Walker’s Bend Neighborhood Park
Covington, GA
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Table of Contents Guiding Concept ...............1 Site Location......................2 Context Map ..................3-4 Photo Analysis ...............5-8 Public Input .................9-10 Precedents ..................11-12 Conceptual Diagram .......13 Master Plan......................14 Entrance .....................15-24 Trail System ...............25-32 Playground..................33-36 Conclusion........................38
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Walker’s Bend is a residential development located in Covington, Georgia. The site lies just off of Washington Street between downtown Covington and Porterdale. The neighborhood lacks an identity within the community. After consulting with the residents within the neighborhood, it was determined the site needed amenities to attrack prospective residents and promote “Southern Charm�. The intent of this project is to design passive and active green spaces around the edges of the property that will enhance existing site amenities.
guiding concept
2 Walker’s Bend is located in the heart of Newton County just off of Washington Street.
Construction of the site began in 2005.
Georgia
United States of America
Newton County, GA
site location
Project Elements The project will consist of three basic elements to help improve the condition of the neighborhood. The three focus points are:
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-An aesthetic entrance/allĂŠe. -A trail system connecting the entire site. -A playground for neighborhood children. NTS
context map
Existing Use Map
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Str eet
While the site lies primarily in a residential area, Walker’s Bend is nestled behind commercial and light industrial sites. The neighborhood deserves to have an identity present at Washington Street as well as features within the subdivision.
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context map
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Neighborhood Photos
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The photo analysis shows photos taken from around the site to give an idea of the existing conditions of the neighborhood. These neighborhood photos help give a sense of what the existing condition is of the houses and overall interior of the neighborhood. Photos taken in January 2011.
photo analysis
Northern End Photos The northern end of the site has a screened, existing detention pond. It also provides a possible location for a playground.
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photo analysis
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Northeastern Photos
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The northeastern portion of the site has a second detention pond that could be of value to a potential nature walk. This portion is well removed from any existing housing.
photo analysis
Southwestern Photos The southwestern portion of the site features a location that is between existing housing and proposed retail/mixed use. The site provides an excellent starting/ending point for a walking trail, and potential a public meeting space.
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photo analysis
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Public Input Analysis
A public input meeting was held on February 19, 2011 for all residents of Walker’s Bend to attend and voice their opinion on what they felt was needed in their neighborhood. Those who showed up did not disappoint as many great ideas were discussed and the meeting ended with great hope and optimism. Pictured left: The Center, in Newton County where the input meeting was held.
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Public Input Analysis
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The input meeting revealed that the following was most important to the residents of Walker’s Bend: -Recreating the “Southern Charm” of Covington in the neighborhood. -Connectivity within the neighborhood. -Provide areas of interaction between people. -Promote a sense of pride in your neighborhood.
public input
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Smyrna, GA
precedents
Smyrna is known as the “Jonquil City� because of the thousands of jonquils that grow in the gardens along the streets of the city. The Market Village features a library, community center, retail development, houses, jogging trails, parks, and various other features that draw the public into this charming space.
Inman Park was the first planned community in Atlanta and is one of the first garden suburbs in the U.S. Connectivity is a major feature in this community.
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precedents
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Conceptual Design The concept of the design is to create and use existing features and tie them together.
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conceptual diagram
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master plan
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Entrance Existing Conditions
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The entranceway to the neighborhood is overly wide and does not instill the Southern Charm that the residents wish to see.
Existing View
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entrance
After researching the city street ordinances, it was determined that a median could be installed in the street to create a sense of coziness upon entering and exiting the site while also maintaining a minimum street width for both lanes of traffic.
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City Ordinance 14.16.070 Streets H. Street paving widths shall be no less than as follows, measured from face of curb to face of curb: 4. Minor streets (fifty (50) feet r-o-w): twenty-three (23) feet width. I. Where a subdivision abuts an existing street, the sub divider shall dedicate additional right-of-way on said existing streets to meet the above minimum street width requirements from each side of the centerline.
Proposed View
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Entrance Option 1 Planting Plan
The planting plan below shows option one of the entrance rennovation. It proposes an extended median down the entire road and is broken up by a 40 foot right of way turn around in the middle of the allĂŠe.
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entrance
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Entrance Section
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entrance
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Entrance Option 1 Plan
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Design option two for the entrance renovation is an economical alternative to option one. It implements a 40 foot median on both the entrance and exit to create the same visual aesthetic as seen in option one.
Option 2 West End
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entrance
Design option two utilizes the same plant material as option one.
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Option 2 East End
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Entrance Option 2 Plan
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Walking Trail Location Map The trail system of this site is designed to connect existing amenities and proposed amenities to the residences of Walker’s Bend. The existing features of the site include two detention ponds and proposed features include a playground and potential rain garden.
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trail system
Trail and Fencing Section
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This drawing shows a section of the walking trail where a fence railing would be necessary due to steep grade changes. Construction details on page 27.
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trail system
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Retaining Wall Plan This drawing displays the grading plan necessary for a section of the trail that requires a retaining wall. The walls are constructed of keystone bricks. Sharp evergreen plants should be planted around the walls to dissuade pedestrians from nearing the edge.
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trail system
28 The planting along the walls primarily frames the trail for pedestrians which alleviates the need for railing. The plants also help screen the trail from the residences nearest the pathway.
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trail system
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Retaining Wall Section This drawing shows a typical section of the walking trail where the retaining wall is necessary due to grade change. Construction details of the retaining wall are shown on page 27.
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trail system
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Trail Detail
Pictured left: A construction detail of the proposed walking path and wooden fence railing.
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Retaining Wall Detail
Pictured right: A construction detail of the keystone retaining wall
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trail system
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Bridge Section
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This section shows a proposed bridge on the north end of the site that crosses over a natural swale.
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Bridge Details - Section and Plan
Pictured above: cross section of bridge exposing posts, joists, decking, and railing. Pictured right: plan view of decking on bridge and distance between posts.
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trail system
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Playground Location Map Playgrounds provide great opportunity for recreation and community interaction. Whether you are a child or a parent, the playground is a great meeting place. The selected playground system comes from Playworld Systems Inc.
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playground
Playground grading plan
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The required dimensions for the playground use area is 26’ 2” x 32’ 5”. Below is an image provided by Playworld Systems which illustrates detailed dimensions of the use area. Pictured left is the site graded for the playground area.
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playground
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Playground Plan
Playground Plan and Model
The playground design shown is drawn after the Playworld System Challenger Model 350-1008. Below is the company’s website. http://playworldsystems.com/
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playground
Playground Details
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Pictured right: Construction details provided by Playworld Systems. More details and specifications can be found on the Playworld Systems website under products: challenger: model 3501008
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playground
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Walker’s Bend needs more housing development for it to be successful. However with economic upturn and the county’s strong effort to build affordable and desirable housing within the neighborhood, the development should become more successful. Additional amenities such as those that have been described in this book will also help to market this subdivision. Unique opportunities and close community involvement will help to set this neighborhood apart from others as people begin to search for new homes in the Metro-Atlanta area.
conclusion