7th Avenue Park Design

Buena Vista 7th AVENUE PARK DESIGN

Inspiration

Buena Vista leaders would like to see a new park convenient to downtown and residential areas surrounding the city. The secluded location of the existing park discourages families from visiting and is easily overlooked by those passing through. The proposed park design detailed here was inspired by the idea of the Southern front porch, a place that brings neighbors together in the heart of the community. Creating a space that serves as Buena Vista’s “front porch” would work to create a community destination and strengthen local identity. The bold colors and geometric forms found at nearby Pasaquan, the folk art complex just outside Buena Vista, also inspired these concepts. These elements can be seen in paving patterns, play structures, basketball court mural, trail signage, and other site elements such as benches, pavilions, and more.

7th Avenue Park Programming

Programming elements for the park proposed by city leaders include:

• Splash pad for a place for children to play and cool off in the summer

• Play area with opportunities for intergenerational play

• Putting green, which can double as lawn/greenspace when not in use

• Basketball court, for recreation and as a public art and communitybuilding opportunity

• Pavilions to provide shaded gathering spots

• Walking trail that connects to the existing sidewalk network

• Stage for community events

• Restrooms for park users and downtown visitors

Site Inventory 7th AVENUE PARK DESIGN

EXISTING: This image shows the property proposed for a new community park. The many mature trees in place provide shade and the relatively flat topography is ideal for many planned amenities.

EXISTING: The park property lacks sidewalks and easy access even within close proximity to the courthouse square.

Site Analysis

The design for the new park considers the site’s location adjacent to downtown streets and environmental factors such as shade patterns, seasonal winds, and existing tree canopy and topography. The site is located at the southwest corner of 7th Avenue and Church Street, approximately 0.2 miles from the town square. Directly west of the site is a Family Dollar store, and to the north are private residences and a church. On the south side of the site, there is an abandoned rail corridor which may be part of a future regional rail-trail initiative. The site is approximately three acres. Remnant curb cuts and historic maps of the site indicate that the site was formerly occupied by several structures. The site is relatively flat, but with a slight downward slope as it gets close to the railroad. A large number of trees and shrubs create a border between the site and the railroad. Additionally, there is a nice tree canopy throughout the site which can be an asset to the future park. Traffic on two adjacent roads, 7th Avenue and Church Street, varies. Church Street is a busier road for vehicular traffic, while 7th Avenue experiences less car activity. McDuffie Street is the primary pedestrian connection toward the downtown square.

7th Avenue Park Concept

Buena Vista, GA

Design Concept

Improvements to the site would be focused around two main areas of the parcel:

The area south of the intersection of 7th Avenue and McDuffie Street would serve as the main entrance, helping connect the proposed park to the courthouse square area. The entry plaza would contain seating, a shade structure, and plants or public art to create a focal point visible to pedestrians walking southbound from the town square along McDuffie Street.

Most programming elements are clustered on the eastern portion of the site. These elements include a splash pad, play area, basketball courts, and putting green. Grouping these features would make the construction of additional facilities more efficient.

In addition to the two areas noted above, formal and informal trails would provide paths for strolling and connections to the various spaces within the park. Benches and a small stage are shown incorporated along the pathway. A proposed public restroom would be located along 7th Avenue between the two main areas of the park, and street parking would be provided with 22 new onstreet spaces along 7th Avenue.

Proposed Design 7th AVENUE PARK DESIGN The proposed design utilizes circular forms inspired by Pasaquan’s distinct visual style. The following program items are incorporated into the site, as noted on the site plan and legend on pages 52-53:

14

2 1

13 9

3

5 4

6 7

8 10 11

12

1. “Front Porch” plaza: The approximately 4,000-square-foot plaza located at the southern intersection of McDuffie Street and 7th Avenue contains a pavilion, rocking chairs, and planting beds. This area serves as the main entry point to the site, and is visible to potential park patrons as they walk southbound along McDuffie Street from the town square area. The front porch is accessible from the main sidewalk along 7th Avenue, and directly connects to the informal walking path (#3 on map) within the site. The entry plaza sits approximately 100 feet west of the public restrooms (#4 on map).

2. 8-foot paved walking path: This serves as the primary walking path within the site. This feature is shown paved, providing ADA connectivity to all functional areas of the site from the main sidewalk along 7th Avenue. The loop that the path creates is approximately 0.2 miles, so visitors could complete a mile walk with five laps.

3. 6-foot unpaved walking path: This serves as the secondary walking path and provides connection between the entry plaza (#1 on map) and primary walking path (#2 on map). This feature provides a more natural setting for those who wish to stroll through the site, and could include a connection further south (#5 on map) toward to potential future rail-trail.

4. Public restrooms: Two public restrooms are accommodated at this location approximately 100 feet east of the front porch plaza (#1 on map) and 100 feet west of the splash pad (#6 on map). Because of the convenient location along 7th Avenue, these facilities are also a short walk from the town square area, and can serve as an amenity for downtown visitors. Water fountains should also be provided here.

5. Connection to future rail trail: A regional initiative to transform the abandoned rail line to the south of the property may create a walking/biking connection to the site. A path would provide connection from the park to the potential regional trail.

6. Splash pad: The approximately 800-square-foot splash pad provides children a space to play and cool off during the summer months. Splash pad structures could incorporate playful designs that provide visual interest even when splash pad is not in use.

7. Putting green: The roughly 1,250-square-foot putting green could be used by golfers within the community. When not in use for putting, this space also double as lawn/flexible green space.

8. Play area: The approximately 2,100-square-foot area with informal play equipment can be used by both children and adults for intergenerational play. The poured-in-place rubber surface of the area with level transition from the plaza would ensure access for those with strollers and mobility aids (e.g. parents, children with disabilities, and elderly users).

9. Basketball court: Located on the east side of the park, the basketball court would be directly accessible from the 7th Avenue sidewalk. The basketball court should be fenced to avoid balls from straying into the street or into other adjacent activity areas. The basketball court surface could also serve as public art and community-building space with a mural either commissioned by a local artist or arts group.

10. Seating area: Several sets of tables/chairs provide flexible seating opportunity for those observing or resting from the various activities nearby, and those who are gathering more informally.

Seating can be moved under the pavilions (#11 on map), or within the open space between the basketball court (#9 on map) and play area (#8 on map).

11. Three pavilions: Pavilions in the activity area provide shade for those utilizing the public seating area (#10 on map) for picnics, events, or rest. The pavilions also provide shade for those in the play area (#8 on map).

12. Trees: Four trees at the eastern boundary of the park site provide a screen to separate the traffic along Church Street from those utilizing the activity area. Large canopy trees such as oaks can provide screening and seasonal shade for those in seating area (#10 on map) and basketball court (#9 on map). Trees also add ecological value to the community.

13. Small stage: The stage concept included in this plan provides space for community events and informal gatherings such as neighborhood group or scout meetings.

14. On-street parking: 22 on-street parking spaces along 7th Avenue provide vehicular access to the site with close proximity to the main areas of the park.

7th Avenue Park Proposed Design

Buena Vista, GA

14

2 1

13

4

6 7

8 10 11

12

1 "Front porch" plaza Pavilion, seating, and plantings 2 8-foot paved walking path 0.2 mile loop trail

3

4

6-foot unpaved walking path Public restrooms (7 feet by 22 feet)

5

Connection to future rail trail

6

7

8

9

Splash pad (800 square feet) Putting green (1,250 square feet) Play area (2,100 square feet)

Basketball court

10

11

Seating area

Pavilions

12

Large-canopy trees (4)

13

14

Stage

On-street parking (22 spaces)

7th AVENUE PARK, EXISTING

7th Avenue Park

EXISTING: This image shows 7th Avenue and the site identified as a potential future park by Buena Vista leaders. PROPOSED: This design concept shows the vacant lot transformed into an active community destination. New on-street parking and sidewalks along 7th Avenue ensure access to the park. Elements shown include a restroom facility, splash pad, playground area, and flexible putting green.

7th AVENUE PARK, PROPOSED

In the News

For the Media For the Media Open Records Open Records Division of Marketing & Communications Division of Marketing & Communications !

TODAY’S TOP NEWS FROM THE UNIVERSITY OF GEORGIA

Campus News Business & Economy Science & Technology Arts Health & Wellness Society & Culture Georgia Impact

Business & Economy • Georgia Impact Business & Economy • Georgia Impact UGA helping rural downtowns experience a renaissance

UGA helping rural downtowns experience a renaissance August 22, 2022 • by Margaret Blanchard

Faculty, graduate students focused on developing a sense of community

Buena Vista Buena Vista is ready for a face-lift.

Steeped in the turpentine and cotton industries, the small (pop. 1,800) Georgia city about 30 miles east of Columbus today features a city square with wide streets surrounding an antebellum-era courthouse. Trucks carrying logs and gravel swing through town while cars regularly honk or wave to folks walking down the street.

Kevin Brown, a Buena Vista native and current mayor, sees a community poised for growth and is looking to the University of Georgia’s Carl Vinson Institute of

Government to help guide the way.

“We all have ideas, but now it’s time to get a plan, so we can then go ask for

The online newspaper for the University of Georgia community

Research news from across the

University of Georgia Tweets from @universityofga UGA Retweeted

UGA Libraries @ugalibs · 3h Just a reminder to @universityofga students that the MLC is now 24 hours a day through finals. We're also open late at the Main and McBay Science Libraries, most nights until 2 am. Remember to bring your UGA ID for late night access! We're here to help you crush finals! Each summer, the Carl Vinson Institute of Government’s Downtown Renaissance Fellowship program enlists UGA students to envision solutions to building community and place. (Photo by Garrison Taylor)

5 UGA @universi… · 3h Events Nomination Dec 1 - Dec 20

Deadline: ETA & OTA

UGA Graduate Coordinators are encouraged to submit nominations for the Excellence in Teaching Award and the Outstanding Teaching Assistant Award. These are the top teaching...

August 22, 2022 by Margaret Blanchard Faculty, graduate students focused on developing a sense of community

Columbus, Ga. – Buena Vista is ready for a face-lift.

Steeped in the turpentine and cotton industries, the small (pop. 1,800) Georgia city about 30 miles east of Columbus today features a city square with wide streets surrounding an antebellum-era courthouse. Trucks carrying logs and gravel swing through town while cars regularly honk or wave to folks walking down the street. Kevin Brown, a Buena Vista native and current mayor, sees a community poised for growth and is looking to the University of Georgia’s Carl Vinson Institute of Government to help guide the way. “We all have ideas, but now it’s time to get a plan, so we can then go ask for support,” he said. It’s a story that has played out in many smaller towns and cities across the state in recent years, and where faculty and students in UGA’s Georgia Downtown Renaissance Fellowship are making a difference. The program enlists graduate students from the UGA College of Environment and Design to help breathe new life into Georgia’s small, rural cities like Buena Vista. Supported by the Lyndhurst Foundation, the Georgia Municipal Association and the Georgia Cities Foundation, the program has created 23 plans for community downtowns since 2013. The experience is mutually beneficial — students get real-life experience while the city receives design ideas that spark excitement and, hopefully, the financial investment to turn plans into reality. “We consider ourselves a catalyst to help create places that will bring communities together,” said Danny Bivins, a faculty member at the Institute of Government. “The 21st century model of economic development is all about community and place — giving people a space to gather and be together — so you need to do things to develop that sense of community to succeed.” The timing for the fellowship is ideal for Buena Vista, which has been exploring ways to boost its economy since a Tyson Foods plant closed in 2015. “That left a real big dent on our economy,” Brown said. “It pushed us to start focusing on tourism and trying to bring a transient population into the community to shop at our mom-and-pop shops and leave revenue with our small business community.” Several community leaders and business owners gathered recently to share their needs and ideas with Clark Stancil, a creative design specialist with the institute, and this year’s Downtown Renaissance Fellows, Franco Conocchiari-Scherer and Garrison Taylor. The group batted around ideas — from improving signage and beautifying sidewalks to screening dumpsters— to create a more inviting environment. “My problem isn’t getting people in, it’s keeping them here,” said Joel Tischler, manager of Swamp Fox, a downtown distillery. Tischler suggested installing electric vehicle charging stations as a potential way to encourage tourists to stop and stay a while. Capturing the thoughts and ideas of the community is key for students as they work to create realistic design options for a small city, from streetscaping, park planning, facade renovation or other physical improvements. “A lot of this is trying to walk in somebody else’s shoes,” Stancil said. “You're working with folks in a rural community and realize that, if you’re laying out this parking lot, it better accommodate a Ford F-250 or similar vehicle, right? It's trying to appropriately match the community with the design.” Conocchiari-Scherer, a firstyear master’s degree student in landscape architecture, welcomes the challenge. “This is much more complex than creating designs for a hypothetical situation like a class project. The key is to learn to listen to the client, provide several proposals, and create high-quality work that is appropriate for their needs,” he said. A native Argentinian with a background in farming, Conocchiari-Scherer is also motivated by the public service aspect of the Georgia Downtown Renaissance Fellows program. “I believe every student should be involved in a project that improves public space,” he said. “The most important goal of education is to improve the quality of life for our society and its communities. This is also a way of giving back to society for the privilege of being able to access a postgraduate education.” Throughout the 12-week internship, the students meet regularly with the local stakeholders and city officials for feedback. At the end of the fellowship, students present a final plan to the community and a published report with renderings, plans and de-

Each summer, the Carl Vinson Institute signs. Having the vision on paof Government’s Downtown Renaissance per will drive future investment,

Fellowship program enlists UGA students to envision solutions to building community Brown said. and place. (Photo by Garrison Taylor) “This is the tool we're going to use to bring in a number of different agencies. I'm even sharing it with the River Valley Regional Commission so they can go out and start looking for funding for the different things that we’re trying to do as well,” he said. The River Valley Regional Commission includes Marion County, where Buena Vista is located. Developing tools and facilitating partnerships for rural communities is a natural extension of the university’s land-grant mission, akin to helping direct a choir, Bivins said. It’s sheet music—you don’t get a choir singing together without sheet music, and you don't get a community working together without a vision and a plan,” he said. In June, the Institute of Government’s Clark Stancil and Downtown Renaissance Fellows Franco Conocchiari-Scherer and Garrison Taylor met with Kevin Brown, mayor of Buena Vista, to discuss ideas for transforming the city. Read online: https://t.uga.edu/8Eb