Group
ACTION REQUESTED OF COUNCIL: The Vail Town Council shall approve,
approve with modifications, or deny Ordinance No. 13, Series of 2013, upon
second reading.
BACKGROUND: On September 23, 2013, the Planning and Environmental
Commission forwarded a recommendation of approval, with conditions, to the
Vail Town Council for a major amendment to SDD No. 6, Vail Village Inn, to
increase the allowable GRFA for Phase IV, with a vote of 5-1-0.
On October 15, 2013, the Vail Town Council approved Ordinance No. 13,
Series of 2013, upon first reading by a vote of 6-1-0 (Moffet opposed).
STAFF RECOMMENDATION: The Planning and Environmental
Commission recommends the Vail Town Council approves, with conditions,
Ordinance No. 13, Series of 2013, upon second reading.
7. ITEM/TOPIC: Resolution No. 14, Series of 2013, a resolution adopting the
2013 Gerald R. Ford Park Master Plan, and setting forth details in regard
thereto. (45 minutes)
PRESENTER(S): George Ruther, Community Development Director and
Tom Braun, Principal, Braun Associates, Inc.
ACTION REQUESTED OF COUNCIL: Approve, Approve with Modifications, 11/5/2013
or Deny Resolution No. 14, Series of 2013
BACKGROUND: On April 16, 2013, the Vail Town Council instructed town
staff to prepare a new master plan for Gerald R. Ford Park. In doing so, the
Town Council provided the following direction: The new plan shall be a
compilation of the 1974 Vail Plan, 1985 Ford Park Master Plan, 1997 Ford
Park Management Plan, and the 2012 Ford Park Management Plan Update.
A series of goals, objectives, policies and actions steps were to be developed
to clarify the community's expectations for the Park and guide future
decisions about improvements with the Park. The concept of sub area
planning within the Park was supported. While the Park was to be planned in
its entirety, sub area plans and illustrative graphics were to be used to further
clarify opportunities within the respective areas of the Park. The new plan
was to incorporate both current improvements already underway within the
Park but also capture and articulate future improvement opportunities. The
Plan was to have an approximate ten year life span with periodic updates
and amendment considerations when needed.
STAFF RECOMMENDATION: The Community Development Department
recommends the Vail Town Council approves the proposed 2013 Gerald R.
Ford Park Master Plan, as modifidied by the Planning & Environmental
Commission, based upon a review of the criteria outlined in Section V of this
memorandum and the evidence and testimony presented at multiple public
hearings.
8.
ITEM/TOPIC: Recognition of Kerry Donovan and Kevin Foley's services as
Town Council members. (5 min. )
PRESENTER(S): Andy Daly
9. ITEM/TOPIC: Citizen Participation: (15 min.)
10.
ITEM/TOPIC: Gerald R. Ford Park Amphitheater Operations Plan (10
min.)
PRESENTER(S): George Ruther, Director of Community Development and
Jack Hunn, Hunn Consulting Group LLC
ACTION REQUESTED OF COUNCIL: Approve, Approve with Modifications,
or Deny the Operations Plan
BACKGROUND: On September 3, 2013, the Vail Town Council heard an
appeal of a Planning & Environmental Commission (PEC) decision denying a
request for an amended conditional use permit for the proposed lobby
addition at the amphitheater. The appeal was filed by the Vail Valley
Foundation (VVF). Upon conclusion of the appeals hearing, a majority of the
Town Council voted to overturn the PEC's decision. In overturning the
decision, the Town Council asked that the VVF provide the Town Council
with a copy of a proposed operations plan for the new amphitheater lobby.
The reason for requesting the Operations Plan was to ensure:
*adequate public access to the lobby space when not in use by the VVF,
*the management of the proposed use does not unnecessarily conflict with
the other stakeholders in Ford Park,
*reasonable public access and availability of the restroom facilities proposed
in the new amphitheater addition, and
*the proposed use operated in conjunction with the amphitheater 11/5/2013
STAFF RECOMMENDATION: The Community development Department
recommends the Vail Town Council approves the Operations Plan as
proposed.
11. ITEM/TOPIC: Adjournment (6:35 p.m.)
11/5/2013
VAIL TOWN COUNCIL AGENDA MEMO
MEETING DATE: November 5, 2013
ITEM/TOPIC: Town Managers Report:
PRESENTER(S): Stan Zemler
11/5/2013
VAIL TOWN COUNCIL AGENDA MEMO
MEETING DATE: November 5, 2013
ITEM/TOPIC: Consent Agenda:
1) Approval of October 1 and October 15 meeting minutes;
2) Council letter of support for mountain recreation enhancement
ATTACHMENTS:
October 1 Town Council Meeting Minutes
October 15 Town Council Meeting Minutes
Council letter of support for mountain recreation enhancement
121812 Council letter of support
11/5/2013
Town Council Meeting Minutes of October 1, 2013 Page 1
Vail Town Council Meeting Minutes
Tuesday, October 1, 2013
6:00 P.M.
Vail Town Council Chambers
The regular meeting of the Vail Town Council was called to order at approximately 6:00
P.M. by Mayor Andy Daly.
Members present: Andy Daly, Mayor
Ludwig Kurz
Kerry Donovan
Kevin Foley
Margaret Rogers
Susie Tjossem
Greg Moffet
Staff members: Stan Zemler, Town Manager
Matt Mire, Town Attorney
Pam Brandmeyer, Assistant Town Manager
Tammy Nagel, Acting Town Clerk
_________________________________________________________________
The first item on the agenda was Recognition of Town Manager Stan Zemler’s 10 year
anniversary September 22, 2013. Daly complemented Zemler on his many
accomplishments and his excellent leadership skills. Daly presented Zemler with a
plaque to commemorate his 10 years with the town. Daly stated he wanted to take this
time to present the award to Zemler publicly because Zemler takes his responsibility to
the community very serious. Zemler thanked the Department Directors, the town staff
and a great council and credited them towards his success through renaissance and
recession.
The second item on the agenda was Citizen Participation, of which there was none.
The third item on the agenda was the Consent Agenda:
1) Approval of September 3 and September 17 Town Council Meeting Minutes.
Moffet made a motion to approve the September 3, 2013, Town Council
meeting minutes as presented, with a second from Rogers. The motion
passed unanimously (7-0).
Moffet made a motion to approve the September 17, 2013, Town Council
meeting minutes as presented, with a second from Rogers. The motion
passed 6-0-1(Donovan abstained).
2) Appointment of Regular Municipal Election Judges.
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Town Council Meeting Minutes of October 1, 2013 Page 2
Moffet made a motion to approve the appointment of the following as judges
for the Regular Municipal Election to be held on Tuesday November 5, 2013:
Vi Brown, Holiday Cole, Carol McKown, Earl Best, Meryl Jacobs, Mary Caster
Summer Holm, Mary Ann Best, Jane Harelson and Katherine Schmidt, with a
second from Donovan. The motion passed unanimously (7-0). Council stated
they were extraordinarily grateful for donating their time.
3) Resolution No. 11, Series of 2013 – Eagle River Water and Sanitation District
(ERWSD). Moffet made a motion to approve Resolution No. 11, 2013, a
resolution approving certain water facility easements and water agreement
between the Town of Vail and Eagle River Water and Sanitation District; and
setting fourth details in regard thereto, with a second from Foley. The motion
passed 6-0-1 (Kurz abstained).
4) Resolution No. 12, Series of 2013 – Town of Vail approval of Vail Local
Marketing District (VLMD) Budget. Moffet made a motion to approve the
2014 VLMD budget, with a second from Rogers. The motion passed 6-1
(Foley against). Foley stated the VLMD should not use funds from the
general operating account for special events and should use funding for
special event through the VLMD.
5) Ordinance No. 14, Series of 2013 – Tabled to October 15, 2013, Town
Council Meeting. Moffet moved to table the second reading of Ordinance No.
14, Series of 2013, to the October 15 Town Council meeting, with a second
from Donovan. The motion passed unanimously 7-0.
The fourth item on the agenda was Town Managers Report. Zemler reminded council
that town staff would be hosting a town council candidate briefing on October 8 in the
Council Chambers to discuss the 2014 budget and current projects and issues
occurring in town.
The fifth item on the agenda was the first reading of Ordinance No. 15, Series of 2013,
an ordinance adopting a budget and financial plan and making appropriations to pay the
costs, expenses and liabilities of the Town of Vail, Colorado for its fiscal year January 1,
2014, through December 31, 2014. Zemler stated this is a proposed $54 million dollar
budget and it is a balanced budget that is required by law. Staff feels comfortable that
service levels will remain at levels the town is accustomed to and proud of. A number of
iconic events that are highlighted in the budget are being paid for from General Fund
reserves, such as the US Burton World Snowboard Championships and the Pro Cycling
Challenge, that the town is hoping would return in 2014. Zemler went onto say that
although the sales tax collections have been strong these past months, the town is still
not at the same revenue levels as 2008 in total. Kathleen Halloran, Town of Vail
Assistant Finance Director, reviewed with council a memorandum in response to
council’s questions from their first look at the operating budget during the September 17
work session.
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Town Council Meeting Minutes of October 1, 2013 Page 3
Council requested a five year look at funding levels for the Commission on Special
Events (CSE) and Council Contributions. Rogers asked why there was a decrease in
the CSE and Council Contribution in the 2014 budget if the direction was to remain flat.
Halloran stated the increase as shown in the 2013 budget is from Council approving a
one-time increase for certain CSE items such as marketing research and a Memorial
Day event. Rogers stated there was going to be another Memorial Day event in 2014
and the funding was to assist the event in establishing Vail is open in May. Halloran
stated she was following council’s direction that these items in 2013 were one-time
funded items and had been removed from the proposed 2014 budget. Rogers stated
this is why she would be voting against the budget because if the request was to be flat
then there should not be a decrease in CSE’s funding nor in Council Contributions.
Donovan asked at what level the Memorial Day event was funded and Halloran
responded $85,000. Donovan asked where that dollar amount would come from.
Rogers thinks the budget needs to be more realistic and if that amount cannot be found,
there is $24 million in reserves. Tjossem agreed with Rogers that there needs to be a
Memorial Day event and wondered if there will be any wiggle room after the CSE
allocates next year’s funding. Tjossem when onto say that in the past, a couple
previously funded events for whatever reason dropped off, which then caused a surplus
in the CSE budget. Sybil Navas, CSE Coordinator, confirmed that the Memorial Day
event did receive $85,000 and there was additional funding received for marketing and
survey studies and the Living Well Summit event. Navas stated the event Soulfest did
drop out because of CSE’s decision the event was not at the requested quality and the
allocated funding for that event was reallocated to the Holdiaze event because Vail
Resorts pulled their funding for this event. Navas stated allocation event requests are
due October 21st so the CSE board has not yet seen any proposals for a Memorial Day
event, but the members do feel it is necessary to establish an event for that holiday
weekend. Daly asked for any council comments on this topic. Moffet said he was
comfortable increasing the funding for something like the US Burton Championship
because he felt the average daily rates (ADR’s) are at their highest. Moffet stated he
was entirely uncomfortable with the idea of increasing the funding for this event without
knowing where the funding would come from and when the ADR’s are at their lowest.
Moffet said he was frustrated that council has not had a strategic conversation with
CSE. Zemler suggested council allow CSE to go through their process and have CSE
report back December 3 and if there is an area council would like to see more funding to
go toward, then council can discuss allocating more funding toward that event.
Donovan stated council gave onetime funding to the Memorial Day event for it to grow
legs so that in the future that event could go through the fair CSE process for future
funding. Daly asked if other council members were interested in funding additional
events at this time. Kurz recommended following Zemler’s lead and wait to see what
CSE comes to council with on December 3rd and to keep the Council Contributions at
the level currently being proposed for the 2014 budget. Not all council members agreed.
Council moved onto the next subject regarding the conversation of 12 multi-season
seasonal employees to full-time employees. Daly stated he had a comment concerning
the answer to the first question “what makes up the average of $20,000 per position
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Town Council Meeting Minutes of October 1, 2013 Page 4
being converted.” Daly went on to say that in the second sentence of the answer “The
difference in wages is approximately $4,000 per position primarily to cover the
additional four weeks of work.” Daly said it did not seem to make sense to put people
on for an additional 4 weeks when there is no work for them. Halloran replied the town
does have work for them due to the extension of services further into “off-season” for
example the bus drivers. Rogers stated staff has stated there is work for them and they
should receive fulltime benefits out of fairness. Kurz agreed with Rogers that council
needs to be fair and equitable to all employees and to go with staff’s recommendation
for the budget. Moffet feels staff is stretched and looking at the history from the 2008
cuts, Moffet said that this is the first time the town has rebounded in staff levels and he
feels comfortable trusting staff’s recommendation. Tjossem stated she felt comfortable
with staff’s recommendation for these few employees to become fulltime. Daly stated
with no further comments and with four council members in agreement, staff is directed
to go forward with the fulltime employment of those 12 positions.
Council moved onto discuss the next topic of the Capital Projects Fund. The first item
was the funding of the Mobile Communications Van. Daly stated council agreed they
were not willing to fund the entire $350,000, but would commit to funding 50% with the
remaining 50% matched by other partners such as the E911 Board and other county-
wide agencies. Halloran reminded council that the $175,000 is not currently in the
proposed budget and staff just wanted to confirm council’s commitment to the 50%. All
council agreed to the 50% commitment.
The next item on Capital Projects Fund was radio replacement for a portion of the
town’s radio inventory. Halloran stated Motorola has agreed to a substantial discount
as part of their sponsorship of the 2015 World Alpine Ski Championships. The
replacement of just a portion of the radios will cost $176,000 and the remainder of the
radios will be replaced in 2018. No Council members disagreed with staff’s
recommendation.
Next was the replacement of the “Livescan” fingerprint equipment for $28,000. Halloran
stated the equipment needed to be updated quickly and requested to approve this
project for 2013, with the amount to be included in a budget supplemental in December.
Council all agreed that staff could move forward with the project now and to allocate this
amount into a 2013 supplemental.
Council moved onto to discuss the Real Estate Transfer Tax (RETT) Fund. The first
item under this fund was the Library Recreation Path project being split between the
2014 and 2015 budget. All council members were in agreement with that
recommendation.
Council agreed to move $250,000 into the 2013 budget for the planning and design of
the Booth Creek Park redevelopment and the replacement of the Booth Creek tennis
courts to occur in 2014. The remainder of the redevelopment will occur in 2017.
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Town Council Meeting Minutes of October 1, 2013 Page 5
Rogers stated she had one more item to discuss under RETT. Rogers felt the town
wasted $65,000 of Betty Ford Alpine Gardens’ money by council approving a site for an
education center next to the schoolhouse. The Betty Ford Alpine Gardens spent money
on a design for that location and when they came and presented their design, the
council changed their mind on the site for the education center. Rogers felt the town
should supplement their loss. Moffet agreed with Rogers. Donovan still cannot support
it because there are other entities that did not get their way when they went through the
process. Donovan didn’t think it was fair to reimburse one entity and not others.
Tjossem was not willing to reimburse them for their loss at this time but would be open
to future discussion of financial support once the Ford Park Master plan is approved and
a site has been designated for the educational center. Council majority did not agree
and Daly said council will not reimburse Betty Ford Alpine Gardens for their expense
incurred.
Donovan and Daly requested council next review the proposed 2014 budget line by line.
Daly stated he had one request from staff for the next reading and that is for more
information concerning employee benefits health care. The costs are going up from
$2,875,000 in 2013 to $3,150,000 in the proposed 2014 budget. Daly requested to see
more details regarding the split on what employees are funding and what the town is
funding. Daly has concerns of growing deductibles and what that may look like long
term. Halloran stated the cost sharing is 25/75 with 25% paid by employees and 75%
paid by the town and staff planned on continuing that practice. Daly asked if council had
any comments or questions concerning the General Fund. Council had no comments
or questions.
Daly asked if council had any questions or comments regarding the Summary of
Revenue, Expenditures and Change in Fund Balance in the General Fund. Daly
pointed out to council a significant decrease in reserve funds since 2012. Donovan
requested staff provide more information of what Daly is pointing out concerning the
reserves. Donovan stated that it was important to leave healthy reserves for future
councils.
Daly asked if there were any comments concerning council contributions, specially Tier I
– Vail Brand Events, Tier II – Extraordinary events, Tier III – Services Expertise and Tier
IV- Life Long Learning. Rogers stated she opposed keeping the Tier I events flat for
two years. Rogers expressed concern the increase in operation costs and innovative
cost goes up every year and those increases are not considered when allocating money
to iconic events such as Bravo and the Vail Jazz Festival. Rogers also opposed Tier IV
– Life Long Learning being funded at only $15,000. Rogers stated certain events
producers were unaware they needed to have their application in for funding by a
certain time. Rogers proposed allocating a minimum of $75,000 for Life Long Learning
and let the CSE provide criteria for these kinds of events to see if they would qualify for
funding and if they do then the CSE can make those recommendations for funding to
council. Kurz agreed with Rogers and thought it was the right thing to do because
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Town Council Meeting Minutes of October 1, 2013 Page 6
council did make a commitment to Tier IV. Kurz requested staff to find a way to make
that happen. Foley suggested taking it out of the Vail Local Marketing District (VLMD)
Fund. Donovan agreed with Foley that council should hand over that tier to the VLMD
because of their marketing knowledge which could be beneficial to those events.
Tjossem agreed with having a $75,000 placeholder and agreed with Kurz and
requested staff comes back at the next meeting with an answer. Moffet expressed
concern that there was no strategic plan concerning that tier and suggested if council
were going to put that money into the budget, then council needs to know what that
strategic vision is and define what council is trying to accomplish. Council agreed to
increase the Tier IV amount by $75,000 and requested staff to look at how to fund that
amount even if it means to turn over that tier to the VLMD to assist with the marketing
part.
Donovan expressed being nervous on spending reserves on permanent events such as
US Burton and Pro Challenge. Donovan stated these permanent events need to find a
home in the budget.
Susie questioned why the revenue source concerning permit and licensing fees has not
gone up for 10 years and suggested increasing these fees to the appropriate amount in
increments over time.
With no further comments, Daly moved onto Capital Projects and stated all items were
discussed at council’s last session and asked if anyone had any comments or
suggested changes. Moffet made an appeal on behalf of the Chamonix housing project
and suggested council budget money for a marketing study. He also requested a
budget for at least a duplex, if not the entire infrastructure project. Foley agreed.
Rogers asked if that was a good use of money for one infrastructure. George Ruther,
Community Development Director, thought it was feasible to build in phases such as 5
duplex units. Ruther thought money might even be saved. Zemler stated staff could
come back at the next meeting with more information concerning that project and
recommended that council look at the housing market study that was done a few years
ago. Daly asked if there were any further comments regarding Capital Projects.
Donovan said she was still uneasy with the installation of the 19 cameras for the 2015
Ski Championships. Donovan questioned if the drive was really for the 2015 Ski
Championships, then why would the town be bearing all the costs of this expense. Vail
Police Chief Dwight Henninger stated cameras are mostly used for loading and delivery,
but they have also assisted in solving some crimes. Rogers felt it is the council’s
primary responsibility to make the town safe for the citizens and guests. All council
members agreed it should stay in the budget.
Council moved onto the Real Estate Transfer Tax Fund. Donovan asked why there was
$25,000 being allocated to separate the Ford Park and Donovan Master Plans and if it
was appropriate for this item to be funded from this fund because it has nothing to do
with preserving open space and is more of an administrative housekeeping item.
Rogers stated open space was not the only criteria for spending RETT funds and that
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Town Council Meeting Minutes of October 1, 2013 Page 7
park and recreation were other criteria for the use of RETT funds. She felt it was
appropriate for this item to be funded out of that fund. Rogers also stated she thought
$25,000 was too much to spend on separating these master plans. Kurz agreed with
Donovan. Ruther stated there are new conditions being implemented in Ford Park that
would not be appropriate for Donovan Park. This is why these master plans need to be
separated. Ruther went on to say that there are maps that discuss both Ford Park and
Donovan Park; therefore, by changing the Ford Park Master Plan you cannot have the
Donovan Park left lingering. Ruther additionally said he did estimate high with $25,000
because he would rather be over on his estimate than to come back and ask council for
a supplement. Tjossem asked where the funding for the Ford Park Master Plan came
from. Ruther responded RETT and he also stated he would look into cost further. There
were no changes requested by council for the second reading of the proposed budget
regarding this item.
Foley questioned $304,000 for Ford Park safety improvements and asked what exactly
is going to happen. Greg Hall, Public Works Director, stated the town would be
updating the playground and the restrooms. Rogers does not have a problem leaving it
in as a placeholder knowing staff will have to come back to council for approval for
spending that money. With no further comments from council, the allocation was left as
proposed.
Daly opened the 2014 proposed budget for public comment.
Alby Segall, President of the Vail Symposium, wanted to clarify their proposal under the
Tier IV funding recommendation. Segall stated everything the Vail Symposium does is
programing and they operate on a very narrow budget. There was no further public
comment.
Moffet made a motion to approve on first reading with requested to staff for further
information on some items, with a second from Kurz. The motion passed 6-1. (Rogers
opposed)
The sixth item on the agenda was first reading of Ordinance No. 1, Series of 2013, An
Ordinance Adding a New Section 2-1-4 to the Vail Town Code, to Ensure Adequate
Funding for the Town’s Long-Range Capital Program. Town Attorney Matt Mire
explained the Town Charter previously required a 50/50 split of sales tax revenue
between capital and general fund unless overridden by a supermajority of council. The
electors approved a change to the Charter in November and this ordinance will allow
council to come back year to year and establish the split. If council deviates from the
split percentage at the second reading of the budget then council will need a super
majority vote. Donovan stated in the future this ordinance should be discussed before
going through the process to allow philosophical discussions. Judy Camp, Finance
Director, agreed the split could be discussed earlier in the budget process when staff
presents the revenue forecast. Donovan made a motion to approve Ordinance No. 1,
Series of 2013 as read, with a second from Foley. Daly asked if there was any public
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Town Council Meeting Minutes of October 1, 2013 Page 8
comment. There was none. With no further comments from council, the motion passed
7-0.
The seventh item on the agenda was Adjournment. There being no further business,
Donovan made a motion to adjourn with a second by Moffet. Motion passed and council
adjourned at 8:00 p.m.
Respectfully Submitted,
Attest: __________________________________
Andrew P. Daly, Mayor
___________________________________
Tammy Nagel, Acting Town Clerk
11/5/2013
Town Council Meeting Minutes of October 15, 2013 Page 1
Vail Town Council Meeting Minutes
Tuesday, October 15, 2013
6:00 P.M.
Vail Town Council Chambers
The regular meeting of the Vail Town Council was called to order at approximately 6:00
P.M. by Mayor Andy Daly.
Members present: Andy Daly, Mayor
Ludwig Kurz
Kerry Donovan
Kevin Foley
Margaret Rogers
Susie Tjossem
Greg Moffet
Staff members: Stan Zemler, Town Manager
Matt Mire, Town Attorney
Pam Brandmeyer, Assistant Town Manager
Tammy Nagel, Acting Town Clerk
_________________________________________________________________
The first item on the agenda was Citizen Participation. Dale Bugby introduced himself
to the council and audience and stated he was running for Town Council in the
November 5 election. Eric Perkins addressed council about his concerns that dirt is
being pumped into Gore Creek by Vail Resorts and there is no sediment filter. Perkins
asked council if they were serious about protecting Gore Creek. Daly and Rogers
stated the area Perkins is talking about is in Eagle County and not in the town limits and
that it is difficult to enforce something when the land is not in the town limits. Greg Hall,
Town Public Works Director, said he would follow up and report his findings back to
council. Gale Schwartz’s, Colorado State Senator of District 5, introduced herself to
council and asked if council had any questions or concerns on topics at the State level
that could affect the town. Schwartz’s said water is a critical issue in the State of
Colorado and currently there is a water plan being presented to the Governor that
redirects and conserves the state’s water. The plan would provide 86% of the water to
be used by agriculture on the Front Range and to encourage conservation in other
areas. Daly noted the Urban Renewal Authority (URA), which resulted in formation of a
Tax Increment Financing (TIF) District for Lionshead, had provided an unbelievable
benefit for this community. The town would have been hard pressed without TIF
financing to put the many capital projects in place without this financing mechanism.
Schwartz said it was also true it had diverted money from the school district, to which
Daly replied both the schools and the town have benefitted from higher sales tax and
property tax collections. Schwartz said this also could hurt other districts and require
backfill by the state. Daly asked Schwartz’s about the new statute requirements that
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Town Council Meeting Minutes of October 15, 2013 Page 2
are increasing costs to communities such as the “United Bargaining of Firefighters.”
Schwartz’s stated there were 14 fires in the State this year alone and its important to
support the firefighters and the roles they play in protecting our communities and water
sheds. The collective bargaining allowed for the support firefighters need. Moffet asked
if Schwartz’s thought the State could provide funding to the EGE Airport to assist with
keeping more cars off the I70 corridor. Schwartz’s asked how the state could support
air services in all the communities that have an airport. Foley remarked that Schwartz’s
was term limited and that Vail is hoping to have one of its council members elected in
her place. Schwartz’s said Eagle County would benefit by having one of its citizens fill
this position. **Council member Kerry Donovan is running for Colorado State Senator
of District 5 in next year’s election**
The third item on the agenda was the Consent Agenda:
1) Proclamation No. 6, Series of 2013 a Proclamation Declaring the Third Week
in October as “Volunteers in Police Service Week”. Daly read the
proclamation in full and the Chief of Police Dwight Henninger also
acknowledged their service and efforts. The Council and audience gave the
volunteers a standing ovation.
The fourth item on the agenda was Town Managers Report of which there was none.
The fifth item on the agenda was the second reading of Ordinance No. 1, Series of
2013, An Ordinance Adding a New Section 2-1-4 to the Vail Town Code, to Ensure
Adequate Funding for the Town’s Long-Range Capital Program. Town attorney, Matt
Mire, stated the split reflected a sales tax split of 38% for capital and 62% for operating
which would make the 2014 budget a balanced budget. Daly asked if council had any
questions or comments. Moffet confirmed with Mire that in the future this ordinance split
will be discussed earlier in the budget process rather than at the end. Foley made a
motion to pass Ordinance No. 1as read, with a second from Tjossem. The motion
passed unanimously, 7-0.
The sixth item on the agenda was second reading of Ordinance No. 15, Series of 2013,
An Ordinance Adopting a Budget and Financial Plan and Making Appropriations to Pay
the Costs, Expenses and Liabilities of the Town of Vail, Colorado for its Fiscal Year
January 1, 2014 Through December 31, 2014. Daly read the title in full. Kathleen
Halloran, Assistant Finance Director, reviewed the memorandum from the Finance
Department which provided responses to council questions that were asked during the
first reading of Ordinance No. 15. During the October 1 meeting council asked the
Finance Department to provide more information on healthcare costs shared between
the town and employees. The Finance Department provided an analysis that is meant
to track the percentage share paid for by the employee versus the employer by
incorporating all the costs to the employee such as premiums deducted from
paychecks, office visit co-pays, deductibles paid throughout the year and shared
medical payments until the employees’ yearly maximum is met. This analysis showed
the member burden, a term used to identify the complete out-of-pocket costs to the
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Town Council Meeting Minutes of October 15, 2013 Page 3
employer, at 34%. Council also requested more information concerning town reserves,
specifically activity during 2013 that reduced the anticipated reserve levels for 2014.
The Finance Department showed a 2 year decrease in the reserves of $39,463,321 due
to major financial items such as the Timber Ridge debt financing, the Vail Golf
Clubhouse & Nordic Center, Ford Park Fields and Amphitheater, the Vail Village
Welcome Center, iconic events that were paid by reserves for two years, the
streambank tract/mitigation and guest service enhancements. During the October 1
budget discussion, council directed staff to find $75,000 in the current budget proposal
to increase funding for Tier IV “Life-Long Learning” category of Council Contributions.
Staff recommended using the $75,000 allocated for the Pro-Cycling Challenge event,
which event has not been confirmed for 2014. Staff proposed accepting applications for
Life-Long Learning events starting November 15 through January 1, with staff
recommendations completed by January 31.
Council also asked for additional information on the market study relating to the
employee housing at the Charmonix site for which staff included $5,000 in the 2014
proposed budget for an update to that housing study. Staff also researched consulting
costs to separate the Donovan Park Master Plan from the Ford Park Master Plan, which
is currently being updated and staff found that if some work is done in house the costs
can be reduced to $5,000. Daly asked if council had any additional questions. Tjossem
asked about the criteria for the Tier IV “Life Long Learning” events. Halloran said the
Finance Department would develop “startup” criteria such as reviewing the events
financial plans, how they fit in councils goals and if the events are aligned to the Vail
brand and do these events have the ability to drive the sales tax. Tjossem said the
“startup” criteria concerned her and asked where these events would go for funding for
their second year. Halloran said the events could possibly move into another event
category if the event fits the criteria of other categories. Town Manager Stan Zemler
said the $75,000 would be coming out of the reserves, which makes it look like onetime
funding and the event would not necessarily receive future funding. Rogers expressed
she was disappointed this is now being presented to council at the second reading and
that council never had a discussion regarding who should make the decision on what
events receive money. Rogers went onto say that with Commission on Special Events
(CSE) knowledge, it was more appropriate for them to set the criteria and that council
never said anything about “startup” funding. Rogers stated council needs to talk about
how the money is being allocated and what the application looks like, not the Finance
Department. Daly agreed with Rogers that council should decide criteria and what
events get money. Council agreed that $75,000 will be added to Tier IV and the criteria
will be decided at a later date. Donovan expressed concern there is no conclusion
because organizations need to know their funding status so they can plan their winter
programming. Daly asked if council had any questions concerning the healthcare cost
sharing part of the Finance Department memorandum and no one had any questions.
Tjossem asked Finance Director Judy Camp what the target reserve is for a town the
size of Vail. Camp said the current budget is taking the reserve back to 30 million,
which is 25% of the general fund revenue and is well within the parameters. Daly said
the US Burton Snowboard Championships event needs to be added to the operating
budget. Moffet said keeping a fat reserve is something he felt really comfortable with.
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Town Council Meeting Minutes of October 15, 2013 Page 4
Foley said the Vail Local Marketing District (VLMD) funding should be used for iconic
events and these events should be funded by the lodging tax. With no further
comments from council, Daly opened the discussion for public comment. Nick Sargent,
representing the US Burton Open, asked for an additional $150,000 above the
$400,000 the event is currently receiving for a “Celebration of Olympics” extending the
event for an additional day. John Stone, Discover Well and Vail Living Well Summit,
asked council if his organization should request funding from CSE or wait for the criteria
for Tier IV Life Long Living. Council advised to apply to both. Doug Dusenberry, Rocky
Mountain Science Center, talked about his organization and requested funding from
council. Moffet made a motion to pass Ordinance No. 15, Series of 2013, on second
reading, with a second from Kurz. Rogers stated she would be voting against the
budget for three reasons, 1: because staff was directed to keep the budget flat and the
CSE’s budget was not kept flat but instead their budget had eliminated the funding for a
Memorial Day Event she recommends their budget return to $85,000; 2. Rogers said it
was wrong for council not to reimburse the Betty Ford Alpine Garden $65,000 for a site
council approved for an education center, but which was later denied to them, after the
organization invested money into studies and plans for that site; and 3: the current
budget makes no adjustments to events like BRAVO and these events get funding at
the same level as the year before, thus making no adjustments for increases in their
operating budgets. Foley said he, too, would be voting against the proposed budget
because employee benefits just continue to increase and he would like to have an
independent assessment on how the town spends its money. The motion passed 5-2
(Rogers and Foley against).
The seventh item on the agenda was a final review of an appeal of a Design Review
Board (DRB) decision, pursuant to Section 12-3-3C, Appeal of Design Review Board
Decisions, Vail Town Cod, appealing a decision be the Design Review Board approving
a design review application, with one condition, for an outdoor public plaza at the Gerald
R. Ford Amphitheater, located at 540 South Frontage Road East/Unplatted, and section
forth details in regard thereto. (DRB130424). George Ruther, Community Development
Director, provided council with a brief background about the appeal concerning the
subject property, the Gerald R. Ford Amphitheater. Ruther stated on September 25,
2013, an appeals form was submitted to the Community Development Department, on
behalf of the appellant, by Zehren & Associates. The appellant is appealing the final
decision made by the DRB at their meeting on September 18, 2013, with respect to
design review application DRB130424. The appellant is not appealing the approval
granted by the DRB, but instead, the appellant is appealing the condition of approval
required by the DRB that the new tensile fabric roof color be Benjamin Moore HC-80 or
darker. Ruther said council was being asked to uphold, modify or deny the DRB’s
decision. Ruther went onto say that the Community Development Department had
determined the appellant, the Vail Valley Foundation, had standing as an aggrieved or
adversely affected person, the appeal was complete and notice was given in a timely
manner. Additionally, the Community Development Department recommended council
uphold the decision of the DRB of September 18, 2013; and make the finding of facts
listed on the memorandum provided to council in their packets. Ruther reviewed those
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Town Council Meeting Minutes of October 15, 2013 Page 5
findings of facts with the council stating though the material fit the design criteria, the
white color of the fabric did not comply. The finding of the material color, white, being
non-compliant was based upon the following factors: 1. White is not a natural, earth
tone color as contemplated by the Town’s adopted Design Guidelines and consistently
applied since their adoption; 2. The DRB has denied other requests for white roof
material colors; 3. A white colored roof is neither satisfactory in appearance, nor is it
compatible with the structure, site, surrounding structures and overall character of Vail;
and 4. a site visit to the proposed development site revealed to the DRB that the public
plaza roof is highly visible from Vail Valley Drive due to the substantial change in
elevation. Pedro Campos, Zehren and Associates, spoke on behalf of the appellants,
stating the proposed material color was chosen for other qualities. The material is not
paper white, but more of an ivory color and the material is more translucent, allowing
12-14% sunlight to come through, creating a brighter environment and making it more
inviting. Whereas, a darker color will create too much of a shady environment and the
comfort of the space would be altered. The solid color additionally creates more
maintenance and will cost the appellants more money in the long run. The council was
asked if anyone had any questions for the appellant. Daly asked that other than the
material being translucent, is there any other reason the appellants think the DRB’s
decision should be overturned. Campos stated the roof is not similar to anything else in
the town and the social courtyard at the amphitheater is not similar to anything in town.
The courtyard does not have walls and this is to act as more of a shade and cover, but
still have the feeling of an outdoor amphitheater. The material is a mat finish and is not
shiny, on the low bench of Ford Park and not highly visible and a different color would
really compromise the feeling of the social courtyard. With no further questions for the
appellent, council was asked if they had any questions for the staff. Foley asked Ruther
what color the Dobson Ice Arena’s roof was. Ruther responded it is very similar to the
color the appellent is requesting for the social courtyard. Daly asked why the Dobson
roof would be approved and not this application. Ruther said the roof was chosen
because it reflected the sun off the roof reducing the energy used to maintain the ice
rink. Tjossem asked if the Dobson roof had the translucent qualities that this material
proposed. Ruther responded no. Council asked if there was any public comment and
there was none. Council moved next into council discussion. Rogers said she thinks
the DRB erred in this case and she knows the DRB works hard to make sure things
form with the guidelines, but this is not just about a color issue, but also about ambiance
and the experience of the courtyard. Rogers also disagrees that the roof will be highly
visible compared to other buildings in the town, such as the Solaris. Donovan
disagreed with Rogers concerning the visibility of the roof, stating there is a section on
Vail Valley Drive that will look directly down on the roof and it will be a different
experience looking down on a white roof compared to a natural earth tone color roof.
Donovan went onto say that Ford Park is a natural park with natural earth tones and
council has done a lot of work to keep it that way. Kurz agrees with Rogers that the
DRB did what they needed to do based on the guidelines they are forced to work with
and he disagreed that it’s a highly visible sight . Foley made a motion to uphold the
DRB’s decision with a modification that the color of the off white ivory material be
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Town Council Meeting Minutes of October 15, 2013 Page 6
allowed to be used, with a second from Rogers. The motion passed 6-1 (Donovan
opposed).
The eighth item on the agenda was Resolution No. 13, Series of 2013, a Resolution
Approving Timber Ridge Pre-Development Agreement; and Setting Forth Details in
Regard Thereto. Daly stated the council met with the town attorney and staff today in
executive session to discuss negotiations and now council has an agreement before us
to consider. Town Attorney Matt Mire introduced the resolution and stated the
agreement calls for a ground lease of 35 years; a property tax exemption; 108 dwelling
units with 70% of those units being restricted for employee housing; the developer will
submit an initial application by November 30, 2014, with the redevelopment to start in
2014; and the town will refund 100% of the use tax. Ruther stated this is the fourth
attempt at redeveloping this property and months ago council directed staff to enter into
negotiations with Jen Wright and Gary Gorman to redevelop the Timber Ridge property.
The redevelopment will happen on the eastern most ½ of the Timber Ridge property;
which is zoned housing zone district. There would be three or four units with 3 or 4
floors, which would provide 104-108 dwelling units. There is a parking requirement of
1.5 spaces per dwelling unit on site. Rogers primary concern was that the town was
giving up a lot to have the same number of units. Rogers stated she would like to see a
fourth floor. Gary Gorman, representing the developing team, stated the challenge of
adding a fourth floor is the parking requirement. A fourth floor would also require an
elevator to make the property marketable, but he stated he would look into that cost.
Moffet disagrees with the 1.5 parking requirement and felt there has always been a
push for more parking spaces than is needed. Foley made a motion to pass Resolution
No. 13, 2013, with a second from Tjossem. Daly stated the language concerning the
refund of use tax is subject to further discussion. There is a date change from the initial
application to be submitted by November 30, which now will be required to submit the
initial application on November 29, because November 30 falls on a Saturday. He would
also require a minimum of 108 units. Foley amended his motion, with Tjossem
amending her second. Council was asked if there were any further comments. Rogers
asked if approving this resolution tonight would limit the units to 108. Mire responded
that it is just setting a minimum of 108 units. Rogers stated she would vote in favor of
the preliminary predevelopment agreement but will not vote for the actual development
agreement if there are not additional units added. Donovan and Daly commented on
how far the town has come to getting the Timber Ridge property developed. The motion
passed unanimously 7-0.
The ninth item on the agenda was the first reading of Ordinance No. 13, Series of
2013, an ordinance repealing and reenacting the approved development plan for Phase
IV of Special Development District (SDD) No. 6, Vail Village Inn, pursuant to Section 12-
9A-10, Amendment Procedures, Vail Town Code, to allow for an increase in the
allowable gross residential floor area (GRFA), located at 16 Vail Road (The Sebastian)
a portion of lots M, N, and O, Block 5D, Vail Village Filing 1, and setting forth details in
regard thereto. Community Planner, Warren Campbell stated that on August 26, 2013,
the Planning and Environmental Commission (PEC) held a work session on the
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Town Council Meeting Minutes of October 15, 2013 Page 7
proposal to add approximately 691 square feet of GRFA to the penthouse unit. The
PEC offered a comment on the proposal with regard to the need to evaluate the
proposal pursuant to the criteria, the north elevation, and the limited visibility of the
proposed expansion. On September 9, 2013, the PEC held a public hearing on the
request for a recommendation on a major amendment to add GRFA to the existing
penthouse unit. A motion for approval failed and a subsequent motion to table the
request was approved. The PEC gave direction to review the roof forms and address
the concerns stated in the staff memorandum with regard to staff’s response to criterion
one. On September 23, 2013, the PEC forwarded a recommend of approval, with
conditions, to council for a major amendment to SDD No.6, Vail Village Inn, to increase
the allowable GRFA for Phase IV, with a vote of 5-1-0. This recommendation was based
upon the review of the criteria outlined in the September 23, 2013, memorandum to the
PEC and the evidence and testimony presented. Campbell stated additional GRFA
being proposed is +839 square feet just for Phase IV, The Sebastian only. Moffet said
a requirement to increasing square footage is public benefit and he is not seeing any
public benefit by granting the additional GRFA. Rogers said when council approved
Solaris 860+ square feet, the council would not approve it without significant public
benefit such as the movie theater and bowling alley and Rogers felt you could not make
this requirement for one developer and not make the same requirement for another.
Donovan felt you cannot compare special districts, but did note there was no public
benefit in this application. The council requested to hear from the applicant. Dominic
Mauriello, with Mauriello Planning Group, represented the applicant, AMPH, LLC and
stated the property is unique and the owner has always “paid it forward” by enhancing
the property with public benefits. Greg Spencer, with Timbers Resorts, reminded
council the property was a bankruptcy property that did not have a Certificate of
Occupancy until the applicant bought it and brought the building up to the building
standards required by the town at the cost of $12 million. The Sebastian has invested
in public art, improved signage on Vail Drive, and improved landscape on the Grappa
property. The Sebastian has hosted several special events and has also sponsored
events. Spencer listed several things The Sebastian property has invested in the town
with not being asked to do so and the owners are moving from down valley to the town
and that is the investment. There were no additional questions for the applicant
regarding public benefit. Mauriello demonstrated all views of the building showing the
changes to The Sebastian building over a period of time per PEC requests. Mauriello
also demonstrated to council how the additional GRFA fits well with their neighbors and
how the Sebastian building does have a stepping feeling. The council asked if there
was any public comment and there was none. Daly asked if council had any comments.
Kurz stated he had no issues with the addition with concerns to bulk and mass. Kurz
went onto say that this group has done a tremendous job on keeping up with town
standards. Rogers stated prior to the presentation, she was opposed to the increase in
the GRFA, but the list of public benefits that was listed by Spencer and the art work
alone, shows the dedication. She has no problems with the application and will make a
motion to approve the recommendation of the PEC for the request of additional GRFA.
Kurz seconded the motion. Moffet is still waiting for the public benefit and
recommended the owner’s deed restrict the unit for the public benefit. Foley did not feel
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Town Council Meeting Minutes of October 15, 2013 Page 8
the additional GRFA will intrude on their neighbors but would like to see more public
benefits. Tjossem also supports this proposal. Daly agreed the additional GRFA will
not affect their neighbors and the applicants are great community supporters.
Therefore, he will be supporting the motion. A vote was taken and the motion passed 6-
1(Moffet opposed).
The tenth item on the agenda was second reading of Ordinance No. 14, Series of 2013,
an ordinance amending the Vail Town Code to increase the maximum fine for code
violations in accordance with State law and setting forth details in regard thereto. Town
Attorney Matt Mire stated Ordinance No. 14, passed on first reading with no changes
and the ordinance will allow the municipal judge to enforce maximum fines. Council
asked for public comment and there was none. Moffet made a motion to approve on
second reading Ordinance No. 14 as read, with a second from Rogers. Council were
asked if anyone had any comments and there was none. The motion passed
unanimously, 7-0.
The eleventh item on the agenda was Adjournment. There being no further business,
Donovan made a motion to adjourn, with a second by Moffet. The motion passed and
council adjourned at 9:05 p.m.
Respectfully Submitted,
Attest: __________________________________
Andrew P. Daly, Mayor
___________________________________
Tammy Nagel, Acting Town Clerk
11/5/2013
November 5, 2013
USDA Forest Service Ski Area Comments
Pacific Southwest Regional Office
1323 Club Drive
Vallejo, CA 94592
Additionally, submitted electronically:
http://www.regulations.gov/#!documentDetail;D=FS_FRDOC_0001-1682
RE: Comments on the USDA/United States Forest Service’s Proposed Directive for Additional
Seasonal or Year-Round Recreation Activities at Ski Areas
To Whom It May Concern:
In December of 2012, the Vail Town Council submitted a letter of support to the White River
National Forest for Vail Resorts’ proposed Vail Mountain 2012 Recreation Enhancements
Project. Today, we would like to take the opportunity to recognize the work of the U.S. Forest
Service on the Proposed Directive and to offer our comments.
At the outset we appreciate the Forest Service’s perspective on the opportunity this legislation
offers stating that “additional seasonal and year-round recreation activities and associated
facilities are important to the long-term viability of ski areas, and that the more managed outdoor
recreation settings at ski areas could introduce urban based population segments, especially
youth, to outdoor recreation. This exposure could build a deeper appreciation for nature that
could lead to further exploration of NFS lands beyond ski areas.” To that, we would add that
appealing and viable ski areas are incredibly important to resort community economies.
Vail is one of the top three summer destination spots in the state. We applaud both the Forest
Service and Vail Resorts for bringing to life the ability to launch summer mountain activities
where our community can leverage existing visitation within Vail’s existing Special Use Permit
boundary.
Year-round resort activities will create year-round jobs, not only on the mountain but throughout
our business community in Vail Village and Lionshead as the additional activities will allow local
businesses to stay open longer in the shoulder seasons. Stabling our workforce goes hand in
hand with stabilizing our resort-based economy.
The Proposed Directive embraces many of the important components of the Ski Area
Recreational Opportunity Enhancement Act of 2011 including:
• Encouraging outdoor recreation and the enjoyment of nature.
11/5/2013
Town of Vail Page 2
• Encouraging (to the extent practical) recreational development to be located in
already developed areas or areas identified and approved for development in a ski
area’s development plan and be done in a way that “harmonizes” with the natural
environment.
As part of the Directive the Forest Service attempts to define an “amusement park”. We
appreciate the desire to try to define this term and agree that ski areas must not turn into Six-
Flags style amusement parks. However, we feel that commonly used definitions of amusement
parks such as those found in dictionaries may draw a clearer line than the Forest Service’s
proposed definition in terms of what is typically found at an “amusement park” (merry-go-
rounds, Ferris wheels, roller coasters, carnival games, etc.) versus non-snow sport recreation
activities that we find or hope to see at ski areas (such as downhill mountain biking, zip lines
and zip line tours, alpine slides, climbing walls, and the Forest Flyer as proposed by Vail
Mountain in its Epic Discovery offering).
One of the appealing pieces of the Ski Area Recreational Opportunity Enhancement Act was the
stated desire of the legislation and its sponsors to provide local U.S. Forest Service line officers
with guidance and discretion to determine what is and is not appropriate at the ski area. The
U.S. Forest Service has successfully managed Vail Mountain and its development (for winter
and summer uses) for over 50 years and we have great faith in the line officers as well as the
existing processes they follow. Based on the demonstrated success of this approach we would
like to see the Forest Service maintain as much consistency as possible by utilizing proven
systems that are referenced in the Proposed Directive (ie the Recreation Opportunity Spectrum)
rather than re-stating specific pieces of those systems for the purposes of the Proposed
Directive.
The appeal of our public lands, and recreational opportunities on them, we firmly believe will
broaden our summer offerings. Vail Mountain’s proposal, specifically, will allow more diverse
guest populations of all ages, abilities and cultures to connect to the National Forest in new and
exciting ways, maintaining both the mountain’s as well our community’s world-class brand.
We’re very excited to report the Town of Vail enjoyed a record Summer 2013 in terms of sales
tax revenues – this over Summer 2012 which had been our previous record. We have invested
a great deal in marketing, special events and to be able to further partner with Vail Resorts and
the Forest Service to enhance our world-class brand is tremendously exciting.
Thank you for the opportunity to comment on the draft regulations. We look forward to reviewing
Vail Mountain’s draft Environmental Impact Statement hopefully in the near future!
Sincerely,
Town of Vail
Andy P. Daly, Mayor
CC: Town of Vail Council
United States Senator Mark Udall
11/5/2013
Office ofthe Mayor
15 South Frontage Road
Vail, Colorado 81651 December 18,2012 910-419-2106
Fax: 910-419-2151
Scott Fitzwilliams www.vailgov.com
Forest Supervisor
clo Don Dressler
Winter Sports Program Manager
White River National Forest
PO Box 190
Minturn, CO 81645
Additionally, sent via email: comment@vailreceis.info
RE: Vail Mountain 2012 Recreation Enhancements Project
Dear Mr. Fitzwilliams:
For several years now, the Vail Town Council has been monitoring the progress of Vail
Resorts, in conjunction with the National Ski Areas Association, to amend the Ski Area
Permit Act of 1986 that would not only update the legislation to include recreational
activity taking place today on U.S. Forest Service lands, but create the potential to
increase the amount of year-round activities, and most notably for us, in our backyard,
on Vail Mountain. We had previously expressed our support of this update in legislation,
and were thrilled to see its approval in late 2011, known as the Ski Area Recreational
Opportunities Enhancement Act.
We now want to express our support for Vail Resorts' proposed Vail Mountain 2012
Recreation Enhancements Project, pending your thorough environmental review. We
applaud the ski company's leadership and expenditure of time and energy to put
themselves first in the pipeline with numerous new, exciting activities within its existing
Special Use Permit boundary.
The interpretive and educational components of the proposed plans are evidence as to
why Vail Resorts is the leader in recreational offerings and environmental stewardship
within the ski industry. The educational aspects will set the bar high as they are
intertwined with an exhilarating canopy tour or Forest Flyer uses on Forest Service
lands, and will be a great draw for current and new summer guests. We hope, too, that
we will see greater Forest Service presence on the mountain providing the education.
Recognizing that Vail Resorts are outstanding stewards of the public lands that they
lease from you, and that your oversight has ensured our collective guests experience
our great outdoors in world-class fashion, for the Town of Vail, the additional reasons
we hope you will approve Vail's proposed activities under the name Epic Discovery are:
o RECYCLED PAPER
11/5/2013
• As we continue to collect information, the Town of Vail is on pace for a record
summer in 2012 in terms of sales tax revenues; we have invested a great deal in
marketing, special events and holding true to our world-class brand. To be able
to offer our summer guest another strong reason to stay an additional night or
two by way of Epic Discovery has tremendous potential in our minds.
• We have been planning for years how to most effectively bolster incremental
room nights during the shoulder and summer seasons. There is more traffic on
Interstate 70 in the summer months than in the winter. Epic Discovery will
provide additional variety by way of new outdoor recreation experiences for our
guests who are already here, or need a greater incentive to pull off 1-70.
• Vail is one of the top three summer destination spots in the state. We applaud
Vail Resorts for identifying the ability to launch summer mountain activities where
the entire community can leverage existing visitation.
• Year-round resort activities will create year-round jobs, not only on the mountain
but throughout our business community in Vail Village and Lionshead as the
additional activities will allow local businesses to stay open longer in the shoulder
seasons. Stabilizing our workforce goes hand in hand with stabilizing our resort
based economy.
• Just last year, our survey results put hiking as the number one activity for our
summer guest. We are so pleased that Vail has an opportunity to place additional
hiking, wayfinding and mountain bike trails into its proposed plans for summer
activity.
Thank you for the opportunity to comment during this scoping period. We look
forward to reviewing the draft Environmental Impact Statement when it is issued.
Sincerely,
TOWN OF VAIL
t!.L-8
Andy P. Daly, Mayor
XC: Vail Town Council
11/5/2013
VAIL TOWN COUNCIL AGENDA MEMO
MEETING DATE: November 5, 2013
ITEM/TOPIC: Appoint one member to the Local Licensing Authority (LLA)
PRESENTER(S): Suzanne Silverthorn
ACTION REQUESTED OF COUNCIL: The Council interviewed all interested parties at the
work session and Council should appoint one member to the LLA for an eight month term at
the evening meeting.
BACKGROUND: The Town received 2 letters of interest for the open position on the LLA as
follows:
Tom Saalfeld
Tom Scola
STAFF RECOMMENDATION: Please appoint one member to the LLA at the evening
session.
11/5/2013
VAIL TOWN COUNCIL AGENDA MEMO
MEETING DATE: November 5, 2013
ITEM/TOPIC: RAMP Update- Simba Run
PRESENTER(S): Tom Kassmel
ACTION REQUESTED OF COUNCIL: Listen to update on the RAMP projects and provide
Staff with direction
BACKGROUND: At the June 18th Council work session Council directed staff to apply to
CDOT with three projects for RAMP funding. The three RAMP projects included; Simba Run
Underpass, Frontage Road Improvements,and the East Vail Water Quality Improvements.Staff
received notification on October 18th that the Simba Run Underpass project was chosen to
receive RAMP funding. The current estimate of the project is $20.8 million dollars. CDOT has
awarded $14.6 million towards the project with the remaining $6.2 million to be funded by the
Town of Vail. Staff has proposed that the Town’s portion be funded with Tax Increment
Financing (TIF) dollars. The purpose of this Council work session is to update the Council on
the status of the project and outline next steps.
STAFF RECOMMENDATION: Staff recommends proceeding with the RAMP process and
approving the recommended PLT members.
ATTACHMENTS:
Memo
Commitment Letter
11/5/2013
To: Town Council
From: Public Works
Date: 11-05-13
Subject: RAMP Projects Update
I. SUMMARY
At the June 18th Council work session Council directed staff to apply to CDOT with three
projects for RAMP funding.
The three RAMP projects included;
• Simba Run Underpass
• Frontage Road Improvements
• East Vail Water Quality Improvements
Staff received notification on October 18th that the Simba Run Underpass project was
chosen to receive RAMP funding. The current estimate of the project is $20.8 million
dollars. CDOT has awarded $14.6 million towards the project with the remaining $6.2
million to be funded by the Town of Vail. Staff has proposed that the Town’s portion be
funded with Tax Increment Financing (TIF) dollars.
The purpose of this Council work session is to update the Council on the status of the
project and outline next steps.
II. PROJECT DETAIL
The Simba Run Underpass project is a proposed new underpass under I-70 that
connects the North and South Frontage Roads. It is located approximately half way
between the Main Vail and West Vail interstate exits; more specifically at its name sake,
the Simba Run Condominiums. The project has been discussed since the early 1990’s
and is referenced in numerous Vail master plans and transportation related documents
including the I-70 PEIS. It provides connectivity between the North and South Frontage
Roads for vehicles, pedestrians, bicyclist, and transit operations. It also relieves some
congestion at the Main and West Vail roundabouts by providing a more direct route
between Lionshead area and the West Vail Mall area.
It is also a project that has already begun a joint feasibility study between CDOT and
the Town of Vail. This joint project is more specifically known as a Planning and
11/5/2013
Town of Vail Page 2
Environmental Linkage (PEL) report to understand the projects impacts. The PEL
process was chosen as it is the next logical step in anticipation of funding and a NEPA
process thru CDOT and FHWA, which cannot be started unless funding has been
solidified. The PEL project had an initial Public Meeting on August 5th, with an
introductory Council meeting on August 6th. Since that time Town of Vail staff, CDOT,
and Felsburg Holt and Ullevieg (FHU) Consultants have been gathering existing data,
completing traffic analyses, and taking initial steps in coordinating the PEL.
III. NEXT STEPS
Now that funding for this project has been determined thru RAMP, the project will shift
gears and begin to prioritize based on the following schedule;
Location Analysis for Simba Run Underpass Nov. 2013 – Jan. 2014
NEPA Environmental Clearance Feb. 2014 – June 2014
Preliminary Design Feb. 2014 – Aug. 2014
Final Design Sept. 2014 – June 2015
Right of Way Acquisition Dec. 2014 – Dec. 2015
Bid & Award Jan. 2016 – Mar. 2016
Construction April 2016 – Nov. 2017
As a part of the RAMP funding process the Town is required to submit a Commitment
letter with an updated Scope, Schedule and Construction Estimate by January 6, 2014
to CDOT (See attached). The Project Team will be updating these items and will
present the final Commitment letter to the Town Council in December.
In addition the Town must amend the current Intergovernmental Agreement (IGA) with
CDOT and the existing design contract with FHU to accommodate the increased design
scope and fees. The Town and CDOT are currently working with FHU to establish the
revised scope and fees. It is estimated that the total design fees may range from $1.8m
to $2.2m. Staff will present the amended IGA and FHU Contract to Council in the
December/January timeframe once the scope and fees have been fully vetted.
In the mean time the project Team will continue with the portion of the existing design
scope that is currently already under contract and under way; a location analysis for the
Simba Run Underpass, updating schedules and cost estimates. .
The project will be run consistent with CDOT’s Context Sensitive Solutions (CSS)
process (http://www.coloradodot.info/projects/contextsensitivesolutions/decision/6-step-
process). As a part of this process the project team is required to set up a Project
Leadership Team (PLT). The PLT is a non-decision making group who ensures the
project stays on task, is a public and open process, and meets the goals, purpose and
need of the project. Town staff and CDOT have discussed possible candidates and we
suggest the following members;
Pam Brandmeyer (Town of Vail Assistant Town Manager)
George Ruther (Town of Vail Director of Community Development)
11/5/2013
Town of Vail Page 3
Jeff Babb (Director of Vail Mountain Operations)
Rob Levine (Antlers General Manager, Vail Economic Advisory Committee)
Don Maclachlan (General Manager, Cascade Condominiums/Destination Hotels)
Laura Mullen (West Vail Liquor Mart, Owner)
Steve Olson (CDOT – Region 3 Program Engineer)
Mike Vanderhoof (CDOT – Region 3 Planning and Environmental Manager)
Zane Znamenacek (CDOT – Region 3 Traffic and Safety Program Engineer)
IV. RECOMMENDATION
Staff recommends proceeding with the RAMP process as outlined above and approving
the recommended PLT members.
V. ATTACHMENTS
CDOT Ramp Commitment Letter
11/5/2013
Safety People Integrity Customer Service Excellence Respect
Page 1 of 4
Insert the following Document on the Letterhead of Local Agency 1
2
Assurance that 3
__insert name of Local Agency__ 4
Remains Committed to Entering into a Partnership with CDOT Concerning 5
__insert Project Name__ 6
7
Tracking o.: __insert Tracking No.__ (as shown on the “RAMP Partnership and Operation Projects –
Preliminary Recommendations 10/16/2013” adopted by the Transportation Commission on
10/17/2013)
Project ame: __insert Project Name__ (as shown on the “RAMP Partnership and Operation Projects –
Preliminary Recommendations 10/16/2013” adopted by the Transportation Commission on
10/17/2013)
8
Commission Requirement. The purpose of this document is to satisfy the requirement 9
established by the Transportation Commission that applicants for Public-Public Partnership 10
projects confirm their commitment to the project. The RAMP Resolution adopted by the 11
Transportation Commission on October 17, 2013, provides in part: 12
BE IT… RESOLVED that the Transportation Commission requires for each 13
Public-Public Partnership project on or before January 6, 2014, a project scope, 14
schedule, and budget developed by the Colorado Department of Transportation in 15
the form and to the level of detail specified by the Chief Engineer; and 16
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Transportation Commission also 17
required for each Public-Public Partnership project on or before January 6, 2014, 18
evidence, in a form specified by the Chief Financial Officer, confirming a 19
commitment by the applicant to the project scope, schedule, and budget 20
developed by the Department, including an agreement to hold a public vote to 21
authorize the local match by no later than April 8 if such vote is necessary; and 22
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Chief Engineer may extend the January 23
15, 2014, deadlines to April 7, 2014, upon application for extension form any 24
applicant or CDOT Region Transportation Director for projects in a flood 25
damaged area. 26
27
Project Scope, Schedule, and Budget Prepared by CDOT. The Colorado Department 28
of Transportation has prepared the required scope, schedule, and budget for this Public-Public 29
Partnership project. This scope, schedule, and budget is incorporated as Exhibit A of this 30
document. Exhibit A specifies the financial and other commitments of __insert name of Local 31
Agency__ and identifies when it is reasonably anticipated that such commitments will be 32
provided or performed. 33
34
Changes in Project Costs. On a CDOT administered project, CDOT and the Local 35
Agency Partner will assess at the Final Office Review (FOR) the project budget to be contracted. 36
11/5/2013
Safety People Integrity Customer Service Excellence Respect
Page 2 of 4
An estimate over the Exhibit A amount will trigger a reevaluation of both the project as well as 37
the project match. CDOT and __insert name of Local Agency__ will engage in negotiations to 38
determine how and if the project moves to advertisement for construction, as well as the project 39
match. If a project is determined by CDOT to no longer be feasible or if an agreement cannot be 40
reached, CDOT will advise the Transportation Commission that the project is unable to be 41
moved forward and should be removed from the list of approved Public-Public Partnership 42
projects. On a CDOT administered project, any cost variance discovered after the Final Office 43
Review (FOR) will be the responsibility of CDOT. 44
45
On a project administered by the Local Agency Partner, the CDOT contribution will not 46
increase. If there is a cost savings, the savings will be prorated. 47
48
Intergovernmental Agreement. Exhibit B is a standard template for the 49
Intergovernmental Agreement that will be completed and fully executed prior to any CDOT 50
expenditure other than the five percent of the total project cost for Fiscal Year 2014 authorized in 51
the RAMP Resolution for pre-construction expenditures. It is the policy of CDOT that the 52
Intergovernmental Agreements must be executed by June 30, 2014, unless the CDOT Chief 53
Engineer grants an extension because of flood damage or Incidence Response workload. 54
55
Evidence of the Continued Commitment by __insert name of Local Agency__ to the 56
Project. As an officer of __insert name of Local Agency__, I confirm that appropriate officials 57
of __insert name of Local Agency__ have reviewed and considered Exhibit A which contains the 58
scope, schedule, and budged developed by CDOT for the project, Exhibit B which contains the 59
standard template which will be used for the Intergovernmental Agreement, and the policy 60
regarding changes in project cost stated in the body of this document. 61
I confirm that to the best of my knowledge I know of no reason why __insert name of 62
Local Agency__ and CDOT will not execute an Intergovernmental Agreement as specified in 63
Exhibit B and based on the scope, schedule, and budget contained in Exhibit A and the policy 64
regarding changes in project cost stated in the body of this document by June 30, 2014. 65
66
67
____________Signature of Official____________ 68
_______insert Printed Name of Official _________ 69
_____________insert Official Title_____________ 70
71
Date: __________________ 72
11/5/2013
Exhibit A – Project Scope, Schedule, and Budget
Safety People Integrity Customer Service Excellence Respect
Page 3 of 4
_____insert the Scope, Schedule, and Budget developed by CDOT_____ 73
74
11/5/2013
Exhibit B – Intergovernmental Agreement Template
Safety People Integrity Customer Service Excellence Respect
Page 4 of 4
_____insert appropriate IGA template_____ 75
11/5/2013
VAIL TOWN COUNCIL AGENDA MEMO
MEETING DATE: November 5, 2013
ITEM/TOPIC: First reading of Ordinance No. 16, Series of 2013, An Ordinance Amending
Section 13-7-8 of the Vail Town Code Regarding Recovery of Costs in Enforcement Actions
and Setting Forth Details in Regard Thereto.
PRESENTER(S): Matt Mire
ACTION REQUESTED OF COUNCIL: Approve, approve with amendments or deny
Ordinance No. 16, Series of 2013 on first reading.
BACKGROUND: The Town Council desires to amend the Vail Town Code to provide for an
award of reasonable attorney fees and costs in successful court actions to enforce violations
of Section 13-7-8.
STAFF RECOMMENDATION: Approve, approve with amendments or deny Ordinance No.
16, Series of 2013 on first reading.
ATTACHMENTS:
Ordinance No. 16, Series of 2013
11/5/2013
Ordinance No. 16, Series of 2013
ORDINANCE NO. 16
SERIES 2013
AN ORDINANCE AMENDING SECTION 13-7-8 OF THE VAIL TOWN
CODE REGARDING RECOVERY OF COSTS IN ENFORCEMENT
ACTIONS AND SETTING FORTH DETAILS IN REGARD THERETO
WHEREAS, the Town of Vail, in the County of Eagle and State of Colorado (the
"Town"), is a home rule municipal corporation duly organized and existing under the
laws of the State of Colorado and the Vail Town Charter;
WHEREAS, the members of the Town Council of the Town have been duly
elected and qualified; and
WHEREAS, the Town Council desires to amend the Vail Town Code to provide
for an award of reasonable attorney fees and costs in successful court actions to
enforce violations of Section 13-7-8.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT ORDAINED BY THE TOWN COUNCIL OF THE
TOWN OF VAIL, COLORADO, THAT:
Section 1. Section 13-7-8.B.2 of the Vail Town Code is hereby amended as
follows:
2. A violation of the owner's use restriction by a unit owner shall
subject the owner to a daily assessment rate by the condominium
association of three (3) times a rate considered to be a reasonable daily
rental rate for the unit at the time of the violation, which assessment when
paid shall be common elements of the condominiums. All sums assessed
against the owner for violation of the owner's personal use restriction and
unpaid shall constitute a lien for the benefit of the condominium
association on that owner's unit, which lien shall be evidenced by written
notice placed of record in the office of the clerk and recorder of Eagle
County, and which may be collected by foreclosure on an owner's
condominium unit by the association in like manner as a mortgage or deed
of trust on real property. The condominium association's failure to enforce
the owner's personal use restriction shall give the town the right to enforce
the restriction by the assessment and the lien provided for hereunder. If
the town enforces the restriction, the town shall receive the funds collected
as a result of such enforcement. In the event litigation results from the
enforcement of the restriction, and the town prevails in such litigation,
as part of its reward to the prevailing party, the court shall award the
townsuch party its court costs together with reasonable attorney fees
incurred.
Section 2. If any part, section, subsection, sentence, clause or phrase of this
ordinance is for any reason held to be invalid, such decision shall not effect the validity
of the remaining portions of this ordinance; and the Council hereby declares it would
11/5/2013
Ordinance No. 16, Series of 2013
have passed this ordinance, and each part, section, subsection, sentence, clause or
phrase thereof, regardless of the fact that any one or more parts, sections, subsections,
sentences, clauses or phrases be declared invalid.
Section 3. The Council hereby finds, determines and declares that this
ordinance is necessary and proper for the health, safety and welfare of the Town and
the inhabitants thereof.
Section 4. The amendment of any provision of the Town Code as provided in
this ordinance shall not affect any right which has accrued, any duty imposed, any
violation that occurred prior to the effective date hereof, any prosecution commenced,
nor any other action or proceeding as commenced under or by virtue of the provision
amended. The amendment of any provision hereby shall not revive any provision or
any ordinance previously repealed or superseded unless expressly stated herein.
Section 5. All bylaws, orders, resolutions and ordinances, or parts thereof,
inconsistent herewith are repealed to the extent only of such inconsistency. This
repealer shall not be construed to revise any bylaw, order, resolution or ordinance, or
part thereof, theretofore repealed.
INTRODUCED, READ ON FIRST READING, APPROVED, AND ORDERED
PUBLISHED ONCE IN FULL ON FIRST READING this 15th day of October, 2013 and a
public hearing for second reading of this Ordinance set for the _____day of
______________, 2013, in the Council Chambers of the Vail Municipal Building, Vail,
Colorado.
_____________________________
Andrew P. Daly, Mayor
ATTEST:
____________________________
Lorelei Donaldson, Town Clerk
READ AND APPROVED ON SECOND READING AND ORDERED PUBLISHED
this ___ day of ______________, 2013.
_____________________________
Andrew P. Daly, Mayor
ATTEST:
____________________________
Lorelei Donaldson, Town Clerk
11/5/2013
VAIL TOWN COUNCIL AGENDA MEMO
MEETING DATE: November 5, 2013
ITEM/TOPIC: Second reading of Ordinance No. 13, Series of 2013, an ordinance repealing
and reenacting the approved development plan for Phase IV of Special Development District
No. 6, Vail Village Inn, pursuant to Section 12-9A-10, Amendment Procedures, Vail Town
Code, to allow for an increase in the allowable gross residential floor area (GRFA), located at
16 Vail Road (The Sebastian)/ a portion of lots M, N, and O, Block 5D, Vail Village Filing 1,
and setting forth details in regard thereto.
PRESENTER(S): Warren Campbell, Community Development Department and Dominic
Mauriello, Mauriello Planning Group
ACTION REQUESTED OF COUNCIL: The Vail Town Council shall approve, approve with
modifications, or deny Ordinance No. 13, Series of 2013, upon second reading.
BACKGROUND: On September 23, 2013, the Planning and Environmental Commission
forwarded a recommendation of approval, with conditions, to the Vail Town Council for a major
amendment to SDD No. 6, Vail Village Inn, to increase the allowable GRFA for Phase IV,
with a vote of 5-1-0.
On October 15, 2013, the Vail Town Council approved Ordinance No. 13, Series of 2013,
upon first reading by a vote of 6-1-0 (Moffet opposed).
STAFF RECOMMENDATION: The Planning and Environmental Commission recommends
the Vail Town Council approves, with conditions, Ordinance No. 13, Series of 2013, upon
second reading.
ATTACHMENTS:
Memorandum to the Town Council
Ordinance No. 13, Series of 2013
11/5/2013
TO: Vail Town Council
FROM: Community Development Department
DATE: November 5, 2013
SUBJECT: Second reading of Ordinance No. 13, Series of 2013, an ordinance repealing and
reenacting the approved development plan for Phase IV of Special Development
District No. 6, Vail Village Inn, pursuant to Section 12-9A-10, Amendment
Procedures, Vail Town Code, to allow for an increase in the allowable gross
residential floor area (GRFA), located at 16 Vail Road (The Sebastian) / a portion
of lots M, N, and O, Block 5D, Vail Village Filing 1, and setting forth details in
regard thereto. (PEC130021).
Applicant: AMPH, LLC, represented by Mauriello Planning Group
Planner: Warren Campbell
I. SUMMARY
The applicant, AMPH, LLC, represented by Mauriello Planning Group, is requesting a
second reading of Ordinance No. 13, Series of 2013, an ordinance repealing and
reenacting the approved development plan for Phase IV of Special Development District
No. 6, Vail Village Inn, pursuant to Section 12-9A-10, Amendment Procedures, Vail
Town Code, to allow for an increase in allowable GRFA, located at 16 Vail Road (The
Sebastian) / a portion of lots M, N, and O, Block 5D, Vail Village Filing 1, and setting
forth details in regard thereto.
II. ACTION REQUESTED OF THE TOWN COUNCIL
The Vail Town Council shall approve, approve with modifications, or deny Ordinance
No. 13, Series of 2013, upon second reading.
III. BACKGROUND
On September 23, 2013, the Planning and Environmental Commission forwarded a
recommend of approval, with conditions, to the Vail Town Council for a major
amendment to SDD No.6, Vail Village Inn, to increase the allowable GRFA for Phase
IV, with a vote of 5-1-0.
This recommendation was based upon the review of the criteria outlined in the
September 23, 2013 memorandum to the Planning and Environmental Commission,
and the evidence and testimony presented. 11/5/2013
Town of Vail Page 2
On October 15, 2013, the Vail Town Council approved Ordinance No. 13, Series of
2013, upon first reading by a vote of 6-1-0 (Moffet opposed).
IV. DEVELOPMENT STATISTICS
Should Ordinance No. 13, Series of 2013 be approved, the development statistics in
Phase IV (The Sebastian) will change as follows:
Development Standard Approved/ Existing Proposed Change
Density
-Dwelling Units
-Fractional Fee Units
-Accommodation Units
2 DU
49 FFU
100 AU
2 DU
49 FFU
100 AU
No change
No change
No change
Gross Residential
Floor Area (GRFA)
-AU & FFU (>70%)
-DU (<30%)
TOTAL
97,788 sq ft (94%)
6,136 sq ft (6%)
103,924 sq ft
97,788 sq ft (93.3%)
6,975 sq ft (6.7%)
104,763 sq ft
No change
+839 sq ft
+839 sq ft
Parking 212.39 spaces
required (round to
213 spaces)
218 spaces existing
212.39 spaces
required (round to
213 spaces)
218 spaces existing
No change
V. PLANNING AND ENVIRONMENTAL COMMISSION RECOMMENDATION
Should the Vail Town Council choose to approve Ordinance No. 13, Series of 2013,
upon second reading, the Community Development Department recommends the
Council passes the following motion:
“The Vail Town Council approves Ordinance No. 13, Series Of 2013, an
ordinance repealing and reenacting the approved development plan for
Phase IV of Special Development District No. 6, Vail Village Inn, pursuant
to Section 12-9A-10, Amendment Procedures, Vail Town Code, to allow
for an increase in the allowable gross residential floor area(GRFA),
located at 16 Vail Road (The Sebastian) / a portion of lots M, N, and O,
Block 5D, Vail Village Filing 1, and setting forth details in regard thereto.”
Should the Vail Town Council choose to approve Ordinance No. 13, Series of 2013, the
Community Development Department recommends the Council applies the following
conditions:
“1. This SDD major amendment approval is contingent upon the applicant
obtaining Town of Vail approval of the associated design review application.
2. The applicant shall mitigate the employee generation impact created by
the addition of 839 square feet of GRFA in accordance with the provisions of
Chapter 12-24, Inclusionary Zoning, Vail Town Code.
11/5/2013
Town of Vail Page 3
3. The applicant shall receive and submit in conjunction with the building
permit, all applicable Colorado Department of Transportation approvals for all
impacts to the South Frontage Road East, including construction staging.
4. The applicant shall amend the recorded condominium map to reflect the
increase in floor area and space designation, prior to requesting a planning
certificate of occupancy inspection.
5. At the discretion of the Design Review Board, the roof form above the
penthouse upper floor deck can be increased to be greater than an 18 inch
eave overhang.”
Should the Vail Town Council choose to approve Ordinance No. 13, Series of 2013, the
Community Development Department recommends the Council makes the following
findings:
“Based upon the review of the criteria outlined in the September 23, 2013
memorandum to the Planning and Environmental Commission, and the
evidence and testimony presented, the Vail Town Council finds:
1. That the amendments are consistent with the adopted goals, objectives
and policies outlined in the Vail comprehensive plan and compatible with
the development objectives of the town.
2. That the amendments are compatible with and suitable to adjacent uses
and appropriate for the surrounding areas.
3. That the amendments promote the health, safety, morals, and general
welfare of the town and promote the coordinated and harmonious
development of the town in a manner that conserves and enhances its
natural environment and its established character as a resort and
residential community of the highest quality.”
VI. ATTACHMENTS
A. Ordinance No. 13, Series of 2013
11/5/2013
Ordinance No. 13, Series of 2013 second reading 1
ORDINANCE NO. 13
Series of 2013
AN ORDINANCE REPEALING AND REENACTING ORDINANCE NO. 16, 2004 WHICH
ADOPTED THE APPROVED DEVELOPMENT PLAN FOR PHASE IV OF SPECIAL
DEVELOPMENT DISTRICT NO. 6, VAIL VILLAGE INN, PURSUANT TO SECTION 12-9A-10,
AMENDMENT PROCEDURES, VAIL TOWN CODE, TO ALLOW AN INCREASE IN
ALLOWBALE GROSS RESIDENTIAL FLOOR AREA, LOCATED AT 16 VAIL ROAD (THE
SEBASTIAN) / A PORTION OF LOTS M, N, AND O, BLOCK 5D, VAIL VILLAGE FILING 1,
AND SETTING FORTH DETAILS IN REGARD THERETO.
WHEREAS, the Town of Vail, in the County of Eagle and State of Colorado (the
"Town"), is a home rule municipal corporation duly organized and existing under the
laws of the State of Colorado and the Vail Town Charter; and
WHEREAS, the members of the Town Council of the Town (the "Council") have
been duly elected and qualified; and
WHEREAS, Ordinance No. 16, Series of 2004, established the approved
development plan for Phase IV (The Sebastian) of Special Development District No. 6,
Vail Village Inn; and
WHEREAS, Ordinance No. 7, Series of 2012, amended the approved
development plan for Phase IV (The Sebastian) of Special Development District No. 6,
Vail Village Inn, to increase the allowable number of dwelling units from one (1) to two
(2); and
WHEREAS, amendments to a Special Development District are permitted
pursuant to the parameters set forth for such in Section 12-9A-10, Vail Town Code; and
WHEREAS, the Planning and Environmental Commission of the Town of Vail
held a public hearing on September 23, 2013 to consider the proposed amendment in
accordance with the provisions of the Vail Town Code and forwarded a
recommendation of approval, with conditions, to the Vail Town Council by a vote of 5-1-
0; and
WHEREAS, the Vail Town Council finds that the proposed amendment to
Special Development District No. 6, complies with the review criteria outlined in Section
12-9A-8, Vail Town Code, and that the applicant has demonstrated that any adverse
effects of the requested deviations from the development standards of the underlying
zoning are outweighed by the public benefits provided; and
WHERAS, the Town Council finds that the special development district
amendment does comply with the standards listed Article 12-9A, Special Development
District, or that a practical solution consistent with the public interest has been
achieved; and
11/5/2013
Ordinance No. 13, Series of 2013 second reading 2
WHEREAS, the Vail Town Council finds that the special development district
amendment is consistent with the adopted goals, objectives and policies outlined in the
Vail comprehensive plan and compatible with the development objectives of the town;
and
WHEREAS, the Vail Town Council finds that the special development district
amendment is compatible with and suitable to adjacent uses and appropriate for the
surrounding areas; and
WHEREAS, the Vail Town Council finds that the special development district
amendment does promote the health, safety, morals, and general welfare of the town
and promotes the coordinated and harmonious development of the town in a manner
that conserves and enhances its natural environment and its established character as a
resort and residential community of the highest quality; and
WHEREAS, the Vail Town Council finds that temporary approval of this
amendment will have no negative effect on parking since the existing penthouse
dwelling unit can not yet be occupied; and
WHEREAS, the approval of this special development district amendment, and
the development standards in regard thereto, shall not establish precedence or
entitlements elsewhere within the Town of Vail.
WHEREAS, all notices as required by the Town of Vail Municipal Code have
been sent to the appropriate parties; and
WHEREAS, the Vail Town Council considers it in the best interest of the public
health, safety, and welfare to amend the development plan for Phase IV (The
Sebastian) of Special Development District No. 6, Vail Village Inn.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT ORDAINED BY THE TOWN COUNCIL OF THE
TOWN OF VAIL, COLORADO, THAT:
Section 1. Purpose of the Ordinance
The purpose of this ordinance is to repeal and reenact Ordinance No 16, Series of 2004
to amend the approved development plan for Phase IV of Special Development District
No. 6 to increase the allowable gross residential floor area (GRFA). The increase in
allowable GRFA will result in and addition to the penthouse dwelling unit.
Ordinance No. 16, Series of 2004, is hereby amended as follows (all additions are
illustrated with bold italics, deletions are illustrated with strikethrough, and text not
affected has been omitted):
11/5/2013
Ordinance No. 13, Series of 2013 second reading 3
Section 2. Amendment Procedures Fulfilled, Planning Commission Report
The approval procedures described in Article 12-9A of the Vail Municipal Code have been
fulfilled, and the Vail Town Council has received the recommendation of the Planning and
Environmental Commission for a major amendment to the Approved Development Plan
for Special Development District No. 6, Vail Village Inn Phase IV, The Sebastian (Vail
Plaza Hotel)
Section 3. Special Development District No. 6
The Special Development District and the major amendment to the Approved
Development Plan for Phase IV are established to assure comprehensive development
and use of the area in a manner that would be harmonious with the general character of
the Town, provide adequate open space and recreational amenities, and promote the
goals, objectives and policies of the Vail Comprehensive Plan. Special Development
District No. 6 is regarded as being complementary to the Town of Vail by the Vail Town
Council and the Planning and Environmental Commission, and has been established
since there are significant aspects of the Special Development District that cannot be
satisfied through the imposition of standard Public Accommodation zone district
requirements.
Section 4. Development Standards – Special Development District No. 6, Vail
Village Inn, Phase IV, The Sebastian
Development Plan –
The approved development plan for SDD No. 6, Vail Village Inn, Phase IV, The Sebastian
shall include the following plans and materials prepared by Zehren and Associates Inc.,
dated July 6, 2004 and stamped approved by the Town of Vail , dated July 20, 2004:
(as may be further amended by the Town of Vail Design Review Board)
A. Site Illustrative Plan
B. Site Vignettess Key Plan (noted for “illustration purposes only”)
C. Site Vignettes
D. Site Plan (revised)
E. Level Minus Two
F. Level Minus One
G. Level Zero
H. Level One
I. Level One & ½
J. Level Two
K. Level Three
L. Level Four
M. Level Five
N. Level Six
O. Roof Plan
P. Roof Plan (Mechanical Equipment)
11/5/2013
Ordinance No. 13, Series of 2013 second reading 4
Q. Street Sections (Vail Road Elevation/North Frontage Road Elevation)
R. Plaza Section (South Plaza Elevation/East Plaza Elevation)
S. Building A Elevations
T. Building A Sections
U. Building B Elevations
V. Building B Sections
W. Building Height Plan 1 (Absolute Heights/Interpolated Contours)
X. Building Height Plan 2 (Maximum Height Above Grade/Interpolated
Contours)
Y. Pool study (Pool Sections)
Z. Vail Road Setback Study
AA. Loading and Delivery Plan
BB. Street Entry Studies (Vail Road/South Frontage Road)
CC. Sun Study
DD. Landscape Improvement Plan
EE. Off-site Improvements Plan
Amended plans prepared by Poss Architecture and Planning, dated September 17,
2013 and stamped approved by the Town of Vail September 23, 2013 (as may be
further amended by the Town of Vail Design Review Board)
A. Main Level Floor Plan
B. Upper Level Floor Plan
C. Existing Roof Plan
D. Proposed Roof Plan
E. Floor Plans Lower Level – Area Calculations
F. Floor Plans Upper Level – Area Calcualtions
G. Existing North Elevation
H. Proposed North Elevation
I. North Elevation – Massing Study
J. Existing East Elevation
K. Proposed East Elevation
L. East Elevation – Massing Study
M. Existing South Elevation
N. Proposed South Elevation
O. South Elevation – Massing Study
P. Existing West Elevation
Q. Proposed West Elevation
R. West Elevation – Massing Study
S. East Elevaton – Massing Study (Building Stepping)
T. Street Section – North Elevation
U. Plaza Section – South Elevation
V. 3D Photo Simulation – North Elevation
W. 3D Photo Simulation – South Elevation
11/5/2013
Ordinance No. 13, Series of 2013 second reading 5
Permitted Uses –
The Permitted uses in Phase IV of SDD No. 6 shall be as set forth in Section 12-7A-2,
Public Accommodation District, Vail Town Code.
Conditional Uses -
Conditional uses for Phase IV of SDD No. 6 shall be as set forth in Section 12-7A-3,
Public Accommodation District, Vail Town Code. All conditional uses shall be reviewed
per the procedures as outlined in Chapter 12-16, Conditional Uses, Vail Town Code.
Density-- Units per Acre - Dwelling Units, Accommodation Units, & Fractional Fee
Club Units
The number of units permitted in Phase IV shall not exceed the following:
Dwelling Units – 2
Accommodation Units - 100
Fractional Fee Club Units – 49
Type III Employee Housing Units -18
(38 employee beds totaling 9,618 square feet of floor area)
Density – Floor Area
The gross residential floor area (GRFA), common area and commercial square footage
permitted for Phase IV shall be as set forward in the Approved Development Plans
referenced in Section 4 of this ordinance.
Setbacks –
Required setbacks for Phase IV shall be as set forth in the Approved Development Plan
referenced in Section 4 of this memorandum. The front setback along Vail Road shall
be a minimum of 16 feet.
Height –
The maximum building height for Phase IV shall be as set forth in the Approved
Development Plan referenced in Section 4 of this ordinance. For the purpose of SDD
no. 6, Phase IV, calculations of height, height shall mean the distance measured
vertically from the existing grade or finished grade(whichever is more restrictive), at any
given point to the top of a flat roof, or mansard roof, or to the highest ridge line of a
sloping roof unless otherwise specified in the Approved Development Plans.
Site Coverage –
The maximum allowable site coverage for Phase IV shall be as set forth in the
11/5/2013
Ordinance No. 13, Series of 2013 second reading 6
Approved Development Plans referenced in Section 4 of this ordinance.
Landscaping –
The minimum landscaping area requirement for Phase IV shall be as set forth in the
approved Development Plans referenced in section 4 of this ordinance.
Parking and Loading -
The required number of off-street parking spaces and loading/delivery berths for Phase
IV shall be provided as set forth in the Approved Development Plans referenced in
Section 4 of this ordinance. In no instance shall Vail Road or the South Frontage Road
be used for loading/delivery or guest drop-off/pick-up without the prior written approval
of the Town of Vail. The required parking spaces shall not be individually sold,
transferred, leased, conveyed, rented, or restricted to any person other than a tenant,
occupant or user of the building for which the space, spaces or area are required to be
provided by the Zoning regulations or ordinances of the Town. The foregoing language
shall not prohibit the temporary use of the parking spaces for events or uses outside of
the building, subject to the approval of the Town of Vail.
Section 5. Approval Agreements for Special Development District No. 6, Phase
IV, The Sebastian
1. That the Developer coordinates efforts with the owners of the Gateway
Building, Phase II, Phase III and Phase V to create a below ground accessway
for loading and delivery to the adjoining properties within the District from the
Vail Plaza Hotel to resolve potential loading and delivery concerns. If a
coordinated effort can be reached the Developer shall submit revised plans to
the Town of Vail Community Development Department for review and
approval, prior to the issuance of a building permit. The intent of this condition
is to create an interconnected underground loading and delivery system
accessible to all of Special Development District No.6, Vail Village Inn.
2. That the Developer submits detailed civil engineering drawings of the required
off-site improvements (street lights, drainage, curb and gutter, sidewalks,
grading, road improvements, Vail Road landscape median improvements,
etc.) as identified on the offsite improvements plan to the Town of Vail Public
Works Department for review and approval, prior to application for a building
permit.
3. That the Developer submits the following plans to the Department of
Community Development, for review and approval, as a part of the building
permit application for the hotel:
a. An Erosion Control and Sedimentation Plan;
b. A Construction Staging and Phasing Plan
c. A Stormwater Management Plan;
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Ordinance No. 13, Series of 2013 second reading 7
d. A Site Dewatering Plan; and
e. A Traffic Control Plan.
4. That the developer records a public pedestrian easement between the hotel
and the Phase III Condominiums and between the Phase V Building property
lines. The easement shall be prepared by the developer and submitted for
review and approval of the Town Attorney. The easement shall be recorded
with the Eagle County Clerk & Recorder's Office prior to the issuance of a
Temporary Certificate of Occupancy.
5. That the Developer records a deed-restriction, which the Town is a party to, on
the Phase IV property prohibiting the public use of the spa facility in the hotel.
Said restriction may be revoked if the Developer is able to demonstrate to the
satisfaction of the Town that adequate provisions for vehicle parking have
been made to accommodate the public use of the spa. The restriction shall be
recorded prior to the issuance of a building permit.
6. That the Developer submits a comprehensive sign program proposal for the
Vail Plaza Hotel for review and approval of the Design Review Board, prior to
the issuance of a Temporary Certificate of Occupancy.
7. That the Developer posts a bond with the Town of Vail to provide financial
security for the 125% of the total cost of the required off-site public
improvements. The bond shall be in place with the Town prior to the issuance
of a building permit.
8. That the Developer, in cooperation with the Town of Vail Public Works
Department to design and construct a left-turn lane on Vail Road and
reconfigure the landscape island in the South Frontage Road median to
eliminate left-turns from the loading/delivery. The construction shall be
completed prior to the issuance of a Temporary Certificate of Occupancy.
9. That the Developer provides a centralized loading/delivery facility for the use
of all owners and tenants within Special Development District No.6. Access or
use of the facility shall not be unduly restricted for Special Development
District No.6. The loading/delivery facility, including docks, berths, freight
elevators, service corridors, etc., may be made available for public and/or
private loading/delivery programs, sanctioned by the Town of Vail, to mitigate
loading/delivery impacts upon the Vail Village loading/delivery system. The
use of the facility shall only be permitted upon a finding by the Town of Vail
and the Developer that excess capacity exists. The Developer will be
compensated by the Town of Vail and/or others for the common use of the
facility. The final determination of the use of the facility shall be mutually
agreed upon by the Developer and the Town of Vail.
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Ordinance No. 13, Series of 2013 second reading 8
10. That the Developer executes a Developer Improvement Agreement to cover
the completion of the required off-site improvements, prior to the issuance of
a building permit.
11. That the Developer records Type III deed-restrictions of each of the required
employee housing units, with the Eagle County Clerk & Recorder's Office,
prior to the issuance of a Temporary Certificate of Occupancy.
12. That the required Type III deed-restricted employee housing units not be
eligible for resale and that the units be owned and operated by the hotel and
that said ownership shall transfer with the deed to the hotel property.
13. That the Developer submits a copy of an approved access permit form the
Colorado Department of Transportation verifying acceptance of the access
points illustrated, as designed, on the Approved Development Plan, dated
July 6, 2004.
14. That the Developer shall contribute a one time payment to the Town of Vail
in the amount of $35,000 for the East Meadow Drive Art in Public Places
archway project, or other Town of Vail approved East Meadow Drive Art in
Public Places project, (the "Projects") as a means of mitigating development
impacts associated with the construction of the Vail Plaza Hotel. Said
payment shall be submitted to the Town of Vail Public Works Department,
prior to the issuance of a building permit for the Vail Plaza Hotel. Should the
Town fail to commence with the design and construction of the Projects within
one year of the date of the issuance of a Temporary Certificate of Occupancy
for the Vail Plaza Hotel, the one-time payment of $35,000 shall be refunded
to the Developer.
Conditions applied by the Planning and Environmental Commission in
conjunction with the September 23, 2013 recommendation of approval with
conditions:
1. This SDD major amendment approval is contingent upon the applicant
obtaining Town of Vail approval of the associated design review
application.
2. The applicant shall mitigate the employee generation impact created by
the addition of 839 square feet of GRFA in accordance with the provisions
of Chapter 12-24, Inclusionary Zoning, Vail Town Code.
3. The applicant shall receive and submit in conjunction with the building
permit, all applicable Colorado Department of Transportation approvals for
all impacts to the South Frontage Road East, including construction
staging.
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Ordinance No. 13, Series of 2013 second reading 9
4. The applicant shall amend the recorded condominium map to reflect the
increase in floor area and space designation, prior to requesting a
planning certificate of occupancy inspection.
5. At the discretion of the Design Review Board, the roof form above the
penthouse upper floor deck can be increased to be greater than an 18 inch
eave overhang.
Section 6. Approval Expiration; Time Limitations
The SDD approval time requirements and limitations of Ordinance No.7, Series of 2003, shall be
amended to cause this major amendment to become null and void should the Developer fail to
receive an approval of a building permit and submit payment and pick up the permit from the
Town of Vail Community Development Department by no later than November 15, 2004. The
phasing of the construction of the hotel shall not be permitted.
The developer must begin construction of special development district amendment within
three (3) years from the time of its final approval, and continue diligently toward the
completion of the project.
Section 7. Applicability
The changes contained in this ordinance shall only apply to the approved development
plan for Phase IV of Special Development District No. 6, Vail Village Inn. Those
changes were contained within the documents associated with the Planning and
Environmental Commission Major SDD Amendment, PEC13-0021. No other provisions
or requirements of the governing ordinance for any other phase of Special
Development District No. 6, Vail Village Inn, are amended, altered, or eliminated by this
ordinance.
Section 8.
If any part, section, subsection, sentence, clause or phrase of this ordinance is for any
reason held to be invalid, such decision shall not effect the validity of the remaining
portions of this ordinance; and the Vail Town Council hereby declares it would have
passed this ordinance, and each part, section, subsection, sentence, clause or phrase
thereof, regardless of the fact that any one or more parts, sections, subsections,
sentences, clauses or phrases be declared invalid.
Section 9.
The amendment of any provision of the Town Code of Vail as provided in this ordinance
shall not affect any right which has accrued, any duty imposed, any violation that
occurred prior to the effective date hereof, any prosecution commenced, nor any other
action or proceeding as commenced under or by virtue of the provision amended. The
11/5/2013
Ordinance No. 13, Series of 2013 second reading 10
amendment of any provision hereby shall not revive any provision or any ordinance
previously repealed or superseded unless expressly stated herein.
Section 10.
All bylaws, orders, resolutions and ordinances, or parts thereof, inconsistent herewith
are repealed to the extent only of such inconsistency. This repealer shall not be
construed to revise any bylaw, order, resolution or ordinance, or part thereof,
theretofore repealed.
Section 11.
The Vail Town Council hereby finds, determines and declares that this ordinance is
necessary and proper for the health, safety and welfare of the Town of Vail and the
inhabitants thereof. The Council’s finding, determination and declaration is based upon
the review of the criteria prescribed by the Town Code of Vail and the evidence and
testimony presented in consideration of this ordinance.
INTRODUCED, READ ON FIRST READING, APPROVED, AND ORDERED
PUBLISHED ONCE IN FULL ON FIRST READING this 15th day of October, 2013 and a
public hearing for second reading of this Ordinance set for the 5th day of November,
2013, at 6:00 p.m. in the Council Chambers of the Vail Municipal Building, Vail,
Colorado.
_______________________
Andrew P. Daly, Mayor
ATTEST:
_________________________
Tammy Nagel, Acting Town Clerk
READ AND APPROVED ON SECOND READING AND ORDER PUBLISHED in
full this 5th day of November, 2013.
_______________________
Andrew P. Daly, Mayor
ATTEST:
_________________________
Tammy Nagel, Acting Town Clerk
11/5/2013
VAIL TOWN COUNCIL AGENDA MEMO
MEETING DATE: November 5, 2013
ITEM/TOPIC: Resolution No. 14, Series of 2013, a resolution adopting the 2013 Gerald R.
Ford Park Master Plan, and setting forth details in regard thereto.
PRESENTER(S): George Ruther, Community Development Director and Tom Braun,
Principal, Braun Associates, Inc.
ACTION REQUESTED OF COUNCIL: Approve, Approve with Modifications, or Deny
Resolution No. 14, Series of 2013
BACKGROUND: On April 16, 2013, the Vail Town Council instructed town staff to prepare a
new master plan for Gerald R. Ford Park. In doing so, the Town Council provided the following
direction: The new plan shall be a compilation of the 1974 Vail Plan, 1985 Ford Park Master
Plan, 1997 Ford Park Management Plan, and the 2012 Ford Park Management Plan Update.
A series of goals, objectives, policies and actions steps were to be developed to clarify the
community's expectations for the Park and guide future decisions about improvements with
the Park. The concept of sub area planning within the Park was supported. While the Park was
to be planned in its entirety, sub area plans and illustrative graphics were to be used to further
clarify opportunities within the respective areas of the Park. The new plan was to incorporate
both current improvements already underway within the Park but also capture and articulate
future improvement opportunities. The Plan was to have an approximate ten year life span
with periodic updates and amendment considerations when needed.
STAFF RECOMMENDATION: The Community Development Department recommends the
Vail Town Council approves the proposed 2013 Gerald R. Ford Park Master Plan, as
modifidied by the Planning & Environmental Commission, based upon a review of the criteria
outlined in Section V of this memorandum and the evidence and testimony presented at
multiple public hearings.
ATTACHMENTS:
Town Council Memorandum
Resolution No. 14, Series of 2013
Ford Park Master Plan
11/5/2013
TO: Planning and Environmental Commission and Design Review Board
FROM: Community Development Department
DATE: October 28, 2013
SUBJECT: A request for a recommendation to the Vail Town Council on the adoption
of the 2013 Gerald R. Ford Park Master Plan, an assemblage of the 1985
Ford Park Master Plan, the 1997 Ford Park Management Plan, and the
2012 Ford Park Management Plan Amendment, located at 530, 540, and
580 South Frontage Road East/Unplatted, and setting forth details in
regard thereto. (PEC130012)
Applicant: Town of Vail, represented by Tom Braun, Braun Associates,
Inc.
Planner: George Ruther
I. DESCRIPTION OF THE REQUEST
The applicant, the Town of Vail, is requesting a recommendation from the Town of Vail
Planning & Environmental Commission (the “PEC”) to the Vail Town Council (the “TC”)
on the adoption of the 2013 Gerald R. Ford Park Master (the “Plan”), an assemblage of
the 1985 Ford Park Master Plan, the 1997 Ford Park Management Plan, and the 2012
Ford Park Management Plan Amendment, located at 530, 540, and 580 South Frontage
Road East/Unplatted.
Key elements of the new master plan include the following:
• Compilation of the previous planning documents
• Amended goals, objectives, policy statements and action steps
• Sub area plans with recommendations
• Expanded park boundary to the Covered Bridge
The goal of the master planning effort is to create a plan that maintains the essence of
what Gerald R. Ford Park (the “Park”) is today and what was envisioned for the Park in
1974 – a combination of natural open space along the Gore Creek corridor coupled with
recreational, social, and cultural uses and facilities that serve the needs of residents and
guests of Vail. The 2013 Gerald R. Ford Park Master Plan will provide the town and
community with a “guiding document’ for the Park for the next ten years.
The primary purpose of the Plan is to define community expectations for the use of and
future improvements to the Park and as a resource to assist the Town in the decision-
11/5/2013
Town of Vail Page 2
making regarding capital improvements and/or any proposed changes to the Park. In
the end, the Plan is to be one of the many elements that comprise the Vail
Comprehensive Plan.
II. BACKGROUND
On April 16, 2013, the Vail Town Council instructed town staff to prepare a new master
plan for Gerald R. Ford Park. In doing so, the Town Council provided the following
direction:
The new plan shall be a compilation of the 1974 Vail Plan, 1985 Ford Park Master Plan,
1997 Ford Park Management Plan, and the 2012 Ford Park Management Plan Update.
A series of goals, objectives, policies and actions steps were to be developed to clarify
the community’s expectations for the Park and guide future decisions about
improvements with the Park.
The concept of sub area planning within the Park was supported. While the Park was to
be planned in its entirety, sub area plans and illustrative graphics were to be used to
further clarify opportunities within the respective areas of the Park.
The new plan was to incorporate both current improvements already underway within
the Park but also capture and articulate future improvement opportunities.
The Plan was to have an approximate ten year life span with periodic updates and
amendment considerations when needed.
III. REVIEW CRITERIA
1. The extent to which the Master Plan furthers the general and specific purposes
of the zoning regulations; and
Based upon the evidence and testimony presented at multiple public hearings, Staff
believes the proposed Gerald R. Ford Park Master Plan furthers the general purposes
of the zoning regulations. Staff believes the existing park, the proposed improvements
to Ford Park, and the associated updates to the Plan maintains the health, safety,
morals, and general welfare of the town and promote the coordinated and harmonious
development of the town in a manner that will conserve and enhance its natural
environment and its established character as a resort and residential community of high
quality.
Staff further believes the proposed Master Plan furthers the specific purposes of the
zoning regulations. Staff finds the existing park, the proposed improvements to Ford
Park, and the associated updates to the Plan continues to:
• To provide for adequate light, air, sanitation, drainage, and public facilities.
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Town of Vail Page 3
• To secure safety from fire, panic, flood, avalanche, accumulation of snow,
and other dangerous conditions.
• To promote safe and efficient pedestrian and vehicular traffic circulation and
to lessen congestion in the streets.
• To promote adequate and appropriately located off street parking and loading
facilities.
• To conserve and maintain established community qualities and economic
values.
• To encourage a harmonious, convenient, workable relationship among land
uses, consistent with municipal development objectives.
• To prevent excessive population densities and overcrowding of the land with
structures.
• To safeguard and enhance the appearance of the town.
• To conserve and protect wildlife, streams, woods, hillsides, and other
desirable natural features.
• To assure adequate open space, recreation opportunities, and other
amenities and facilities conducive to desired living quarters.
• To otherwise provide for the growth of an orderly and viable community.
Staff also believes the proposed Gerald R. Ford Park Master Plan furthers the purposes
of the General Use District. Staff believes the existing park, the proposed
improvements to Ford Park, and the associated updates to the Master Plan continues to
provide sites for public and quasi-public uses which, because of their special
characteristics, cannot be appropriately regulated by the development standards
prescribed for other zoning districts, and for which development standards especially
prescribed for each particular development proposal or project are necessary to achieve
the purposes prescribed in section 12-1-2 of this title and to provide for the public
welfare.
Staff believes the existing park, the proposed improvements to Ford Park, and the
associated updates to the Master Plan continues to ensure that public buildings and
grounds and certain types of quasi-public uses permitted in the General Use District are
appropriately located and designed to meet the needs of residents and visitors to Vail,
are harmonized with surrounding uses, and, in the case of buildings and other
structures, ensure adequate light, air, open spaces, and other amenities appropriate to
the permitted types of uses.
2. The extent to which the master plan would better implement and better achieve
the applicable elements of the adopted goals, objectives, and policies outlined in
the Vail comprehensive plan and is compatible with the development objectives
of the town; and
Based upon the evidence and testimony presented at multiple public hearings, Staff
believes the existing park, the proposed improvements to Ford Park, and the associated
updates to the Master Plan are consistent with the following Land Use Plan goals:
Goal 1. General Growth/Development
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Town of Vail Page 4
1.1 Vail should continue to grow in a controlled environment, maintaining a
balance between residential, commercial and recreational uses to serve both the
visitor and the permanent resident.
1.2 The quality of the environment including air, water and other natural
resources should be protected as the Town grows.
1.3 The quality of development should be maintained and upgraded whenever
possible.
1.12 Vail should accommodate most of the additional growth in existing
developed areas (infill areas).
1.13 Vail recognizes its stream tract as being a desirable land feature as well as
its potential for public use.
Goal 2. Skier /Tourist Concerns
2.1The community should emphasize its role as a destination resort while
accommodating day visitors.
2.4 The community should improve summer recreational options to improve year-
round tourism.
2.5 The community should improve non-skier recreational options to improve
year-round tourism.
2.7 The Town of Vail should improve the existing park and open space lands
while continuing to purchase open space.
Goal 6. Community Services
6.1 Services should keep pace with increased growth.
6.2 The Town of Vail should play a role in future development through balancing
growth with services.
6.3 Services should be adjusted to keep pace with the needs of peak periods.
3. The extent to which the master plan demonstrates how conditions have
substantially changed since the adoption of the subject regulation and how the
existing regulation is no longer appropriate or is inapplicable; and
The 2013 Gerald R. Ford Park Master Plan is a compilation of several previous master
planning efforts for Ford Park. The most recent planning document created for Ford
Park was the 2012 Ford Park Management Plan Update. Prior to that, it was the 1997
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Town of Vail Page 5
Ford Park Management Plan. In the past 15 years, many of the plan recommendations
have been constructed and implemented. The existing planning documents are no
longer effective as each still remains in effect yet the documents sometimes provide
conflicting direction. Through the compilation of the planning documents, any conflicts
in direction are addressed and one, new singular planning document is created.
4. The extent to which the master plan provides a harmonious, convenient,
workable relationship among land use regulations consistent with municipal
development objectives; and
The applicant is proposing changes to the goals, objectives, and policy statements of
the Ford Park Management Plan as adopted in 2012 and 1997. The applicant is
proposing a new master plan to facilitate a variety of park improvements and provide
direction for future decision making regarding proposed improvements within the Park.
Based upon the evidence and testimony presented at multiple public hearings, Staff
believes the updated goals, objectives, and policy statements of the Ford Park
Management Plan as adopted in 2012 and 1997 are appropriate and will result in a
harmonious, convenient, workable relationship among land uses consistent with the
Town’s development objectives.
IV. RECOMMENDATION
The Community Development Department recommends that the Planning and
Environmental Commission forwards a recommendation of approval to the Vail Town
Council for the proposed 2013 Gerald R. Ford Park Master Plan based upon a review of
the criteria outlined in Section V of this memorandum and the evidence and testimony
presented at multiple public hearings.
Should the Planning and Environmental Commission choose to forward a
recommendation of approval of this request to the Vail Town Council; the Community
Development Department recommends the Commission pass the following motion:
“The Planning and Environmental Commission forwards a recommendation of approval
on the adoption of the 2013 Gerald R. Ford Park Master Plan, an assemblage of the
1985 Ford Park Master Plan, the 1997 Ford Park Management Plan, and the 2012 Ford
Park Management Plan Amendment, located at 530, 540, and 580 South Frontage
Road East/Unplatted, and setting forth details in regard thereto”
Should the Planning and Environmental Commission choose to forward a
recommendation of approval to the Vail Town Council for the proposed master plan, the
Community Development Department recommends the Commission makes the
following findings:
“Based upon the review of the criteria outlined in Section III of October 28, 2013
memorandum to the Planning & Environmental Commission, and the evidence and
testimony presented at multiple public hearings, the Planning and Environmental
Commission finds:
11/5/2013
Town of Vail Page 6
1. That the maser plan is consistent with the applicable elements of the adopted
goals, objectives and policies outlined in the Vail comprehensive plan and is
compatible with the development objectives of the town; and
2. That the master plan furthers the general and specific purposes of the zoning
regulations; and
3. That the master plan promotes the health, safety, morals, and general welfare
of the town and promotes the coordinated and harmonious development of
the town in a manner that conserves and enhances its natural environment
and its established character as a resort and residential community of the
highest quality.”
V. ATTACHMENTS
A. Proposed 2013 Gerald R. Ford Park Master Plan
11/5/2013
1
Resolution No. 14, Series of 2013
RESOLUTION NO. 14
Series of 2013
A RESOLUTION ADOPTING THE 2013 GERALD R. FORD PARK MASTER PLAN,
AND SETTING FORTH DETAILS IN REGARD THERETO.
WHEREAS, on April 16, 2013, the Vail Town Council instructed Town Staff to
prepare a new master plan for Gerald R. Ford Park;
WHEREAS, the new master plan was to be a compilation of previous planning
efforts for the Park and the articulation of recommendations for new improvements with
the Park;
WHEREAS, the new master plan is intended to be an element of the Vail
Comprehensive Plan;
WHEREAS, the new master plan is intended to have a ten year life span with
periodic updates and amendments when needed;
WHEREAS, the primary purposes of the new master plan are to protect the Park
from over development, to define expectations for the use of the Park, and to assist in
decision-making regarding capital improvements and other changes proposed in the
Park;
WHEREAS, the new master plan was prepared in collaboration with the Vail
Recreation District, Vail Valley Foundation, Betty Ford Alpine Gardens, Vail Economic
Advisory Council, Art in Public Places Board, Planning & Environmental Commission
and many other interested citizens from the Vail community;
WHEREAS, on July 22, August 12, and August 26, and September 9, 2013, the
Town of Vail Planning and Environmental Commission held public hearings on an
application to adopt a new master plan for Ford Park;
WHEREAS, on October 28, 2013, the Town of Vail Planning & Environmental
Commission forwarded a recommendation of approval, with modifications, of the 2013
Gerald R. Ford Park Master Plan amendments to the Vail Town Council;
WHEREAS, the Vail Town Council finds and determines that the new master
plan recommendations are consistent with the applicable elements of the adopted
goals, objectives and policies outlined in the Vail Comprehensive Plan and is
compatible with the development objectives of the town; and,
WHEREAS, the Vail Town Council finds and determines that the new master
plan promotes the health, safety, morals, and general welfare of the town and promotes
the coordinated and harmonious development of the town in a manner that conserves
11/5/2013
2
Resolution No. 14, Series of 2013
and enhances its natural environment and its established character as a resort and
residential community of the highest quality.
NOW THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE TOWN COUNCIL OF THE
TOWN OF VAIL, COLORADO THAT:
SECTION 1. The 2013 Gerald R. Ford Park Master Plan is hereby adopted as
depicted in Exhibit A attached hereto.
INTRODUCED, PASSED AND ADOPTED at a regular meeting of the Vail
Town Council of the Town of Vail held this 5th day of November, 2013
__________________
Andrew P. Daly, Mayor
ATTEST:
_________________________
Tammy Nagel, Acting Town Clerk
11/5/2013
2013 Gerald R. Ford Park
Master Plan
An Element of the Vail Comprehensive Plan
November, 2013
Resolution No. 14, Series 2013
11/5/2013
2013 Gerald R. Ford Park Master Plan
Prepared for:
The Town of Vail
Prepared by:
Town of Vail Department of Community Development
and
Braun Associates, Inc.
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS:
Vail Town Council Vail Planning and Environmental Commission
Andy Daly, Mayor Bill Pierce, Chair
Ludwig Kurz, Mayor Pro-tem Henry Pratt, Co-Chair
Kerry Donovan John Rediker
Susie Tjossem Susan Bird
Margaret Rogers Pam Hopkins
Greg Moffet Michael Kurz
Kevin Foley Luke Cartin
Vail Recreation District
Vail Valley Foundation
Art in Public Places
Betty Ford Alpine Gardens
11/5/2013
TABLE OF CONTENTS
1. Introduction 1
2. Site Assessment/Existing Conditions 5
3. History of the Park and Previous Planning Efforts 9
4. Goals, Objectives, Policies and Action Steps 18
5. Ford Park Sub-Areas 35
6. Illustrative Plan 53
7. Park Management 62
8. Appendix 64
Due to the volume of material, the information listed below is provided in a
separate document, the 2013 Ford Park Master Plan Supplemental Appendix.
• Ordinance No. 6, Series of 1973, authorizing the purchase (by condemnation) of the
property known as the Antholz Ranch.
• The Vail Plan, 1974
• Resolution No. 1, Series of 1977, naming the property commonly known as the
Antholz Ranch to Gerald R. Ford Park.
• The Gerald R. Ford Park and Donovan Park Master Plan Development Final Report,
1985
• 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.
• 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.
• Ford Park Management Plan, 1997
• Ford Park Management Plan Update, 2012
• BFAG Building – Site Evaluation Matrix, 2013
• Betty Ford Alpine Gardens – Site Evaluation, August 15, 2013
11/5/2013
2013 Gerald R. Ford Park Master Plan Page 1
2013 Gerald R. Ford Park Master Plan
November 2013
“Whereas, President Gerald R. Ford has brought to the Town of Vail his
interest and encouragement; has shown through his private life and public
life a commitment to recreation, the environment and places set aside
therefor; and believes that a statement of the community’s appreciation
and respect for Gerald R. Ford is appropriate and called for; that the
property commonly referred to as the Antholz Ranch is hereby named the
Gerald R. Ford Park.”
Resolution approved by Vail Town Council, January 18, 1977
Chapter 1 - INTRODUCTION
The Town of Vail acquired the 38 acre Anholtz Ranch in 1973 for the stated purpose of
“improving the quality of life in the community.” Since that time the property has
increased in size to more than 47 acres and has evolved into one of Vail’s most widely
used and highly cherished assets. The evolution of the Antholz Ranch to what has
become Ford Park was originally contemplated by one of Vail’s earliest planning efforts:
“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 adjacent to Gore Creek.”
The Vail Plan, 1974
The goal of the 2013 Gerald R. Ford Park Master Plan (the Plan) is to maintain the
essence of what Ford Park (the Park) is today and what was envisioned for the Park in
1974 – a combination of natural open space along the Gore Creek corridor coupled with
recreational, social and cultural uses and facilities to serve the needs of residents and
guests of Vail. The primary purposes of this Plan are to protect the Park from over
development, to define expectations for the use of the Park, and to assist the Town in
decision-making regarding capital improvements and other changes proposed to the
Park. Only those changes deemed to be in compliance with applicable elements of this
Plan will obtain approvals from the Town.
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The Town has completed four planning efforts for the Park. These plans have directly
influenced the development of Ford Park and each has contributed to the role the Park
plays in the community. These previous planning efforts were:
1974 Vail Plan – While the primary purpose of this plan was to address
Vail’s growth and development, it did include a chapter on recreation and
defined at a very broad level the role Ford Park could play in providing
recreational, cultural and community-oriented uses.
1985 Gerald R. Ford Park/Donovan Park Master Plan Development Final
Report – At the time this plan was prepared; ballfields, tennis courts, and
parking had already been developed and construction of an amphitheater
had commenced. The purpose of this plan was to “guide the future
development of the park and establish guidelines for the implementation of
improvements.”
1997 Ford Park Management Plan – This plan was initiated in response to
several development proposals for the Park. The plan was a product of
extensive focus group and public input sessions and in essence served as
an amendment to the 1985 plan.
2012 Update to the Ford Park Management Plan – This plan was done to
acknowledge improvements proposed for the Park that were initiated
when Vail voters approved re-allocating a portion of the Convention
Center Funds to Ford Park.
Summaries of these previous plans are found in Chapter 3.
While the impetus for these planning efforts varied, each involved extensive community
input, debate, and at times, controversy. These planning processes revealed the
community’s intense passion for the Park as town staff, elected officials and the public
worked to find the appropriate levels of development and activity for the Park.
The 2013 Gerald R. Ford Park Master Plan presents a compilation of these previous
planning efforts along with new direction and ideas that have evolved from this latest
planning effort. The primary objectives of this Plan are to:
• Incorporate key elements of previously completed plans for Ford Park into one
document, specifically those guiding principles that have successfully shaped the
development of the Park from its inception,
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• Establish clear expectations for the future use, development and management of
the Park,
• Define effective tools for decision-making regarding the future of the Park, and
• Provide a single, comprehensive document to serve as the master plan for the
Park.
With the adoption of this Plan, previous plans for Ford Park will be archived and no
longer used as guides for future decision-making or planning for the Park. The 2013
Gerald R. Ford Park Master Plan will serve as the Town’s sole planning document for
the Park.
The development of Ford Park has evolved over a number of decades. While the
majority of the Park is developed, and notwithstanding the most recent phase of
improvements to the Park, there is no reason to think that the Park will not continue to
evolve in the future.
This Plan was prepared with the expectation that it will provide the community with a
document to guide the use and development of the Park for the next ten years. That
said, it is likely that during this time new ideas or issues not addressed by this Plan will
arise, be they proposals for enhancements to existing facilities, the development of new
facilities, or new uses for the Park. This is to be expected as the needs of the
community will change over time and as they do changes to the Park may be
appropriate. As dialogue and debate occurs regarding any changes to the Park, it is
critical that decisions made by the Town maintain the essence of what Ford Park is, why
it was established, and how it provides environmental, recreational, educational, cultural
or social benefits to the community.
The 2013 Gerald R. Ford Park Master Plan was adopted by Resolution No. 14, Series
2013 by the Vail Town Council following recommendation from the Vail Planning and
Environmental Commission. Future amendments to this Plan may be initiated by the
Town Council, the Planning and Environmental Commission, or members of the
community. Any such amendment proposal shall be reviewed by the Vail Town Council
following recommendation from the Vail Planning and Environmental Commission.
Elements of this Plan
This Plan includes the following chapters:
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1. Introduction
The section provides an introduction to the plan, the purpose of this planning
effort and outlines the major elements of the 2013 Gerald R. Ford Park Master
Plan.
2. Site Assessment and Existing Conditions
This section explains how site and surrounding conditions influenced the initial
planning and design of the Park. .
3. History of the Park and Previous Planning Efforts
The 1997 Plan has provided the basis for this history and background of the Park
and the summaries of the four previous planning efforts that have taken place.
Site plans of the Park produced during these planning efforts are to provide a
history and context for how the Park has evolved over the years.
4. Goals, Objectives, Policies and Action Steps
While the 1997 Plan provided a framework for this section, the goals, objectives,
policies and actions steps have been refined to better express the current vision
for the Park.
5. Ford Park Sub-Areas
Seven sub-areas are used to describe specific areas of the Park, their unique
features, the role they play in the Park, how they will be managed and provide
recommendations for improvements that could occur in the future.
6. Illustrative Plan
The 2013 Illustrative Plan is a refinement of the 2012 Illustrative Plan; it depicts
existing improvements and at a general level describes improvements that may
occur in the future.
7. Park Management
This chapter provides a brief summary of the various management and
operational aspects of the Park that are managed by the Town of Vail.
8. Appendix
Documents relative to the history of the Park and previous park planning efforts
are provided in a separate document, the 2013 Ford Park Master Plan
Supplemental Appendix.
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Chapter 2 - SITE ASSESSMENT/EXISTING CONDITIONS
Located immediately east of Vail Village, the proximity of Ford Park to Vail Village and
the convenient access it affords residents and guests is one of the Park’s most
significant attributes. This is no coincidence as the 1974 Vail Plan documented how the
location of Ford Park was a key factor in it being purchased for a community park and in
defining the initial vision for the Park to be a major center of cultural and recreational
activity for the community.
“all properties of significant size within the Town limits were researched
and the recommendation made that the Anholtz property, adjacent to
development at the east end of the Village, was the only site satisfying the
recreational 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 the Frontage Road
for simple and direct access by autos or buses, natural beauty such as the
Gore Creek provides, and directness of connection to major bicycle and
pedestrian trails.”
The Vail Plan, 1974
When purchased, the original Anholtz property was +/-38 acres. Today, Ford Park is
approximately 47.1 acres. The four areas of the Park and their acreages are depicted
below:
Ford Park, 2013
In January of 1977, Resolution No. 1, Series of 1977, was passed re-naming the
Anholtz Ranch to the Gerald R. Ford Park. A copy of this resolution is included in the
2013 Ford Park Master Plan Supplemental Appendix.
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Existing Conditions
In the past forty years many improvements have been made to Ford Park. Foremost
among these are athletic fields, the Gerald R. Ford Amphitheater, the Betty Ford Alpine
Garden, a children’s playground, the Vail Nature Center, the Vail Tennis Center and
parking and transit facilities. Infrastructure necessary to serve the Park is largely in
place and vehicle and pedestrian access to and within the Park has been established.
With the exception of the Gore Creek Corridor, the majority of the Park has been
improved with buildings, facilities or other related site improvements.
Access and circulation is a key factor in how the Park functions. On-site parking is
provided, but in keeping with the original concept for the Park the amount of parking is
limited to /-200 spaces along the Frontage Road and +/-65 spaces at the Soccer Field.
Parking for major Park events is provided in the Town’s parking structures. Access
from these structures to the Park is provided by pedestrian corridors and the Town’s
transit system. Pedestrian access is provided via the Gore Creek Trail, a sidewalk
along the South Frontage Road and by two bridges in the Golden Peak neighborhood.
The Park’s main transit stop is located on the South Frontage Road with additional
stops on Vail Valley Drive. These stops are served by the in-town shuttle and by
dedicated express bus service during special events.
Site Characteristics and Park Design
Physical characteristics of the land and the relationship of the Park to surrounding uses
and facilities influenced the earliest design concepts for the Park. Significant influences
in the early design of the Park include the South Frontage Road (that establishes the
north boundary of the Park), Gore Creek and adjoining wetland and riparian habitat (that
run the entire length of the Park), site topography, vegetation and views.
Topography of the main portion of the park between the Frontage Road and Gore Creek
includes a prominent and well-defined grade change that creates an “upper bench” and
“lower bench”. Over time this grade change, created in large part by grading from the
construction of Interstate 70, became a point of demarcation for the predominantly
active recreation uses on the Upper Bench and the cultural and passive recreation uses
on the Lower Bench.
Much of Ford Park was initially developed without the benefit of a detailed design or
development plan. The 1974 Vail Plan did, however, set the stage for the future of the
Park by defining a number of basic design parameters for how the Park could be
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developed. There are many examples of how these basic design parameters and
existing site characteristics directly influenced the design and development of the Park.
Parking and Transit
These facilities were located on flat terrain immediately adjacent to the South
Frontage Road and on the perimeter of the Park. This location minimizes the
impacts of vehicles on other areas of the Park.
Athletic Fields
Fields were located on what at that time was the Park’s broadest expanse of
relatively flat terrain. Not only did the fields “fit” on this portion of the Park, the
flat terrain minimized the need for site grading and associated site disturbance.
The fields also provide a buffer between highway noise and other quieter areas
of the Park.
The Amphitheater
The Amphitheater essentially straddles the grade transition between the Upper
and Lower Bench. This location allowed the Amphitheater to utilize sloping
terrain to create terraced seating areas within the Amphitheater. This location
also affords stunning views to the Gore Range.
Nature Center
The Nature Center is located within the relatively undeveloped Gore Creek
Corridor. The natural character of the creek corridor provides a fitting location for
the environmental education programs offered by the Nature Center.
The 1985 Ford Park Master Plan spoke eloquently about the philosophy of good park
design and the role site conditions and characteristics should play in the design
process.
“Compatibility of the park development within the environment is the most
significant aspect of the master plan. The existing landscape is an integral part of
each plan and not merely a backdrop against which the plans are staged. This is
essentially necessary with parklands, for there we expect the landscape to be
stable, pleasant and above all, functional. Accordingly, the planning and design
process was founded on a sound understanding of the features and dynamics of
the park site environment.
Just as a tapestry is woven from many threads of different colors, textures and
strengths, so the landscape is composed of a variety of components such as
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slopes, soils, plant communities and aquatic features. Each of these must be
identified and described, but more than that, the role of each must be understood
as a dynamic entity so that limitations and opportunities can be properly
understood. This involves the translation of forms, such as slopes and soil type,
into processes, such as runoff and soil leeching, and the definition of critical inter-
relationships among them.”
1985 Ford Park Master Plan
Integrating improvements with the landscape in order to create a pleasant and
functional park should be the goal of any park design. While developed without the
benefit of a comprehensive, detailed design plan, the major elements of the Park have
been located and designed in a manner that is very responsive to site conditions and
other influences. Ford Park today reflects many elements of the original vision for the
Park as outlined in the 1974 Vail Plan and as further defined by the 1985 Ford Park
Master Plan.
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Chapter 3 - HISTORY OF FORD PARK and PREVIOUS PLANNING EFFORTS
During the past forty years the Town of Vail has completed four major planning efforts
for Ford Park. This chapter summarizes the purpose, process and outcome for each of
these planning efforts and provides information on the history and development of Ford
Park.
Ordinance No. 6, Series of 1973 (a copy of which is included in the 2013 Ford Park
Master Plan Supplemental Appendix), authorized the purchase (by condemnation) of
the property known as the Antholz Ranch. At that time the 38-acre park site
represented the last remaining parcel of undeveloped land central to use by all
residents and visitors of the Vail community. 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.
The four major planning efforts for Ford Park include:
The Vail Plan, 1974
The Vail Plan was completed in August of 1973 and adopted in 1974 (a copy of this
plan is found in the 2013 Ford Park Master Plan Supplemental Appendix). In the early
‘70’s Vail pressures from growth and development were radically changing the
character of Vail and the primary purpose of the Vail Plan was to help the town respond
to growth pressures with the goal of “creating a recreationally-based community of
individuality, beauty and pleasure that can be unique in the United States.” The plan
included a chapter on the town recreation system. The Antholz Ranch property was
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mentioned as “the only site capable of satisfying the anticipated recreational needs of
the community”.
The Vail Plan’s vision for the Antholz Ranch was to create a “major community park-
cultural center.” A wide range of potential uses for the park were identified:
• a place for showing and creating art, crafts, etc.,
• an indoor theater and 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,
• a possible location for an ecologium (nature center), and
• a grammar school.
As a balance to this extensive program of uses and facilities for the Park, the Vail Plan
contemplated the preservation of the Gore Creek corridor as a passive, “quiet place” to
enjoy the natural beauty of the site.
The plan called for 200 surface parking spaces to meet the daily parking needs of the
park. Parking for major events was planned to be provided in the Vail Transportation
Center with town transit and various trails and bikeways providing alternative means to
access the Park. The Vail Plan also depicted a potential road connection at the east end
of the park that would link the Frontage Road with Vail Valley Drive.
While the Vail Plan did not include a detailed design plan for the Park, the conceptual
site plan below provided a vision for how the Park could be developed. A number of
existing park improvements reflect some of the basic concepts from the 1974 Plan.
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Conceptual Plan for Ford Park, Vail Plan, 1974
Gerald R. Ford Park and Donovan Park Master Plan, 1985
In August of 1985 the Gerald R. Ford Park and Donovan Park Master Plan
Development Final Report was adopted by the Town Council (a copy of this plan and
Resolution No. 19, Series of 1985 is found in the 2013 Ford Park Master Plan
Supplemental Appendix).
When the 1985 planning process was initiated, improvements in the Park were limited
to athletic fields, tennis courts and parking. A foundation for an amphitheater was in
place but this project was not yet completed. At that time the very eastern end of the
Park along the Frontage Road was utilized as a snow-dump.
The purpose of the 1985 plan was to prepare a more detailed plan for the future
development of the park and to establish guidelines for the implementation of park
improvements. The master planning process included a Recreation Needs Analysis
Survey and extensive community input via workshops and community meetings. The
outcome of these efforts was an indication of the type and extent of improvements the
community wanted to see in the Park. Alternative site plans were considered and a
final, preferred plan was selected. This final plan included a swimming pool complex,
“neighborhood park improvements” (on the Lower Bench), a pond/skating rink (on the
Lower Bench), and the realignment of the eastern softball field. Development of the
neighborhood park improvements on the lower bench were completed in 1988 and
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included restrooms, playground area, open turf area, picnic facilities, and the west
access road.
The first major structure to be constructed in the Park, the Gerald R. Ford Amphitheater,
was completed in July of 1987 and shortly thereafter a Parking and Transit Study for the
Amphitheater was completed. This study made five recommendations:
1. the Village Structure should be considered the major parking facility for Ford
Park (with improvements to the signs, sidewalks, and bus service being
necessary);
2. extend shuttle bus service to the soccer field;
3. disallow Frontage Road parking;
4. construct a vehicle turn-around and passenger unloading area at Ford Park;
and
5. do not schedule concurrent events in the Park.
These recommendations validated many of the recommendations for parking and transit
outlined in the 1974 Vail Plan.
Ford Park Master Plan, 1985
The 1985 Plan identified a location for an alpine garden and in 1989 the first phase of
the Betty Ford Alpine Garden was completed. Since that time a number of expansions
to the gardens have been completed, including the Perennial Garden, the Meditation
Garden, and the Alpine Rock Garden.
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Following approval of the 1985 Master Plan the following steps were taken regarding
the planning of Ford Park:
Resolution No. 27, Series of 1987, was passed on November 3, 1987. This
resolution 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 to be restricted and certain policies and procedures for preservation and
maintenance of the grounds and facilities were established by the resolution. (a
copy of resolution No. 27, Series of 1987, is included in the 2013 Ford Park
Master Plan Supplemental Appendix.
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
2013 Ford Park Master Plan Supplemental Appendix. Phase one of the
amendment was to allow the construction of four additional tennis courts. Phase
two of the amendment changed the proposed location of an 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 in 1990, addresses Ford Park as a specific
study area. This plan acknowledged the use of the Park to accommodate
overflow skier and local parking needs. It recommended that 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 (an element of the Vail Village Master
Plan), identified the western portion of the upper bench for potential parking
beneath the Park, and called for separated bike/pedestrian ways along the South
Frontage Road and Vail Valley Drive.
The Vail Transportation Master Plan, completed in 1993, states that the existing
Ford Park Parking area (at the east end of the Park) should be considered for a
possible 2-level parking facility with the second level below existing grade. Ford
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Park and the athletic field parking area are also listed as two possible sites for
over-sized vehicles if the lot east of the Lionshead Structure becomes developed.
Ford Park Management Plan, 1997
The planning process that resulted in the 1997 Ford Park Management Plan process
was initiated in June of 1995 in response to several development proposals which had
been formally and informally discussed for the Park. These development proposals
included an Educational Center for the Betty Ford Alpine Garden, a cultural/performing
arts center, expansion of the tennis facility, athletic field fencing, and a community
parking structure. This planning process was also seen as a means for addressing park
management issues such as parking deficiencies, Frontage Road access, pedestrian
access and circulation, access for the elderly and mobility impaired, utilization of the
lower bench, conflicts between uses within the Park, conflicts with adjacent property
owners, and the delineation of financial responsibilities.
At the time the project was authorized the Town Council expressed concern that a new
master plan for Ford Park could 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, with the goal of
limiting development and protecting the character of the Park.
Park leaseholders, two neighborhood representatives and town staff served as the
Stakeholder Group for the planning process and a third party facilitator was retained to
coordinate this effort. The Stakeholder Group developed alternative design solutions
addressing parking, vehicular access, Frontage Road improvements, additional sports
facilities and management policies. These plans were presented to the public in an
open house at the Gerald R. Ford Amphitheater in June of 1996.
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 within the Stakeholders Group, prompted the Town Council to revise the
process to include more community involvement. Three Focus Group meetings and
public input sessions were held throughout the fall of 1996.
The results of the focus groups and public input sessions and a preliminary master plan
framework were presented to the Planning and Environmental Commission and the
Town Council in late 1996. The PEC and Town Council directed staff to proceed with
drafting the management plan as an amendment to the 1985 Ford Park Master Plan
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based on the input received and presented. The management plan was adopted in April
of 1997. Major elements of the plan were six goal statements along with objectives,
policies and actions steps intended to define the future direction for the Park. The 1997
Plan also included an Illustrative Plan that identified a number of future improvements.
Foremost among these was identifying a site next to the Soccer Field parking lot for an
Educational Center for the Betty Ford Alpine Garden.
Following approval of the 1997 Management Plan the following related actions were
taken regarding the planning of Ford Park:
Goal #4 of the Vail Village Plan Master Plan (as amended in 1998) addressed
the preservation of “existing open space areas and expansion of green space
opportunities.” An action step associated with this goal is to “explore the
feasibility of expanding Ford Park to the west to Vail Valley Drive and/or Slifer
Plaza along the Gore Creek stream tract to provide improved pedestrian and
handicapped access to the Park.”
The 2009 Vail Transportation Master Plan identified a wide range of roadway
improvements designed to accommodate traffic levels anticipated to meet 2025
demands. One of these improvements contemplates a roundabout at the west
end of Ford Park to “serve as a means of “u-turning” (eastbound to westbound)
and to potentially serve a future parking structure.”
2012 Management Plan Update
In 2012 the 1997 Ford Park Management Plan was updated to reflect numerous
improvements proposed for the Park. Plans to improve the Park were initiated when
Vail voters approved re-allocating a portion of the +/-$9,000,000 Convention Center
Funds to Ford Park. The other stakeholders in the Park also participated in the funding
of these improvements.
The 2012 Update maintained the general direction for the Park as established by the
1997 Management Plan. With only a few exceptions, the 2012 Update suggested no
significant changes to the uses, facilities and activities that currently take place in the
Park. One exception was the 2012 Update included the development of an Education
Center for the Betty Ford Alpine Garden along Gore Creek adjacent to the main entry to
the Gardens. All of the existing major uses in the Park – athletic fields, passive
recreation, the Gerald R. Ford Amphitheater, the Alpine Gardens and Tennis Center
were to remain in place. The Update did not change any of the six major goal
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statements (or related objectives, policy statements and action steps) in the 1997
Management Plan.
2012 Ford Park Management Plan Update
The most significant changes in the 2012 Update are found in the Illustrative Plan
chapter of the Plan. The Illustrative Plan provided conceptual site plan diagrams and
narrative explanations of improvements suggested for the Park. Many of these
improvements were first identified in the 1997 Plan, others evolved out of discussions
with the Town Council, stakeholders and the community during the winter of 2012.
Many of these improvements were initiated in 2012 and 2013. Foremost among them
were the major re-modeling of the Gerald R. Ford Amphitheater, re-construction of East
Betty Ford Way, improvements to the parking and transit area, expansion and re-
configuration of the athletic fields and new concession and storage buildings associated
with the fields.
A copy of the 2012 Management Plan Update is found in the 2013 Ford Park Master
Plan Supplemental Appendix
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Time Line of Ford Park Activities:
April 1973 Condemnation of Anholtz Ranch, Ordinance 6, 1973
August 1973 Completion of Vail Plan
January 1977 Anholtz Ranch named Gerald R. Ford Park, Resolution 1, 1977
August 1985 Completion of Ford/Donovan Park Master Plan,
July 1987 Amphitheater construction completed
August 1987 Alpine Demonstration Garden completed
November 1987 Preservation of Nature Center, Resolution 27, 1987
December 1987 Vail Valley Foundation lease signed
November 1988 Lower Bench improvements completed
December 1988 Ford Park Master Plan 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 completed
January 1990 Completion of Vail Village Master Plan
February 1990 Aquatic Center rejected by voters in special election
April 1990 Council petitioned to delete Aquatic Center from Master Plan
May 1990 Tennis Center construction completed
June 1991 Alpine Meditation Garden completed
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
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
May 2012 Completion of 2012 Update to Ford Park Management Plan
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Chapter 4 - GOALS, OBJECTIVES, POLICIES AND ACTION STEPS
This plan includes six statements that convey the community’s goals for Ford Park.
These goal statements provide broad direction on the preservation of the Park, how the
Park should be used, vehicles, pedestrian circulation, coordination between park users
and financial considerations relative to operations and capital improvements. Each goal
statement includes a series of objectives, policies and action steps. Collectively these
statements reflect input from the Town Council, the community and leaseholders during
the 2013 master plan update process. These statements will be used to provide
guidance in decision-making on the management and use of the Park.
The goals, objectives and policies of this Plan will be considered during the review
process for any new development, changes or improvements proposed for the Park.
Only those proposals deemed to be in compliance with these statements (and other
applicable elements of this Plan) will gain approvals. Project proposals deemed to not
comply with these statements and other applicable elements of this Plan will be denied.
This chapter includes thirty-six action steps. In some cases action steps involve a
single, defined task intended to implement an objective or policy statement. An
example of this would be initiating refinements to the park design guidelines specific to
Ford Park. Other action steps involve on-going tasks. An example would be the
coordination and management of events in the Park. The Community Development
Department, with participation from the Public Works Department, will prioritize action
steps and present recommendations annually to the Planning and Environmental
Commission regarding that year’s work program for implementing action steps. The
Planning and Environmental Commission will provide a recommendation that will be
forwarded to the Town Council who will make final decisions on the work program.
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Goal #1:
Protect the natural environment along the Gore Creek corridor and ensure that
any new use or building within the Park does not adversely affect the character
and quality of the Park or the overall experience of park users.
Objective 1.1: Limit uses and future development to that which is consistent with these
goals, objectives and policies and is consistent with the Ford Park Sub-Areas and
Illustrative Plan.
Policy Statement 1: Maintain the variety of uses and facilities currently located
within the Park.
Policy Statement 2: Proposals for new (or changes to existing) facilities or uses
that would displace existing public uses will not be permitted unless there is
either a compelling public interest or adequate alternative facilities can be
provided.
Objective 1.1 Action Steps:
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. The following uses that
are allowed and prohibited for Ford Park shall take precedence over
Section 12-9C-2 of the Vail Town Code concerning the General Use Zone
District:
Allowed Uses
Park and greenbelt
Bicycle and hiking trails
Children’s playground
Active recreation
Passive recreation
Outdoor amphitheater
Botanical gardens
Environmental, educational, and historical centers
Picnic areas
Recreation and athletic facilities
Public utility easements
Parking (surface parking/structured parking)
Administrative offices for the operation of uses occurring within the Park
Public Art Display
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Concerts and Special Events Venues
Prohibited uses
Ski lift and related facilities
Civic center, convention/conference center, public schools, gymnasium,
and assembly hall
Equestrian trails
Type III and IV employee housing
Action Step 1.1.2: Review legal descriptions of existing lease areas for the
Vail Recreation District, the Vail Valley Foundation and the Betty Ford
Alpine Garden and modify, as deemed necessary, so legal descriptions
correspond with existing and proposed improvements and uses.
Objective 1.2: Maintain all facilities and uses in the Park at a high level of quality and
establish appropriate review procedures, review criteria and design standards for
evaluating any new development proposals or other proposed changes to Park are
clearly established.
Policy Statement 1: Any proposed development or change to Park facilities or
uses shall conform to the 2013 Ford Park Master Plan, including but not limited
to:
• Goals, Objectives and Policy Statements,
• Sub-Area Plans, and
• Illustrative Plan.
Policy Statement 2: Any new development or change to existing Park facilities
shall be reviewed for compliance with Section 12-11-6 Park Design Guidelines of
the Town of Vail Municipal Code, as well as other applicable Town regulations.
Policy Statement 3: Any proposed development or change to Park facilities or
uses shall provide a needed environmental, recreational, educational, cultural or
social benefit to the community.
Policy Statement 4: Maintain and operate existing facilities, uses and functions
within the Park at a high standard of quality reflective of the Vail Brand.
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Objective 1.2 Action Steps:
Action Step 1.2.1: With participation of all Park stakeholders, Town staff to
prepare standards which outlines expectations regarding the appearance,
maintenance, and operation of facilities within the Park.
Action Step 1.2.2: Evaluate the park design guidelines in Section 11-12-6
of the Vail Town Code and modify as necessary to address design
considerations specific to Ford Park.
Objective 1.3: Preserve and protect the environmentally sensitive areas along the Gore
Creek Corridor.
Policy Statement 1: Uses and improvements within the Gore Creek Corridor
shall be limited to only those prescribed in the Gore Creek Preservation Sub-
area.
Policy Statement 2: No new buildings should be permitted within the Gore
Creek Preservation Sub-area.
Policy Statement 3: Any new improvements within the Gore Creek Corridor
shall respect the 100-year floodplain and minimize impacts to wetland or riparian
habitats.
Objective 1.3 Action Steps:
Action Step 1.3.1: Evaluate the merits of strengthening preservation
controls within the Gore Creek Preservation Sub-area via a conservation
easement or the Natural Area Preservation Zone District “Open Space”
designation.
Action Step 1.3.2: Inventory existing conditions of the creek bank and
vegetation within the Gore Creek corridor, initiate programs to stabilize or
restore these areas as may be necessary.
Objective 1.4: Utilize Ford Park as a showcase for environmental sensitivity and
sustainability.
Policy Statement 1: Encourage all lease holders and events at the Park to
implement comprehensive recycling programs.
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Policy Statement 2: Sustainable design and environmentally “friendly” materials
and construction methods be utilized on all new development within the Park.
Policy Statement 3: Maintain, protect and enhance the environmental character
of natural open space areas.
Policy Statement 4: New improvements within the Park and the ongoing
management of the Park should be done using sound environmentally sensitive
practices.
Objective 1.5: Limit the number and scale of buildings and structures within the Park to
no more than necessary to meet the needs of park operations and to provide
appropriate services and facilities to park users.
Policy Statement 1: As an alternative to new buildings, encourage shared or
joint-use buildings and/or facilities among Park lease-holders.
Policy Statement 2: The design of new buildings or structures shall be
integrated with the land with a subtle, understated, low-profile in appearance so
as to not dominate the Park’s landscape; “iconic” architecture or building designs
that may be visually distracting are not appropriate.
Policy Statement 3: Park stakeholders may have administrative office space
within the Park, provided that such space is limited in size to no more than what
is necessary only for the management and operation of facilities and uses
located within the Park.
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Goal #2:
Provide open space, facilities, and programs within Ford Park to meet the passive
and active recreational, educational, social and cultural needs of residents and
guests of Vail.
Objective 2.1: Provide open space areas within the Park for the passive enjoyment of
nature and to reinforce the Park’s connection to the natural environment.
Policy Statement 1: Maintain the Gore Creek Preservation Sub-area for the
“quiet enjoyment of nature”, and limit uses and activities within this area.
Policy Statement 2: The primary use of the open turf area within the Lower
Commons Sub-Area should be to provide a place for un-programed and informal
passive recreation. The use of this area for special events should be limited in
frequency and scope in order to minimize impacts on the primary use of this
area.
Objective 2.1 Action Steps:
Action Step 2.1.1: Establish management and operational policies for
special events within the open turf area of the Lower Commons Sub-area.
Action Step 2.1.2: Identify key viewsheds from strategic locations within
the Park and as may be necessary, establish designated view corridors to
ensure the protection of these viewsheds.
Objective 2.2: Utilize Ford Park to meet the community’s needs for active recreation
and formal team sport activities.
Policy Statement 1: The Active Recreation and Soccer Field Sub-Areas shall be
managed first and foremost to provide facilities for active recreation and team
sports.
Policy Statement 2: Landscape berms and buffers around active recreation
areas should be maintained and enhanced to mitigate potential impacts of noise
and activity on other sub-areas of the Park.
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Objective 2.3: Maintain, and enhance where appropriate, the role of the Park in
providing facilities for the enjoyment and exploration of the arts, music, dance,
education and other cultural pursuits.
Policy Statement 1: Maintain the Ford Amphitheater as the primary summer-
time performing arts facility in the Town of Vail.
Policy Statement 2: Support Art in Public Places in their efforts to continue
public art programs (i.e. interactive events, projects, art installations, educational
activities, etc.) within the Creekside area of the Lower Commons Sub-area (and
other areas of the Park as may be deemed appropriate).
Policy Statement 3: Support the educational programs provided at the Nature
Center and the programs provided by the Betty Ford Alpine Garden.
Objective 2.3 Action Steps:
Action Step 2.3.1: Work with the Vail Valley Foundation on their efforts to
create a new “public plaza” at the entry to the Gerald R. Ford
Amphitheater.
Action Step 2.3.2: Work with the Betty Ford Alpine Garden Foundation on
their proposal to create an educational and visitor center within the Park.
Action Step 2.3.3: Promote and support the use of the Nature Center and
surrounding area as a center for environmental education programs.
Action Step 2.3.4: In conjunction with the Vail Valley Foundation, evaluate
the feasibility of winterizing the Amphitheater to allow for use of the venue
during winter months.
Objective 2.4: Enhance the use of the Historic School House and preserve the historic
integrity of the building.
Policy Statement 1: Maintain public access to the School House and continue
the utilization of the building in accordance with the terms of the lease with the
Betty Ford Alpine Gardens.
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Objective 2.4 Action Steps:
Action Step 2.4.1: Evaluate alternative uses for the School House that
will maintain public access and potentially involve the display of historic
photos and artifacts or other activities in keeping with the historic nature of
the building.
Action Step 2.4.2: Complete an architectural assessment of the School
House and establish a plan to protect and enhance the historic character
of the building.
Objective 2.5: Enhance and restore the Nature Center building and the landscape
surrounding the building.
Policy Statement 1: Limit vehicular access to only those vehicles necessary for
the operation of the building and educational programs.
Policy Statement 2: Uses proximate to the Nature Center should be limited and
shall be consistent with the Gore Creek Preservation Sub-Area.
Policy Statement 3: Restore the architectural integrity of the Nature Center
building.
Objective 2.5 Action Steps:
Action Step 2.5.1: Work with the Vail Recreation District to implement
measures for controlling vehicular access to the Nature Center building.
Action Step 2.5.2: Complete an architectural inventory of the Nature
Center building to define steps that could be taken to restore the historic
character of the building.
Action Step 2.5.3: Reduce the parking areas around the Nature Center
building by reclaiming these areas to a natural landscape condition.
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Goal #3:
Reduce vehicular intrusions into the interior of the Park and minimize to the
greatest extent feasible the impact of vehicular activity on users of the Park,
particularly on the passive use areas of the Lower Bench and along pedestrian
walkways.
Objective 3.1: Reduce the presence and frequency of vehicular trips into the Lower
Bench (the Lower Commons, Gardens, Amphitheater and the Gore Creek Preservation
Sub-Areas) of the Park.
Policy Statement 1: Proposals for any new facility or use or the expansion of
any existing facility or use in the Lower Bench shall not generate an unnecessary
or appreciable increase in vehicular activity in the Lower Bench area of the Park.
Policy Statement 2: Uses in the Lower Bench shall operate in a manner that
limits vehicular traffic to the greatest extent possible. Vehicular access to the
Lower Bench of the Park should be limited to: maintenance; delivery of goods or
materials too large or too heavy to be carried by non-motorized means; access
for people with limited mobility; special transportation; and emergency services.
Policy Statement 3: Require all delivery vehicles to utilize East Betty Ford Way
to enter and exit the Lower Bench. Due to difficulties in maneuvering, large
trucks (semi’s) shall access the Lower Bench via East Betty Ford Way and may
exit via West Betty Ford Way.
Policy Statement 4: Passenger vehicle access to the Alpine Gardens, the
Amphitheater, AIPP programs or other uses in the Lower Bench shall not be
permitted other than vehicles used to provide access for people with limited
mobility or to deliver goods or materials too heavy to be carried by non-motorized
means.
Objective 3.1 Action Steps:
Action Step 3.1.1: Establish a system (i.e. signage, control gates,
electronic controls) for managing truck movements proximate to the
Amphitheater loading dock and for coordinating truck use of East Betty
Ford Way.
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Action Step 3.1.2: Coordinate delivery schedules to reduce the frequency
of delivery and service vehicles into the Lower Bench during peak use
time periods.
Action Step 3.1.3: Require stakeholders to utilize on-site storage facilities
to reduce and control the frequency of delivery and service vehicles into
the Park.
Action Step 3.1.4: Improve traffic gate operations and restrictions on both
the east and west ends of Betty Ford Way to eliminate unnecessary and
unauthorized vehicular intrusions into the Park. Consider closing the
western access point of Betty Ford Way to all vehicles except trucks too
large to utilize East Betty Ford Way (for exiting the Park).
Objective 3.2: Utilize the Parking/Transit Sub-area as the primary means for satisfying
the Park’s parking and transit needs.
Policy Statement 1: All stakeholders are required to adhere to the Parking and
Transit Management Plan.
Policy Statement 2: There shall be a “no-net loss” of the +/-200 parking spaces
within the Parking/Transit Sub-Area and the +/-65 spaces at the Soccer Field
Sub-area. Any net loss of parking spaces shall only be considered when off-set
by a demonstrated improvement or enhancement of public transit use or
alternate means of transportation to the Park.
Policy Statement 3: Provide parking for daily park-use within the Parking/Transit
Sub-Area and utilize the Vail Village Parking Structure to satisfy peak parking
demands of the Park.
Policy Statement 4: Maintain a central trash/dumpster facility within the
Parking/Transit Sub-area and mandate all Park leaseholders use the central
facility.
Objective 3.2 Action Steps:
Action Step 3.2.1: Town Staff, with coordination from Park stakeholders,
shall prepare a Parking and Transit Management Plan, to include, but not
be limited to the use and access of parking lots, fee structures, transit
operations, etc.
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Action Step 3.2.2: As demand warrants, continue operation of the In-Town
bus route beyond Golden Peak to provide service along Vail Valley Drive.
Action Step 3.2.3: Implement an improved wayfinding sign program
directing pedestrians from the Village Parking Structure and Slifer Square
in Vail Village.
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Goal #4:
Provide a safe, enjoyable and efficient pedestrian circulation system within Ford
Park and between Ford Park and Vail Village.
Objective 4.1: Provide clear and effective directional and informational signs to and
within Ford Park.
Objective 4.1 Action Steps:
Action Step 4.1.1: Develop a comprehensive sign plan to direct Ford Park visitors
from Vail Village and from each level of the Village Parking Structure to
destinations within Ford Park.
Objective 4.2: Encourage and promote park users to access the Park via pedestrian
routes from Vail Village and the Vail Transportation Center.
Policy Statement 1: The five existing pedestrian access points to the Park from
Vail Village and Golden Peak should be maintained and enhanced to maximize
their effectiveness in providing access to the Park.
Policy Statement 1: Encourage leaseholders in Ford Park to utilize their
marketing efforts to promote walking, biking and the use of Town buses as an
alternative to driving to the Park.
Objective 4.2 Action Steps:
Action Step 4.2.1: Implement enhancements to the Gore Creek Trail that
will improve safety, grading, surfacing, and lighting.
Action Step 4.2.2: Evaluate opportunities for additional seating areas,
public art and other features to enhance the walking experience along the
Vail Village Connector (within the Gore Creek Sub-area) and where
appropriate provide rest/sitting areas along all pedestrian routes to the
Park.
Action Step 4.2.3: Establish gateways or portals (signage, monuments,
landscape elements, etc.) at the main entries to the Park (Frontage Road,
Gore Creek Trail, Manor Vail, Slifer Plaza, Vail Valley Drive and the
Parking/Transit Sub-area).
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Objective 4.3: Improve internal pedestrian circulation within Ford Park.
Policy Statement 1: New developments or other improvements in the Park shall
not diminish the quality of the pedestrian circulation system and when
appropriate shall include provisions to improve pedestrian circulation.
Policy Statement 2: Existing ADA routes should be enhanced and where
feasible new ADA access within the Park should be established.
Objective 4.3 Action Steps:
Action Step 4.3.1: Upgrade the portion of Betty Ford Way within the Lower
Commons Sub-area to create a high quality pedestrian corridor with
improved surface materials, lighting, seating and landscaping.
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Goal #5:
Maintain compatible relationships between all venues and all uses within Ford
Park.
Objective 5.1: Manage the carrying capacity of the Park by scheduling events to
prevent overlapping or simultaneous events that exceed the availability of community
parking or other park infrastructure.
Policy Statement 1: The Town of Vail through its designee shall coordinate with
leaseholders an annual schedule for events and uses at all Ford Park venues.
Policy Statement 2: No one event or type of use will be allowed to dominate the
usage of the Park.
Policy Statement 3: 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 use of the
Park shall rest with the Town of Vail.
Policy Statement 4: The day-to-day management and coordination of activities
in the Park will be assigned to the Town of Vail. The Town of Vail, through its
designee, will coordinate as necessary with representation from the Vail Valley
Foundation, the Betty Ford Alpine Garden and the Vail Recreation District.
Objective 5.1 Action Steps:
Action Step 5.1.1: Expand the master schedule kept by the Town Clerk to
include all venues within the Park.
Action Step 5.1.2: Hold preseason event/activity coordination meetings
with all affected stakeholders.
Action Step 5.1.3: Hold semiannual (or as deemed necessary)
coordination and input meetings with the Town of Vail, leaseholder
representatives, and neighborhood and adjacent property owner
representatives.
Objective 5.2: Provide sufficient separation, berms and landscape buffers between
facilities and uses.
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Policy Statement 1: The adequacy of berms and landscape buffers between
different facilities and uses shall be considered when evaluating proposed
changes to the Park. The type and extent of buffers to be provided shall be
determined based on the nature of the use, the site design of the proposed
facilities or uses, and the design parameters outlined in the Ford Park Sub-Areas
and the Illustrative Plan.
Policy Statement 2: Maintain and where necessary improve existing berms and
landscaping between facilities and uses.
Objective 5.2 Action Steps:
Action Step 5.2.1: Enhance existing landscape buffers between tennis
courts adjacent to the Active Recreation Sub-area and the Parking/Transit
Sub-area and evaluate the need to enhance landscape buffers between
other uses throughout the Park.
Objective 5.3: To foster a spirit of cooperation between all leaseholders within the Park
regarding their use of the Park and how to collectively use and manage the Park for the
benefit of all.
Policy Statement 1: Encourage the shared use of buildings and facilities.
Policy Statement 2: Decisions regarding proposals for new buildings or
improvements are to be made in the best interest of the Park and the Vail
community, not just in the interest of the leaseholder.
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Goal #6:
Delineate financial responsibilities among Ford Park leaseholders and the Town
of Vail for both on-going maintenance/operation and capital improvements.
Objective 6.1: Equitably share the costs of park management and operations with Park
lease-holders.
Policy Statement 1: All Ford Park leaseholders shall participate in cost sharing
with the Town of Vail for common operating costs at a level proportionate to the
leaseholders benefit from or relationship to said operation or management cost.
(or as may be outlined in current lease or license agreement). Management and
operations cost may include but are not limited to, electrical for pedestrian path
and parking lot lighting, trash removal, and parking lot and pedestrian path
maintenance costs.
Objective 6.1 Action Steps:
Action Step 6.1.1: Town staff to complete an inventory of existing park
operations and associated costs, and in conjunction with park
leaseholders, quantify the level of benefit realized by each leaseholder
from such operations.
Action Step 6.1.2: Research current lease, license and use agreements to
determine existing financial responsibilities of each lease holder.
Action Step 6.1.3: With input from the Town Council, work with
leaseholders to modify existing leases to correct any inequities in utility
billing procedures and distribution systems, current utility use, and cost
sharing relationships.
Objective 6.2: Establish equitable cost sharing agreements for Park capital
improvement costs.
Policy Statement 1: Ford Park leaseholders desiring to make capital
improvements within their respective lease areas shall be required to provide
funding for those improvements and for any modifications outside of the lease
area necessitated by such improvements.
Policy Statement 2: Services, functions, and programs provided by Ford Park
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leaseholders bring visitors to the community who generate sales tax revenues
which in turn contribute to the General Fund. Residents of the community which
participate in those programs contribute to the Real Estate Transfer Tax 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.
Objective 6.2 Action Steps:
Action Step 6.2.1: Create and maintain 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.
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Chapter 5 - FORD PARK SUB-AREAS
The topography of the old Anholtz Ranch is typical of a western Colorado riverfront
ranch – a broad expanse of flat land adjacent to the river corridor and an upper terrace
elevated above the river. In the early years of Ford Park these two distinct areas came
to be referred to as the Upper Bench and Lower Bench.
“The basic structure of Ford Park is comprised of two broad terraces, or benches as
locally referred to, which step down the north side of the Gore Creek and is typical of
mountain, valley and stream physiography.”
1985 Ford Park Master Plan
Ford Park topography/1985
Early plans for Ford Park (the Vail Plan) anticipated recreation-oriented uses (and a
number of buildings) on the Upper Bench with passive open space areas and an
amphitheater on the Lower Bench. Initial development of the Park included athletic
fields, tennis courts and parking facilities on the Upper Bench. Decisions on locating
these uses on the Upper Bench were made based on the terrain (availability of flat land)
and accessibility to the Frontage Road. Passive open space and the development of an
amphitheater were initiated on the Lower Bench. These plans and the early
development of the Park reinforced this Upper Bench/Lower Bench distinction. Over
time the Upper Bench came to be regarded as recreation-oriented while the Lower
Bench was regarded as being more oriented to cultural uses and passive open space.
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The characterization of athletic use on the Upper Bench and passive and cultural uses
on the Lower Bench remains valid today, and the terms Upper Bench and Lower Bench
provide a good, albeit generalized description of the Park. However, to discuss the
future of Ford Park in terms of just the Upper and Lower Bench does not acknowledge
the many subtleties and distinctions throughout the Park that need to be considered in
this master planning process. It is for this reason that sub-areas are used to more
clearly articulate the goals and objectives for specific areas of the Park. Sub-areas are
intended to provide a forum for defining the unique areas of the Park, where
improvements or changes may be acceptable and where improvements and changes
may not be acceptable.
The seven sub-areas described below were defined based primarily on the existing
uses and site characteristics within the Park. In some cases, sub-areas define one
single use. Examples of these include the Amphitheater and Alpine Gardens Sub-areas.
In other cases sub-areas include a number of related uses. Examples of these are the
Gore Creek Preservation and Lower Commons Sub-areas. In many cases the
pedestrian corridors that link the sub-areas and facilitate the movement of people
throughout the Park are used as boundaries between sub-areas.
The sub-area boundaries were defined based on a variety of considerations. They
should not be considered hard, inflexible parcel lines. It is reasonable to anticipate that
when considering future improvements for the Park some latitude with the location of a
sub-area boundary may be appropriate. Any consideration to modify a sub-area
boundary shall be made in the context of the goals for the Park and for that particular
sub-area.
The use of sub-areas to better understand how the Park functions and to express how
the Park may change in the future is not an attempt to divide the Park into parts.
Rather, the sub-areas provide an effective means for discussing the unique areas of the
Park in the context of the goals and objectives for the entire Park. With Ford Park the
adage “the whole is greater than the sum of its parts” clearly applies.
The diagram below depicts the seven sub-areas defined for the Park. The narrative that
follows addresses the following considerations for each sub-area:
• Existing uses and facilities,
• The role the sub-area plays in the overall context of the Park,
• The relationship of the sub-area to adjoining sub-areas,
• Improvements or changes that may be appropriate at some point in the future,
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• Any parameters or other limitations relevant to the future uses and activities
within the sub-area, and
• Any other considerations.
Sub-area discussions address the Park at a fairly broad, master planning level. More
specific discussion of potential future improvements that may be appropriate for the
Park is found in the Illustrative Plan Chapter of this Plan.
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Parking/Transit Sub-area
The Parking/Transit Sub-area provides on-site parking for the Park and includes a
transit stop, a passenger car drop-off area and a central trash/storage facility.
Strategically located along the South Frontage Road and on the periphery of other park
facilities and uses, this sub-area plays a vital role in how the Park functions by
separating parking and vehicles from other areas of the Park. The transit facility is a
key component of the Park by facilitating direct bus service to the Town’s parking
structures (which provide parking for peak demand days). This parking/transit concept
had its origins in the original planning of the Park.
“This major community park-cultural center will contain parking for more
than 200 cars and will also be served directly by the Town bus system.
Major parking will be accommodated in the transportation center.”
Vail Plan, 1974
Since the mid-70’s the parking plan for Ford Park has been to provide daily use parking
at the Park with parking for special events provided at the Town’s parking structures.
This parking plan was validated by a parking and transportation study for the
amphitheater completed in 1979. This parking plan remains valid today. Functional
transit facilities along with pleasant, safe pedestrian corridors between the Park and the
Village Parking Structure are key elements to ensure the on-going effectiveness of this
parking plan.
Prior to making improvements to the athletic fields in 2013 (to be completed in 2014) the
Park had approximately 200 on-site parking spaces. The athletic field expansion
displaced approximately 50 parking spaces at the west end of the parking lot. These 50
spaces were re-established by re-designing other portions of the parking lot,
maintaining the approximately 200 on-site parking spaces.
A “no net loss of parking” policy is in effect for the +/-200 on-site parking in this sub-
area. Any proposed reduction to existing on-site parking spaces will only be considered
in conjunction with concurrent improvements to alternative means of transportation to
the Park. An example of this would be reducing the number of parking spaces in order
to improve transit facilities.
The parking lot was designed such that it can continue to be used for concerts and
other special events. The parking lot also serves as a turn-around area used to
manage local traffic when eastbound I-70 is closed. It is anticipated that both of these
uses will continue.
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Future Improvements
With parking lot and transit improvements scheduled to be completed in the fall of 2013
and spring of 2014, it is anticipated that the Parking/Transit Sub-area will adequately
address the needs of the Park for the foreseeable future. Improvements that may be
considered in the future include:
• Design and installation of park entry features at the two pedestrian portals from
the parking lot into the Park.
• Installation of traffic control devices (gates or other means) at the east and west
ends of Betty Ford W ay.
The potential improvements listed above are also described in the Illustrative Plan
section of this Plan.
The idea of constructing structured parking below the existing surface parking lot has
been discussed in the past. This could accomplish two objectives – increase the supply
of on-site parking (parking that could also address other town needs) and allow for
some alternative use on top of the structured parking. On a related note is the idea of
developing parking below the tennis center and re-constructing the tennis center on the
surface of the structure. While structured parking in either of these locations could
create opportunities for new uses on these areas of the Park, costs would be significant.
Based on studies completed in 2009-2010 the Town Council determined structured
parking to not be feasible. If or when this idea is discussed in the future, an initial step
would be to evaluate implications on the goals for the Park and if necessary initiate
amendments to this Plan.
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Active Recreation Sub-area
This sub-area is the focal point of active recreation, team sports, tournaments and other
special events. The location of these uses is consistent with some of the earliest design
direction established for the Park. It is expected that these uses will continue in order to
meet the community’s needs for active recreation facilities.
Significant plantings have created a landscape buffer between these active recreation
uses and other surrounding uses. These buffers should be maintained and continually
enhanced where necessary. Specific attention should be given to enhancing
landscaping between the Frontage Road and the athletic fields. This improvement
would provide a buffer between the Park and the road and also provide shade for
spectators. Noise and other compatibility issues with use of the athletic fields and
adjacent uses will need to continually be managed (refer to Goal 4 in Chapter 4 of this
Plan).
Future Improvements
Improvements to the Active Recreation Sub-area initiated in 2012 (expected to be
completed in 2014) were extensive and included expansion and re-organization of the
athletic fields and construction of a new restroom/storage building and a new
concession/restroom building. It is anticipated that these improvements will address the
active recreation needs of the community for the foreseeable future. Potential
improvements contemplated for this sub-area are:
• Design and installation of park entry features at the west end of the Park along the
Frontage Road and the two pedestrian portals from the parking lot.
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• Ongoing enhancement of the landscape buffer around the perimeter of the Sub-
area.
• The 2009 Town of Vail Transportation Plan contemplates a roundabout at the west
end of Ford Park to “serve as a means of “u-turning” (eastbound to westbound) and
to potentially provide access to a future below grade parking structure. No detailed
design work on this improvement has been done, but conceptually this roundabout
could be located just west of the athletic fields.
The existing Tennis Center is located between the Parking/Transit Sub-area and other
portions of the Park. East Betty Ford Way provides convenient and pleasant pedestrian
access to the Lower Bench of the Park along the southern end of the Tennis Center.
However, the tennis center presents constraints to establishing a convenient and
graceful pedestrian entry between the parking/transit area and the rest of the Park. If or
when the relocation of one or more tennis courts is considered, study should be given to
how improved pedestrian flow and new uses could be established in this area. By way
of example, the removal of the two courts adjacent to the Frontage Road and the
Athletic Field concession building would not only allow for a much improved “arrival
sequence” for pedestrians, but could also provide land for new facilities.
The Tennis Center building has been in existence for over 25 years and the design of
the building is inconsistent with the architectural character of buildings recently
constructed in the Park. If or when this building is to be re-developed, consideration
should be given to a design more consistent with the design objectives for the Park. In
addition to the design of the building, consideration should also be given to the use of
the building and the potential for shared use to accommodate other Park users.
The possibility of locating an education center for the Betty Ford Alpine Gardens within
Ford Park is discussed in the Alpine Garden Sub-area. The preferred location for this
building is along West Betty Ford Way. If the West Betty Ford Way site is subsequently
determined to not be a viable location, the Tennis Center site is a suitable alternative.
The potential site for this building is proximate to or integrated with the Tennis Center
building. Coordination and cooperation from the VRD will be necessary if this site is to
be pursued.
As with the parking lot area, the idea of constructing structured parking below the
athletic fields has been discussed in the past. It is expected that if and when this idea is
pursued that an initial step would be to evaluate implications to the overall goals for the
Park and if necessary initiate amendments to the Ford Park Master Plan.
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Lower Commons Sub-area
The Lower Commons Sub-area plays an important role in the Park by providing
structure, or organization to the overall design of the Park. The area provides a
transition zone between other uses in the Park and Betty Ford Way, which runs through
the sub-area, and provides a delightful arrival experience for pedestrians entering the
Park from the West. The Lower Commons Sub-area also provides some of the Park’s
most important and popular facilities that collectively address a number of goals and
objectives for the Park. Specifically, the Lower Commons Area provides places for
recreational use, public art, the passive use and the quiet enjoyment of the Park. The
sub-area also provides buffers between Park uses, a transition to the Gore Creek
corridor and creates an important sense of openness within the Lower Bench.
This sub-area should continue to be managed to provide the uses and park features
listed above. There are no major changes contemplated to the three distinct, yet related
uses that occur in this sub-area. These three uses are:
Children’s Playground
The playground is an immensely popular area of the Park. This use should continue.
While refinements and/or upgrading of play structures and facilities within the
playground may be made in the future, the basic size or “footprint” of the playground
should remain unchanged. The restrooms at the playground provide facilities for the
entire Lower Bench and there is a need to upgrade these facilities in the near future in
order to meet the demands of park users. No other buildings are contemplated in the
playground area.
Open Turf Area
Aside from natural open space areas along Gore Creek, the open turf area is the only
area of the Park that is not programmed with organized uses and activities. It is
important that this area remains open and available for informal use by patrons of the
Park in the future. The area provides space for picnics, rest, informal games and other
passive recreation use. The turf area also provides an important buffer, or transition
from the more actively developed areas of the Park and the Gore Creek Corridor.
Given this areas adjacency to Betty Ford Way, it is critical to limit vehicles in this area of
the Park in order to prevent conflicts between park users and vehicles.
With the exception of very minor encroachments from landscape improvements,
lighting, seating and other similar features associated with improvements planned for
Betty Ford Way, the open turf area should not be reduced in size and no buildings or
structures should be permitted in this area. In the past the southern end of the open turf
area has been used for events (weddings, parties, etc.) that have involved the
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placement of temporary tents and other features within the turf area. While these
events may continue, the number and extent of such events should be limited and
events that would monopolize the open turf area and prevent its use by other users of
the Park should not be permitted. Any events in the open turf area should be managed
in accordance with Park procedures, specifically to minimize the time temporary
facilities are in place, minimize the number and extent of vehicles necessary to service
the event, etc.
Creekside Area
The Creekside area is a narrow strip of land south of Betty Ford Way and north of Gore
Creek. A few small structures (i.e. the “art shack, an open air picnic shelter) are located
in this area. Arts in Public Places (AIPP) may pursue remodeling or enhancing the art
shack at some point in the future. AIPP has placed permanent art installations in this
area and also runs summer art programs in this part of the Park. Art programs may
include activities such as interactive events, educational and participatory activities, and
temporary art installations. The passive use and the limited number of permanent
improvements within this area make it an excellent transition to the more natural,
undisturbed Gore Creek Preservation Sub-area.
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The use and character of this area should remain unchanged. No new buildings should
be permitted. New art installations may be appropriate, but if pursued, they should be
done in a way that minimizes impacts to other surrounding uses and facilities and is
sensitive to the natural landscape.
Future Improvements
Improvements contemplated for this Sub-area include:
• Upgrading restroom facilities at the children’s playground.
• Further enhance the buffer between the athletic fields and the children’s playground.
• Additional art installations within the Gore Creek Corridor.
• Upgrade to Betty Ford Way to include a slight widening of the walkway, decorative
pavers, seating areas, lighting and other streetscape improvements.
The restroom and Betty Ford Way improvements are described in greater detail in the
Illustrative Plan chapter.
Amphitheater Sub-area
An outdoor amphitheater was contemplated in original plans for Ford Park dating back
to 1974. Completed in 1987, the Gerald R. Ford Amphitheater has evolved into Vail’s
most prominent venue for music, dance and other cultural events. The facility is
managed by the Vail Valley Foundation and is host to approximately 60 events each
summer. The amphitheater is considered one of the community’s most important
cultural assets.
In 2013 the Foundation completed an initial phase of improvements to the amphitheater.
Improvements included re-contouring the lawn seating, new restrooms, expansion of
concession areas, and other improvements. While not a project of the Foundation, the
Town of Vail recently made major improvements (decorative pavers, widening, and
reduction to grade of walkway) to East Betty Ford Way. The Foundation has plans for a
second phase of improvements to the Amphitheater that would create a new “public
plaza” at the entry to the Amphitheater.
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The relationship between the Amphitheater and the neighboring athletic fields will need
to be continually monitored to ensure compatibility between these (and all) park users is
maintained. It is important to protect and enhance areas of existing vegetation in and
around the Amphitheater and where appropriate improve the physical buffers between
these uses. The implementation of noise mitigation at the north end of the amphitheater
to minimizing noise impacts from the athletic fields and Interstate 70 has also been
discussed. The Foundation has completed acoustic studies of the amphitheater and
concluded that mitigating noise impacts from the fields and Interstate 70 would have the
unintended consequence of impacting sound quality within the amphitheater. As such,
noise mitigation is not being pursued.
The Amphitheater is a significant generator of people and also generates a significant
amount of vehicular traffic into the Lower Bench. Vehicular traffic into the Lower Bench
conflicts with a number of goals and objectives for the Park. It is important for the Town
and the Vail Valley Foundation to continue to work together to minimize vehicular traffic
to the Amphitheater. No new uses or expansion of existing uses at the Amphitheater
that would generate appreciably more vehicular traffic into this area of the Park should
be permitted. Managing and limiting vehicle traffic that may result from the proposed
public plaza will be an important consideration in establishing operational standards for
this new facility.
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Future Improvements
Potential improvements contemplated for the Amphitheater Sub-area include:
• Development of a “public plaza” at the entry to the Amphitheater.
• Restoration of the stream bank adjacent to the Amphitheater south of Betty Ford
Way and east of the pedestrian bridge,
• Upgrading of the fence/screening of the utility installation along Gore Creek west of
the pedestrian bridge.
There are a number of important parameters to be considered in the design and
development of the public plaza. These parameters are described in greater detail in
the Illustrative Plan chapter of this Plan.
Alpine Gardens Sub-area
What began with completion of a demonstration garden in 1987 has evolved into a +/-
1.5 acre network of perennials, rock gardens and waterfalls hosting an array of high
alpine plants. The Betty Ford Alpine Gardens (BFAG) provides an important
educational and experiential element of the Park. The gardens and the mission of the
organization are in keeping with one of the original goals for Ford Park to provide
environmental and educational facilities for the community. The Alpine Gardens have
become one of Vail’s most popular summer attractions.
The Alpine Gardens has pursued the development of an “alpine education center” in the
Park for a number of years. The 1997 Ford Park Management Plan identified the
location for this facility to be within the Soccer Field Sub-area. During the 2012 Ford
Park Management Plan Update the BFAG proposed a location adjacent to Gore Creek
for the education building and the 2012 Plan recommended this site for a new building.
The Town Council subsequently reconsidered this recommendation from the 2012
Update, and while expressing support for the BFAG to develop an educational building
within the Park, initiated a new evaluation of site alternatives for the building.
The Town Council’s primary criterion for selecting a site for the educational center
building was that it not be located on the Lower Bench. Seven sites were evaluated,
three of which were determined to be viable sites for the building. The BFAG Building
Site Evaluation Matrix outlines the factors considered in this evaluation. A copy is found
in the Supplemental Appendix.
For a variety of reasons the preferred location for this building was determined to be
adjacent to West Betty Ford Way just west of the Children’s Playground. Located
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directly on the grade transition between the upper and lower bench, the Town Council
determined that this location conforms to their site selection criteria that the building not
be located on the lower bench. The other two sites that were considered viable
alternatives are at the Soccer Field and within the Tennis Center. These sites could still
be considered if following further study it is determined that the Betty Ford Way site is
not viable.
The primary purpose of the building is to provide educational programs for the
community and accordingly the uses within the building are expected to include rooms
for interpretive displays, meeting/class rooms, a greenhouse and a limited amount of
administrative space necessary to support on-site operations of the gardens.
Future Improvements
Potential future improvements within the Alpine Garden Sub-area include:
• Development of an alpine garden educational center.
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• Extension of the gardens along the northeast entry in order to create a buffer
from the adjoining athletic fields and improve pedestrian arrival to the Gardens.
There are a number of important parameters to be considered in the design,
development and operation of the educational center. These parameters are described
in greater detail in the Illustrative Plan chapter of this Plan.
Gore Creek Preservation Sub-area
The Gore Creek Preservation Sub-area includes the entire length of the Gore Creek
Corridor that passes through the Park. The sub-area is more than 21 acres in size and
is generally defined by the park boundary on the south and the 100-year flood plain, the
50-foot Gore Creek setback and/or topographic features on the north. Gore Creek,
associated wetland and riparian habitat and stands of specimen trees are the primary
features of the creek corridor. Existing improvements within this sub-area are limited to
bridges, trails, utility improvements and the Nature Center.
The Gore Creek corridor is the Park’s most significant natural feature and provides the
Park with delightful open space for the quiet enjoyment of nature. The corridor also
provides a critical pedestrian link to Vail Village. The designation of this corridor as a
preservation zone is in direct response to a number of goals and objectives from
previous park planning efforts. The preservation of and enhancement to this area is
also suggested by Goal #1 of this Plan. It is essential that adjacent uses respect the
natural environment of this sub-area and that affective buffers be maintained between
other more intensive uses within the Park.
It is intended that existing uses and improvements within the Gore Creek Preservation
Sub-Area be maintained and in keeping with the goals of preserving this area no new
buildings are to be constructed within the sub-area. Any other new uses or
improvements should be limited to those that will complement the natural character of
the creek corridor and will minimize impacts to this sensitive environment.
Resolution No. 27 of 1987 designated the seven acres around the Nature Center as an
area “to be preserved as an example of the Gore Valley’s natural history.” The
resolution stipulated that “vehicular traffic is to be restricted and certain policies and
procedures for preservation and maintenance of the grounds and facilities” should be
enacted. It is acknowledged that the Nature Center will bring a certain level of activity
to this sub-area. Nature Center activity should be concentrated on the “upland” portions
of the Nature Center in order to minimize impacts to the creek corridor.
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Improvements within the sub-area should be limited to low-impact improvements such
as soft surface walking paths, creek enhancements to improve fish habitat, fishing
access, re-vegetation and creek/stream bank restoration projects. In all cases such
improvements should be designed and constructed in a manner that minimizes
environmental impacts (i.e. avoid wetland habitat and wetland, maintain existing natural
vegetation, use of “best management practices”, etc.). The underlying goal of any new
trail development and/or bridge crossing should be to improve access in order to
enhance awareness of this important natural environment.
Utility improvements should not be located within this sub-area unless no other practical
alternative is available.
The Gore Creek corridor between the main portion of Ford Park and Slifer Square
provides important pedestrian access to and from the Park and Vail Village (and the Vail
Village Parking Structure). This corridor is heavily travelled and provides access to the
Park for many park users. Enhancing the walking experience along the corridor will
ensure its effectiveness as an alternative means of accessing the Park.
Fishing access to Gore Creek, while currently not an issue (i.e. excessive use from foot
traffic resulting in damage to riparian areas and vegetation), 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) was discussed
during the 1997 Planning effort but was rejected as being contradictory to the intended
use of the Nature Center.
An Action Step suggested for this area (refer to Chapter 4 of this Plan) is to evaluate the
benefits of establishing a conservation easement for this area or to apply the “Open
Space” designation via the Natural Area Preservation Zone District. The protection
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afforded by either of these steps would define more permanent limitations on the use of
this area and in doing so establish a degree of permanence in preserving this creek
corridor.
The existing condition of the Nature Center Building and the surrounding area has been
a point of discussion. Potential improvements to the Nature Center are further
discussion in Chapter 6 – Ford Park Illustrative Plan.
Future Improvements
Future improvements contemplated for this Sub-area include:
• Enhancement and restoration of vegetation along the creek corridor, creek bank
stabilization and fishing habitat enhancements.
• Enhancements to the walkway between Vail Village and the Park to include
improvements such as seating, art installations, etc.
• Design and installation of park entry features at the three pedestrian portals to
the Park along the Gore Creek Corridor.
• Initiate steps to improve the physical condition of the Nature Center.
These improvements are discussed in greater detail in the Illustrative Plan chapter.
Soccer Field Sub-area
The Soccer Field Sub-area, while often overlooked as an element of Ford Park,
provides a valuable community asset. The full-sized athletic field serves the soccer and
lacrosse communities, the sand volleyball courts are heavily used and the 65-space
parking lot is used year-around. A cul-de-sac at the east end of the sub-area allows in-
town buses to turn around when providing express service to Ford Park. These uses
should continue as they directly address the broad goals for the Park of “providing the
recreational needs of the community” (1985 Plan) and is consistent with the objective of
locating active recreation areas “away from the meadow and creek” (1985 Plan).
Separated from the rest of Ford Park by Vail Valley Drive and physically removed from
the more developed portions of the Park, the Soccer Field Sub-area does not have
compatibility or relationship issues with surrounding uses or facilities. No major
changes are contemplated to the existing recreational facilities in this sub-area.
While no major improvements are anticipated in the near future, the Soccer Field sub-
area is unique from the rest of the Park. For example, the uses and activities in this
sub-area do not impact other areas of the Park, the sub-area has direct vehicular
access that does not impact other park users, and the sub-area has no direct impact on
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the Gore Creek Corridor. For these reasons this sub-area could be a suitable location
for new park uses or buildings to meet the future needs of the Park. If or when new
uses may be proposed for this sub-area, consideration should be given to applicable
elements of this Plan, how the proposed use could affect surrounding uses, private
covenants and other considerations.
Future Improvements
Potential future improvements within the Soccer Field Sub-Area include:
• Expansion of the existing sand volleyball courts.
• Expansion of landscape buffers.
The possibility of locating an education center for the Betty Ford Alpine Gardens within
Ford Park is discussed in the Alpine Garden Sub-area. The preferred location for this
building is along West Betty Ford Way. If the West Betty Ford Way site is subsequently
determined to not be a viable location, the Soccer Field site has been determined to be
a viable alternative. The potential location for this building is at the northwest corner of
the sub-area. Private covenant issues (with the neighboring Northwoods
Condominiums and with the Vail Village Seventh Filing) will need to be addressed prior
to constructing an education center on the soccer field site.
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Chapter 6 - FORD PARK ILLUSTRATIVE PLAN
The Ford Park Illustrative Plan provides a general description of future improvements
contemplated for Ford Park. The Plan indicates the general location of the
improvements, a summary of the proposed improvements and parameters or criteria to
be considered in the design, development and operation of the improvement. The
design parameters and criteria are of particular importance as they establish specific
expectations for the proposed improvement. Conformance with these parameters and
criteria is a requisite to the Town approving any improvements in the Park.
The 2013 Gerald R. Ford Park Master Plan discusses a wide range of potential
improvements for the Park. The design and development of some improvements are in
progress. Other these improvements are only general ideas and will need further study
and design, an example being the installation of art along the Gore Creek Corridor
connection to Vail Village to enhance the walking experience. Other improvements are
not viable in the near-term but could be viable at some point in the future, examples
being structured parking under the athletic fields or a Frontage Road roundabout at the
west end of the Park.
It is not the intention of this Plan that only those improvements depicted on the
Illustrative Plan may be proposed for the Park. Improvements not depicted on the
Illustrative Plan may be proposed and will be reviewed relative to their conformance
with the goals, objectives and policies for the Park and the applicable Ford Park Sub-
areas. It should also be noted that the improvements being depicted on the Illustrative
Plan does not ensure if or when they will be implemented.
Any improvement proposed for the Park is subject to approval by the Town Council and
further review by the Town’s review boards prior to being implemented. This review
may involve the Planning and Environmental Commission (Conditional Use Permit,
Development Plan review) and the Design Review Board prior to being implemented.
On the following page is the Ford Park Illustrative Plan. This Plan includes numbers
which identify future improvements to the Park. Narrative descriptions of these
improvements follow.
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Improvement #1 – Gore Creek Corridor Restoration
There are a number of areas within the Gore Creek corridor where erosion, over-use or
other factors have disturbed or otherwise adversely impacted existing vegetation. A
restoration program should be implemented to improve vegetation along the creek
corridor. Restoration will improve the visual quality of this area and improve water
quality by preventing erosion. A detailed assessment of the creek corridor is necessary
in order to determine precisely where and to what extent restoration is needed.
Following completion of this assessment, a detailed landscape plan for the restoration
of the corridor should be prepared and implemented.
A parallel effort should be to evaluate the condition of the creek bank in order to identify
the potential need for stream bank stabilization to protect the bank from erosion.
Another opportunity to consider for Gore Creek is how pools or other features could be
created in the creek to improve the quality of fishing or potentially improve the creek for
other uses. A detailed assessment of the creek corridor is necessary in order to
determine precisely where and to what extent these improvements may be feasible.
Following completion of this assessment a detailed improvement plan for the creek
corridor could be prepared.
Refer to Chapter 4, Goal #1, Objective 1.3, Action Step 1.3.2.
Improvements #2 – Gore Creek Village Connector
The Gore Creek corridor between the west end of Ford Park and Slifer Square provides
important pedestrian access to and from the Park and Vail Village (and the Vail Village
Parking Structure). Enhancing the walking experience along this connection will
improve its effectiveness as an alternative means of accessing the Park. The
installation of seating areas, creek overlooks and public art are examples of
improvements that could be made to animate this walkway.
All improvements shall be outside of wetland areas, the 100-year flood plain or other
environmentally sensitive areas. An inventory of the creek corridor to identify such
areas should be completed prior to initiating any improvements.
Refer to Chapter 4, Goal #4, Objective 4.2, Action Step 4.2.2.
Improvement #3 – Entry Monuments at Park’s pedestrian entries
Pedestrians arrive to Ford Park from one of seven existing entries as identified on the
Illustrative Plan. Currently there is inadequate signage or other features identifying
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these locations as entry points to the Park. The goal of this improvement is to formally
identify these portals and announce them as gateways, or arrival points to Ford Park.
Landscape features, signage, bollards, monuments, archways or other design features,
or some combination thereof, could be used to identify these locations. Landscape
enhancements to areas proximate to these entries may also be appropriate. A design
process is necessary to determine design solutions for these improvements. While
specific solutions for these park entry improvements could vary between locations, all
should share a common design vocabulary. It will also be important to locate these
improvements in a way that compliments the adjacent pedestrian corridor and does not
compromise pedestrian circulation.
Refer to Chapter 4, Goal #4, Objective 4.2, Action Step 4.2.3.
Improvement #4 – Betty Ford Alpine Garden Education Center
The education center is envisioned to include multi-use space for year-around
educational programs and other activities, a greenhouse and limited administrative
space. Below are design, development and operational parameters and/or criteria to be
considered in the detailed design of this facility.
• Building and site improvements provide adequate clearances from
existing utility lines and drainage improvements and when necessary
such lines or improvements are relocated to provide adequate
clearances.
• A building of not more than approximately 3,000 square feet that is
low-scale in appearance, does not visually dominate the surrounding
area and does not visually loom over West Betty Ford Way.
• Provide appropriate horizontal separation from West Betty Ford Way in
order to not diminish the quality of this walkway.
• Ability to construct the project in a manner that does not adversely
impact other facilities or uses in the Park.
• A viable access management plan designed to minimize to the
greatest extent feasible the number and frequency of vehicles
accessing the education center. It is acknowledged that a service
vehicle or delivery vehicle may occasionally need to drive to the center.
However, daily or frequent vehicle access by staff or patrons of the
center will not be permitted
• Acceptable emergency vehicle access to the building and identification
of any site improvements necessary to accommodate such access.
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• Identify the anticipated parking demand from the building and how it
will be addressed.
• Adequate storage space to meet the operational needs of the building
and to minimize the need for vehicle trips to the building.
• Coordination with the Vail Recreation District on the need to expand
fencing at the athletic fields to protect the building from errant balls.
• Evaluate the feasibility of providing public restrooms within the center (see
Improvement #7 in Illustrative Plan – Children’s Playground Restrooms)
Refer to Chapter 4, Goal #2, Objective 2.3, Action Step 2.3.2.
The site plan and cross-section are conceptual studies for how a building could be
designed on this site. While provided by the Betty Ford Alpine Garden, these sketches
do not represent a development or design proposal. They are merely depictions of how
the building could be designed and there is no implied approval of the concepts
depicted below.
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Improvement #5 – Nature Center
Over the years a number of additions and modifications have been made to the nature
center building. Many of these changes have altered the historic character of this
building. An assessment of the building should be completed in order to understand
steps that could be taken to restore the architectural integrity of this building and the
surrounding area.
A current deficiency of the Nature Center is the lack of restroom facilities. If the building
is to be renovated consideration should be given to how restrooms could be
incorporated into the building. Other improvements to the Nature Center include, re-
claiming the informal parking areas proximate to the building and taking steps to limit
vehicular access to the site. These site improvements would most efficiently be
designed in conjunction with the evaluation of the building.
Refer to Chapter 4, Goal #2, Objective 2.5, Action Step 2.5.1-2.4.3.
Improvement #6 – Ford Amphitheater Entry Upgrade/Public Plaza
The Vail Valley Foundation has proposed plans for transforming the existing
Amphitheater entry into a re-designed and re-purposed Public Plaza. The plaza is
intended to provide a more gracious and more functional entry to the amphitheater. The
design intent and objective of this improvement is to create a multi-use outdoor space
that serves as the primary arrival for the Amphitheater as well as a pre-convene and
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post-function space during scheduled events. The Public Plaza would also provide a
venue for smaller gatherings hosted by other park leaseholders and also be open for
public use when not being used for scheduled events.
Other elements of the Public Plaza include a tensile roof covering, a tribute to the Ford
Family, a small stage within the courtyard, a new donor wall, enhancements to the
concession building and ticket windows, and new entry gates to the Amphitheater.
Parameters and criteria to be considered:
• Plaza design should be done to facilitate/not encumber truck turning movements
necessary to provide loading/delivery to the Amphitheater.
• Plaza design should be sensitive to and integrated with immediately adjacent
improvements at the Alpine Gardens.
• Trees removed to accommodate the Public Plaza should be re-located within the
Park and to the extent feasible be relocated proximate to the amphitheater.
• The space should be available for use by the public when not being used for
private functions.
• The space should be available for gatherings that support other Park
stakeholders (TOV, VRD, BFAG and AIPP).
• Any structures/roof elements associated with the public plaza should harmonize
with the Amphitheater, not dominate the surrounding area, and conform to the
Town’s park design guidelines.
• Any fencing that may be required to define the courtyard space or for liquor
license or other purposes should be subtle and visually unobtrusive. Landscape
materials should be used to soften the appearance of the fence.
• A viable management plan for minimizing vehicular access to the social
courtyard (employees, service vehicles, deliveries, etc.), and for servicing
the facility in a manner that minimizes impacts on pedestrian use of Betty
Ford Way.
Refer to Chapter 4, Goal #2, Objective 2.3, Action Step 2.3.1.
Improvement #7 – Children’s Playground Restrooms
The playground restrooms provide facilities for the entire Lower Bench. These facilities
are under-sized and in need of upgrade and expansion to meet current demand. When
designed, the new bathroom building should be one level and be sized no larger than
necessary to meet the needs of park users. The location currently considered for the
new restrooms is west of the existing facility where play apparatus are currently located.
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New play apparatus will be provided with the removal of the existing restroom building.
The building should not encroach on the adjacent open turf area.
The adjoining Alpine Gardens Sub-area identifies a site along West Betty Ford Way and
next to the playground for the development of an alpine garden education center. The
potential to restrooms for playground users within the alpine garden education center
should be evaluated. The goal of this idea is to minimize the number of buildings in the
Park. Coordination between the Town and the Alpine Gardens will be necessary in
order to evaluate the feasibility of this idea.
Improvement #8 – Betty Ford Way
The central portion of Betty Ford Way between the Covered Bridge and the
Amphitheater is envisioned to be a “feature pedestrian corridor”. This pedestrian way
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.
It is anticipated that 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 at
peak use times and to reduce conflicts when Amphitheater/golf cart shuttles share the
path with pedestrians. The path surface will be replaced with finer textured, higher
quality pavements such as colored concrete, stone or concrete pavers. Seating areas
with benches at select locations along the path, landscape enhancements, lighting and
wayfinding may also be incorporated into this design.
Refer to Chapter 4, Goal #5, Objective 4.3, Action Step 4.3.1.
Improvement #9 – Betty Ford Way Traffic Control
While it is acknowledged that the Alpine Gardens, the Amphitheater and other uses in
the Lower Bench require vehicular access, an underlying goal for the Park is to
minimize vehicular traffic in this area. Betty Ford Way provides car and truck access to
this area. As a means for better regulating traffic into the Lower Bench, the installation
of gates, bollards or other improvements will be necessary at either end of Betty Ford
Way. In addition to improvements designed to limit car and truck access to the lower
bench, a system for managing large truck use on East Betty Ford Way should also be
explored. This section of Betty Ford W ay is essentially a one-lane road. The purpose
of this effort is to prevent two trucks from utilizing East Betty Ford Way at the same
time.
Refer to Chapter 4, Goal #3, Objective 3.2, Action Step 3.2.3.
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Improvement #10 – Frontage Road Round-about
The 2009 Vail Transportation Master Plan Update recommends a “future access to Ford
Park” with a roundabout along the Frontage Road at the west end of the Park. This
roundabout would address two things – it could provide access to a future underground
parking garage and it could provide a means of “u-turning” (eastbound to westbound)
vehicles exiting from the Village Parking Structure. The Plan states that this roundabout
would be done “in association with parking additions” at the Park. The Town recently
studied the feasibility of developing a parking structure below the athletic fields and for a
variety of reasons this idea was determined to not be feasible. Development of the
roundabout will likely not be initiated until such time parking beneath the fields is
pursued.
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Chapter 7- PARK MANAGEMENT
Four organizations play a role in the management and operation of Gerald R. Ford
Park. The Town of Vail is the owner of the Park and manages the community park on
the Lower Bench, the stream tract, parking lot areas and pedestrian corridors. In
addition, the Town provides park management and coordination with the Park’s three
leaseholders. The leaseholders manage and operate their respective facilities:
The Vail Recreation District lease includes the Tennis Center, athletic fields and
land that includes the Nature Center. The Tennis Center Building is on land
owned by the Town but was developed and funded by the VRD. VRD offers
environmental education and research opportunities at the Nature Center.
The Vail Valley Foundation manages and maintains the Ford Amphitheater and
immediate surrounding grounds. The amphitheater seats up to 2,500 people and
is scheduled an average of 60 days during the summer months.
The Betty Ford Alpine Gardens manages the Gardens. The Gardens have
developed in four phases that began in 1987.
In its role as the overall park manager, the Town addresses a variety of management
and operational considerations. Often times this requires the involvement of different
town departments and town commissions and boards. Ultimately the Town Council is
asked to review and approve management practices. The Town involves one or more of
the Park leaseholders when addressing these management topics and in some cases
the lease agreements with the Recreation District, Vail Valley Foundation and Alpine
Garden Foundation address these topics. Below is a list of park management topics the
Town is responsible for:
• Parking – Management of parking spaces, allocation of spaces to leaseholders,
rates at times pay-parking is implemented, etc.
• Special events on parking lot, athletic fields and open turf area – coordination
with promoters of events, scheduling, pre and post-event operations, etc.
• Park Calendar – While not responsible for scheduling events within leaseholder
facilities, the Town coordinates (with leaseholders) a comprehensive events
schedule for the Park.
• Transportation – management of transit operations between the Park and the
Vail Transportation Center, including periodic implementation of a Golden Peak
bus route.
11/5/2013
2013 Gerald R. Ford Park Master Plan Page 63
• AIPP projects – The review of art programs and installations in the Park.
• Proposals for new uses, new building or changes to the Park – The review of any
proposed change to the Park will involve the Town Council and may also involve
the Planning and Environmental Commission, the Design Review Board, AIPP
and the Commission on Special Events.
11/5/2013
2013 Gerald R. Ford Park Master Plan Page 64
Chapter 8 - APPENDIX
An extensive number of documents relative to the history of the Park and previous park
planning efforts have been assembled. Due to the volume of this material, these
documents are provided in a separate document, the 2013 Ford Park Master Plan
Supplemental Appendix. Material found in the Supplemental Appendix includes:
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, this resolution designated 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
10. Betty Ford Alpine Gardens – Site Evaluation, Martin and Martin, August 15, 2013
11/5/2013
VAIL TOWN COUNCIL AGENDA MEMO
MEETING DATE: November 5, 2013
ITEM/TOPIC: Recognition of Kerry Donovan and Kevin Foley's services as Town Council
members.
PRESENTER(S): Andy Daly
11/5/2013
VAIL TOWN COUNCIL AGENDA MEMO
MEETING DATE: November 5, 2013
ITEM/TOPIC: Citizen Participation:
11/5/2013
VAIL TOWN COUNCIL AGENDA MEMO
MEETING DATE: November 5, 2013
ITEM/TOPIC: Gerald R. Ford Park Amphitheater Operations Plan
PRESENTER(S): George Ruther, Director of Community Development and Jack Hunn, Hunn
Consulting Group LLC
ACTION REQUESTED OF COUNCIL: Approve, Approve with Modifications, or Deny the
Operations Plan
BACKGROUND: On September 3, 2013, the Vail Town Council heard an appeal of a
Planning & Environmental Commission (PEC) decision denying a request for an amended
conditional use permit for the proposed lobby addition at the amphitheater. The appeal was
filed by the Vail Valley Foundation (VVF). Upon conclusion of the appeals hearing, a majority
of the Town Council voted to overturn the PEC's decision. In overturning the decision, the
Town Council asked that the VVF provide the Town Council with a copy of a proposed
operations plan for the new amphitheater lobby.
The reason for requesting the Operations Plan was to ensure:
*adequate public access to the lobby space when not in use by the VVF,
*the management of the proposed use does not unnecessarily conflict with the other
stakeholders in Ford Park,
*reasonable public access and availability of the restroom facilities proposed in the new
amphitheater addition, and
*the proposed use operated in conjunction with the amphitheater
STAFF RECOMMENDATION: The Community development Department recommends the
Vail Town Council approves the Operations Plan as proposed.
ATTACHMENTS:
Town Council Memorandum
Proposed Operations Plan-Red Line
Proposed Operations Plan-Clean
11/5/2013
1
MEMORANDUM
TO: Vail Town Council
FROM: Community Development Department
DATE: November 5, 2013
SUBJECT: Revised Gerald R. Ford Park Amphitheater Operations Plan
______________________________________________________________________
I. PURPOSE
The purpose of this memorandum is to provide the Vail Town Council with a draft
copy of the revised Operations Plan for the Gerald R. Ford Park Amphitheater
lobby, located at 540 South Frontage Road East, in Vail, Colorado. The Town
Council is being asked to approve, approve with modifications, or deny the
proposed plan.
Does the Vail Town Council approve the revised Operations Plan for the
Gerald R. Ford Park Amphitheater lobby as proposed? If not, what
modifications are required?
A revised copy of the Operations Plan and email correspondence from Jack
Hunn to George Ruther has been included for reference.
II. BACKGROUND
On September 3, 2013, the Vail Town Council heard an appeal of a Planning &
Environmental Commission (PEC) decision denying a request for an amended
conditional use permit for the proposed lobby addition at the amphitheater. The
appeal was filed by the Vail Valley Foundation (VVF). Upon conclusion of the
appeals hearing, a majority of the Town Council voted to overturn the PEC’s
decision. In overturning the decision, the Town Council asked that the VVF
provide the Town Council with a copy of a proposed operations plan for the new
amphitheater lobby.
The reasons for requesting the Operations Plan were to ensure:
• adequate public access to the lobby space when not in use by the VVF,
• the management of the proposed use does not unnecessarily conflict with
the other stakeholders in Ford Park,
• reasonable public access and availability of the restroom facilities
proposed in the new amphitheater addition, and
• the proposed use operated in conjunction with the amphitheater.
On October 15, 2013, the Vail Town Council reviewed the draft Operations Plan
for the Gerald R. Ford Amphitheater lobby. As a result of their review, the Town
Council tabled the item to the November 5th Town Council meeting and asked
11/5/2013
2
that certain changes be made to the Plan and that certain questions be
answered. The revised Operations Plan is the Foundations response to the
changes and questions.
III. STAFF RECOMMENDATION
The Community Development Department recommends the Vail Town Council
approves the revised Operations Plan for the Gerald R. Ford Park Amphitheater
lobby. In doing so, staff recommends the Town Council instructs staff to attach
the Operations Plan as an exhibit to the existing Amphitheater Lease executed
by and between the Town of Vail and the Vail Valley Foundation. The
Operations Plan would thus be enforceable pursuant to the terms of the Lease
rather than through zoning. Enforcement through the Lease is a more effective
way of ensuring compliance is maintained.
______________________________________________________________________
From: Jack Hunn [mailto:jack@hunnconsultinggroup.com]
Sent: Tuesday, October 22, 2013 10:00 PM
To: George Ruther
Cc: Ceil Folz (cfolz@vvf.org); Jennifer Mason
Subject: GRFA - Revised Operations Plan
George,
The purpose of this correspondence is to respond to your email of October 16, 2013, in
which you have posed several questions and are seeking clarification regarding the
GRFA Operations Plan, dated October 8, 2013 as follows:
• Section 1d - The use of the social courtyard for intimate gatherings needs
further clarification.
o Are private functions permitted in the social courtyard? Yes, we would
propose that private functions be permitted, but only at times that do
not otherwise coincide with scheduled events in the Amphitheater.
o What is the fee, if any, for the use of the space? Fees would range from
$800 - $1,200 depending on the nature and purpose of the event. Fees
are intended to cover the cost of VVF staffing of the event as well as
added janitorial costs. The fees derived are intended to allow the
VVF to 'break even' on its cost to host the event and are not intended
as a profit center.
o Is catering permitted in association with functions? Yes catering would be
permitted, however the contract with Myriad, (the GRFA
Concessionaire), requires that they have first right of refusal to
provide food service for events in the GRFA. If the GRFA
Concessionaire was not able to accommodate the request of the event
sponsor, an off-site caterer could be engaged and Myriad would
11/5/2013
3
charge a 20% fee for the use of its facilities and to compensate for
staffing the event in support of the caterer. Please be aware that
Myriad is the only entity that can provide alcoholic beverages on the
Amphitheater premises under the terms of their liquor License.
o Why is the ToV not included as a stakeholder in the Park? Of course the
Town should be included on the list of 'Stakeholders'. We have
revised the Operations Plan document to correct this unintended
oversight. We have also added Bravo to the list of stakeholders. We
suggest that stakeholders be given priority but that others would not
be excluded.
o Are weddings permitted? The Chairman of the Foundation said no
weddings would be held in the social courtyard yet the executive director
said weddings are anticipated. Please clarify the Foundations
intentions. The VVF is not in the business of promoting the
Amphitheater as a wedding venue. However, they are frequently
approached with requests to use the existing facility for
weddings. They expect similar requests to use the new Lobby space if
it is constructed. Weddings could only occur when the facility is not
otherwise in use for scheduled concert events, which limits the
availability of the facility for weddings. Historically, there have been
one to two wedding events each summer in the Amphitheater.
• Section 2c -
o Are partners in the park the same as stakeholders? If not, what is the
difference? Partners and stakeholders are one in the same for
purposes of the Operations Plan. We have amended to plan to reflect
these interchangeable terms.
o Please quantify the number of bookings anticipated annually. While it is
hard to predict the future, the VVF is anticipating perhaps 6 - 12
events in the Lobby each year.
o What factors will be considered when determining requests for the use of
the social courtyard by the stakeholders/partners? In addition to the
facility being available, the VVF would be inclined to consider the
nature and duration of the event without regard to the purpose of the
event.
• Section 5c -
o The Foundation had previously represented that the social courtyard
restrooms would be open for public use at 9:00 am during the summer
operating season. The operations plan states 11:00 am. Please provide an
11/5/2013
4
explanation and justification for the change in hours of operations. It is a
matter of staffing of the box office. The box office is consistently
staffed starting at 11:00 am. The box office is occasionally staffed as
early as 9:00 am. The VVF would not be in favor of incurring
additional staffing costs in order to open the restrooms earlier but
would do so if reimbursed for its additional costs, which are estimated
to be $5,500 annually. The staff would be present for any scheduled
event in the lobby, regardless of the time of day.
Please let me know if you have any additional questions or concerns,
Best regards,
Jack Hunn, President
Hunn Consulting Group, LLC
(970) 390-4537
11/5/2013
Proposed Operational Plan
GRFA Lobby
Revised October 21, 2013
1. What is the purpose of the lobby?
a. The Lobby space will be available to all park goers as an informal area to
relax, find shelter from the sun or the rain and to get a snack / beverage.
b. The proposed “Lobby” space is intended to expand the useable program area
for the GRFA prior to and during performances. The Lobby will serve as a
space for theater attendees to mingle prior to each performance as well as
during intermission. We anticipate that patrons could linger in the Lobby after
a performance without interfering with the cleaning effort inside the GRFA.
c. The Lobby will be the only covered space at the GRFA for lawn attendees to
find cover during inclement weather.
d. The lobby can also serve as an intimate gathering location within the park
that may be reserved for functions that support the community. Priority will
be given to the other stakeholders / partners of the park (the TOV, BFAG,
VRD, Bravo and the AIPP).
2. How will it be managed?
a. The VVF will manage the Lobby, providing services such as maintenance,
concessions and utilities. The VVF will be responsible for scheduling the use
of the space.
b. The Lobby will generally be open to the public.
c. Special, intimate gatherings may be booked through the VVF for use during
the operating season. It will not be operated as an “events center” but will be
available to our stakeholders / partners in the park.
d. The Lobby will be closed to the public approximately 2 hours prior to
performances at the GRFA and during and immediately following GRFA
performance.
3. When will it be available to the public?
a. The Lobby will generally be open to the public throughout the year, but with
certain exceptions as described in this Plan.
b. Currently, the GRFA is staffed beginning June 1st and through to September
1st each summer. This constitutes the ‘summer operating season’.
11/5/2013
c. On performances days, the Lobby would be cleared of people 2 hours prior to
the performance and the gates closed to accommodate setup and
preparation for the event. The Lobby will reopen 1- 1/2 hours prior to any
scheduled performance for ticketed patrons.
4. How will it operate in conjunction with the GRFA?
a. When there are closed rehearsals on the stage, the public may still use the
Lobby and the GRFA restrooms, but they would be prohibited from going
further into the GRFA by stanchions and signage explaining the need for the
restriction.
b. On performance days, the Lobby will close to the general public 2 hours prior
to the start time of a scheduled performance, (4:00 pm for Bravo events and
5:30 pm for Dance events).
c. The Lobby will open, as will the East Entrance, 1- 1/2 hours prior to each
performance, (currently the gates open 1 hour prior to the start of each
event).
d. Tickets and bag check will occur at the new Lobby gate entrance. Attendees
may then move directly into the theater itself, or come and go into the Lobby
space as needed.
e. The Lobby will serve as an extension of the current entrance area of the
GRFA allowing all theater goers to stay in the covered lobby space, have
access to restrooms and concessions, etc.
5. What amenities will be available and when?
a. During the summer operating season (approximately June 1st - September
1st between 11:00 am-5:00 pm) the restrooms of the GRFA will be accessible
to lobby users.
b. Concessions will be available from approximately the middle of June until the
end of August from 11:00 - 4:00 each day.
With a new operation, it is often difficult to best understand how people will use the
space. During the first year, we know we will learn a lot of what works and does not
work. We would look to review the operation at the end of each season with the Town
Manager to make operational adjustments to best suit the park goers of Ford Park.
11/5/2013
Proposed Operational Plan
GRFA Lobby
Revised October 21, 2013
1. What is the purpose of the lobby?
a. The Lobby space will be available to all park goers as an informal area to
relax, find shelter from the sun or the rain and to get a snack / beverage.
b. The proposed “Lobby” space is intended to expand the useable program area
for the GRFA prior to and during performances. The Lobby will serve as a
space for theater attendees to mingle prior to each performance as well as
during intermission. We anticipate that patrons could linger in the Lobby after
a performance without interfering with the cleaning effort inside the GRFA.
c. The Lobby will be the only covered space at the GRFA for lawn attendees to
find cover during inclement weather.
d. The lobby can also serve as an intimate gathering location within the park
that may be reserved for functions that support the community. Priority will
be given to the other stakeholders / partners of the park (the TOV, BFAG,
VRD, Bravo and the AIPP).
2. How will it be managed?
a. The VVF will manage the Lobby, providing services such as maintenance,
concessions and utilities. The VVF will be responsible for scheduling the use
of the space.
b. The Lobby will generally be open to the public.
c. Special, intimate gatherings may be booked through the VVF for use during
the operating season. It will not be operated as an “events center” but will be
available to our stakeholders / partners in the park.
d. The Lobby will be closed to the public approximately 2 hours prior to
performances at the GRFA and during and immediately following GRFA
performance.
3. When will it be available to the public?
a. The Lobby will generally be open to the public throughout the year, but with
certain exceptions as described in this Plan.
b. Currently, the GRFA is staffed beginning June 1st and through to September
1st each summer. This constitutes the ‘summer operating season’.
11/5/2013
c. On performances days, the Lobby would be cleared of people 2 hours prior to
the performance and the gates closed to accommodate setup and
preparation for the event. The Lobby will reopen 1- 1/2 hours prior to any
scheduled performance for ticketed patrons.
4. How will it operate in conjunction with the GRFA?
a. When there are closed rehearsals on the stage, the public may still use the
Lobby and the GRFA restrooms, but they would be prohibited from going
further into the GRFA by stanchions and signage explaining the need for the
restriction.
b. On performance days, the Lobby will close to the general public 2 hours prior
to the start time of a scheduled performance, (4:00 pm for Bravo events and
5:30 pm for Dance events).
c. The Lobby will open, as will the East Entrance, 1- 1/2 hours prior to each
performance, (currently the gates open 1 hour prior to the start of each
event).
d. Tickets and bag check will occur at the new Lobby gate entrance. Attendees
may then move directly into the theater itself, or come and go into the Lobby
space as needed.
e. The Lobby will serve as an extension of the current entrance area of the
GRFA allowing all theater goers to stay in the covered lobby space, have
access to restrooms and concessions, etc.
5. What amenities will be available and when?
a. During the summer operating season (approximately June 1st - September
1st between 11:00 am-5:00 pm) the restrooms of the GRFA will be accessible
to lobby users.
b. Concessions will be available from approximately the middle of June until the
end of August from 11:00 - 4:00 each day.
With a new operation, it is often difficult to best understand how people will use the
space. During the first year, we know we will learn a lot of what works and does not
work. We would look to review the operation at the end of each season with the Town
Manager to make operational adjustments to best suit the park goers of Ford Park.
11/5/2013
VAIL TOWN COUNCIL AGENDA MEMO
MEETING DATE: November 5, 2013
ITEM/TOPIC: Adjournment (6:35 p.m.)
11/5/2013
c. On performances days, the Lobby would be cleared of people 2 hours prior to
the performance and the gates closed to accommodate setup and
preparation for the event. The Lobby will reopen 1- 1/2 hours prior to any
scheduled performance for ticketed patrons.
4. How will it operate in conjunction with the GRFA?
a. When there are closed rehearsals on the stage, the public may still use the
Lobby and the GRFA restrooms, but they would be prohibited from going
further into the GRFA by stanchions and signage explaining the need for the
restriction.
b. On performance days, the Lobby will close to the general public 2 hours prior
to the start time of a scheduled performance, (4:00 pm for Bravo events and
5:30 pm for Dance events).
c. The Lobby will open, as will the East Entrance, 1- 1/2 hours prior to each
performance, (currently the gates open 1 hour prior to the start of each
event).
d. Tickets and bag check will occur at the new Lobby gate entrance. Attendees
may then move directly into the theater itself, or come and go into the Lobby
space as needed.
e. The Lobby will serve as an extension of the current entrance area of the
GRFA allowing all theater goers to stay in the covered lobby space, have
access to restrooms and concessions, etc.
5. What amenities will be available and when?
a. During the summer operating season (approximately June 1st - September
1st between 11:00 am-5:00 pm) the restrooms of the GRFA will be accessible
to lobby users.
b. Concessions will be available from approximately the middle of June until the
end of August from 11:00 - 4:00 each day.
With a new operation, it is often difficult to best understand how people will use the
space. During the first year, we know we will learn a lot of what works and does not
work. We would look to review the operation at the end of each season with the Town
Manager to make operational adjustments to best suit the park goers of Ford Park.
11/5/2013
Proposed Operational Plan
GRFA Lobby
Revised October 21, 2013
1. What is the purpose of the lobby?
a. The Lobby space will be available to all park goers as an informal area to
relax, find shelter from the sun or the rain and to get a snack / beverage.
b. The proposed “Lobby” space is intended to expand the useable program area
for the GRFA prior to and during performances. The Lobby will serve as a
space for theater attendees to mingle prior to each performance as well as
during intermission. We anticipate that patrons could linger in the Lobby after
a performance without interfering with the cleaning effort inside the GRFA.
c. The Lobby will be the only covered space at the GRFA for lawn attendees to
find cover during inclement weather.
d. The lobby can also serve as an intimate gathering location within the park
that may be reserved for functions that support the community. Priority will
be given to the other stakeholders / partners of the park (the TOV, BFAG,
VRD, Bravo and the AIPP).
2. How will it be managed?
a. The VVF will manage the Lobby, providing services such as maintenance,
concessions and utilities. The VVF will be responsible for scheduling the use
of the space.
b. The Lobby will generally be open to the public.
c. Special, intimate gatherings may be booked through the VVF for use during
the operating season. It will not be operated as an “events center” but will be
available to our stakeholders / partners in the park.
d. The Lobby will be closed to the public approximately 2 hours prior to
performances at the GRFA and during and immediately following GRFA
performance.
3. When will it be available to the public?
a. The Lobby will generally be open to the public throughout the year, but with
certain exceptions as described in this Plan.
b. Currently, the GRFA is staffed beginning June 1st and through to September
1st each summer. This constitutes the ‘summer operating season’.
11/5/2013
c. On performances days, the Lobby would be cleared of people 2 hours prior to
the performance and the gates closed to accommodate setup and
preparation for the event. The Lobby will reopen 1- 1/2 hours prior to any
scheduled performance for ticketed patrons.
4. How will it operate in conjunction with the GRFA?
a. When there are closed rehearsals on the stage, the public may still use the
Lobby and the GRFA restrooms, but they would be prohibited from going
further into the GRFA by stanchions and signage explaining the need for the
restriction.
b. On performance days, the Lobby will close to the general public 2 hours prior
to the start time of a scheduled performance, (4:00 pm for Bravo events and
5:30 pm for Dance events).
c. The Lobby will open, as will the East Entrance, 1- 1/2 hours prior to each
performance, (currently the gates open 1 hour prior to the start of each
event).
d. Tickets and bag check will occur at the new Lobby gate entrance. Attendees
may then move directly into the theater itself, or come and go into the Lobby
space as needed.
e. The Lobby will serve as an extension of the current entrance area of the
GRFA allowing all theater goers to stay in the covered lobby space, have
access to restrooms and concessions, etc.
5. What amenities will be available and when?
a. During the summer operating season (approximately June 1st - September
1st between 11:00 am-5:00 pm) the restrooms of the GRFA will be accessible
to lobby users.
b. Concessions will be available from approximately the middle of June until the
end of August from 11:00 - 4:00 each day.
With a new operation, it is often difficult to best understand how people will use the
space. During the first year, we know we will learn a lot of what works and does not
work. We would look to review the operation at the end of each season with the Town
Manager to make operational adjustments to best suit the park goers of Ford Park.
11/5/2013
VAIL TOWN COUNCIL AGENDA MEMO
MEETING DATE: November 5, 2013
ITEM/TOPIC: Adjournment (6:35 p.m.)
11/5/2013