Waukee Community Context 2017

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WAUKEE COMMUNITY CONTEXT 2017



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TABLE OF CONTENTS Introduction........................................................................................................................................................................................................1-3 Existing Demographic Trends.......................................................................................................................................................1-4 Population................................................................................................................................................... 1-4 Households.................................................................................................................................................. 1-5 Race & Ethnicity......................................................................................................................................... 1-6 Income........................................................................................................................................................ 1-7

Long Term Projections....................................................................................................................................................................... 1-8 Age.............................................................................................................................................................. 1-9 Income...................................................................................................................................................... 1-10 Education.................................................................................................................................................. 1-11 Employment.............................................................................................................................................. 1-12 Housing...................................................................................................................................................... 1-12

Housing...................................................................................................................................................................................................................1-14 Age of Housing......................................................................................................................................... 1-14

Existing Market Conditions........................................................................................................................................................... 1-16 Retail.......................................................................................................................................................... 1-17 Office......................................................................................................................................................... 1-18 Industrial.................................................................................................................................................... 1-19 Apartments / Multi-Family....................................................................................................................... 1-20 For-Sale Residential Market..................................................................................................................... 1-21

Existing Land Use Analysis .......................................................................................................................................................1-22 Parks, Recreation, & Open Space.....................................................................................................................................1-25 Transportation............................................................................................................................................................................................. 1-29 Introduction ............................................................................................................................................. 1-29 Existing Conditions.................................................................................................................................... 1-29 Planning for the Future............................................................................................................................ 1-37

Community Facilities............................................................................................................................................................................1-47 Sanitary Sewer.......................................................................................................................................... 1-47 Drinking Water.......................................................................................................................................... 1-47 Stormwater Facilities................................................................................................................................ 1-47 Fire, Police, and Emergency Medical Services (EMS).......................................................................... 1-48 City Offices and Buildings ....................................................................................................................... 1-49

Natural Resources....................................................................................................................................................................................1-51 Watershed Management ..................................................................................................................... 1-51 Surface Water Features........................................................................................................................... 1-52 Ecoregion.................................................................................................................................................. 1-56 Soil Characteristics................................................................................................................................... 1-56 Ecological and Rare Features................................................................................................................ 1-58 Conservation Areas ................................................................................................................................ 1-62 Information Reviewed ............................................................................................................................ 1-63 Data Gaps................................................................................................................................................ 1-63

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INTRODUCTION Imagine Waukee 2040 provides a roadmap for the community’s ongoing growth and evolution through 2040. It provides guidance for how Waukee will change in terms of future land use planning, housing, parks and open space, transportation, infrastructure, and community facilities. The initial phase of the planning effort involved documenting the existing conditions in Waukee in terms of these various planning frameworks. The following pages provide a snapshot of the community in 2017, based upon data and information compiled by the Hoisington Koegler Group Incorporated (HKGi) consultant team and City of Waukee staff. This documentation of existing conditions provided a foundation for the subsequent stages in the Imagine Waukee 2040 planning effort.

Introduction

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EXISTING DEMOGRAPHIC TRENDS Table 1-1. Population Growth

Change 2000 2010

% Change

2016

Change 2010 2016

% Change

2021 (Proj.)

Proj. Change 2016 2021

% Change

2000

2010

Waukee

5,742

13,796

8,054

140%

17,681

3,885

28%

21,409

3,728

21%

Ankeny

29,656

45,582

15,926

54%

54,438

8,856

19%

60,974

6,536

12%

Clive

12,536

15,443

2,907

23%

18,109

2,666

17%

20,321

2,212

12%

West Des Moines

47,517

56,936

9,419

20%

66,728

9,792

17%

75,220

8,492

13%

Des Moines 481,394 569,633 MSA

88,239

18%

634,178

64,545

11%

692,568

58,390

9%

Source: ESRI

Population The City of Waukee has continued a rapid pace of population growth over the last ten years, ranking as the fastest growing city in Iowa (on a percentage basis). The city’s population has increased from 5,742 in 2000 to nearly 14,000 in 2010 and to 17,681 by 2016. The continued westward expansion of the Des Moines Metropolitan Area has spurred ongoing growth in the vicinity of Waukee. Waukee has continued to grow over the last ten years due to the quality of the local schools, the proximity of the community to Des Moines, and the availability of land for new development.

Table 1-2. Average Household Size

2000

2010

2016

Change 2000 2016

2021 (Proj.)

Waukee

2.66

2.67

2.70

0.04

2.72

Ankeny

2.57

2.58

2.61

0.04

2.63

Clive

2.70

2.68

2.75

0.05

2.78

West Des Moines

2.33

2.32

2.35

0.02

2.36

Des Moines MSA

2.48

2.50

2.52

0.04

2.54 Source: ESRI

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Households Similarly, the number of households in Waukee has continued to increase, along with population growth, over the last ten years. The City gained an additional 1,373 households between 2010 and 2016, representing a significant increase of 27 percent during this time. The average household size in Waukee and other comparable cities in the Des Moines area has remained fairly consistent over the last fifteen years and should remain fairly steady over the next five years. Clive and Waukee have historically reported higher average household sizes relative to the average for the metro area, given the number of families with children living in these communities. Households made up of families accounted for nearly 75 percent of all households in Waukee in 2015, a rate higher than that of Ankeny and West Des Moines but lower than that of Clive. The current vacancy rate for housing in Waukee of 3.8 percent is lower than that of the peer communities and the metro area as a whole.

Table 1-3. Household Growth

2016

% Change

2021 (Proj.)

% Change

2000

2010

Waukee

2,144

5,157

3,013

141%

6,530

1,373

27%

7,872

1,342

21%

Ankeny

11,188

17,433

6,245

56%

20,580

3,147

18%

22,928

2,348

11%

Clive

4,609

5,752

1,143

25%

6,589

837

15%

7,312

723

11%

West Des Moines

20,240

24,432

4,192

21%

28,330

3,898

16%

31,786

3,456

12%

Des Moines 189,371 223,268 MSA

33,897

18%

246,573

23,305

10%

268,290

21,717

9%

% Change

Change 2010 2016

Proj. Change 2016 2021

Change 2000 2010

Source: ESRI Table 1-4. Households and Units (2015)

Waukee #

Ankeny

%

#

Clive %

#

West Des Moines Des Moines MSA %

#

%

#

%

Households

5,983

100.0%

19,569

100.0%

6,144

100.0%

25,884

100.0% 246,573

100.0%

Family HH

4,457

74.5%

13,751

70.3%

4,777

77.8%

15,578

60.2% 160,246

65.0%

Nonfamily HH

1,526

25.5%

5,818

29.7%

1,367

22.2%

10,306

39.8%

86,327

35.0%

Average HH Size

2.83

--

2.60

--

2.70

--

2.35

--

Total Housing Units

6,222

100.0%

20,572

100.0%

6,403

100.0%

27,445

100.0% 264,511

100.0%

Occupied

5,983

96.2%

19,569

95.1%

6,144

96.0%

25,884

94.3% 246,573

93.2%

239

3.8%

1,003

4.9%

259

4.0%

1,561

Vacant

5.7%

17,938

6.8%

Source: American Community Survey 2011-2015 Estimates

E x i s t i n g D e m o g r a p h i c Tr e n d s

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Figure 1-1.

Race & Ethnicity of Waukee (2015)

Source: American Community Survey, 2011-2015 estimates

Race & Ethnicity The population of Waukee lacks the diversity of some other municipalities in the Des Moines metro area, as White, Non-Hispanic populations continue to dominate the composition of the community (at over 90 percent of the total). However, Waukee is gradually gaining diversity, as populations of Asians and Hispanics, in particular, continue to grow over time in the community. As of 2015, the Hispanic population was nearing four percent of the total for Waukee and the Asian population was over two percent.

Income Table 1-5. Percentage of Households in Poverty by Category

Waukee

Ankeny

Clive

West Des Moines

3.1%

3.5%

2.3%

6.0%

1.7%

6.1%

14.0%

3.3%

5.1%

11.3%

5.6%

22.2%

0.0%

27.1%

16.9%

23.8%

5.2%

7.8%

2.6%

8.0%

18 years & over

6.4%

8.0%

2.7%

7.5%

65 years & over

3.7%

2.4%

0.7%

5.0%

Families With Children under 5 years Families - No Husband With Children under 5 years All People

Source:: American Community Survey 2011-2015 Estimates

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Waukee’s median household income of $77,608 in 2016 is significantly higher than the median household income for the overall Des Moines metro area. Nearby cities, Ankeny, Clive, and West Des Moines all have high median household incomes as well, with Clive’s median income of over $105,000 far exceeding that of its neighbors. The range of household incomes in Waukee is fairly evenly distributed, with the $50,000 to $74,999 segment representing the largest group of households in the community. Waukee, along with its neighbors, reported fairly low rates of poverty in 2015. Only three percent of families are in poverty. However, the overall poverty rate stands at 5.2 percent, and 6.4 percent of all residents over the age of 18 are living in poverty. Ankeny and West Des Moines both report higher rates of overall poverty, and Clive reports the lowest poverty rate among this peer group.

Table 1-6. Household Income (2016)

Waukee # Total Households

%

5,157

Ankeny #

Clive %

17,433

#

West Des Moines Des Moines MSA %

5,752

#

%

24,432

#

%

223,268

Less than $15,000

173

2.6%

994

4.8%

163

2.5%

1,544

5.5%

20,370

8.3%

$15,000 to $24,999

234

3.6%

1,003

4.9%

290

4.4%

1,806

6.4%

20,166

9.0%

$25,000 to $34,999

449

7.6%

1,220

5.9%

328

5.0%

2,077

7.3%

21,687

9.7%

$35,000 to $49,999

678

10.4%

1,914

9.3%

511

7.8%

3,237

11.4%

30,259

13.6%

$50,000 to $74,999

1,539

23.6%

4,444

21.6%

821

12.5%

5,766

20.4%

48,505

21.7%

$75,000 to $99,999

1,026

15.7%

3,322

16.1%

907

13.8%

4,296

15.2%

35,958

16.1%

$100,000 to $149,999

1,182

18.1%

4,741

23.0%

1,603

24.3%

5,105

18.0%

40,069

18.0%

$150,000 to $199,999

704

10.8%

1,812

8.8%

1,021

15.5%

2,139

7.6%

16,000

7.2%

$200,000 or more

495

7.6%

1,129

5.5%

947

14.4%

2,360

8.3%

13,559

6.1%

Median household income

$77,608

$79,141

$105,616

$73,363

$63,513 Source: ESRI

E x i s t i n g D e m o g r a p h i c Tr e n d s

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LONG TERM PROJECTIONS The City of Waukee has outlined population projections through 2040, based upon observed development activity and population growth over the last ten years, the availability of land for new development, and anticipated development activity over the next several years. The City has outlined two population growth scenarios, based upon different assumptions of population growth, as seen in Figure 1-2. Scenario 1 assumes that Waukee will grow at a 4 percent annual rate through 2023, and then continue to grow at a 2 percent annual rate thereafter, through 2040. Scenario 2 assumes that Waukee will grow at an annual rate of 4 to 6 percent through 2029, and then continue to grow at a 2 percent annual growth rate through 2040. The City has grown at an annual rate of between 4 and 11 percent, from 2009 to 2016, and therefore the City anticipates that growth will continue, but at a more moderate pace through 2040. The scenarios assume that Waukee will continue to add population steadily over the next 25 years. However, as the population of the community increases, the anticipated growth (on a percentage basis) is expected to moderate over time.

Figure 1-2.

City of Waukee Population Projections

Source: City of Waukee, US Census

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Age In line with trends at the state and national levels, the population of Waukee has continued to age over the last several years, and the trend is anticipated to continue in the near future, as seen in Figure 1-3. The median age in the City of Waukee will approach 34 years by 2021. However, overall, Waukee is a relatively young community compared to the larger metro area and the state of Iowa, given the presence of a significant number of families with children in the community. Over 28 percent of the population in Waukee was under 15 years of age in 2016, representing a larger proportion than that of the overall Des Moines metro area, shown in Figure 1-4. Waukee also has a significant share of people age 35 to 44, in their prime child rearing years, in line with the trend of young families living in the city. Figure 1-3.

Median Age

Source: ESRI Figure 1-4.

2016 Population by Age

Source: ESRI

L o n g Te r m P r o j e c t i o n s

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Income Waukee is a relatively affluent community, as seen in Figure 1-5, with a median household income in 2016 (of nearly $78,000) that outpaces the median household income for the overall metropolitan area. Projections from ESRI indicate that the median household income should continue to increase over the next five years, reaching nearly $84,000 by 2021. Figure 1-5.

Median Household Income

Source: ESRI Figure 1-6.

Source: ESRI

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Educational Attainment (2016)


Education Waukee is a relatively well educated community, with a total of 50.9 percent of residents age 25 or older holding a bachelor’s degree or greater (Figure 1-6). In contrast, 37.1 percent of residents in the overall Des Moines MSA age 25 or older have a bachelor’s degree or greater. The Waukee Community School District, which encompasses virtually all of Waukee to the north of I-80, as well as portions of West Des Moines, Clive, Urbandale, and unincorporated Dallas County, has experienced consistent and significant enrollment growth over the last fifteen years as families have continued to move into the area. Total enrollment, as outlined in Figure 1-7, has grown from 2,353 in the 2000-2001 school year to a total of 9,690 students for the most recent, 2016-2017 school year. The district anticipates reaching the 10,000 student mark during the 20172018 school year. Projections from the school district indicate that three elementary schools will be over capacity by the fall of 2021. Waukee High School will be over capacity by the fall of 2018 and the middle school will be close to capacity by the 2021-2022 school year. Waukee Community School District continues to monitor demographic changes and anticipated development activity in planning for future schools and facilities.

Figure 1-7.

Waukee School District Enrollment

Source: Waukee School District

L o n g Te r m P r o j e c t i o n s

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Employment Because of the highly educated population, residents in the City of Waukee most commonly work in white collar positions, with significant employment concentrations in the “Management / Business / Financial” and “Professional” job categories, as outlined in Table 1-7. Less than 10 percent of Waukee residents in 2016 worked in the Services category, compared to nearly 15 percent of residents in the overall Des Moines MSA. Table 1-7. 2016 Total Employed Persons (16+)

Waukee

Clive

West Des Moines

Ankeny

Des Moines MSA

Total

9,776

9,553

38,445

29,964

337,278

White Collar

79.3%

77.6%

76.4%

74.6%

67.0%

Management

30.3%

27.6%

23.6%

21.3%

19.0%

Professional

20.1%

26.1%

27.5%

26.5%

22.2%

Sales

13.3%

13.0%

9.9%

10.6%

10.3%

Administrative Support

15.6%

10.8%

15.5%

16.2%

15.4%

Services

9.6%

13.8%

13.3%

10.8%

14.8%

Blue Collar

11.1%

8.6%

10.3%

14.6%

18.2%

Source: ESRI

Housing As illustrated in Table 1-8 and Figure 1-8, the City of Waukee has historically included a higher rate of owner-occupied housing units than the averages for the nation, and for the Des Moines metro area. Nearly 80 percent of housing units in the city were owner-occupied in 2016, compared to around 65 percent for the overall metro area. In contrast, only 56 percent of housing units in West Des Moines were owner-occupied in 2016. Waukee’s rate of home ownership has remained very stable since 2000. As outlined in Table 1-9, single family detached homes comprise almost 80 percent of owner-occupied homes in Waukee, and nearly 28 percent of renter-occupied homes in the city. Single family attached homes (including townhomes) account for 11 percent of owner-occupied homes but only 9 percent of renter-occupied units. While apartments (multi-family) units take up a small portion of the city’s land area, they account for over 15 percent of all occupied housing units in Waukee, and over 59 percent of renter-occupied units in the community. The data indicates that most homes in Waukee have two or three bedrooms, but over one third have four or more bedrooms, reflecting the presence of significant number of families with children, in Waukee.

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Figure 1-8.

Waukee Housing Makeup over Time

Source: ESRI Table 1-8. Regional Comparison for Occupancy of Housing Units (2016)

Waukee

Clive

West Des Moines

Ankey

Des Moines MSA

Total Housing Units

6,826

6,963

30,580

21,205

264,511

Owner Occupied Housing Units

79.5%

73.7%

56.3%

75.0%

65.1%

Renter Occupied Housing Units

16.2%

20.9%

36.3%

22.0%

28.1%

Vacant Housing Units

4.3%

5.4%

7.4%

2.9%

6.8%

Source: ESRI Table 1-9. Housing by Unit Type & Occupancy in Waukee (2016)

Occupied Housing Units Occupied Housing Units

Owneroccupied housing units

Percent of Occupied Housing Units 81.9%

Renteroccupied housing units

Percent of Occupied Housing Units

1,081

18.1%

5,983

4,902

Single Family Detached

70.2%

79.5%

27.8%

Single Family Attached

10.7%

11.0%

9.3%

Apartments

15.4%

5.8%

59.1%

Mobile Home or other Housing Type

3.7%

3.7%

3.7%

One Bedroom

3.4%

1.6%

11.5%

2 or 3 Bedrooms

59.9%

56.7%

74.3%

4 or more Bedrooms

36.8%

41.7%

14.2%

Bedrooms

Source: U.S. Census Bureau, 2011-2015 American Community Survey 5-Year Estimates

L o n g Te r m P r o j e c t i o n s

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HOUSING Age of Housing Waukee existed as a fairly typical small Iowa town until the last twenty to thirty years, with a focus on agriculture. As a result, the community has a relatively small base of older homes, compared to older suburbs in the Des Moines area. Table 1-10 outlines the decade in which existing homes in Waukee were built.

Table 1-10. Age of Existing Housing

Number of Homes

Percent of Total

Before 1950

125

2.3%

1950s

76

1.4%

1960s

236

4.4%

1970s

192

3.6%

1980s

121

2.3%

1990s

813

15.2%

2000s

2,288

42.7%

2010 or Later

1,508

28.1%

TOTAL

5,359

100.0%

Year Built

Source: City of Waukee

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Around 86 percent of homes in Waukee have been built since 1990. The geographic pattern of housing built over time can be seen in Figure 1-9. The areas around the historic core of Waukee, to the south and west of the former rail alignment that passes through Downtown, contain the oldest homes in Waukee, dating to the 1800s. Areas just to the south and east of the historic downtown contain the areas of Waukee developed during the 1960s and 1970s. Development in the 1980s and 1990s oriented to the north and south of the historic core of Waukee. Over the last twenty-five years, new developments have emerged to the north of Hickman Road, on either side of Alice’s Road and to the north and south of University, and in the areas to the northeast of the Interstate 80 and Ute Avenue interchange. The patterns of home construction reveal trends in maintenance that may affect the community in the future. For example, Waukee may have a significant need for home renovations, including replacement of roofs and exterior siding, in the 2020-2030 time frame, given that over 40 percent of homes were constructed in the 2000s, and the typical lifespan for items such as roofs and siding is 20 to 30 years. In general, the City of Waukee will experience a significant increase in the need for home maintenance and repairs in a few decades, as the very large pool of homes built since 1990 begins to show significant signs of age. Many older suburbs around the country that largely developed during the same time period have experienced this pattern in the past. For example, many post-World War II suburbs began to experience a significant need for home upgrades in the 1980s and 1990s. As a result of these patterns, the City of Waukee should plan for the future and consider tools and strategies to ensure that the housing stock remains well maintained, as the significant pool of homes built in the post-1990 time frame begins to age, between now and 2040. A number of older suburbs around the country have provided loans, grants, and other tools to homeowners in need, for example, to ensure that home repairs are made and a community’s housing stock remains viable over time. While Waukee will continue to expand over the next 25 years with new housing, it should begin to plan for the revitalization and fortification of its existing housing stock as it begins to show signs of age. Similarly, while the number of homes built in Waukee prior to 1990 is less significant, the community should proactively monitor the conditions of these homes now, to ensure that the older, small town core of Waukee remains strong, with well maintained housing.

Wa u ke e C o m m u n i t y C o n t ex t | 2 0 1 7


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Sources: Esri, HERE, DeLorme, TomTom, Intermap, increment P Corp., GEBCO, USGS, FAO, NPS, NRCAN, GeoBase, IGN, Kadaster NL, Ordnance Survey, Esri Japan, METI, Esri China (Hong Kong), swisstopo, MapmyIndia, © OpenStreetMap contributors, and the GIS User Community

Housing

1-15


EXISTING MARKET CONDITIONS The following provide snapshots of the local real estate market in Waukee, in order to provide context for the comprehensive planning effort. While market conditions can and do change on a regular basis, this information helps frame the position of Waukee in the Des Moines region and assists the community in discussions regarding the planning for appropriate land uses in Waukee. Figure 1-10.

Existing Commercial & Industrial Areas in Waukee

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L

75

Sources: Esri, HERE, DeLorme, TomTom, Intermap, increment P Corp., GEBCO, USGS, FAO, NPS, NRCAN, GeoBase, IGN, Kadaster NL, Ordnance Survey, Esri Japan, METI, Esri China (Hong Kong), swisstopo, MapmyIndia, © OpenStreetMap contributors, and the GIS User Community

1-16

Wa u ke e C o m m u n i t y C o n t ex t | 2 0 1 7


Retail As outlined in the tables that follow, the size of the retail market in Waukee is relatively limited, given the lack of larger scale retailers in the community. The city had less than half a million square feet of retail space at the end of 2016, representing a very small share of the regional market. West Des Moines continues to dominate the local retail market, given the presence of Jordan Creek Mall and nearby retailers and the draw of this retail from around the metro area and from throughout central Iowa. However, as Waukee continues to expand, the city will gain additional retail capacity. In particular, the opening of Grand Prairie Parkway and the new interchange at I-80 is anticipated to attract a variety of new retail development in the Kettlestone development in coming years. Table 1-11. Retail Space Availability in Waukee by Year

Total SF

Total Vacancy

NNN Lease Rate / SF (Overall)

Q4 2007

392,880

11.9%

$13.70

Q4 2008

427,098

14.9%

$13.17

Q4 2009

430,448

11.5%

$13.17

Q4 2010

430,448

13.0%

$13.17

Q4 2011

430,448

7.9%

$14.79

Q4 2012

435,448

5.6%

$14.18

Q4 2013

445,448

5.4%

$17.87

Q4 2014

463,648

6.4%

$18.01

Q4 2015

463,648

5.7%

$15.50

Q4 2016

478,004

3.0%

$16.16

Source: CoStar

Neighborhood & Community Centers

Table 1-12. Regional Retail Market Metrics

Total SF (2016)

Vacancy (2016)

Absorption - SF (2016)

Western Suburbs

3,713,156

16.6%

62,565

Des Moines CBD

138,432

58.0%

14,784

Northwest Des Moines

780,238

18.2%

25,109

Northeast Des Moines

818,613

12.4%

14,735

South Des Moines

582,211

21.9%

39,962

Ankeny

777,469

15.8%

62,981

6,810,119

17.4%

217,136

Des Moines Metro Total (Neighborhood & Community Centers) Big Box Retail

Total SF (2016)

Vacancy (2016)

Absorption - SF (2016)

Western Suburbs

5,258,073

5.9%

171,191

Des Moines CBD

0

N/A

0

Northwest Des Moines

390,246

0.0%

26,927

Northeast Des Moines

1,576,772

6.3%

(63,071)

South Des Moines

1,302,093

0.8%

0

Ankeny

1,791,343

2.8%

28,870

10,318,527

4.6%

161,917

Des Moines Metro Total (Big Box) Waukee (All Retail Combined) Waukee

Total SF (2016) 478,004

Vacancy (2016)

Absorption - SF (2016)

3.0%

41,114

Source: Hubbell Commercial, CoStar

Existing Market Conditions

1-17


Overall, the retail market has improved in Waukee and across the metro area over the last several years, in terms of vacancy rates and lease rates, as the local economy has continued to recover from the Great Recession. The “healthy” vacancy rate for a retail market varies from place to place and depends on local marketplace dynamics. However, over the last several years national observers have generally considered retail vacancy rates in the 5 to 10 percent range to be “healthy.” The strength of the local retail market, coupled with a stable economy and a growing population, should result in a variety of additional retail development in Waukee over the next five to ten years, and beyond.

Office Similar to the retail market, the size of the office market in Waukee is very small relative to West Des Moines and the larger metropolitan market. While the city includes a variety of smaller-scale offices (including medical office uses such as dental or doctors’ offices, various service-oriented firms, and the offices of various small companies), the city does not have any largescale private sector employment centers. In contrast, West Des Moines is the home to new corporate campuses for Wells Fargo and Microsoft and has a variety of office parks within its boundaries. The opening of Grand Prairie Parkway and the new interchange at I-80 should attract additional office development to Kettlestone over the next few decades. Table 1-13. Office Space Availability in Waukee by Year

Total SF

Total Vacancy

Gross Rent Overall / SF

Q4 2007

164,970

10.6%

$10.56

Q4 2008

164,970

7.4%

$12.00

Q4 2009

170,970

5.1%

$15.41

Q4 2010

170,970

2.1%

$14.79

Q4 2011

180,970

10.3%

$14.68

Q4 2012

180,970

12.6%

$14.19

Q4 2013

180,970

13.3%

$13.42

Q4 2014

180,970

11.0%

$12.47

Q4 2015

180,970

3.2%

$12.41

Q4 2016

180,970

2.0%

$10.48

Source: CoStar Figure 1-11.

Regional Office Market Metrics

Total SF (Q4 2016) Western Suburbs

Vacancy (Q4 2016)

Absorption - SF (YTD 2016)

Avg Total Asking Rent / SF (4Q 2016)

7,231,375

12.5%

51,869

$15.78

North

801,611

6.3%

34,419

$13.23

East

128,849

3.5%

6,836

$6.00

South

641,222

10.1%

(7,799)

$10.05

4,444,078

17.3%

19,657

$17.34

13,247,135

13.6%

104,982

$15.08

180,970

2.0%

10,215

$12.28

Des Moines CBD Total, Des Moines Metro Waukee Source: JLL, CoStar

1-18

Wa u ke e C o m m u n i t y C o n t ex t | 2 0 1 7


Table 1-14. Industrial Space Availability in Waukee by Year

Total SF

Total Vacancy

NNN Lease Rate / SF (Overall)

Q4 2007

430,812

4.3%

$6.91

Q4 2008

430,812

2.6%

$6.47

Q4 2009

476,812

5.8%

$4.36

Q4 2010

476,812

6.3%

$4.36

Q4 2011

476,812

4.2%

$5.82

Q4 2012

476,812

1.8%

$5.75

Q4 2013

476,812

1.6%

$5.25

Q4 2014

476,812

0.3%

$5.82

Q4 2015

476,812

0.3%

$5.75

Q4 2016

476,812

0.0%

$6.30

Source: CoStar Table 1-15. Regional Industrial Market Metrics

Total SF (Q4 2016)

Vacancy (Q4 2016)

Absorption - SF (YTD 2016)

Avg Total Asking Rent / SF (4Q 2016)

West

16,752,185

3.7%

324,076

$6.18

East

25,138,505

1.7%

875,628

$5.19

South

6,538,361

1.5%

151,575

$4.41

Des Moines CBD

5,014,478

20.6%

(823,574)

$4.90

55,294,794

4.0%

513,000

$5.33

476,812

0.0%

3,398

$6.50

Total, Des Moines Metro Waukee

Source: Hubbell Commercial (Metro data), CoStar (Waukee data)

Construction is currently underway on the first office development in Kettlestone. This 90,000 square foot office building near Grand Prairie Parkway and SE Esker Ridge Drive will serve as the new headquarters for Holmes, Murphy, and Associates. Over the last several years, the City of Waukee has added a small quantity (less than 20,000 square feet) of office space, but lease rates have remained relatively steady. In line with national trends, the office development sector has been somewhat slower to recover from the Great Recession, given trends toward companies having less space per employee and telecommuting. While the “healthy” office vacancy rate fluctuates over time and in different markets, national observers over the last few years have generally considered office vacancy rates in the low- to mid-teens to reflect “healthy” markets.

Industrial The City of Waukee has a relatively small inventory of industrial property, primarily centered along Alice’s Road and south of Hickman Road. The community has added less than 50,000 square feet of industrial space in the last ten years, and the total size of industrial space in Waukee represents less than one percent of the total industrial market in the Des Moines metro. While the definition of a “healthy” market varies over time and by location, over the last several years national observers have generally considered industrial vacancy rates of 5 to 10 percent to represent a “healthy” market.

Existing Market Conditions

1-19


Apartments / Multi-Family Waukee has more than doubled the total number of apartment units in the community over the last ten years. However, the size of the multi-family market in Waukee continues to represent a small share of the market in the Western Suburbs and the overall metro area. In line with trends across the Midwest and nationally, rental rates in Waukee have increased considerably with the recent economic expansion, while vacancy rates have remained relatively healthy. Vacancy rates have increased slightly in Waukee over the last two years, as the community has added more than 500 apartment units since the beginning of 2014.

Table 1-16. Apartment Availability in Waukee by Year

Net Absorption YTD

Total Units

Asking Rent per Unit

Vacancy

Asking Rent / SF

Q4 2007

678

(2)

4.4%

$701

$0.70

Q4 2008

678

1

7.0%

$711

$0.71

Q4 2009

678

0

7.3%

$695

$0.70

Q4 2010

678

1

6.7%

$695

$0.70

Q4 2011

678

1

6.3%

$699

$0.70

Q4 2012

884

123

14.8%

$855

$0.83

Q4 2013

884

1

5.5%

$871

$0.85

Q4 2014

1,000

39

6.7%

$840

$0.82

Q4 2015

1,424

109

13.1%

$969

$0.92

Q4 2016

1,424

(39)

8.8%

$990

$0.95 Source: CoStar

Table 1-17. Regional Multi-Family Market Metrics

Total Units

Vacancy (Overall)

Avg Rent, 1 BR

Avg Rent, 2 BR

Avg Rent, 3 BR

East Submarket

1,326

2.9%

$662

$765

$1,129

South Submarket

4,113

3.8%

$651

$719

$941

West Submarket

2,754

3.2%

$643

$759

$1,211

Des Moines CBD

1,651

2.1%

$911

$1,196

$1,752

12,615

4.3%

$826

$877

$1,119

Altoona

1,028

2.4%

$703

$803

$1,059

Ankeny

2,043

5.3%

$767

$897

$1,255

424

4.0%

$568

$687

$655

25,954

3.9%

$766

$834

$1,120

1,496

8.8%

West Suburbs

Indianola Des Moines Area Total Waukee

Overall Avg Rent per Unit

$990 Source: Hubbell Commercial (Metro data), CoStar (Waukee data)

1-20

Wa u ke e C o m m u n i t y C o n t ex t | 2 0 1 7


For-Sale Residential Market The for-sale residential market has continued to strengthen for several years in Waukee, across Iowa, and around the nation. Homes in Waukee have appreciated nearly 5 percent over the last year and sales prices continue to escalate, indicative of a strong housing market. The City of Waukee has experienced significant development of new, single family neighborhoods in recent years. In terms of overall residential construction, Waukee has reported consistent growth in single family home construction over the last several years, as illustrated in the table that follows. Importantly, Waukee continued a pace of growth in single family construction even during the heart of the Great Recession (roughly from 2008 to 2011). In recent years, the community has experienced an increase in the development of smaller units and multifamily units, including townhomes and condominiums. Table 1-18. Waukee Single Family Residential Market Conditions (May 2017)

Waukee

One Year Percentage Change in Value

One Year Percentage Change in Value

Des Moines Metro

Zillow Home Value Index (All Homes)

$239,200

4.5%

$167,600

2.9%

Zillow Home Value Index (All Single Family Homes)

$246,600

3.5%

$172,700

3.0%

Zillow Home Value Index (One Bedroom)

$109,700

20.0%

$93,200

4.4%

Zillow Home Value Index (Two Bedroom)

$139,900

4.9%

$116,500

4.4%

Zillow Home Value Index (Three Bedroom)

$226,800

4.3%

$176,300

2.2%

Zillow Home Value Index (Four Bedroom)

$319,600

6.7%

$272,100

4.9%

Zillow Median List Price (All Homes)

$331,900

7.1%

$231,200

15.7%

Figure 1-12.

Waukee Building Permits by Year

Source: Zillow 2017

Source: City of Waukee

Existing Market Conditions

1-21


EXISTING LAND USE ANALYSIS ¬ « 80 ¬ «

80

The analysis of existing land uses considers the present uses of the parcels within the city limits of Waukee, as well as the areas contained in the future growth area, to the south and west. While the Imagine Waukee 2040 plan considers the planning for future land uses and other planning 80frameworks 80 § ¦ ¨ § ¦ ¨ for the sizeable growth area, the City of Waukee, within its current city limits, already contains a great deal of vacant and developable land. As development continues to move westward in Dallas County, undeveloped lands within the Waukee city limits and within the growth area will continue to fill with various land uses over the next 25 years.

Figure 1-13.

Douglas Pkwy

Douglas Pkwy

Douglas Pkwy

Douglas Pkw y

Meredith Dr T Ave

NE Alice's Road

N E Westgate Dr

Meredith Dr

SE University Ave

6 £ ¤

142nd St

N Warrior Ln

NW 156th St

6 £ ¤

Hickman Rd

Hickman Rd

N Warrior Ln

P kwy

airi e

235

235

Pr

d

SE University Ave

Grand P rairie

Ashworth

U Ave

Gra n

Rd

§ ¦ ¨

2

Pkwy

Wes

P kwy

80 § ¦ ¨

y town Pkw

airi e

Pr d

Ute Ave

Gra n

T Ave

310th St

SE LA Grant Pkwy

SE LA Grant Pkwy

Pl SE Olson Dr

6 £ ¤

§ ¦ ¨

§ ¦ § ¨ ¦ ¨ 235

hD

SE University Ave

80 § ¦ ¨

Ute Ave

ort

co

Ute Ave

University Ave

hw

r

Pkwy

Ashworth R d

S Ave

Grand P rairie

R-16

As

Grand Prairie Pkwy

310th St

6 £ ¤

6

SE Wa

6th St

U Ave

6

Douglas Pkw y

142nd St

SE University Ave

SE Boone Dr

Pl SE Olson Dr

s

Douglas Pkwy

NE Alice's Road

D

6 £ ¤

Wes town

Douglas Pkwy

y P kw

N E Westgate Dr

S Ave

th

r

N Warrior Ln

or

D o ug la

co

6th St

hw

6 £ ¤

Douglas Pkwy

SE Wa

As

6 £ ¤

6

SE Boone Dr

6 £ ¤

Hickman Rd

Hickman Rd

N 10th St

NW 156th St

6 £ ¤

328th Pl

Mills C

Pk

wy

Pkwy Mills Civ ic

80 § ¦ ¨

80 § ¦ ¨

R-22

Ute Ave

Pkwy Mills Civic

Rd

iv

ic

Pkwy Mills Civic

Pkwy Mills Civic

Ashworth

Pkwy

Ashworth R d

35 § ¦ ¨ LEGEND35 § ¦ ¨

328th Pl

335t h St

Pkwy Mills Civic

R-22

Mills

Civic Pkwy

R-22

335t h St

340th Trail

R-22

F- 90

F- 90

c Pkwy Mills Civi

Pkwy Mills Civic

Mills C

iv

wy

Pk

Growth Area Waukee City Limits Dallas County Boundary Existing Land Use Vacant Agriculture Low Density Residential Med. Density Residential High Density Residential Institutional «5 ¬ «5 ¬ Park Commercial Industrial Right-of-Way 65

ic

330th Way

35 § ¦ ¨ § ¦ ¨

LEGEND35

Growth Waukee Dallas C Existing La Vacant Agricult Low De Med. De High De Institutio Park Comme Industria Right-of 65

F- 90

76 75

F- 90

75

Sources: Esri, HERE, DeLorme, TomTom, Intermap, increment P Corp., GEBCO, USGS, FAO, NPS, NRCAN, GeoBase, IGN, Kadaster NL, Ordnance Survey, Esri Japan, METI, Esri China (Hong Kong), swisstopo, MapmyIndia, © OpenStreetMap contributors, and the GIS User Community

Wa u ke e C o m m u n i t y C o n t ex t | 2 0 1 7

1-22 0

0.5

1

2 Miles

76 75

L

¬ «

y

Grand Prairie Pkwy

6 £ ¤

P kw

N 10th St

N Warrior Ln

s D o ug la

6

¬ «

8

Existing Land Use 2017

N 10th St

R Ave

N 10th St

Meredith Dr

75

Sources: Esri, HERE, DeLorme, TomTom, Intermap, increment P Corp., GEBCO, USGS, FAO, NPS, NRCAN, GeoBase, IGN, Kadaster NL, Ordnance Survey, Esri Japan, METI, Esri China (Hong Kong), swisstopo, MapmyIndia, © OpenStreetMap contributors, and the GIS Use


Table 1-19. Existing Land Use 2017

Within Existing Waukee City Limits (acres)

Within Existing Waukee City Limits (% of Total Area)

Within Waukee Growth Area (acres)

Agriculture

3,929.7

44.8%

13,796.4

Low Density Residential

2,226.1

25.4%

892.0

Medium Density Residential

256.4

2.9%

0.0

High Density Residential

144.5

1.6%

0.0

Commercial

399.7

4.6%

129.9

35.3

0.4%

11.2

Institutional

387.5

4.4%

3.9

Park

203.5

2.3%

0.0

Vacant

171.0

1.9%

53.5

Right of Way

1,027.4

11.7%

647.6

Total

8,781.0

100.0%

15,535.4

Industrial

Source: City of Waukee

Data from GIS (Geographic Information System), supplemented with input from Waukee city staff, informed the classification of existing land uses in Waukee, as outlined in Table 1-19. As of Spring 2017, Agricultural land uses covered nearly 45 percent of the nearly 8,800 acres contained in the Waukee city limits. Among developed land uses, Low Density Residential was the most prevalent land use in the city, with over 25 percent of the total land area. High and Medium Density Residential accounted, together, for less than 4 percent of the land area in Waukee, and Parks accounted for only 2.3 percent. While a set standard or formula does not exist for determining how much of various land uses a particular city should contain, the percentage of each land use in individual communities is reflective of the type of place a city wants to be. Communities typically take into account the financial implications of each land use, as the different land uses have different demands on city services, and therefore different costs to the city. Communities typically evaluate a variety of factors in determining the proper mix of land uses for the future, including fiscal issues and other issues such as environmental quality, housing affordability, the jobs-tohousing balance, and the overall quality of life. Table 1-20 outlines the land use mix for a variety of similarly situated communities in the middle of the country. All of the communities included in the table are in a similar suburban context and continue to serve as key areas of growth in their respective metropolitan areas.

Existing Land Use Analysis

1-23


The review of comparable cities reveals the following takeaways: »»

Comparable cities generally report a higher percentage of land classified as Commercial, compared to Waukee. As Waukee continues to add retail and commercial space along Grand Prairie Parkway and other corridors in the near future, the percentage in the community classified as commercial should increase.

»»

Comparable suburbs generally reported a higher percentage of land use classified as Industrial. With only 35 acres of existing Industrial acreage, Waukee has a very limited base of existing industrial lands, especially compared to similar suburban municipalities.

»»

Most comparable suburban communities tend to have a higher percentage of land area dedicated to park and open space amenities.

Table 1-20. Land Use Distribution, Comparable Cities

Public / Industrial % Institutional %

Parks / Open Space %

City

Date Collected

Population

Residential %

Commercial %

Mixed Use %

Chaska, MN

2008

23,775

19%

2%

0%

5%

4%

5%

New Berlin, WI

2000

39,584

29%

2%

0%

3%

2%

2%

Lenexa, KS

2016

52,490

28%

16%

0%

11%

4%

1%

Brighton, CO

2016

35,719

37%

9%

13%

21%

7%

10%

Cedar Park, TX

2013

61,238

30%

6%

0%

4%

7%

4%

Waukee, IA

2016

19,284

30%

5%

N/A

0.4%

4%

2.3%

Source: Hoisington Koegler Group Inc.

1-24

Wa u ke e C o m m u n i t y C o n t ex t | 2 0 1 7


PARKS, RECREATION, & OPEN SPACE The City of Waukee completed a Comprehensive Park, Recreation, and Open Space Plan in 2011. The document outlined recommendations concerning the planning for future park space as the community grows, as well as the needs for various amenities (including sports fields, equipment, and related items) and the trail system serving the Waukee area. It also articulated a series of implementation recommendations, including changes to park and open space policies and the City’s park dedication practices.

Figure 1-14. Waukee Existing Parks & Trails System

Un na

Dallas Center

med k Cree

80 ¬ « Grimes

R Ave

80 ¬ «

80 80 § ¦ ¨ § ¦ ¨

Meredith Dr

N 10th St

T Ave

Meredith Dr

S Ave

Urbandale

6 £ ¤

6 £ ¤

6 £ ¤

6

N E Westgate Dr

NE Alice's Road

NW 156th St

Trail Head

Windfield Park

hw

ort

Waukee M.S.

SE Olson Dr Prairieview

Centennial Park

Waukee H.S.

University Ave

SE University Ave

U Ave

6 £ ¤

6 £ ¤

Ridge Point Park

l oP

hD

r

Songbird Park

Warrior Park

N Warrior Ln

6th St

As

c SE Wa

Waukee

Creek

6

Clive

Grand Prairie Pkwy

Waukee Community Center

Waukee E.S.

Unnamed

6 £ ¤

Hickman Rd

Hickman Rd

Creek

142nd St

Cree k

Douglas Pkw y

Walnut

SE Boone Dr

med

Douglas Pkwy

Shuler E.S.

y

Fox Creek Park

N Warrior Ln Unna

kw sP

Grant Ragan E.S.

N 10th St

Unna me Creek d

Douglas Pkwy

Douglas Pkwy

D o ug la

Second H.S. & Sport Complex

Southfork Park

SE University Ave

Sugar Creek Golf Course

§ ¦ § ¨ ¦ ¨ 235

Spyglass Park

Grant Park

310th St

Maple Grove E.S.

S Ave

P kwy

Pr d Ashworth

Rd

Pkwy

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on

Riv er

Rac co

on

nam

ed

West Des Moines

Cree k

Fox Cree k

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Un

80 § ¦ ¨

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Ra

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South M.S.

80 § ¦ ¨ h

§ ¦ ¨

Gra n

SE LA Grant Pkwy

Timberline

Ashworth R d

No rt

235

Pkwy

Grand P rairie

R-16

Ute Ave

Unnamed Creek

T Ave

Westown

328th Pl Riv er

Mills C

iv

wy

35 § ¦ ¨ 35 § ¦ ¨

R-22

Pkwy Mills Civic

Pkwy

Pk

Pkwy Mills Civic Mills Civic

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Pkwy Mills Civic

330th Way

335th St

Paul E. Huscher Prairie Park

340th Trail

n Raccoo

LEGEND

River

Growth Area Waukee City Limits Dallas County Boundary Regional Bike Trail Local Bike Trail Waukee Sidewalks «5 ¬ «5 ¬ Parks Golf Course Institutional Park 65

R-22

South

Su

ga

r Cr eek

Raccoo

Racc oon

r n Rive

F-90

Van Meter F-90

0

0.5

1

2 Miles

76 75

L

Rive r

75

Sources: Esri, HERE, DeLorme, TomTom, Intermap, increment P Corp., GEBCO, USGS, FAO, NPS, NRCAN, GeoBase, IGN, Kadaster NL, Ordnance Survey, Esri Japan, METI, Esri China (Hong Kong), swisstopo, MapmyIndia, © OpenStreetMap contributors, and the GIS User Community

Parks, Recreation, & Open Space

1-25


Since 2011, the City has added two new park facilities – Fox Creek Park, and a new trailhead area serving the Raccoon River Valley Trail. Construction on Fox Creek Park, located on 18 acres of land adjacent to the new Grant Ragan Elementary School, began in the spring of 2016. The City has completed trails and landscaping amenities, along with other initial features. The park could eventually include tennis and pickle-ball courts, basketball courts, parking areas, a shelter, a splash pad, open green spaces, play pods, and outdoor classroom, and a Little Free Library. The Raccoon River Valley Trail is an 89-mile paved trail that begins in Waukee and winds through 14 other communities in central Iowa before looping back to Waukee. In 2012, the City of Waukee completed new facilities at the trailhead including restrooms, new landscaping, benches, shade structures, and other furnishings. The City is currently constructing new trailhead improvements and art installations; construction should be complete by the end of 2017. The 2011 Parks Plan noted that, according to national standards, the City of Waukee had a deficiency of neighborhood park and regional park acreage to serve the existing population. As the community has continued to grow significantly over the last several years, the need for additional park space has continued to grow. As outlined in Table 1-21, based upon the City’s 2015 population, Waukee currently has an unmet need of 90.8 acres of neighborhood park space and 76.0 acres of regional park space. Based upon a projected population for Waukee in 2040 exceeding 40,000 residents, the needs for park space will grow to an additional 219.3 acres of neighborhood park space, 48.5 acres of community park space, and 161.6 acres of regional park space. Table 1-21. Assessment of Park Needs in Waukee Based Upon 2015 Population

Based Upon Projected 2040 Population

Park Type

Total Acres (Current Inventory)

Neighborhood Parks (Up to 10 Acres)

23.1

1.2

acres per

1,000

6

acres per

1,000

Need Exists

90.8

Need Exists

265.1

Community Parks (10 - 100 Acres)

72.7

3.8

acres per

1,000

3

acres per

1,000

Meets Standard

N/A

Need Exists

764

Regional Open Space & Natural Acres (Over 100 Acres)

0.0

0.0

acres per

1,000

4

acres per

1,000

Need Exists

76.0

Need Exists

192.1

Total Park Acres

95.8

5.0

acres per

1,000

13

acres per

1,000

Need Exists

151.1

Need Exists

528.6

Current Service Level

Recommended Service Levels

Meet Standards / Need Exists

Additional Acres Needed

Meet Standards / Need Exists

Additional Acres Needed

2015 Population 18,990 2040 Population Projection (from City)

48,028 Source: HKGi 2017

Figure 1-15 outlines the geographic coverage of the various parks in the City of Waukee, as of spring 2017. Mini-neighborhood parks, defined as neighborhood parks of two acres or fewer, generally serve areas within one-quarter mile. Neighborhood parks serve residents within onehalf mile, and community parks serve residents within two miles radius. Based upon these assumptions, the map helps to pinpoint areas that are generally underserved by the various types of parks in Waukee. The older 1-26

Wa u ke e C o m m u n i t y C o n t ex t | 2 0 1 7


portion of Waukee, to the south and east of downtown Waukee, and to the north of Hickman, generally enjoy good accessibility to nearby neighborhood parks. Areas to the south of University Avenue, however, generally lack neighborhood park coverage. As this area, and in particular the anticipated development areas in the Kettlestone development, continues to evolve, the coverage provided by neighborhood parks should continue to improve. With the exception of areas to the far north, and far south, within the existing city limits, the community parks in Waukee generally serve the current population.

Park Service Areas

T Ave

Figure 1-15.

Meredith Dr

N 10th St

Meredith Dr

Grimes

Urbandale W aln

ut

Cr

ee k

Unnamed

6 £ ¤

6 £ ¤

6th St

th Dr

Songbird Warrior Park Park

U Ave

S Ave

Sugar Creek Golf Course

6 £ ¤

Waco Pl SE

Ridge Point Park

Waukee

N Warrior Ln

University Ave

Creek

6

D

r

hw or

6 £ ¤

Clive

SE Boone Dr

As

SE Alice's Road

Trail Head Waukee Triangle Park Community Windfield Center Park

6

SE O ls

on

142nd St

N Warrior Ln

N 10th St

6 £ ¤

6 £ ¤

NE Alice's Road

S Ave

Fox Creek Park

N E Westgate Dr

Douglas Pkwy Douglas Pkwy Douglas Pkwy

k wy sP Do ugla

Southfork Park SE University Ave

Spyglass Park Grant Park

310th St Pkwy

T Ave

Ute

Av e

Unnamed Creek

SE LA Grant Pkwy

Westown

Rd Ashworth

Ashworth Rd

328th Pl

80 § ¦ ¨

Cre

ek

eek

ed

§ ¦ ¨

Fox Cr

Ute Ave

Un nam

80

330th Way

Pkw Mills Civic

Pkwy Mills Civic

y

R-22

Pkw Mills Civic

Paul E. Huscher Prairie Park

335th St

22

R-

340th Trail

0

0.5

1

2 Miles

ek Sugar Cre

L

West Des Moines

y

Pkw Mills Civic

y

LEGEND Growth Area Waukee City Limits Dallas County Boundary Parks Park Service Radius Mini-Neighborhood Park (1/4 mile) Neighborhood Park (1/2 mile) Community Park (2 mile) Special Use Park (1 mile) Greenway/Linear Park (1/2 mile)

Sources: Esri, HERE, DeLorme, TomTom, Intermap, increment P Corp., GEBCO, USGS, FAO, NPS, NRCAN, GeoBase, IGN, Kadaster NL, Ordnance Survey, Esri Japan, METI, Esri China (Hong Kong), swisstopo, MapmyIndia, © OpenStreetMap contributors, and the GIS User Community

Parks, Recreation, & Open Space

1-27


Based upon this information, and as outlined in the 2011 Parks Plan, the City of Waukee should continue to proactively plan for parkland dedication and facilities in order to adequately serve the anticipated and significant growth of the community over the next 25 years. New development plans should continue to plan for the appropriate geographic distribution of park facilities, as well. The City of Waukee currently features over 23 miles of trails, including the Raccoon River Valley Trail and various other local trails throughout the city. The City has a multi-year plan for trails, reflected in Figure 1-16, that includes more than 12 underpasses that will allow safe crossing at major roads in Waukee including Hickman Road, and an eventual trail under Interstate 80 that will connect to the trail system in West Des Moines. Future plans Figure 1-16. Waukee WAUKEE TRAILS MAP Trail System

â

URBANDALE

â

Trailhead

CLIVE

Planned Trail Underpass

â

Hickman Road

â 6th Street / R-22

Existing Regional Trails Planned Regional Trails Existing Local Trails Planned Local Trails Existing Parks

WAUKEE â

Planned Greenbelt Parks

â

Clive Trails

â

â

University Ave

Urbandale Trails

WEST DES MOINES

â

â

WDM Trails

â

â â

Grand Prairie Pkwy

â

N

Alice's Road

LEGEND

â

â â

â Ashworth Road

â â

â â â

also include 8 miles of trails through the future Kettlestone development along Grand Prairie Parkway, that will link this new development area to regional trails and Waukee neighborhoods. The City’s future plans also include the extension of local trails, extending from the Sugar Creek area to nearby neighborhoods, and additional trails along Ashworth Road and other key arterials, in future growth areas to the west of the existing Waukee City Limits. 1-28

Wa u ke e C o m m u n i t y C o n t ex t | 2 0 1 7


TRANSPORTATION Introduction The City of Waukee is well connected to the Des Moines Metropolitan Area via the regional transportation network (Interstate 80 and Interstate 35) and provides over 220 miles of local roads. The city is the fastest growing community in the State of Iowa, as well as being located within one of the fastest growing counties in the United States. In that respect, it is important to recognize these trends as the community continues to plan for transportation improvements needed to accommodate today’s needs and anticipated growth.

Existing Conditions Road Network The roadway network within the city of Waukee consists of over 208 miles of paved lanes and 12 gravel miles within the city limits. The roads within the city are in good condition and maintenance to the roadways includes mostly seal coat repairs of pavement, and snow removal in the winter months. Curbs, gutters, manholes, sewers, and catch basins are maintained by Waukee’s Streets Department.

Existing Functional Classification The City of Waukee’s transportation network is classified into five categories, which include Principal Arterials (Freeways), Arterials (Other), Major Collectors, Minor Collectors, and Local Roads. Annual Average Daily Traffic (AADT) data was collected for many of the city streets in 2015. The volumes along with the functional classification of each roadway are displayed on Figure 1-17. Table 1-22 lists the current (as of 2015) miles of roadway for each type of functional classification designation.

Table 1-22. Existing Functional Classification Mileage in Waukee

Functional Class

Mileage

Percentage

Principal Arterials (Freeways)

2.1

0.1%

Arterials (Other)

9.8

4.5%

Major Collectors

67.5

30.7%

Minor Collectors

13.2

6.0%

127.4

58.7%

Local Roads

Source: City of Waukee

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Figure 1-17.

2015 Annual Average Daily Traffic (AADT) and Roadway Functional Classification

Legend Waukee City Limits

Roadway Functional Classification

Meredith Dr

_ ^

_ ^

1610

Interstate

¯

Arterial

_ ^

_ ^ _ _ ^ ^ _ ^

_ ^

8100

n I

_ ^

_ ^ ^ _

_ ^ _ ^ ^ _ 9000 _ ^ _ ^ _ _ ^^ _^ _^ _ __ ^ _ ^ _ ^ ^ ^

_ 11000 ^ _^ _ _ ^ ^ _ ^ _^ _ ^ Ave University _ ^ _ _ ^ ^

_ ^

_ ^

^ _ _ ^ _ ^ _ _^ ^

_ ^

142nd St

^ _

_ ^ _ _ ^ ^

8800

_^ ^ _ ^ _ _ ^

_ ^

_ ^

2290

_ ^

_ ^ ^ _

3740

_ ^

29 70

Ute Ave

5100

_ ^

^ _

Ashwor th

Rd

$ c " ! 3970

_ ^ _ ^

_ ^

_ ^ ^ _

1040

Jordan Creek Pkwy

kw

_ ^

88th St

310 0

_ ^

SE Waco Pl

y 8277

^ _ _ ^

G rand Prairie P

Pkw y Wes tow n

_ ^

$ c " ! 3950

Pkwy Mills Civic

335th St

2200

H:\Projects\10000\10235\GIS\EA Exhibits\071117_Exhibit 1_2015 Traffic Counts.mxd

_ _^ ^^ _

^ _ _ ^

_ _^ ^

00 31

1-30

_ ^

20600

_ ^

^ _

^ _ _ ^

Rd

2016 Crash Locations

^ _

_ ^

Ashwor th

_ ^ ^ _

SE LA Galaxy Pkwy

3150

_ ^

_ ^^ _

_ ^

_ ^ _ _ ^ ^ ^^ _ _^ ^ _ _ _^ _ ^ _ ^

Warrior Ln

_ ^

Railroad

_ ^ _ ^^ _

6th St

3520

_ ^

Local

Boone Dr

_ ^

SE Alice's Road

ate D r

Dartmoor Dr

Warrior Ln

^ _ _ ^ _^ ^ _

^ _ _ ^ ^ 13300 19500 _ _ _ ^ _^ _ _ ^ ^ _ ^ ^ _^ _ _ ^ _^ ^ _^ _^ _ Hickman _^ ^ _ ^ ^ _ ^ _ ^ _ ^ Rd _ ^ _ ^ _ ^ _ _ ^ _ ^ __ ^ _^ ^ _ _ ^ _ ^ ^ _ ^ _ ^ ^ _ _ ^ As hw _ ^ or th _^ ^ _ Dr 6 _ Olson Dr _ 70^ ^ _ ^ 0 _ ^ _ ^ _ ^

^ _ _ _^ ^ _ ^ _ ^

_ ^ ^ _

Pkwy

5800

_ ^

^ _

10th St

n I

11200

Douglas

Wes tg

1610

_ ^

NE Alice's Road

Collector

Source: Evan Koester, 2017

W a u 2015 k e e Annual C o m mAverage u n i t y CDaily o n tTraffic e x t | (AADT) 2 0 1 7 and Roadway Functional Classification City of Waukee, IA Comprehensive Plan Update 2040

Figure 1


Principal Arterials »» »» »» »» »» »» »» »»

Table 1-23. Function Classification Characteristics

Connect major activity centers, regional job concentrations and freight terminals Provide significant continuity at a regional level Serve long distance trips Provide limited access and high speeds Serve regional or statewide travelsheds Bicycle and pedestrian accommodations are typically on facilities that cross or are parallel to principal arterials Typically only provide transit accommodations as needed during peak periods Example: I-80

Arterials (Other) »» »» »» »» »» »» »» »» »»

Connect key activity centers and connect Waukee to nearby cities and towns Provide continuity on a sub-regional level Serve medium to long distance trips Provide limited access and high speeds Serve regional travelsheds A-Minor Arterials are categorized into the following: Relievers, Augmentors, Expanders and Connectors Bicycle and pedestrian accommodations are typically on facilities that cross minor arterials Typically only provide transit accommodations as needed during peak periods Example: Hickman Road, University Avenue, SE Alice’s Road

Collectors (Major and Minor) »» »» »» »» »» »» »» »»

Connect local activity centers to arterials Provide increased continuity at a local level Serve short to medium length trips Balance emphasis of access and mobility Provide access to localized areas Bicycle and pedestrian accommodations are provided on, along or crossing collector roadways Cross-sections and geometrics designed for use by regular-route buses in urban areas Example: Grand Prairie Parkway, NE Alice’s Road, Ashworth Road, Ashworth Drive, Warrior Lane, Meredith Drive, 10th Street, 6th Street, Ute Avenue, Boone Drive

Local Routes »» »» »» »» »» »» »» »» »»

Connect neighborhoods, businesses and schools to county system Provide access to higher-order roadways Provide lowest degree of continuity Allow closely spaced access points Provide direct access to property Serve limited travelsheds Bicycle and pedestrian accommodations are provided on, along or crossing local roadways Normally used as bus routes only in non-residential areas Example: Olson Drive, NE Bowman Drive, SE Parkview Crossing Drive

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Principal Arterials – Freeways Principal Arterials typically serve longer-distance trips between regional destinations and centers. In general, these routes carry the highest volumes of traffic. Interstate 80 (I-80) is the only Principal Arterial roadway within the City of Waukee, carrying approximately 35,000 vehicles per day. The ramps at I-80/Grand Prairie Parkway and I-80/Ute Avenue are within city limits. »»

I-80 Westbound On-Ramp at Ute Avenue ––

»»

I-80 Eastbound Off-Ramp at Ute Avenue ––

»»

AADT: 1,040

I-80 Westbound On-Ramp at Grand Prairie Parkway ––

»»

Annual Average Daily Traffic (AADT): 1,040

AADT: 2,970

I-80 Westbound Off-Ramp at Grand Prairie Parkway ––

AADT: 7,400

Arterials (Other) Arterials (Other), often referred to as Minor Arterials, interconnect the roadway system with Principal Arterials and Connector routes. They provides less access, and do not penetrate identifiable neighborhoods. Roadways identified as Arterials (Other) within the City of Waukee include: »»

»»

»»

US 6/Hickman Road ––

AADTs 11,200 west of 10th Street North

––

AADTs 20,600 east of Alice’s Road

Alice’s Road ––

AADTs 8,100 north of University Avenue

––

AADTs 5,800 north of US 6/Hickman Road

University Avenue ––

AADTs 11,000 west of Alice’s Road

––

AADTs 9,000 east of Alice’s Road

Major / Minor Collectors Collector roads provide both land access and traffic circulation within residential, commercial and industrial areas. The collector streets gather traffic from local streets and channel it towards the arterial system. The roadways within the City of Waukee, below, are classified as Collectors: »»

Grand Prairie Parkway ––

»»

Ashworth Road ––

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AADTs 8,300 south of University Avenue AADTs 3,800 near Grand Prairie Parkway

Wa u ke e C o m m u n i t y C o n t ex t | 2 0 1 7


»»

»»

Ute Avenue ––

AADTs 5,100 north of I-80

––

AADTs 4,000 south of I-80

10th Street North ––

»»

Meredith Drive ––

»»

AADTs 6,800 south of US 6/Hickman Road

Boone Drive ––

»»

AADT 5,800

Warrior Lane ––

»»

AADT – No current data available

Alice’s Road (north of US 6) ––

»»

AADTs 2,600 north of US 6/Hickman Road

AADTs 8,800 north of University Avenue

6th Street ––

AADTs 3,600 south of Ashworth Drive

Local Roads Local roads provide direct access to abutting land uses and offer the lowest level of mobility. All the other roadways not listed within the city limits are classified as local roads.

Future Functional Classification The future roadway functional classification defines the function and role of all roads within the hierarchy of the city’s future system. The future functional classification enables the city and other roadway agencies to better manage access and the design of roadways. Based on growth and changing traffic patterns, it is assumed the existing functionally classified roads will change to higher designations. For example, the Kettlestone Development (1,700 acres) upon build out will generate large volumes of trips onto Grand Prairie Parkway and Ashworth Road. These roads are currently designated as collectors and will likely serve as arterials in the future as traffic volumes increase. The local roadway system will also see added pressure because of the development. Westown Parkway and SE LA Grant Parkway serve as local roads and may function more appropriately as collectors. Future functionally classified roads or changes to the existing designations should consider the attributes described in Table 1-23. Access management guidelines should also be considered in setting the future roadway functional classification.

Existing Traffic Signals The City of Waukee owns and operates 19 signalized intersections located within the city limits:

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»» »» »» »» »» »» »» »» »» »» »» »» »» »» »» »» »» »»

US 6/Hickman Road and 10th Street US 6/Hickman Road and 6th Street US 6/Hickman Road and 4th Street US 6/Hickman Road and Warrior Lane US 6/Hickman Road and Dartmoor Drive US 6/Hickman Road and Alice’s Road Northeast Alice’s Road and Douglas Parkway Southeast Alice’s Road and Olson Drive University Avenue and SE LA Grant Parkway University Avenue and Florence Drive SE University Avenue and Waukee High School/Prairieview School Entrance University Avenue and Grand Prairie Parkway University Avenue and Boone Drive Westown Parkway and SE LA Grant Parkway Grand Prairie Parkway and future Westown Parkway intersection Grand Prairie Parkway and Ashworth Road Ashworth Road and SE LA Grant Parkway Grand Prairie Parkway and interchange ramps north of I-80

The City of Waukee has plans and funds programmed for future signalized intersections within the city limits at six locations throughout the city: »» »» »» »» »» »»

US 6/Hickman Road and Westgate Drive US 6/Hickman Road and Waco Place University Avenue and SE Brick Drive University Avenue and Waco Place Grand Prairie Parkway approximately ¼ mile north of Ashworth Road Grand Prairie Parkway and Kum & Go Entrance

Intersections along US 6/Hickman Road and future signals at US 6/Hickman Road and Westgate Drive and US 6/Hickman Road and Waco Place would adhere to the Iowa DOT cost share participation policy. Furthermore, the intersections would be owned, operated, and maintained by Iowa DOT. Additional future signals are subject to development and roadway volumes.

Safety and Crash Analysis Roadway safety is an important issue for the community and a high priority. Crash data was screened to determine any areas of concern. This assessment used 2016 crash data collected by the city on their roadway system. Crash data was inventoried including the date, time of day, accident type, and location. In 2016, a total of 297 crashes occurred on the local system (see Figure 1-17). A large portion of the crashes (seventy-five percent) that were reported resulted in property damage. A total of twelve crashes ended with personal injury (four percent), and twenty-six accidents (nine percent) included hit-and-runs. Crash data did not include the severity type. In that respect, a detailed crash analysis to determine at-risk locations is not available at this time. However, there are potential areas of concerns based on the available data. Roadway segments or intersections that have experienced large 1-34

Wa u ke e C o m m u n i t y C o n t ex t | 2 0 1 7


volumes of crashes include: »»

US 6/Hickman Road between Warrior Lane and Dartmoor Drive

»»

US 6/Hickman Road and Alice’s Road

»»

University Avenue and SE Alice’s Road Figure 1-18.

Existing Trail and Sidewalk System

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Bicycle/Pedestrian Network and Inventory The City of Waukee has approximately 23.5 miles of bicycle trails and 130.5 miles of sidewalk connecting residents to their community’s ten parks, nine schools, employment centers, and other local and regional destinations, as illustrated in Figure 1-18. The existing regional trail system is made up of three primary routes including: »»

Raccoon River Valley Trail

»»

Heart of the Warrior Trail

»»

Sugar Creek Trail

There are dozens of miles of planned local trails and regional route extensions throughout Waukee. As part of the future trail network, conceptual locations are in place for 20 trail underpasses. The trail connections will need to be carefully planned and designed for safe crossing of city roadways.

Transit Network The Des Moines Area Regional Transit Authority (DART) was established in 2006 and became Iowa’s first regional transit authority. In 2008, DART adopted a regionally equitable funding formula that made possible the expansion of regional transit service. In 2010 DART began a year-long planning effort that would establish a blueprint for building a complete public transit system culminating in a report named DART Forward 2035. Table 1-24. Current Transit Services within Dallas County

Transit Service HomeCare Services, Inc. of Dallas County

Service/Programs Provided Public transportation for persons with disabilities

Homestead Living Joy Ride Transport, LLC Link Associates Lutheran Service in Iowa

Transportation for persons with autism Transportation for persons with special needs, wheelchair, stretcher or ambulatory needs Transportation for persons with intellectual disabilities Transportation programs for a variety ofhealth and mental of needs

Mainstream Living Miracle Travel Works Non – Emergency Medicaid Transportation

Transportation for persons with disabilities Transportation and travel cost assistance to families with critically ill or injured children Free daily transportation to Medicaid appointments including medical, dental, and mental health

Sisters Transportation Trans Iowa Visiting Angels Source: SRF Consulting Group, Des Moines Area Regional Transit Authority

1-36

Wa u ke e C o m m u n i t y C o n t ex t | 2 0 1 7

Transportation for elderly women Transportation for persons with disabilities Transportation for elderly persons


The DART Forward 2035 plan (published in September, 2011) has no specific recommendations for adding service or routes to the City of Waukee. Table 1-24 lists current transit services within Dallas County primarily consisting of dial-a-ride services through private entities, veteran’s affairs, senior services or clinics/hospitals.

Railroads Union Pacific operates one railroad line in Waukee. The rail line originally extended from US 6/Hickman Road to the southeast and followed the existing Heart of the Warrior Trail alignment. Today, the railroad operates from the University Avenue/Southeast Alice’s Road intersection to SE Waco Place, a distance of approximately 0.3 miles. These intersection locations are the only at-grade railroad crossings in the city.

Air Travel Des Moines International Airport (located approximately 20 miles southeast of Waukee) is the primary airport serving Waukee residents. Des Moines International offers non-stop daily air service to 19 U.S. destinations including: Atlanta, Charlotte, Denver, Dallas, Detroit, Newark, Houston, Las Vegas, Los Angeles, New York City, Orlando (two locations), Minneapolis, Chicago, Punta Gorda, Phoenix, Tampa Bay, Salt Lake City, St. Louis, and Washington D.C. Robel Field is a local private jet airport located approximately 10 miles northeast of Waukee in Grimes.

Planning for the Future Throughout the City of Waukee’s comprehensive planning effort, the City will need to consider how to address existing transportation needs (determined through further technical analysis and the public process), while setting the stage for future growth. Items for consideration include the following:

#1 Future Roadway System Planning In 2004, the City of Waukee adopted a Major Streets Plan that set the road hierarchy and mapped out locations for future roadways. The plan identified over 145 miles of roadway for future consideration (areas within close proximity, both within and outside of the City of Waukee limits). A breakdown of roadway mileage as part of that plan is shown in Table 1-25 and displayed in Figure 1-19. As part of this Comprehensive Plan update, the street network identified in this plan should be revisited and updated accordingly. Furthermore, the future system is large (in terms of new mileage) and will require significant investment to construct. Moving forward, the comprehensive plan will need to take the following items into consideration as the future network is confirmed and verified: »»

The appropriate functional classification.

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Figure 1-19.

1-38

Future Roadway Network from 2004 Master Plan

Wa u ke e C o m m u n i t y C o n t ex t | 2 0 1 7


Table 1-25. Future Regional Streets Plan Mileage

Functional Class

Additional Roadway Mileage

Principal Arterials (Freeways-Western Bypass)

11.5

Arterials (Other)

39.1

Major Collectors

60.4

Minor Collectors

16.4

Boulevards

17.6 Source: City of Waukee

»»

Prioritizing projects that align with future growth and desired areas of development.

»»

Maintaining the current system in a “state of good repair.”

»»

Funding mechanisms (e.g., development agreements) to fund transportation improvements.

The City will need to plan for the implementation of future roadway system improvements within the financial capacity of the municipality, taking into account that Waukee remains focused on paying off debt incurred from the Grand Prairie Parkway corridor and other recent transportation projects. As part of these discussions, the city will also need to maintain its existing system in a “state of good repair.” The city’s roads, sidewalks, and trails will deteriorate over time and will require routine maintenance (e.g.,

Figure 1-20.

Typical Industry Practice - 50-Year Maintenance Schedule for Pavement

Source: SRF Consulting Group

Tr a n s p o r t a t i o n

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Figure 1-21.

Typical Industry Practice - 50-Year Maintenance Schedule for Concrete

Source: SRF Consulting Group

crack seals, overlays, and seal coating) and will eventually reach the end of their expected useful life, requiring full rehabilitation/reconstruction. Identifying the appropriate maintenance schedule for an entire system can be challenging. Contributing factors, such as material types, weather and traffic volumes can also contribute to the varying preservation/ maintenance strategies required to extend a facility’s overall life. Physical roadways comprise a large portion of the citiy’s transportation assets. Most of this system is comprised of concrete roads, which have a longer lifespans versus asphalt roads. Industry standards to consider for maintenance schedules include: »»

1-40

Asphalt: A typical maintenance schedule for an asphalt road is 50 years (see Figure 1-20). However, system preservation research has demonstrated the life of an asphalt road can be extended to 60 – 75 years if the appropriate maintenance schedules are applied. A 50-

Wa u ke e C o m m u n i t y C o n t ex t | 2 0 1 7


year maintenance schedule includes various crack seals/seal coats and two overlays before proceeding with full reclamation. »»

Concrete: For concrete facilities, life expectancies range between 50 and 85 years, with an initial service life of 25 to 31 years and up to three rehabs, each adding an additional 8 to 18 years to the facility’s overall life.

#2: Multimodal Focused As the City of Waukee continues to grow, the need and demand to connect residents to jobs and recreational opportunities increases. There is a need to begin planning for future transit alternatives including bus, rapid bus, trolley, light rail, and commuter rail. Identifying local transit routes and stops within the future roadway corridor and connecting residents to employment destinations is a logical first step. Planning for regional service and connections into surrounding communities (including West Des Moines and Des Moines) and coordination with DART should also be considered. Identifying potential parking areas and park and ride locations should also be considered at this time. The Capital Improvement Program includes an additional $1.88 million to construct three trail segments in 2019: »»

Extend Warrior Lane Trail from the five-way intersection to Hickman Road;

»»

Pedestrian underpass located west of the Hickman Road/Warrior Table 1-26. Potential Park-and-Ride or Bus Stop Locations

Location

Attractions

University Ave/Ute Ave

Warrior Park, Sugar Creek Golf Course, Waukee Bus and Public Works Buildings

Ashworth Dr/6th St

Waukee Community Center, Vince Meyer Learning Center

Ashworth Dr/University Ave Boone Dr/Olson Dr Hickman Rd/Warrior Lane Douglas Pkwy/Berkshire Pkwy 98th St/Chalk St Ashworth Rd/SE LA Grant Pkwy

Waukee High School, Waukee Middle School, Prairieview School, Centennial Park Eason Elementary, Robert Brownell Complex, Wildwood Park, Westview Church Waukee YMCA, Fareway Grocery Store, Warrior Lanes, numerous restaurants Shuler Elementary School Maple Grove Elementary School Timberline School, Vision Soccer Academy Source: SRF Consulting Group

Tr a n s p o r t a t i o n

1-41


Figure 1-22.

1-42

Potential Park-and-Ride and Bus Stop Locations

Wa u ke e C o m m u n i t y C o n t ex t | 2 0 1 7


Lane intersection; and »»

Trail connection into the Clive Greenbelt Trail connecting Brentwood and Southfork Woods subdivisions.

Table 1-26 lists several site-specific areas the City of Waukee should consider for potential park and rides or bus stop locations. These sites can also be found on Figure 1-22.

#3: Safe Routes to Schools and Complete Streets Safe Routes to School is a national initiative to increase safety and promote walking and bicycling for America’s youth. The Safe Routes to School program will assist in providing infrastructure and non-infrastructure grants to build trails, paths, and safe connections to local schools. The Waukee School Board revealed plans in May 2016 to build a second high school north of Hickman Road and east of 10th Street. Current plans are to begin construction in spring 2018 and open to students in the fall of 2021. A land purchase agreement to construct a ninth elementary school west of Alice’s Road and north of Meredith Drive, in Urbandale, was also finalized in 2016. Planning for these new schools will require specific attention to certain elements such as bike routes, complete street treatments, sidewalk networks, pedestrian/bicycle amenities and wayfinding signage. Combined, these elements can create “Safe Routes to Schools” or “Complete Streets.” »»

Complete Streets are commonly defined as roadways that accommodate all users (e.g., pedestrians, bicyclist, vehicles and transit), regardless of age and ability. This is important to consider when recognizing the diversity of students and residents traveling to and from schools and other community destinations.

#4: Safety through Innovation Ensuring safe travel along public roads is one of the primary roles for agencies responsible for improving and maintaining transportation facilities. A precedent example of planning for safety through innovation includes the Grand Prairie Parkway Diverging Diamond Interchange (DDI) with I-80 which opened in December 2015. The interchange is the first of its kind in Iowa, and is known for carrying extremely high traffic volumes, while reducing time delays. The interchange configuration also improves safety by reducing the number of vehicle conflict points. The road will move traffic more efficiently and provide better access to drivers, but will also serve as an important north/south artery in the Kettlestone development, providing direct access to residential, office, and commercial development.

#5: Assisted Driving and Autonomous Vehicles Fully autonomous cars are still in the advanced testing stages, but partially

Tr a n s p o r t a t i o n

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automated technology and low-speed cars could eventually start hitting the public streets within the next 5-10 years. In this respect, autonomous vehicles will play an important role in how agencies manage their transportation assets, while setting the stage for investments. For example, will communities need to adapt their signals systems, restructure the built environment (e.g., parking lots) or adhere to new roadway design standards to accommodate autonomous vehicles. The comprehensive plan can help set the stage on how to best address these questions, while leveraging state planning efforts focused around autonomous vehicles. Local universities and the Iowa DOT are currently exploring these avenues. For example, the Iowa DOT is currently working on producing highly detailed mapping programs that self-driven cars would rely on to be able to properly navigate streets and roads.

#6: Travel Demand Management Research has shown that Travel Demand Management (TDM) strategies are useful techniques in helping alleviate parking demands in a given geographical area. TDM strategies are applied to help reduce the number of single occupancy vehicles traveling and parking in a certain area. Opportunities to encourage TDM strategies include the business parks currently being planned/developed (see Figure 1-23) throughout the community. Examples of TDM strategies from a development review perspective are highlighted throughout this section. 1. Hickman West Business Park 2. Hickman Road Corridor Figure 1-23.

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Planned Business Parks as Opportunities for TDM

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3. Westgate Business Park 4. Kettlestone North Corridor 5. Kettlestone South Corridor 6. Business Park at I-80 7. I-80 West Industrial Park

Bicycle Amenities Actively promoting bicycling as an alternative means of travel to and from a destination can be achieved through information dissemination and the provision of bicycle storage facilities and adding bicycle lanes. These actions can help decrease the demand for vehicle parking. Precedent Examples: »»

Des Moines, IA: The city set a goal in the recent Comprehensive Plan Update, Plan DSM, to establish bicycle parking requirements for new development, focusing on the downtown.

»»

Richfield, MN: Richfield requires new developments to include bicycle racks as part of their parking management plan.

»»

Minneapolis, MN: Enclosed bicycle parking is required for multi-family dwellings and non-residential uses are required to provide enclosed bicycle parking or a bicycle rack outdoors, depending on the use.

»»

Portland, OR: There are short-term and long-term bicycle parking requirements in the city. Some districts require uses to provide shower and changing facilities for bicyclists.

Car Sharing Provisions Car sharing programs provide mobility options to a cross section of residents who would not otherwise have access to a vehicle. These programs encourage the efficient use of a single vehicle among multiple users, while reducing the amount of parking needed to accommodate each resident within a neighborhood. Zoning language can encourage or require new developments of a certain size to include off-street parking provisions for car sharing programs. Precedent Example: »»

Vancouver, BC: Parking requirements are reduced if the developer designates parking spaces for car share vehicles.

Travel Demand Management Plans (TDMP) A TDMP outlines measures to mitigate parking demand as part of the development permit process, which can result in innovative solutions that are tailored to the specific needs of a neighborhood or district. These types of plans may require specific strategies for reducing single-occupancy vehicle (SOV) trips and promoting alternative modes of transportation.

Tr a n s p o r t a t i o n

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Precedent Example: »»

Saint Paul, MN, Minneapolis, MN and Portland, OR: Each city has a review process that requires developers to submit reports detailing specific parking plans.

#8: Performance Based Planning With a federal emphasis on performance measures, metropolitan areas and state agencies are integrating and using performance measures as a key part of their planning activities. Performance measures are designed to serve as a benchmark to evaluate and quantify progress. This performance-based approach is meant to improve the accountability of transportation investments, assess risks related to different performance levels, and increase transparency. Performance based planning can be used at the local level. A manageable set of performance measures can be used to track the progress and success of the plan and its implementation plan. The selection of a set of performance measures should consider SMART principles. SMART principles used to ensure the plan’s performance measures are specific, measurable, agreed upon, realistic and time-bound: »»

Specific – Sufficient to guide approaches

»»

Measurable – Quantitative measurement

»»

Agreed – Consensus among partners

»»

Realistic – Can be accomplished

»»

Time-Bound – Identified time-frame for accomplishment

Potential performance measures to consider for monitoring the city’s transportation system include:

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»»

Limit of X % of pavement/concrete in poor condition and maintain X% of the system in good condition.

»»

Limit of X% of the local roadway system (on an annual basis) at or exceeding a life expectancy of X years.

»»

Limit the percent of culverts in poor condition to X%; and maintain X% in a rating of X (good condition).

»»

The number of fatal and serious injuries on the roadway system by year.

»»

Percentage of roadway intersections that are ADA compliant.

»»

Miles of roadway (existing and at 2040) exceeding a Volume/Capacity (V/C) ratio of 1.

»»

Vehicle Miles Traveled (VMT) per capita on the roadway system.

»»

The number of annual transit riders.

»»

Total number of park and ride spaces and the percentage of spaces being utilized (measured on an annual basis during the month of X).

»»

Percentage of signalized intersections on the system operating at a level of service D (with X% of the system measured every year).

»»

Number of regional trail users.

»»

Miles of paved and unpaved trails by 2040.

Wa u ke e C o m m u n i t y C o n t ex t | 2 0 1 7


COMMUNITY FACILITIES The City of Waukee must plan proactively to provide sufficient community facilities (including water, sewer, and stormwater facilities, as well as emergency services and other city functions) to serve the existing population and businesses, as well as anticipated growth. The following provides information concerning the existing capacities and conditions of the City’s facilities. Additional, detailed information is available from the City of Waukee.

Sanitary Sewer The City of Waukee has unlimited capacity to serve existing and future growth, in terms of sanitary sewer facilities. The design of the current system provides infrastructure downstream sufficient to support anticipated growth to the south and west of Waukee, within the future growth area. By 2018, the City will complete modifications to the sanitary sewer system and will connect its sewer lines to those of the Des Moines Metropolitan Wastewater Reclamation Authority (WRA). The shift to WRA infrastructure systems will allow the City to have essentially unlimited capacity for future growth, in terms of sanitary sewer capacities.

Drinking Water The City of Waukee has sufficient capacity to provide potable (drinking) water to existing customers as well as serve anticipated growth in residential and commercial customers over the next 25 years. Waukee and other suburban communities in the region currently receive potable water from the Des Moines Water Works system (DMWW), an independently operated, public utility providing drinking water to approximately 500,000 people in the Greater Des Moines area. The cities of Waukee, Urbandale, and West Des Moines have partnered on a study to explore the feasibility of creating an entity that would provide drinking water specifically for the western suburban region, and leaders in these communities continue to explore this option as a way to service future growth.

Stormwater Facilities The City of Waukee currently plans for the accommodation of stormwater from new developments on a project-by-project basis, and views the extension of larger stormwater facilities as part of the process of servicing new growth areas. The City does not currently have a stormwater master plan in place to guide future growth. It is exploring ways to more proactively plan for stormwater facilities as part of new development in the future.

Community Facilities

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Fire, Police, and Emergency Medical Services (EMS) The City of Waukee is currently adequately served, in terms of fire, police, and EMS, and will continue to add staff and facilities in these areas as growth continues. The City regularly assesses the capacities of its fire, police, and EMS resources and the coverage of different areas of the community, and will continue to add facilities and resources as needed.

Figure 1-24.

EMS Facilities and Service Areas Un na

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Sources: Esri, HERE, DeLorme, TomTom, Intermap, increment P Corp., GEBCO, USGS, FAO, NPS, NRCAN, GeoBase, IGN, Kadaster NL, Ordnance Survey, Esri Japan, METI, Esri China (Hong Kong), swisstopo, MapmyIndia, © OpenStreetMap contributors, and the GIS User Community

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Wa u ke e C o m m u n i t y C o n t ex t | 2 0 1 7


City Offices and Buildings The City of Waukee currently maintains offices and conducts its core operations in the following key City-owned buildings: »»

Waukee City Hall, 230 Hickman Road

»»

Waukee Public Works, 805 University Avenue

»»

Waukee Public Safety Facility, 1300 SE LA Grant Parkway

»»

Waukee Public Library, 950 Warrior Lane

Figure 1-25.

Public Facilities

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The City is currently operating at capacity in all of its buildings and is currently assessing the needs for future building and expansion, given the anticipated growth of Waukee over the next few decades. The City may need to expand its current buildings or consider the construction of new buildings to provide for the future operations and growth of Waukee over the next few decades.

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NATURAL RESOURCES Watershed Management The City of Waukee intersects four watersheds (at the HUC-12 (smallest) scale). Figure 1-26 includes both the HUC-10 and HUC-12 watershed boundaries intersecting the City of Waukee’s municipal boundary as well as its future growth area.

Johnson Creek – Raccoon River The southern tip of the City is in the Johnson Creek – Raccoon River Watershed. In this portion of the City, Johnson Creek flows through the City south to the Raccoon River. Once annexation is complete, a larger portion of the City will be in the drainage area to the Raccoon River.

Sugar Creek

Definition: HUC - Hydrolic Unit Codes The United States is divided and sub-divided into successively smaller hydrologic units which are classified into six levels: regions, sub-regions, basins, sub-basins, watersheds and subwatersheds. The HUC-10 watershed is on average 227 square miles in size and the HUC-12 subwatershed is on average 40 square miles in size.

The next watershed to the north is the Sugar Creek Watershed District. In this portion of the City, Sugar Creek and Fox Creek (both of which originate within the municipal limits) flow south to the Raccoon River.

Little Walnut Creek – Walnut Creek The northern most third of the City is situated in the Little Walnut Creek – Walnut Creek Watersed District. From this area, the headwaters of Little Walnut Creek travel northeast through the City to Walnut Creek.

Walnut Creek The eastern lobe of Waukee contains tributaries that flow east to Clive Lake and on to Walnut Creek. The Walnut Creek watershed ultimately drains to the Raccoon River.

Hickory Creek - North Raccoon River The annexation area extends west into the Swan Lake Branch – North Raccoon River (HUC-10) watershed and the Hickory Creek – North Raccoon River (HUC-12) watershed. This portion of the City will drain south and east into the Johnson Creek-Raccoon River watershed. Little Walnut Creek – Walnut Creek and Walnut Creek are both part of the larger Walnut Creek Watershed (a HUC-10 (larger) watershed). All of these watersheds are located in the Swan Lake Branch – North Raccoon River Watershed which is a HUC-8 watershed boundary. In June of 2016, the Walnut Creek Watershed Master Plan was published. This Plan contains a significant amount of information characterizing the watershed and includes recommendations for addressing stormwater management issues. The following bullets characterize the Walnut Creek Watershed: »»

The Walnut Creek Watershed includes some of the most rapidly growing urban areas in the state. Significant development pressures have resulted in: ––

Loss of Topsoil

––

Stream Bank Erosion

––

Construction Site Pollution

Natural Resources

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––

Pollutant Loading and Transport - Nutrient and phosphorous counts are highest in the upper reaches of the Walnut Creek watershed where agricultural uses dominate. In the lower, developed half of the Walnut Creek watershed, bacteria counts and sediment loads provide challenges, along with flooding.

––

Flooding – Development within flood-prone areas: changes in flood risk due to increases in rainfall (using updated NOAA information); flash flooding can occur outside of areas with mapped flood risk (including clogged inlets, storm sewers and culverts, overloaded storm sewer systems, blocked overflow paths and urban small stream flooding).

»»

Six of the top eight wettest years on record have occurred since 1982. The annual streamflow in Walnut Creek has increased 37% since 1982.

»»

Small storm events (2.5-inches or less) make up 98% of Central Iowa’s precipitation volume.

Surface Water Features Creeks and Streams South Walnut Creek is the stream which passes through Country Club Lake in Clive. This stream drains primarily southwest to northeast, collecting runoff from portions of West Des Moines and Waukee in addition to Clive. Little Walnut Creek generally flows from west to east, beginning in rural Dallas County and flowing through rapidly developing portions of Waukee, Clive and Urbandale.

Definition: Flashiness The frequency and rapidity of short term changes in streamflow, especially during runoff events. Flashiness is an important component of a stream’s hydrologic regime.

1-52

»»

Phosphorous reduction is listed as a higher priority in areas outside the Walnut Creek Watershed

»»

Sediment reduction within the Walnut Creek watershed was listed as a medium priority.

»»

The Nutrient Reduction Strategy does not include specific nutrient reductions for urban stormwater runoff. However, a focus is given to infiltration of the water quality volume (runoff from a 1.25-inch rainfall event). By managing this volume, reductions of 80-85% of annual runoff volumes could be achieved.

»»

Because these creeks are used for stormwater management, they are subject to flooding, drainage issues, erosion and sediment control and flashiness. The Walnut Creek Watershed Master Plan identifies a number of stream stabilization/restoration (SR) projects for implementation.

»»

Addressing bank erosion and water quality in Little Walnut Creek will contribute to the health of downstream waterways such as Walnut Creek and the Raccoon River.

»»

Des Moines Area MPO Storymap: State of the Raccoon River identifies a number of logjams along Walnut Creek that pose infrastructure challenges for flooding, safety, and recreation.

»»

These creeks have access challenges. Paddlers access the smaller creeks during high water events and people access these waters for fishing. Most of this access is unofficial.

Wa u ke e C o m m u n i t y C o n t ex t | 2 0 1 7


Figure 1-26.

Watershed Boundaries Intersecting Waukee, IA

Natural Resources

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»»

Walnut Creek (downstream of Waukee) has well documented erosion and bank stability issues. The City of Clive developed a Greenbelt Master Plan which includes strategies for reducing erosion and stabilizing Walnut Creek. Potential partnership opportunities, such as applying for grants or consolidating efforts for education and outreach with the City of Clive, should be explored with the upstream community.

Sugar Creek, Fox Creek, & Johnson Creek »»

A review of technical data did not reveal any material surface water issues with regard to Sugar Creek, Fox Creek, or Johnson Creek.

»»

Further study may be needed to identify there is currently a gap in the information regarding these creeks.

Rivers Raccoon River

Figure 1-27.

1-54

»»

The Raccoon River is a naturally meandering river where stream bank erosion occurs naturally. Steep cut banks on the outer side of the meanders and large sediment deposits on the inner banks is typical for this type of river.

»»

The Raccoon River is impaired due to levels of bacteria and nitrates.

»»

Stream bank erosion has been identified at points just downstream of Johnson Creek confluence and Sugar Creek confluence.

»»

The river has been identified as being ideal for paddling and some boating depending upon water levels.

»»

Currently there are no access points within the City of Waukee. Once annexation is complete, the southern boundary of Waukee will include the Booneville access which is a carry down access operated and maintained by Dallas County. Currently this access point is severely eroded.

Existing Launch on the Raccoon River

Wa u ke e C o m m u n i t y C o n t ex t | 2 0 1 7


Figure 1-28.

Existing Surface Water Features Un na

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Sources: Esri, HERE, DeLorme, TomTom, Intermap, increment P Corp., GEBCO, USGS, FAO, NPS, NRCAN, GeoBase, IGN, Kadaster NL, Ordnance Survey, Esri Japan, METI, Esri China (Hong Kong), swisstopo, MapmyIndia, © OpenStreetMap contributors, and the GIS User Community

Wetlands Mapped wetlands are differentiated by type according to Cowardin, et al and include emergent, forested/shrub, ponds, and riverine. The few wetlands identified within the city are primarily emergent (without tree cover) and forested/shrub which are the most common types in central Iowa. While likely protected by the Clean Water Act, impacts to these wetlands can often be mitigated. Forested wetlands are the most difficult to replace due to the time lag in establishing trees and the rather precise hydrology required to support them.

Natural Resources

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Concerns »»

The amount of rainfall converted to runoff due to changes in land use has impacts to downstream water resources. Results from runoff analysis conducted for the Walnut Creek Watershed Master Plan indicates runoff from a 1-year event (in developed areas) is larger than the 10-year natural condition.

»»

Flood risk – The Walnut Creek Watershed Master Plan identifies floodplain areas for the 100-year and 500-year precipitation events. Differences in the data highlight increased flooding as a result of increased rainfall estimates with updated statistical data. Since future meteorological changes are unknown, watershed and floodplain management become increasingly important to mitigate risk and future losses.

»»

Walnut Creek is impaired due to high levels of bacteria: the lowest 7.6 miles of Walnut Creek are listed as impaired. Recreational uses involving direct human contact with Walnut Creek water are currently not supported because of high measured levels of E. coli bacteria.

»»

The Raccoon River is also listed as impaired due to high bacteria levels.It is also identified as being impaired due to high levels of nitrates, which risk safe drinking water supplies. The Raccoon River is listed by the State of Iowa as a high-quality resource, or a water “of substantial recreational or ecological significance which possesses unusual, outstanding or unique physical, chemical or biological characteristics”. ––

The Raccoon River TMDL report set the Maximum Contaminant Level (MCL) for nitrate for single samples at 9.5 mg/L. The MCL for bacteria for single samples was established to be 200 organisms/100 mL. These standards are to be applied to major tributaries of the river (such as Walnut Creek) which have been designated as impaired by these pollutants of concern.

––

Recommendations from TMDL (page 73) include: ▫▫

Remove all human waste from the watershed

▫▫

Strategically construct new wetlands near tile outlets

▫▫

Implement urban stormwater Best Managment Practices (BMP’s)

Ecoregion Dallas and Polk counties are located at the southern edge of the Western Corn Belt Plains (EPA Level III ecoregion) and the Des Moines Lobe (Level IV ecoregion).

Soil Characteristics The properties of soils influence how much rainfall is absorbed by the landscape and how much direct runoff is created during rain events. Soils classified as Hydrologic Soil Group (HSG) A are the most permeable and quickly absorb rainfall as it hits the ground resulting in little to no 1-56

Wa u ke e C o m m u n i t y C o n t ex t | 2 0 1 7


Figure 1-29.

Hydroloic Soil Groups

Natural Resources

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stormwater runoff. Soils classified as Hydrologic Soil Group D are the least permeable (most clayey) and do not absorb rainfall as it hits the ground resulting in the generation of stormwater runoff. As Figure 1-29 illustrates, there are no soils classified as HSG A in the City of Waukee or the future growth area. The predominant soil types are HSG B and HSG D (hydric soils). This is indicative of the Des Moines Lobe which has its terminus at the Raccoon River. The HSG B soils are the more permeable glacial outwash materials at the end of the terminus and the hydric soils (HSG D) are where the decaying ice sheet left depressions formed by the uneven deposition of till in ground moraines. These depressions are called potholes, glacial potholes, prairie potholes, or kettles. The growth area west of Waukee is covered with this glacial formation. Soil characteristics are an important design consideration for stormwater management. Soils that fall in HSG’s A and B (more permeable soils) are more suitable for the entire range Best Management Practices (BMPs) including stormwater infiltration. As the soils become less permeable, the range of tools in the stormwater toolbox decreases and additional design considerations such as soil amendments need to be taken into consideration.

Ecological and Rare Features A Natural Areas Inventory (IDNR) and the United States Fish & Wildlife Service (USFWS) Information for Planning and Conservation (IPaC) Trust Resources Report were reviewed to determine if any rate or ecological sensitive resources occurred within or adjacent to the City of Waukee and the Growth Area. The Natural Areas Inventory (IDNR) includes rare features such as state-listed endangered, threatened, or special concern species and native plant communities. The IPaC Trust Resources Report includes information on endangered species, critical habitats, migratory birds, refuges and hatcheries, and wetlands located on or adjacent to the City of Waukee and the Annexation Area. The report was obtained through the online IPaC web tool on the USNWS website. These sources indicate that the following species are listed as endangered or threatened:

Endangered Any species that is in danger of extinction throughout all or a significant portion of its range.

Indiana Bat A state- and federally-endangered species which has the potential to inhabit this area of the state and may occur in the area of this project from April through September. Indiana bats are found in areas of mature upland forest and along wooded corridors of small streams. The bats forage for insects beneath the canopy. Female Indiana bats form maternity colonies under loose tree bark or peeling tree bark. Trees that retain sheets or plates of bark that provide space beneath the bark when dead, such as red oak, post oak, and cottonwood, are potential roost trees. Live trees such as shagbark and shellbark hickory are also occasionally used as roosts. 1-58

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Conservation opportunities: »»

No removal of trees should be allowed between April 1st and September 30th.

Barn Owl A state endangered species which nests and roosts in dark, secluded places such as tree cavities, old barns or abandoned buildings. Barn owls hunt in grassland habitat along field edges, fence-rows, and wetland edges. Common barn owls are threatened by the loss of prey habitat. Crop rotational changes from cover crops to row crops remove food and shelter for mice and voles. Development of land, removal of hedgerows and draining of wetlands also has destroyed much of the barn owl habitat. The loss of nesting habitat is also an increasing threat. Conservation opportunities: »»

Establish grassland to attract prey for the barn owl. Providing about 200 acres of quality grassland adjacent to a potential barn owl nest site can yield good results.

»»

Maintain old farmsteads with wooden barns, woodlots and adjoining grasslands.

Least Tern An endangered species which nests on sandbars and barren areas along rivers. The interior least tern usually nests in small colonies from early June through early August. Terns feed on small fish and crustaceans. The loss of nesting habitat along rivers due to construction of reservoirs, and the channelization and changes in water flows has caused population decline. Previously, periodic flooding in the spring built new sandbars and water levels dropped prior to nesting. Conservation opportunities: »»

Protection of nesting areas and limiting disturbance by humans and predators.

»»

Periodically reducing vegetation to minimal levels may be needed to keep limited available habitat open in well-established colonies during periods when the natural overwash of sand and scouring from flooding is not occurring.

Topeka Shiner A federally endangered species that lives in small to mid-size prairie streams in the central United States where it is usually found in pool and run areas. Suitable streams tend to have good water quality and cool to moderate temperatures. In Iowa, Minnesota and portions of South Dakota, Topeka shiners also live in oxbows and off-channel pools. Habitat destruction, sedimentation, and changes in water quality have caused the species to decline. The species is not restricted to the North Raccoon River and its tributaries, with smaller populations in the Boone, Rock and Little Rock rivers.

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Conservation opportunities: »»

Protect any off-channel wetland complexes.

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Provide new habitat by restoring oxbow ponds. Restoration consists of digging out the sedimentation that had occurred in the oxbow, taking the depth back down to where the original stream used to flow and allowing the oxbow to hold water year round.

Rusty Patched Bumble Bee The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service listed the rusty patched bumble bee as endangered under the Endangered Species Act. Rusty patched bumble bees live in colonies that include a single queen and female workers. Rusty patched bumble bees once occupied grasslands and tall grass prairies of the Upper Midwest and Northeast, but most grasslands and prairies have been lost, degraded, or fragmented by conversion to other uses. Bumble bees need areas that provide nectar and pollen from flowers, nesting sites (underground and abandoned rodent cavities or clumps of grasses), and overwintering sites for hibernating queens (undisturbed soil). Conservation opportunities: »»

Use and promote the use of native plants on stormwater management and restoration projects. Avoid the use of invasive non-native plants.

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Provide and support natural areas in the community. Keep some natural areas un-mowed and brushy to provide nesting habitat.

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Limit the use of pesticides and chemical fertilizer whenever possible or avoid them entirely. Consider creating buffers between agricultural areas and urban areas to minimize the impact of drift on local bee populations.

Threatened Any species that is likely to become an endangered species within the foreseeable future throughout all or a significant portion of its range.

Blanding’s Turtle The Blanding’s Turtle is listed as a threatened species by the IDNR and the federal government is considering adding the turtle to the endangered species list, or using it as a candidate species for federal protection. The main threats to Blanding’s turtles include loss of habitat, vehicle strikes, and predation of nests, among others. A variety of wetland and riverine habitat types are utilized by Blanding’s turtles including large wetland complexes, open marshes, lowland wetlands, meandering streams and rivers, backwater areas, prairie marshes, and old oxbow channels. Females have been known to travel up to a mile to locate suitable nesting habitat. Sandy upland areas are preferred for nesting but quarry sites, gravel pits, and roadsides may also be used.

Northern Long Eared Bat This is a federally threatened species which has the potential to inhabit this area of the state and may occur in the area of this project. Northern long-eared bats spend winter hibernating in caves and mines, called hibernacula. During the summer, northern long-eared bats roost singly or 1-60

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in colonies underneath bark, in cavities or in crevices of both live trees and snags (dead trees) and may roost in structures such as old buildings, culverts, and bridges. Conservation opportunities: »»

The USFWS currently prohibits the harvest of trees located within ¼ mile of known hibernaculum or within 150 feet of known maternity roost trees. The review of IDNR and IPaC data did not indicate any occurrence of hibernaculum or maternity roost trees near the study area. However, additional information should be obtained to confirm this is the case. Conservation strategies include limiting tree removal during the pup-rearing season from June 1 to July 31 to protect any bats in the area. If tree disturbance is required for a project, any large trees containing deep furrows or bark flakes should be left intact since the bark furrows and flakes may provide possible roosting/maternity sites for the bats.

Prairie Bush-Clover A federally threatened prairie plant found only in the tall grass prairie region of four Midwestern states. In addition to its Federal status, prairie bush clover is listed as endangered or threatened in each of the four states where it occurs. It is threatened in the State of Iowa. This species is threatened by the conversion of pasture to cropland, overgrazing, agricultural expansion, herbicide application, urban expansion, rock quarrying, and transportation right-or-way maintenance and rerouting; hybridization with the more common round-headed bush clover has also been identified as a potential threat in some areas. Conservation opportunities: »»

Working with landowners to protect known populations.

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Researching the effects of prescribed burning for prairies with prairiebush clover is being conducted.

Western Prairie Fringed Orchid A threatened species which occurs in moist to wet native prairie areas. These include prairie remnants along roads and railroad rights-of-way. This orchid blooms from early June to late July in Iowa. The conversion of prairie for agriculture, roads and other developments has left less than one percent of the original prairie in Iowa. This loss of suitable habitat is the reason for the major population decline of the Western prairie fringed orchid in Iowa. Conservation opportunities: »»

Populations should be protected on private lands by working with landowners and testing management techniques such as the time and frequency of prescribed burns on public lands.

22 migratory bird species

Special Concern Species of Special Concern are species about which problems of status or distribution are suspected, but not documented. These species are

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notprotected by the Iowa Threatened and Endangered Species law, but many animal species listed as Special Concern are protected under other state and federal laws addressing hunting, fishing, collecting, and harvesting.

Bald Eagle Considered a species of special concern, bald eagles nest from November through April, depending on the latitude. Conservation opportunities: »»

Protect and preserve potential roost and nest sites by retaining mature trees and old growth standard, particularly within ½ mile from water.

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Site wind turbines, communications towers and high voltage transmission power lines away from nests, foraging areas, and communal roost sites.

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Areas in and around Waukee have been identified by the Iowa Tallgrass Prairie Working Group for tall grass prairie conservation. This mapping includes landscapes with the best potential for protection and restoration of native prairie (Iowa Wildlife Action Plan). Conservation strategies include the protection of native sod; protecting and/or managing for remnant prairies or other areas which have not been previously plowed.

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Dallas County is in the prairie pothole region. The prairie Pothole Joint Venture of the North American Waterfowl Management Plan identifies a number of priority areas in the Des Moines Lobe. While there are areas identified in Dallas and Polk counties, they do not appear to be mapped along the boundary where the City of Waukee is located.

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Information Reviewed List of layers included in the GIS review 1. Watershed Boundaries –– HUC 8 –– HUC 10 –– HUC 12 2. River, streams 3. National Hydrography Data set (NHD Flowlines, Iowa DNR) 4. 2012 Impaired Streams (Iowa DNR) 5. Protected Streams (Iowa DNR) 6. Depth to Bedrock (Iowa DNR) 7. Bedrock Geologic (Iowa DNR) 8. National Wetland Inventory (Iowa DNR) 9. LiDAR – contours and hillshade (Iowa DNR) 10. Hydrologic Soil Groups 11. High Resolution Land Cover (1m resolution 2009) 12. City data –– Detention ponds –– City Parks –– Schools (public facilities) –– Storm water features – pipes and manholes –– City limits –– County limits 13. FEMA floodplain 14. Iowa Natural Areas Inventory 15. IPaC Resource List, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service 16. Historic Forest Stands Boundaries In addition, the following documents were reviewed to characterize the surface water resources and the natural resources in and around the City of Waukee. 1. Walnut Creek Watershed Master Plan 2. Raccoon River Watershed Water Quality Master Plan 3. Iowa Wildlife Action Plan (Iowa Department of Natural Resources, 2015) 4. Water Trails and Greenways Master Plan – A Vision for Raccoon River (Greater Des Moines Water Trails and Greenways, 2016)

Data Gaps The recently published Walnut Creek Watershed Master Plan provides good documentation of the surface water resources located in the northern half of Waukee: the portion draining to Little Walnut Creek, Walnut Creek and the Raccoon River. This Plan characterizes the resources, identifies issues and includes goals and implementation activities designed to address the needs. Similarly, the Des Moines Area Metropolitan Planning Organization has developed a Water Trails and Greenways Master Plan that characterizes the waterways within the Des Moines Metropolitan Area. These resources characterize the larger riverine systems, including the Raccoon River. There is little to no information available for Sugar Creek, Fox Creek and Johnson Creek, all of which can be found passing through the southern half of Waukee.

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