Scotland Meadows Park Master Plan by Pashek+MTR

LAWRENCE COUNTY GREENWAY PLAN

UNION TOWNSHIP: SCOTLAND MEADOWS PARK FEBRUARY 2016

ts Acknowledgemen Union Township Mr. Patrick M. Angiolelli, Union Township Supervisor Mr. Bryan S. Whiting, Union Township Supervisor Mr. Robert Eckert, Union Township Supervisor Mr. Jason Medure, Solicitor

I T E CT

NUMBER 001240

Lawrence County Mr. Dan Vogler, Chairman, Commissioner Mr. Steve Craig, Commissioner Mr. Robert Del Signore Sr., Commissioner

REG I STER

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Union Area School Board of Education Mr. Mike Ross, Union Area School District, Superintendent Mr. John Bertolino, President Mr. Arin Biondi, Vice President This Master Plan was prepared by a Mr. Donald Friend Landscape Architect licensed to Mr. Michael Hink practice in the Commonwealth of Mr. Samuel Marino Pennsylvania. Mr. Carmen Merolillo Mr. Robert Mrozek NS Y L V A N Mr. John Pacella N E . BUE RK L E I O Ms. Elizabeth Ann Sylvester , Ms. Samantha Laverty, Board Secretary Mr. Louis Perrotta, Solicitor REGISTRATION

LAN

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Ms. Amy McKinney, Lawrence County Department of Planning & Community Development, Director Ms. Doniele Russell, Lawrence County Department of Planning & Community Development, Deputy Director of Community Development Ms. Sara Knapp, Lawrence & Beaver Counties Shared Greenways & Environmental Planner Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources Ms. Kathy Frankel, Conservation & Recreation Manager Mr. Adam Mattis, Regional Advisor The County of Lawrence, on behalf of Union Township, was awarded a Keystone Recreation, Park and Conservation Fund Grant administered by the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR) Bureau of Recreation and Conservation. This assistance enabled the preparation of a Master Plan study for the Scotland Meadows Park, resulting in a long-range strategy for recreation to guide Union Township through future development projects.

Table of Contents Acknowledgements....................................................................................................i Table of Contents......................................................................................................iii Chapter 1: Community Background......................................................................... 1 Demographics............................................................................................................2 Population Trends...............................................................................................................2 Population Density..............................................................................................................2 Household Size....................................................................................................................2 Age Distribution..................................................................................................................2 Income.................................................................................................................................3 Housing Characteristics.......................................................................................................3 Conclusions from Demographic Data.................................................................................3

Existing Planning Efforts............................................................................................3 Township Comprehensive Plan (Outdated).......................................................................3

Existing Local Parks....................................................................................................3 Base Mapping.............................................................................................................5 Cultural .......................................................................................................................5 Park Ownership...................................................................................................................5 Location and Size.................................................................................................................5

Chapter 2: Site Analysis.............................................................................................5 Zoning and Adjacent Land Use............................................................................................9 Utilities.................................................................................................................................9

iii

Natural Features.......................................................................................................10 Water Features.................................................................................................................. 10 Riparian Buffers................................................................................................................. 10 Wetlands.............................................................................................................................11 Soils.....................................................................................................................................11 Topography....................................................................................................................... 12 Vegetation......................................................................................................................... 12 Wildlife.............................................................................................................................. 12

Existing Recreational Facilities................................................................................ 12 Pedestrian Circulation....................................................................................................... 14 Vehicular Circulation......................................................................................................... 14

Public Participation Process.................................................................................... 17 Chapter 3: Design Process....................................................................................... 17 Design Guidelines.....................................................................................................18 Accessibility Requirements and Guidelines for Parks....................................................... 18 Recreation, Athletic, & Sports Facility Standards ........................................................... 25 Adjacencies .......................................................................................................................28 Parking Considerations.....................................................................................................28 Bleacher Safety .................................................................................................................29

Park Sustainability Guidelines................................................................................. 30 Green Principles for Park Development and Sustainability.............................................30 Landscaping with Native Plants....................................................................................... 32 Native Meadows................................................................................................................33

Description of Alternative Concept Plans.............................................................. 36 Concept 1............................................................................................................................36 Concept 2...........................................................................................................................39 Concept 3...........................................................................................................................42

Conclusion about Alternative Concept Plans........................................................ 45 Draft Master Plan.................................................................................................... 45 Draft Master Plan Description..........................................................................................45 Main Entrance...................................................................................................................45 Existing Active Recreation Area........................................................................................46 Pavilion Alcove .................................................................................................................46 Old Farm School Property.................................................................................................46 Trails and Riparian Area....................................................................................................49

Goals for Scotland Meadows Park..........................................................................52 Chapter 4: Recommendations & Implementation................................................52 Master Plan Recommendations............................................................................. 56 Main Entrance...................................................................................................................56 Existing Active Recreation Area........................................................................................59 Pavilion Alcove ................................................................................................................. 61 Trails and Riparian Area....................................................................................................63 Old Farm School Property.................................................................................................65 Overall Park Improvements..............................................................................................67

Opinion of Probable Construction Costs............................................................... 70 Phasing Plan Recommendations.............................................................................77 Approach to Implementation..................................................................................81 Permit Requirements........................................................................................................ 81

Next Steps in Developing the Park......................................................................... 82 Funding Opportunities............................................................................................ 83

ck a B ity n u Chapter 1: Comm

nd u o gr

Introduction to Union Township Union Township was founded in 1798. It is 9.7 square miles and is located slightly northwest of the center of Lawrence County. Of those 9.7 square miles, 9.66 are land and 0.04 are water. It is less than 2 miles west of New Castle, PA, and is approximately 7 miles east of the Ohio boarder, 16 miles southeast from Youngstown, Ohio, and 50 miles northwest from Pittsburgh, PA. Interstate 376 runs north-south through the center of Union Township and is intersected by east-west routes 224 and 422, providing connections to Pittsburgh and New Castle respectively. The majority of Union Township’s land use is suburban, with some farmland found to the west, and interspersed areas of segmented forest cover throughout. The New Castle Municipal Airport is located in the northwest corner of Union Township. The Union Area School District overlaps with Union Township, is approximately 10 square miles, and also includes the independent district of Edinburg. It operates one elementary school and a combined middle/high school ranging from fifth grade to twelfth grade. These schools received more than $5.8 million in state funding in school year 2007-08. Of the 245 students enrolled in the high school located directly adjacent to Scotland Meadows Park, 49% are male, 51% are female, 20% are minority, and 40% are considered economically disadvantaged. The Union Area High School was chosen for two bronze and one silver “Best High Schools” awards by U.S. News.

Demographics Population Trends According to the U.S. Bureau of the Census, the population of Union Township increased very slightly between 2000 and 2010, from 5,103 to 5,190. The same data for Lawrence County shows a decrease in overall population, with the population dropping from 94,643 in 2000 to 91,108 in 2010. This trend for Lawrence County is anticipated to continue according to the U.S. Census Bureau, which predicts the population will drop to 88,771 by 2014. Despite Union Township displaying a positive percent change in population, it is also predicted that its population will decline, dropping to 5,060 by 2014.

Union Township Study Population Comparison (per U.S. Census Data) Area

2000 Population

2010 Population

Change (2000-2010)

Percent Change

Union Township

5,103

5,190

1.7%

Lawrence County

94,643

91,108

-3,535

-3.7%

12,281,054

12,702,379

421,325

3.4%

Pennsylvania

Population Density Union Township has a total area of 9.7 square miles. Using the 2010 Census data, the calculated population density for this area is 535 persons per square mile. By contrast, Lawrence County has a total area of 363 square miles and 91,108 people, resulting in 251 persons per square mile. The Commonwealth of Pennsylvania is 46,055 square miles, and a population density of 276 persons per square mile.

Household Size In 2000 there were 2,121 households in Union Township, increasing to 2,390 households by 2010, an increase of 12.7%.

Age Distribution According to the 2010 Census data, Union Township has only a slightly higher percentage of senior citizens compared to young people less than 18 years. 4.6% of the population is under 5 years, 20.0% is under 18 years, and 21.9% are over 65 years.

Union Township vs. Lawrence County Complete Age Distribution of Population 2010 Population Segment Total Population Under 5 Years 5-19 Years 20-24 Years 25-44 Years 45-54 Years 55-64 Years 65 Years and older Median Age

Union Township # Persons % 5,190 100% 237 4.6% 907 17.5% 191 3.7% 1145 22.1% 801 15.4% 772 14.9% 1137 21.9% 46.8 Years

Lawrence County # Persons % 91,108 100% 4866 5.3% 16,957 18.6% 4993 5.5% 20,393 22.4% 13,990 15.4% 12,781 14.0% 17,128 18.8% 43.6 Years

Income According to the 2010 Census, median family income for Union Township was $41,909 and median household income was $36,074. Both of these medians were significantly lower than county-wide incomes, which were $52,370 for median family income and $42,570 for median household income.

Housing Characteristics In 2010, Union Township had 2,390 housing units, of which 1,768 were owner occupied and 435 were renter occupied. 187 housing units were considered vacant, giving the township a vacancy rate of 7.8%.

Conclusions from Demographic Data Need for Parks and Open Space: While the Township’s population increased from 2000 to 2010, the Census still predicts that the over arching trend of population decline will return and continue, as it has County-wide. Parks and recreation facilities are quality of life features that have the potential to retain residents and to attract residents to the community. Therefore, an investment in maintaining the Township’s existing park and recreation facilities is warranted. Youth and Family: Even though the median age of the Township is higher than that of the County (46.8 years and 43.6 years respectively), over 21% of the Township’s population is under the age of 19. This means a significant portion of the population includes active children and young adults. Furthermore, the facilities at Scotland Meadows Park are well used as the park is surrounded by residential communities, an elementary school, and a middle/high school. Aging Population: Almost 22% of the population in the Township is over the age of 65, so it is important that relevant park features are incorporated and accessible to accommodate this age group. This includes rehabilitating the park to ensure access to its facilities by all people with disabilities (in accordance with the Americans’ with Disabilities Act), offering opportunities to participate as a spectator to events, and providing structures such as shelters, benches, and rest areas along paths.

Existing Planning Efforts Township Comprehensive Plan (Outdated) No information of substance relating to the park which needs to be known for this planning effort.

Existing Local Parks There are no other Township owned parks within Union Township aside from Scotland Meadows Park. There is, however, the West PArk Nature Center, owned by Lawrence County, located on West Park Road and there is public green space in the form of Madonna Cemetery, which is located less than one mile southeast of Scotland Meadows Park. Most of the parks close to Union Township are found west of the township in New Castle, PA. Some of these parks include: Riverwalk Park, Grant Street Park, West North Street Playground, Zambelli Memorial Park, Park Avenue Playground, and Greenwood Cemetery.

Chapter 2:

sis y l a Site An

Base Mapping When planning for the future development of a recreation area, it is important to understand the site as a whole. Information on the community’s background, history, and demographics provides the context within which to begin the preparation of a park master plan. Equally important are the Cultural and Natural Features of the site, such as zoning, utilities, topography, soils, vegetation, and hydrology. In addition, an analysis of Existing Recreation Facilities starts to identify where park improvements need to be made. The Cultural Features, Natural Features, and Existing Recreation Facilities of the park site are discussed in this chapter. From this information, conclusions will be made about the opportunities and constraints the site presents to park development.

Cultural Park Ownership The land for Scotland Meadows Park is leased from the Union Area School District by the township. This began in 1965 according to the lease, which has been renewed several times. The most recent renewal occurred in 2014, extending the term for another 25 years, until 2039. A reversion clause in the lease states: “Said Deed contained a reverter clause when said premises are no longer used for a recreation facility and park purposes or at such time as the District requires land for expansion the premises shall revert back to the Union Area School District or its successors and assigns.”

Location and Size Scotland Meadows Park is centrally located within Union Township east of I-376 and south of route 224. There is only one entrance/exit which is found along Municipal Drive. Access to the park is provided primarily from West State Street (route 224) to South Scotland Lane. The main portion of the park is approximately 42.42 acres, although parts of it are fully maintained by the Union Area High School. Scotland Meadows Park offers numerous amenities including: two baseball fields, one softball field, 3 Bocce courts under a pavilion, one horseshoe court with 13 lanes, 4 medium pavilions and one small pavilion that can be rented, a man made pond with a nearby gazebo, one beach volleyball court, one basketball court, two small playgrounds, one large playground, expansive open green space, one forested walking trail, two parking locations, bathrooms, one shared parking location, and a compost facility.

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Scotland Meadows Park Lawrence County accepts no liability or responsibility for errors, omissions, or positional inaccuracies in the content of this map. Reliance on this map is at the risk of the user. This map is for illustration purposes only and should not be used for surveying, engineering, or site-specific analysis.

Union Township, Lawrence County 1 inch = 100 feet 0

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1080

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BERWYN ST

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Prepared by the Lawrence County Department of Planning and Community Development Allen J. Miller July 2015

Legend Scotland Meadows

Breaklines

Index Contours

Bridges

Contours

Double Line Drains

Tax Parcels

Lakes & Ponds Paved Roads Unpaved Roads

S SCOTLAND LN

Zoning and Adjacent Land Use

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A review of the Township’s zoning map indicates the following: •

Legend

Scotland Meadows Park Property south and southeast of Scotland Meadows is zoned commercial. Portions of this land are owned and used by the Union Area High School, Union Township Fire Department, Union Memorial Elementary School, and the Pilgrim Baptist Church. Property west and north of the park is marked as vacant. Property east of the park is marked as vacant in some areas and as residential in others. There is an industrial area zoned on the map to the northeast of the park. This land is owned and utilized by a local fireworks company. Scotland Meadows

Lawrence County accepts no liability or responsibility for errors, omissions, or positional inaccuracies in the content of this map. Reliance on this map is at the risk of the user. This map is for illustration purposes only and should not be used for surveying, engineering, or site-specific analysis.

• • •

Union Township, Lawrence County Prepared by the Lawrence County Department of Planning and Community Development Allen J. Miller August 2015

Land Use

Residential

Agricultural

Commercial Industrial Utility

Vacant

Adjacent to Scotland Meadows Park to the north is a parcel of land marked as vacant. This parcel is for sale by its owner, and is called the Old Farm School property. It physically connects the park to route 224, is undeveloped, and is mostly shrub-meadow. Though undeveloped, some maps show Berwyn Street connecting route 224 to the main gravel parking lot of the park and to the high school’s main parking lot.

Utilities The Underground Line Facilities Damage Prevention Act of 1996; OSHA Standard 1926.651; the Federal Pipeline Safety Act of 1968; and the National Electric Safety Code ANSI C-2; all as amended; require anyone who engages in any type of excavation or demolition to provide advance notice. In Pennsylvania, PA Act 187 of 1996 requires “notice in the design or planning phase of every work operation that involves the movement of earth with powered equipment.” In Pennsylvania, the PA One-Call System has been established to facilitate the requests for utility information in accordance with the above-referenced acts. PA One-Call, Inc. was contacted during the inventory and analysis phase of this master planning process to determine what utilities are in the vicinity of the park site.

PA One Call Responses â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Serial No. 20152881175 Utility Company Verizon Pennsylvania LLC

Columbia Gas of PA Inc.

New Castle Sanitation Authority

Comcast

Pennsylvania Power Co.

Union Twp. Supervisors Lawrence County

Pennsylvania American Water

Address 15 E. Montgomery Ave. Pittsburgh, PA 15212 Attn: Office Personnel 251 Maiden St. Washington, PA 15301 Attn: Shannon Griest 512 Montgomery Ave. PO Box 1404 New Castle, PA 16102 Attn: Chuck Stone 2810 Darlington Rd. Beaver Falls, PA 15010 Attn: Marc Golden 730 South Ave. Youngstown, OH 44502 Attn: Eric Powell 1910 Municipal Dr. New Castle, PA 16101 Attn: Patrick Angiolelli 2736 Ellwood Rd. New Castle, PA 16101 Attn: Karen Smith

Natural Features Water Features A seasonally dry, unnamed tributary runs from west to east across the northern border of Scotland Meadows Park and eventually deposits into the Shenango River. According to the PA DEP, any unnamed tributary will be classified the same as the first named tributary it connects to. The streambed is crossed by a set of small footbridges along the forest trail in the northwestern portion of the park. While not natural features, two other water features on the site include a large storm water outlet in the center of the northeastern field, and a manmade duck pond in the southeastern corner of the park near the Municipal Drive entrance.

Riparian Buffers Riparian buffers are areas of vegetation along waterways that protect water quality and stabilize stream channels. Vegetated areas along streams are of

significant ecological importance as they: • • • • •

Slow flood waters and reduce the volume of water through infiltration and root absorption Improve water quality by filter storm water runoff and promoting sediment deposition Recharge groundwater Provide canopy cover which shades and cools streams, thus improving habitat conditions for in-stream organisms Provide habitat for a variety of birds and small mammals, including access to shelter, food, and water

Overall, there is a moderate riparian buffer along the western half of the dry stream bed and as it leaves the site to the east. However, there is little to no riparian buffer within the center portion of the park as the dry streambed passes near the compost area. This section is in need of restoration and expansion to protect this portion of the streambed.

Wetlands A review of the National Wetland Inventory Map indicated there are no known jurisdictional wetlands located on the property. However, the soils inventory indicates numerous soils on the site possess hydric components. In order to advance the design and permitting of any development in close proximity to the stream corridor, a formal wetland determination will need to be completed. If jurisdictional wetlands are identified, their boundaries must be surveyed and transferred to project mapping and efforts must be made to avoid and minimize impacts to the resources.

Soils The United States Department of Agricultural Soil Conservation Service provides data on soils properties. In addition to the soil survey, we reviewed the list of hydric soils for Union Township, Pennsylvania. Those soils designated as hydric, or those containing hydric components, may be classified as jurisdictional wetlands if they exhibit two other requirements: the presence of hydrology and the presence of hydrophytic vegetation. Furthermore, the ability of soil to infiltrate storm water runoff can be evaluated based on the soils’ hydrological group. Those soils with a soils hydrologic group of A or B may be conducive to infiltration techniques as storm water management best practice (BMP) solutions. Those soils with a classification of C or D are unlikely to meet the BMP infiltration requirements.

Soil Type

Slope

Sym.

Hydric Rating

Drainage

Canfield silt loam Canfield silt loam Frenchtown silt loam Frenchtown silt loam Holly silt loam Ravenna silt loam Ravenna silt loam Ravenna silt loam Urban land-Arents complex Urban land-Canfield complex Wooster gravelly silt loam

3 - 8% 15 - 25% 0 - 3% 3 -8% 0 - 3% 3 -8% 8 - 15%

CdB CdD FnA FnB Ho RaA RaB RaC Ub

0 0 95 90 90 6 5 4 2

Moderately well drained Moderately well drained Poorly drained Poorly drained Poorly drained Somewhat poorly drained Somewhat poorly drained Somewhat poorly drained Moderately well drained

0 - 8% 3 - 8%

UcB WoB

0 0

Moderately well drained Well drained

Soils Group C/D C/D D D B/D D D D C

Topography The slope of the site varies, but overall the turf area is generally within the 0 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 10% range while the forested area varies greatly, ranging from 0 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 25%. Areas above 15% slope include: edges of the pond, edges surrounding the baseball fields, slopes around the high school parking lots, the drainage outlet in the center of the northeastern field, and the forested, seasonally dry stream bed. Overall, the site slopes from the southwest to northeast. The adjacent parcel of land slopes from northwest to southeast, with its lowest points bordering the park.

The high point of Scotland Meadows Park is the Union Area High School, and the low point is the seasonally dry steam bed in the northeastern corner of the property. The following table provides a summary of the topography of the park. Those slopes between 0-5% are well suited for large facility development. Slopes between 5 to 10% are moderately suited for large facility development as they require more earth work to create level areas, and slope between 10 to 15% are limiting to large facility development. Slopes between 15 and 25% are limited to small facility development not requiring level areas, and slopes greater than 25% should be conserved and not developed.

Vegetation Mowed turf grass comprises about 2/3rd of the parkâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s vegetation. A mixed hardwood forest is found along the northwestern and northeastern corners of the park, and there is a small grove of individual trees on the southeastern side.

Wildlife To determine the presence of species of special concern (rare, threatened, or endangered species), the Lawrence County Natural Heritage Inventory (NHI) was reviewed and a Pennsylvania Natural Diversity Inventory Index (PNDI) environmental review of the site was conducted. PNDI records indicate no known impacts within the site, meaning no further coordination is required with jurisdictional agencies. This response does not, however, reflect potential agency concerns regarding impacts to other ecological resources, such as wetlands.

Existing Recreational Facilities The following table documents existing facilities located in the park, their condition, whether they are considered to be accessible, and other additional comments as appropriate.

Facility

No. Condition

Size

ADA

Comments

Forest View Pavilion

Fair

50’x 27’ 1,350 sq. ft.

Two handicap parking spots in gravel parking lot next to sidewalk leading to pavilion

Farmview Pavilion

Fair

40’x 27’ 1,080 sq. ft.

Foundation of pavilion on northeast side slopes steeply with little space for navigation

Parkview Pavilion

Fair

40’x 27’ 1,080 sq. ft.

One handicap parking spot in gravel parking lot directly next to sidewalk leading to pavilion

Skyview Pavilion

Good

20’x 15’

Yes

Concession stand

20’x 15’

Dug outs

Restrooms

Good

30’x 33’

Yes

Sidewalk in good condition

Bocce Pavilion

Fair

70’x 65’ 4,550 sq. ft.

Bocce shed

13’x 18’

Bocce courts

Fair

Horseshoe shed

12’x 15’

Horseshoe courts

Fair

9,000 sq. ft.

No parking, gravel path from school, gate entrances via turf only

Picnic tables

Swings

Fair

One ADA swing set (2 swings) near Forestview, no safety material under swings, surrounded by turf – no paths/sidewalks

Play set by Forestview Pavilion

See safety audit

10,000 sq. ft.

Ramp into playground from turf, no sidewalk or trail to entrance, loose plastic mulch not compliant

Play set by softball field

See safety audit

600 sq. ft.

No sidewalks or paths to reach it, no nearby handicap parking spots, mulch not compliant. Mulch is overgrown with weeds.

Play set by east edge of park

See safety audit

600 sq. ft.

No sidewalks or paths to reach it, no nearby handicap parking spots, mulch not compliant, swings not accessible. Mulch overgrown with weeds. Vandalism. Aged.

Volleyball court

Fair

60’x68’

Basketball court

Fair

85’x 50’

Tennis court

Fair

120’x88’

Batting cage benches

Good

Bleachers

High school baseball field

Good

Approx. 140,000 sq. ft.

Maintained by high school

High school softball field

Good

Approx. 46,000 sq. ft.

Maintained by high school

Lion’s Club Pavilion

Good

450 sq. ft.

Maintained by high school

Not compliant with consumer product safety commission

Pedestrian Circulation There are few pedestrian walkways within the park that meet ADA requirements. Most walkways are either gravel or forest trail. There are concrete walkways to the bathrooms and to Skyview Pavilion from the main parking lot and macadam walkways to the northern pavilions from the secondary gravel parking area. Many facilities must be accessed via turf. A forest trail exists in the wooded area in the northwest corner of the park and pedestrian bridges cross the seasonally dry streambed. There are no formal paths connecting the surrounding community to the park.

Vehicular Circulation The main entrance to Scotland Meadows Park is a narrow two-way road from Municipal Drive, with a secondary gravel path/road connecting to Berwyn Street as well. The park drive leads to a central parking lot that is partially paved and mostly gravel. From this parking lot, the park drive turns north, becomes significantly narrower, and changes from macadam to gravel. This portion of the park drive connects to gravel parking spots near the pavilions. Another gravel path leads from the western side of the shared Union Area High School parking lot to the horseshoe and bocce facilities and ends in a turnaround area with no defined parking spots.

The highest possible use rate by players and spectators at any facility is its peak use. A facilityâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s daily use is 60% of its peak use.

Recreation facility-specific parking standards for this study were estimated using Pashek Associatesâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; prior experience with similar projects. Parking standards for this study were figured using a rate of 2.5 persons per car. Parking should accommodate average daily use while providing opportunity for overflow parking to meet peak use event needs. The table on the following page estimates the amount of parking required to meet the current parking demands of the existing facilities, assuming each facility is occupied at full capacity.

Existing Conditions Parking Analysis Scotland Meadows Park Master Plan Facility

Description of Peak Use

Baseball Field

4 teams of 12 players + 2 coaches per team + 12 parents per team + 5 fans per team = 124 persons 4 teams of 12 players + 2 coaches per team + 12 parents per team + 5 fans per team = 124 persons 2 teams of 12 players + 2 coaches per team + 12 parents per team + 3 fans per team = 58 persons 10 (2 teams of 5 players each) 2 teams of 2 players = 4 persons per court 2 teams of 6 players = 12 persons per court 2 teams of 2 players + 2 spectators per team = 8 persons per court 2 teams of 2 players + 1 spectator per team = 6 persons per court 30 children + 1 parent for every 2 children = 45 persons 72 person capacity per shelter 32 person capacity per shelter

Softball Field

Pony League Baseball Field

Basketball Court Tennis Courts (2) Beach Volleyball Bocce Courts (3)

Horseshoe Courts (13) Playground

Medium Shelters (4) Small Shelter TOTAL

Persons/ Vehicle

Peak Use # of Spaces

Daily Use 60% of Peak

Existing

Surplus/ Deficiency

2.5

-30

2.5

-30

2.5

1.5

-4

1.5

-4

1.5

-5

-7

-24

2.5

-5

-7

321 194 88 -106 â&#x20AC;˘ NOTE: This parking analysis does not account for on-street parking, parking that may be available on adjacent Union Area High School property, or those that will walk to the park.

The above chart shows that, given the existing facilities at Scotland Meadows Park, there is a deficiency of 106 parking spaces. This figure does not take into consideration on-street parking, the adjacent Union Area High School parking lot, other adjacent parking lots, or those able to walk to the park.

Chapter 3:

ss e c ro P n g i Des

This chapter describes how the master plan was developed. Together with the inventory and analysis, Public Participation played a key role in helping the consultant develop the final master plan. Local community members and officials revealed more specific information about the park site to the consultant and help guide the development of several Alternative Concept Plans. The concept plan was then developed by the consultant into a more detailed Draft Master Pan and handed back to the public for more feedback. A Park Program and Facility Design Guidelines were developed to guide facility requirements. Finally, the draft version was refined into the final master plan, which is described in the Recommendations and Implementation chapter. The following explains the Public Participation Process; describes and evaluates the Alternative Concept Plans and Draft Master Plan; lists the Park Program; and provides Facility Design Guidelines for the Park.

Public Participation Process Public participation in the design process is important in ensuring that the final master plan reflects community recreational needs and is fully supported by local decision makers and members of the community. The public participation process for this study included an on-line recreation needs survey, public input sessions, study committee meetings and elected officials meetings, including: • Steering Committee and Elected Officials Meeting - August 5, 2015 • Steering Committee and Elected Officials Meeting - September 16, 2015 • Steering Committee and Elected Officials Meeting - October 14, 2015 • Public Meeting No. 1, Union Area Board of Education - December 6, 2015 • Public Meeting No. 2, Union Township Board of Supervisors - February 9, 2015 The public input process informed and guided the identification of proposed improvements and facilities, as well as their relationships to each other, which the Master Site Plan reflects. Input was collected through an online public survey. The survey received 89 responses, with 88% of the respondents being residents within Union Township and 70% being adults aged 31-50. Eleven questions were asked in this survey. A full report of the survey and its responses can be found in the Appendix.

Design Guidelines It is important to provide properly located recreation facilities that are accessible to all park visitors. Furthermore, it is important that all facilities be designed and located in accordance with recommended standards and guidelines to reduce the Township’s liability. The following is a summary of applicable standards and guidelines related to existing facilities and those facilities being proposed for Scotland Meadows Park.

Accessibility Requirements and Guidelines for Parks Ensuring accessibility to all facilities not only accommodates those with disabilities, but also makes it easier for the general public to use the facilities. Municipalities must take steps to provide accessibility for all park users. Accessibility, in design terms, is described by the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), which guarantees equal opportunity for individuals with disabilities to participate in the mainstream of public life. To do so, the ADA sets requirements for facilities to prevent physical barriers that keep people with disabilities from participating. When recreational facilities are built or altered, they must comply with the ADA standards by providing an accessible route to the area of use and spectator areas. With regards to complying with ADA, the following standards and guidelines must be taken into consideration: • Access Board • www.access-board.gov • Access Board Information on Recreation Facilities • www.access-board.gov/recreation/guides • 2010 ADA Standards for Accessible Design • www.ada.gov/regs2010/2010ADAStandards/2010ADAstandards.htm • Draft Final Guidelines for Outdoor Developed Areas • www.access-board.gov/outdoor/draft-final.htm • Forest Service Accessibility Guidebook for Outdoor Recreation and Trails • www.fs.fed.us/recreation/programs/accessibility/htmlpubs/htm06232801/toc.htm • Penn State Center for Dirt and Gravel Road Studies • www.dirtandgravel.psu.edu/Trails/trails.html

2010 Standards for Accessible Design Portions of 2010 Standards that are highly relevant to park design: • • • • • •

Accessible Routes (Chapter 4) Parking spaces (Sections 208 and 502) Play Fields and Courts (Sections 204.1, 206.7.9, 221.2.1.4, 221.2.3, 302.1, and 303.1). Fishing Piers and Platforms (Sections 237 and 1005) Play Areas (Sections 240 and 1008) Fixed Picnic Tables (Sections 226 and 902)

Accessible Routes All accessible features must be connected by an Accessible Route. Requirements: • Less than 2% cross slope. • Less than 5% grade running slope, unless ramped. • If running slope grade exceeds 5%, must be ramped. Vertical changes in level can be no more than ¼”. Stairs do not meet this requirement and cannot be part of an accessible route. • Surface must be Firm, Stable, and Slip-resistant. Width: DCNR requires a 5’- 0” minimum accessible route width to allow for two-way travel and passing. This is wider than the width required under the 2010 Standards. Accessible Parking Accessible Parking spots must be adjacent to an Accessible Route. All accessible elements must be connected to accessible parking by an accessible route. • • • •

Paving required in parks, not at trailheads. Clearly marked with correct signage. Car spaces should be at least 96” wide. Van spaces should be at least 132” wide and next to a 60” wide access aisle. • Access aisle should adjoin an Accessible Route. • Required number of accessible spots depends on the total number of spaces in the facility. • Fine amounts should be posted under the accessible parking sign.

Accessible Routes to Areas of Sport Activities • All Areas of Sport Activity must be connected to accessible parking by an Accessible Route. • The Accessible Route should connect to the border of each Area of Sport Activities. • Dugouts and player seating areas must offer accessible spaces that are located along an Accessible Route. • Surfaces of Areas of Sport Activities are not required to comply with 2010 Standards. Play Areas Public playgrounds must have an accessible route to the play area. • Preferably 60” wide, max. running slope of 1:20 and max. cross slope of 1:48. • The route to the play area is an accessible route if: Min. width is 36” and max. slope is 1:12. • Any running slope over 1:20 or 5% is treated as a ramp with handrails and landings. • Within the play area, the safety surfacing must comply with ASTM F 1292-99 or -04 Standard when located within the use zone for proper impact attenuation. All accessible routes within the play area, clear floor or ground spaces at play components are required to be accessible and turning spaces must comp with ASTM 1951-99 Standard. • ASTM Certified Safety Surfacing is required: cannot use garden mulch.

• Raised borders: flush borders are required for DCNR funded projects, to reduce trip hazards. • The size of your project will determine the number of elements that are required to be accessible. • Within the play area, the accessible route must be at least 60” wide, with a max. running slope of 1:16, a max. cross slope of 1:48 and a min. of 80” overhead clearance. • For small play areas of less than 1000 sq. ft. in total size, the accessible route must be at least 44” wide, with a max. running slope of 1:16, a max. cross slope of 1:48 and a min. of 80” overhead clearance. Composite play structures that include a transfer system as a means of access must meet the following criteria: • • • •

Transfer platform height must be between 11” – 18” with clear min. width of 24” and depth of 14”. Transfer steps are max. of 8” high and include hand holds to aid movement. Min. 30” x 48” transfer space must be provided adjacent to the transfer platform. The 48” long min. dimension of the transfer space shall be centered on and parallel to the 24” long min. side of the transfer platform. • The side of the transfer platform serving the transfer space shall be unobstructed. Composite play structures that include ramps that connect elevated play components as a means of access must meet the following criteria: • Elevated ramps must be at least 36” wide, max. running slope of 1:12 and max. length of 144” (12’) before providing a landing . • Elevated ramps must include handrails on both sides meeting hand gripping criteria and with a height between 20” – 28”. • Elevated ramps with handrails, barriers beyond the ramp edge and barriers not extending within 1” of the ramp surface must have edge curbs at least 2” high for the entire ramp length. No handrail extensions are required. • When elevated ramps change in direction a 60” x 60” min. level landing must be provided at both the top and bottom of each run. • Elevated ramps and accessible platforms attached at ramp levels shall have no openings on the surface greater than ½” and vertical change in level less than ¼” or up to ½” with a 2:1 beveled edge. • Wheelchair-accessible platforms require guardrails or barriers. • Openings for access/egress play components shall be narrowed to 15” or less. • Advisory Reach ranges for accessible manipulative and interactive sensory and communicative components must have reach range heights between: 1. 16” - 44” for 9 - 12-year olds 2. 18” - 40” for 5 – 8-year olds and 3. 20” – 36” for 3 – 4-year old user age groups • Ground level upper body equipment intended for use by a person using a mobility device must be less than 54” above protective surfacing. Ground Level Play Components • Ground level play tables and components for users over 5 years old must have a min. vertical knee clearance of at least 24” high, a min. depth of at least 17” deep and a min. width of at least 30”. • The max. top playing surface of a ground level playing component shall not exceed 31”.

Composite Play Structures • Composite play structures must have elevated accessible routes by ramp and/or transfer systems to connect at least 50% of the elevated play components. • Large composite play structures with more than 20 elevated play components must have at least 25% of the elevated play components connected by elevated ramps. • Play areas must have the min. number of accessible play components and types on the accessible routes per the following criteria: 1. Remember it is one of each type at ground level and 50% elevated that must be accessible 2. The trigger to use the table is for Additional Number and Types 3. Where elevated play components are provided, ground level play components shall be provided in accordance with the Table 240.2.1.2 and shall comply with 1008.4 (Play Components) Benches Near Play Areas • Must provide a “bump-out” space next to the bench. Space must be: firm, stable, and slip-resistant. • No smaller than 30” by 48”. • Oriented to allow a person in a wheelchair to face the same direction as people using the bench. • Without any overlap with the accessible route. Fixed Picnic Tables • The 2010 Standards only apply to picnic tables that are fixed in place. • 5% of spaces at fixed picnic tables must be accessible. • Tabletops must be between 28 and 32 inches high. • Must provide knee and toe clearance and clear floor space at accessible spots. See 2010 Standards, Sections 305 and 902.

Draft Final Accessibility Guidelines for Outdoor Developed Areas Where the 2010 Standards are not applicable, the Draft Outdoor Guidelines may provide guidance on achieving accessibility. • • • • •

Outdoor Recreation Access Route (Section 1016) Outdoor Constructed Features (Section 1011) Picnic Facilities (Section F 245) Viewing Areas (Sections F246 and 1015) Trails (Sections F247 and 1017)

Outdoor Recreation Access Route vs. Accessible Route • Accessible Routes apply to facilities covered by the 2010 Standards. • Outdoor Recreation Access Routes apply to facilities covered by the Draft Outdoor Guidelines. • Running slope grades may be as steep as 10% for short segments. • Surfaces must be “Firm and Stable” but are not required to be “Slip-resistant.” • Obstacles may be higher than ¼”, although stairs are still non-compliant. Outdoor Constructed Features Outdoor constructed features consist of: • • • • • • • •

Picnic tables Fire rings, grills, fireplaces, and wood stoves Trash and recycling receptacles Water hydrants Utility and sewage hookups Outdoor rinsing showers Benches Telescopes and periscopes

How many of each type of feature must be accessible? - All features that are located in an accessible camping unit or picnic unit. - For common-use features, the required number of accessible units will depend on the total features provided.

Constructed features must have clear ground space: • Space for wheelchair users to approach and use accessible features. • Must be level, firm, and stable. • Must provide adequate clearance. • Specific guidelines located in Sections 305 and 306. Picnic Units A Picnic Facility is made up of Picnic Units. A picnic unit in which the following, if provided, are accessible: • Outdoor Constructed Features. • Parking Spaces. • Accessible Picnic Units 1. Facilities with 2 or less Picnic Units: All Picnic Units should be accessible. 2. Facilities with more than two Picnic Units: At least 20%, but no less than 2, picnic facilities should be accessible.

Trails Distinctions between Trails, Outdoor Recreation Access Routes, and Accessible Routes • A trail is used primarily for recreational purposes. • Accessible Routes and ORARs are used primarily to connect elements, spaces or facilities within a site. • Trails are held to less stringent standard than Accessible Routes.

Allowable Running Slope of Trail But not Steeper Than

Maximum Length

1:20

1:12

200 feet

1:12

1:10

30 feet

1:10

1:08

10 feet

Steeper Than

Trail signs, where provided, should include: • • • • •

Length of the trail or trail segment Surface type Typical and minimum tread width Typical and maximum running slope and Typical and maximum cross slope

Viewing Area Guidelines • Clear ground space on Outdoor Recreation Access Route. • Unobstructed view between 32 and 48 inches above clear ground space. • Slope no steeper than 1:33 or 1:48 for asphalt, concrete and boards. • Firm and Stable Surface. • Turning space.

Conditions for Departure and Exceptions from the Draft Final Accessibility Guidelines for Outdoor Developed Areas Compliance will not always result in facilities accessible to all persons with disabilities. Therefore the guidelines recognize this by providing four conditions for departures from the required technical provisions. The Access Board permits departures from certain technical provisions where at least one of four conditions is present for trails, picnic and camping facilities, and beaches.

The four conditions that permit departures from specific technical provisions include: 1. Where compliance would cause substantial harm to cultural, historic, religious, or significant natural features or characteristics. 2. Where compliance would substantially alter the nature of the setting, the purpose of the facility, or portion of the facility. 3. Where compliance would require construction methods or materials that are prohibited by federal, state, or local regulations or statutes. 4. Where compliance would not be feasible due to terrain or prevailing construction practices.

Playground Standards and Guidelines • Consumer Product Safety Commission’s “Handbook for Public Playground Safety” – establishes recommendations for equipment, use zones, and protective safety surfacing. • American Society of Testing Materials “Standard Consumer Safety Performance Specification for Public Playground Safety” (ASTM F 1487) - establishes access route, equipment, use zone, and protective safety surfacing requirements. • American Society of Testing Materials “Standard Specification for Determination of Accessibility of Surface Systems Under and Around Playground Equipment” (ASTM F 1951) • Defines minimum requirements for accessible protective surfacing materials. • American Society of Testing Materials “Standard Specification for Impact Attenuation of Surface Systems Under and Around Playground Equipment” (ASTM F 1292) - defines minimum requirements for impact attenuation of protective surfacing materials.

Recreation, Athletic, & Sports Facility Standards Additionally, facilities should comply with specific standards established for their respective activity. Sports facility standards that must be understood in order to properly locate the facilities being considered in this study include: • National Recreation and Park Association’s “Facility Development Standards” – establishes facility dimensions, orientation, and slope requirements. • National Federation of State High School Associations - establishes guidelines for courts and fields for high school athletic competitions.

Baseball T-Ball USA, www.teeballusa.org Little League, Inc, www.littleleague.org Babe Ruth League, Inc., www.baberuthleague.org Pony League Baseball and Softball, Inc., www.pony.org American Legion Baseball, www.baseball.legion.org Amateur Athletics Union of the United States, Inc., www.aausports.org

Softball Amateur Softball Association, www.softball.org American Fastpitch Association, www.afasoftball.org National Softball Association, www.playnsa.com Amateur Athletics Union of the United States, Inc., www.aausports.org

USA Volleyball www.volleyball.org - establishes court dimensions and requirements.

National Horseshoe Pitchers Association of America www.horseshoepitching.com Taking into consideration the above standards and guidelines, as well as the Consultant’s previous experience, the following facility development recommendations were developed for the park.

Playground • • • • • • • • •

Size varies. 2-5 year area with age-appropriate structure and spring rocker area. 5-12 year area with age-appropriate structure. Minimum two-bay swing structure with both toddler and standard swings. Synthetic protective surfacing throughout play areas in equipment use zones. Small shelter in case of inclement weather. Minimum two-bay swing structure with both toddler and belt seats. Adequate landscaping to provide shade, especially on the south and west sides. Fence entire perimeter of playground area, leaving only one entrance for safety.

Volleyball Court • • • • •

59’ x 29’-9” in size, with a 9’-10” fee zone on all sides. North / south orientation. Maximum 2% slope; minimum 1.5% slope for drainage. Minimum of 12” sand, or lawn free from holes, puddles and uneven ground. Adequate landscaping for shade, especially on the south and west sides.

Basketball Courts • • • • • • •

60’ x 90’ in size, with a 15’’ minimum buffer on all sides. Orientation: north / south goal to goal. Maximum 2% slope; minimum 1.5% slope for drainage. Bituminous surfacing. Fence perimeter for safety. Adequate landscaping for shade, especially on the south and west sides. Can be combined with other court games such as deck hockey with additional line striping.

Ballfield The baseball playing field is defined by a number of different bodies, including Major League Baseball (MLB), the National Federation of State High School Associations (NFSH), American Legion Baseball, Pony Baseball and Softball, Inc., Babe Ruth League, Inc., T-Ball USA and Little League, Inc. Therefore, there are standard field sizes that are to virtually every level and/or age of player. • Dimensions noted in the tables correspond to diagram. • Size varies depending on league, ranges from foul line distances of between 200’ and 350’. • Home Plate to Second base North to Northeast, never west. • Maximum 2% slope; minimum 1.5% slope for drainage. • Provide adequate buffer between field and adjacent uses and parking areas. • Provide accessible spectator seating area.

Shared Use Path • Minimum 10’ wide. • Crushed limestone or bituminous surface. • 5% maximum sustained grade.

Hiking Trails • • • • •

5’ width. Maximum 10% slope, located and graded in such a manner as to minimize disturbance and erosion. Crushed limestone surfacing. Rest areas with benches approximately every 300’. Located in areas of mature wood stand to optimize user experience.

Accessible Trails and Boardwalks • • • •

6’ minimum width; 10’ maximum width. Maximum 5% slope. Surface firm and stable. Rest areas with benches approximately every 300’.

Shelters • Size varies, for planning purposes the following were considered: • Small Shelter: 28’ x 20’, capacity 32 persons. • Medium Shelter: 44’ x 30’, capacity 72 persons. • Large Shelter: 68’ x 40’, capacity 160 persons. • Maximum 5% slope for accessibility. • Concrete pad. • Electrical service and / or grills at larger-sized shelters; picnic tables and trash receptacles at each shelter. • Adequate landscaping for shade, especially on the south and west sides.

Horseshoe Courts • 10’ x 50’ in size, with a 5’ minimum buffer at each side and a 10’ minimum buffer at each end. • Orientation: north / south peg to peg. • Maximum 2% slope; minimum 1.5% slope for drainage. • Both end pegs should have identical elevations. • Located in conjunction with a shelter to maximize use. • Adequate landscaping for shade, especially on the south and west sides.

Restrooms • • • • •

Size varies depending on number of facilities served. Maximum 5% slope for accessibility. Concrete Pad. Drinking Fountain. Dumpster pad with fence and landscaping to screen from park users.

Amphitheater • Open-air stage. • Grass seating area with stone terraces. • Accessible paths.

Riparian Buffer • 20’ width minimum from top of slope. • Variety of native trees, shrubs, and perennials. • Widened stream banks.

Roadways • • • • •

12’ cartway – one-way. 20’ cartway – two-way, with bike lanes add 5’ lane each direction. 10% maximum slope; 1% minimum slope for drainage. Bituminous surfacing without curbs. Security lights - a minimum amount of lighting to provide visibility into the park during night-time hours for safety reasons..

Parking • • • • • • • • •

9’x 20’ parking stalls. 22’ access aisles (if 90°, perpendicular parking; less if angled parking). 10’ wide terminal islands at both ends of each row of parking. 10’ wide internal landscape islands. 9’ wide accessible stalls with 5’ wide accessible aisle (maximum 2% slope), see page 19 for accessible parking requirements. 9’ wide accessible van stalls with 8’ wide accessible aisle (maximum 2% slope), see page 19 for accessible parking requirements. Pervious bituminous surfacing or pervious pavers without curbs. Wheel stops. Bike racks.

Adjacencies In addition to the above requirements, thought must be given to the appropriateness of facilities being in proximity to one another. Ideally, it is most desirable to locate facilities adjacent to one another only when they have minimal impact on the other. For example, a playground should not be placed adjacent to a basketball court. An example of an appropriate adjacency is a basketball court and a tennis court. Each use serves similar user groups, and both are active facility uses. During the preparation of the alternative concepts and the master plan, the consultant will locate the facilities while taking into consideration the issues of adjacencies.

Parking Considerations Parking must be considered for almost every park and recreation facility. It would not be feasible to provide parking required for peak use events, such as July 4th festivities, or other large public gatherings. The Township would be investing substantial funds in capital improvements that would only be utilized a few times each year. Excess parking facilities occupies space that could have been available for the development of other recreational facilities. “Proper sizing” of parking also minimizes impervious surface and reduces stormwater run-off. Parking Standards for this study were estimated using standards from Pashek Associates’ prior experience with similar projects. Parking spaces should be provided to accommodate 60% of the peak use (highest possible use rate by players and spectators) for all facilities, existing and proposed. This number is the daily use, and parking standards for this study were figured from the daily use rate assuming 2.5 persons per car. Parking for some facilities may vary from this formula as users may arrive with a higher frequency. Ideally, parking should accommodate average daily use while providing opportunity for overflow parking to meet peak use event needs. To determine the parking requirements for the park, the consultant recommends the parking considerations for each facility to determine the number of parking spaces required in the park.

Facility Ballfield Basketball Court Volleyball Court Trails/Shared Use Path Large Shelter Medium Shelter Small Shelter

Recommended No. of Parking Spaces 35 12 8 Varies 55 24 11

Bleacher Safety – Consumer Product Safety Commission Bleachers are used for viewing sporting events, graduations, parades and many other activities. Unfortunately, each year thousands of people, many of them young children, are seriously injured in falls from bleachers. Bleachers should be as safe as possible. The CPSC created guidelines for evaluating bleachers to help identify and eliminate those features that present a fall hazard. This guideline is CPSC Publication 330, “Guidelines for Retrofitting Bleachers.” Bleachers are recommended to meet the following criteria: • Guardrails should be present on the backs and portions of the open ends of bleachers where the footboard, seat board, or aisle is 30 inches or more above the floor or ground below. • Bleachers with the top row nominally 30 inches above the ground may be exempt from this recommendation. • The top surface of the guardrail should be at least 42 inches above the leading edge of the footboard, seat board, or aisle, whichever is adjacent. When bleachers are used adjacent to a wall that is at least as high as the recommended guardrail height, the guardrail is not necessary if a 4-inch diameter sphere fails to pass between the bleachers and the wall. • Any opening between components of the guardrail or under the guardrail should prevent passage of a 4-inch sphere. • To discourage climbing on guardrails, guardrails should be designed in one of three ways: 1. Use only vertical members as in-fill between the top and bottom rails. 2. If there are openings in the in-fill that could provide a foothold for climbing, the widest measurement of the opening where the foot could rest should be limited to a maximum of 1.75 inches. Opening patterns that provide a ladder effect should be avoided. 3. Where visibility would not be significantly impaired, use solid members.

Park Sustainability Guidelines The Master Plan strives to include sustainable design in creating the vision for the park. A sustainable park is one where the natural resources are protected, where wildlife habitat is improved, and when human recreation uses and maintenance practices do not conflict with the environment, but instead enhance them. Benefits of sustainable parks include: • Economic: Natural vegetation and plantings with native species provide stormwater and flood control by absorbing and storing stormwater runoff and pollutants. Such a reduction in runoff may prevent flooding, property damage, erosion, and habitat loss. • Environmental: Integrating parks with streamside corridors, wetlands, forested areas, and other open spaces will increase its ecological value over time. According to the U.S. Forest Service, one tree can generate $31,250 worth of oxygen, provide $62,000 worth of pollution control, recycle $37,500 worth of water, and control $31,250 worth of soil erosion over a fifty year lifespan. • Health and Safety: Researchers from the University of Illinois have discovered that time spent in nature relieves mental fatigue and related feelings of violence and aggression. They have found the more diverse and rich an environment is in natural resources, the higher the learning opportunities are for children.

Green Principles for Park Development and Sustainability DCNR is promoting a set of principles to help communities develop practical projects that conserve resources, generate economic and environmental benefits, and become healthier more sustainable places to live. More information can be found at http://www.dcnr.state.pa.us/brc/grants/indexgreen.aspx. The following are the five basic principles: • • • • •

Principle #1: Maintain and Enhance Trees and Natural Landscaping Principle #2: Connect People to Nature Principle #3: Manage Stormwater Naturally Principle #4: Conserve Energy Principle #5: Integrate Green Design and Construction

“Creating Sustainable Community Parks, A Guide to Improving Quality of Life by Protecting Natural Resources”, published by the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR) in 2007, provides valuable recommendations regarding how to implement sustainable practices into design, maintenance, and operations of parks across the Commonwealth. The guide can be obtained from www.dcnr.state.pa.us/brc/ GreeningPennsylvania.pdf

These practices are based on the following principals: • Retain as much of the pre-existing landscape as possible during new construction, including the soil, rocks, native vegetation, wetlands, and contours. This will minimize disturbances, which can open up an area to invasive species. It can also keep costs down, as fewer new plants, soil amendments, and habitat enhancements will be needed. • Maintain high quality soils that will hold water and supply plants with proper nutrients. During construction, leave as much existing topsoil as possible. When new soil is brought in, ensure that it is certified weed free, in order to prevent the spread of new invasive species. Using compost and other natural products for mulch and fertilizer will help enhance the soil and feed the native plants. Good quality soil will reduce the need for fertilizers and supplemental watering. • Connect new landscape components with the surrounding native vegetation to create larger contiguous areas of habitat. Many wildlife species need large ranges to find adequate food, mates, and shelter. By reducing the amount of roads, parking lots, and turf areas, or by placing these together, habitat quality will be enhanced. • Create natural storm water management systems and other green infrastructure, such as rain gardens and swales of native grasses. These systems help to minimize downstream flooding, recharge and filter groundwater, and are more cost-effective and environmentally-sound than man-made systems of pipes and storage tanks. • Protect wetlands from disturbance and fill. Avoid placing construction projects, day-use areas, and roads/ parking lots near or in wetlands. Natural wetlands provide many benefits to the environment that cannot easily be duplicated with man-made ones. • Use integrated pest management (IPM) strategies to minimize the use of chemical pesticides to control plant and insect pests. IPM is an ecologically-based approach to pest control that helps maintain strong and healthy plants. IPM can include the use of traps, sterile male pests, and quarantines. • Minimize impermeable surfaces like roads, parking lots, and paved trails. Consider replacing asphalt and concrete with permeable pavement, mulch paths, gravel lots, and native vegetation. Permeable surfaces help to recharge ground water, reduce erosion, lessen flooding events, and filter out pollutants. When impermeable surfaces must be used, arrange them in an area where they will not fragment habitat, make them as small in area as possible, and keep them away from water bodies. • Reduce turf to only those areas essential for recreational and other human use activities. Turf offers little habitat benefit and is not as effective as many native plants in pollution filtration, flood prevention, and erosion control. In addition, turf maintenance can have negative impacts on the surrounding environment and can require lots of mowing, watering, and fertilizing. Replace non-native turf grasses with native warm season grasses, which, once they are established, have lower maintenance needs. • Use native plants in riparian buffers around any surface water body, including wetlands. Riparian buffers help to filter pollutants before they reach water bodies, and the vegetation discourages nuisance geese from staying in the area. Roots from riparian vegetation also prevent erosion of soils into the water body and minimize flooding events. Shade from these buffers acts as a temperature control for the water body, which enhances habitat value for aquatic organisms. The food and shelter values of these buffers also enhances habitat. In addition, by selecting the right kinds of plants, the scenic views of the water bodies can be enhanced. • Identify and remove invasive plant species whenever possible. Invasive plants have a number of detrimental effects on natural habitats. Most invasive plants grow so densely and spread so rapidly that native vegetation is choked out. Opportunities for sustainable park design in Scotland Meadows include permeable paving, rain gardens, native species, removing invasive species, reducing the amount of turf, expanding and restoring a riparian buffer, and promoting alternative transportation, to name a few.

Landscaping with Native Plants A native plant is one which occurred within this region before settlement by Europeans. Native plants include ferns and clubmosses; grasses, sedges and rushes; perennial and annual wildflowers; and the woody trees, shrubs, and vines which covered “Penn’s Woods” when the first settlers arrived. There are 2,100 native plant species known in Pennsylvania. An introduced or non-native plant is one that has been brought into the state and escaped cultivation to become established in the wild. At the turn of the 21st century, about 1,300 species of nonnative plants existed in Pennsylvania outside of gardens, parks and agricultural lands. That is 37 percent of Pennsylvania’s total wild plant flora. More introduced plants are identified every year.

Six Basics of Plant Conservation 1. Protect native plant communities and minimize habitat destruction The most important guideline is to conserve already existing areas of native vegetation as a whole, functioning unit. The easiest, least expensive, and best way to conserve Pennsylvania’s plant heritage is to protect existing native plant communities from further disturbance. If disturbance is necessary, strive for minimum habitat destruction. In some cases ecological restoration may be necessary, which can include planting native species, removing invasive introduced species, controlling erosion and loosening soil compaction. 2. Landscape with native plants Native plant communities have been destroyed in many areas. Intelligent landscaping in parks, yards and campuses can help redress this loss. Well-chosen native plants can flourish in these landscapes. The Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR)-Bureau of Forestry (BOF) recommends avoiding rare, endangered, and threatened plants and instead choosing native plant species which grow commonly throughout the state. If you do not want all natives, plant adapted introduced plants suited for the site, colorful annuals, or flowering plants that will not escape and become environmental weeds. 3. Learn more about native plants Learn what plants are native in your area. There are many field guides to wildflowers that can get you started. 4. Buy nursery-propagated native plants Most retail nurseries and mail-order catalogs now offer native plants. The more consumers request native plants, the more this supply will grow. If you want guaranteed ornamental characteristics, cultivars (named varieties) are available in some cases; for instance, A cultivar of New England Aster named ‘Purple Dome’, was selected for shorter height and showier flowers. Cultivars should be predictable in attributes like height, color, blooming period, or absence of seed pods/thorns--qualities many gardeners want. If your goal is genetic diversity, however, ask for straight species, not cultivars, grown from local seed sources. Plants grown from seed have much more variety than cloned cultivars. 5. Do not remove native plants from the wild Taking native plants from the wild depletes native populations. Also, many wild-collected plants do not survive transplanting. Prevent wild-collecting of plants by making sure that plants you buy are propagated at a nursery, or by starting plants yourself from a local seed supply. Before you collect seed always obtain the property owner’s permission.

6. Practice responsible landscaping techniques The first rule of responsible landscaping is to plant the right plants in the right environment: never introduce invasive plants to your landscape that will aggressively spread off your property and invade native plant communities. They can drastically alter ecosystems and give you and your neighbors maintenance headaches for years to come. When landscaping with native plants it is important to choose plants that will grow well at the site: wet or dry, shade or sun, acid or neutral soil. A good trick is to notice which native plants are thriving nearby, and to use those clues to guide plant selection. Other information can be found from plant nurseries, catalogs, books, or the Internet. For soil fertility, compost and mulch of leaves or grass clippings provide slow release nutrients. Chemical fertilizers often provide too many nutrients too quickly for native plants, and this flush of nutrients gives weeds a competitive edge. Proper site preparation begins with a soil test before applying fertilizer. Try organic pest control. Keep the soil covered to prevent weeds. Remove invasive plants nearby. Take out severely diseased plants, or ones with insect infestations. Many native plants attract beneficial insects which help control pests, so try creating habitat for â&#x20AC;&#x153;good bugs.â&#x20AC;? For more information on native plants, and to review native plants that may be appropriate for a specific area, visit http://dcnr.state.pa.us/forestry/plants/nativeplants. Some sources for native plant material in Pennsylvania can be found by visiting www.plantnative.org/nd_patova. htm.

Native Meadows Many areas within a park do not have to be mowed. Mowing requires a commitment of valuable resources including manpower, equipment and fuel. To reduce the burden on these resources we recommend establishing and maintaining native meadows outside of athletic fields, around the perimeter of activity areas. The non-mowed meadow grasses should be selected in consultation with a horticulturist. Ernst Conservation Seeds, Meadville, PA, www.ernstseed.com, specializes in seeds for non-mowed meadow grasses. Although it is the design intent that the meadow will be chemical free, mixes can be specified that allow one to treat the meadow with the herbicide Stinger in order to address large infestations of weeds within the meadow. Stinger is effective at eradicating common nuisance weeds such as clover, thistle, crownvetch, dandelion, ragweed, plantain, and goldenrod, to name a few.

Caring for the Non-mowed Meadows The following are typical recommendations for establishing and caring for non-mowed meadows.

First Full Growing Season • Trim meadow to a height of 8 inches whenever canopy height reaches 18 to 20 inches. This reduces weed competition for light, nutrients, and water. It also reduces competition by fast establishing native weeds. • Without trimming, fast growing weeds and native species will smother (kill) seedlings of slower growing native species. • Trimming will reduce production of pollen and seed by problem weeds such as ragweed. • Problem weeds vary by region of the country. Some examples are burdock, Canada thistle, crownvetch, curly dock, kudzu, and mile-a-minute. • For fear of losing some of the blossoms, trimming is frequently abandoned when flowers begin to bloom. If you succumb to this temptation, THE WEEDS WILL WIN!

Second and Subsequent Growing Seasons • After the first killing frost, and before the new growing season begins, vegetation should be mowed close to the ground, no lower than 4” or you will harm the development of the native grass seedlings. The purpose of trimming back the growth during the first season is to decapitate weeds so that they do not produce seed. This will facilitate quicker warming of the soil, which favors native species. • Spot spray weeds with Stinger herbicide or hoe/hand-pull problem weeds before they begin to seed.

Recommendations for Establishing a Native Meadow Provided by Mark B. Fiely, Horticulturist, Ernst Conservation Seeds Successful establishment of a meadow comes down to a few basic points: site prep, good seed to soil contact, and trimming the meadow to a height not lower than 8 inches when canopy height reaches 18 to 20 inches during the year of establishment. The optimal seeding window for your mix is late October through May. If you plant in late fall/early winter, your wildflower seeds will experience conditions that will reduce dormancy levels in the seed, and thus should have very good germination of flowering species in the first growing season. If you plant in the spring, the native grasses and some of the flowers will germinate the first year, with some of the wildflowers germinating the second year. When selecting the site to plant, avoid choosing an area where pre-emergent herbicides were used in the prior growing season. Their residues may prevent successful establishment of your meadow. For all of your plantings, it will be necessary to kill all existing undesirable vegetation. Glyphosate (Round-Up®) is a product that is commonly used. Wait two weeks between spraying prior to a re-spray of areas that escaped the first application. Observe for two additional weeks for additional escapes and, if necessary, spray again. If your site has the problem of soil compaction, we recommend you incorporate, through rototilling, 1” – 2” of well decomposed compost (no recognizable parent material (i.e. leaves, wood chips). Your soil should not need to be limed unless the pH is below 5.5. If for some reason the pH is greater than 7.0, the soil should be acidified to drop it below that point. Do not apply any nitrogen fertilizer to your wildflower/grass meadow mix. The nitrogen will only encourage weeds.

Your meadow can be planted by hand broadcasting, mechanical broadcasting, drilling, or hydroseeding. For broadcast seeding (by hand or machine) you might do well to mix with your seed 50 lbs of kitty litter/acre (43,560 sq ft) to be seeded prior to broadcasting, then divide this product and spread ½ in one direction of passes, and then spread ½ in a series of passes that are perpendicular to the first passes. You may use a garden rake to help incorporate the seed following broadcasting. The seedbed should then be firmed by rolling over the site with a lawnroller, ATV tires, or by walking over the site with your feet. The point of firming the seedbed is to ensure good seed to soil contact, which, in turn, leads to greater success of establishment. Alternate methods to hand broadcasting include broadcasting by 3 point hitch spreader (add kitty litter as described above), drilling with a no-till drill that is adapted to native seeds (i.e. Truax), or hydroseeding. Hydroseeding is typically not followed by a firming of the seed bed. When hydroseeding we typically recommend application of 500 lbs of mulch with the seed and 1000 lbs of mulch over top. You may mulch a broadcast seeded plot with wheat or oats straw at a rate that covers approximately half of the soil (approximately 1,000 – 4,000 lbs/acre). During the first growing season after planting, all vegetation should be cut back to 8” height whenever growth reaches 18-20” height. Typically, a planting will need to be trimmed three to five times. A weed-eater or three point hitch brush hog would typically be used for this mowing. Mowing lower than 8” can kill seedlings of some of the species in your mix. After the first killing frost, and before the new growing season begins, vegetation may be mowed close to the ground. The purpose of trimming back the growth during the first season is to decapitate weeds so that they do not produce seed. You must not cut lower than 4” or you will harm the development of the native grass seedlings. During the growing season warm season grass seedlings store part of their energy in the first 4” of growth above the soil line. We suggest mowing no lower than 8” so that, in a worst case scenario, the crew does not touch this critical 4” point. Mowing between first killing frost and onset of the new growing season allows for maximum heating of the soil by the sun at the start of the new growing season. This benefits the natives to the detriment of the non-natives. Some of our customers have succumbed to the temptation not to mow when black-eyed susans are blooming in mixes that contain it. Do not succumb to this. The black-eyed susans will produce some blossoms below the mow line. Further, failure to mow will allow weeds (ragweed in particular) to develop and take over your site. Also, crews should periodically rogue any problematic weeds by mechanical or chemical means. In my area of Pennsylvania, the problem weeds would be Canada thistle and curly dock. In the second and subsequent growing seasons, the wildflower/grass meadow should be checked for problematic weeds which would be removed by spot spraying or mechanical means (hoeing). Following a killing frost and prior to the onset of the new growing season, the landscape should be mowed close to the ground. Dormant season mowing is often done just before spring green-up so that birds and small mammals can take advantage of the meadow for winter food and cover. Your mix will change with time. Some species are annuals, biennials, or short lived perennials that will be present for one to a few years. Others may take their time to establish, but are long-lived perennials. Some species have lived more than a decade in our production fields.

Description of Alternative Concept Plans Based on the inventory and analysis and public input process, three concept plans were developed for the Scotland Meadows site. The conceptual plans reflect the input received from Township representatives, the Union Area School Board and the project’s steering committee, and the public, and professional input from Pashek Associates staff members. These concept plans were prepared to express overall ideas, and do not consist of a final design for the park. The concepts were developed to respond to the steering committee’s desire to rehabilitate and continued development with Scotland Meadows Park in a manner that continues to meet the recreation needs of the Township’s residents while retaining the park’s ability to host a variety of multi-functional events and uses for both the community and the neighboring school.

Concept 1 Concept 1 retains all existing facilities in their current locations, including those maintained by the Union Area School District, with exception of the vandalized playground near the eastern edge of the park and the small Pony baseball field adjacent to the entrance road. The Pony baseball field was removed in order to accommodate additional parking needed within the park. The gravel parking area is removed and the intersection between the main entrance road and the road connecting to the high school parking lot is simplified. The existing parking areas near the pavilions have been paved to meet ADA regulations, and additional parking spaces are provided along the main entrance road in the Old Farm School property. The existing entrance into the park from Municipal Dr. has been re-oriented in order to create a greater sense of arrival, and to define the park’s entrance as separate from the high school’s entrance. A small dog park is incorporated into the open field west of the main entrance road. A vegetative buffer borders a portion of the dog park to provide a visual barrier to traffic along the main entrance. Meadows are incorporated in hard to mow areas near the Bocce courts, as storm water management around the drain outlet in the center of the park, and as a deterrent to geese and ducks around the existing pond. This will reduce mowing costs, offer education potential, and provide important habitat. For large scale events that require large areas of open space, such as Balloon Fest, the meadows can be mowed. The Old Farm School property will be utilized for passive recreation, with one large pavilion, one medium pavilion, and three small pavilions providing space for numerous group sizes. The edges of the property will be allowed to become reforested, both providing habitat for wildlife and a visual buffer for guests. The center of the property will be part meadow and part open lawn, with an outdoor classroom between the two. Additional restrooms are also provided, immediately accessible from the parking area. A second entrance into Scotland Meadows Park utilizes the service road connecting to State Street.

Forest Medium Pavilion

Small Pavilion Meadow

Entrance

Small Pavilions

Outdoor Classroom / Natural Playground Parking

Open Lawn Restrooms

Large Pavilion

Forest

Stre am B e

d Existing Playground

Horseshoe Bocce

Baseball Field

Pa rk

ing

ffe r

Open Lawn

Meadow

Bu Pa rk

Softball Field Tennis Basketball Volleyball

Open Lawn

ffe r

ing

ffe r

Existing Tree Line

Dog Park

Buffer

Pond

Forest ea

do w

Meadow Entrance

Existing Gazebo

Union Area High School

N N

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Concept 1 Parking Analysis Scotland Meadows Park Master Plan Facility

Person/Vehicle

Peak Use # of Spaces

Daily Use 60% of Peak

Main Park Area Existing 4 Medium 3 Pavilions Existing Playground 2.5 Existing Baseball field 2.5 Existing Softball field 2.5 Existing Beach 1.5 Volleyball Existing Basketball 1.5 Court Existing Tennis Court 1.5 Existing Horseshoe 2 Courts Existing small pavilion 3 Existing Bocce Courts 2 Dog Park 1.5 Main Park Area Total Spaces Required Main Park Area Spaces Available Surplus/Deficiency

18 50 50

11 30 30

11 12 14

7 8 5 185 120 -65

Old Farm School Property Large Pavilion 3 Medium Pavilion 3 3 Small Pavilions 3 Outdoor Classroom 2.5 or Bus drop off Old Farm School Property Total Spaces Required Old Farm School Property Spaces Available Surplus/Deficiency

55 24 33 30

33 15 20 18 86 75 -11

Total Spaces Required 271 Total Spaces Available 195 Surplus/Deficiency -76 NOTE: This parking analysis does not account for on-street parking, parking that may be available in adjacent with Union Area High School, or those that will walk to the park.

Opportunities and Constraints Concept 1 was analyzed to identify its opportunities and constraints. These opportunities and constraints are as follows:

Concept 1 Opportunities Greater sense of entrance and separation from school entrance Increased amount of reforestation/habitat Flexible open space areas Trail loops for jogging/walking Increased ADA accessibility

Constraints Greater expense to shift entrance Not many young child activities Parking deficit Some open lawn lost to amenities

Concept 2 Concept 2 retains all existing facilities in their current locations, including those maintained by the Union Area School District, with exception of the vandalized playground near the eastern edge of the park and the small Pony baseball field adjacent to the entrance road. The Pony baseball field was removed in order to accommodate a new pavilion and the vandalized playground is replaced with a new playground in the same area of the park. The existing parking lot in the southeast corner of the park is retained to provide access to the new playground and to a small dog park. The existing entrance to the park is also maintained, with the gravel parking area being paved and formalized. The connecting road to the school parking lot is converted to a walking trail to reduce traffic within the park. A new parking lot is added to the north of the existing restrooms, and the existing parking areas near the pavilions have been paved to meet ADA regulations. Additional parking spaces are provided along the main entrance road in the Old Farm School property. Meadows are incorporated in hard to mow areas near the Bocce courts and as storm water management around the drain outlet in the center of the park. This will reduce mowing costs, offer education potential, and provide important habitat. For large scale events that require large areas of open space, such as Balloon Fest, the meadows can be mowed. Planting beds around the pond act as beautification and as a deterrent to geese and ducks. Native flowers planted in the beds also provide a source of food for wildlife and educational opportunities for students. Numerous paved and unpaved trails create loops of various lengths to accommodate various user groups ranging from the high school cross country team to senior citizens. The Old Farm School property will be utilized for passive recreation, with one large pavilion, one medium pavilion, and three small pavilions providing space for numerous group sizes. The edges of the property will be allowed to become reforested, both providing habitat for wildlife and a visual buffer for guests. The center of the property will be part meadow and part open lawn, with vegetative buffers throughout to create a sense of enclosure and to block the view of the parking lot. An outdoor classroom and an amphitheater will be provided next to the large pavilion. Additional restrooms are also provided, immediately accessible from the parking area. There is no additional entrance, only a turnaround for cars.

Car Turn Around

Buffer

Medium Pavilion Small Pavilions

Parking

Meadow

Buffer

Buffer Open Lawn Outdoor Classroom Par k

Par k

ing

Large Pavilion

Buffer ing

Amphitheater Restrooms

Forest

Stre am B e

d Open Lawn Pa rk ing

Existing Playground

Horseshoe Bocce

ffe r

Baseball Field

Meadow

Parking

Meadow g in rk Pa g in rk Pa

Open Lawn

Buffer

Softball Field

Forest

Tennis Basketball Volleyball

Existing Tree Line

Meadow Open Lawn

Small Pavilion

Dog Park

Playground

Existing Parking

Pond

Entrance

Planting Beds

Existing Gazebo

Union Area High School

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LANDSCAPE A

Concept 2 Parking Analysis Scotland Meadows Park Master Plan Facility

Person/Vehicle

Peak Use # of Spaces

Daily Use 60% of Peak

Main Park Area Existing 4 Medium 3 Pavilions Existing Playground 2.5 Existing Baseball field 2.5 Existing Softball field 2.5 Existing Beach 2 Volleyball Existing Basketball 1.5 Court Existing Tennis Court 2 Existing Horseshoe 2 Courts Existing small pavilion 3 Existing Bocce Courts 2 Playground 2.5 Small Pavilion 3 Dog Park 2 Main Park Area Total Spaces Required Main Park Area Spaces Available Surplus/Deficiency

18 50 50

11 30 30

11 12 18 11 15

7 8 11 7 9 207 158 -49

Old Farm School Property Large Pavilion 3 Medium Pavilion 3 3 Small Pavilions 3 Outdoor Classroom 2.5 or Bus drop off Amphitheater 2.5 or Bus drop off Old Farm School Property Total Spaces Required Old Farm School Property Spaces Available Surplus/Deficiency

55 24 33 30 30

33 15 21 18 18 105 60 -45

Total Spaces Required 312 Total Spaces Available 218 Surplus/Deficiency -94 NOTE: This parking analysis does not account for on-street parking, parking that may be available in adjacent with Union Area High School, or those that will walk to the park.

Opportunities and Constraints Concept 2 was analyzed to identify its opportunities and constraints. These opportunities and constraints are as follows:

Concept 2 Opportunities Range of activities for all ages Less cost to use existing entrance and road Flexible open space areas Trail loops for jogging/walking Increased ADA accessibility

Constraints Majority of parking in center of park No secondary entrance to Old Farm School Property Outdoor classroom a significant distance from the school Parking deficit

Concept 3 Concept 3 retains all existing facilities in their current locations, including those maintained by the Union Area School District, with exception of the vandalized playground near the eastern edge of the park and the small Pony baseball field adjacent to the entrance road. The Pony baseball field was removed in order to accommodate additional parking needed within the park, and the vandalized playground is replaced with a new playground in the same area of the park. The existing parking lot in the southeast corner of the park is retained to provide access to the new playground and outdoor classroom. The paved parking portion of the gravel parking area is maintained, and the intersection between the main entrance road and the road connecting to the high school parking lot is simplified. The existing parking areas near the pavilions have been paved to meet ADA regulations, and an additional parking lot is added to the Old Farm School property. The existing entrance into the park from Municipal Dr. has been re-oriented in order to create a greater sense of arrival, and to define the parkâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s entrance as separate from the high schoolâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s entrance. Planting beds around the pond act as beautification and as a deterrent to geese and ducks. Native flowers planted in the beds also provide a source of food for wildlife and educational opportunities for students. Numerous paved and unpaved trails create loops of various lengths to accommodate various user groups ranging from the high school cross country team to senior citizens. A sled hill near the existing pavilions offers winter interest for the park. The Old Farm School property will be utilized for passive recreation, with one large pavilion and three small pavilions providing space for numerous group sizes. The majority of the property will be allowed to become reforested, providing both habitat for wildlife and an extended nature hiking trail from Scotland Meadows Park for guests. The portion of the property left open will include open lawn, a small meadow, and an edible community garden.

Parking

Restrooms Entrance

Open Lawn

Buffer

Edible Garden

Large Pavilion

Meadow

Small Pavilions

Forest Forest

Stre am B e

d Open Lawn

Pa rk

ing

Existing Playground

Horseshoe Bocce

r ffe

d le

Buffer

Baseball Field

Buffer

Meadow

Meadow Buffer

or e

Pa tent rk ion in g

Park ing

Softball Field

Existing Tree Line

Forest

Tennis Basketball Volleyball

or et

Open Lawn

en tio

Planting Bed

Outdoor Classroom / Natural Playground

Playground

Existing Parking

Pond

Entrance Existing Gazebo

Union Area High School

t e r i n

s u n

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LANDSCAPE A

Concept 3 Parking Analysis Scotland Meadows Park Master Plan Facility

Person/Vehicle

Peak Use # of Spaces

Daily Use 60% of Peak

Main Park Area Existing 4 Medium 3 Pavilions Existing Playground 2.5 Existing Baseball field 2.5 Existing Softball field 2.5 Existing Beach 2 Volleyball Existing Basketball 1.5 Court Existing Tennis Court 2 Existing Horseshoe 2 Courts Existing small pavilion 3 Existing Bocce Courts 2 Playground 2.5 Outdoor Classroom 2.5 or Bus drop off Sled Hill 2 Main Park Area Total Spaces Required Main Park Area Spaces Available Surplus/Deficiency

18 50 50

11 30 30

11 12 18 30 10

7 8 11 18 6 215 180 -35

Old Farm School Property Large Pavilion 3 3 Small Pavilions 3 Edible Garden 2 Old Farm School Property Total Spaces Required Old Farm School Property Spaces Available Surplus/Deficiency

55 33 10

33 21 6 60 95 35

Total Spaces Required 275 Total Spaces Available 275 Surplus/Deficiency 0 NOTE: This parking analysis does not account for on-street parking, parking that may be available in adjacent with Union Area High School, or those that will walk to the park.

Opportunities and Constraints Concept 3 was analyzed to identify its opportunities and constraints. These opportunities and constraints are as follows:

Concept 3 Opportunities Range of activities for all ages Sufficient parking Winter activities Flexible open space areas

Constraints More impervious surfaces Greater expense to shift entrance Less open space in Old Farm School Property

Trails and loops for walking/jogging Bioretention for storm water control Greater sense of entrance and separation from school entrance

Conclusion about Alternative Concept Plans The committee reviewed the three concepts and decided that a combination of aspects from all three would be ideal. Below are major outcomes from discussing the concepts. • • • • • •

The Pony baseball field should remain, and should be reoriented to meet DCNR standards All trails should be ADA and emergency vehicle accessible There should be as much open lawn area/meadow as possible to accommodate large events The existing entrance should not be changed The needs of the neighboring school should be taken into consideration as much as possible A second entrance from the service road off of State Rd. would be ideal

The decision whether or not the Old Farm School property would be acquired from the Union Area School District was not yet determined at this point in the process. Both the school district (owner of the property) and the Township were interested in having the property become part of Scotland Meadows, but it was still under discussion to purchase, lease, or donate (in part or in full) the land.

Draft Master Plan The Draft Master Plan was developed based on input on the three Concept Plans at a committee meeting. In addition to the Draft Master Plan, an alternative Option 2 was developed to show the committee what could happen if the Old Farm School property was obtained.

Draft Master Plan Description The Draft Master Plan has been divided up into five major areas that are connected with trails. Each area has a distinct character and scale that is defined by habitat and topography. A 20 feet wide roadway, that is for park traffic only, runs through the center of the park and connects the existing park to the Old Farm School property. Numerous paved trails branch off from along this roadway to provide access to the entirety of the park’s features.

Main Entrance This area displays a number of park features to anyone driving along Municipal Dr., including all school traffic. • Planting beds around the pond to discourage fowl and to promote education opportunities • Modified and expanded parking (74 spaces + 3 ADA) • Outdoor classroom/amphitheater • Improved playground • Medium pavilion • Small pavilion • Beach volleyball • Reoriented Pony League baseball field • Gazebo • ADA accessible paved trail loop • Deciduous native trees

Existing Active Recreation Area This area is largely maintained and used by the high school, but also provides active recreation for a range of ages. • Improved bathrooms that meet ADA • ADA access to existing horseshoe courts and bocce pavilion • ADA accessible paved trails to pavilions and through forest • Benches • Improved parking (36 spaces + 2 ADA) • Gravel overflow parking/multi-purpose use space • ADA accessible playground

Pavilion Alcove This area consists of three existing medium sized pavilions and a large playground. It is a relaxing area for passive recreation and also creates a transition zone between the neighboring residents and the park. • • • •

ADA access to playground Expanded parking (102 spaces + 6 ADA) Benches ADA accessible paved trail loop and connection to Old Farm School property • Meadow • Deciduous native trees

Old Farm School Property This area is one of great potential for Scotland Meadows Park, as it is currently undeveloped. • • • • • • • •

Parking area (62 spaces with 4 ADA) ADA accessible restrooms Large pavilion with water and electricity Meadow Multi-purpose open lawn Deciduous native trees ADA accessible paved loop trails Secondary park entrance from service road off of State Rd.

Trails and Riparian Area • • • •

Expanded riparian buffer Interpretive signs describing the importance of riparian buffers, meadows, and native plants ADA accessible paved trails Benches

Meadow

Forest

Parking (62, 4 ADA) Large Pavilion Restrooms

Open Lawn

Meadow

Unpaved trail Forest

Unpaved trail Open Lawn

Existing Playground

Parking (33, 2 ADA) Parking (64, 4 ADA)

Upgraded Bathrooms

Meadow

Meadow Meadow Parking (37, 2 ADA) Reoriented Baseball Field

Playground

Open Lawn

Playground Small Pavilion

Forest

Dog Park

Gazebo Pond

Existing Parking (47, 2 ADA)

The following parking analysis was created to show the deficiency or surplus of parking spaces needed for the Draft Master Plan.

Draft Master Plan Parking Analysis Scotland Meadows Park Master Plan Facility

Person/Vehicle

Peak Use # of Spaces

Daily Use 60% of Peak

3 2.5 2.5 2.5 2 1.5 2 2 3 2 2.5 2 3 3

96 18 50 50 8 7 4 39 11 12 36 8 11 24

58 11 30 30 5 4 3 24 7 8 22 5 7 15

2.5

2.5 or Bus drop off

18 257 224 -33

33 33 66 33

Main Park Area Existing 4 Medium Pavilions Existing Playground Existing Baseball field Existing Softball field Existing Beach Volleyball Existing Basketball Court Existing Tennis Court Existing Horseshoe Courts Existing small pavilion Existing Bocce Courts 2 Playgrounds Beach Volleyball Small Pavilion Medium Pavilion Reoriented Pony League Baseball Field Outdoor Classroom/Amphitheater Main Park Area Total Spaces Required Main Park Area Spaces Available Surplus/Deficiency

Old Farm School Property Large Pavilion 3 Old Farm School Property Total Spaces Required Old Farm School Property Spaces Available Surplus/Deficiency

Total Spaces Required 290 Total Spaces Available 290 Surplus/Deficiency 0 NOTE: This parking analysis does not account for on-street parking, parking that may be available in adjacent with Union Area High School, or those that will walk to the park.

ns o i t da n e Chapter 4: Recomm

mp I &

tion

ta n e em

The master plan for Scotland Meadows Park is the result of analysis of the site, active public participation, and in-depth discussion regarding the needs of Union Township residents. The master plan provides a foundation to guide the decision-making process for the upgrading of the park. With this master plan Union Township is able to respond in an orderly and financially fiscally responsible manner to requests from various organizations and individuals regarding recreation facilities within the park. Good planning reduces future conflicts, liability, and can reduce maintenance and operation costs. Furthermore, this master plan can be used to apply for funding for future improvements in the park. The final master plan reflects the goals developed by this project’s steering committee to guide the future of Scotland Meadows Park. The recommendations contained in this Master Plan were guided by these goals along with the site inventory and analysis. Cost Estimates and Phasing were then developed by the consultant to prioritize the development of proposed facilities. Funding Sources were discussed in order to finance the recommendations of the Master Plan. Finally, Operation Costs and Potential Revenues were discussed. This chapter identifies the goals established for the park, describes the recommendations of the master plan, provides opinions of probable construction costs and phasing recommendations, discusses possible funding sources, describes the operation and maintenance costs, and lists potential revenue sources for Scotland Meadows Park.

Goals for Scotland Meadows Park Early on in the planning process, a list of goals was developed from the Steering Committee. This list was updated throughout the process and used to guide the development of the Master Plan. The goals include: • • • •

The Park should continue to support a wide range of community events The Park should be accessible to all The Park should be multi-generational. It should have activities for all ages. The Park’s connection to the high school should be maintained and strengthened. Features that benefit students should be considered and located as close to the school as possible. • The Park should be environmentally sustainable. • The Park should maintain open spaces for multi-use functions • Park improvements should focus on quality. High quality improvements will be more durable, easier to maintain, and more aesthetically pleasing.

The master plan for Scotland Meadows Park and character images indicating the proposed aesthetic and level of quality are illustrated on the following pages. Following these plans are the descriptions of proposed park improvements.

Entrance from W. State St.

659.28’

S71˚

11’ 2

7’’E

689.

75’

Meadow

Forest

Parking (58 spaces + 4 ADA) Large Pavilion Restrooms

N1˚ 34’ 38’’W 296.56’

N1˚ 32’ W

874.5’

705.13’

N83˚ 36’E

Paved trail

Meadow

S2˚ 56’ 13’’E

Open Lawn

Forest

S88˚ 30’W 663.16’

N83˚ 36’E 874.5’

Paved trail Open Lawn

Existing playground Existing pavilion

Existing pavilions

Parking (36 spaces + 2 ADA) Parking (66 spaces + 4 ADA)

Existing horseshoe courts Upgraded bathrooms Existing pavilion Existing bocce pavilion

Meadow Community Connection

Meadow

Existing restrooms Parking (36 spaces + 2 ADA)

Reoriented baseball field

760’± S83˚ 46’W ADA Accessibility Gravel overflow parking Playground Existing pavilion

Open Lawn Small pavilion

Forest Beach Volleyball Medium Pavilion Playground

Gazebo Pond

Outdoor classroom/ Amphetheater

I T E CT

Optimal Field & Court Orientation

Optimal Rectangular Field & Court Orientation

J OH N

12.55 Acres

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Union Area School District - Property Acreage:

N wi

DS C A

42.42 Acres 2039 with Option

Accessibility - all facilities to be accessible in accordance With 2010 ADA Standards for Accessible Design - accessible routes provided to all facilities and public spaces - accessible walks, paths, and trails will not exceed 5% slope, nor 2% cross slope and will meet parking and street pavement ﬂush - picnic areas will have some tables with overhangs for wheelchairs - benches and stands will have adjacent paving for wheelchairs - all parking areas will include accessible parking spaces (1 per 25 spaces), spaces will be signed, marked, and have a maximum 2% cross slope and accommodate van parking.

s u n

L AN

Property Owners Leasee - Union Township Leasor - Union Area School District - Property Acreage: - Lease duration:

REGISTRATION NUMBER 001240

t e r i n

BUE R K L E

NS Y L V A N

PLANNING

DESIGN

MUNIC IPAL DR

REG I STER

LANDSCAPE ARCHITECTURE

12 February 2016

P SHEK ASSOCIATES -

Scotland Meadows Park Master Plan

Modified existing parking (74 spaces + 3 ADA)

Master Plan Recommendations The Final Master Plan has been divided up into five major areas that are connected with trails. Each area has a distinct character and scale that is defined by habitat and topography. A 20 feet wide roadway, that is for park traffic only, runs through the center of the park and connects the existing park to the Old Farm School property. Numerous paved trails branch off from along this roadway to provide access to the entirety of the parksâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; features. These areas include: 1. 2. 3. 4. 5.

Main Entrance Existing Active Recreation Area Pavilion Alcove Trails and Riparian Area Old Farm School Property

Main Entrance The main vehicular entrance to Scotland Meadows is off of Municipal Drive. There was a strong preference from the general public and the Steering Committee for the existing main entrance drive to be maintained rather than reorienting it, and using funds to instead improve the existing parking. The existing parking area in the southeast corner of the park generates significant conflict between vehicular and pedestrian traffic during events at Scotland Meadows Park and the adjacent ball fields along Municipal Dr. To accommodate greater parking demands and to increase the safety of pedestrians, both existing parking lots are proposed to be expanded and extended off of the road. These newly expanded lots would also be able to accommodate proposed amenities such as a medium sized picnic shelter, playground, beach volleyball court, and small picnic shelter, as well as existing amenities such as the lake, gazebo, and Pony League Baseball Field. It is our recommendation that the existing Pony League field be reoriented and connected to ADA accessible paved walkways in order to meet DCNR requirements.

ADA Accessible Paved Trails

Open Lawn

Beach Volleyball Small Pavilion

Ex. Gazebo Outdoor Classroom Amphitheater

Flower Beds Existing Pond

Medium Pavilion

Forest

Playground

Expanded Parking

Increasing the amount of paved, accessible trails was another significant concern during the planning process. To accommodate this need, a proposed, small walking loop would connect the improved parking lots to both existing and proposed features, including a larger paved walking loop that would span the majority of the park. This is further described in the Trails and Riparian Area description. The Main Entrance also holds significant potential for educational opportunities. Currently, the pond is used on occasion for science curriculum. However, the undesirable number of geese and ducks around the pond generates aesthetic and safety concerns. A humane and environmentally friendly method to control the geese and ducks is to restrict access to the pond by either allowing surrounding grass to grow taller, mulching, and/or incorporating plantings around the pond. There is also great potential for the implementation of an outdoor amphitheater/ classroom on the hill parallel to Berwyn St. This area provides the necessary natural grade change, would not interfere with the functionality of the open field nearby, and is close enough to the school to provide easy access for classes. While this area is located just outside of the limits of the land the Township leases from Union Area School District, the land it is on is owned directly by the School District. Union Area School District board members have shown interest in aiding the development of park features that would benefit both the community and the school, and expressed interested in this outdoor classroom/amphitheater.

The following is a summary of improvements being proposed for the Main Entrance: • Planting beds around the pond to discourage fowl and to promote education opportunities • Modified and expanded parking (74 spaces + 3 ADA) • Outdoor classroom/amphitheater constructed from local materials with ADA accessible ramp • Improved playground • 50’x25’ Medium pavilion • 28’x20’ Small pavilion • Beach volleyball • Reoriented Pony League baseball field • ADA accessible paved trail loop with benches approximately every 300 ft. • Deciduous native trees for shade • Crosswalk to gazebo from walking loop

OUTDOOR CLASSROOM/AMPHITHEATER

Existing Active Recreation Area The majority of the existing facilities here are maintained and used by the Union Area School District. Such facilities include the baseball field, the softball field, the beach volleyball, the basketball court, and the tennis courts. Amenities maintained by the Township include the horseshoe field, bocce pavilion, the two picnic shelters, and the restroom building. The existing access to the horseshoe and bocce pavilion is only a gravel path, which is not ADA

accessible. It is proposed to convert this into a paved pedestrian path which would connect to the three existing pavilions in the northern section of the park and to the existing woodland trail. The existing restroom facilities near the horseshoe courts are too small to be ADA accessible. The building should be enlarged and connected to the paved trail. There is also a steep slope between the ball courts, softball field, and bocce pavilion which is currently being maintained as mowed turf. This area serves little use as mowed turf, is challenging to mow, and increases maintenance costs. To reduce these issues, it is proposed to allow this area to return to a natural meadow.

ADA Accessible Paved Trail Ex. Bocce Pavilion

Expanded Bathroom (ADA Accessible)

Existing Baseball Field

Ex. Horseshoe Ex. Horseshoe Shed Ex. Lionâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Club Pavilion

Meadow

Ex. Restrooms Expanded Parking

Ex. Basketball Existing Softball Field

Ex. Beach Volleyball

OverďŹ&#x201A;ow Parking

Ex. Tennis

Reoriented Pony League Field

ADA Accessibility Playground

Skyview Pavilion

Due to the large number of active recreation facilities in this section of Scotland Meadows, limited parking is a concern. Currently the only parking lot within the park in this area is a mostly gravel lot immediately off of the main drive, which is largely insufficient for events such as a baseball or softball game. To amend this, it is proposed to formalize the gravel parking area into a paved parking lot, maintain some of the gravel lot for overflow parking, and construct a large, paved parking lot that can serve both the ball fields and the three pavilions in the norther section of the park. It was noted by the School District that children have a limited time for recess, and as such the playground located near the three northern pavilions is not always fully utilized during school hours. It is proposed to add a new playground closer to the school to encourage active play for children during recess.

The following is a summary of improvements being proposed for the Main Entrance: • Increase size of bathroom facilities near the horseshoe courts to 30’x35’ to accommodate ADA • ADA accessible paved walking trail to existing horseshoe courts, Lion’s Den picnic pavilion, bocce pavilion, forest trail, and around baseball field • ADA accessible paved walk to existing basketball and tennis courts • Benches approximately every 300 ft. • Naturalized meadow along slope • Improve gravel lot into formalized parking lots (36 spaces + 2 ADA) • Gravel overflow parking/multi-purpose use space • Large parking lot for major events (66 spaces + 4 ADA) • ADA accessible playground close to the school

Pavilion Alcove Three existing 50’x25’ picnic pavilions (Parkview, Forestview, and Farmview) can be found in this section of the park. All are in good condition and well utilized, however the current parking area for all three is a gravel lot, and the paved walkways leading to the pavilions are heavily weathered. As a result of these factors, the shelters are not ADA accessible as is. To remedy this, it is proposed to pave the existing parking area and to repair the walkways leading to the pavilions. An accessible path should also be connected to the existing playground, which already has an accessible entry point.

ADA Accessible Paved Trail to Woodland

Farmview Pavilion Parkview Pavilion

Open Lawn

Ex. Playground Forestview Pavilion

ADA Accessible Paved Trail to Old Farm School Property

Expanded Parking Meadow

Expanded Parking

Meadow

ADA Accessible Paved Trail to Community

A large drainage outlet can be found in the center of the field southeast of the pavilions. This largely reduces the options for open play and recreation due to the grade changes, pipe, and poor drainage of the soils surrounding it. It is recommended to convert this area of the park into a low growing meadow with paved trails throughout. This will reduce maintenance costs, limit drainage issues, provide habitat, and maintains the area’s ability to be used as overflow parking during large events such as “Light Up Night” once mown. A connection to the neighboring community can also be made here by extending a paved trail to the Brigadoon Lane cul-de-sac.

MEADOW & COMMUNITY ENTRANCE

Should it be decided to not purchase or include the Old Farm School Property, a car turn-around is proposed. The following is a summary of improvements proposed for the Pavilion Alcove: • • • •

ADA access to playground and pavilions Expanded parking (36 spaces + 2 ADA) ADA accessible paved trail loop through meadow Vehicular and pedestrian connection to Old Farm School property, if acquired • Vehicular turn-around, if Old Farm School property not acquired • Low growing meadow along drainage outlet • Deciduous native trees along edge of property bordering the community

Trails and Riparian Area According to the community and Steering Committee, improving and adding paved walking trails throughout the park. The Union High School cross country team already uses the unpaved trail along the northwestern portion of the park, and new trails could further benefit the school. Ensuring that all trails are a minimum of 10 ft. wide allows for emergency vehicles to have full access to all areas of the trails. This would also aid maintenance and provide opportunities for the annual haunted hayride or other such events.

ADA Accessible Paved Trails

Forest

Extended Roadway ADA Accessible Paved Trails

Seasonal Streambed

A seasonal stream bed runs along the northern edge of the park. A minimum forested buffer zone of 50 ft. should be maintained along the stream to prevent erosion and to reduce nutrient runoff. Two footbridges over the stream currently exist. These should be maintained and upgraded as needed. Should the Old Farm School property be acquired, a vehicular/pedestrian bridge is proposed to connect the property to Scotland Meadows Park. The following is a summary of improvements proposed for the Trail and Riparian Buffer Areas:

Parkview Pavilion

• Expanded riparian buffer where existing woodland is narrower than 50’ from the stream bank • Interpretive signs describing the importance of riparian buffers, meadows, and native plants • ADA accessible paved trails ADA Accessible • Benches and rest areas approximately every 300 ft. Paved Trail to Open Lawn

Old Farm School Property

Open Lawn

Beach Volleyball Small Pavilion

Ex. Gazebo

eadow

64 Meadow

ADA Accessible Paved Trail to

Outdoor Classroom Amphitheater

Flower Beds Existing Pond

Old Farm School Property The Old Farm School Property is a 12 acre parcel of land that is currently owned by the Union Area School District. It shares a portion of Scotland Meadow’s northern border and is directly south of West State Street. The property is undeveloped, mostly shrub meadow, and is landlocked from all surrounding streets with the exception of a privately owned access route along its eastern border. Union Township has expressed great interest in obtaining this land from the School District in order to expand Scotland Meadows Park. Should this land be obtained, it is recommended that its primary focus be on passive recreation and education. A secondary entrance into the park could be created off of the service road along the east border if permission is obtained from the owners. A large parking lot is proposed to service a large pavilion and to aid in reducing parking demand on the existing facilities during special events in the park. The large pavilion would have running water and electricity, with a new restroom nearby. A bisected, paved, walking loop connects the large picnic pavilion to the proposed trails of Scotland Meadows. To reduce maintenance costs, create habitat, and foster educational opportunities, most of the land on the Old Farm School property is proposed to be either woodland or meadow. A central open lawn in the center of the walking loop adjacent to the large pavilion will offer space for open play and passive recreation.

OLD FARM SCHOOL PROPERTY

Approximately 12 Acres  Opportunity to expand park  Opportunity for direct access to West State Street (SR 224) 

The following is a summary of improvements proposed for the Pavilion Alcove: • • • • • • •

Parking area (58 spaces + 4 ADA) ADA accessible restrooms Large 68’x40 pavilion with water and electricity Low growing meadow Multi-purpose open lawn Deciduous native trees ADA accessible paved loop trails with benches approximately every 300 ft. • Secondary park entrance from service road off of West State Rd.

Entrance to W. State St.

Meadow

Forest

Parking Large Pavilion Meadow

Restrooms Meadow

Open Lawn

Meadow

Forest

ADA Accessible Paved Trails

ADA Accessible Paved Trail Expanded Bathroom (ADA Accessible)

Ex. Bocce Pavilion Existing Baseball Field

Ex. Horseshoe Ex. Horseshoe Shed Ex. Lionâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Club Pavilion

Meadow

Ex. Restrooms Expanded Parking

Ex. Basketball

PAVILION & LAWN

Overall Park Improvements There are several recommendations related to the proposed park improvements that are overarching, meaning, they are not related to one specific activity or facility, but should be employed throughout the process of making improvements to the park. These include:

Minimize Impervious Surface Area The master plan recommends that impervious surface area be kept to a minimum throughout the remainder of the park to reduce stormwater runoff and initial costs. Parking areas should not be paved with asphalt unless absolutely necessary. Aggregate paving or porous pavers, if constructed properly, allows some of the stormwater to infiltrate into the soils below, and therefore reduces the volume of stormwater that needs to be managed.

Use Porous Asphalt Paving In the event that asphalt must be used, the Township should consider porous asphalt paving as an alternative to standard impermeable asphalt. This paving material performs like standard asphalt yet allows water to percolate into the ground below. Porous asphalt is a highly effective paving material for areas that receive light vehicular traffic. For more information, visit http://www.mtsd.org/asburywoods/. Additional information on permeable (porous) paving is included in the appendices of this report. Porous paving requires a small amount of extra maintenance. According to U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) recommendations, permeable paving installations should account for 25% clogging of pore space within the paving annually. Cleaning the pavement will require annual or biannual vacuum sweeping and power washing. Access isles, service drives, and other areas that will receive heavy traffic, and many turning movements, are not suited for porous asphalt. In these instances traditional bituminous paving is used and the parking areas beyond these areas are paved with the porous material.

Employ Innovative Stormwater Management Techniques The Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection regulates the management of stormwater volumes and water quality, through Chapters 105, 102, and 93 of the Pennsylvania Code, and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agencyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Phase II National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System permitting requirements. These regulations require any land development to limit post construction increases in stormwater runoff to pre-development rates, to implement best management practices to temporarily control erosion and sedimentation, and protect water quality during construction, and to permanently control and protect water quality during the life of the constructed project. We recommend the Township implement innovative stormwater management techniques rather than a conventional system of piping, inlets, and a potential underground detention. Below are best management practices recommended by the master plan for consideration by the Township in park development.

Rain Gardens / Bio-infiltration Swales Parking on the park site should include traffic islands containing rain gardens, or bio-infiltration swales. Rain gardens are shallow planted swales that help to retain, filter, and infiltrate stormwater runoff into the underlying soil rather than channeling it into piping systems. The master plan recommends the use of rain gardens / bio-infiltration swales in park development. Observation of site soil permeability performed during the site inventory and analysis phase of the master plan indicated that the siteâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s soils exhibit good drainage / permeability. Thus, infiltration of stormwater may be feasible. Further testing may be necessary for verification. Rain gardens / bio-infiltration swales should be considered in the parking traffic islands, as well as areas down-slope of proposed park development. University of Connecticut researchers found that over a 2-year period, rain gardens remove up to 99% of toxins from stormwater runoff containing fertilizers, oils, and particulates. The researchersâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; findings were published in the journal Environmental Science and Technology and mentioned at http://www.landscapeonline.com/research/ article/6490.

Design and maintenance of rain gardens / bio-infiltration swales may include the following steps: 1. Use bark mulch (not inorganic mulches such as rock) and completely replace every third year, and renew every year. New mulch maintains essential levels of bacteria and microflora). Use coarsely shredded bark mulch to reduce blowing or washing away during rain events (clogging inlet / underdrain). 2. Check underdrain, and inlet periodically to remove debris, mulch, etc., ensuring it is not clogged or blocked. Evidence of this includes excessive ponding in small rain events, or water doesnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t drain 2-4â&#x20AC;? per hour. 3. Replace constructed soils and mature woody plants possibly every 5 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 10 years (when soil is overconcentrated with chemicals, and plants can no longer absorb / transform contaminants). Plant health may be an indicator of over-contaminated soils.

Opinion of Probable Construction Costs The opinion of probable construction costs projected here assumes improvements are constructed through a public bid process utilizing the Pennsylvania Department of Labor and Industry’s prevailing wage rates. These projections are likely to give folks “sticker shock.” That said, projects should not be put on hold, deferred, or not entertained as they seem too expensive to undertake. Rather Union Township needs to “think outside the box” to determine how to construct and implement the recommendations of this plan in phases, at the lowest possible cost while maintaining a high level of quality in the construction of that work. Unit prices for construction were assigned based on the consultant’s experience with construction costs in 2016. These costs are based upon publicly bid projects that pay prevailing wage rates. The cost projections take into account the following: • The condition of the property at the time of construction will be similar to its condition in 2016. • Projects will be bid through a competitive bidding process utilizing state or federal prevailing wage rates. • Opinions of probable construction costs should be confirmed / revised upon completion of preliminary design. • To budget for inflation costs for improvements that will occur after 2016, we recommend a 3.0% annual increase for each year thereafter. • In Pennsylvania all projects, valued at over $25,000 and using public funds, are required to pay workers in accordance with the Commonwealth Department of Labor and Industry’s Prevailing Wage Rates It is important to note that costs are based on 2016 construction figures. Should projects be constructed in future years an additional 3.0% per year should be factored for inflation. Additional increases may be necessary to address the escalation of steel and fuel prices as their costs are escalating at unprecedented rates. As noted, volunteer labor, in-kind services, and donated materials and services can reduce the overall project cost from costs projected here. Additionally, alternate sources of funding, including grant opportunities, may assist in offsetting construction costs. The following tables summarize our opinion of probable construction costs for implementing the physical improvements described herein and shown on the master plan.

Phasing Plan Recommendations Ideally, the Township would construct the park in one phase, minimizing construction activities, disruptions, and realizing ‘economies of scale’ construction savings. However, few communities can afford to proceed in this manner and find it more appropriate to phase construction in over a period of time. We recommend the proposed improvements to Scotland Meadows Park be constructed in a series of logical phases. Depending on Union Township’s financial situation and the success of grant writing efforts, this phasing plan may be expedited or lengthened, depending on the financial capabilities of the Township. Recognizing Union Township’s desire to construct the improvements over a series of phases, we suggest five phases of construction over a ten year period. The proposed Phases and their corresponding costs are shown on the following table:

Scotland Meadows Park Item

Opinion of Probable Construction Costs - Draft 02-04-2016 Qty Unit Unit Cost Boundary and Topographic Survey

Total

Topographic Survey

$12,000.00

$12,000

Wetland Delineation

$7,500.00

$7,500

Topographic Survey & Wetland Delineation Total

$19,500

Park Entrance 1. Pond Entrance Area a. Pond Parking Lot - Pervious Pavers

1,667

$50

$83,333

b. Accessible Parking Signs

$250

$750

c. Kiosk

$7,500

4,000

$50

$200,000

e. Accessible Parking Signs

$250

$750

f. Playground

$200,000

g. 30’x40’ Shelter

$30,000

h. Electric Service to Shelter

$10,000

150

$110

$16,500

d. Main Entrance Playground Parking Lot - Pervious Pavers

i. Concerete Shelter Pad j. Accessible Loop Walking Trail

1,556

$40

$62,222

$20,000

$110

$4,571

$7,500

$300

$6,000

o. Mowed Lawn Seeding

2.11

$5,500

$11,631

p. Riparian Plantings

1.75

$7,500

$13,125

$25,000

k. 15’ x 20’ Shelter l. Concrete Shelter Pad m. Electric Service to Shelter n. Shade Trees

q. Beach Volleyball Court Subtotal

$698,882

Design, Construction Documents & Permitting

$104,832

Contingency

$69,888

Pond Entrance Area Total

$873,603

2. Outdoor Amphitheater a. Erosion and Sedimentation Control

$5,500

b. Grading

$5,000

350

$200

$70,000

c. Amphitheater Stone Seating d. Accessible Ramp

$35,000

e. Concrete Stairs w. Handrail

$20,000

Subtotal

$135,500

Design, Construction Documents & Permitting

$20,325

Contingency

$13,550

Outdoor Amphitheater Total

Park Entrance Total

$169,375

$1,042,978

Active Recreation Area 1. a. b. c. d. e. f. g. h. i. j. k.

Little League Baseball Field Erosion and Sedimentation Control

$15,000

Grading

$25,000

Infield Mix

$10,000

5 row x 21â&#x20AC;&#x2122; Long Aluminum Bleachers with Guards

$5,500

$11,000

Concrete Bleacher Pads

$5,500

$11,000

Backstop

$6,000

Left & Right Field Foul Line Fences

360

$60

$21,600

Outfield Fence

400

$40

$16,000

Foul Poles

$2,500

$5,000

Dugouts

$8,500

$17,000

889

$40

$35,556

Accessible Walkways Subtotal

$173,156

Design, Construction Documents & Permitting

$25,973

Contingency

$17,316

Little League Baseball Field Total

2. a. b. c. d. e. f. g. h.

$216,444

Central Parking Area Erosion and Sedimentation Control

$5,500

Grading

$5,000

1,000

$50

$50,000

$250

$750

Overflow Parking Area - Gravel

1,333

$25

$33,333

Accessible Walkways

389

$40

$15,556

Playground

$250,000

Shade Trees

$300

$2,400

Parking Lot - Pervious Pavers Accessible Parking Signs

Subtotal

3. a. b. c. d.

Design, Construction Documents & Permitting

$54,381

Contingency

$36,254

Central Parking Area Total

$453,174

Ballfield to Parking Lot Trail Erosion and Sedimentation Control

$10,000

1,667

$40

$66,667

Trail Benches

$1,250

$5,000

Trail Markers

$75

$225

Paved Accessible Trail

Subtotal

$81,892

Design, Construction Documents & Permitting

$12,284

Contingency Ballfield to Parking Lot Trail Total

$362,539

$8,189 $102,365

4. Bocce Area a. Paved Accessible Walkways b. Restroom Building

389

$40

$15,556

$125,000

Subtotal

$140,556

Design, Construction Documents & Permitting

$21,083

Contingency

$14,056

Bocce Area Total

$154,611

Active Recreation Area Total

$926,594 Pavilion Grove

1. a. b. c. d. e. f. g. h. i. j.

Lower Shelter Main Parking Area Erosion and Sedimentation Control

$7,500

Grading

$15,000

2,667

$50

$133,333

$250

$1,000

1,333

$50

$66,667

$250

$500

1,444

$40

$57,778

Meadow Seeding

5.17

$7,500

$38,769

Lawn Seeding

2.00

$5,500

$11,000

$300

$3,000

Large Parking Lot - Pervious Pavers Accessible Parking Signs Small Parking Lot - Pervious Pavers Accessible Parking Signs Accessible Walkway Connections

Shade Trees Subtotal

$334,547

Design, Construction Documents & Permitting

$50,182

Contingency

$33,455

Lower Shelter Main Parking Area Total

$418,183

Trails/Riparian Areas 1. Paved Woodland Trail a. Erosion and Sedimentation Control

$15,000

b. Stream Crossings

$12,500

$25,000

2,556

$40

$102,222

c. Paved Woodland Trail Subtotal

$142,222

Design, Construction Documents & Permitting

$21,333

Contingency

$14,222

Paved Woodland Trail Total

$177,778

Old Farm School Property a.

Erosion and Sedimentation Control & Stormwater Management

b. Grading c. Vehicular Bridge over Stream

$35,000

$50,000

$250,000

d. Pervious Pavement Access Road to Parking Area

1,956

$50

$97,778

e. Pervious Pavement Parking Area

2,950

$50

$147,500

f. Accessible Parking Signs

$250

$1,000

g. Park Kiosk

$7,500

h. 60’ x 40’ Shelter

$45,000

i. Shelter Pad

350

$110

$38,500

j. Electric Service to Shelter

$10,000

k. Restroom

$125,000

l. Water, Electric and Sanitary Utilities Services

$30,000

889

$40

$35,556

m. Paved Accessible Loop Walkways n. Pervious Pavement Access Road to Main Park

2,261

$50

$113,056

o. Paved Forest Trails

1,700

$40

$68,000

p. Meadow Seeding

4.00

$7,500

$30,000

q. Lawn Seeding

1.60

$5,500

$8,800

$300

$12,000

r. Trees Subtotal

$1,104,689

Design, Construction Documents & Permitting

$165,703

Contingency

$110,469

Old Farm School Property Total Total

$1,380,861 $3,965,894

Approach to Implementation Most funding sources are more likely to provide grant funding if a project is ‘ready-to-go.” This means that the final design and construction documents have been completed. Therefore, we recommend The Township to retain a consultant to complete the final design of the park improvements, prepare grading, erosion and sedimentation control plan, and stormwater management plan, and obtain a NPDES permit for earth disturbance for the entire park development, and prepare construction documents for the phase I improvements. This would also provide the Township with the information and permits needed to begin to move earth on the property. Then Township forces could complete the earthwork and grading required to receive the future recreation improvements. If the Township can complete the bulk excavation and grading of the site, then the overall costs of constructing the park will likely be reduced. In conjunction with this activity, the Township could apply to the PA Department of Conservation and Recreation Community Conservation Partnership Program and the PA Commonwealth Finance Authority’s Greenways, Recreation and Trails Grant Program to construct specific recreation improvements.

Permit Requirements In addition to Township Land Development Requirements and Uniform Construction Code Requirements, the Township will need to obtain a National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System permit. The Federal Clean Water Act and the Pennsylvania Clean Streams law requires wastewater dischargers to have a permit establishing pollution limits, and specifying monitoring and reporting requirements. When and if regulated facilities fail to comply with the provisions of their permits, they may be subject to enforcement actions. DEP and EPA use a variety of techniques to monitor permittees’ compliance status, including on-site inspections and review of data submitted by permittees. Technical assistance is also available to facilities struggling with NPDES compliance. An NPDES permit is required for construction or other human activity which disturbs more than one acre of surface of the land, including land clearing and grubbing, grading, excavations, embankments, land development, agricultural plowing or tilling, operation of animal heavy use areas, timber harvesting activities, road maintenance activities, oil and gas activities, well drilling, mineral extraction, and the moving, depositing, stockpiling, or storing of soil, rock or earth materials. Environmentally sound and cost effective treatment, land disposal, pollution prevention and stormwater reuse BMPs that individually or collectively manage the difference in the net change in stormwater volume, rate, and quality for storm events up to and including the 2-year/24-hour storm when compared to the stormwater rate, volume and quality prior to the earth disturbance activities to maintain and protect the existing quality of the receiving surface waters of this Commonwealth. The application requires the preparation of: • Erosion and Sedimentation Control Plan: A site-specific plan consisting of both drawings and a narrative that identifies BMPs to minimize accelerated erosion and sedimentation before, during and after earth disturbance activities. • Post Construction Stormwater Management Plan: A site-specific plan consisting of both drawings and a narrative that identifies BMPs to manage changes in stormwater runoff volume, rate and water quality after earth disturbance activities have ended and the project site is permanently stabilized.

The NPDES permit is generally valid for a period of five years. Applications for renewal of NPDES permits must be submitted at least 180 days prior to the expiration of the current facility permit. Applications for NPDES permits can be obtained from DEP regional offices or obtained electronically. For this project, the permit application will be reviewed, and upon acceptance, issued by the Lawrence County Conservation District. Lawrence County Conservation District Lawrence County Government Center 430 Court Street New Castle, PA 16101 724-652-4512 The review process can take up to three months from the time a completed NPDES Application and all documentation is submitted until the permit is issued.

Next Steps in Developing the Park The key to success to implement this master plan is to begin developing partnerships with individuals and organizations that can provide in-kind services to match with state funding. A capital campaign should also be attempted to raise funds for picnic shelters and other park improvements incorporating naming rights. Shelters can be funded by fraternal organizations or individuals who might want to honor a family or business associate. From a development perspective, the first expenditure should be on a more detailed and accurate topographic survey of the park. Then, as funding becomes available, construction drawings can be prepared for park development. Typically, the design steps you would follow to develop the first phase of park improvements would be to: 1. Retain a consultant who is familiar with DCNR development guidelines. 2. Apply the master plan recommendations to the new survey. 3. Develop proposed grading plans, layout plans, erosion and sedimentation control plans, stormwater management plans including stormwater management report/calculations, utility plans, planting plans and construction details. 4. Submit drawings for land development approval and to the county conservation district for review of stormwater management and erosion and sedimentation control. 5. Prepare bid documents and advertise for bids. 6. Award the contract 7. Monitor construction, review shop drawing submittals and pay requests and provide interpretations of the drawings. Provide punch list and final acceptance of the project. 8. Complete DCNR/DCED contract requirements should funding come from the state. 9. Celebrate the completion of the project with a party.

Entrance from W. State St.

659.28’

S71˚

11’ 2

7’’E

689.

75’

Meadow

Forest

Parking (58 spaces + 4 ADA) Large Pavilion Restrooms

N1˚ 34’ 38’’W 296.56’

N1˚ 32’ W

874.5’

705.13’

N83˚ 36’E

Paved trail

Meadow

S2˚ 56’ 13’’E

Open Lawn

Forest

S88˚ 30’W 663.16’

N83˚ 36’E 874.5’

Paved trail Open Lawn

Existing playground Existing pavilion

Existing pavilions

Parking (36 spaces + 2 ADA) Parking (66 spaces + 4 ADA)

Existing horseshoe courts Upgraded bathrooms Existing pavilion Existing bocce pavilion

Meadow Community Connection

Meadow

Existing restrooms Parking (36 spaces + 2 ADA)

Reoriented baseball field

760’± S83˚ 46’W ADA Accessibility Gravel overflow parking Playground Existing pavilion

Open Lawn Small pavilion

Forest Beach Volleyball Medium Pavilion Playground

Gazebo Pond

Outdoor classroom/ Amphetheater

Legend

Modified existing parking (74 spaces + 3 ADA)

MUNIC IPAL DR

Phase I Phase II Phase III Phase IV

CH AR

12.55 Acres

nter winds

Union Area School District - Property Acreage:

N wi

I T E CT

J OH N

DS C A P

42.42 Acres 2039 with Option

Optimal Field & Court Orientation

Optimal Rectangular Field & Court Orientation

L AN

Property Owners Leasee - Union Township Leasor - Union Area School District - Property Acreage: - Lease duration:

s u n

REGISTRATION NUMBER 001240

BUE R K L E

t e r i n

NS Y L V A N

PLANNING

REG I STER

DESIGN

12 February 2016

LANDSCAPE ARCHITECTURE

Scotland Meadows Park Master Phasing Plan

P SHEK ASSOCIATES

Future

Item Boundary and Topographic Survey a. Topographic Survey b. Wetland Delineation Topographic Survey & Wetland Delineation Total 1. Pond Entrance Area a. Pond Parking Lot ‐ Pervious Pavers b. Accessible Parking Signs c. Kiosk d. Main Entrance Playground Parking Lot ‐ Pervious Pavers e. Accessible Parking Signs f. Playground g. 30'x40' Shelter h. Electric Service to Shelter i. Concrete Shelter Pad j. Accessible Loop Walking Trail k. 15' x 20' Shelter l. Concrete Shelter Pad m. Electric Service to Shelter n. Shade Trees o. Mowed Lawn Seeding p. Riparian Plantings q. Beach Volleyball Court Subtotal Design, Construction Documents & Permitting Contingency Pond Entrance Area Total 2. Little League Baseball Field a. Erosion and Sedimentation Control b. Grading c. Infield Mix d. 5 row x 21' Long Aluminum Bleachers with Guards e. Concrete Bleacher Pads f. Backstop g. Left & Right Field Foul Line Fences h. Outfield Fence i. Foul Poles j. Dugouts k. Accessible Walkways Subtotal Design, Construction Documents & Permitting Contingency Little League Baseball Field Total 3. Central Parking Area a. Erosion and Sedimentation Control b. Grading c. Parking Lot ‐ Pervious Pavers d. Accessible Parking Signs e. Overflow Parking Area ‐ Gravel f. Accessible Walkways g. Playground h. Shade Trees Subtotal Design, Construction Documents & Permitting Contingency Central Parking Area Total 4. Outdoor Amphitheater a. Erosion and Sedimentation Control b. Grading c. Amphitheater Stone Seating d. Accessible Ramp e. Concrete Stairs w. Handrail Subtotal Design, Construction Documents & Permitting Contingency Outdoor Amphitheater Total 5. Lower Shelter Main Parking Area a. Erosion and Sedimentation Control b. Grading c. Large Parking Lot ‐ Pervious Pavers d. Accessible Parking Signs e. Small Parking Lot ‐ Pervious Pavers f. Accessible Parking Signs

Scotland Meadows Park Opinion of Probable Construction Costs

$5,500 $5,000 $70,000 $35,000 $20,000

$12,000 $7,500

Phase 1

$5,500 $5,000 $50,000 $750 $33,333 $15,556

$200,000

Phase II

Phase III

Phase IV

$7,500 $15,000 $133,333 $1,000

Phase V

$66,667 $500

$250,000 $2,400

$15,000 $25,000 $10,000 $11,000 $11,000 $6,000 $21,600 $16,000 $5,000 $17,000 $35,556

$30,000 $10,000 $16,500 $62,222 $20,000 $4,571 $7,500 $6,000 $11,631 $13,125 $25,000

$83,333 $750 $7,500 $200,000 $750

Future

Scotland Meadows Park Opinion of Probable Construction Costs

Item g. Accessible Walkway Connections h. Meadow Seeding i. Lawn Seeding j. Shade Trees Subtotal Design, Construction Documents & Permitting Contingency Lower Shelter Main Parking Area Total 6. Ballfield to Parking Lot Trail a. Erosion and Sedimentation Control b. Paved Accessible Trail c. Trail Benches d. Trail Markers Subtotal Design, Construction Documents & Permitting Contingency

Phase 1

$10,000 $66,667 $5,000 $225

Phase II

$378,139 $56,721 $37,814

$68,000

7. Paved Woodland Trail a. Erosion and Sedimentation Control $15,000 b. Stream Crossings $25,000 c. Paved Woodland Trail $102,222 Subtotal Design, Construction Documents & Permitting Contingency Paved Woodland Trail Total 8. Bocce Area a. Paved Accessible Walkways $15,556 b. Restroom Building Subtotal Design, Construction Documents & Permitting Contingency Bocce Area Total Additional Acquisition Parcel a. Erosion and Sedimentation Control & Stormwater Management b. Grading c. Vehicular Bridge over Stream d. Pervious Pavement Access Road to Parking Area e. Pervious Pavement Parking Area f. Accessible Parking Signs g. Park Kiosk h. 60' x 40' Shelter i. Shelter Pad j. Electric Service to Shelter k. Restroom l. Water, Electric and Sanitary Utilities Services m. Paved Accessible Loop Walkways n. Pervious Pavement Access Road to Main Park o. Paved Forest Trails p. Meadow Seeding q. Lawn Seeding r. Trees Subtotal $375,169 Design, Construction Documents & Permitting $56,275 Contingency $37,517 $472,674 Phase II

Total

$488,462 Phase 1

Phase III

$35,000 $50,000 $97,778 $147,500 $1,000 $45,000

$30,000 $8,800 $415,078 $62,262 $41,508

Phase IV

$38,500 $10,000 $125,000 $30,000 $35,556

$239,056 $35,858 $23,906 $518,847 $298,819 Phase III Phase IV

Phase V $57,778 $38,769 $11,000

Future

$3,000

$12,000 $1,377,160 $206,574 $137,716

$125,000

$250,000

$7,500

$389,380 $58,407 $38,938

$1,721,450 Future

$113,056

$486,725 Phase V

Funding Opportunities Many agencies provide grants to assist in funding park and recreation facility development. Some offer grants to implement educational elements in concert with the park and its offerings. Still others support future planning and implementation projects that preserve and enhance habitat. Assistance can also take the form of technical assistance, information exchange and training. Thoroughly completed grant applications have the best chance of being funded, given the completion for grant funding. Here are some strategies for improving the Township’s chances of receiving a grant: • Being well-prepared by knowing the funding agency (contact persons, addresses, phone numbers, email addresses; ensuring your agency or municipality and the project are eligible; and submitting a complete and accurate application ahead of the deadline. • Clearly reflecting the funding agency’s visions and goals in your application, portraying how your project fits their goals. Describe how matching funds such as private contributions and other grants will leverage their funding. Describe how improvements will be maintained. Demonstrate past success in administering and utilizing past grants that the Township has received. • Contact funding agency personnel and invite them to meet with you to discuss your project and show them your commitment to the project. Many funding sources are available to municipalities fund planning, acquisition, and development of greenways, conservation areas and trails. Additionally, numerous organizations and agencies provide grant funding for conservation, environmental and recreational programming. The Commonwealth of Pennsylvania has a number of funding opportunities available to land trusts and municipalities for conservation purposes. Most of these fall under the umbrella of one of two sources: 1.) Act 13 the Marcellus Legacy Fund, and, 2.) DCNR’s Community Conservation Partnership Program.

Marcellus Legacy Fund Act 13 of 2012 establishes the Marcellus Legacy Fund and allocates funds to the Commonwealth Financing Authority (CFA) for planning, acquisition, development, rehabilitation and repair of greenways, recreational trails, open space, parks and beautification projects using the Greenways, Trails and Recreation Program (GTRP). The CFA program is annual, and the application deadline is typically in July for consideration at the November CFA board meeting.

Uses Projects which involve development, rehabilitation and improvements to public parks, recreation areas, greenways, trails and river conservation.

Funding Grants shall be awarded to eligible applicants for projects that do not exceed $250,000. A 15% local match of the total project cost is required.

Eligibility • • • • • •

Municipalities Councils of Governments Authorized Organization Institution of Higher Education Watershed Organization For-Profit Businesses

Funding from Oil and Gas Drilling on Park Property Local governments and non-profit organizations that are looking for additional sources of revenue for parks and even for other municipal operations often consider drilling for gas and oil on property. While the land owner may believe they have every right to do so, there may be restrictions if grant funding was used in the acquisition or development of the properties. If properties were acquired or developed using the Federal Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF), Project 500 Fund (P-500), Keystone Recreation, Park and Conservation Fund (Keystone), and/or the Growing Greener Bond Fund (GG2), the properties may only be used for purposes permitted in the funding legislation. These activities are generally restricted to recreation and conservation. To use the property for natural resource extraction is considered a change in use of the property that requires written consent from the PA DCNR and in some cases the US Department of Interior. Both DCNR and the Department of Interior recognize that some drilling opportunities are good for the municipalities and their residents. Therefore, they have established certain guidelines under which drilling can take place. Any contracts or agreements for drilling on these properties must receive approval from DCNR prior to the signing of any lease. If a conversion is approved by DCNR, the revenues produced from the drilling operations can only be used to fund projects that are consistent with the original grant legislation. Under the Keystone Fund, this means “the conservation open space, acquisition or development of park lands or natural areas for public benefit.” Other funds have very similar restrictions. DCNR has issued an the following Advisory on Oil and Natural Gas Drilling for those considering to lease oil and gas rights on their property.

DCNR Community Conservation Partnership Programs and Priorities The DCNR 2015 Grant Announcement describes grant assistance from the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR) to help communities and organizations plan, acquire, and develop recreation, park, and trail facilities and conserve open space. Grants are funded through the Community Conservation Partnerships Program which combines several state and federal funding sources including the Keystone Recreation, Park, and Conservation Fund, Environmental Stewardship Fund, Pennsylvania Recreational Trails Program, and the Land and Water Conservation Fund. Grant applications for this program are generally due in April of each year with funding announcements typically being made in the late fall. The 2015 DCNR Grant Program focuses on making grant awards that advance local recreation and conservation priorities and implement the Statewide Comprehensive Outdoor Recreation Plan 2014-2019, www.paoutdoorrecplan. com. Uses: • Sustainable and green park development and planning • Major park and recreation rehabilitation projects that modernize facilities and bring them into compliance with the current standards for safety, ADA, and the Universal Construction Code, • Trail projects that close gaps in major statewide greenways and regionally significant trails and planning to help communities become bicycle and pedestrian friendly • Land conservation to protect critical habitat, forested watersheds, wetlands, and riparian corridors and lands that conserve connectors between public lands, or conserve urban green space • Rivers conservation projects that enhance water trails, improve public access and/or increase awareness of Pennsylvania rivers • Emerging trends including off-leash dog parks, splash/spray parks, skate parks and community parks that feature green amenities such as gardens and natural areas that connect children to nature, etc. • Statewide and regional partnerships that build capacity to promote outdoor recreation and conservation of natural and heritage resources DCNR is in the process of completing the new 2014-2018 State Comprehensive Outdoor Recreation Plan that will establish new priorities for grant funding beginning in 2015. Preliminary indications are that there will be a renewed emphasis on funding for local parks, while also maintaining the commitment to trail and conservation priorities. For development project’s DCNR requires the applicant to match the grant dollar for dollar. For more information contact: Kathy Frankel, Natural Resource Program Supervisor PA DCNR Bureau of Conservation & Recreation Southwest Region 301 Fifth Avenue, Suite 324 Pittsburgh, PA 15222-2420 (412) 880-0486 kfrankel@pa.gov

The Conservation Easement Assistance Program The Conservation Easement Assistance Program, sponsored by the Pennsylvania Land Trust Association, provides reimbursement grants to qualified organizations to help with completing conservation as well as trail and fishing access easements, amending and restating older easements, establishing or updating baseline documentation, and installing signs on eased properties. More information can be found here: http://conserveland.org/ceap

National Park Service – Rivers, Trails, and Conservation Project applicants may be state or local agencies, tribes, nonprofit organizations, or citizen groups. Federal agencies may apply in partnership with other local organizations. More information can be found here: www.nps.gov/orgs/ rtca/apply.htm

PENNDOT- Transportation Alternatives Program Moving Ahead for Progress in the 21st Century (MAP-21) introduced fundamental changes to the administration of local programs, including those that previously existed as separate programs in the Safe, Accountable, Flexible, Efficient Transportation Equity Act – A Legacy for Users (SAFETEA-LU) legislation. Transportation Enhancements (TE), Safe Routes to School (SRTS), Scenic Byways (Byways) and the Recreational Trails Program (RTP) are now consolidated into the Transportation Alternatives Program (TAP). With the exception of the RTP, which takes funding “off the top”, the current eligible activities from the SAFETEA-LU programs compete against each other for funding. Transportation alternatives projects build pedestrian and bicycle facilities, improve access to public transportation, create safe routes to school, preserve historic transportation structures, provide environmental mitigation, create trails projects that serve a transportation purpose, while promoting safety and mobility. To provide for the continuation of recreational trails projects, MAP-21 requires each State to set aside a portion of its TAP funds for projects relating to recreational trails under 23 USC 206. The program will continue to be administered by the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR). Guidance for the Recreational Trails Program remains relatively unchanged. The remaining guidance herein is not applicable to the Recreational Trails Program, more information is available at: www.dcnr.state.pa.us/cs/groups/public/documents/document/d_001241.pdf

National Forest Foundation Grants The National Forest Foundation (NFF) is the only conservation organization solely focused on addressing the challenges that face America’s National Forests and Grasslands. The NFF stands apart from similar organizations through its commitment to facilitating local involvement and encouraging grassroots participation in the stewardship of our public lands. More information can be found here: www.nationalforests.org/conserve/grantprograms

Outdoor Foundation The Outdoor Foundation is a not-for-profit 501(c)3 foundation established by Outdoor Industry Association to inspire and grow future generations of outdoor enthusiasts. Its vision is to be a driving force behind a massive increase in active outdoor recreation in America. The Foundation’s Corporate Philanthropy Programs allow brands and businesses to create consumer-facing giving campaigns that align with business goals while increasing outdoor recreation and spurring community engagement. Leveraging the Foundation’s experience, companies can develop and completely own a unique, branded community grant program that results in effective charitable giving, meaningful stakeholder activation and valuable marketing content without incurring administrative or staff resources. To date, the Foundation has worked with partners to invest more than $2 million in these corporate-driven community programs. For more information visit: www. outdoorfoundation.org

Do GOOD Outdoors $5,000 grants to help you use the great outdoors to do GOOD in your community. Whether you want to organize an educational trip to the tidepools, start a rock-climbing club for kids, or plant flowers in a communal garden, we want

to know what you’re up to! Tell us how you’ll be doing GOOD while getting some fresh air this summer and you’ll be eligible for $5,000. http://outdoors.maker.good.is/

Blue Moon Fund Blue Moon Fund is a private philanthropic foundation that makes grants to nonprofit organizations. They work to build human and natural resilience to a changing and warming world. They use natural, social, and financial capital to implement new models in high-biodiversity regions around the world. They accept letters of inquiry solely through their website, and they accept full grant applications by invitation only. Please note that they do not accept inquiries by mail, email, or telephone. For more information: www.bluemoonfund.org/grantmaking/

Kresge Foundation The Kresge Foundation supports efforts that create access and opportunity in underserved communities. Each of their programs focuses on specific areas so they ask that you begin by learning more about the program that best fits your project. For more information: http://kresge.org/funding/apply-for-funding

Lawrence Foundation The foundation is focused on making grants to support environmental, human services and other causes although Their interests are fairly diverse and may lead them into other areas on an occasional basis. They make both program and operating grants and do not have any geographic restrictions on our grants. Nonprofit organizations that qualify for public charity status under section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code or public schools and libraries are eligible for contributions or grants. For more information visit: www.thelawrencefoundation.org/grants/guidelines. php

Nathan Cummings Foundation The Environment program’s accountability approach seeks to address the root causes of environmental degradation. Funding priority will be given to projects with the potential of having state, multi-state, or national impacts. More information can be found here: www.nathancummings.org/grant-programs/ecological-innovation-program

Dr. Robert C. & Tina Sohn Foundation While the scope of the Foundation’s efforts are largely centered on the environment and alternative health care modalities, the Foundation has the flexibility to contribute to such other causes as the Trustees believe are consistent with the Sohns’ vision, including alleviation of poverty, education and the arts. 1. The Foundation makes grants to private and publicly supported, not-for-profit, IRC approved 501(c)(3) tax exempt agencies, institutions, and organizations. 2. The Foundation makes grants to eligible institutions whose mission involves: The Environment, Health and Human Services, Education (Arts) For more information visit: www.sohnfoundation.org/Grant_guidelines1.htm

Keep America Beautiful Keep America Beautiful’s partnerships with sponsors in the business community provide significant grants to their affiliates that can be used for creating and expanding local programs. These competitive grants promote volunteerism, beautification, community greening, litter prevention, recycling, waste reduction, and more. In the last few years, KAB affiliates have received grants and in-kind services valued at more than $10 million. These significant

grants allow their affiliate network to further KAB’s mission to build and sustain vibrant communities. For more information visit: www.kab.org/site/PageServer?pagename=grants_Grant_applications

Rite Aid Foundation The Rite Aid Foundation is dedicated to helping people in the communities Rite Aid serves lead happier, healthier lives. Eligible programs must focus on health and wellness in the communities in which Rite Aid operates and be offered by non-profit organizations that are classified under section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Service Code. Applications are accepted throughout the year with rolling deadlines. Grants are awarded for one year at a time, and no organization can receive a grant more than two years in a row. For more information visit: www.expandedschools.org/funding-opportunities/rite-aid-foundation#sthash.Pz20Ui6M.dpbs

Colcom Foundation Colcom Foundation’s principal funding interests reflect a primary concern for quality of life, which it strives to address with honesty, compassion and responsibility. Through the practice of strategic grant-making, the Foundation focuses its philanthropic program on environmental sustainability, natural resource preservation, land and water conservation, and efforts to establish a sustainable population. For more information visit: www. colcomfdn.org/interests.html

Western Pennsylvania Conservancy’s Watershed Conservation Program Western Pennsylvania Conservancy’s Watershed Conservation Program is dedicated to watershed conservation issues and to providing a full range of services to the community. WPC participates in a wide range of water conservation efforts including watershed conservation plans, watershed restoration projects, bathymetry initiatives, water trail mapping, algae studies and many others. For more information visit: http://waterlandlife.org/112

Pennsylvania American Water is launching the Community Investment Challenge Pennsylvania American Water is launching the Community Investment Challenge contest on Facebook this fall to give nonprofit organizations the opportunity to win grant money for their community/environmental improvement project. For more information visit: www.amwater.com/paaw/about-us/community-involvement/community-program-info/page21833.html

National Forest Foundation Grants The National Forest Foundation (NFF) is the only conservation organization solely focused on addressing the challenges that face America’s National Forests and Grasslands. The NFF stands apart from similar organizations through its commitment to facilitating local involvement and encouraging grassroots participation in the stewardship of our public lands. For more information visit: www.nationalforests.org/conserve/grantprograms

William Penn Foundation The William Penn Foundation works to advance opportunity, foster creativity, and ensure sustainability, we will continue to honor our enduring values of stewardship, respect, integrity, collaboration, and accountability. Acting

with transparency and renewed urgency, we want to use data effectively in our service to others as a smart resource and dedicated partner. For more information visit: www.williampennfoundation.org/GrantmakingOverviewApplicationProcess.aspx

Environmental Education Grants Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection Environmental Education Grant Program. The Environmental Education Grant Program was established by the Environmental Education Act of 1993, which mandates that five percent of all pollution fines and penalties collected annually by the Department of Environmental Protection be set aside for environmental education. Since the inception of the environmental education grant program, DEP has awarded nearly $8 million in grants to support the environmental education efforts throughout Pennsylvania. Administered through DEP, the funds are used for projects ranging from creative, hands-on lessons for students, teacher training programs, and outdoor learning resources to conservation education for adults. For more information visit: www.portal.state.pa.us/portal/server.pt/community/environmental_education/13903/grants/588549

National Education Foundation National Education Foundation supports new ideas and practices to strengthen teaching and learning. Their goal is to fund and share successful strategies to educate and prepare students for bright and rewarding futures. They have learned that the best teaching methods come from our greatest assets: educators. That is why, over the last 10 years, they have awarded more than $7.1 million to fund nearly 4,500 grants to public school educators to enhance teaching and learning. To build their knowledge base and to uncover new, great practices in public education they invite all eligible educational professionals to apply for these grants. They support new ideas and practices to strengthen teaching and learning. Their goal is to fund and share successful strategies to educate and prepare students for bright and rewarding futures. For more information visit: www.neafoundation.org/pages/ grants-to-educators/

The Water Resources Education Network The Water Resources Education Network (WREN) is a project of the Citizen Education Fund of the League of Women Voters of Pennsylvania (LWVPA-CEF). WREN is a nonpartisan informal collaboration of organizations and public officials working for the protection and management of Pennsylvaniaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s water resources, both surface and ground water, through grass-roots education and informed policy-making. WREN provides training and grants for local coalition building to promote community awareness and development of public policies necessary to protect Pennsylvania water resources. For more information visit: http://wren.palwv.org/grants/local.html

Lorrie Otto Seeds for Education Grant The Lorrie Otto Seeds for Education Grant Program gives small monetary grants to schools, nature centers, and other non-profit and not-for-profit places of learning in the United States with a site available for a stewardship project. Successful non-school applicants often are a partnership between a youth group (scouts, 4-H, etc.) and a site owner. Libraries, government agencies and houses of worship are eligible subject to youth participation. www. for-wild.org/seedmony.htm

Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, Bureau of Forestry Tree Vitalize Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, Bureau of Forestry Tree Vitalize- Responding to an alarming trend of the loss of trees in Pennsylvania’s metropolitan areas, TreeVitalize is a public-private partnership to help restore tree cover, educate citizens about planting trees as an act of caring for our environment, and build capacity among local governments to understand, protect and restore their urban trees. For more information visit: www.treevitalize.net/SubGrant.aspx

GRO1000 Grassroots Grants Scotts Miracle-Gro provides GRO1000 Grassroots Grants to help foster community spirit and public service. Grassroots Grants of up to $1,500 are awarded to local communities to help bring edible gardens, flower gardens and public green spaces to neighborhoods across the United States. For more information visit: http://grogood.com/GiveBackToGro/Gro1000/Grassroots#sthash.fuMtj7SK.dpuf

Public Lands Every Day, Every Day Event Grants Our nation’s public lands are places where we picnic, play ball, fish, fly kites, pull weeds and plant seeds. Our public lands should be safe places of natural beauty where everyone can go to lend a hand, observe nature and enjoy life. With generous support from Toyota Motor Sales USA, Inc., NEEF offered Every Day Event Grants to public land organizations, or Friends Groups, to engage their community on a public land site. For more information visit: http://publiclandseveryday.org/grants/every-day-event-grants-0

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Community Transformation Grant The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Community Transformation Grant (CTG) – Program continues its long-standing dedication to improving the health and wellness of all Americans through the Community Transformation Grant (CTG) Program. CTG is funded by the Affordable Care Act’s Prevention and Public Health Fund. CDC supports and enables awardees to design and implement community-level programs that prevent chronic diseases such as cancer, diabetes, and heart disease. For more information visit: www.cdc.gov/nccdphp/dch/programs/communitytransformation/funds/index.htm

Shell Shell Grants will consider charitable contributions to eligible nonprofit organizations with priority consideration given to organizations serving in or near US communities where Shell has a major presence. Focus is on biodiversity initiatives with support to programs that restore critical ecosystems, address water, air quality research, preserve wetlands and sponsor wetlands initiatives. As part of their commitment to environmental stewardship, they support projects that restore and protect critical ecosystems. In addition to restoration and preservation efforts, they fund research projects for threatened wildlife and/or habitats. For more information visit: www.shell.us/environmentsociety/grant.html

M&T Bank Grants M&T Bank recognizes that their corporate success is directly related to the health and vitality of the communities they serve. So, as a corporate citizen, they believe in providing resources to not-for-profit organizations that make

our communities better places to live and work. Through their philanthropic arm, The M&T Charitable Foundation supports a diverse range of civic, cultural, education, health care, human service and youth organizations with financial grants, employee volunteerism and in-kind services. For more information visit: www.mtb.com/aboutus/community/Pages/CharitableContributions.aspx

Wells Fargo Wells Fargo supports the improvement of low and moderate-income communities through programs that revitalize and stabilize communities and also build strong environmental practices through programs that conserve natural resources, protect endangered species and preserve the global environment. For more information visit: www. wellsfargo.com/about/charitable/pa_guidelines

REI REI stores and employees join with nonprofits across the country to promote environmental stewardship and active volunteerism. For more information visit: www.rei.com/stewardship/community/non-profit-partnerships-and-grants/how-to-partner-with-rei.html

The Mazda Foundation The Mazda Foundation awards grants to programs promoting: education and literacy, environmental conservation, cross-cultural understanding, social welfare, and scientific research. For more information visit: www. mazdafoundation.org/Grant_Guidelines.html

Walmart Foundation For more information visit: http://foundation.walmart.com/apply-for-grants/local-giving-guidelines

Emergency Response Grants Federal Emergency Management Administration Grants • Preparedness (Non-Disaster) Grants • Assistance to Firefighters Grants • Hazard Mitigation Assistance Grants • Disaster Grants • United States Fire Administration Grants For more information visit: www.fema.gov/grants

Firehouse Subs Public Safety Foundation The Firehouse Subs Public Safety Foundation is dedicated to improving the life-saving capabilities of first responders and public safety organizations in communities served by Firehouse Subs by providing funding, resources and support. For more information visit: www.firehousesubs.com/Foundation-Overview.aspx

Fireman’s Fund Insurance Agency Heritage Fund For more information visit: www.firemansfund.com/heritage/Pages/heritage.aspx

State Farm Good Neighborhood Citizens Grants For more information visit: www.statefarm.com/about-us/community/education-programs/grants-scholarships/company-grants/

Other Funding Strategies It is important to consider multiple funding sources for most major projects. Identify the possible groups, organizations, or grants agencies that may have an interest in a specific project. Consider the following potential sources of funding.

Grant Agencies See the list of potential grant sources provided in this Chapter. It is wise to consider more than one grant source for multifaceted projects. Different agencies may be willing to provide funding for different portions of your project. For example, if a project includes construction of trails and development of a neighborhood park, there are agencies that will fund trails and others who will fund parks and land acquisition. Applying to both types of agencies for funding that meets their specific criteria enhances the likelihood of receiving a grant.

Adjacent Municipalities In some cases adjacent municipalities have a specific interest in park and green space facilities located within their Township or Borough. In these cases there may be interest in making a financial contribution toward the project.

Local Organizations Often local recreation organizations are willing to raise funds to be used for upgrades to their facilities. These funds should be considered as part of the local match for grant funding. Funds Already Planned for Use - It is also helpful to consider funds that may already be allocated for use in or near a park that may be used as a source of matching funds.

Creativity Creativity is key to finding and leveraging funding sources with one another. The intent is to reduce the local share as low as possible while accomplishing the goals of the project. Consider as many options as you can identify. Then contact the funding agencies to determine whether or not your plan meets their requirements.

Partnerships Partnerships will be critical to ensuring local capacity to implement this Plan. All municipalities and organizations should consider opportunities to partner with others as they move toward implementation of the Planâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s strategies. Partnerships can allow for the distribution of responsibility for funding, management, operations, programming or maintenance of a specific project. Often times funding agencies look more favorably upon projects that are developed through partnerships than those of an individual entity.