Buffalo Bayou Park
Shepherd to Sabine
master plan [update]
Buffalo Bayou Park
master plan [update]
Shepherd to Sabine January 2012
contents 1
SUMMARY
7
INTRODUCTION AND BACKGROUND
31
MASTER PLAN
47
THE PROJECT
107
PROTECTING THE INVESTMENT
The Buffalo Bayou Partnership (BBP) wishes to thank:
2010 & 2011 Board of Directors Buffalo Bayou Partnership Chair Chuck Carlberg 2010 Bob Phillips 2011
Sami Ahmad
Harry Lamberton
Ed Allday
C.C. Lee, AIA, LEED AP
Carol Ballard
Martha K. Long
Catalyst Funder
Environmental Advisory Committee
Kinder Foundation
Diana Foss, texas
parks & wildlife department
Jaime Gonzalez, katy
prairie conservancy
Master Plan Funders
T.J. Marks, houston
The Wortham Foundation
Evelyn Merz,
Harris County Flood Control District (HCFCD)
Mickey Merritt, texas
The Carruth Foundation
Woody Woodrow, u . s .
Central Houston Civic Improvement, Inc. Houston Architecture Foundation
Consultants
Lionstone Group
SWA Group
parks
&
recreation department
sierra club forest service fish
&
wildlife service
master plan
Houston Arts Alliance
Aviles Engineering Corporation
Vice Chair Judy Nyquist 2010 George W. (Trey) Strake 2010 Sonny Flores 2011 Sis Johnson 2011
Jack Blanton, Jr.
Susan McEldoon
Judy and Scott Nyquist
BPA/Eric Ruckstuhl
Carol Butler
Roxann Neumann
The Powell Foundation
Joe Blanton
Christina Cabral
Adrian Patterson
Mark Cover
Daron Peschel
Collin J. Cox
Sarah Powell
Treasurer Bob Phillips 2010 Sami Ahmad 2011
Janelle Daniel
Mohammad Ashraf Ramji
Kathy Flanagan-Payton
Edna Ramos
Andy Icken and Joe Turner, city
Sonny Flores
Shannon B. Sasser, AIA
Mike Talbott, harris county flood control district
Secretary Lorie Westrick, AIA 2010 Leslye Lucas Weaver 2011
Lisa Foronda
Dorothee Sauter
Debby Francis
Chad Shaw
John G. Garza
Jeff Taylor
President Anne Olson
Steven J. Gibson
William J. Taylor, III
Daniel M. Gilbane
Dancie Perugini Ware
Gerald D. (Jerry) Higdon
Leslye Lucas Weaver 2011
Shannon Sasser
Sis Johnson
Margaret Wolfe
Jeff Taylor
geotechnical
riparian plants
native plants
Infill Planning Design & Development
Steering Committee
Stephen Korns
Nancy G. Kinder, chair
Moore Archeological Consultants
Brady Carruth, buffalo Gary Dudley, kinder
bayou partnership
foundation
BBP Contracts Committee
of houston
lighting
lighting concept archeology
PageSoutherlandPage Architects RDP Engineers, Inc. AECOM—HCFCD
structural engineering
preliminary engineering
& site survey
CORE Design Studio
graphic design
Guy Hagstette, AIA
project management
Mark Cover, chair Sami Ahmad
photography
Mike Garver
Jim Olive, Photolive, Inc. cover , pgs . 2, 70 G. Lyon Photography, Inc., pg . 24 Van Stephens pg . 70 top left Jim Caldwell pg . 70 right middle
Jerry Higdon
bottom left
summary
1
1
1.1
summary
Buffalo Bayou from downtown to Shepherd Drive is Houston’s Iconic Landscape. The result of a century-old civic vision to develop a greenbelt extending from downtown west to a regional park, now known as Memorial Park, this green space is one of Houston’s triumphs of civic will and planning implemented over a period of decades in the early 20th century. While the view from Memorial Drive and Allen Parkway still offers green vistas and dramatic contrasts with the downtown skyline, the green space itself is suffering from years of under-funded maintenance and the absence of a master plan to guide improvements, both of which are preventing this unique natural asset from fulfilling its potential as one of this country’s great urban parks. With significant philanthropic support led by the Kinder Foundation, the Buffalo Bayou Partnership (BBP) embarked on a privately-funded master plan for the area in partnership with the City of Houston (City) and the Harris County Flood Control District (HCFCD) in 2010 that was updated in late 2011. As the owner of the land, the City will oversee this redevelopment process and the park’s ongoing operations, which includes a commitment to fund maintenance and operations upon completion of construction. More than 50 years after its last investment in this area, HCFCD was invited to conduct preliminary and final engineering studies of the bayou channel to determine how the channel might be restored and maintained in an environmentally sensitive manner while also improving its storm water storage and conveyance capacity. Based on the plan presented in this report, the Kinder Foundation is prepared to increase its funding to $30,000,000, and BBP is raising up to $20,000,000 more in private funds so the ambitious improvements described in this Master Plan can be implemented in an era of limited government resources. BBP also will maintain and operate the park until 2041 and possibly until 2096.
Group, this more detailed project-based Master Plan seeks to enhance the green space, improve recreational amenities, restore the bayou channel, and improve access to nearby neighborhoods and the city at large, transforming the area into Buffalo Bayou Park, the centerpiece and focal point for Houston’s growing network of linear parks along the region’s bayous. The Master Plan builds upon completed and current projects: • HCFCD’s Pilot Project west of downtown, which has tested channel restoration concepts and public support for this work, completed in late 2010. • The Rosemont Bridge (east of Studemont) and connector trails by the City’s Memorial Heights Tax Increment Reinvestment Zone #5 (TIRZ #5) and completed in early 2011. • Spanish artist Jaume Plensa’s Tolerance at the Rosemont Bridge’s south approach by Houston Arts Alliance and completed in early 2011. • Reconstruction of the Sandy Reed Memorial Trail by the City and TxDOT, which began in late 2011. Based on this Master Plan and strong support from Houston’s citizens and philanthropic community, the City, BBP and HCFCD are moving forward on final design and engineering of the Project, which is described in Chapter 4. Channel restoration work and improvements to the green space are scheduled to begin in mid-2012. This schedule should allow for a seamless transition from TxDOT’s hike and bike trail construction project into overall green space improvements overseen by the City, BBP and HCFCD. If approvals and permits are obtained in a timely manner, construction should be complete by mid-2015. Chapter 4 also describes the Approved Master Plan that governs the Project and any future improvements to Buffalo Bayou Park.
Based on BBP’s visionary master plan for Buffalo Bayou from Shepherd Drive ten miles east to the Turning Basin released in 2002, Buffalo Bayou and Beyond produced by the Thompson Design
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Jackson Hill High Bridge
Live Oak Seating Circle
Greentree Natural Area
Memorial Heights Overlook
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Cemetery Overlook
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Project Site Site Plan Plan Project
St. Thomas Meadow
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Shepherd Gateways
Tirrell Meadow
Tirrell Cascade
Information/Kayak Rental/Picnics
Lost Lake
Bat Colony Viewing Area
MONTROSE BOULEVARD
WAUGH DRIVE
ROCHOW STREET
ALLEN PARKWAY
Wortham Fountain Plaza
Dog Park
Police Memorial Footbridge
Tapley Tributary
Maintenance Yard
Sabine Springs
Information/Bicycle Rentals
The Water Works
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Memorial Viaduct Artwork
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Stanford Meadow
Lower Taft Footpath
Cottonwood Bowl
Skyline Overlook
Event Meadow
Allen Parkway Promenade
Playground & Picnic Pavilion
Crosby Overlook
5
introduction and background
2
2.1
THE PROJECT TEAM City of Houston Buffalo Bayou Partnership Kinder Foundation Harris County Flood Control District Community Partners
2.2
PROJECT AREA AND MASTER PLAN CONTEXT Project Project Area Area-wide Improvements Protecting the Investment
2.3
HISTORY
2.4
GUIDING PLANS “The Bayou and Beyond” Visionary Plan (2002) HCFCD Charting Buffalo Study Bayou Greenway Initiative
2.5
RECENT SUCCESSFUL PROJECTS ON BUFFALO BAYOU East Sector Downtown West Sector
2.6
THE EXISTING SITE AND CONTEXT Overview Project Area Description Master Plan Area Description
2.7
CURRENT PROJECTS HCFCD Pilot Project Rosemont Bridge, Access Trails / Plensa Artwork Buffalo Bayou Hike & Bike Trail Project Police Memorial Improvements
2.8
COMMUNITY INPUT
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2.1
the project team
City of Houston (City)
Kinder Foundation
The City of Houston (City) owns virtually all of the land included in the Project. The Houston Parks & Recreation Department (HPARD) operates and maintains most of the property with the Mayor’s Office for Special Events overseeing events and festivals. The Department of Public Works & Engineering (PW&E) owns an important tract of land on the west side of Sabine Street north of Buffalo Bayou that is being made available for park use. The City has approved the Master Plan and related agreements that govern development and subsequent maintenance and operations of the Project Area, and it has engaged the Downtown Redevelopment Authority (TIRZ #3) to help fund maintenance and operations of the park. Additionally, many recommended Area-wide Improvements described in Chapter 3 will be implemented under the guidance of the City.
Inspired by the vision of creating a magnificent central park for Houston along Buffalo Bayou, the Kinder Foundation has conditionally pledged $30,000,000 as a ‘catalyst gift’ to BBP. This gift led to a collaborative effort by BBP that includes the participation and support of the City and HCFCD, to produce this Master Plan, develop the Project and maintain the park, which will have benefitted from $70,000,000 of public and private improvements since this Master Plan was initiated.
Buffalo Bayou Partnership (BBP) The Buffalo Bayou Partnership (BBP) is the non-profit organization designated by the City of Houston and Harris County to improve a 10mile stretch of Buffalo Bayou from Shepherd Drive to the Houston Ship Channel Turning Basin. Since 1986, it has been responsible for acquisition of more than 45 acres of land for public improvements along the bayou, construction of more than $100,000,000 of park improvements, partnerships with adjacent neighborhoods on greenbelts linking people to the bayou, and maintenance programs focused on both the bayou’s waters and its banks. BBP was responsible for producing this Buffalo Bayou Park Master Plan (Master Plan) and will be responsible for securing $50,000,000 of private funding for the Project. BBP is overseeing planning, design and construction of the Project and then will play a role in ongoing maintenance and operations of the improved Project Area through an agreement with the City, HCFCD and the Downtown Redevelopment Authority. BBP’s role in this Project has been made possible by significant financial support from the Kinder Foundation and other private contributions.
Harris County Flood Control District (HCFCD) Harris County Flood Control District (HCFCD) is the agency responsible for improvements to and maintenance of streams and waterways within Harris County with regard to managing storm water generated by rain events. Unlike many streams and waterways within Harris County, HCFCD does not own right of way or a continuous easement within the Project Area; however, since the 1950’s, it has partnered with the City and U.S. Army Corps of Engineers on channel work in the Project Area and is partnering with the City and BBP on channel improvements described in this Master Plan. In addition, as part of an agreement with the City and BBP, HCFCD is assuming an ongoing maintenance role for the immediate channel corridor. Community Partners BBP has sought input from a number of civic organizations that have an interest in Buffalo Bayou and this green space. BBP also has sought out input from adjacent communities at several points during the Master Plan Phase, is continuing to do so in the Development (final design and engineering) Phase, and will do so during the Construction Phase. Because the scope of the proposed work within the Project Area includes civic art in various forms and at various scales, BBP is working with the Houston Arts Alliance (HAA) on the Project’s art components. As specific features are detailed, BBP may identify other opportunities to work with additional community partners.
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2.2
project area and master plan context
Project
Area-wide Improvements
This Master Plan governs improvements to one of Houston’s oldest green spaces along Buffalo Bayou west of downtown Houston, an area that has been popular for recreation and civic events for 100 years. It is Houston’s iconic landscape because of its beautiful natural setting and dramatic views of the downtown skyline. While the green space remains popular today, it is suffering from years of under-funded maintenance, which is preventing it from realizing its full potential as one of our country’s great urban parks. This Master Plan proposes substantial improvements to the green space, recreational amenities, natural systems, and bayou channel itself. When trail and bridge improvements that are already being implemented are combined with proposed HCFCD channel improvements and private investment in the green space, the total will approach $70 million—enough to finally realize a 100-year civic vision of a major central city park along Buffalo Bayou. This Master Plan only governs improvements to Buffalo Bayou Park, not improvements to surrounding streets and properties.
The green space that is the focus of the Project can only thrive if it is reconnected to adjacent neighborhoods and to other parks along the bayou system—as the historic civic vision originally contemplated. To achieve these important goals, roadways, bikeways and walkways must provide better, safer access to and from the green space. As a major civic park, parking access and transit service also must be improved so citizens from throughout the city are able to access it. And the park’s benefits for the city at large will grow if surrounding roadways embrace the park through better landscaping and lighting rather than simply cut across it. This Master Plan provides recommendations focused on these challenges, but they are not part of the Project described above. Responsibility for implementation of these Area-wide Improvements and Management Recommendations will rest with other agencies and organizations rather than BBP.
Project Area Project improvements are proposed for this 160-acre, 2.3-mile-long green space along Buffalo Bayou that is bordered by Sabine Street on the east, Shepherd Drive on the west, Allen Parkway on the south and Memorial Drive and Glenwood Cemetery on the north (see next pages). With the major exception of the Beth Yeshurun Cemetery at Allen Parkway and Dunlavy, the City of Houston owns all of the property, with HPARD managing most of it and PW&E controlling some rights-of-way and facilities. HCFCD has easement interests in several small parcels in the Project Area as well.
Protecting the Investment The historic vision for this unprecedented green space, the proposed level of public investment, and then private investment must be matched by an increased level of ongoing maintenance. It makes no sense to make improvements of the magnitude proposed in this Master Plan without a corresponding commitment to maintain those improvements once they are complete. The City, HCFCD and BBP have researched maintenance issues as physical planning concepts have been developed to ensure that the completed park can be maintained, if adequate resources are provided. As with the goal for the Project itself, the maintenance plan proposes that the resources provided be on par with other major parks in the Houston Parks System and with other waterways that HCFCD maintains.
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Project Area
Project Area HCFCD Channel Work Zone (Approximate) HCFCD Pilot Project
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WAUGH DRIVE
BETH YESHURUN CEMETERY
ROCHOW STREET
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Buffalo Drive (now Allen Parkway). looking West
Channelization of Buffalo Bayou east of Waugh Drive—1958
Vick’s Park at Buffalo Bayou—current site of the Waugh Drive/ Memorial Drive Interchange
Bayou Vegetation in early 20th Century
2.3
history
The Master Plan and Project seek to complete a bold civic vision for Houston that was first voiced in the late nineteenth century—to create a linear park along Buffalo Bayou upstream of downtown Houston that captures the beauty of Houston’s natural landscape and the potential of our network of bayous. Strong public support resulted in much progress through early decades of the twentieth century as hundreds of acres of parkland were acquired along Buffalo Bayou from Sam Houston Park in downtown more than 2.5 miles west to Reinerman Street west of Shepherd Drive. These parks were easily accessed from neighborhoods along the bayou where streets that had touched the bayou now connected to the linear park. The acquisition of Memorial Park, which was originally to be linked to downtown by the linear park, was the last major step taken in 1925 to achieve this civic vision. Major floods in 1929 and 1935 shifted the community’s focus from bayou parks to flood control and resulted in the creation of the Harris County Flood Control District (HCFCD) in 1937. The new agency quickly partnered with the Corps of Engineers to implement solutions to flooding along Buffalo Bayou. In addition to the creation of Addicks and Barker reservoirs west of the growing city, channelization of Buffalo Bayou from downtown to Shepherd Drive in the late 1950’s sought to improve the bayou’s ability to convey flood waters. This project transformed an environment similar to Memorial Park into the more open landscape with rolling terrain that Houstonians see today. Buffalo Drive, a park roadway on the south side of the bayou that was part of the original vision, evolved into Allen Parkway by the 1950’s, which was then joined by Memorial Drive on the north bank of the bayou as the channelization project was implemented. Today, both major thoroughfares offer beautiful views and provide excellent access to and from downtown, but they also cut off the adjacent neighborhoods from the bayou.
For the remainder of the twentieth century, some additional improvements have been made to the park, including the Sandy Reed Memorial (hike and bike) Trail, installation of several works of art and fountains, and a series of landscape and garden projects, most of which have suffered from a lack of maintenance in an era of limited government resources. And in the early 1980’s, architect Charles Tapley sought to reawaken the city to the potential of its bayou with a “Demonstration Project” near Sabine Street. Houstonians also have learned how to enjoy the park with the trail becoming a popular running and cycling amenity, and a number of large community celebrations having found their home in Eleanor Tinsley Park near downtown (a part of the Project Area). But as the city moved from the twentieth to the twenty-first century, deferred maintenance and natural forces began taking their toll on this historic landscape. And while most of its acreage has been officially dedicated for flood management purposes and more recently for recreation, only Eleanor Tinsley Park from Sabine Street to Taft Street on the south side of the bayou is dedicated as parkland. In 2002, the Buffalo Bayou Partnership unveiled its Buffalo Bayou and Beyond visionary plan, which is described on page 17.
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2.4
guiding plans
Buffalo Bayou and Beyond
HCFCD Charting Buffalo Study
In 2002, the Buffalo Bayou Partnership released its visionary plan that has guided its work since—Buffalo Bayou and Beyond produced by Thompson Design Group, which includes bold proposals for the East Sector, Downtown Sector and West Sector of Buffalo Bayou from the Ship Channel’s Turning Basin to Shepherd Drive. Specific recommendations for the three sectors vary, but the focus is always on green space (including recreation and nature), managing flood waters, access from adjacent neighborhoods, and compatible private and public development adjacent to the bayou corridor. Since the visionary plan was released, BBP has worked with others to acquire more than 45 acres of land for parks and hike & bike trails in the East Sector and on a number of projects in downtown, including the Sabine Promenade immediately downstream of the Project Area.
In 2001, Tropical Storm Alison reminded Houstonians of the importance of investments to manage flooding, especially in downtown and along White Oak and Buffalo bayous, which were hit hard by the storm. In response, HCFCD initiated a major study of both watersheds to determine how flood water levels could be reduced in a joint venture with the federal government, local organizations and local governments. This study, which must precede any federal investment, is not yet complete, but a variety of ideas are being analyzed, including major improvements to both bayous in downtown—possibly with interventions first proposed by Buffalo Bayou and Beyond. Thus far, there is no indication that any overall strategy for both watersheds will require changes in the Project Area, but both project teams have been closely coordinating with each other.
These overall goals apply to the West Sector—from Sabine Street on the east to Shepherd Drive on the west where the Project is planned— with an emphasis on green space because of the unique nature of this 2.3 mile, 160-acre landscape. Buffalo Bayou and Beyond is visionary and includes proposals for major changes to the roadways and development patterns in the West Sector that are to be implemented over the course of decades. This Project is focused more specifically on the publicly-owned green space and access to it. Its project sponsors invite future generations to achieve the rest of the vision for the West Sector as outlined in Buffalo Bayou and Beyond.
Bayou Greenway Initiative In 2010, the City of Houston, Harris County, HCFCD, H-GAC. Quality of Life Coalition, Houston Parks Board, Bayou Preservation Association, Houston Wilderness, Greater Houston Partnership and many other community partners announced a visionary plan to fully realize the potential of Houston’s regional network of bayous through added linear parks, hike and bike trails, and amenities that can help Houston preserve its natural legacy and be a city of choice for future generations of Americans. While separately funded and managed, the goals of this regional proposal are consistent with this Master Plan, which includes recommendations for linear trails upstream and downstream along Buffalo Bayou that will help implement the regional greenway network. However, it is important to note that the goal of this Project goes beyond the greenway concept to the creation of one of this country’s great urban parks.
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Volunteer Planting at Buffalo Bend Nature Park
Sabine Promenade
Japhet Creek
2.5
recent successful projects
For one quarter of a century, BBP has been actively pursuing plans, programs and improvements along Buffalo Bayou. Since 2002, these efforts have been guided by its Buffalo Bayou and Beyond visionary plan. It establishes an overall vision for the bayou and strategies for its East Sector (Ship Channel Turning Basin to downtown), Downtown, and West Sector (Downtown to Shepherd Drive). BBP has focused primarily on the East Sector and Downtown since its inception and with this Master Plan is only now beginning to really focus on the full potential of the West Sector. East Sector • Buffalo Bend Nature Park (2007–Present): This former industrial property near the Turning Basing is undergoing an ecological transformation. BBP was awarded a state grant of close to $500,000 for this ongoing work. • Japhet Creek (2007–Present): This clear-running creek extends from the bayou north to Clinton Drive and beyond. BBP worked with the surrounding community to create the first “Greenfinger” as called for in Buffalo Bayou and Beyond. • Hike & Bike Trails (2004–Present): BBP’s goal is a continuous trail from downtown to the Turning Basin. It has completed four miles of trails and is working hard to obtain easements or land to implement the missing segments. • Parkland and Hike & Bike Corridor Acquisition (2004–Present): With strong support from Houston’s philanthropic community, BBP has acquired 45 acres of parkland, almost all of it east of downtown. Much of this land was acquired for the trail project, but other land is slated for parks or cultural uses.
Downtown • Allen’s Landing (2000-Present): BBP has partnered with the City and TxDOT on several phases of improvements to the park and also purchased the historic International Coffee Building adjacent to the park with the intent of activating this important public space. • Sabine Promenade (2006): BBP partnered with the City, HCFCD and TxDOT on this initiative to transform several dozen acres of wasteland along the bayou where it passes under I-45 into an award-winning park and destination. • Sesquicentennial Park (1986–1998): BBP partnered with Central Houston Civic Improvement, Inc., the City and HCFCD on this 3-phase, 10-acre park in downtown’s Theater District. • Trails (2000–Present): BBP has partnered with the City and HCFCD on trail construction through Downtown in order to link the East and West sectors and also White Oak Bayou into one trail and open space system. The Cotswold Project built several portals into this emerging trail system. West Sector • Tapley Tributary (2007–Present): BBP has secured grants and organized volunteers to restore this unique riparian environment originally conceived by Charles Tapley thirty years ago. • Greentree (2007–Present): BBP has organized volunteers to begin the restoration of this unique 6-acre nature preserve along an old meander of Buffalo Bayou near Waugh Drive.
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Trails in Poor Condition
HCFCD Pilot Project
Wortham Fountain
Crosby Outfall
2.6
the existing site and context
Overview The original topography, vegetation and even bayou channel were radically changed by a channelization project implemented in the 1950’s that removed the historic but degraded natural landscape and straightened the bayou channel. Historical/ archeological research indicates that the green space contains no significant cultural assets for that reason;however,care must be taken in the vicinity of both As the diagrams on the following pages describe, almost 500,000 Beth Yeshurun and Glenwood cemeteries, which are both historic Houstonians live within a 30-minute bike ride of the Project Area. landmarks. There are no known on-property brownfield sites, but Over 40,000 citizens can walk to the park from their homes while two nearby sites may be impacting the property. 100,000’s of employees who work in the area can enjoy the Project Area as part of their work day. The Project Area is part of a series Master Plan Area Description of green spaces along Buffalo Bayou totaling over 15,000 acres that The Master Plan makes recommendations to improve access via include (west to east) George Bush Park, Terry Hershey Park, Edith trails, bridges, safe roadway crossings, landscaping, and lighting plus Moore Sanctuary, Memorial Park, Hogg Bird Sanctuary, Bayou Bend, operations, management and transportation services: Rienzi, Sam Houston Park, Sabine Promenade, Sesquicentennial Park, East: Along Buffalo Bayou to Sam Houston Park and downtown. Johnny Goyen Park, Allen’s Landing, James Bute Park, Guadalupe Park, West: Along Memorial Drive/Buffalo Bayou to Memorial Park and Tony Marron Park, Buffalo Bend Nature Park, Hidalgo Park, and the River Oaks. San Jacinto Battleground. The Project Area is Houston’s iconic landscape—a combination of waterfront, rolling terrain, nature, recreation and dramatic views of Houston’s skyline and major civic institutions. And the diversity of neighborhoods and communities that surround the green space offers a rich context for the evolution of this historic landscape into one of our country’s great urban parks.
South: Across Allen Parkway to the Fourth Ward and Neartown. Project Area Description The Project Area where near-term improvements are proposed to be implemented by BBP and HCFCD can be defined as:
North: Across Memorial Drive to Cleveland Park, Spotts Park, Super-Neighborhood 22 and Washington Avenue.
Buffalo Bayou: 2.3 mile-long reach from Sabine Street to Shepherd Drive. Boundaries: Sabine Street (east); Shepherd Drive (west); Allen Parkway (south); and Memorial Drive/Glenwood Cemetery (north). Size: 160 acres of green space (excludes Waugh Drive cloverleaf and Cleveland & Spotts parks) including rights-of-way (ROW) and the 4.5-acre water reservoir property. Ownership: City of Houston, limited HCFCD parcels/easements, Glenwood Cemetery easements and Beth Yeshurun Cemetery. Status: Dedicated for flood management, recreation and ROW; Eleanor Tinsley Park (southeast quadrant) is a dedicated park.
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Biking Distance
15 Minute Catchment: Approx. 136,000 people
LEGEND 15 Minutes Biking (Approx. 3 Miles)
BIKING DISTANCES
30 Minutes Biking (Approx. 6 Miles)
30 Minute Catchment: Approx. 464,000 people
N
1 mile 0 1/2 mile 1� = 1 mile (5,280 feet)
2 mile
4 mile
Walking Distance
15 Minute Catchment: Approx. 16,000 people
30 Minute Catchment: Approx. 44,000 people
LEGEND 15 Minutes Walking (Approx. 3/4 Mile) 30 Minutes Walking (Approx. 1 1/2 Miles)
WALKING DISTANCES N
1 mile 0 1/2 mile 1� = 1 mile (5,280 feet)
2 mile
4 mile
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Rosemont Bridge
2.7
current projects
HCFCD Pilot Project HCFCD has completed its Pilot Project along a 1200-foot reach of Buffalo Bayou just west of Sabine Street (in the Project Area) to test methods of restoring the bayou channel through removal of sediment build-up and invasive trees, plants and vines along the bayou’s banks. With those removals complete, HCFCD has replanted the area with grasses and new trees that are native to Buffalo Bayou. The area had been improved in the early 1980’s by architect Charles Tapley, whose Demonstration Project had similar goals that were undermined by under-funded maintenance budgets in recent decades. Another concern was how citizens would react to this restoration work, which has reopened views and access to the waterway. The Pilot Project is an unqualified success with more sediment being removed than originally planned, allowing the bayou channel to store more flood waters and convey water more quickly downstream. In addition, the reaction from citizens has been very positive. The Pilot Project offers Houstonians a good idea of the nature, scope and impact of channel restoration work as part of this Project upstream of the Pilot Project to Shepherd Drive. Rosemont Bridge and Access Trails / Tolerance Artwork The City of Houston through the Memorial Heights Tax Increment Reinvestment Zone #5 (TIRZ #5) has completed a $5+ million project that is providing the first safe pedestrian crossing of the bayou in the park, a series of trails reconnecting neighborhoods north of Memorial Drive to the bayou, and a short trail under Shepherd Drive that takes an initial step toward a safe connection to Memorial Park. Located just east of the Studemont Bridge, the Rosemont Bridge was completed in early 2011.
A new installation by Spanish artist Jaume Plensa entitled Tolerance was placed at the intersection of Montrose Boulevard and Allen Parkway near the new Rosemont Bridge. The artwork includes seven ten-foot high figures representing the seven continents that sit in kneeling contemplation. This effort was fueled by the desire of Bob and Mica Mosbacher to commission a major work of art dedicated to healing, reconciliation, and a celebration of openness and diversity as a gift to the city. A group of private citizens, the Houston Arts Alliance, the Greater Houston Community Foundation and funding from His Highness the Aga Kahn have made this gift to the City of Houston possible. The work was installed in early 2011. Buffalo Bayou Hike & Bike Trail Project For more than a decade, the City of Houston and TxDOT have been partnering to design and construct a new hike and bike trail that generally follows the alignment of the Sandy Reed Memorial Trail, a 5-mile loop circling the park from Sabine Street to Shepherd Drive. This $6+ million project, which is using federal CMAQ funding to create a 10-foot-wide concrete trail meeting current safety standards, began construction in late 2011. The project scope includes a pedestrian bridge suspended from the “high” Shepherd Drive Bridge that eliminates the very dangerous sidewalk on the “low” bridge that runners and cyclists are forced to use today. Police Memorial Improvements The Houston Police Department is researching potential improvements in the vicinity of the Police Memorial, including permanent restrooms. HPARD recently completed improvements to the lawns and irrigation system surrounding the memorial.
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Rosemont Bridge and Access Trail Project Tolerance Artwork Police Memorial
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Buffalo Bayou Hike & Bike Trail Project (Sandy Reed Memorial Trail)
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SANDY REED HIKE & BIKE TRAIL MONTROSE BOULEVARD
MEMORIAL PARK CONNECTOR TRAIL
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Current Projects
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2.8
community input
Publicly-owned green space represents a major civic amenity that both preserves natural areas and serves our community’s citizens. Especially in our urban core, the role of well-designed, managed and maintained green space cannot be under-estimated. This is especially true along Buffalo Bayou where adjacent neighborhoods were developed in the nineteenth and early twentieth centuries in a manner that allowed their residents to literally touch the bayou. The park also has attracted major civic institutions that both serve the city and add vitality to the park. And at over 200 acres when the adjacent Sam Houston, Sabine-Bagby Promenade, Cleveland and Spotts parks (all part of the historic linear park) are included, the park represents a central link in Houston’s open space system and a major natural resource in the very heart of our city. BBP recognizes the vital contributions that all stakeholders play in our community and for the park, and many groups have been invited to participate in the development of this Master Plan. Meetings open to the entire community held in June 2010 (at the beginning of the planning process) and in October 2010 (as the draft plan was being finalized) provided an open door for any citizen who wanted to be involved. Focus group meetings and briefings with interested organizations have provided more opportunities for dialogue, and many public officials have offered valuable input. BBP is continuing this dialogue now that it is authorized to conduct design work and begin construction. Stakeholders and community groups who have been involved include:
Neighborhood Groups Central Houston, Inc. and Downtown District Fourth Ward (through the Livable Centers Study process) Neartown Association River Oaks Property Owners Association Super-Neighborhood 22 Citizen Groups Bayou Preservation Association Greater Houston Partnership Quality of Life Committee Houston Area Roadrunners Association Houston Parks Board Mayor’s Bicycle Advisory Task Force Trees for Houston Other Stakeholders Aga Khan Foundation Beth Yeshurun Cemetery Federal Reserve Bank Memorial Heights / TIRZ #5 Sandy Reed Family Eleanor Tinsley Family
29
master plan area
3
3.1
THE VISION FOR THE PARK Natural Systems Recreation Events Concessions Park Management and Maintenance
3.2
AREA-WIDE IMPROVEMENTS Trail Connections Shared Parking Concepts Access Across Roadways Streetscape Improvements Environmental and Lunar Cycle Lighting / Green Fingers
3.3
AREA-WIDE MANAGEMENT RECOMMENDATIONS Event Planning Shuttle/Transit Service Water Releases from the Reservoirs
31
3.1
the vision for the park
Buffalo Bayou Park is located in the heart of Houston, adjacent to a rich diversity of communities, and mid-way along the course of Houston’s most historic waterway. As a result, Buffalo Bayou Park must play many roles. The Master Plan is based upon a return to the historic vision for this park that supports these varied roles while also emphasizing a quality that is unusual for park in a central city location—the ability to escape the intensity of the city and enjoy nature. This historic vision forms the basis for the Master Plan. Natural Systems When Buffalo Bayou was channelized in the 1950’s, a rich, but degraded natural landscape was lost and a more urban landscape was borne. The challenge today is to reintroduce more self-sustaining and diverse ecological zones while retaining those areas and landscapes that accommodate popular recreational activities. Today, the green space consists of three zones—(1) mowed grass, (2) very limited wooded and garden areas, and (3) many areas that are overgrown with invasive plants and vines—the most challenging being along the bayou itself where access and views to the water are blocked by these conditions today. By introducing and then maintaining native grasses on upland slopes, a range of woodlands, riparian corridors (along the bayou and water features) and perennial gardens, the green space can assume more of a rich, natural character and ability to sustain itself. Recreation Balancing the goal of ecological diversity, the park also should accommodate a wide diversity of recreational pursuits, many of which are already popular. The Master Plan focuses on general recreation, not organized sports, other than the popular disk golf course. Running, cycling, hiking, skateboarding, bat watching, canoeing and kayaking all will offer good reasons to visit the park
along with nature play areas, picnicking and even art. This unusual mix of recreation must be accommodated in a manner that does not diminish the visitor’s ability to “get away from the city.” Events From weekly fun runs on the streets surrounding the green space to citywide festivals like the Freedom Over Texas, Houston’s Official Fourth of July Celebration, the Master Plan’s proposed park improvements will continue to accommodate events and possibly even additional small-scale musical and family events in new areas to be developed near Sabine Street. But carefully calibrated operating restrictions must prevent too many and too large events from diminishing the natural qualities of the green space and also help ensure that events are good neighbors for adjacent residents. Concessions Buffalo Bayou Park will enhance 160 acres of green space and recreation in the heart of the nation’s fourth largest city. Included in the mix of activities and amenities should be concessions that allow visitors without a bike or canoe to rent one for the day. And access to food, drinks and restrooms borders on essential in a park that is 2.3-miles long. The Master Plan identifies locations where concessions and amenities make sense—at key entry points that enjoy good access and are on high ground. Park Management and Maintenance The park’s unique setting and landscape are its greatest strength and its greatest challenge. Maintenance must be adequately funded to address the site’s unique conditions, and visitors must feel welcome, oriented and safe.
33
3.2
area-wide improvements
Chapter 3 proposes Area-wide Improvements that are not part of the Project and are focused outside of the Project Area (see Section 2.5), and Management Recommendations that also can be implemented independently of the Project. In both cases, these are recommended in order to enhance the quality, access and overall experience of the Buffalo Bayou Park itself. The Project, which is focused on improvements to the park only, is described in Chapter 4. Please note that only improvements and plans described for the Project Area in Chapter 4 are binding and enforceable as the Approved Master Plan. The Project will transform the park’s role and popularity, but for it to fully realize its potential, changes are needed on the park’s perimeter. These physical improvements include better connections along Buffalo Bayou to upstream and downstream parks, safer connections across surrounding roadways to adjacent neighborhoods, more parking through “sharing” concepts, reconnecting Buffalo Bayou Park to adjacent parkland, and completion of landscaping along Memorial Drive and Allen Parkway. Finally, Buffalo Bayou Park and the properties and buildings surrounding it offer an amazing urban canvas for a dramatic extension of the Lunar Cycle Lighting concept introduced to Houston as part of the Sabine-Bagby Promenade. The concept of “Greenfingers” recommended in Buffalo Bayou and Beyond also can transform green spaces that are part of largescale projects into inviting corridors that connect the park into surrounding neighborhoods.
35
Non-Project Area Wide Improvements JACKSON HILL STREET GREEN FINGER
AL
RI MO
ME
VE
DRI
STUDEMON
T STREET
EET JACKSON HILL STR
E RD DRIV
SHEDPHDERIVE SHEPHER
CLEVELAND PARK
MEMORIAL PARKWAY MEDIAN LANDSCAPING
SPOTTS PARK CONNECTION
EXISTING JACKSON HILL PEDESTRIAN BRIDGE UPGRADE
Underpass Connection DUNLAVY STREET PEDESTRIAN CROSSING
Green Finger with Trail Lighting Trail Connection Building Lunar Lighting Shared Parking Streetscape Street Alteration Bridge Over Roadway Pedestrian Crosswalk
REGENT SQUARE
NEARTOWN DUNLAVY STREET GREEN FINGER
MONTROSE BOULEVARD
ALLEN PARKWAY MEDIAN LANDSCAPING
MONTROSE BOULEVARD
WAUGH DRIVE
ROCHOW STREET
WAUGH DRIVE
ALLEN PARKWAY
TRAIL CONNECTION TO MEMORIAL PARK
STUDEMONT STREET
YMCA (SHARED PARKING AND RESTROOMS)
SUPER NEIGHBORHOOD 22
SIXTH WARD GLENWOOD CEMETERY
SAW
T STREET
MEMORIAL HEIGHTS GREEN FINGER
STR
STUDEMON
YER SABINE STREET
EET
MEMORIAL PARKWAY MEDIAN LANDSCAPING
SABINE STREETSCAPE
E L DRIV
RIA
MEMO
MONTROSE BLVD GREEN FINGER
GILLETTE STREET
IMPROVED CONNECTION TO SAM HOUSTON PARK
GILLETTE STREET PEDESTRIAN CROSSING
ALLEN PARKWAY LANE ADJUSTMENTS AND PARKING
CONNECTION TO DOWNTOWN HEALTH CLUBS
ET
ISMAILI CENTER, HOUSTON
TAFT STREET PEDESTRIAN CROSSING
STRE
ALLEN PARKWAY MEDIAN LANDSCAPING
ALLEN PARKWAY
TAFT STREET
D FOR STAN
MONTROSE BOULEVARD
ROSEMONT BRIDGE EXTENSION
FEDERAL RESERVE BANK
GILLETTE STREET GREEN FINGER
FOURTH WARD
37
3.2
Trail Connections
Shared Parking Concepts
Three trail connections will provide critical linkages to major nearby parks and areas along Buffalo Bayou:
New development can offer an opportunity to serve the public and attract customers to those properties through shared parking arrangements that reduce overall parking in this area of Houston:
• Sabine Promenade and Sam Houston Park: The Project’s scope will provide a hike and bike connection under Sabine Street that provides a safer, more convenient route for cyclists and joggers than the street level connection today. But the existing trails east of Sabine Street remain isolated from Sam Houston Park by the Walker Street connector to Allen Parkway. Short-term, signalized crossings on the connector, and replacing paving in esplanade areas with landscaping can provide a crucial park connection for both daily recreation and events that could then use both parks. And long term, a redesigned I-45 interchange can provide even safer conditions. • Downtown Trail Connection: The heavily-used jogging trail into downtown crosses a freeway exit ramp with limited sight lines, an extremely dangerous situation. As regional plans for I-45 are developed, a safer alternative must be developed as part of the redesign of this, the oldest freeway interchange in the city. • Trail to Memorial Park: Hundreds if not thousands of joggers and cyclists use narrow city sidewalks to make the journey to/ from Memorial Park. An unfortunate result of the inability of the city to acquire greenbelt property west of Reinerman Street to the newly-acquired Memorial Park in 1925, the nowcommercial and residential area, with its narrow sidewalks directly next to speeding traffic, is a true barrier between two of Houston’s most important parks.
• Regent Square: Through agreements with the City and TIRZ #5, the developers of Regent Square at the southwest corner of Allen Parkway and Dunlavy have committed to providing parking spaces for general public parking, including for users of Buffalo Bayou Park. Access from that parking across Allen Parkway would be improved immeasurably by a signalized crosswalk at the Dunlavy intersection. •
Ismaili Center, Houston: This development planned by the Aga Khan Foundation could include general public parking at times when visitation to the cultural center is light. Access from this parking across Allen Parkway could be via a Rosemont Bridge extension or via crosswalks on Montrose at Allen Parkway.
• YMCA: The Masterson YWCA property has been purchased by the YMCA. Parking is needed, and city representatives have discussed shared parking and public restrooms at this important site next to Spotts Park (see D2 also). Refer to the site plan on the preceding pages for locations of each Area-wide Improvement.
39
Roadway medians today
Intersection at Taft looking across Allen Parkway
3.2
Access Across Roadways
Streetscape Improvements
The Rosemont Bridge Project with its related access trails to adjacent neighborhoods on the north side of Memorial is making a major difference, but access must be improved to neighborhoods south of Allen Parkway. Ideally, a comprehensive reconsideration of Allen Parkway’s role in the city’s street system and its subsequent reconfiguration should be undertaken. Short of this comprehensive approach, the following steps are recommended:
Memorial Drive and Allen Parkway were conceived as part of the historic linear park, but since the 1950’s they have been transformed from true parkways into major thoroughfares. They should be reintegrated with the historic green space:
• Signalized Intersections and Crosswalks: Safe routes across Allen Parkway are very important for Neartown and Fourth Ward residents to the south. Two signalized intersections are priorities—at Taft Street (where one direction of traffic already is signalized) and at Dunlavy Street, an intersection that will experience more traffic as Regent Square is developed. Gillette Street represents a third opportunity because of plans for a Greenfinger (linear park) along this street into the Fourth Ward. • Rosemont Bridge Extension: As it does to the north, the Rosemont Bridge could extend south across Allen Parkway and into the the Ismaili Center, Houston that is proposed by the Aga Khan Foundation, allowing this center to connect with the park and serve as a “Greenfinger” into Neartown. • Jackson Hill Bridge: This existing pedestrian bridge across Memorial Drive should be repaired and widened because it will access the Project’s Jackson Hill High Bridge over Buffalo Bayou.
• Allen Parkway Frontage Road: This roadway on the southern side of Allen Parkway carries little traffic from Gillette to Heiner streets and is used mostly for parking school busses during downtown field trips. While visitors can park here and use an old pedestrian bridge across Allen Parkway, it is inconvenient and out of compliance with current codes. By relocating the frontage road to the northern of the three existing roadways and moving traffic to the southern two roadways, the relocated frontage road can serve school busses, event staging at Eleanor Tinsley Park and public parking. New transitions at Gillette and Heiner streets would allow reuse of the existing roadways in between. • Spotts Park Underpass: Vick’s Park was a major 44-acre, early 20th-century addition to the linear park decimated by the construction of the Waugh Drive cloverleaf with the remnant being Spotts Park. Memorial Drive is built on a levee through this area with parkland below it on either side. A simple bridge span could be added in the levee that would allow water, green space and people to easily move back and forth under Memorial Drive, reconnecting the two parks that were once one. •
Sabine Street: This street can be the park’s front door with a more inviting streetscape providing a more comfortable connection to the Fonde Recreation Center and increased on-street parking.
• Parkway Landscape and Street Lighting Improvements: Memorial Drive and Allen Parkway should feel like they are part of Buffalo Bayou Park rather than uninviting barriers on each side. Median and curb area landscaping should be added and street lighting improved with a new system that uses efficient new lighting technologies.
41
Moon Phase determines Lunar Cycle Lighting
Buffalo Bayou Trail Lights on Greenfingers
Lunar Cycle Lighting on Buildings
3.2
Environmental and Lunar Cycle Lighting / Greenfingers With the downtown skyline as a backdrop and dramatic views created by Buffalo Bayou Park, surrounding development and civic landmarks, an incredible canvas is available to extend the Lunar Cycle Lighting concept, begun as part of the Sabine Promenade, out into the cityscape. The combination of Lunar Cycle Lighting proposed as part of the Project (see Chapter 4, Section 4.4) and these proposed Area-wide Improvements to be implemented by others will result in a truly unique work of environmental art that highlights Houston’s natural heritage, its transformation into a global city, and even its unique connections to man’s exploration of outer space. In addition, new developments can consider their green spaces to be additional “Greenfingers” as described in Buffalo Bayou and Beyond, allowing the benefits of the park to extend deeper into nearby neighborhoods: • Upcoming Developments: Office and residential buildings could expand upon the “Lunar Cycle Lighting” concept by incorporating their buildings into the cycle, synchronized with the Project’s lighting at a relatively low cost, and thereby providing a major visual expansion of the park and this lighting concept that is unique to Houston. Upcoming developments, such as the Ismaili Center, Houston (Aga Khan Foundation site) and Regent Square, can easily incorporate relatively simple building lighting to extend the lighting to be implemented as part of the Project. In addition, each development should conceive its own green spaces to be “Greenfingers”, helping extend the park into nearby neighborhoods.
• Street Lighting: Improved street lighting using advanced, low-energy street lighting technology with white, rather than orange, light would enhance rather than detract from Buffalo Bayou Park. A band of ugly, orange light along both roadways creates a real barrier to a dramatic nightscape based on Lunar Cycle Lighting. • Greenfingers: The linear park concept already planned along Gillette Street is an excellent model for this important planning concept. It should be implemented and linked to the park in the safest, most direct manner possible. To the west, Jackson Hill Street north of Buffalo Bayou and Dunlavy Street and Montrose Boulevard south of the bayou offer additional opportunities to create Greenfingers into adjacent neighborhoods. As the Gillette project already is contemplating, each Greenfinger along these streets also should incorporate Lunar Cycle Lighting in some way.
• Existing Buildings: Bank towers, residential high-rises and the Federal Reserve, could expand upon the “Lunar Cycle Lighting” concept by washing their buildings in blue light on a cycle synchronized with the Project’s lighting at a relatively low cost.
43
3.3
management recommendations
Event Planning Buffalo Bayou Park will continue to be a great venue for events and civic celebrations. The City of Houston will continue to produce these events and should expand restrictions on event parking within adjacent neighborhoods while requiring shuttles to/from downtown parking for larger events. Shuttle/Transit Service Parking is at a premium within and around Buffalo Bayou Park. The Master Plan includes strategies for maximizing available parking while minimizing use of green space for this purpose. But this issue will remain a challenge as the area redevelops and the park grows in popularity. Consideration should be given to a shuttle service that would operate during events, holidays and weekends to/ from downtown, the Washington Avenue Corridor and key park destinations. For events, shuttle service should be designed to make downtown parking convenient while reducing parking within adjacent neighborhoods. Water Releases from the Reservoirs While rains can swell the bayou’s waters, generally water levels and flow are determined by releases from the Addicks and Barker reservoirs for much of the year. The release rates should be modified to avoid extended periods of high water because this kills bank-side vegetation that controls erosion. Resulting massive erosion has increased the bayou water’s sediment loads, causing major siltation problems in this reach and downstream to the Houston Ship Channel. In addition, communication of the release rates would improve both the safety and experience for canoeing and kayaking, which are growing in popularity.
45
the project 4.1
OVERVIEW OF THE PROJECT SCOPE
4.2
HCFCD CHANNEL WORK
4.3
GENERAL SITE WORK Planting Plan Landscape and Water Features Trails, Footpaths and Bridges On-site Parking and Paddlecraft Access
4.4
GENERAL SITE WORK—LIGHTING Trail Lighting Lunar Cycle Lighting
4.5
GENERAL SITE ENHANCEMENTS Civic Art Entry Portals Comfort and Amenities
4.6
SPECIAL DESTINATIONS The Historic Water Works—Water Reservoir Site Lost Lake Center Eleanor Tinsley Park Monumental Art Precinct Wortham Fountain Dog Park Greentree Waugh Bridge Bat Colony
4.7
SUPPORT FACILITIES
4.8
ACTIVITY ZONES Recreation Events Concessions
4.9
IMPLEMENTATION Schedule and Phasing Budget Unfunded Projects
4
47
4.1
overview of project scope
The Project consists of improvements to city property within the Project Area primarily to be funded and implemented by mid-2015. Chapter 4 describes the Approved Master Plan as of January 2012, which is enforceable through restrictive covenants covering the Project Area only. Seven components will expand and transform the existing green space and create one of the country’s great urban parks: • HCFCD Channel Work: Under the direction of and funded by HCFCD, the bayou channel will be restored by removing sediment deposits and invasive trees and vines along its banks. Using concepts based on the behavior of natural streams, the channel also will be returned to a more natural configuration with natural systems helping stabilize banks wherever possible. • General Site Work: The first priority for privately-funded improvements will be the basics—natural landscaping, footpaths in addition to hike and bike trails, trail lighting and amenities such as benches, trash receptacles, bike racks and drinking fountains. General site work is budgeted at $32,200,000 with planning, design, engineering and construction costs included. A maintenance yard is estimated to cost an additional $1,500,000 with all related planning, design, engineering and construction costs included. • Site Enhancements: If BBP is able to raise a full $50,000,000 of private funding, more amenities along the trails and footpaths, art and pavilions will enrich the landscape created by the general site work. Site enhancements are budgeted at $2,200,000 with planning, design, engineering and construction costs included.
• Special Destinations: If BBP is able to raise a full $50,000,000 of private funding, a number of special destinations will be created at key locations, including the water reservoir property where the City of Houston Department of Public Works and Engineering (PW&E) is allowing public use of this 4.5-acre property that it owns between Buffalo Bayou and Memorial Drive on the west side of Sabine Street. The property is dominated by a partially-buried concrete reservoir that is no longer used by the City’s water system. This area has been named tentatively “The Historic Water Works.” The estimated cost of all special destinations is $13,800,000 with planning, design, engineering and construction costs included. • Volunteer Work: BBP already has teams of volunteers restoring both the Tapley Tributary and Greentree natural areas, and their work will continue with several hundred thousand dollars allocated to providing the materials necessary for full restoration. • Unfunded Projects: Some ideas are exciting but beyond the means of this Project’s anticipated funding or timeframe. This chapter identifies projects that are part of the Approved Master Plan and could happen in the future (or now if more funding were to materialize) while enhancing rather than detracting from the overall character and quality of Buffalo Bayou Park. • Community Partners: Once detailed plans are developed, some features could be implemented in partnership with other civic organizations.
49
Bayou Section at Introduced Meander
Typical Bayou Channel Section
4.2
hcfcd channel work
Proposed Scope of Channel Work HCFCD has completed its engineering for its restoration of the bayou channel, which is focused generally on maintenance of the channel rather than major new construction. It is important to note that HCFCD has submitted its plans to the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers for a permit that is required for construction to begin. Three options have been studied, ranging from recreating the trapezoidal channel from the 1950’s to a channel design that requires extensive above-water structural armoring. A third option is being implemented that closely adheres to Rosgen fluvial morphological principles based on natural streams: General • More earth and sediment will be excavated than filled. • The completed channel will in many ways be similar to the completed Pilot Project near Sabine Street. • Most of the bayou extending from the Pilot Project to Shepherd Drive will be “touched” in some way. Channel Alignment • Existing inside bends will have shallower slopes and a flood bench about 5 feet above low water (involves tree removal).
• Possibly rock or concrete rubble rip-rap to stabilize the toes of slopes under water where it will not be seen. There also are two outside bends that require structural armoring above low water level. • Bald cypress and other riparian trees in the “submersion zone” to help stabilize banks.** * From a recreational standpoint, the goal is to create shallowsloped channel banks on the inside of some bends that can improve access to the channel for canoes and kayaks. This strategy replaces the introduction of more constructed docks. The large dock at Eleanor Tinsley Park (recently uncovered by excavation of silt by the HCFCD Pilot Project) will be retained. ** The submersion zone extends from low water to approximately Elevation +5.0 MSL and is submerged for long periods of time due to low-flow releases from Addicks and Barker reservoirs in accordance with Corps of Engineers procedures, preventing most plants from growing here. The Master Plan recommends modification of these procedures to shorten the time plants are submerged so they can better defend the channel banks against erosion that also causes heavy downstream sedimentation.
• In some segments, the low water channel width will be narrower than it is today—about 70-75 feet vs. up to 90’ wide today. • Modest meanders could be reintroduced in the channel alignment to return the bayou a little closer to its original configuration. Channel Edges • Side slopes of 3:1 on outside bends and elsewhere with shallower side slopes on inside bends (about 4:1 to 6:1) where there could be a subtle “beach”.*
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Channel Restoration STREET STUDEMON T
ROCHOW STREET
ME
VE
DRI
Existing Trees to Be Saved New Native Tree Plantings
Realigned Channel Meander
MONTROSE BOULEVARD
AL
RI MO
WAUGH DRIVE
SHEPHE
E RD DRIV
REET JACKSON HILL ST
Erosion Control
SABINE STREET
EET STR
STUDEMON
YER SAW
T STREET
Realigned Channel Meander
RIVE
RIAL D
GILLETTE STREET
TAFT STREET
ALLEN PARKWAY
REET D ST
FOR STAN
MONTROSE BOULEVARD
MEMO
Bank Stabilization
Erosion Control
Pilot Project
53
Mowed Lawn
Natural Grasses
Perennial Gardens
Cultured Woodlands
Native Woodlands
Riparian Corridors
Rambles
Wetland Gardens
Mowed Lawn Woodlands and Rambles Natural Grasses and Flood Benches Riparian Corridors & Wetland Gardens Perennial Gardens and Shrubs Softscape
41 acres 37 acres 22 acres 9 acres 3 acres 112 acres
Water Features (excludes bayou) Bayou and Tributaries Waterscape
2 acres 22 acres 24 acres
Trails & Plazas Site & Recreation Features Parking & Maintenance Yard Buildings & Pavilions Hardscape
14 acres 6 acres 3 acres 1 acres 24 acres
TOTAL
160 acres
4.3
general site work
The Project’s first, most basic goals are to restore the rich diversity of landscapes historically found along Buffalo Bayou while continuing to accommodate and provide access for the rich diversity of recreational activities that have found a home here—primarily through preservation of key lawns and infrastructure such as trails, boat landings, other basic amenities and parking. In general, more natural areas will be found between the north bank and Memorial Drive while the areas along Allen Parkway generally will be more refined. Working in conjunction with the site’s topography, shaded woodland areas will open up to “outdoor rooms” to create a syncopated rhythm of shaded and light, cool and warm, quiet and more active spaces.
• Rambles: When the bayou was channelized in the 1950’s, one meander southeast of Waugh Drive was left intact, creating a 6-acre wildscape. With continued, careful restoration, it can be a vestige of the original bayou landscape accessible to the more adventurous by rough footpath. The Tapley Tributary also is notable for its “wild”, albeit composed, character along a small tributary further east along the north bank.
Planting Plan
• Meadows: Woodland edge areas and slopes that are too steep to mow will be planted with native grasses and wildflowers, creating sunlit, colorful, highly textured slopes that do not require constant mowing.
Today, City funds are able only to provide for basic mowing and very limited gardening. With few exceptions, those areas that cannot be mowed become overgrown with vines and invasive plants that can choke out even existing mature trees. The planting plan seeks to restore diversity and balance to the mix of landscapes and is predicated upon a strong maintenance plan. This diversity includes the following zones (from the water’s edge up) that are located on the site plan on the following pages and illustrated on the facing page: • Riparian Edges & Wetland Gardens: The bayou’s banks, tributary/outfall edges and other water features provide a zone for water-loving plants that must be tough enough to withstand extreme flood conditions. Along the bayou, they also will help control erosion while withstanding sediment deposition that is a real challenge due to erosion upstream.
• Woodlands: The Project will increase woodland areas dramatically, ranging from “native woodlands” (away from recreational activity, which will contain a full mix of understory plants), to “cultured woodlands” (along trails and near lawns, which will be maintained to prevent undergrowth above knee height from obscuring sightlines for park users).
• Lawns: Existing expanses of relatively flat grass areas will be transformed into lawns through more intensive horticultural care. These lawns are located to accommodate various forms of recreation, including some slopes that will allow for “cross country” training in otherwise flat Houston. • Perennial Gardens: A limited number of high-profile garden areas composed of native perennials will accent key destinations in the park. The size and number of these garden areas are limited to control maintenance costs.
55
E
RIV
LD
A ORI
STUDEMON T STREET
R SHEPHE
D DRIVE
REET JACKSON HILL ST
Planting Planting Zones Zones
Riparian
Turf Bench
Wetlands
Meadow
Ponds
Gardens
Special Paving
Cultured Woodlands Native Woodlands Ramble
MONTROSE BOULEVARD
ROCHOW STREET
Turf
WAUGH DRIVE
M
ME
REET
D ST GILLETTE STREET
TAFT STREET
RIAL D RIVE
SABINE STREET
STUDEMON T STREET
ET
E STR
FOR
STAN
MONTROSE BOULEVARD
ER
Y SAW
MEMO
ALLEN PARKWAY
57
View East from Henry Moore’s “Spindle” to Downtown Skyline
Old Bayou Meander- Location of Dog Park Pond
View West from Crosby Outfall
View from Memorial to Beth Yeshurun Cemetery
Landscape and Water Features
The topography of this park is unique in Houston because of its rolling terrain that creates special spaces and vistas. HCFCD will change the immediate topography along several reaches of the bayou (see Section 4.2), but elsewhere, only a few changes to the existing topography are proposed. In general, existing highpoints are maximized by overlooks and vistas while low spots become inviting water features and focal points (see site plan on following pages). •
Overlooks and Vista Points: Eleanor Tinsley Park still will offer its dramatic skyline view (see also Section 4.6), but there will be other special vista points as well. A second stunning view of the skyline will be added at The Historic Water Works where visitors will climb fifteen feet above the surrounding city to a large lawn. The Sandy Reed Grove also will frame a skyline view from further west. The Crosby Outfall Overlook will offer an enhanced deep, longitudinal view into the park from the east while overlooks at Shepherd will introduce visitors to the park’s natural areas 2.3 miles to the west. Other key vistas include the view north across the bayou from the Wortham Fountain area and the view south across the bayou toward Tirrell Meadow and Beth Yeshurun Cemetery. Views toward the Police Memorial and framed by Glenwood Cemetery offer lower views of the landscape and skyline.
• Dog Park Pond: The proposed dog park will be enhanced by a long pond that will occupy an old meander of the bayou still shaded by large trees that once graced the banks of the bayou itself. These trees will now shade this pond where dogs can play safely in water that is re-circulated and naturally treated with a bio-filter and wetland plants. • Crosby Outfall: This major outfall southwest of Sabine Street was enhanced by Charles Tapley in the early 1980’s. While the outfall and water features will be retained, the upper slopes, especially toward downtown will be “laid back” to open views into this dramatic ravine. • Cottonwood Bowl: An outfall and short ravine north of Gillette Street will become a focal point for an expansive amphitheater-like lawn surrounding it. Existing cottonwoods will be joined by more to create a dramatic natural landmark. • Other Outfalls: Several smaller outfalls and ravines will be cleaned and replanted to transform them from eyesores to moments of real interest in the landscape. •
Bat Colony: While their Waugh Bridge home is not natural, the largest urban, non-migratory colony of bats in Texas deserves special protection and respect.
• Lost Lake: A large ravine on the south bank and just east of Beth Yeshurun Cemetery was once a pond. The pond was lost when its small dam failed in the 1970’s, and this beautiful landscape feature has since been lost to invasive plants and vines. “Lost Lake” will be restored and will be a focal point for the park. • Tirrell Cascade: West of the cemetery, this steep drop provides a second opportunity with moving water and views to deep water being the focal points.
59
STREET STUDEMON T
ROCHOW STREET
ME
VE
DRI
Bayou
Native Woodland Preserve
Bayou Tributary / Outfall
Recontoured Topography
Cascade
Water Source or Fountain
Dry Ravine
Existing Fountain
Proposed Pond
Promontory
MONTROSE BOULEVARD
AL
RI MO
WAUGH DRIVE
SHEPHE
E RD DRIV
REET JACKSON HILL ST
Landscape Landscape and and Water Water Features Features
REET
D ST GILLETTE STREET
TAFT STREET
RIAL D RIVE SABINE STREET
EET
STUDEMON T
STR
FOR
STAN
MONTROSE BOULEVARD STREET
YER SAW
MEMO
SANDY REED GROVE ALLEN PARKWAY
CROSBY OUTFALL
61
Jackson High Hill Bridge
4.3
Trails, Footpaths and Bridges Once reconstruction of the Sandy Reed Memorial Trail by TxDOT and the City is complete, it will form the backbone for circulation within the park, but the proposed Project will augment this trail with a wider range of choices and routes (see plan on following pages): • Sandy Reed Memorial Trail: This 5-mile trail loop on both sides of the bayou was originally built in the late 1970s. The reconstructed trail will generally follow the original trail’s alignment, with certain exceptions where modern safety standards require a different alignment. It will become a 10-footwide concrete trail with signage and striping, making it much more attractive for cyclists than the existing trail. Importantly, the project scope includes a pedestrian bridge supported by the high span of Shepherd Drive, allowing runners and cyclists to avoid the dangerously narrow sidewalk on the low Shepherd bridge span. It is important to note that this project pre-dates the Master Plan, with its scope and overall design having been set in the 1990’s and 2000’s. • Footpaths: A system of footpaths will augment the Sandy Reed Memorial Trail. They will be designed as a walking and jogging alternative for park users who are uncomfortable sharing the larger trail with cyclists. A “Riverside Path” will provide a route closer to the bayou and nature while paths closer to street level that have been trail-blazed by park users in past decades will be improved. The footpaths will be 5-feet wide. Construction techniques are not resolved, but tentative plans call for asphalt or similar material on a solid sub-base due to extreme maintenance challenges.
• Bayou Bridges: One challenge for walkers and hikers has been the commitment one must make today to a long walk because there were no safe bayou crossings to allow one to loop back. This was especially true at Studemont where that roadway bridge is too high for park users to even access it. The Rosemont Bridge Project by TIRZ #5 is helping greatly by providing a bayou crossing and access point over Memorial Drive just east of Studemont and roughly mid-way along the park. Two additional bayou bridge crossings are included in the Project’s scope. To the east of the Rosemont Bridge, a bayou bridge crossing on axis with the Police Memorial will provide first-ever safe access to this destination. A bayou bridge crossing in line with the existing Jackson Hill access bridge over Memorial Drive will provide safe access from the north to the south bank west of Waugh Drive. When the Project is complete, today’s dangerous roadway bridge crossings will be replaced by five bayou bridge crossings (including Sabine Street) at roughly half mile intervals. In addition to safety, they will create one mile walking loops within the park, providing park users with different trip lengths to choose. • Footbridges: Both the Sandy Reed Memorial Trail and the footpaths included in this Project will include improved bridges over ravines and outfall tributaries. This includes an important bridge over the Crosby Outfall that will allow trail access under Sabine Street on the south bank and into the Sabine Promenade trail network accessing downtown parks.
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Access Plan and Circulation Access
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Hike & Bike Trail Hike & Bike Trail Bridge Footpath Nature Trail Connection to Neighborhood Proposed Connection to Neighborhood
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4.3
On-site Parking Increasingly, the park is accessed by foot and by bicycle as the residential and work force populations surrounding the park continue to grow. In addition, Chapter 3 calls for improved transit access and even shuttle service serving the park. But community comments and day-to-day experience continue to indicate that vehicular parking will be an important means of access into the future. The recommendations for Area-wide Improvements described in Chapter 3 seek to address parking by improved access to nearby parking outside the park. Within the park, there are only a few locations where parking is advisable because there is no desire to pave over this unique natural asset. Careful insertions of parking and vehicular access include: • Eleanor Tinsley Park: The small existing parking lot will be retained, and lighting will be added to improve security. • Lost Lake: Using existing Dunlavy Street right-of-way that extends along the eastern boundary of Beth Yeshurun Cemetery, a small parking area and turn-around for 80 - 90 cars can be provided at the west end of the park. This lot will be designed using “green principles”, including porous paving, natural drainage, shade trees and discrete lighting. In addition, this parking area will serve as a “canoe launch” for individuals bringing their own boats to the bayou.
•
Dog Park Parking: Paved parallel parking is being added along the west-bound access ramp of Allen Parkway west of Montrose to improve access to the dog park. With additional funding, this parallel parking could be extended further west in the future.
Paddlecraft Access HCFCD’s restoration of the bayou channel will result in shallow slopes at water’s edge on the inside of bends and meanders. These locations will become the preferred points for paddlecraft access in general. Two such spots—at Lost Lake and Water Music Place— will be identified as paddlecraft access points because they are designated to be associated with a canoe rental concession. It is not possible to provide a permanent, paved route or parking for commercial vehicles hauling trailers with large numbers of boats without scarring the landscape. The Master Plan and Project anticipate continued use of the Memorial Drive frontage road and bus stop east of Shepherd for canoe shuttles operating on a weekly basis. For occasional organized boating trips, permits will be issued that allow commercial vehicles with trailers to drive over the lawn in this area to get closer to the bayou as they do today.
• The Historic Water Works: A vehicular drop-off area is provided along Sabine Street as part of the entry court for The Historic Water Works and the overall park. This will provide safer access for parents and their children using the skateboard park. A small parking lot is added along Sabine Street to supplement nearby parking at the Fonde Recreation Center and along Sabine Street. Chapter 3’s Area-wide Improvements propose more parking in this area.
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4.4
general site work—lighting
Site lighting and art components will extend the “Lunar Cycle Lighting” concept established in the Sabine Promenade (see Chapter 3, Section 3.2 for additional discussion of this concept as a part of Area-wide Improvements). In general, the lighting concept should include “outdoor rooms” while maintaining the park’s night-time aspects of light and dark. Selected trees, lawns and landscape features can be highlighted in white light on a daily or seasonal basis, emphasizing the environment’s greenness, special blooming cycles, and even aspects of the water that can be perceived during the evening hours Trail and Site Lighting Trail lighting will be installed along the Sandy Reed Memorial Trail and certain other major access trails. These lights will be in the same family as the lights used on the Sabine Promenade—concrete poles with a “dark sky” reflector and two bulbs. Each trail light will have an LED “blue orb”, which is the backbone of the “Lunar Cycle Lighting” concept (see below). Footpaths and other areas closer to the bayou will remain dark at night and closed while certain special destinations, such as the Wortham Fountain, Lost Lake, Dog Park, Water Music Place and areas of Eleanor Tinsley Park will be lit for night-time use. Lunar Cycle Lighting The environmental lighting team of artist Stephen Korns and L’Observatoire established the signature “Lunar Cycle Lighting” concept for Buffalo Bayou that was first installed in the Sabine Promenade. It uses lighting that transitions from white, to blue, to white as the moon waxes, wanes and waxes again. The ultimate goal is to have this nightly transition emanate from Allen’s Landing (Houston’s Plymouth Rock) and extend westward to Shepherd Drive and eventually eastward as well. When enough of Houston’s Lunar Cycle Lighting is installed, Houston’s blue lights will be visible from space when the moon is dark.
There is much to light in and above the Sabine Promenade while Buffalo Bayou Park is open and less encumbered by urban infrastructure. As a result, the effect in this park will be less allencompassing and will allow compositions that include lighting of landscapes and other features and also dark areas that will remain less developed. Also because of differing site conditions, several water features could be part of the lighting canvas in this area. Lunar Cycle Lighting is environmental art at its finest, and the integration of the ideas and creativity of other artists, including participation in or independence from this lighting concept, is an important consideration that must be coordinated on a case-by-case basis. In addition, respect for Henry Moore’s and Jesus Morales’ works of monumental art is essential. Several related projects, including the Rosemont Bridge, its connecting trail lighting, and the Gillette Street linear park will be able to tie into the Project’s lighting system, which will provide the lighting backbone for this section of Buffalo Bayou. As described in Chapter 3, the goal is an ongoing addition of Lunar Cycle Lighting on nearby buildings and properties to enhance their association with the bayou corridor and provide additional visibility for this important park. Lighting controls are a key component of the system. Designed and engineered by Cooper Perkins, the system will be an improvement from the Sabine Promenade. Key improvements include remote operation, potential wireless control to aide in overall management of the parks and incorporation of non-connected sites. These controls will need to communicate with nearby projects and be part of a larger sequencing plan for the entire bayou. Other systems could be tied in, such as general lighting, security, Wi-Fi services and administrative communications.
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Tree Lighting
Lunar Cycle Lighting at Bridges
Stair and Plaza Lighting
Trail LIghting
Meadow Lighting
Bridges • Memorial Drive Viaduct: The area under Memorial Drive where it passes near Glenwood Cemetery represents an ideal opportunity to extend Lunar Cycle Lighting. Its difficult site conditions also are targeted for a major environmental art project, involving light, sound, and landscape features should additional funds be raised for this large area. •
Roadway Bridges: The double-bridge span at Shepherd Drive, the Studemont bridge and the two Memorial Drive spans crossing the bayou will be primary Lunar Cycle Lighting features. Only limited lighting will be installed at the Waugh Bridge because of the large bat colony that has adopted the bridge as its home.
• Pedestrian Bridges: The proposed pedestrian bridges at the Police Memorial and near Jackson Hill Street plus the Rosemont Bridge and the Shepherd Hike & Bike Trail Bridge should become iconic features at night. Architecture • Buildings: The Historic Water Works and Lost Lake buildings should include Lunar Cycle Lighting in their overall lighting designs. • The Historic Water Works and Eleanor Tinsley Event Pavilions: These open-air pavilions can be iconic features in the landscape and beacons at night.
Artwork and Fountains • Wortham Fountain: Plans for this icon may include Lunar Cycle Lighting for the fountain and the grove of trees that will surround and embrace it. • Existing Artwork: Careful consideration should be given to lighting or enhancing the lighting of existing monumental artworks while respecting the intent of the artists and the concerns of those who enjoy these outdoor sculptures. Landscapes, Waterscapes and Hardscapes • Outfalls: Several of the more prominent water features have great potential to be dramatic environments at night. • Trees: Large sculptural trees, groves, and even flowering trees can be dramatic accents in the nightscape. • Meadows: Selected lawns and meadows outside of natural areas can become pools of green light, offering a contrast to dark, white and blue-lit features and allowing for night-time recreation and events in appropriate areas. • Plazas: The Historic Water Works entry court and other entry areas can be well-lit to invite visitors into the park. • Parking Lots: Parking areas must be both well-lit for security and part of the overall lighting composition.
• Pavilions: These works of architecture will be lit at night and can be lanterns in the nightscape.
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Sandy Reed Trail Lighting
Cascade Lighting
Pedestrian Bridge Pathway Lighting
Pavilion Lighting
Illuminated Public Space
Event Pavilion Lighting
Landscape Effect Lighting Bridge Lighting
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Henry Moore’s Spindle with Police Memorial in background
Under Memorial Drive Viaduct Today
Open Flow at Skateboard Park
Jesus Morales’ Police Memorial
4.5
general site enhancements
Subject to BBP achieving its fundraising goals for the Project, the following features are planned as part of the Project: Civic Art While Lunar Cycle Lighting will be a primary environmental art concept, other art components are proposed as well. BBP is working with the Houston Arts Alliance (HAA) to engage a team of artists to develop concepts for: • Memorial Drive Viaduct: The space located under Memorial Drive as it passes by Glenwood Cemetery offers an interesting challenge for an environmental artist. In addition to Lunar Cycle Lighting, sound, water and landscape forms could convert a long, derelict area under a bridge structure into a popular destination. This is a large area, and Project funding must be augmented to implement large-scale ideas that are more ambitious and exciting. It will take its place in the Monumental Art Precinct described in Section 4.6. • Site Amenities: The artists will work with the project designers to create fresh and unique designs for site furnishings and amenities.
In addition, the scope of artworks in the park could evolve to include: • Nature Playground: An environmental artist could be involved in the nature playground near Sabine Street. • Sites for Future Major Gifts: Buffalo Bayou Park has become a home for some of Houston’s most significant works of monumental public art, including Henry Moore’s Spindle and Jesus Morales’ Police Memorial. The park will benefit by identifying the locations for future major gifts so they contribute to and enhance the park’s overall character. • Interpretive Art: The rich history of the bayou, sites along the bayou, and neighborhoods could be the subject of interpretive art in appropriate locations to re-establish the bonds between the bayou and its neighborhoods. • Plug and Play Art: Electrical power and internet access at key gathering points can provide artists with a low-cost means to engage park visitors through performances and interactive art projects for those who work in electronic media. • Temporary Art: Buffalo Bayou ArtPark established a tradition of temporary art projects along Buffalo Bayou many years ago. This tradition should be continued with a streamlined review and approval process that describes where, how and when temporary art exhibits can be displayed.
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Existing Artwork Future Art Location Memorial Drive Viaduct Nature Playground (Possible Collaboration)
BBAP
Temporary Art Exhibits Bridge Markers and Entry Portals
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Buffalo Bayou Benches
Buffalo Bayou Trail Signage
Sabine Promenade Entry Portals
Pavilion
4.5
Entry Portals
Comfort and Amenities
Improved access is a key goal of the Project, and in addition to providing such access, entry points to Buffalo Bayou Park should be celebrated at the following locations:
A full range of amenities intended to provide shade, seating, and other basic amenities is in the Project scope:
• Shepherd Drive: Both the Memorial Drive and Allen Parkway/ Kirby Drive intersections should be celebrated with reference made to this location’s long history as “Shepherd’s Dam”. • Waugh Bridge: This important roadway crossing that extends deep into several important neighborhoods should be marked in a manner that respects the presence of the large bat colony underneath. • Dog Park: This entrance from parallel parking spaces along Allen parkway also being developed by the Project will be heavily used to access the popular dog park. • Sabine/Water Works Entry Court: This will be the symbolic main entry into the park. • Lost Lake Center: This destination at the intersection of Allen Parkway and Dunlavy Street will also be a major entry point into the park, especially if signalized crosswalks are added.
• The Historic Water Works: This destination includes an information center, monitored restrooms, concession area, picnic shelter, entertainment pavilion, parking access, and possible food and drink service (see Section 4.6 for details). • Lost Lake: This destination includes an information center, monitored restrooms, concession area, picnic shelter, parking, and possible food and drink service (see Section 4.6 for details). • Picnic Pavilions: These open-air structures will be located near Sabine Street next to the nature playground and at Lost Lake where parking and restrooms are available. • Pavilions: At vista points will frame views, provide shade, and offer a spot to stop and enjoy nature. • Other Amenities: Including benches, trash receptacles, bicycle racks, drinking fountains and wayfinding signs will serve to make visitors comfortable. Please see Section 4.4: Lighting Plan for locations of these features.
• Landscaped Portals: Iconic stands of tall trees are planned to mark entry portals on either end of the Sabine Bridge.
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Special Destinations MONUMENTAL ART PRECINCT WATER MUSIC PLACE
ELEANOR TINSLEY PARK
SABINE STREET
WORTHAM FOUNTAIN / DOG PARK / WAUGH BAT BRIDGE / GREENTREE NATURE PRESERVE
MONTROSE BOULEVARD
WAUGH DRIVE
SHEPHERD DRIVE
LOST LAKE
4.6
special destinations
Buffalo Bayou Park will offer Houstonians a place where they can be with nature and also enjoy recreational activities. Special destinations will accent this natural environment. Most of these destinations exist today and will be enhanced. But two special locations are being created at key entry points into the park. The site plan on the facing page locates each of these special destinations while the following pages provide more detail about each. New Destinations • A. The Historic Water Works: Taking advantage of the addition of water reservoir property into the green space, this entry point faces downtown along Sabine Street near the Fonde Recreation Center. • B. Lost Lake Center: Recreating a pond that existed along Allen Parkway east of Beth Yeshurun Cemetery, Lost Lake Center is served by new parking and access to Neartown via Dunlavy Street.
Enhanced Destinations • C. Eleanor Tinsley Park: This popular area’s views and natural setting will be enhanced and its overall character preserved and improved. • D. Monumental Art Precinct: Access to the Police Memorial will be improved while the setting for Spindle will create a more beautiful backdrop. A new work of environmental art will reinforce this area as a destination for art lovers. • E. Wortham Fountain: The iconic “dandelion fountain” along Allen Parkway east of the Waugh Bridge will not be touched, but its setting will be enhanced with landscaping, lighting, shade structures and gardens. • F. Dog Park: Between the Wortham Fountain and the Studemont Bridge, a large meadow has become popular for dogs and their owners. This popular spot will be “authorized” with proper infrastructure and amenities. • G. Waugh Bridge Bat Colony: New viewing areas, trails and footpaths will improve safety, protect the bat colony, and enhance viewing. • H. Greentree: This 6-acre natural area across the bayou from the Wortham Fountain will be restored by volunteers and community partners as a vestige of the original bayou landscape.
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The Historic Water Works
A
A1
A2
A6 A4
A3 A5
A
Existing Artwork
A7
4.6
A. The Historic Water Works This major new area of the park at its entrance from downtown and Sabine Street is made possible by the addition of a 4.5-acre property that has been a part of the city’s water system for the past century. A large partially–buried concrete reservoir that is the size of a football field creates a plateau about 15-feet above surrounding grade—one of the few spots in Buffalo Bayou Park that will be elevated. The Lee & Joe Jamail Skateboard Park on its southwestern flank is already a major destination and activity point, and the plan for this area builds upon the opportunities created by these unique assets. • A1. Sky Lawn: The existing rectangular grass area covering the reservoir will be transformed into a large lawn framed by specimen trees to create a space focused on the sky and the skyline. The lawn will be popular daily, and an open-air pavilion will provide a focal point for small performances and events. Stairs from the entry court will draw the eye to downtown while ramps will allow access to the skateboard park and other activities. • A2. Entry Court: Between the Sky Lawn and Sabine Street, this plaza will provide a meeting point for friends and a gathering spot for events while a circular drive will provide for safe passenger drop-offs. Small buildings along the plaza’s perimeter will house an information center, restrooms, bike/canoe rental concession and possibly a food and drink concession. A picnic shelter associated with the Nature Playground also will be accessed from the Entry Court.
• A3. Nature Playground: Along the slopes down to the bayou, a play environment for children designed around natural play features and themes will offer an accessible, creative and monitored replacement for the existing playground at Eleanor Tinsley Park. “Adult play” also will be included in areas slightly removed from the children’s area. At this location, parents will have access to parking, restrooms, park staff and the option of reserving the picnic shelter. And parents with young children and teens will be close to both areas. • A4. Lee & Joe Jamail Skateboard Park: The entry route to the skateboard park could be modified to accommodate park access from the water reservoir property to the bayou, but otherwise, the skateboard park will not change. • A5. Paddle Trail: The low bank of the bayou along the adjacent bend will offer a good access point for paddlecraft. BBP hopes to secure a concessionaire for paddlecraft rentals here and at Lost Lake, allowing visitors without boats to rent one and paddle from Lost Lake to The Historic Water Works. • A6. Disk Golf: The popular disk golf course will be retained and enhanced in this area and to the west. • A7. Buffalo Bayou ArtPark: With increased visitation, this becomes an even better location for temporary art exhibits.
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Lost Lake Center
B3
B4
B5
B2 B1 A
B7 B6
B8 A
Proposed Future Artwork Site
4.6
B. Lost Lake Center Located toward the west end of Buffalo Bayou Park, Lost Lake Center is a second location with park amenities and services in a unique setting. A pond that was lost in the 1970’s when its dam across a natural ravine broke will be restored to become the area’s focal point. Located next to historic Beth Yeshurun Cemetery and across from the proposed Regent Square development, Lost Lake Center is destined to be one of the park’s most popular spots.
• B5. Potential Cafe: The buildable area of the ridge where Lost Lake Headquarters will be located will allow for a small cafe should there be interest from an operator. If this comes about, the picnic shelter and food operation would be designed to function in an integrated manner. The nature of the café and the design of its outdoor areas must be appropriate for its setting in a natural area and adjacent to an historic cemetery that is still in use.
• B1. Lost Lake: Water gardens and wetlands will line the pond’s perimeter, and its water’s will be re-circulated and naturally cleansed. Walkways and lighting will allow it to be a strolling destination day and night. Lost Lake will be about 16 feet below street level, and a small water feature at a corner of the parking lot will serve as a gateway marker and source for a cascade to the pond.
• B6. Parking Lot: Taking advantage of the existing Dunlavy Street right-of-way, 80 - 90 parking spaces can be provided. The parking lot will have permeable paving, shade, natural drainage and discrete lighting integrated into the park’s overall lighting plan with the view from the upper floors of nearby towers taken into consideration. Gated access into Beth Yeshurun Cemetery also will be provided.
• B2 Lost Lake Headquarters: A small building on a ridge that allows it to be above the 100-year flood plain will house a small information center, public restrooms and a concession space for paddlecraft rentals (see B5 also).
•
• B3. Paddlecraft Launch: Access trails will allow individual (noncommercial) paddlecraft owners wanting to access the bayou from the cul-de-sac. A flood bench and shallow channel edge will provide a convenient paddlecraft access point at the water.
B7. Overhead Utilities: The tall high-voltage power transmission lines will remain, but the clutter of lower telecommunication lines should be buried if possible.
• B8. Dunlavy Crosswalk Signal: Chapter 3 of this Master Plan recommends a signalized crosswalk at Dunlavy to provide safe access to the park from Neartown neighborhoods and Regent Square. Lost Lake Center will become a primary park entry should this signalized crosswalk be implemented.
• B4. Picnic Shelter: Behind the headquarters but part of the same building, a weather-protected picnic area will face both the lake and the bayou.
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Eleanor Tinsley Park
Daily usage A
A
C5
C2 A
C1
C6 C3
C7 C4
During a major event A
Existing Artwork
4.6
C. Eleanor Tinsley Park Eleanor Tinsley Park already is well-known in Houston for its skyline views and large community events. The plan for this park builds upon these attributes by enhancing the natural setting and reducing the clutter that detracts from its beauty: • C1. Event Meadow: The large, low, open area extending toward downtown will be transformed into the park’s signature lawn. Trees along upper and lower slopes will define the space and frame views of downtown. With the playground replaced by the nature playground at The Historic Water Works, the small structures and suffering trees can be removed, allowing the space’s natural beauty to be fully realized. The existing electrical power service will be retained for events. • C2. Skyline Overlook: The eastern edge of the small parking area is a popular spot to view the skyline and the meadow below, and a plaza and open-air pavilion will make this spot even more popular. A lawn accessed by stairs from the pavilion and mid-way between street level and the meadow can serve as the main stage platform during large events. The existing parking area will be retained and lit. It can serve as the production logistics area behind-stage during events. • C3. Crosby Outfall Overlook: At the eastern end of this area, the view into the park beyond the Crosby Outfall will be more dramatic by carving away the flat foreground to fully draw the viewer into the park’s topography. Because this is a longitudinal view with the dense foliage of Glenwood Cemetery in the background, it appears from this vista point that all of nature laps at the foot of downtown’s towers.
• C4. Crosby Outfall: This dramatic ravine that Charles Tapley transformed in the early 1980’s will be retained while its edges will be softened and landscaped. A hike and bike trail bridge will cross its confluence with Buffalo Bayou to provide a direct connection to the Sabine Promenade for cyclists, joggers and event attendees. • C5. Boat Dock: Charles Tapley’s beautiful Texas granite boat dock will be a focal point along the bayou with access still provided from the parking area. • C6. Volleyball Courts: The existing volleyball courts will be relocated between the Buffalo Bowl and Crosby Outfall. • C7. Promenade: The Sandy Reed Trail along Allen Parkway will be joined with decomposed granite walking areas to better accommodate the large crowds that move into the Buffalo Bowl for concerts and events. • Buffalo Bayou Skyway: While there is not funding for this ambitious feature in the budget, a pedestrian skyway could connect the Skyline Overlook with the Sky Lawn to create a spectacular viewing platform and access route between the two venues. (See Section 4.9 Unfunded Projects)
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Monumental Art Precinct
D2
D3
D4
D1
4.6
D. Monumental Art Precinct The area on the western edge of Eleanor Tinsley Park is the setting for several existing works of monumental art. No changes are proposed at or near these iconic works, but their settings and access will be improved. In addition, a third work of environmental art will augment this precinct as a destination for art lovers and help tie the new Tolerance sculptures together with the other works of monumental art. • D1. Spindle: This work by Henry Moore occupies a knoll that is a focal point along Allen Parkway. The simple meadow surrounding the sculpture will be retained, and a frame of trees beyond will provide a natural background for the sculpture and help screen the sculpture from high-speed traffic on Memorial Drive. The existing electrical power transformer that blocks the view of the sculpture will be removed.
D2. Police Memorial: Jesus Morales’ pyramid of pink granite dominates the inside bend of Buffalo Bayou north of Memorial Drive with Glenwood Cemetery providing a natural backdrop. The lawn surrounding the sculpture was improved recently, and no changes are proposed for the lawn or sculpture. However, the Project does propose access improvements, including a bridge over the bayou on axis with the memorial and two footpaths along the lawn’s outer perimeter that connect to areas on the other side of Memorial Drive. Landscaping in this outer area should be improved in coordination with the artist’s vision for the artwork’s setting. If lighting is added, it will be designed to reinforce rather than compete with the existing lighting of the memorial. A restroom for the HPD officers standing duty at the memorial is being discussed as a stand-alone project.
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D3. Memorial Drive Viaduct: This space located under Memorial Drive as it passes by Glenwood Cemetery offers an interesting challenge for an environmental artist. In addition to Lunar Cycle Lighting, sound, water and landscape forms could convert an eyesore into a popular destination. This is a large area, and Project funding must be augmented to implement ideas that are more ambitious and exciting. Its scale and visibility from Allen Parkway are at a monumental scale, in keeping with other artwork in this precinct.
• D4. Jane Gregory Garden: Immediately to the west of Spindle, this existing garden under the canopy of a stand of large and midsize trees offers an intimate scale in an otherwise monumental environment. It also offers dramatic views up Buffalo Bayou toward the Tolerance sculptures from above a tall, steep bank on the bayou’s sharpest bend. The garden will be retained and restored. • Tolerance Sculptures: The proposed Memorial Drive Viaduct art project will help connect the existing monumental artworks to the new Tolerance sculptures by Jaume Plensa, located along Allen Parkway at the Rosemont Bridge (to the left of the site plan on opposite page).
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Wortham Fountain Area
G
During a major event
H
F E
Dog Park
4.6
E-H. Wortham Fountain Area The area between the Waugh Bridge and Studemont Bridge is defined by the Wortham Fountain (the “dandelion fountain”), but this popular water feature is not the only attraction in an area that is rich with natural and recreational amenities. • E. Wortham Fountain: While the fountain itself will not be changed, its setting will be greatly enhanced with a semicircular triple-row of trees shading benches and providing an urbane spot for enjoying the outdoors. Lighting will make this area a focal point for the park at night. Two open-air pavilions surrounded by perennial gardens will extend the enhancements to the upper bank of the bayou where vistas out and across the deep channel to the Greentree natural area will offer an inviting contrast to this refined destination. In the future, parallel parking could be extended along the westbound frontage road of Allen Parkway east of Waugh Drive. • F. Dog Park: A large, low meadow to the east of the Wortham Fountain has become a favorite spot for dogs and their owners despite being “unauthorized” because of the absence of the fencing the law requires to contain dogs when they are off-leash. Added decorative fencing will allow this to be an official dog park with small and large dog areas. Dogs will be kept from the bayou and away from fragile bayou edge plants, but a new dog pond will be created along a low spot formed by an original bayou meander under the shade of large trees dating to that earlier landscape. Two open-air pavilions will provide spots where owners can socialize. Parallel parking will be extended along the frontage road of Allen Parkway west of Studemont to the point where it merges with Allen Parkway.
• G. Greentree: On the north bank of the bayou just east of the Waugh Bridge, a 6-acre “wildscape” was created when the 1950’s channel project cut off another original meander of the bayou. Greentree’s wild character and tall, native trees will contrast dramatically with the more refined Wortham Fountain area to the south. BBP is steadily restoring this area so that it can fully represent the rich beauty of Buffalo Bayou’s original landscape for park users who want to enjoy nature at its fullest. This careful approach by committed volunteers and community partners will continue in this area. • H. Waugh Bridge Bat Colony: More than 100,000 bats live in the interstices of this bridge’s beams that span the bayou, the largest non-migratory bat colony in Texas. Viewing the spectacle of the bats emerging at dusk has become a popular past-time. One viewing platform on the south bank east of the bridge has been built in recent years and is heavily used. It will be retained and also augmented by additional viewing points. The single trail along the south bank that dips below the bridge will be rebuilt in a safe alignment, and a footpath and stopping point further down the bank will be added so bat viewers and cyclists are not in conflict.
91
4.7
support facilities
In addition to the high-profile improvements that park users enjoy, a well-maintained park requires “invisible infrastructure” to support the considerable work that goes into keeping plants alive, recreation areas clean, and facilities operating properly. Buffalo Bayou Park will be no exception. This infrastructure includes: • Maintenance Route: In addition to jogging, walking and cycling, the Sandy Reed Memorial Trail will be used as the backbone of the maintenance program for the park. Its wide, strong concrete pavement will support light-duty vehicles and carts that must traverse the 2.3-mile-long park. Heavier vehicles and those traveling at higher speeds will use adjacent roadways. Load limits on pedestrian bridges will limit their use to light vehicles. • Maintenance Yard: In addition to providing a wonderful new front door for the park at The Historic Water Works, the water reservoir property will provide high, flat ground for a proper maintenance yard to be used to support maintenance of this park and nearby parks operated by HPARD. This yard will replace an existing facility located on the property along Sabine Street. The exit ramp from Memorial Drive to Sabine Street will be relocated upstream (west) to provide better access to the yard’s entrance.
• Trash Repositories: De-littering and removing trash is one of the most-time-consuming challenges of operating a park. A 2.3-milelong site bisected by a waterway creates even more challenges for an efficient operation, which is essential if maintenance costs are to be contained. Manual de-littering of lawns and other areas used by the public will be supported by trash repositories where full trash bags can be temporarily stored. Generally, these will be screened areas near pavilions and other areas of intense use. • Access from Roadways: Both two-axle and larger vehicles will need to enter the park on a frequent basis to remove silt, debris and dead trees, and to service facilities. Because of the high speed of traffic on adjacent roadways, these entry points must be located where vehicles can pull out of moving traffic. Curb cuts and control bollards should be provided at these locations, and reinforced paths should be included where heavy vehicles are expected to traverse the park grounds off of the main trail. It should be noted that HCFCD expects to enter the park every 1-5 years to remove sediment deposits along the channel, and the routes used by construction equipment to these locations will need to be carefully considered and engineered.
• Satellite Operations Center: Lost Lake Center will function as a satellite operations outpost for work at the west end of the park. It will house a small meeting room, lockers, and storage for materials and tools. Given all the uses sharing this location, a dumpster or compactor also will be located here.
93
STREET
T
E
RIV
LD
A ORI
STUDEMON T
SHEPHE
E RD DRIV
REET JACKSON HILL ST
Support Facilities Facilities Support
EM
M
T
T
Maintenance Route Maintenance Route: Bridges Maintenance Yard Satellite Operations Center Maintenance Access From Roadway
T
On-Site Trash Storage Event Logistics Route
R
Relocated Exit Lane
MONTROSE BOULEVARD
WAUGH DRIVE
ROCHOW STREET
T
REET
D ST GILLETTE STREET
TAFT STREET
MEMO RIAL D RIVE SABINE STREET
EET
STUDEMON T
STR
FOR
STAN
MONTROSE BOULEVARD STREET
YER SAW
R
T T
ALLEN PARKWAY
95
Bat Watching
Disk Golf
Boating
Walking
Concerts at Eleanor Tinsley Park
Nature Play
Hiking
Jogging
Dog Park
4.8
activity zones
The Project invests heavily in restoring the rich diversity of natural environments that are found along Buffalo Bayou, and Section 4.3 illustrates the resulting natural features. A second goal is to accommodate the diverse recreational activities that already do or could take place in the park, and a considerable investment is being made to provide the natural and built infrastructure that these activities require. The site plan on the following pages illustrates the range of activities that will be possible and where they can take place. Some, such as cross country running, are difficult to illustrate easily at this scale, but they will be accommodated.
97
STREET
P
E
RIV
LD
A ORI
BW
M
ME
STUDEMON T
SHEPHE
E RD DRIV
REET JACKSON HILL ST
Recreation Recreation
BW
Cycling, Jogging, Roller Blading & Cross Country
Event Entry
Hiking, Jogging & Strolling
P
Paddlecraft Activity Zone
SV
Skyline Viewing
Lawn Games / Activities
A
Temporary Art
Dog Park
S
Skateboarding
BW
Bat Watching
Nature / Adventure Play
Picnicking
Events
C
Concessions: Food and Canoe & Bike Rentals
Flood Bench - Boat Access
V
Volleyball
Disk Golf
MONTROSE BOULEVARD
WAUGH DRIVE
ROCHOW STREET
C
BW
P
IAL D EMOR
M RIVE
SV
SV SV SABINE STREET
EET
GILLETTE STREET
STR
TAFT STREET
STUDEMON T
YER
REET D ST
FOR
STAN
MONTROSE BOULEVARD STREET
SAW
SV
S C
P A
ALLEN PARKWAY
V
99
Buffalo Bayou Park
Proposed Project Phasing
December 17, 2010
Planned Coordination of Project Schedules PROPOSED COORDINATION OF PROJECT SCHEDULES Year-‐Quarter (calendar years)
2011-‐1
2011-‐2
2011-‐3 2011-‐4
2012-‐1
2012-‐2
2012-‐3
Project and Phase of Work Rosemont Bridge & Trails/Plensa Artwork Sabine to Rosemont Bridge (Studemont) Hike & Bike Project Engineering, Bidding and Contract Award Construction HCFCD Channel Work Engineering, Bidding and Contract Award Phase 1: Police Memorial to Montrose Phase 2: Montrose to Shepherd Buffalo Bayou Park Design, Bidding and Contract Award Phase 1: Major Bridges and Limited Trail Work Phase 2: Landscaping Phase 3: Special Destination Architecture Engineering, Design, Bidding and Contract Award Possible Ongoing Design Hike & Bike Trail Construction Channel Restoration Major New Bridges General Park Improvements Special Destination Architecture
2012-‐4 2013-‐1 2013-‐2 2013-‐3
2013-‐4
2014-‐1
2014-‐2
2014-‐3 2014-‐4
4.9
implementation
Schedule and Phasing Overall construction, inclusive of both HCFCD and BBP work, will begin in mid-2012 and will be complete in mid-2015, subject to timely approval of permits. Phasing of BBP and HCFCD construction is being coordinated with the City/TxDOT hike & bike trail project: • Hike & Bike Trail Project: Reconstruction of the Sandy Reed Memorial Trail began in late 2011 and will be complete in early 2013. Its current phasing plan calls for an 18-month schedule. Key goals include keeping the trail on one bank open while the trail on the other bank is rebuilt and avoiding disruptions of major summer events at Eleanor Tinsley Park. TxDOT began its work eight months earlier than HCFCD and BBP, allowing it to move out of certain areas before HCFCD and BBP work begins. • HCFCD Work: Because of the nature of its work, HCFCD generally works from a downstream point, in this case nearer to downtown, and then upstream. Two maintenance contracts will be let, and the Montrose Bridge, which is roughly midway along the site’s length, is the dividing point between the two contact areas. Because of its focus on the channel itself and also on plans to shift the channel’s alignment in places, HCFCD will work on both sides of the channel in each of its construction contracts.
• BBP Work: BBP Work will touch the HCFCD construction area and extend up to the roadways surrounding the Project Area. Unlike both of the projects described above, BBP construction will not be linear along a channel or trail but will impact almost all of the Project Area with grading, infrastructure, facilities and landscape features construction and also plantings. The phasing plan should meet the following objectives: 1. Follow behind (and above) HCFCD Work as its first construction contract moves upstream from the Pilot Project area in Eleanor Tinsley Park and then follow its second contract, from the Montrose Bridge and upstream. Break into north bank and south bank sub-phases if required to address the bonding capacity of landscape contractors. 2. Complete the maintenance yard before construction on The Historic Water Works begins (at that time, HPARD will vacate its existing maintenance facility on Sabine Street). 3. Keep half of the Sandy Reed Memorial Trail open if possible. 4. Hold architectural work, including The Historic Water Works, the Skyline Overlook at Eleanor Tinsley Park, and Lost Lake for a last phase. 5. Continue volunteer plantings at the Tapley Tributary and Greentree with limited infrastructure installed by the construction contractors. The Area-wide Recommendations described in Chapter 3 are dependent upon actions by others, and no cost estimates or schedules for these recommendations are provided in this report.
101
CURRENT PROJECTS The Project builds upon investments already being made within the Project Area that total approximately $20,000,000. These include: Project and Sponsor
Estimated Completion
Buffalo Bayou Pilot Project Harris County Flood Control District
Late 2010
Rosemont Bridge and Access Trails Memorial Heights TIRZ #5
Early 2011
Tolerance Artwork Houston Arts Alliance
Early 2011
Hike & Bike Trail Project City of Houston & TxDOT
Early 2013
Buffalo Bayou Channel Improvements Late 2014 Harris County Flood Control District Police Memorial Area Improvements Houston Police Department
TBD
TOTAL PROJECT BUDGET* Other Project Costs* including the following Planning and Design Scope Master Planning Landscape Design and Irrigation Systems Ecosystem and Garden Specialists Lighting Design Architecture Civil Engineering Structural Engineering Forensics Engineering Mechanical, Electrical, Plumbing Engineering Traffic Engineering Water Features and Playground Accessibility Site Consultants Topographic and Utility Survey Boundary Survey Geotechnical Engineering Archeological and Historical Survey Environmental Survey Construction Phase Consultants Materials Testing Other Consultants Project and Construction Management Maintenance and Operations Plan Legal Other Furniture, Fixtures & Equipment Change Orders and Contingency
$50,000,000 $11,250,000
CONSTRUCTION BUDGET*
$
38,750,000
Sub-Total for General Site Work Plantings Site Work & Water Features BBP-funded Hike & Bike Trail Segments Trails & Footpaths Major Bridges Parking Trail, Environmental & Lunar Cycle Lighting Maintenance Yard
$ 26,110,000 $ 7,200,000 $ 1,800,00 $ 270,000 $ 5,100,000 $ 3,500,000 $ 1,050,000 $ 6,050,000 $ 1,140,000
Sub-Total for Site Enhancements Civic Art & Design (see Note 1) Entry Portals & Interpretive Features Site Furniture Pavilions & Other Structures
$ $ $ $ $
Sub-Total for Special Destinations (see Note 2) The Historic Water Works Playground & Picnic Pavilion Lost Lake & Paddlecraft Access Eleanor Tinsley Skyline Overlook Pavilion Wortham Fountain Dog Park
$ 10,700,000 $ 4,900,000 $ 850,000 $ 2,550,000 $ 400,000 $ 650,000 $ 1,350,000
Volunteer Work (see Note 3)
$
1,700,000 500,000 100,000 750,000 350,000
240,000
Notes 1 Excludes art integrated into playground & lighting 2 Costs for Plantings, Trails & Footpaths in totals above 3 Materials & supervision only * Excludes engineering and construction for HCFCD Channel Work, Unfunded Projects and Area-wide Improvements described in Chapter 3. Scope of work, Project Budget and Construction Costs are current estimates only and are subject to future adjustment.
4.9
Project Budget A preliminary project budget is provided on the facing page. General site work and the maintenance yard are the highest priorities should funding be limited. The cost estimates include contingencies that should allow all features described in this chapter (except Unfunded Projects) to be included within an overall budget of $50,000,000, barring unanticipated major increases in material or labors costs over the coming 2–3 years. Unfunded Projects Several exciting ideas cannot be included without funds beyond BBP’s goal of $50,000,000. Should these funds be raised from outside sources, these features could be included in the scope of the Project. Otherwise, they are part of the Approved Master Plan, allowing them to be implemented at a later date when funding is available. Please refer to the site plan on the following pages for the location of each unfunded feature: • A. Event Infrastructure: While the Project will make it easier to produce large events at Eleanor Tinsley Park and smaller events at The Historic Water Works, specialized infrastructure to support events is not in the Project scope. •
B. Buffalo Bayou Skyway: This elevated walkway would connect the Skyline Overlook with the Sky Lawn to create a spectacular skyline and bayou viewing platform and access route between the two venues. This long bridge would provide a circulation loop for event attendees to reduce congestion at the Sabine Street Bridge.
• C. Café and Food Service or Environmental Center/Office: The Historic Water Works and Lost Lake Center can accommodate café or food service areas because they are on higher ground, allowing construction of these buildings outside of the 100-year floodplain. The Water Works location could be an environmental center or BBP offices as well.
• D. Jackson Hill Pedestrian Bridge: This existing pedestrian bridge across Memorial Drive should be repaired and widened because it will access the Project’s Jackson Hill High Bridge over Buffalo Bayou. This project also is included in Chapter 3’s Areawide Improvements because it could be implemented by others. • E. Spotts Park Underpass: Spotts Park is a vestige of Vick’s Park, a major 44-acre, early 20th-century addition to the bayou park that was decimated by the Waugh Drive cloverleaf. Memorial Drive is built on a levee through this area with both the Project Area and Spotts Park below it on either side. A simple roadway bridge span could be added in the levee that would allow water, green space and people to pass under Memorial Drive, reconnecting the two parks that were once one. This project also is included in Chapter 3’s Area-wide Improvements because it also could be implemented by others as part of work on Memorial Drive or Spotts Park. F. Pavilions: Certain locations may warrant an added shade structure similar to those already being implemented. G. Parking: Additional parallel parking along Allen Parkway near the Wortham Fountain would improve access to that area and the dog park while realignment of Allen Parkway east of Gillette Street would provide several hundred parking spaces. H. Entry Portals/Markers: New park entries along Allen Parkway should be provided if signalized crosswalks are added as described in Chapter 3. Markers at the Waugh Bridge can highlight this important passage through the park.
103
Gateway
Enhance Existing Jackson Hill Bridge
Shade Structure
Waugh Bridge Markers
STREET STUDEMON T
E RD DRIV
Dunlavy Crosswalks
Lost Lake Center Cafe
WAUGH DRIVE
ROCHOW STREET
Future Major Artwork
Future Major Artwork
MONTROSE BOULEVARD
SHEPHE
M
E
RIV
LD
RIA
O EM
Gateway
Underpass to Spotts Park
REET JACKSON HILL ST
Unfunded Unfunded Projects Projects
Add Parallel Parking
HPD Improvements
Shade Structure
Buffalo Bayou Skyway
Water Reservoir Interior
Event Infrastructure Expanded Parking
SABINE STREET
EET
STR
STUDEMON
YER SAW
T STREET
Shade Structure
Maintenance Yard Facilities
RIVE
RIAL D
GILLETTE STREET
TAFT STREET
ALLEN PARKWAY
REET
D ST FOR
Connection to Ismaeli Center
STAN
MONTROSE BOULEVARD
MEMO
Shade Structure
Taft Crosswalk
Shade Structure
Gillette Crosswalk (back-up)
Event Infrastructure Allen Parkway Reconfiguration
Restaurant/ Environmental Center
105
protecting the investment 5.1
PROTECTING THE INVESTMENT Development Hiatus Park Dedication Master Plan Status Operating Restrictions Maintenance
5.2
PARK OPERATIONS OVERVIEW Park Management Channel Maintenance Park Maintenance Operating Restrictions
5.3
PARKLAND MAINTENANCE Methodology Materials and Services Support Initial Equipment Estimates of Annual Maintenance Costs Non-Annual Costs
5.4
EVENTS AND SPECIAL USES
5
107
5.1
protecting the investment
Overview
Master Plan Status
The Buffalo Bayou Park Project represents the largest single investment made toward improvements to the Houston Park System—ever. With such an historic opportunity, there come historic responsibilities to protect the improvements made possible by this investment and to better protect the historic parkland itself. There are five major strategies for protecting the improved parkland:
With regard to the Project Area (but not the Area-wide Improvements described in Chapter 3), future changes and proposals will be required to conform to and be limited by the Approved Master Plan described in Chapter 4, which seeks to balance nature with improvements and recreational activity with an ability to “get away from the city”. Public safety, public utility work and emergency work will not be subject to this rule. Some ambitious ideas for Unfunded Projects are included in Chapter 4 that already are a part of the Approved Master Plan, and other ideas could be accepted through a review and approval process involving the City and BBP. But it would make no sense to open such a carefully improved area to otherwise unplanned changes (outside of important utility and public safety initiatives)—a prospect that will become more attractive to some as Buffalo Bayou Park grows in popularity.
Development Hiatus This green space already is experiencing change with the Rosemont Bridge Project, Plensa Artwork, Buffalo Bayou Hike & Bike Trail Project and planned Police Memorial improvements. While the Project is being planned, designed and built on a very ambitious schedule, the City will not authorize any further changes or projects, including volunteer work, except work sponsored by BBP, HCFCD and HPARD. In addition, no new special events will be scheduled beyond mid-2012 when major construction begins. Park Dedication Only Eleanor Tinsley Park, from Sabine Street to Taft Street on the south side of the bayou and comprising less than 10% of the total Project Area, is dedicated parkland. The majority of the Project Area was dedicated for flood control, utility and public works purposes in the 1930’s and for recreation (with the Sandy Reed Memorial Trail) in the early 1980’s. The entire area deserves the protection that park dedication affords, with the only exception being the City of Houston Public Works & Engineering Department (PW&E) water reservoir property.
Operating Restrictions Buffalo Bayou Park is going to become ever more popular once it is improved, and its attractiveness for events and festivals will grow as well. While events can be accommodated, their size, intensity, duration and frequency must be governed by a set of rules that places the highest priority on the horticultural health of the park and on minimizing negative impacts on surrounding communities. Maintenance As stated previously, this historic investment in park improvements cannot be allowed to deteriorate over time due to lack of maintenance. A detailed maintenance plan has been prepared, and it is summarized in this chapter. It provides the strategy, guidelines and initial cost estimates that will govern the ongoing work of the City, HCFCD and BBP.
109
5.2
park operations overview
Overview Buffalo Bayou Park will continue to be a City of Houston park, but new players will be involved. The Harris County Flood Control District (HCFCD) and Buffalo Bayou Partnership (BBP) will join the City of Houston in maintaining the park and bayou channel. The following roles, responsibilities and coordination among the entities are governed by an Owner’s Manual that has been approved by all three entities and the Downtown Redevelopment Authority, which is funding operations and maintenance initially: Park Management •
General Operations: Park Rules and other general management issues.
• Security: Scheduling of and coordination with HPD concerning general security. • Communications: General public relations and communications with the general public. •
Water Quality: Coordination with PW&E about pollution sources affecting the quality of water in the bayou and its tributaries.
• Maintenance: Monitoring of any outsourced contracts. Channel Maintenance
Park Maintenance • Horticultural Maintenance: Daily and seasonal work to promote healthy lawns, trees and plant materials. • De-littering: Daily and weekly de-littering and cleaning of facilities. • Facility Maintenance: Longer-term work to maintain systems and facilities. • Sediment Removal: Post-flood sediment removal from trails and as needed from lawns and other planting areas. • Behavior Monitoring: Monitoring the park for damaging behavior and vandalism. • Water Quality: Coordination with its other crews to remove “floatables” from the waterway. • Capital and Maintenance Reserves: Manage reserve funds for major non-annual expenses and long-term capital work. Operating Restrictions Operating restrictions will be in place to help prevent any of the above parties or outside entities from conducting or allowing activities that could result in damage to the park. Areas of special concern include vehicular access into the park and the size, location, duration, type and frequency of events, festivals and concerts.
• Vegetation Management: Annual clearing of vines and invasive plants along the channel. • Sediment Removal: Periodic removal of sediment along the channel and other locations designated for sediment removal. • Bank Stability: Stability of banks to minimize rotational failures and collapses.
111
Buffalo Bayou Park: Total Maintenance and Task Hours TASK
QTY
UNIT
UNIT (min)
ONCE ONCE ANNUAL (min) (hours) FREQ.
TOTAL HOURS
TOTAL HOURS
In-House Staff
Contracted Non-Salaried Services Services
Empty trashcans Empty trashcans
39 6
can can
5 5
Empty trashcans
16
can
Trashcan maintenance
39
can
Trashcan maintenance
22
can
30
Remove litter
109
msf
2
218
3.6
260
947
316
631
Remove litter Remove litter Remove litter Remove litter Remove litter
99 7 43 263
msf msf msf msf allow
2 2 15 2
199 15 643 526
3.3 0.2 11 8.8
365 52 52 180 260
1,210 13 557 1,578 200
403 4 186 526 67
807 8 372 1,052 133
5
clf
10
50
0.8
365
304
304
164
msf
5
818
13.6
52
709
709
COMMENTS
TOTAL
Remove littler - water's edge Blow debris w/backpack blower
195 30
3.3 0.5
260 365
845 183
282 61
563 122
5
80
1.3
487
649
216
433
30
1,170
20
12
234
78
156
660
11
18
198
66
132
5x per week (Grasses and Lawns - LP, Pathways, Small Shelters) Daily (HP Plaza and Playground) Daily & twice a day for 1/3 of the year (Grasses and Lawns - HP, HP Plaza w/ DG, Structure Areas, Dog Park) Wash down, repaint, routine checkup (Grasses and Lawns - LP, Pathways, Small Shelters) Wash down, repaint, routine checkups; biweekly for 1/2 year, monthly for rest of year (Grasses and Lawns - HP, HP Plaza and Playground, HP Plaza w/ DG, Structure Areas, Dog Park) 4x spot delittering and 1x sweep per week (Grasses and Lawns - LP, Dirt Path, Low Profile Paved Areas, Decomposed Granite Areas) Daily (Grasses and Lawns - HP, Pathways, HP Plaza and Playground, HP Plaza w/ DG) 10% of an acre (Grasses and Lawns - Flood Bench) 5% of an acre (Riparian Edges) (Woodlands, Meadows, Gardens, Structure Areas) 4x spot delittering and 1x sweep per week (Small Shelter) 15%; litter removal along the edge of water features and/or ponds, done daily (Water Features & Ponds) Weekly (Grasses and Lawns - LP, Pathways, LP Paved Areas, DG Areas)
Blow debris w/backpack blower
72
msf
5
360
6.0
104
624
624
2x per week (Grasses and Lawns - HP, HP Plazas and Playground, HP Plazas w/DG)
Clean catchbasins Mow turf (open area) Mow turf (open area) Mowing Mowing Mow walking/trim Mow walking/trim Top dress soil and/or mulch Top dress soil and/or mulch Turf fertilization Turf fertilization Seasonal turf renovation Weed control
72 798 540 80 446 151 102 522 481 86 58 145 152
basin msf msf msf msf msf msf msf msf msf msf msf msf
30 1 1 1 8 9 9 30 30 15 30 30 15
2,169 798 540 80 3,567 1,359 919 15,652 14,444 1,294 1,751 4,339 2,284
36 13 9 1 59 23 15 261 241 22 29 72 38
8 20 38 4 4 20 38 1 2 1 2 1 12
289 266 342 5 238 453 582 261 481 22 58 72 457
289 27 34 1 0 45 58 261 481 22 58 72 152
305
Assume 2 basins/acre (Grasses and Lawns - HP & LP) Toro Groundmaster, 85% of an acre (Grasses and Lawns - LP) Toro Groundmaster, 85% of an acre (Grasses and Lawns - HP) Toro Groundmaster (Grasses and Lawns - Flood Bench) 60% of an acre; mow with Track Mower (Riparian Edges) 20" push mower, 15% of an acre (Grasses and Lawns - LP) 20" push mower, 15% of an acre (Grasses and Lawns - HP) (Grasses and Lawns - LP, Gardens) 85% of an acre (Grasses and Lawns - HP) 10% of an acre (Grasses and Lawns - LP) 25% of an acre (Grasses and Lawns - HP) Thatch, aerate, seed (Grasses and Lawns - HP & LP) Monthly, 10% of an acre (Grasses and Lawns - LP, Gardens, Meadows)
Weed control
58
msf
15
875
15
18
263
88
175
Monthly and twice a month during heavy growing season, 10% of an acre (Grasses and Lawns - HP)
Seasonal cleanup and prep Scheduled Inspection
213 120
msf msf
60 20
12,779 2,401
213 40
2 12
426 480
142 480
284
(Meadows and Gardens) 15% of an acre (Riparian Edges)
Natural resource management
498
msf
15
7,477
125
12
1,495
1,271
224
Weeding, cleaning, trimming, invasive species removal, etc., assume 30% of an acre (Woodlands)
Annual cutback Plant replacement Garden maintenance Tree maintenance Fall leaf removal Fall leaf removal Invasive control/removal Invasive control/removal
497 6 19 266 237 160 7 120
msf msf msf tree msf msf msf msf
15 60 60 45 15 15 10 10
7,457 344 1,117 11,973 3,559 2,407 73 1,200
124 6 19 200 59 40 1 20
1 3 24 1 3 6 12 52
124 17 447 200 178 241 15 1,040
41 17 149
83
59 80 5 347
Powerwashing
35
msf
30
1,040
17
18
312
312
Path maintenance
27
msf
60
1,644
27
12
329
329
Boardwalk maintenance
1
msf
30
23
0.4
26
10
10
75% of an acre (Meadows) 10% of an acre (Gardens) Weeding, spot watering, fertilizing, dead heading, pruning, 30% of an acre (Gardens) With aerial truck (Grasses and Lawns HP & LP, Woodlands, Gardens) 25% of an acre (Grasses and Lawns - LP) 25% of an acre (Grasses and Lawns - HP) Some invasive species management, inspection, and removal (Grasses and Lawns - FB) Some invasive species management, inspection, and removal (Riparian Edges) Twice a month for half the year, monthly for rest of year (HP Plaza, Small Shelters, Structure Areas, & Water Features) 5% of an acre; includes repair and renovation when necessary (Pathways) 10% of an acre, includes regular inspection and maintenance, some powerwashing when necessary (Dirt Path and Boardwalk)
239 308 5 238 408 524
298 200 119 160 10 694
5.3
parkland maintenance
As one of Houston’s unique destination parks, Buffalo Bayou Park must receive a level of maintenance commensurate with its role in the Houston Park System. Visitation and usage are already high and will grow as facilities are improved and the natural environment grows richer. Increased usage means increased impacts on lawns, gardens and other natural areas, and a growing burden to delitter and maintain safe conditions. The park’s strengths are its weaknesses from a maintenance perspective. Its rolling terrain creates difficulties for mowing; the bayou generates floods that must be addressed and bisects the park into smaller areas; its long, narrow site stretches crew strengths; and there are many places to hide for those who choose to do harm. The maintenance plan by ETM Associates was developed in tandem with the design master plan by SWA Group, and each planning team informed the work of the other. Examples include a reduction in garden areas and mowed lawns as the costs for properly maintaining these areas were calculated. In addition, the distribution of picnic facilities and other areas of more intense use was modified as impacts on maintenance routines were assessed. This section summarizes the maintenance plan, which is available for review in a separate report. Methodology Based on the overall landscape, planting and facility plans produced by SWA Group, ETM Associates identified five different landscape areas and developed specific maintenance tasks for each landscape area that were used to estimate the number of man-hours per year per acre for each area (lawns, natural grasses, woodlands, riparian edges and gardens/ornamental grasses), and also for water features, trails and facilities (including picnic shelters, pavilions and restrooms). In addition, unusual conditions were analyzed, such as post-flood clean-up of debris and removal of sediment from trails and landscape areas. The list of tasks and resulting man-hours assume HCFCD work on an annual and multi-year basis along the
bayou’s riparian corridor, but along with this HCFCD work, park crews will need to enter the channel area weekly to remover litter, cut back fast-growing vines, and fill in areas with native plant materials between HCFCD maintenance sweeps. Refer to the summary table on the facing page for the on-site tasks and man-hours, including allocation of man-hours to in-house, contracted and unpaid labor (see Manpower Deployment). In addition to work “on the ground”, other maintenance functions are required as well—horticultural and mechanical expertise, outsourced work contract compliance, and unpaid labor supervision to name a few. Manpower Deployment Determining the number of man-hours required for proper on-site maintenance is Step 1. Step 2 focuses on the best strategies to deploy that manpower. The relative merits of in-house versus contracted services were assessed. For those tasks determined to best be provided by in-house crews, how to deploy crews was considered as well as use of part-time seasonal crews versus full-time employees. “Park-wide” versus “zone” crew deployments were assessed with the former allowing more flexibility in use of crews and the latter resulting in more effective oversight of areas, monitoring of park use and general quality of care. Finally, some tasks were identified as candidates for non-salaried labor, such as large-scale de-littering sweeps by probationers, inmates and CSRP workers and largescale seasonal gardening tasks by volunteers teams. The resulting manpower plan is a blend of each of these strategies: • In-House Zone-based Crews: These teams of crews can be deployed in three zones (see facing page) where they will conduct daily horticultural, park maintenance and targeted de-littering while also growing familiar with “their turf.” Two zones include restrooms that must be monitored. The park manager and zone-based supervisors will oversee this work.
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Maintenance Organization Chart Org. Chart - Maintenance
Buffalo Bayou Partnership President
STAFF
NON-STAFF
Org. Chart - Operations STAFF
Bookkeeper (0.3)
Note: 65% of Park Manager’s time devoted to maintenance. The rest of his/her time devoted to operations.
Zone #1 Supervisor (1) GARDENS
Park Maintenance/ Gardening Staff (2)
Buffalo Bayou Partnership President
Administrative Assistant (0.25) Buffalo Bayou Park Manager (0.65)
Zone #2 Supervisor (1) NATURAL RESOURCE
Park Maintenance/ Gardening Staff (1)
Volunteer Scheduler (0.5)
Zone #3 Supervisor (1) WATER FEATURES
Park Maintenance/ Gardening Staff (2)
Mechanic (0.5)
CSRP Workforce Supervisor (1)
Equipment Operator (1)
Mowing
Seasonal Staff (19 weeks, 1.3 FTE)
Contracted Trades Flood Cleanup
Partial - 4 Part Time - 1 Full Time - 5 Contract - 3 Volunteers - 2+
The Contract Compliance Assistant monitors the contracts for mowing, graffiti removal and rodent control, contracted trades, and flood cleanup.
Park Rules/ Security Off-Duty HPD (3)
Restroom Monitor Volunteers (2+)
Semi-Skilled Laborer (1)
Park-wide support to include repairs, horticultural oversight, and heavy equipment operation.
Off-Hours Manager (1.4)
PR Assistant (0.5)
Off-Hours Crew (2)
Contract Compliance Assistant (0.5)
Note: Full-time staff - 13 Partial - 5 Seasonal/Part-time - 1.3 FTE Contract Services - 4,752 hrs Non-Salaried Staff - 7,561 hrs
Ranger Station/ Restrooms Monitors (2)
CSRP Workforce
Seasonal Garden Work by Volunteers
Handy Man (1)
Zone maintenance responsible for day-to-day maintenance of zones and supported by park-wide operations. Zone-based staff responsible for routine cleaning, horticultural work and minor repairs and operations and regular contract compliance oversight. Zone staff supported by non-salaried staff (volunteers and CSRP).
Bookkeeper (0.2)
Administrative Assistant (0.25) Buffalo Bayou Park Manager (0.35)
Park-Wide Support Supervisor (1) TURF
Note:
NON-STAFF
Graffiti Removal & Rodent Control
5.3
• In-House Park-wide Crews: A two-man “handyman team” can repair benches and replace lamps. Seasonal crews will provide support during the busy spring and summer seasons. A Mechanic is needed to keep equipment in working order. And an off-hours crew is needed to monitor behavior, prevent vandalism and address other issues when the regular hours crews are not on site. The park manager and park-wide supervisor will oversee this work. • Outsourced Work: Large-scale mowing, graffiti removal, pest control, most post-flood sediment removal, and specialized maintenance of plumbing, mechanical and electrical systems are best handled by contractors. Limited use of off-duty police officers also will be required to manage behavior and address vandalism. The park manager will oversee this work, assisted by a contract compliance assistant. • Basic De-littering and Seasonal Gardening: Based on successful experience along Buffalo Bayou and in other parks, large-scale de-littering can be provided by inmates, probationers and CSRP workers while volunteer teams can provide the work force needed for large-scale seasonal gardening tasks. Individual volunteers could supplement paid workers monitoring restrooms and information desks. An onsite supervisor will manage deployment of these work forces. • Support: Non-salaried crew scheduling, bookkeeping, and general administrative activities all are important for an effective maintenance program. These functions are best handled at the BBP office headquarters.
Materials and Services Proper maintenance of the park requires more than just manpower. Materials must be purchased and tools replaced. Electrical power and waste hauling must be procured, and specialized equipment must be rented. And because the bayou’s riparian corridor will be impacted on a regular basis by flooding and its aftermaths, replacement plants will be required. Annual maintenance costs are based on the same billing arrangement for water and sewer service as other parks operated by HPARD. Support In addition to the support positions described above, other support functions must be included. Payroll taxes and benefits must be paid. Commercial general liability insurance is needed to insure against accidents and other claims, and property insurance (for built facilities only, not landscapes) is needed to protect the investment. Initial Equipment BBP already performs maintenance functions along Buffalo Bayou through its “Clean and Green” program and its “Might Tidy” trash collection boat and is ready to support maintenance of Buffalo Bayou Park; however, there is a need to procure large equipment (trucks, bobcat, utility carts, etc.), small tools, and an initial round of tools and supplies to begin the maintenance program.
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Maintenance Zones
5.3
Estimate of Annual Maintenance Costs The maintenance plan is based upon SWA Group’s schematic design plans (dated August 2011) that establish overall acreages of plant materials and locations and general sizes of site facilities. But no detailed designs have been developed nor have any specific plant materials been selected. And importantly, the delineation of the channel maintenance corridor only had been estimated as of this date. As a result, an overall approach and strategy for maintenance was established along with an estimate of maintenance costs.
storms will build to the point where they can fund expenses resulting from major weather events. Major vandalism is another unpredictable expense that could be covered by this fund. While BBP will deploy crews to minimize damage from vandalism, it is not possible to completely protect a park environment from all vandalism. Note that BBP will procure property insurance to cover facilities, but insurers will not cover landscape features and plantings.
An Owner’s Manual has been prepared and approved that provides a greater level of detail for all three parties. At this time, the annual maintenance and operations costs (in calendar year 2011 dollars and excluding channel maintenance) is estimated to be approximately $2,066,000. In addition, there will be an estimated initial outlay for equipment and initial supplies of $581,000. In both cases, the City (with the assistance of the Downtown Redevelopment Authority and its TIRZ #3) will not begin incurring these costs until about FY2014, and the full annual costs will not be incurred until FY2016. Because of the long time frame involved, these estimates must be adjusted for inflation before they are incurred and then on an annual basis.
• Depreciation: Over the anticipated life of the agreements governing the project, various systems are going to depreciate and require replacement. Major rolling stock, roofing, water pumps/filters (for ponds and water features), and building air conditioning/lighting/plumbing systems are prime examples of facilities that must be replaced at some point in the future after somewhat predictable usable life-spans. Hopefully, major repairs to park facilities in the Project Area built prior to the Project could be funded as well. In order to build a capital replacement reserve to fund these expenses, all revenues from concessions managed by BBP will flow into this reserve fund. Over the 10+ years during which little of this type of outlay should be required, BBP must diligently build up this reserve fund.
Non-Annual Costs Two additional types of costs must be covered over the longer-term: • Extraordinary Expenses: Buffalo Bayou Park is subject to flooding and other impacts from weather events. The more frequent events have been built into the annual maintenance cost estimate, but larger events like Tropical Storm Alison and Hurricane Ike must be anticipated, also. The maintenance plan calls for funds that BBP has not spent in any fiscal year to be placed in a maintenance sinking fund to cover these unpredictable and potentially major expenses up to 50% of its annual budget. Hopefully, savings from years with fewer
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5.4
events and special uses
Special events have special impacts on parks, and these must be considered as part of any overall maintenance plan. As part of its responsibilities for Buffalo Bayou Park, the City will continue to schedule, contract for, and help produce a wide range of concerts, festivals and other events in and around the park. However, these special activities also will be governed by the Owners Manual, which establishes the number, type, size, frequency and location of special events. And contracting requirements must protect the park and ensure that outside event producers respect this high-quality natural environment while conducting their events. The Master Plan and the maintenance plan assume the following range of special events: • Festival Concerts: Eleanor Tinsley Park will continue to be the home for several city-wide festival concerts, such as the Freedom Over Texas, Houston’s Official Fourth of July Celebration, and the site plan and park infrastructure included in the Project’s scope should reduce the impact that these events have on the park. If Area-wide Improvements and Management Recommendations also are implemented (see Chapter 3), impacts will be reduced even further. The Master Plan also assumes that the number and size of these events could grow to include several spring and fall events in addition to the current summer season.
• Fun Runs and Walks: While fun runs and walks typically use the roadways surrounding the park, most stage a mini-festival before and after. The availability of thousands of parking spaces in downtown make Sam Houston Park the better option for these kinds of events, but some could occur in the park with proper event planning, protection of park facilities, and planning to reduce impacts on adjacent neighborhoods. • Cross Country Meets: Buffalo Bayou Park is a popular location for cross country meets because of its length and varied topography. The route used by runners will be factored into the plans for lawns and trails so these occasional events can be accommodated without damage to the horticultural quality of the park.
• Smaller Entertainment Events: The Historic Water Works is being designed to accommodate more-regularly-scheduled events at the Sky Lawn. These smaller events could include outdoor movies, small concerts and special-occasion events for groups wanting to book the space. The Sky Lawn Pavilion can be the focus for these events, but it is important to note that specialized event infrastructure (sound, lighting, etc.) is not in the Project’s scope. The Sky Lawn itself will be able to accommodate several thousand people. Generally, BBP will oversee these special activities, but the City also will be able to produce small events at this venue.
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