Item 7A Presentation
BOB JONES NATURE CENTER & PRESERVE MASTER PLAN – June 7, 2011 – City Council Presentation
PROCESS/PLANNING GOALS
LEGACY OF THE LAND
LAND TYPOLOGIES WHITE CHAPEL RD
NATURAL SYSTEMS & RELATIONSHIPS WHITE CHAPEL RD
FLOOD STORAGE Record Low 520.67’ 2/26/79 WHITE CHAPEL RD
CONTEXTUAL SENSITIVITIES Off-site CORPS Lands Off-site CORPS Lands White Chapel Rd
OPPORTUNITIES -COMPOSITE WHITE CHAPEL RD
MAPPING EXERCISE -STAKEHOLDER Sacred Areas: To Be Retained As Is Areas Of Support: To Be Retained But Can Move Areas Of Concern: To Be Resolved/Removed
WORKSHOP EXERCISES •Bob Jones Nature Center Building •BJNC Site Facilities •Access/Arrival/Interface •Programs •History/Environmental Systems •Context •Education •Conservation •Outreach
•Recreation •Interest Groups •Infrastructure
•Expand Building Capacity for Programs, Exhibits, & Events •Improve Logistical and Service Operations •Use Building as Sustainable Teaching Tool •Provide Indoor and Outdoor Animal Experiences
•Provide Regionally Inspiring Indoor Programs •Provide Access to Preserved or Restored Habitat •Provide Interactive Outdoor Education Exhibits •Develop Site Facilities that Support Educational
Mission •Incorporate Barn into Future Vision •Increase Site Capacity for Programs and Events •Expand the Nature Center’s Presence and Impact •Provide Legible Arrival Sequence •Provide
Educational Signage System •Provide Intuitive Circulation System PROJECT STATEMENTS
•Expand & Diversify Program Offerings for Increased Visitation •Partner with Other Mission-Minded Organizations •Partner with ISD for Annual Events •Celebrate & Explore the Jones Family
Legacy •Create Stewardship Strategy for Broad Natural Systems •Leverage City Resources and Infrastructure •Capitalize on Suburban Proximity to Best Serve Neighbors and the Community
•Utilize Technology for Engagement in Innovative Programs •Develop a Trail System that is an Immersive Educational Experience •Integrate with CISD Environmental Education Programs •Refine
Existing and Develop New Programs PROJECT STATEMENTS
•Develop and Implement a Comprehensive Habitat Management Strategy •Provide Meaningful Sponsorship /Partner Opportunities •Bring the Mission of the BJNC to the Community •Identify Appropriate
Zones for Programs – Recreation, Preservation, Education, etc. •Integrate Fun Nature-based Educational /Recreational Experiences •Work with Regional Agencies to Promote BJNC and Protect
the Broader Grapevine Lake Ecosystem •Consider and Implement Sustainable Solutions and Construction •Improve Trailheads and Arrival Points •Prepare and Implement a Sustainable Business/Staffing
Model •Increase Awareness of BJNC in the Community •Implement Environmentally Responsible Strategies PROJECT STATEMENTS
VENUES OVERVIEW • Recreation • Conservation • Education • Infrastructure • Interest Group • Outreach
VENUES -RECREATION Nature Trails/Hiking Trailhead Interpretive Signage Benches Shade Outdoor Nature ‘Sports’ Equine Trails Fishing Jogging Nature Study Nature Walks Nature Photography
Entomology Birding Picnicking Picnic Tables Grills Shade Structures Restrooms Nature Play/Playgrounds/Discovery Gardens Environmental Lessons From Site No Stock Play Equipment
VENUES -CONSERVATION Habitat Conservation ‘No Disturbance’ Zones Limited Access by Docent Only Habitat Restoration Cross Timbers Prairie Habitat Crossings Lake Shore Interface Riparian
Corridors BJNC provide staff or volunteer programs Community Involvement Opportunities Emerging Ecosystem Management Program Emerging to a system adapted to existing conditions Programs
to study influence and diversity Development Patterns & Effects Lake Dynamics/Shoreline Transition Effects Cross Timbers Savannah Development Invasive Habitat & Mammal Control BJNC provide
staff or volunteer programs
VENUES -EDUCATION ISD Field/Study Trips Interest Group Nature Programs ISD TAKS Environmental Education Nature Preschool & Toddler Classes Curriculum Based Program Lead by BJNC One Day,
Weekly, or Monthly Options Nature Hikes/Tours Trail Topics – Habitat Diversity Incorporate Planned Teaching Locations/Station May be Organized by BJNC to Garner Further Community Support
Restoration/Research Plantings Multi-Day Curriculum Requires Lodging & Dining Restoration Areas (Cross Timbers Savannah, Shoreline Prairie, Invasive Species Removal) Lecture & Demonstration
Series May Require Dining/Catering Integrate as Component of Other Educational Series Conferences & Symposiums Multi-Day Curriculum Requires Lodging & Dining Require Flexible Meeting
Spaces Utilize Other Educational Activities Within Program
VENUES -INFRASTRUCTURE Circulation & Parking Park Roads as Porous Material/Site Drainage Patterns Parking as Learning Tool – Porous, Water Collection/Storage, Bioswales Signage/Wayfinding
Maintenance and Storage Facility Sustainable Themes Storage Facility for Equipment & Event Items Lockable Space Hidden From View & Access Easy Access to Entry Points Within Site Nature
Center Administration Centrally Located to Park & Arrival Sequence Includes Staff Offices & May Need Volunteer Office Site Utilities Storm Water – On Site Movement (no piping) Water
Water – Sustainable Cleaning Systems and Distribution of Grey Water Electrical System – Energy From Building Consider Purchase of Renewable Energy
VENUES – INTEREST GROUP Family Reunions Picnicking/Dining Facilities Meeting Facilities (conditioned) Interest Group Events Corporate/Churches/Youth Groups May be Day or Multi-Day Event
Meeting Facilities (conditioned) Dining/Catering Facilities (self-directed) Program Could Utilize Park Rec Activities Community Events Community Utilize BJNC Meeting Facilities Birthday
Parties Bird on the Run Naturally Sweet Friends Groups & Partnerships BJNC Provide Facilities to Friends Groups for Meetings & Events – Training & Social Youth Programs Scout Merit Badge
Programs Curriculum Led By Scout Groups Activities May Align with Key Conservation Activities Seasonal/National Environmental Celebrations BJNC Serve as Satellite Facility for National
Events Such as – Earth Day, Arbor Day, Sustainable Events
VENUES -OUTREACH Team Building Programs (vendor lead) May be day or multi-day curriculum requires dining/catering Activities may include: Nature Excursions (on & off site) Restoration
Projects (see education venue) Certification Programs Master naturalists/gardeners ‘specialists’ in certain fields or other groups – scouts, schools, etc. Partnership w/regional national
programs Adult Programs & Workshops Typical Day and/or half day visit Courses may include: Cross Timbers habitat & Dynamics Plant & Animal Identification Sustainable Strategies Cultural/Historical
Anecdotes Nature Photography BJNC Could either provide staff or could potentially be handled by organized volunteer program or vendors Summer Day Camps Operated on Weekly Basis – May
Require Dining/Catering Activities May include: Open Fields/Athletics Nature Excursions (on & off site) Nature Study BJNC Could either provide staff or could potentially be handled by
organized volunteer program or vendors.
CONCEPTUAL OPTIONS Lake Grapevine White Chapel National Recreation Trail White Chapel White Chapel Buffer LEGEND 8’ Shared Trail 6’ Nature Trail 6’ DG Trail 4’ Nature Trail Trail Head
Overlook Outdoor Classroom Program Directional Signage Signage Existing Homestead Nature Center Program Playground Watering Station
CONCEPTUAL MASTER PLAN SENSITIVITY NATURAL SYSTEMS Lake Grapevine White Chapel Buffer LEGEND 8’ Shared Trail 6’ Nature Trail 6’ DG Trail 4’ Nature Trail Trail Head Overlook Outdoor Classroom
Program Directional Signage Signage Existing Homestead Nature Center Program Playground Watering Station National Recreation Trail
ZONES TRAIL LOOPS TRAIL NETWORK Lake Edge Habitat Savannah Mud Flats Savannah Recreation Fields Wetlands/Lake Transitional Forest Cross Timbers Riparian Corridor Heritage Loop Lake/Wetlands
Loop Savannah Loop Mudflats/Lake Grapevine Loop Cross Timbers Loop Riparian Corridor Loop Riparian Corridor/Bluff Loop Recreation Loop North Woodland Loop
TRAIL NETWORK ZONES Lake Edge Habitat Savannah Mud Flats Savannah Recreation Fields Wetlands/Lake Transitional Forest Cross Timbers Riparian Corridor
TRAIL CONSTRUCTION
REST AREA/OUTDOOR CLASSROOM TRAIL LOOPS Heritage Loop Lake/Wetlands Loop Savannah Loop Mudflats/Lake Grapevine Loop Cross Timbers Loop Riparian Corridor Loop Riparian Corridor/Bluff
Loop Recreation Loop North Woodland Loop
REST AREA/OUTDOOR CLASSROOM
SITE PLAN
CENTER ENLARGEMENT Maintenance Drive Parking & Drop Off New Nature Center Home (City Support -Rental) Buffer Directional Signage Trailhead Barn & Homestead Complex Buffer Pavilion Homestead
Nature Playground Amphitheater/Events Space Outdoor Classroom Controlled Parking Treehouse Homestead Overlook Overlook Overlook Landscaped Entry Drive 100’ Creek Buffer MUDFLATS TRANSITIONAL
GRASSLAND SAVANNAH SHORELINE LAKE GRAPEVINE CROSS TIMBERS TANK POND
Maintenance Drive Parking & Drop Off New Nature Center Home (City Support -Rental) Buffer Directional Signage Trailhead Barn & Homestead Complex Buffer Pavilion Homestead Nature Playground
Amphitheater/Events Space Treehouse Landscaped Entry Drive CROSS TIMBERS TANK POND ARRIVAL DRIVE AND PARKING
NATURE CENTER Maintenance Drive Parking & Drop Off New Nature Center Home (City Support -Rental) Buffer Directional Signage Trailhead Barn & Homestead Complex Buffer Pavilion Homestead
Nature Playground Amphitheater/Events Space Landscaped Entry Drive CROSS TIMBERS TANK POND
NATURE CENTERS/VENUES
HERITAGE CENTER/GARDENS Maintenance Drive Parking & Drop Off New Nature Center Home (City Support -Rental) Buffer Directional Signage Trailhead Barn & Homestead Complex Buffer Pavilion
Homestead Nature Playground Amphitheater/Events Space Landscaped Entry Drive CROSS TIMBERS TANK POND
EDUCATIONAL EXHIBITS/WATER Maintenance Drive Parking & Drop Off New Nature Center Home (City Support -Rental) Buffer Directional Signage Trailhead Barn & Homestead Complex Buffer Pavilion
Homestead Nature Playground Amphitheater/Events Space Landscaped Entry Drive CROSS TIMBERS TANK POND
Shangri-La
NATURE PLAYGROUND Maintenance Drive Parking & Drop Off New Nature Center Home (City Support -Rental) Buffer Directional Signage Trailhead Barn & Homestead Complex Buffer Pavilion Homestead
Nature Playground Amphitheater/Events Space Landscaped Entry Drive CROSS TIMBERS TANK POND
TREE-HOUSE CLASSROOM Maintenance Drive Parking & Drop Off New Nature Center Home (City Support -Rental) Buffer Directional Signage Trailhead Barn & Homestead Complex Buffer Pavilion
Homestead Nature Playground Amphitheater/Events Space Landscaped Entry Drive CROSS TIMBERS TANK POND
CENTER ENLARGEMENT Maintenance Drive Parking & Drop Off New Nature Center Home (City Support -Rental) Buffer Directional Signage Trailhead Barn & Homestead Complex Buffer Pavilion Homestead
Nature Playground Amphitheater/Events Space Outdoor Classroom Controlled Parking Treehouse Homestead Overlook Overlook Overlook Landscaped Entry Drive 100’ Creek Buffer MUDFLATS TRANSITIONAL
GRASSLAND SAVANNAH SHORELINE LAKE GRAPEVINE CROSS TIMBERS TANK POND
HOMESTEAD/CULTURAL STORY Parking & Drop Off New Nature Center Buffer Directional Signage Nature Playground Amphitheater/Events Space Outdoor Classroom Controlled Parking Treehouse Homestead
Overlook Overlook Overlook 100’ Creek Buffer MUDFLATS TRANSITIONAL GRASSLAND SAVANNAH SHORELINE LAKE GRAPEVINE
OVERLOOK CLASSROOMS Parking & Drop Off New Nature Center Buffer Directional Signage Nature Playground Amphitheater/Events Space Outdoor Classroom Controlled Parking Treehouse Homestead
Overlook Overlook Overlook 100’ Creek Buffer MUDFLATS TRANSITIONAL GRASSLAND SAVANNAH SHORELINE LAKE GRAPEVINE
SITE PLAN
SITE PLAN
TIER 1 – Trail Development (Year 1 & 2 of Implementation) 1. Signage •Facility •Trails 2. Land/Habitat Management •Park Buffer •Savannah Expansion 3. Trail Development & Repairs •North
Woodland Loop •Wetlands Loop •Savannah Loop •CrossTimbers Loop •Heritage Loop 4. Outdoor Classrooms 5. Treehouse 6. Lakefront Overlook
TIER 2 – New Nature Center Building Development (Year 3 & 4 of Implementation) 1. New Nature Center & Arrival Identity •New Education Building •Repurpose Existing Building •Outdoor &
Indoor Exhibits •Signage at White Chapel •Entry Road •Parking Lot w/bioswale 2. Nature Playground 3. Homestead Demonstration •Barn Reconstruction •Homestead Exhibit •Composting 4. Trail
Development •Begin Recreation Loop •Connection to Ballfields 5. Signage 6. Outdoor Classrooms
TIER 3 – Nature Trail Expansion ( Year 5 of Implementation) 1. Trail Development •Riparian Corridor Loops •Complete Recreation Loop •Complete 4’ nature trails 2. Signage 3. Outdoor Classrooms
4. Lakefront Overlooks 5. Farhat Trailhead Parking 6. Habitat Management
SITE PLAN
FINAL THOUGHTS