Overall Analysis

OVERALL ANALYSIS

The orientation of Vilas Park respects several aspects of the natural environment (Map 5.4). Typically, the field space is located in low-lying, unbuildable areas such as the Lake Wingra basin. This natural draining valley make up most of Vilas Park and is an area that naturally stays moist in rainy seasons during fall and spring. Future consideration for better drainage should be considered to lessen the impact of water in open fields.

The elevation 853 and lower are near the demarcated original shoreline of Lake Wingra as shown on the O.C. Simonds 1906 Vilas Park Master Plan. As such the lower level of the park stays wet through most of the year. With added drain tiling or other techniques, these areas of the park can be more usable throughout damp periods. The Vilas Park shelter is located in this lower area. Documentation and detail of the footing could not be located for the shelter, but the structure seems stable. Future considerations for structure placement include factors such as robust footing requirements given the wet soil conditions found in most of Vilas Park.

Programing future cost of improvements for the Vilas Park Master Plan such as roads, walks and other hard surfaces should take into consideration the required sub-base materials to provide appropriate support in wet and poorly drained soils. The adjusted cross section for Vilas Park Drive and parking lots will establish a baseline estimate of implementation cost for construction in the poor soils in most of the park. Cross section and technical descriptions are found in Section 7.0 Master Plan.

The orientation of Vilas Park is conducive to maximizing sun angles throughout the year. The valley setting of the park aligns with sunrise and sunset both winter and summer solstice. Future planning of new or relocated park amenities benefit from this desirable orientation.

Significant canopy woodlands, as describe in the Environmental Assessment Tree Survey section of the Site Analysis, line the park edges at higher elevations, separating adjacent neighborhoods with a natural vegetative screen. The soils are not as saturated in these high elevations, providing conditions favorable for natural woodland settings. Park enhancements such as vegetation management of the understory and select canopy pruning strengthen the natural setting as O.C. Simonds originally envisioned.

Map 5.4. Vilas Park Overall Analysis

Page Intentionally Left Blank

6. CONCEPT PLANS