HomeMy WebLinkAbout2011-09-26 PACKET 09.2.1.CITY OF COTTAGE GROVE
MINNESOTA
TO: Planning Commission
FROM: John McCool, Senior Planner
DATE: September 19, 2011
RE: Splash Pad Study
Introduction
At the August 22 Planning Commission meeting, a question was asked about the proposed
splash pads at Highlands Park. At that time, staff was asked to provide the Planning Commission
with a copy of the Splash Pad Planning Study that was prepared by Bonestroo in 2011.
In August of 2010, City Council directed City staff to pursue the closure of the outdoor municipal
pool in consideration of building a splash pad in a community park. At a City Council workshop on
October 6, 2010, the City Council considered the proposal to develop a splash pad as a recrea-
tional amenity in the community and closing the Cottage Grove outdoor municipal pool at the end
of the 2011 season. In December 2010, the City Council authorized Bonestroo, Inc. to perform a
splash pad planning study.
The splash pad study was prepared and presented to the Parks, Recreation, and Natural
Resources Commission at their regular meeting in March 2011. This study was presented to the
City Council on April 20, 2011, whereby the City Council tabled this matter to May 4, 2011.
On June 1, 2011, the City Council authorized the preparation of plans and specifications for a
splash pad at Highlands Park with a total project cost estimate at $500,000 and authorized the
preparation of plans and specifications for remodeling the existing Highlands Park building with a
total project expense estimated at $150,000.
At the July 20, 2011 City Council meeting, the plans and specifications to remodel the Highlands
Park building as part of the future splash pad project were approved. Quotes for the work were
presented to the City Council at the August 10, 2011, meeting for approval and authorization to
proceed with the project. The proposed building improvements consist of the following elements:
1. Enclosing the existing covered porch to accommodate a splash pad equipment room.
2. Renovation of the restroom facilities to ADA standards. The access to the restrooms will
be on the same side of the building for better flow and efficiency for users.
3. The addition of a covered porch on the north side of the building for the new exterior
restroom access.
Memo to Planning Commission
Highland Park Splash Pad Project
September 20, 2011
Page 2 of 2
4. Renovation of the existing restroom to a splash pad equipment room.
5. Addition of a covered porch on the south side of the building, since the east side porch
was removed. This will work in conjunction with the splash pad design and layout.
6. There will be new windows, doors, and exterior finishes that meet the City's design
standards.
7. Interior finishes will also be improved, along with an ADA drinking fountain and replace-
ment of restroom fixtures.
Construction of the improvements started in late August 2011 and will be completed this fall.
The Parks, Recreation, and Natural Resources Commission was updated on the progress of this
project at their meetings in March, May, June, and August 2011.
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On September 21, 2011, the City Council will be asked to adopt a resolution approving the plans
and specifications for the splash pad project. An October 27, 2011 bid date for this project was
recommended. The engineer's estimate for the splash pad project is $415,000. If the project is
awarded on October 27, it is hoped that most of the plumbing and concrete work can be com-
pleted this year and the rest of the work completed next spring.
A copy of Zac Dockter's memorandum dated April 13, 2011 to the City Council is attached. This
memorandum summarizes the 49 -page Splash Pad Planning Study prepared by Bonestroo. In
addition, a copy of the site plan, landscaping plan, and illustrations for the proposed splash pad
that will be considered by the City Council at their meeting on September 21 are attached.
No action is required by the Planning Commission. This information is being provided per your
request.
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To: Honorable Mayor and City Council
From: Zac Dockter, Parks and Recreation Manager
Date: 4/13111
Subject: Splash Pad Study
Introduction
In August of 2010 city council directed staff to pursue closure of the outdoor municipal pool in
consideration of building a splash pad in a community park. The council further directed staff
to commission a Splash Pad Planning Study to fully understand the aquatic recreational needs
of the community as well as to master plan for splash pad amenities as recommended in such
a report.
Background
Staff hired Bonestroo to study the aquatic facility needs of Cottage Grove. The deliverable of
that project is the Splash Pad Planning Study previously presented to you. The study took into
account the following data to create a recommendation to the council:
1. National and regional recreational trends
2. Primary and secondary service area identification
3. Demographic characteristics of the community
4. Alternative aquatic service providers in the community
5. Bather load demand
6. Detailed site analysis
7. Splash pad development plan
8. Capital and operational financial impacts
After determining market areas and bather load figures for the city of Cottage G rove, the study
delves deeply into site analysis. Initially, the six site options considered were Hamlet Park,
Oakwood Park, Highlands Park, Kingston Park, Woodridge Park and the Municipal Pool. A
thorough matrix report was completed to analyze opportunities and deficiencies of each site.
The matrix took into consideration subject categories of size, location, land use, topography,
natural features, utilities, security recreation programming and market benefits. The matrix
report is included as Appendix A to this memorandum. This matrix report yielded four
preferred community park site locations which are Highlands Park, Woodridge Park, Kingston
Park and Hamlet Park.
Cost estimates were devised for each of the preferred sites based on the construction of a
community sized splash pad. Council suggested at the August workshop that a community
sized splash pad be planned for in consideration of closing the community's only outdoor
aquatic recreational facility; the Municipal Pool. As such, the study deemed it desirable for the
first splash pad constructed to be designed large enough to fill the void in aquatic recreational
opportunities for the residents resulting from the closure of the pool. A community sized splash
pad is typically 1,500 to 4,000 square feet in size and is intended to facilitate a bather load of
100 to 266 patrons. This compares to an approximate bather load of 325 at the Municipal
Pool. A community sized splash pad design intends to entirely serve the primary service
market area as well as portions of the secondary service market area. Appendix B of this
document is a conceptual design of a community sized splash pad at Highlands Park.
Whereas the municipal pool typically reaches a broad range of demographics with its intended
usage, a splash pad is depicted as a more youth oriented amenity. However, building a
community sized splash pad broadens that target market by offering multiple zoned activity
areas such as family (all ages), toddler (1 -5 year olds), and active (5 -12 year olds) zones.
Active zones differ from family and toddler zones in that they offer an interactive experience for
the users through such equipment as water guns, water cannons, and spray noodles. This
community sized splash pad is proposed to be built as a family amenity with the intent to
maximize resident usage regardless of demographics. It is expected that a far superior
Cottage Grove residential usage rate will be experienced through the community sized splash
pad as compared to the Municipal Pool. This is believed to be true based on location of the
proposed splash pad as well as the improved aquatic features being offered as an attractant.
As directed by both the City Council and the Parks Commission, staff also requested that this
study take into account the effect this project may have on a future community center aquatic
facility in Cottage Grove. The study did so by incorporating the expectation of a splash pad
located at the community center in determining its final recommendation in the report. The
study suggests there is no concern of competition between a community park splash pad anc
the community center aquatic facility.
Using the aforementioned data, the studies final recommendation is as follows:
Bonestroo recommends the city plan for a no -fee flow -thru splash pad at Highlands Park in
phase one and a second, third and fourth at Woodridge, Kingston, and Hamlet Parks in future
phases. Although circulation systems provide a more sustainable solution because it requires
lower water usage, the operating and maintenance budget for the city does not currently allow
for such a system. The flow -thru systems can be designed such that a future desire to provide
a recirculation system to a splash pad can be accommodated with minimal impacts. Cost
estimates in this report are general in nature and further refinements of design will result in
estimates to achieve the city's fiscal and operational requirements.
Based on the recommendation of the study, the next phase
authorize staff to begin preparing plans and specifications.
directives the council must provide to staff.
1. Approval of the study and its recommendation of:
a. Site: Highlands Park
b. Size: Community
c. System: Flow -thru
of this project would be to
Prior to doing so, there are several
2. Approval of a project budget.
3. Authorize staff to hire consultant services for preparing plans and specifications.
4. Authorize staff to hire architectural services for remodeling Highlands Park recreational
f
A proposed splash pad project budget is submitted for your review in Appendix C. As noted,
costs include site demolition, site preparation, site improvements, utilities and splash pad
construction. The budget also offers a return on investment figure which is results from the
general fund savings realized by closing the outdoor Municipal Pool. Project funds will be
derived from the Park Trust Fund which holds a current balance of $750,000.
As the report suggests, it is vitally important that the entire park facility and design works
complimentary to a splash pad to maximize usage and recreational experiences of the project.
A splash pad alone will not be nearly as successful as a splash pad with positive supporting
elements. The investment into improving the surrounding areas for such things as benches,
shade, trash, landscaping and accessible restrooms are seen is integral in providing a positive
experience to all users of the splash pad. Intended users should also include the parents or
adults who may not be actively using the water features themselves but monitoring or enjoying
other park activities while their children are playing in the splash pad. One such item that
needs thoughtful consideration at Highlands Park is the review of restroom options. One
option would be to drop in a new, modular and handicap accessible restroom on the site.
However, this cost would be estimated at nearly $50,000. Staff is suggesting that a more
desirable option would be to invest up to $150,000 (total project budget) in remodeling the
current park facility. Approximately $10,000 would be used to hire architectural services to
remodel the building to include the following:
1. Enlarged, handicap accessible restrooms with access doors from the outside.
2. Enlarged mechanical room to house splash pad mechanical and control systems
a. Alternative option to this is to construct a below ground vault which is an
additional expense and not as desirable of a working environment.
3. Altering of awning to improve shade opportunities
4. Exterior improvements such as siding, window, painting and door replacement to
improve aesthetic appearance of the facility.
Funds for this building improvement would be taken from the Parks Building and Equipment
Replacement Fund which holds an estimated balance of $391,000.
Staff Recommendation
1. Accept Splash Pad Planning Study report
2. Authorize staff to prepare plans and specifications for a splash pad to be located at
Highlands Park with a total project expense estimated at $500,000.
3. Authorize staff to hire architectural services and prepare plans and specification for
remodeling the existing Highlands Park building with a total project expense estimated
at $150,000.
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11 , 0 1,
A. Site Demolition
9 Selective Demolition
B. Site Preparation
1 Sift FencerErosion Control
2 Excavatkn frut# illy
3 Sand RIP
lump SUM
lin..ft_ 'I $3
lump sum 1 $7;000
cu. yd. 440 $65
,
$7,400
$28,604
C. Site Improvements
I Cencrete'WJalkway wt C15 Base.
.4. ft,
5,600
$0
$54,400
2 Sod .
sq. yd:
2,000
$4
$$;000
3 Benches:
each:
4
$1
$4,004
4 Picnic Tables.
each
S
$1,000
53;000
5 Trash Receptacles
each
3
$700
$2,100
6 Shade Structures.
each
2
$10,000
$20,000
7 Security Lighting ..
each
i
$5,004
^$5,900
8 Drinking Fountain
lump sum
1
$4,000
$4,000
D. Splash Pad
1 Splash Pad Play Features, Manifold, and :Controls
lump surn
1
$117;0170
$917,000
2 Splash Pad Supply Piping
fin. ft.
1
$12
$20,404
3 Splash Pad Drain Piping
[in, ft.
200
$24.
$4,004
4 Concrete Splash Pad wf Integral COW
sq. ft;
4,000
$14
$55,000
5 Necessary Building Access Modiilcattors'for Splash Pad Equipment
lump sum
1
$5,00
$5,000
6 Splash Pad Signage
lump suet.
1
$1,000
$1,000
E. Utilities
I Water Service
tin:. ft..
14D
$60.
$8,400
2 Water Service Connection
each
1
$9.
$1,000
3 Neater Meter and Backflow Preventer
lump sums.
1
$2
$2,500
4 Water Meter and BFP Equipment Enclosure
lump sum
1
$2,500
$2,500
5 Storm Sevier Piping
lira: €t,
160
$45
$8,904
6 Storm Sewer Catchbasins
each
1.
$2
$2,040
7 Storm Sewer Manholes
each
1
$5,000
$5,094
8 Storm Water Detention
lump suta
1
$3;000
$3,000
9 Electrical Service
lump suss
1
$5,000
$15,444
Notes;
Assumes use of parr:, building to house West pad supply distribution manddi :,.valves and control.
Assumes existing parking loo is adequate.
Site restoration assumes only sod with Veer. shrubs and plants being Finstatl by City in a future project.
Bike racks are not Included in construction and will be installed by City in a future project:
Cost Comparison of Splash Pad to Municipal Pool Budget
Expense
Splash Pad
Pool
Personnel
$3,000
$18,700
Commodities
$10,000
$9,200
Services
$13,500
$15,900
YMCA Subsidy
$0
$42,500
TOTAL
$26,500
$86,300
* *Municipal pool budget uses actual 2009 numbers but does not include increased wages for routine overtime pay that is incurred
for such items as weekend start -ups, testing and after -hours call -ins. Pool budget also does not include emergency or large scale
repairs considered an "anomaly" such as pumps, filters, leaking pipes, boiler, and more.
Annual savings of splash pad vs pool operational expenses = $59,800
Return on $500,000 investment into splash pad project = 8.6 years
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