City of Elkhart Parks and Cultural Assets Master Plan proposal

PARKS AND CULTURAL ASSETS

MASTER PLAN PROPOSAL PREPARED FOR:

PARKS AND RECREATION AND DEVELOPMENT SERVICES DEPARTMENT

ELKHART, IN PREPARED BY:

TROYER GROUP WITH SITE DESIGN GROUP AND LA CASA DE AMISTAD

NOVEMBER 2018

EVERYTHING WE DO COMES DOWN TO

PEOPLE AND EXPERIENCES

Elkhart Environmental Center Concept Pictured

Dear Selection Committee, Our team is excited to present you this response for professional services regarding the Master Plan of the City of Elkhart’s Parks and Cultural Assets. As the City continues to reinvent what it means to live in Elkhart, we are reminded that this undertaking will lead to a heightened quality of life for generations to come. We understand the time is now and our responsibility is a great one.

Recognizing the importance of this project, our team begins with the collaboration between Troyer Group and Site Design Group. We are a regional and a local firm with a shared history of national service and park advocacy. Our approach to this project is bolstered by a portfolio of state and nationally recognized, award-winning planning projects and several recent IDNR park master plans. With Troyer Group as the Project Manager, you can count on passion for Elkhart, experienced project leadership, and a single point of contact throughout the project.

While our team has a long and proven history of accountability to local governments, we know firsthand that the true client in any City project are the citizens themselves. Our history of integrated collaboration will ensure the citizens of Elkhart are truly represented.

It is to the citizens of Elkhart that we are accountable and we will commit our efforts to make these public assets a true source of pride for the community.

Our team’s strength lies in its mindful composition,

with Site Design Group and La Casa De Amistad to compliment and add capacity to Troyer Group’s design practice. Our team’s purposeful attention to the underlying goal of strengthening the core of the City. With Site Design Group providing a broad cross disciplinary perspective, our final Master Plan will ensure full exploration of potential of every requested scope of work item. La Casa De Amistad will support us throught the process, providing bilingual services that ensures every member of the Elkhart community has an opportunity to participate. This configuration allows us greater flexibility to explore and examine the full potential of Elkhart’s Parks and Cultural Assets and their long-term impact on our local culture.

Our team is committed to meeting people where they are, to seek out new voices, while implementing input from past forums. At the end of the day, the success of this project will best be demonstrated when each member of the community can claim the Elkhart’s parks as their own with a great sense of pride.

The team assembled here represents a cross section of all project elements: planning, landscape architecture, and architecture, as well as innovation services and bilingual support. When the right talent is coupled with the right project, true transformation can occur.

We believe we are the right team and that this is the right project to create a transformative project through creative and diverse collaboration.

We believe in the transformative power of place. Our

configuration allows us greater flexibility to explore and examine the full potential of Elkhart’s parks and their long term impact on our local culture and overall economic development. By adhering to a foundation of excellence, accountability, innovation, inclusion, and empowerment we can achieve greater success the parks, cultural assets, and their connected system.

We look forward to an opportunity to showcase our willingness to exceed expectations and create public spaces that will serve the Elkhart community for generations to come. Thank you for your time and consideration.

Respectfully,

Jonathon Geels, PLA, ASLA Project Manager + Landscape Architect Troyer Group

John Leszczynski Authorized Signatory + President Troyer Group

troyer group Lead Consultant + Project Manager OVERVIEW: Troyer Group creates innovative and environmentally sustainable design solutions with uncompromising artistic integrity. We have never limited ourselves to the problems we look to solve: from large destinations to small renovations, from healing environments to environmental stewardship, and from transportation projects to active recreation. In all of these things, Troyer Group seeks to make a positive economic, environmental, and social impact. It is this broad expertise that has enabled us to help make our clients more successful for nearly half a century.

FIRM INFORMATION: • Local business: 45 yrs • Over 6000 projects completed for over 1300 clients PLANNING AND LANDSCAPE ARCHITECTURE: With a diverse range of projects that include master planning and design of public spaces, park systems, urban areas, bike and pedestrian systems, recreation spaces as well as riverfront parks and trail systems, our design team continually strives for excellence. We believe that everything we do comes down to people and their experiences.

This is the crux of what we do at Troyer Group.

In focusing on people, we provide solutions that create economic, social, and environmental value; working with you to achieve your vision.

Troyer Group, Inc. 550 Union Street | Mishawaka, IN 46544 574.360.7042 (project manager cell) jsg@troyergroup.com www.troyergroup.com

Education B.S. - Landscape Architecture, 2005 Ball State University Professional Landscape Architect: IN Professional Associations: American Society of Landscape Architects(ASLA) Indiana Parks and Rec Association Member

JONATHON GEELS, PLA

PROJECT MANAGER - TROYER GROUP Jonathon’s experience encompasses urban design, strategic planning, innovation planning, and development. As a landscape architect, he has designed large sites for healthcare and higher education campuses as well as municipal based public spaces and park systems. His designs and adaptive practice methodologies have received national attention for their inclusivity leading to several presentations at National and State conferences, including the upcoming IPRA conference. He is dedicated to advocacy for public spaces, being recognized with numerous awards for outstanding community engagement, including the South Bend / Elkhart Regional Chamber of Commerce “Outstanding Business Leader of the Year” and the National Rising Star for ASLA. Related Projects: • 2019-2024 Park System Master Plan - St. Joe Co., IN • 2019-2024 Park System Master Plan - Goshen, IN • Environmental Center Master Plan - Elkhart, IN • Sterling East Action Plan - Elkhart, IN • Pulaski Park Master Plan - South Bend, IN • City Cemetery Master Plan - South Bend, IN • Merrifield Park Master Plan - Mishawaka, IN

Education B.S. - Landscape Architecture, 2004 Michigan State University Professional Landscape Architect: IN Professional Associations: ASLA IPRA

PROJECT LEADERSHIP Jonathon and Mike have worked closely through the management and development of many projects. They form a dynamic, responsive team whose goal is to make our client’s lives easier. Together, they will draw upon their extensive experience managing local public projects. They are adept in assessing planning, design, and construction related issues that arise by defining the impacts to safety, long term maintenance, budget, and schedule of possible solutions; ensuring that the correct design is incorporated into the final design.

MICHAEL REESE, PLA, LEED AP

Both Jonathon and Mike have been working with the City of Elkhart on its projects for the last several years, including most recently the EEC Master Plan and Sterling East Action Plan. Through these collaborations, they have developed relationships with City personnel and gained valuable knowledge about their projects.

LANDSCAPE ARCHITECT - TROYER GROUP As leader of the landscape architecture and planning team at Troyer Group, Mike has managed over fifty projects through the planning and design process. Mike’s areas of expertise include urban public spaces, streetscapes, trails, bicycle & pedestrian planning, and master plans for specific sites, districts, communities, or regions. He brings an extensive understanding in bringing projects to successful completion from planning to construction. Providing leadership to Troyer Group and his projects, Mike strives to integrate his philosophy of working and designing with people instead of for people.

Related Projects: • 2018-2023 Park Master Plan - Knox, IN • 2017-2022 Park Master Plan - Starke Co., IN • 2019-2024 Park System Master Plan - St. Joe Co., IN • 2017-2022 Park Master Plan - Steuben Co., IN • 2019-2024 Park System Master Plan - Nappanee., IN • River Park Sq. Master Plan + Design - Plymouth, IN • Merrifield Park Master Plan + Design - Mishawaka, IN • Stellar Comm. Strategic Invest. Plan - Culver, IN • Culver Bike / Pedestrian Master Plan - Culver, IN

Troyer Group Related Projects: • 2019-2024 Park System Master Plan - St. Joe Co., IN • 2019-2024 Park System Master Plan - Goshen, IN • 2019-2024 Park System Master Plan - Nappanee., IN • 2018-2023 Park Master Plan - Knox, IN • 2017-2022 Park Master Plan - New Carlisle, IN • 2017-2022 Park Master Plan - Starke Co., IN • 2017-2022 Park Master Plan - Steuben Co., IN • River Park Square - Plymouth, IN • Downtown Streetscape - Elkhart, IN • Environmental Center Master Plan - Elkhart, IN • Sterling East Action Plan - Elkhart, IN • Merrifield Park and Riverwalk - Mishawaka, IN • Park Restrooms ADA Plan - South Bend, IN • Municipal Facility Energy Audits - South Bend, IN • Milford Town Facilities Study - Milford, IN

Education B.S. - Landscape Architecture, 2003, Purdue University Professional Landscape: IN, KY Professional Associations: American Society of Landscape Architects(ASLA)

STEVE RUBY, PLA

PROJECT QA/QC - TROYER GROUP Steve has managed a variety of projects through the design process, from analysis, planning, design and construction administration. His holistic approach to planning has allowed him to work on the broad scale vision of the clients he serves. Steve brings his enthusiasm and skills to each project he’s involved with, from site analysis, and master planning to construction documentation and construction inspection. Steve has utilized these skills to conduct large scale master plans for themed destinations, educational, institutions and municipal clients.

Related Projects: • Five Year Parks Master Plan - Goshen, IN • Five Year Parks Master Plan - Starke County, IN • Five Year Parks Master Plan - New Carlisle, IN • Dog Park Feasibility Study - Valparaiso, IN • Potawatomi Park Master Park - South Bend, IN • Ark Encounter Master Plan - Williamstown, KY

Education B.S. - Landscape Architecture,2017, Ball State University Professional Associations: American Society of Landscape Architects (ASLA)

ADAM KUTEMEIER

PROJECT SUPPORT - TROYER GROUP Throughout his career Adam has developed a comprehensive and greater understanding for the design approach. He has been involved with numerous projects surrounding community development, road design, urban streetscapes, master planning processes and creating public spaces.

Related Projects: • Culver Stellar Communities - Culver, IN • Knox Parks Master Plan - Knox, IN • Adams Trail Phase II - Granger, IN • LaSalle & Marquette SRTS - South Bend, IN • Merrifield Park Trail – Mishawaka, IN • Auten Trail – St. Joseph County, IN

SAM CENTELLES

BILINGUAL SERVICES - LA CASA DE AMISTAD Sam has worked regionally for IU South Bend as Director of Student Life, Regional Director for Ivy Tech Community College North Central Region, and most recently as Executive Director for La Casa De Amistad.

He has partnered with municipalities on several recent public infrastructure projects to better connect public agencies with the local Latino community. With an already established relationship within Elkhart’s Latino Community as well as translation services for public meetings and printed materials, Sam brings an important role in making Elkhart’s Civic Plaza a space for everyone.

Related Projects: • West Side Main Streets Master Plan Bilingual Services and Community Outreach - South Bend, IN • Western Avenue Reconstruction Bilingual Services and Community Outreach – South Bend, IN

Landscape Architecture + Planning + Architecture site design group, ltd. (site) was founded in Chicago, Illinois in 1990. Comprised of 24 professionals including licensed landscape architects, planners and architects, the firm is identified by its ability to visualize and communicate design concepts and spatial experiences throughout the design process. The firm is committed to a culture of design excellence and community leadership. Each project brings a measure of social responsibility, sustainable accountability and land stewardship. site takes a leadership role in the design process.

The firm successfully facilitates open conversations that engage participants in the process, often working with diverse agendas. The process results in a common project vision. The firm’s generation of creative design solutions transforms the physical environment through attention to detail, understanding of spatial quality, circulation patterns and social interaction. site is often engaged to collaborate and coordinate efforts with other landscape architects, engineers and design professionals. Effective communication with the design team ensures successful coordination of projects from concept through construction. site transforms complex design challenges into places that clearly reflect identity and are strong statements of beautiful and functional spaces.

site design group, ltd.

888 South Michigan avenue #1000 | Chicago, IL 60605 +1 312-427-7240 www.site–design.com

“Kyle has a strong leadership style and collaborative spirit which is needed when working on a project team of architecture, engineering and construction professionals.

EPOCH leads the design process in lieu of allowing it to evolve; ensuring that the project remains true to the client’s vision.”

- Scott Olthoff, President Core Construction

site design group, ltd.

Education B.S. - Landscape Architecture, 2007, University of IL Professional Landscape Architect: AL, AZ, IO, IL, IN, MI, MO, OR, WI Professional Associations: ASLA

BRADLEY C. MCCAULEY ASLA, CDT

MANAGING PRINCIPAL - SITE

Brad McCauley is the Managing Principal at site, who specializes in construction detailing and contract documentation. Through Brad’s extensive knowledge in transforming design into buildable projects, he has helped facilitate numerous award-winning public spaces. His body of work includes urban waterfronts, streetscapes, residential developments, urban parks, playgrounds, and open space design in both the public and private sectors. A licensed landscape architect, Brad has also received Construction Document Technology certification from the Construction Specification Institute.

Related Planning Projects: • • • • • •

Fox Lake Parks and Recreation Master Plan, Fox Lake, IL South Grant Park Vision, Chicago, IL Tinley Park Master Plan, Tinley Park, IL Field Museum of Natural History Masterplan, Chicago, IL Dan Ryan Woods Preserve Master Plan, Chicago, IL River Edge Guidelines Update, Chicago, IL

Education Bachelor of Architecture, 2006 Illinois Institute of Technology, with prior studies at Carnegie Mellon University

urban design | landscape architecture | architecture

LANDSCAPE CONCEPT:

888 south michigan avenue | suite 1000 | chicago, illinois 60605 312.427.7240 tel | 312.427.7241 f ax | www.site-design.com

REVISED PLAN

Professional Associations: ASLA Affiliate AIA Associate

HANA ISHIKAWA AIA ASSOCIATE

DESIGN PRINCIPAL - SITE

Hana Ishikawa is the Design Principal at site, often leading the design process with complex, yet thoughtful ideas. Hana’s projects have ranged from master planning of modern entertainment complexes, traditional commercial interiors, and historic streetscapes, to contemporary urban parks.

Born into a family of designers in Tokyo, with her unique educational history and eclectic job history at many different types of firms, her experience is diverse. Hana was recently named Young Architect honorable mention from The Architect’s Newspaper for the 2017 Best of Design Awards.

Related Planning Projects: • Fox Lake Parks and Recreation Master Plan • Positioning Pullman • Beaubien Woods Vision, Chicago, IL • South Grant Park Vision, Chicago, IL • Field Museum of Natural History Masterplan • Dan Ryan Woods Preserve Master Plan

PHOTOS OPPOSITE: Field Museum of Natural History Masterplan TOP: Field Museum of Natural History Masterplan

29 July 2015

FIELD MUSEUM LANDSCAPE MASTERPLAN | CHICAGO, ILLINOIS

Project Update | Project Number: 7406

SITE Related Experience

Fox Lake Parks and Recreation Master Plan, Fox Lake, IL Positioning Pullman, Chicago, IL Beaubien Woods Vision, Chicago, IL South Grant Park Vision, Chicago, IL Grant Park Framework Plan, Chicago, IL Tinley Park Masterplan, Tinley Park, IL Field Museum of Natural History Masterplan, Chicago, IL Dan Ryan Woods Preserve Master Plan, Chicago, IL Eggers Grove Master Plan, Chicago, IL University of Chicago Lab Schools Master Plan, Chicago, IL West Loop Design Guidelines, Chicago, IL River Edge Guidelines Update, Chicago, IL Downtown and Lakefront Masterplan, Waukegan, IL Dan Ryan Expressway Landscape Guidelines, Chicago, IL Chicago Stormwater Management Ordinance, Chicago, IL

Landscape Architecture + Planning + Architecture Award winning exterior public spaces designed by site have successfully redefined the shape and character of individual communities. Mary Bartelme Park in the West Loop and Ping Tom Memorial Park in Chinatown have raised the bar for urban park design and are now major regional destinations. These places continue to have a positive physical, social and economic impact on the surrounding neighborhoods. Through strong community alliances the firm has solidified the role of landscape architecture in the future planning for schools, transportation, housing, healthcare and higher education campus design.

Working closely with stakeholders and community members, we create spaces with people in mind - spaces that are relevant to the users in order to maintain long-term relevance and use. We create environments that are valued and sustained by the communities they reside within. In our 28 years in business, site has made its name in Chicago and throughout the Midwest for our leadership and innovation in landscape architecture, commitment to design excellence, and beautifully detailed urban spaces.

site design group, ltd.

888 South Michigan avenue #1000 | Chicago, IL 60605 +1 312-427-7240 www.site–design.com

Education B.S. - Landscape Architecture 2007, Purdue University Professional Land. Arch.: IL Certified Doc. Technologist Certified Playground Safety Inspector Professional Associations: ASLA

ROB REULAND, ASLA

STUDIO DIRECTOR - SITE

Rob is the Studio Director and an experienced Project Manager at site who joined the firm in 2015. As a licensed Landscape Architect and Certified Playground Safety Inspector, Rob’s professional experience is diverse, with a focus on planning and visioning, historic preservation, parks and recreation, residential developments, institutional, and riverfront design.

His experience features many long-term projects that led from initial master planning to detailed design, construction documentation, and construction administration. Recent notable project contributions include the North Branch Industrial Corridor Framework Plan, and the University of Chicago Rubenstein Forum.

Related Planning Projects: • North Branch Chicago River Ind. Corridor Study • West Loop Design Guidelines • River Edge Guidelines Update • Riverfront Trail South Branch Implement.Plan • Pullman National Monument

Education B.S. - Landscape Architecture 2012, Ball State Prof. Land. Arch.: IL Prof. Associations: ASLA, APA, ULI IL Association of Park Districts

CASSANDRA RICE, PLA ASLA

LANDSCAPE ARCHITECT / PLANNER - SITE Cassandra is a landscape architect and planner whose work focuses on synthesizing environmental, economic, and cultural influences to create evidencebased, sustainable strategies for her clients. Her work spans a variety of scales and project types—from parks, playgrounds, and plazas to design guidelines and strategic planning. Cassandra is passionate about participatory planning and design, and brings exciting and innovative public outreach strategies to her projects.

Related Planning Projects: • Fox Lake Parks and Recreation Master Plan • Chicago River Edge Design Guidelines Update • Glencoe Park District Comprehensive Plan* • Skokie Park District Comprehensive Plan* • Frankfort Park District Comprehensive Plan* • Lombard Park District Comprehensive Plan* • Manhattan Park District Comprehensive Plan* • Northfield Park District Comprehensive Plan* *Projects completed prior to joining site

EXPERIENCE

TROYER GROUP PROJECTS

CITY OF ELKHART

Parks and Recreation Development Services TROYER GROUP

Role: Lead Consultant and Jonathon Geels, PLA, ASLA Project Manager for Master Planning & Landscape Project Manager Architecture Years In Business: 45

SITE DESIGN GROUP

Role: Design Consultant Brad McCauley, PLA, ASLA involved in Master Planning and Charettes Planning + Outreach Years In Business: 28

Translation services LA CASA DE AMISTAD Role: for all printed materials as

Sam Centelles Bi-Lingual Services

well as bilingual services for all public engagement opportunities

Project Experience

IDNR 5-Year MP

Individual Park MP

Public Engagement

Stakeholder Engagement

Non-Park Facilities

Total Acreage

2019-2024 Park System Master Plan St. Joseph County, IN

1438.7 acres

2019-2024 Park System Master Plan Goshen, IN

514 acres

2019-2024 Park System Master Plan Nappanee, IN

74 acres

2017-2022 Park System Master Plan Starke County, IN

xx.3 acres

2018-2023 Park System Master Plan Knox, IN

xx.3 acres

2017-2022 Park System Master Plan New Carlisle, IN

20.3 acres

Pulaski Park Master Plan and Redesign South Bend, IN

6.32 acres

River Park Square Plymouth, IN

5.5 acres

City Cemetery Master Plan South Bend, IN

25 acres

Merrifield Park and Riverwalk Mishawaka, IN

13 acres

Sterling East Land Use Action Plan Elkhart, IN

200 acres

Municipal Facilities Study Milford, IN

5 Facilities

Municipal Facilities Energy Audit South Bend, IN

75 Facilities

Environmental Center Master Plan Elkhart, IN

66 acres

Downtown Streetscape (Phase 1) Elkhart, IN Ark Encounter Williamstown, KY

800 acres

Other Planning

Facilities Recommendation Map: Wythogan Park

K 1

L

A 1

2

A

D

4

F

G

I

L

F

Skate Park

B

Performance Stage

G

Restroom/Concessions

C

Splash Pad

H

Basketball Court

D

Picnic Shelter

I

Tennis Courts

E

Parking Area

J

Boat Launch

K

Multi-use Trail

L

Playground

M

Restrooms (Under Construction

Proposed

2

1

Ball Field Improvements

J

2

Playground Upgrades

D 5 E

3

New Accessible Playground

4

Skate Park Upgrades

8

G

EXPERIENCE 32

Ball Field

K H

3

2018-2023 PARK MASTER E A PLAN KNOX, IN - TROYER GROUP

Existing

A

A 1

E D

Legend

2017-2022 PARK MASTER PLAN

L

1

9

5

CSTARKE CO., IN - TROYER GROUP M

Secondary Park Entrance

7

Entrance Improvements

TROYER GROUP PROJECTS

Troyer Group is working with the City of Knox Park K Board and community stakeholders to develop an update to their Five Year Parks Master Plan. The draft A 1 plan was completed per the IDNR Five Year Park Master E B Plan Guidelines. The plan addressed several existing 7 park facilities, as well as opportunities for expansion of the park system by acquiring new property. It also discussed expanding the programs that are currently offered in their parks, including creating a new position for a park programs director.

Troyer Group worked with the Starke County Park Board 8 Fishing Pier and community stakeholders to develop their first Five Shelter 9 New Picnic 6 Year Parks Master Plan.

The plan was completed per 5 Boundary the IDNR FivePark Year Master Plan Guidelines, addressng several existing park facilities, as well as other parcels owned by the County that could be developed for park use. With the park board still in its relative infancy, the planCity serves a and road map for growth of the park system of Knoxas Parks Recreation and future improvements to park facilities.

PROJECT INFORMATION

•

•

•

2017-2022 PARK MASTER PLAN

Paved Parking with ADA

6

Beginning in November 2017, Troyer Group and Knox worked closely to expedite the planning process to have a draft master plan completed by January 15, 2018 to meet IDNR requirements.

An online survey was developed that generated over 250 responses. It was advertised through local media outlets, social media, city website, and spread to community groups.

PROJECT INFORMATION

•

Beginning at the end of November 2016, we worked closely with the County to expedite the planning process to have a draft master plan completed by January 15, 2017 to meet IDNR requirements.

The draft plan, park board adoption, and final plan were completed and submitted on time, making the County eligible for 2017 grant funding.

NEW CARLISLE, IN - TROYER GROUP

Troyer Group assisted the Town of New Carlisle Parks Department with the development of the Five Year Parks and Recreation Master Plan. The project included the development of goals, public meetings, survey and information gathering, plan development and probable construction cost estimates as well as the formation of a long-term vision for the park system.

PROJECT INFORMATION • • •

Memorial Park represents roughly 12.15 acres Bourissa Hills Park represents 8.15acres Total park system is currently 20.3 acres

Derksen Farm & Wetlands

STATS AT A GLANCE ENGAGMENT AND OUTREACH

BEST COMMUNICATION CHANNELS

McCormick Creek Golf Course

ANALOG

West Park

59% 45% 27% 21% 15%

Social Media (Various Outlets) SJCP Website Email or Monthly Newsletter

Local Newspaper Poster / Flyer

40%

PERSONAL

DIGITAL

Where do you get your information about park events and programs?

14% 10%

Word of Mouth

Local Radio Quarterly Activity Guide

36 - 50 YEARS

SUPPORTIVE

AGE

Pop-up Meeting Responses

How old are you?

39% 27% 22% 10% 03% 01%

51 - 65 YEARS 26 - 35 YEARS 65+ YEARS 19 - 25 YEARS -18 YEARS

How many children live in your household?

(18 and under)

49% 36% 14% 02%

ZERO 1-2

Do you agree or disagree that St. Joseph County Parks is an essential service in the community?

81% - Strongly agree 14% - Agree 4% - Somewhat agree 1% - Strongly disagree <1% - Disagree

How often do you visit a county park?

1-5 times / year

6-10 times / year

11-20 times / year

49%

19%

13%

3-4 5+

21-40 times / year

WITHIN A CITY OR 49% TOWN IN SJC

36%

WITHIN COUNTY

(BUT NOT IN A CITY OR TOWN)

14% OUTSIDE ST. JOSEPH COUNTY

12% WHY NOT

Stauffer Park

Individual Responses Meetings

KIDS

Callander Sportsplex

560 1017 1007

WHERE

Nappannee Dog Park

Wellfield Park/ Soccer Complex

WHO RESPONDED

Public Survey Responses

Never

6%

34% - Not Applicable 28% - Lack of time 24% - Visit other parks 19% - Too far 6% - Program fees are too expensive 3% - Poor health/mobility 2% - Accessibility within parks and programs 1% - I am not interested in parks

ST. JOSEPH COUNTY PARKS - 5 YEAR MASTER PLAN

2019-2024 PARK MASTER PLAN NAPPANEE, IN - TROYER GROUP

Recovery Park

South Park

The plan will address the Nappanee Parks facilities current situation and guide future improvement.

The plan will meet all IDNR Five Year Master Plan requirements, but in addition it will provide an individual master plan for each of the city parks. By diving deeper into each park and its master plan congruently, a detailed, unified strategy can be developed to guide Nappanee Parks to optimized future development.

CITY OF NAPPANNEE PARKS PARKS MASTER PLAN JUNE 2018

PROJECT INFORMATION • • • •

Nappanee Parks & Recreation has 9 parks or facilities.

McCormick Creek is a municipal 18 hole golf course owned and operated by the city.

A multi-use trail connects some of the parks and neighborhoods Wellfield Park & Soccer Complex finished construction this summer.

2019-2024 PARK MASTER PLAN

2019-2024 PARK MASTER PLAN

NAPPANEE, IN - TROYER GROUP

NAPPANEE, IN - TROYER GROUP

With a need for a fresh perspective, SJC Parks wanted a planning process focused on people. Over the course of the public engagement period, our team utilized traditional and non-tradition outreach strategies. This involved meeting with 5 different stakeholder groups, an online/printed public survey, hosting a public planning meeting, and utilizing two different pop-up opportunities to engage critical mass audiences. The result was double the previous public survey responses and over two thousand unique pieces of feedback. This mixture of quantitative and qualitative information gave the team a much more reliable data set to develop action items/goals and allowed us to hone in on public priorities with much greater certainty. In addition to meeting IDNR guidelines, we produced several infographics that distilled the information gathered into easily understood results.

Troyer Group is working with the Goshen Parks & Recreation in the development and new update to their Five Year Parks Master Plan. The process began in late September and is currently wrapping up the public engagement process as required by the IDNR. The master plan will analyze existing Goshen parks and trail system needs as well as future improvement to the parks system. The Master Plan will be driven by the survey given to the public as well as comments received from the community and analysis provided by the Troyer Group.

PROJECT INFORMATION • • • •

25 + Parks and park properties 30 plus miles of trails Over 514 acres of park land All of the forestry related services for the City were included in the Master Plan.

5YEAR PARK MASTER PLAN

ACROSS NORTHERN INDIANA

EXPERIENCE

PULASKI PARK MASTER PLAN PROJECT OVERVIEW Intensive Community engagement and contextual analysis included extensive historic and ethnographic research, as well as several social intercepts in addition to traditional public engagement methods. From playing soccer with the Latinx League who is the primary user group of the park, to pop-up meetings held at community festivals, the engagement portion heavily influenced the visioning process. This culminated into concepts focused on strengthening the community and reinforcing its priorities.

TROYER GROUP PROJECTS

PROJECT INFORMATION • As part of the West Side Main Streets Master Plan, Pulaski Park’s improvements sought to connect the park to broader City initiatives.

• Engagement included several internal and external stakeholder meetings, neighborhood based social intercepts, pop-up meetings at community festivals, local Latinx radio interviews, and open houses / other public meetings to share concepts and direction of the Master Plan.

• Short and long-term implementation strategies were developed to determine the park’s role in neighborhood development.

• Planned attractions include: Restroom facility and plaza spaces, splash pad, and improved soccer/athletic fields, playgrounds, and basketball courts.

• Art and other historic elements were included throughout the detailing to better connect to the Park’s rich history.

PULASKI PARK MASTER PLAN

SOUTH BEND, IN

EXPERIENCE

TROYER GROUP PROJECTS

RIVER PARK SQUARE PROJECT OVERVIEW Troyer Group performed a master plan for this downtown park and followed with construction documentation and inspection for phase one.

Phase one included a new Farmers Market, interactive fountain, performance structure, restroom & concessions building, parking lot, entry plaza, renovated public street with parking and streetscape improvements, landscaping, lighting, and other amenities.

PROJECT INFORMATION • Hosts the Plymouth Farmers Market which includes nearly 50 vendors, attracting hundreds of visitors to downtown Plymouth each Saturday morning.

• Hosts the Mayor’s Month of Music events every Friday night in August, the Summer Sippin Craft Brew Fest, Yellow River Festival, and many other city events.

• Planned Phase II includes a kayak launch, Veterans plaza, gardens, trails, pavilions, and other amenities.

• Reduced impervious surface by about 30% from pre-existing conditions.

• Sequesters approximately 1,000 lbs of CO2 annually through newly planted trees and landscape.

• Re-circulating system for the very popular interactive fountain saves about 5 million gallons of water per year.

• Attractions: Performance spaces, Christmas Tree Plaza, splash pad, and open green spaces for relaxation and recreation.

• Proposed improvements broken into 3 phases of implementation.

• Critical component in Plymouth’s downtown redevelopment acting as a communal beacon.

RIVER PARK SQUARE

PLYMOUTH, IN

EXPERIENCE

LANDSCAPE ARCHITECTURE AND PLANNING OVERVIEW Throughout Troyer Group’s nearly 50 years of planning services, our collaborative design process addresses the key aspects that make places successful. This allows our projects to leverage each site’s unique context to strengthen communities and create more resilient environments. Using aesthetics as a baseline, our designs solve functional problems and amplify the performance of spaces that support the goals of our clients. As a result, our projects contribute to the economic, social, and ecological components that drive lasting positive changes.

From municipalities and public spaces to pedestrian and bicycle infrastructure to healthcare and higher education, we serve clients with the same enthusiasm and commitment on every project.

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2

TROYER GROUP PROJECTS

“WE BELIEVE IN THE POWER OF PUBLIC SPACES AND THEIR IMPACT ON COMMUNITIES.”

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ADDITIONAL PLANNING PROJECTS 1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

6.

7.

City Cemetery Master Plan - South Bend, IN Cavalier Park Master Plan - Culver, IN Merrifield Park Master Plan - Mishawaka, IN Bowman Creek Revitalization Plan - South Bend, IN 100 Wayne Plaza and Streetscape Master Plan - South Bend, IN 2017-2022 Park System Master Plan Steuben County, IN Culver Stellar Communities Strategic Investment Plan - Culver, IN

5

6

7

MASTER PLAN EXPERIENCE

SOUTH BEND, IN

City of Elkhart Streetscape - Phase 1

EXPERIENCE

“Troyer Group led Elkhart through the design process to create a downtown image that was more representative of the community. There was extensive public input including public meetings and workshops.”

TROYER GROUP PROJECTS

CITY OF ELKHART EXPERIENCE

SELECTED PROJECTS THROUGHOUT THE CITY

ENVIRONMENTAL CENTER MASTER PLAN City of Elkhart, IN

STERLING EAST LAND USE MASTER PLAN City of Elkhart, IN

ENVIRONMENTAL CENTER MASTER PLAN City of Elkhart, IN

STERLING EAST LAND USE MASTER PLAN City of Elkhart, IN

STERLING EAST LAND USE MASTER PLAN City of Elkhart, IN

Client/Owner Adrian Smith + Gordon Gill Architecture / National Parks Conservation Association Completion 2015 Contact Richard Wilson, City Design Director, Adrian Smith + Gordon Gill Architecture (312) 870-4011 / richardwilson@smithgill.com

In its heyday as a manufacturing town, Pullman provided the setting for the evolution of industry and transportation, achievements in planning, architecture, and landscape architecture, the foundation of labor law, and the advancement of civil liberties for African Americans.

EXPERIENCE

POSITIONING PULLMAN

CHICAGO, IL - SITE

SITE DESIGN PROJECTS

On the heels of the Pullman’s designation as a national monument by President Obama in February 2015, AIA Chicago and the National Parks Conservation Association initatied a three-day “collaborative ideas workshop.”

The purpose of the workshop was to engage the public and the design community regarding opportunities to leverage the new national designation to enhance visitor experience and advance community development goals. The workshop focused on four topics: park experience; historic preservation / adaptive reuse; access and connections; and, community development.

The culmination of thousands of volunteer hours, the Positioning Pullman document provides a clear and exciting vision for the future of the national monument that seeks to share stories of innovation from the 19th Century and demonstrate 21st Century best practices for neighborhood and building development.

POSITIONING PULLMAN

CHICAGO, IL - SITE

SITE DESIGN GROUP RELATED PROJECT

CHICAGO, IL AND SURROUNDING AREA

SOUTH GRANT PARK VISIONING

CHICAGO, IL - SITE

DAN RYAN WOODS AND EGGERS GROVE MP.

CHICAGO, IL - SITE

Client/Owner Friends of Downtown

Client/Owner Forest Preserves of Cook County

Working with Perkins + Will and Friends of Downtown, site led the Master Plan visioning for Chicago’s South Grant Park, bound by Michigan, Roosevelt, Balbo, and Lakeshore Drive. The community-oriented project sought to (1) solicit ideas for Park improvements, (2) discuss attainable strategies to advance the Park’s mission and purpose, and (3) prioritize the feasibility of the implementation of improvements through an interdisciplinary design charrette and community/stakeholder outreach process. At the conclusion of the charrette, the visioning team collaboratively established set of values upon which would inform policy, design decisions, funding, and navigating the sensitive issues between larger scale regional event programming of the park and fulfilling the needs of the local neighborhood.

Working with the Forest Preserves of Cook County, site led the master planning and visioning for two Preserves in Chicago’s South Side. Dan Ryan Woods is a 257-acre site in the Beverly neighborhood, and Eggers Grove is a 241acre site located near the Indiana State line that contains a diverse natural area with popular nature trails, and is adjacent to the Burnham Greenway - a popular regional bike trail. The Master Planning process included an indepth site analysis, public input process, programming, visioning, and phasing. Master plan recommendations included trails and boardwalks, signage and wayfinding, native planting, art installations, outdoor education, and recreation. The first phase of Eggers Grove site improvements were completed in 2015 and the Dan Ryan Woods site improvements began construction in 2016.

Contact Adam Lund, President, Friends of Downtown (312) 755-0770 / Adam.Lund@perkinswill.com

SUSTAINABLE INFRASTRUCTURE GUIDELINES

CHICAGO, IL - SITE

Client/Owner Chicago DOT / Parsons Brinckerhoff As a subconsultant to Parsons Brinckerhoff, site design group, ltd. (site) recently worked with the Chicago Department of Transportation in the creation of the Sustainable Urban Infrastructure Policies and Guidelines (SUIG). The document provides a guide for successful and sustainable street and transportation improvements for pedestrians, bicyclists, transit users, and cars.

The document responds to the challenges of global climate change and suggests design, construction, and maintenance guidelines for the creation of a safe, livable, and sustainable City through sustainable design, Best Management Practices (BMPs), and multi-modal planning. In order to further explore this topic, SUIG has led to a follow up document – the Chicago Placemaking Guidelines, which are currently underway.

Contact Lubka Benak, Project Director, Chicago Department of Transportation,Livable Streets Program (312) 742-2837 / Lubica.Benak@cityofchicago.org

EXPERIENCE

METHODOLOGIES AND TACTICS: At Troyer Group, everything we do comes down to people and their experiences. Our public engagement strategies employ a combination of traditional and innovative methodologies to better interact with audiences while seeking opportunities to solve problems and support capabilities. We seek to meet people where they are, including providing feedback options for a variety of preferred communication styles.

TROYER GROUP PROJECTS

OUR TACTICS INCLUDE: • Online surveys & wikimapping • Social Media Expertise • Community Workshops • Stakeholder/Focus Group Meetings • Pop-up Presentations • Mobile Meetings • Tactical Urbanism • Community Workshops • Project Videos • 100 Ideas Project and the Strategic Cities Guide

Pop-up presentation during South Bend’s Best Week Ever for the Pulaski Park Master Plan project.

Public engagement meeting for the City Cemetery Master Plan, meeting people in their neighborhood center.

Our goal is to meet people where they are and take advantage of critical mass events that leverage the public’s presence and reduce participation friction.

Mobile Meetings conducted to get a better understanding of onsite conditions.

We also employ traditional public engagement strategies such as workshops.

PUBLIC ENGAGEMENT + OUTREACH

REGIONAL EXPERIENCE

C O L L A B O R AT I V E S T A K E H O L D E R A N D COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT People are central to our process and through traditional workshops/presentations, both stakeholders and the public will be engaged throughout the planning process.

To that end, itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s critical for stakeholders, City leaders, and the public to contribute to the process from the onset.

Our methodologies for capturing and incorporating that feedback includes a synthesis of presentation and guided conversation that asks questions to prompt specific feedback about targeted strategic components. We have used a variety of digital, social, conversational, and physical communication tactics to elicit inclusive feedback from a wide pool of community stakeholders and leaders. This allows the broad expertise of the community to better inform our design expertise and ensures more ownership of the planning process as well as investment in the success of the final outcome.

We use a series of lenses to look at each project and prompt more valuable feedback from everyone involved in the design process.

We are experts at conducting public feedback meetings, using a variety of strategies to unlock public expertise and deliver successful projects.

We engage all members of the community - young or old, from all walks of life, including law enforcement professionals - to gain a deep understanding of place.

Our stakeholder meetings use different tactics to engage all attendees, providing as many opportunities to give feedback as possible.

Pop-up Public Engagement At the core of our public engagement is the desire to meeting people where they are. Broadly, this means diagnosing their values and needs while connecting with them in a way that is effective for them. Knowing that not everyone can attend or feels comfortable attending traditional public meetings, we use pop-up meetings at established community events to reach the largest group of people possible. For these meetings, we prioritize low friction strategies designed to make participation as easy (and quick) as possible. One method has been using sticky dots placed on photos and maps to indicate familiarity and preference for project locations and programming items. This process has allowed for dramatically increased participation.

EXPERIENCE

TROYER GROUP PROJECTS Project prompts used during meetings allow for the quick compilation of specific information, unlocking the specific expertise of attendees.

To meeting people where they are and get the most valuable feedback, we often use a combination of engaging strategies and case study photos.

Engaging children at pop-ups allows for both their participation in the process as well as their parents, who ordinarily might not be able to attend.

PUBLIC ENGAGEMENT + OUTREACH

REGIONAL EXPERIENCE

Activities that address all attendees participation capabilities ensure this is an inclusive public process for the entire Elkhart community.

Pop-up meetings, at well attended events like the County Fair, engage communities members where they already are and ensures that if they are not attuned to traditional communication channels that they have an opportunity to participate.

27 NEARBY RESTAURANTS, ASSET MAPPING AND ANALYSIS PUBS, BARS, AND COFFEE SHOPS

CONCEPT DEVELOPMENT

23,000+ PEOPLE LIVE AND WORK IN CITY 10 NEARBY PARKS, GREENWAYS, AND PLAZAS

Context around user needs and assets, creating an assessment that identifies what’s already working well, what’s not, and what elements are impacting user behavior.

Developing concepts involves converging on insights and design opportunities that point toward areas for potential growth and change.

IN

W AL K

ZO

NE

live, first build a place where people enjoy spending their time.” The role of parks and open space in that desire is undeniable and central to many of the placemaking trends we see both regionally and nationwide.

From the “Great Urban Parks” NRPA Campaign to the “Find Your Park” U.S. National Parks Service effort to the Land and Water Conservation Fund Coalition development, we have been involved in the advocacy and awareness of parks and their important roles within communities. These efforts connect us to the forefront of park trends, including #parks4pollinators that layer best maintenance practices of parks as well as habitat development in addition to establishing a diversity of activity opportunities within the system.

M

PROJECT UNDERSTANDING

PROJECT UNDERSTANDING: The City of Elkhart has made significant efforts to create a lasting vision for the future of the City. On the heels of an intense Regional Cities initiative, the River District Revitalization Master Plan represents a critical piece to creating the catalytic projects that Elkhart is seeking. The City Parks and Cultural Assets sit as a key components within those plans, situated around and between several hubs identified in both past and future planning processes. Parks, public spaces, and other culture amenities serve as important attachment drivers of Elkhart that leverage the effort established in those previous plans, reinforcing a focus on recruitment and retention of visitors and residents.

As the National Park and Recreation Association points out, “If you want to create a place where people want to

5

APPROACH

5 NEARBY MUSEUMS, THEATRES, AND FITNESS CENTERS understanding diverges

LOCAL EXPERIENCE Developing a Parks Master Plan is a journey that starts with gaining a greater understanding of the people and places that make up the City of Elkhart.

We employ a human-centered approach, bolstered by the enFocus team’s focus on holistic solutions that have an ease of implementation, knowing this plan is ultimately a reflection of the community and that the greatest successes will come from those who care most about the results, not just ideas. This understanding comes from a belief in the process of collaboration, relationship building, iteration as well as ample experience working with communities throughout the region. Input is gathered from residents and community leaders through several stakeholder and public meetings (further outlined in the next several

EVOLVE IDEAS

CONVERGE ON SOLUTIONS

Synthesizing ideas that specifically address the opportunities and meet specific need, while also considering project constraints bring the process closer.

pages). These meetings occur throughout the process and are oriented to facilitate positive feedback from as broad an audience as possible. Knowing that not every interested person can attend the meetings, we provide other options for feedback such as surveys, post cards, and online feedback. This information, coupled with our firm’s background in working with Elkhart on recent projects, will lead to a plan that meets the needs of the City, while exceeding the expectation of those involved.

THE PROCESS OF PLACE MAKING Fundamentally, placemaking is much more than spatial arrangement of infrastructure and amenities.

Placemaking embodies the collective process of a community; utilizing creative, shared approaches to shaping physical, social, and cultural assets that contribute to people’s health, happiness, and well-

This phase wraps up design and planning and moves toward addressing all implementation requirements, including schedule and budget.

being. This process acquires strength through public involvement and support, and is bolstered by the knowledge and creativity of forward thinking planners and designers.

For Elkhart’s Parks and Cultural Assets, this involves thoroughly understanding the physical, social and cultural history and context. Development recommendations that harness placemaking strategies will be rooted in this understanding, and supported by public involvement. The result will be developing places that have an intimate connection with the community, reflecting its creative capacity.

APPROACH

SCOPE OF SERVICES

OUR APPROACH A park master plan is common to most every community in Indiana. We want to utilize an approach that makes your plan better, more useful, and backed by deep public input and buy-in. While all IDNR requirements are met, this planning process provides additional benefits to the City of Elkhart and the community.

FOCUS ON YOUR GOALS: We want to focus on the issues and items that are most important to Elkhart. In doing this, we ensure that the master plan is unique to you, and not a boiler plate document that can fit other communities. While we have worked with many other communities in northern Indiana for their parks, we havenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t been formally involved with master planning for Elkhart Parks. Our team will provide a fresh perspective to update your master plan. From our many planning efforts, to our continuing research of case studies, we

have a vast knowledge of what is working and what may not be working for other park systems. Included in the required planning are customized needs-based standards for distribution of services; level-of-services guidelines; performance measures; clearly articulated goals, strategies, and action items; capital investment and implementation priorities; as well as a statistically valid survey of the entire community; among the other identified IDNR requirements.

ACCESSIBILITY: A review of facility accessibility and related procedures will be an important part of the master plan. While it is necessary to follow national accessibility requirements, it is even more important that the parks continually are upgraded to serve all users regardless of their abilities.

Our expertise in accessibility analysis and guidelines will help the planning team identify and prioritize accessibility improvements. An ADA coordinator needs to be established, as well as a grievance procedure for the public.

IMPLEMENTATION & FUNDING: In addition to our experience drawing out the latent expertise of the public & getting their buy-in, we also know how to implement these ideas. We have experience working with communities to find funding and additional resources to help with projects. We strive to make this section of the plan as robust as possible to help make your goals easier to achieve. More than just identifying grants, we will work with you to develop strategies aimed at leveraging resources to maximize available funding.

PROJECT ELEMENTS AND SCOPE: FOCUS ON PEOPLE AND THEIR EXPERIENCE Everything we do at Troyer Group revolves around creating better human experiences as well as serving the users of the spaces we create. It starts with a baseline understanding of the contextual elements and information gathered for the area. We add our deep expertise of parks and infrastructure to a highly collaborative process, working with the City and its citizens to better analyze the potential of Elkhart Parks.

With thorough analysis and insight, we can identify not only the projects, but the best suited implementation strategies to fit the needs for the City of Elkhart.

This master plan needs to address all of the requirements set by IDNR in their Outdoor Recreation Guidelines. That is a straightforward process; and rather than re-iterate that information to you in this proposal, we want to focus on our approach and how it will help us address your issues and reach your goals.

This combined with the state-of-the-art insights and additional creative capacity that the Site Design Group team’s analysis provides, we can identify not only the right vision and goals for Elkhart’s Parks, but the best suited implementation strategy that fits the needs of each neighborhood and the entire community as a whole. Coupled with that is important outreach to all people in Elkhart. La Casa De Amistad’s familiarity in serving Elkhart’s Latino community and working on public projects as community liasons that provide bilingual services ensures that our team will reach all corners of the Elkhart community. Without this understanding future implementation will be a guess.

It is for this reason, this analysis cannot be simply a boilerplate representation of your recycled INDR Master Plan. If the priority is to truly attract residents and visitors to the City, the proposed strategy must respond to the specific opportunities and needs of the community.

1. Review of Past Plans, Facilities, and Programs Our first task will be a thorough review of the park facilities currently serving the city, to gather a greater understanding of the facilities, operations, needs, and previous goals. It’s important to look at previous visions and goals to determine overall success and impact. This plan needs to reflect and showcase the accomplishments and progress made during the last five years. From there we can better outline objectives for this planning cycle and provide better forecasting.

Deliverable: Includes a project Kick-off Meeting with appropriate City Staff. Additionally, Troyer Group will review our findings with the advisory committee & stakeholders and include it in the final report.

APPROACH

SCOPE OF SERVICES

2. Community Needs Assessment A thorough understanding of the city’s physical and social context helps define overall opportunities and threats by analyzing physical conditions, census and GIS (Geographic Information Systems) data, density, stability, as well as proximity, coverage, and connectivity of assets to the community. An updated census analysis will show overall trends in age, income, and diversity and identifies preferences for those segments to determine potential and targets within the system.

Deliverable: A summary of our findings will be provided to the advisory committee & stakeholders and provided in the final report.

3. Analysis of Maintenance, Recreation, and Administrative Delivery Systems In conveying these various delivery systems, several factors must be addressed, including cost, quality, service, and time. While certain obligations must be met, a balance is necessary for long term viability. That balance leads to stability, and a shift from reactionary services to predictive, which is especially important for maintenance systems, especially as deferred maintenance continues to be a major issue for parks locally and nationally.

Deliverable: The information will be presented to the advisory group and included in the report.

4. Public Participation We recognize Elkhart’s ongoing commitment to public engagement. To bolster successes and provide deeper engagement, we propose a combination of innovative and technologically contemporary methods with traditional strategies. Opportunities include: • 2 Pop-up Meetings at Community Events that use low friction engagement tactics • Online and printed public surveys, using resources like the Vibrant Communities distribution lists • 2 Public and 6 stakeholder meetings (including a 1/2day workshop for goal/strategy development) that not only fulfill IDNR requirements, but provide usable data for easier decision making.

Deliverable: In addition to the meetings listed, we will prepare a summary of the public input survey, public meeting, and all other public engagement into easy to read charts and infographics that make data clearer and decision-making easier.

5. Address IDNR Park Master Plan Requirements Updated in July of 2016, the IDNR Planning Guidelines outline both process requirements and plan preparation requirements. Also found within the guidelines are facility and recreational infrastructure inventory forms, timeline requirements, and accessibility standards.

Ensuring that the Elkhart Park Master Plan meets each of the outlined requirements is critical to eligibility for IDNR Land and Water Conservation Fund grant applications.

Deliverable: A master plan that meets all IDNR requirements to ensure Elkhart Parks is eligible for LWCF funding in 2020.

6. Strategies and Action Plans for Park Programs and Operations Among other performance metrics, programs should be evaluated based on capacity, demand, trends, and effectiveness. Operations evaluations are part of a larger policy and procedures review that would analyze and update staffing, administration and maintenance, training, and specific aspects to each such as employee benefits, marketing and awareness strategies, or training opportunities.

Deliverable: As part of the included meetings, we will conduct a team workshop (with Site Design) to further develop strategies and action plans. A summary table of action plan items will be provided.

This will outline the critical needs & action item for the next 5-10 yrs.

7. Strategies and Action Plans for Park Facilities and Capital Equipment In order to make both short and long term gains, our facility and equipment approach doesnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t just address planned and potential park capital improvement projects, but also addresses building envelope and equipment upgrade needs, deferred maintenance and facility life cycle costs, building management/ monitoring and continuous commissioning capabilities, utility tariff strategies, as well as occupant optimization.

Deliverable: As part of the included meetings, we will conduct a team workshop (with Site Design) to further develop strategies and action plans. A summary table of action plan items will be provided.

This will outline the critical needs & action item for the next 5-10 yrs.

PHASE II

SCHEDULE, DELIVERABLES, AND BUDGET

Review adjacent Initiation + Discover, Outreach + Analysis, and Plan Development tables for insights to our proposed schedule.

As noted in the Request for Professional Services, as the Project Manager, Jonathon will provide weekly written project updates on all elements of the project for the City project manager.

PHASE III

OUTREACH + ENGAGEMENT

FEBRUARY 2019 - MARCH 2019 Data Gathering and Analysis • Community Needs Assessment • Existing Facilities and Service Area • Social and Economic Factors • Natural, Man-made, Historical, and Cultural Features • Park User Information & Statistics • Program/Facility/Operations/Staffing Inventories • Maintenance, Recreation, and Administration Delivery Systems • Accessibility and Universal Design Analysis • Achievements/Progress in Last Five Years

MARCH 2019 - APRIL 2019 Public Engagement and Information Gathering • Stakeholder/Focus Group Meetings • Conduct 2 Community Workshops • Public Input Through Social Media • Pop-Up Planning Booth at First Friday or other Elkhart Events • Team Meeting w/ Park Board / Maintenance Staff / City Forester / Recreation Staff / Environmental Center Staff / Total Staff MAY 2019 - JULY 2019

PHASE IV

KEY PROCESS ACTION ITEMS & SCHEDULE:

JANUARY 2019 - FEBRUARY 2019 • Presentation to Park Board (Jan/Feb 2019) • Notice to Proceed (Feb 2019) • E s t a b l i s h P l a n n i n g A d v i s o r y Committee • Review of Existing Plans • Kick-off Team Meeting with Advisory Committee & Stakeholders

OUTREACH + ANALYSIS

ANALYSIS + IDEATION

PHASE I

PROJECT INITIATION

INITIATION + DISCOVERY

DISCOVERY + INVENTORY

APPROACH

SCHEDULE ANALYSIS AND FIRM CAPACITY If the planning process can begin in January, it is our goal to have the draft plan completed by no later than mid October. Then the draft plan will be reviewed and discussed prior to the holiday. Updates to the plan will be made and it will be submitted to IDNR by the January 15th deadline.

We have the experience and capacity to readily meet the proposed time constrained schedule. As support for this statement, for multiple communities in the past two years we have completed the five year park master planning process from project kick-off to IDNR Draft Plan submittal in less than two months. We have full confidence that we will be able to meet all of your goals for the planning process within the proposed schedule.

Analyze Community Input • Park Board Meeting to Share Input Findings • Team Meeting w/ Advisory Committee • Create/Update System-Wide Map of Parks and Facilities Strategies and Action Plan Development • Facilities, Programs, Operations, Equipment, Finances, Accessibility and Universal Design, Sustainability, Energy, Partnerships, Grants and Funding, Prioritization/Phasing

PLAN DEVELOPMENT

PHASE V

DRAFT PLAN

JULY 2019 - OCTOBER 2019 Development of Draft Master Plan • Advisory Committee Review • Park Board Presentation to Review Draft Plan • Prepare Final Draft Plan to Submit to IDNR • Issue Draft Plan to IDNR • Public Review and Comment Period • Public Meeting to present draft plan and acquire feedback

DECEMBER 2019 - APRIL 2020

PHASE VI

FINAL PLAN

• • •

Final Plan Development with revisions based on input recieved

by IDNR and public Park Board Adoption of Final Plan by Formal Resolution (March 2020) Final Plan Submittal to IDNR with Signatures (no later than April 2020)

SCHEDULE, DELIVERABLES, AND BUDGET

Full Breadth of Scope Items Addressed

FEE PROPOSAL

APPROACH

FEE PROPOSAL SUMMARY Our proposed fee is emblematic of four elements: a comprehensive response to the scope of services outlined in the Request for Professional Services, the critical nature of Elkhart’s Parks and Cultural Assets as they reinforce the framework and build upon the City’s Economic Development Strategy, the overall size of the assets, and the importance placed on meaningful community engagement. Based on our team’s combined past experience, the proposed scope is indicative of a dynamic and systemic planning process with far reaching consequences and expectations. Additionally, the implications of all planned investments made in the River District and other planned City projects further demonstrate the importance of the success of this planning and design effort. Not only do we take these implications very seriously, but we understand this to be necessary in Elkhart’s next steps in downtown development.

We have sought out national leading consultants architectural design support, design thinking services, and bi-lingual support. This collaboration and our combined experience leads us to propose a fee that is representative of the effort necessary to ensure long term success, provide better understanding to potential developers, and encourage higher returns for future park investments.

Troyer Group will provide the professional planning services required by IDNR Guidelines and items described in our project approach (unless identified below as an additional service) for the lump sum fixed fee of $72,500.

Master Planning Services (Troyer Group) $57,500 Thorough assessment of the contributing context of the area while ensuring extensive coordination with the existing projects. Includes site visits, internal and external focus group meetings, public planning meeting, group and individual intercept surveys, pop-up presentations, and a public presentation. This also includes all social and physical analysis necessary to develop concepts as well as a summary report of all collected information and a graphic master plan. Includes all site planning, landscape architecture, and architecture services.

Immersive Engagement and Innovation Design Services (Site Design) $13,000 Provides a multi-disciplinary approach to develop genuine comprehension of all social and physical context as well as a thorough exploration of ideas and systemic implications.

Bi-Lingual Services (La Casa De Amistad) $2,000 Provides full English to Spanish translation services for all public meetings and printed materials throughout the planning process.

Reimbursable expenses such as prints and copies are included in this amount.

This proposal does not include state agency permitting, site boundary or topo surveys, geotechnical exploration, archaeological work, wetland delineation, or contaminated soil remediation work. If any of these services become necessary or are desired, we will provide an additional fee for your approval.

Troyer Group bills monthly based on the amount of work completed during the previous month.

TOTAL PROPOSED FEE

$72,500

ADDITIONAL SERVICES Troyer Group will provide the following additional services if desired by Elkhart Parks.

WIKI-MAPPING: Wiki-mapping is an online public engagement tool that uses aerial maps and GIS information to show existing conditions, and provides mark-up tools for users to provide feedback on the maps. The site provides owner log-in to control the set-up, but can allow anyone to mark ideas on the website. We can provide an example or more information on request.

Wiki-mapping can be added to the scope for a fixed fee of $2,500. This fee includes associated website fees.

PARK MASTER PLAN VIDEO: We will create a video that Elkhart Parks can use on their website and social media or show at events that showcases the master planning and public engagement processes. The video can be used by the parks for promotional development and public awareness.

Included can be drone footage of the parks, interviews with park personnel and park users, planning booth and general activities that the city of Elkhart has. The video can be used by the parks for promotional development and public awareness of the efforts Elkhart Parks is undertaking. We can work with you to determine the scope and associated fee.

ADDITIONAL MEETINGS: If any additional public, stakeholder, or pop-up meetings are desired beyond our proposed scope, we will provide those at our hourly rates.

Digital copies of this proposal available at: https://issuu.com/jonathongeels/docs/elkhart_parks_ proposal_park_master_

APPROACH

ENCUENTRA

TU

PARQUE FIND

YOUR

PARK

OPEN SPACE P O D C A S T

“There is an equity piece to all of this work that’s not the brand new signature park in the [City] that tourists may come to see, but that each park, regardless of size or location in the City, that it’s cared for and maintained so that the residents that call that park their neighborhood park feel like the City cares about the quality of that space.”

Aaron Hipp Associate Professor of Community Health and Sustainability NC State University

CONCLUSION Troyer Group has assembled a multi-disciplined team which enables a contextual and realistic approach to planning. Our experience with design, engineering, and construction, as well as our team members with previous municipal employment, provide real world value to our planning process. As we hope to have demonstrated in this proposal, our strengths are providing a service oriented approach with innovative solutions, thorough analysis, and attention to detail. We know this will result in a master plan that will offer accurate and useful guidance, while being deep-rooted in public support. By choosing Troyer Group, you will receive a team committed to solving problems utilizing our experience and ability to leverage beneficial resources.

Our combined experience, knowledge, and innovative ideas will provide for a successful project comprised of high quality planning and public collaboration. We look forward to the possibility of working with Elkhart Parks to help plan and guide your ideas for the next five years and beyond.

It comes down to people and their experiences.

This is the crux of what we do at the Troyer Group. In focusing on people, we provide solutions that create economic, social, and environmental value; working with you to achieve your vision.

TOGETHER, WE WILL.

PROJECT REFERENCES 2019-2022 Park System Master Plan Evie Kirkwood, Parks Director St. Joseph County Parks 50651 Laurel Road | South Bend, IN 46637 574.277.4828 ekirkwood@sjcparks.org Elkhart Environmental Center Master Plan Jamison Czarnecki, Supervisor Elkhart Environmental Center 1717 E. Lusher Ave.| Elkhart, IN 46516 574.293.5070 jamison.czarnecki@coei.org Pulaski Park Master Plan Kyle Silveus, Project Manager City of South Bend 1316 County-City Building 227 W. Jefferson Blvd. | South Bend, IN46601 574.235.9083 ksilveus@southbendin.gov John Martinez, Director, Facilities & Grounds South Bend Venues Parks & Arts 1020 High St. South Bend, IN 46614 574.235.7645 jmartine@southbendin.gov

PROJECT REFERENCES River Park Square Mayor Mark Senter City of Plymouth 124 North Michigan Street - P.O. Box 492 Plymouth, Indiana 46563 (574) 936.6717 Mike Hite, Park Superintendent (574) 936.2876 Hibberd Plaza Mark Neal, Chief Operating Officer, Bradley Company South Bend Park Board President mneal@bradleyco.com 574.339.9406 2019-2022 Park System Master Plan Tanya Heyde, Park Superintendent Goshen City Parks and Recreation Department 410 W. Plymouth Ave. Goshen, IN 46526 (574) 534-2901 tanyaheyde@goshencity.com City Cemetery Master Plan Chris Dressel, Planner Department of Community Investment 227 West Jefferson Blvd. â&#x20AC;¢ Suite 1400 S South Bend, Indiana 46601 574.235.5847

PREPARED FOR:

PARKS AND RECREATION DEPARTMENT, CITY OF ELKHART

ELKHART, IN PREPARED BY:

TROYER GROUP WITH SITE DESIGN GROUP AND LA CASA DE AMISTAD

NOVEMBER 15, 2018