Agenda 6-a - Blackwood Farm Park – Proposed Revised Master Plan

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In conjunction with these infrastructure improvements, a planned child-friendly “Discovery Trail” with nature and environmental signage would also be added. In addition, ongoing stabilization work of the Blackwood Farmhouse would continue (using existing funds). Some of these infrastructure features are refinements from the original adopted master plan, and in some cases additional changes are suggested based on these refinements, the relocation of the planned Parks Operations Base, and additional plans and discussions of the past seven years. Accordingly, the Proposed Revised Master Plan includes the following primary changes or additions: • Realignment of the planned park entrance drive and parking area to a more site- sensitive, scenic and efficient design; • Addition of the Discovery Trail; • Deletion of the Parks Operations Base and associated yard space; and addition of a small Park Office in its place (pending future decisions on potential new County campus); • Addition of the re-established Blackwood Farm Orchard; • Relocation of the trailhead; • Addition of a disc golf course; • Deletion of a planned northern boundary road and parking areas; • Deletion of the possible Informal Multi-Use Field; • Selection of a preferred amphitheatre site (the original master plan had three options); • Identification of the Agricultural Exhibits and Garden Area; and • Addition of new picnic shelters and restrooms. Of the additions, refinements and changes detailed above, the only significant change is the proposed creation of a disc golf course, a concept that was discussed in the 2016 and 2017 Capital Investment Plan (CIP) review and discussions, and informally authorized by the Board. The deletion of the Parks Operations Base from this location and its inclusion at a new site is also based on previous Board discussions, and deletion of the planned northern road and parking areas is based on discussions with neighbors whose homes back up to the northern boundary of the park, and the lack of need for these facilities based on the updated design with the disc golf course. Staff has communicated the Proposed Revised Master Plan to park neighbors who have expressed appreciation for the deletion of the planned road and northernmost parking lot. Adoption of a revised master plan will enable staff to issue a Request for Qualifications (RFQ) for an engineering and design firm to prepare detailed construction documents for the park infrastructure using existing funding. It is recommended that the scope of work for this consultant also include the planned future park construction (Phase 2-B), if current timetables remain in place. Staff anticipates bringing a design/engineering consultant recommendation to the Board for approval by the summer break. FINANCIAL IMPACT: There is no financial impact associated with amending the park Master Plan. This action will enable staff to solicit and propose a recommended consultant for design and engineering later this spring. Funding for both the design and infrastructure improvements in Phase 2-A (and the ongoing farmhouse work) would come from previously-appropriated funds 2