HomeMy WebLinkAboutWorking Draft Irondale Beach Master Plan Report 1-20-2004MEMORANDUM
To: Jefferson County Parks Board
Date: January 20, 2004
From: Warren Steurer, Parks and Recreation Manager
Subject: Working Draft Irondale Beach Park Master Plan Report
Summary: The acquisition by Jefferson County of waterfront property located on Port Townsend
Bay in the historic Irondale community has provided County residents with a significant amenity and
recreational resource. Together with Washington State Department of Fish and Wildlife's proposed
restoration and rehabilitation of the adjacent property, a continuous stretch of shoreline from the mouth
of Chimacum Creek extending approximately 3,000 feet southerly will allow virtually unlimited public
access and be preserved as open space into the future.
The property was historically the site of the Irondale Foundry and its' associated works and more
recently was used as a log dump. The park site is located at the end of Moore Street in the Port Hadlock
/ Irondale neighborhood. The Department of Fish and Wildlife owns the northerly portion of the former
log dump property. The County completed purchase of the southern portion (which is the subject of the
Master Plan) on December 30, 2002.
The Master Plan Report, when adopted, will serve as the blueprint for the future development and use by the
community of the site. The attached Working Draft has been developed with the extensive involvement of
community members, organizations and agencies.
Key Issues: Although consensus was achieved by community members regarding the draft Park Vision
Statement and Goals, agreement on a specific site plan was more difficult to achieve. Members of the
community held forth strong opinions regarding the best alternatives to be considered. Specific focus was
placed on the suitability of the site for a boat launch. Several participants felt strongly that a number of issues
associated with the establishment of a boat launch on the site required greater discussion and research before it
could be considered.
In response to community input, two alternative site plans were developed. The significant difference between
them is the inclusion of a trailer boat launch and associated parking in Alternative B.
The Role of Parks Board: Consistent with the requirements of the Jefferson County Code, the Parks Boar(
directed to consider actions relating to the long and short term operation of park and recreational facilities in the
County and to provide recommendations, as required, to the Board of County Commissioners.
In reviewing the Working Draft Master Plan, the Parks Board is asked to evaluate the merits of the proposed
plan and provide direction to staff on possible revisions, additions and/or deletions. Specific guidance
regarding the crafting of a Recommended Site Plan is requested by staff.
It is anticipated that staff will make revisions (as directed) and return to the Parks Board at a subsequent
meeting with a Final Draft Master Plan. This subsequent meeting will not be a noticed public hearing, although
public comment may be taken by the Parks Board. Project neighbors and participants in the process to date will
be invited to attend and will receive written notice.
Parks Board Action Options:
1. Direct Staff to revise the Working Draft Master Plan consistent with Board direction and prepare
a recommended site plan consistent with Alternative A.
2. Direct Staff to revise the Working Draft Master Plan consistent with Board direction and prepare
a recommended site plan consistent with Alternative B.
3. Direct Staff to revise the Working Draft Master Plan consistent with Board direction without the
identification of a recommended site plan.
Staff Recommendation:
Due to site conditions and anticipated costs as delineated in the attached letter report dated January 20,
2004, staff recommends Alternative 1. However, staff acknowledges the concerns raised during the
planning process regarding the need for additional boat launch facilities in the general Port Hadlock /
Irondale area. Staff proposes that an ad hoc committee be established to investigate and identify
alternative boat launch sites. Membership on the ad hoc committee should include: County
representatives, Port of Port Townsend representatives, representatives of local sportsfishing and/or
boating groups, representatives of shoreline environmental advocacy groups and community members
at large.
Attachments:
Attached please find the following:
• Working Draft Master Plan dated January 20, 2004.
• Boat Ramp Feasibility Letter report dated January 20, 2004.
Page 2 of 2
DRAFT 20 January 04 Page 1
Irondale Beach Park
Master Plan Report
Table of Contents
1.0 Summary
1.1 Introduction
DRAFT
The acquisition by Jefferson County of waterfront property located on Port
Townsend Bay in the historic Irondale community has provided County residents
with a significant amenity and recreational resource. Together with Washington
State Department of Fish and Wildlife's proposed restoration and rehabilitation of
the adjacent property, a continuous stretch of shoreline from the mouth of
Chimacum Creek extending approximately 3,000 feet southerly will allow
virtually unlimited public access and be preserved as open space into the future.
The property was historically the site of the Irondale Foundry and its' associated
works and more recently was used as a log dump. The park site is located at the
end of Moore Street in the Port Hadlock / Irondale neighborhood. The
Department of Fish and Wildlife owns the northerly portion of the former log
dump property. The County completed purchase of the southern portion (which is
the subject of this Master Plan) on December 30, 2002.
The Master Plan Report is a blueprint for the future development and use by the
community of the site. It was developed with the extensive involvement of
community members, organizations and agencies. As proposed, it provides
guidance on the development and use of the Park for both the short and long term.
1.2 The Opportunity
The newly -acquired park land offers an unusual opportunity to realize an outdoor
community space for Irondale and the Tri-Area. Community use is already .
established and accepted by the neighborhood; the land is readily accessible but
off well -traveled routes. It is not likely to be an active use park such as H.J.
Carroll, but still can accomodate community events such as clam -bakes; July 4
celebrations; outdoor classroom activity; block parties and group picnics. There
is also a tremendous opportunity for education about the estuarine and marine
environments and about the history of the community.
DRAFT 20 January 04 Page 2
In addition to space for community activity, the site offers a valuable amenity as
open space — a punctuation mark in the fabric of a residential community, with
bigger views, more sunshine, more solitude and more just plain running space
than most places in the community. You can walk your dog, fly a kite, throw a
Frisbee, lie on the beach, swim, read a book and/or talk to your neighbors and to
strangers without having to be doing anything. This may be the greatest value for
the most people that such a space offers, but it may also be the most easily
overlooked.
1.3 The Site
The Park includes the historic mill site as well as all tidelands out to Mean Low
Lower Waterline (MLLW). The area acquired comprises 12.58 acres of uplands
and 4.84 acres of tideland. There are over 3,000 lineal feet of shoreline (including
the adjacent Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife property).
2.0 The Master Plan
2.1 Introduction
Visitors to the park site will find a diverse and historic landscape offering the
potential for a range of recreational and educational opportunities in an array of
different settings: from a restored beach environment (on the adjacent WSDFW
parcel) to more formalized play, interpretive and leisure facilities. The park will
serve a variety of users, from local neighborhood recreation and informal
gatherings to visitors from beyond the region who are interested in the parks
unique environment and history.
The Master Plan was developed after a detailed site analysis of the existing
environmental and historic context. The plan establishes an overall vision for the
park and goals that identify appropriate future activities and uses. A synthesis of
the environmental and historic analysis and the vision and goals resulted in the
preparation of a recommended site plan for the park.
2.2 Existing Conditions
The park is comprised of two distinct environments — the wooded upland portion
of the site and the waterfront area fronting Port Townsend Bay.
DRAFT 20 January 04 Page 3
Ulaitcl Portion of Site
The upland portion of the site was completely cleared in 1885 and was occupied
by the Irondale iron foundry from 1885 until at least 1919. The site is now
heavily overgrown with mature timber as well as brush. Only the foundations of
the original mill and later steel rolling mill, as well as many outlying machine
bases and foundations of smaller buildings, remain and are accessible by trails.
The site is well -drained with substantial slopes and a steep, but not particularly
high, bank on the eastward edge. It is accessible from Hadlock Avenue along the
east edge, and from the end of Market Street at the southwest corner. The
northern portion of platted Hadlock Avenue has not been opened. Along the
northern edge of the property and on adjacent private property to the north there is
a small stream that originates in a spring. The property falls off into a small
ravine along this edge, and otherwise generally slopes east and northeast. The
southern edge of the property is the highest and has a steep bank (about 25')
above the beach. There is water seepage from the face of this bank that collects at
the base behind an old road that prevents flow directly to the beach.
Waterfront Portion of Site
The waterfront portion of the site is a nearly -flat "bench" about 5 feet above Mean
High Water (MHW). The southern portion of this bench is apparently natural,
though disturbed, and the northern portion of it was created by spoils from
dredging operations about 1912 that deepened the slips alongside the mill's dock
to accommodate ore ships from China. The bench continued in use for a sawmill,
log chipping and other industrial uses until 1999, and hence all but the most
southerly portion of the waterfront is cleared and flat. An old cabin site and a
solitary willow tree just above high -tide line mark the southern boundary of the
site, beyond which access on foot is impossible except on the beach.
The bulk of the 1912 dredge -spoil fill was placed on the portion of the industrial
site north of the end of Moore Street. This portion of the site is owned by the
Washington State Department of Fish and Wildlife, and is destined for substantial
modification for the purpose of expanding the shallow -water tidelands and
restoring sediment transport near the Chimacum Creek estuary. It is expected
that the cessation of industrial use and the reconfiguration of the beach will result
DRAFT 20 January 04 Page 4
in expansion of the existing eelgrass meadows in the intertidal zone and a general
increase in plankton and forage fish habitat, resulting in more favorable
conditions for Chimacum Creek salmon fingerlings. A section of beach spanning
the two properties is an identified sand -lance spawning site which contributes to
the forage fish stock in the estuary. There is also an identified surf -smelt
spawning site on the north property.
The existing beach profile on the acquired site is shallow, fine-grained sand and
cobble at the top, and very flat mud at a mid -tide level and below. Remnants of
piling, brick and concrete foundations and slag dumping are obvious at several
points, but the beach remains an excellent recreational resource with good
shellfish, good swimming and good sunshine (when there is any). It is a good
location for small boats, protected from all but the most severe winter winds.
Access to water deep enough to float your boat is best at the south end, where the
beach is steeper and the water deeper within a few yards of shore.
2.3 History of the Park Site
Prior to the arrival of European settlers and explorers, the general area that
includes the park site was frequented and/or inhabited by several Native
American groups, including the Klallam and Chimakum tribes. These groups
were hunters and gatherers, using canoes to fish, hunt whales and seals, and
collect shellfish. They also hunted land mammals and birds, collected food and
medicinal plants, and extensively used forest resources, creating most of their
material culture from wood, other botanical material, and bone.
The history of the Chimakum tribe is unclear.' The tribe has been identified as a
remnant of a coastal Quileute band that resettled in the Port Townsend Bay area.
The Chimakum were apparently attacked by neighboring tribes as early as 1790.
Records exist of a subsequent massacre between 1815 and 1850. Census records
show a decline in the tribal population of 400 in 1870 to 3 in 1910.2
Use of the park site by the Chimakum was likely due to the relative ease of access
to the shoreline. The relationship between alleged massacres and vast quantities
of human remains found in approximately 1869 north of the site near Kuhn Spit
Dreams. (Bay Press Port Townsend, WA; 1986) pp. 49 -50
2 Ibid. pp. 49
DRAFT 20 January 04 Page 5
(located near present day Kala Point) is less certain. A story attributed to Joe
Kuhn suggests that Chief Chetzemoka of the Klallam and Skagit tribal members
attached the Chimakum while they were encamped near the spit.
The park site was the location of an iron and subsequent steel plant from1878
until at least 1919. In the 1870's the plant processed bog iron. By the 1880's there
were new owners to revive the then -failing plant by processing pig iron, but it
closed by 1890.3 An Oct. 2, 1889, Leader article explained where pig iron got its
name:
"Every eight hours the metal is run off from the blast furnace, by means of
a tap -hole at the bottom of the hearth, into rows of parallel mounds called
"pigs," which are formed in the sand, hence the name "pig -iron."
After 10 years of inactivity at the site, the Pacific Steel Company renewed
operation of the old smelter. Equipment and processes were replaced and updated.
These improvements brought new energy to the surrounding community of
Irondale, but it lasted only a few years. When the principal of Pacific Steel
drowned in 1904, business activities begin to taper to a stop. The smelter was
acquired in 1909 by the Western Steel Company. The Seattle Post-Intelligencer
editorialized on April 7, 1909:
"The making of steel on Puget Sound will bring about an industrial
development of undreamed proportions."
However, the steel mill proved to be a losing proposition. Chimacum ore was of
relatively poor quality and soon ran out. The mill closed in 1911, although it
reopened for 18 months during World War I.4
Termination of the foundry activities caused the slow erosion of the Irondale
community. Over time, fire and neglect took their toll on the industrial buildings.
At present, only the remains of building foundations exist on the upland portion of
the site.
3 Growing up with Irondale iron, steel mills. Port Townsend Leader, January 7, 2004.
4 City of Dreams. pp 131-132.
DRAFT 20 January 04 Page 6
The site is listed on both the National Register of Historic Places, and the
National Parks Service Historic American Engineering Record (HAER). 14
sheets of drawings of the site and the original industrial buildings are available
from HAER together with several dozen photographs of the mills in operation.
The site was subsequently used as a log dump. Fill material was brought in to
level the site and was compacted to create a level surface.
Purchase of the southerly portion of the former log dump property by the County
was completed in December 2002. The County was obligated to do a small
cleanup contract at the site of the former fuel tank for the iron foundry. The total
purchase price was $582,000. Acquisition of this site was funded by a
combination of grants from the Interagency Committee on Outdoor Recreation
(IAC), the Department of Natural Resources Aquatic Lands Enhancement
Account (ALEA), and the federally -funded non-profit National Fish & Wildlife
Foundation.
2.4 Park Vision Statement
A vision statement helps to organize and summarize the key qualities and
desirable characteristics that are unique to an identified place. As applied to the
Park, the vision statement represents a concise summary of the community's
direction for the on -going use and character of the facility. Taken together with
the Park Goals (below), the vision statement frames a "snapshot" of how the
community uses (and will use) the Park.
Irondale Beach Park is a unique, community -or. iented facility located on a
historically significant site in an area of great natural beauty and environmental
richness. The Park serves the needs of the local community by providing access
to the shoreline and opportunities for passive and low -impact recreational uses.
In addition, the Park preserves and protects the natural environment and
celebrates the rich heritage of the site.
2.5 Park Goals
Goals have been established for the Park to provide long term guidance to assist
with the evaluation of on -going and future park activities. As the Park evolves, it
is likely that facilities and/or activities that were not identified or evaluated in the
DRAFT 20 January 04 Page 7
master planning process will be proposed for consideration. All future Park
facilities and activities shall be evaluated for consistency with the Park Goals.
Only those facilities and/or uses that are found to be consistent with all of the
goals should be permitted.
Goal 1.0 The Park should incorporate facilities and encourage activities that
primarily serve the passive recreational needs of the immediate
neighborhood and local community.
Goal 2.0 The Park should accommodate recreational opportunities that have
limited or no impact on the environmental qualities of the site and
surrounding area.
Goal 3.0 A primary intent of the Park should be to inform and educate County
residents of both the rich natural environment and the historic use of
the site and surrounding area.
Goal 4.0 Facilities in the Park should enhance both formal and informal
opportunities for community residents to interact.
Goal 5.0 Facilities established in the Park should be "informal" in nature and
designed to integrate as much as possible into the natural environment.
Where possible, natural materials (wood as opposed to metal; gravel
trails as opposed to paved sidewalks; etc.) and colors (natural earth
tones) should be used.
Goal 6.0 Activities and uses should be designed and established in a manner
that prevents crime, vandalism and other inappropriate activities.
Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design (CPTED) principles
should be employed in the design of all park facilities.
Goal 7.0 Facilities and activities in the Park should be designed and established
in a manner that minimizes maintenance and operational costs. -
2.6 Recommended Site Master Plan
TO BE INSERTED AFTER PARKS BOARD MTG
DRAFT 20 January 04 Page 8
3.0 Master Plan Process
3.1 Process
After the acquisition of the park by the County a planning process was initiated to
develop the most appropriate future public use of the site. The process focused on
facilitating a community -based discussion of key issues and opportunities
associated with the site. In addition, current and future recreational needs for the
community were examined. The results of these early meetings served as the
basis for this Master Plan (Please see Appendix B).
Specific issues associated with the site were identified. These include:
Stormwater / Drainage. Moore Street lies in a natural depression and
consequently channels most of the surface water from the nearby
neighborhoods down to the bay by means of a small and deteriorated culvert
under the road and the easement to County Property. Natural drainage
includes flow from perennial springs. Since some of the nearby adjacent
residential properties are thoroughly saturated, there are likely to be septic
overflow issues as well. There is also significant seepage from the shoreline
banks that accumulates at the base of the bank and creates a permanent soggy
area that floods in winter.
Reconstruction of Beach. The Department of Fish and Wildlife's planned
restoration of the beach on their parcel north of the County site will likely
have a significant effect on the park. It will be necessary to modify the
shoreline on the County parcel to ensure a successful transition area between
the restored beach environment on the Fish and Wildlife property and the
filled areas remaining on the County site.
Inappropriate Uses. Community use of the site and the beach is long-
standing and mostly benevolent. However, since the site is not maintained or
policed, it is open to abuse and receives its share, including:
Garbage Dumping
Squatting
High Speed / Destructive Motor Vehicles and other Illegal Activities
Operations Costs. Development of the park is limited not only by the cost of
initial construction, but by ongoing maintenance costs. This issue is
complicated by the possible transition of Parks and Recreation from a County
Department to an Independent Taxing District and by the possible
incorporation of the Tri-Area. For the present, development is constrained to
DRAFT 20 January 04 Page 9
improvements that reduce maintenance costs, are legally mandated, or solve
important safety issues.
In order to develop a recommended site plan and capital budget for the park, more
specific information was needed. Using the information identified in previous
discussions as a starting point, a focused process to more clearly determine the
programming and design of the park was initiated in November 2003.
»»INSERT MASTER PLANNING PROCESS FLOW CHART
This process sought to involve both those who had previously participated in the
planning discussions regarding the site as well as neighborhood and community
members who were new to the process. In addition, all prior participants agreed
that the continued participation of Washington State Department of Fish and
Wildlife representatives in the planning process was critical as their restoration
project would be environmentally and functionally linked to what occurs on the
park site.
3.2 Park Programming and Community Involvement
One of the initial tasks that community members addressed in the planning
process was the identification and prioritization of the key opportunities
associated with the site (Appendix B). The purpose of this exercise was to help
the process participants to identify opportunities as seen from a variety of
different perspectives in the community.
Several central themes were apparent after review of the results of this exercise.
These themes acted as an overarching thread throughout the subsequent
programming process:
• Enhancement, Restoration and Protection of the Natural Environment.
The protection, enhancement and restoration of the natural environment were
identified as a key theme to be integrated into any proposed action or activity
occurring on the site.
• Interpretation of Historical / Natural Environment. The park should strive
to educate and inform users of the unique historic and environmental context
of the site.
DRAFT 20 January 04 Page 10
Establishment of a Boat Launch. During the workshop sessions, the
shortfalls and deficiencies of existing trailer boat ramps and launches in the
surrounding area were identified. The benefits and drawbacks of establishing
a trailer boat ramp in the park should be evaluated. However, participants in
the process were uniformly supportive of the inclusion of a hand -launch area
for small in any future park design.
Establishment of Passive Recreational Activities. The desire for an informal
park that focused on passive recreational activities was clearly articulated by
the participating community members. Improvements were to be modest and
"low—key". The park design should not duplicate the facilities found at H.J.
Carroll Park, but should integrate improvements that allow access and
interpretation.
These themes served as the basis for the preparation of the park vision statement
and goals (see Sections 2.5 and 2.4).
3.3 Alternatives
Although consensus was achieved by the community members regarding the draft
Park Vision Statement and Goals, agreement on a specific site plan was more
difficult to achieve. Members of the community held forth strong opinions
regarding the best alternatives to be considered. Specific focus was placed on the
suitability of the site for a boat launch. Several participants felt strongly that a
number of issues associated with the establishment of a boat launch on the site
required greater discussion and research before it could be considered. These
issues were evaluated in a separate letter report (Please see Exhibit Q.
In response to community input, two alternative site plans were developed. The
significant difference between them is the inclusion of a trailer boat launch and
associated parking in Alternative B. Both alternatives were evaluated using
Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design (CPTED) principles. Proposed
crime -prevention strategies that resulted from the evaluation are described in
Section 4.2 (Project 1).
Alternative A
This alternative proposes the following:
DRAFT 20 January 04 Page 11
• Wetland Restoration. The existing drainage that separates the Fish and
Wildlife parcel from the park is proposed to be enhanced through the creation
of a salt -water wetland area. This would not only enhance environmental and
habitat values but would also serve to provide a strong transition between the
more programmed areas of the park and the restored beach area leading to
Chimacum Creek.
• Trail Network. An extensive trail network is proposed. The trails will
provide access to both the historic mill sites as well as along the waters edge.
• Interpretive Signage. Both the environmental and historic context would be
described in a series of informational kiosk and interpretive displays.
Active Informal Use Area. A small (approximately .9 acre) portion of the
park area will be improved to allow for informal recreational activities such as
kite flying, frisbee and community events. This area will be planted with
durable "playground" grass that requires limited irrigation and mowing.
Restoration of Filled Areas. Portions of the lower portion of the park will be
improved/amended to accommodate native shore grasses.
• Limitations on Inappropriate Vehicular Access. A "turnstile" gate will be
installed at the Hastings Avenue entrance to discourage inappropriate access.
(Strategies for reducing other inappropriate activities are described in more
detail in Section 4.2, below).
• Hand Boat Launch. Access from the parking area to a designated small boat
launch area will be established.
• Expanded and Relocated Parking Area. The current parking area will be
revised to shorten on -site access roads thereby maximizing open space. This
revision will also eliminate the "hidden' nature of the current access road
configuration that does not allow visual connection with Moore Street.
• Restroom and Picnic Shelter. A restroom facility and picnic shelter are
proposed for the site.
»»>INSERT ALTERNATIVE A SITE PLAN
Alternative B
Alternative B incorporates the improvements contained in Alternative A plus the
following:
• Trailer Boat Launch and Associated Parking Areas. The proposed boat
launch is located as far southerly on the site as practicable due to topography.
The reason for this southerly location is to provide access to the deepest water.
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Weiland and Related Species
Durable Grass
Grasses
Preliminary Site Plan
Alternative A
Contour Interval - V0'
1. Restore Wetland / Enhance Drainage
2. Bridge
3. Shelter
4. Restrooms
6. interpretive IQosk (Site of Boller House)
6. Hand Boat Launch
7. Removable Bollards 1 Gate
8. Otf set Entry (no matorixed use)
9. Interpretive Display
—
0 so 100 200
DRAFT 20 January 04 Page 12
Parking consists of a paved area for general use and an unpaved area for
overflow or peak use. Parking capacity is approximately 1/2 of that found at
the regions largest ramp located at the Port of Port Townsend's Boat Haven.
Higher parking capacity is required on -site as Moore Street would be unable
to accommodate overflow parking due to its lack of shoulders. A washdown
facility is also proposed in this alternative. Paving of internal access ways
will be required to accommodate anticipated vehicular traffic volumes.
>>>INSERT ALTERNATIVE B SITE PLAN
4.0 Implementation
1. Recommended Park Naming Process
The Park has not yet been formally named due to the relatively recent acquisition
of the land and the lack of a specific formal or informal name associated with the
property. The opportunity to name the park represents an excellent opportunity to
increase community awareness, interest and potentially on -going involvement
with the facility. In addition, the general excitement associated with a successful
naming process for the Park can help instill an on -going sense of community
stewardship.
The following process is recommended as a means of developing a name for the
Park.
A. Working cooperatively with the Port Townsend Leader / Peninsula Daily
News the County will publicize both the history of the site and well as the
park master plan. The County will solicit nominations for the name of the
park concurrent with a kick-off meeting of the "Friends of the Park", a
proposed stewardship group (Please see Section 4.2, below). In addition,
the County will actively seek to involve Chimacum School District
students in the naming process.
Proposed names will be submitted via the County's website or through the
mail. A specific cut off date will be pre -determined. Innovation and
relevance to the site will be encouraged, however the following limitations
will apply:
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Jefferson County Parks and Recreation Deparlir
December 91°. 2003
Prepared by:
Madrona Planning
Port Townsend, Washington
Wetland and Related Species
Durable Gress
Shore Grasses
Preliminary Site Plan
Alternative B
Contour Interval -1'0"
1. Restore Wetland / Enhance Drainage
2. Bridge
3. Shelter
4. Resbooms
S. Interpretive Klosk/ Display
S. Boat Launch
7. Trailer Parking
8. Overflow Trailer Parking
(No parking on E. Moore Street)
9. Boat Wash
10. Removable Bollards / Gate
11. Offset Entry (no motorized use)
0 so 100 200 r
DRAFT 20 January 04 Page 13
The proposed park name should reflect the rich history of the site
and/or celebrate features of the natural shoreline environment
The proposed name should not be that of a person or group
excepting an individual or group that has had a direct, historic
connection with the site or surrounding community.
B. The Parks Board will consider the submitted park names and will select
the three best proposals. The Board will rank the proposals and forward a
recommendation to the Board of County Commissioners.
C. The Board of County Commissioners will consider the recommendation of
the Parks Board and will select the name for the park.
2. Projects and Phasing
The following projects are proposed to fully implement the master plan.
Project I — Crinie Prevention Throe h Environmental Design (CPTED).
Inappropriate activities have and may continue to occur in the park. A coordinated
approach is needed to lessen the chance for crime. This can be accomplished
through the application of CPTED principles during site design and development
to identify and incorporate design features which reduce opportunities for
criminal activity to occur. Specific CPTED principles have been considered in the
development of the proposed Site Master Plan.
The effectiveness of CPTED is based on the fact that criminals make rational
choices about their targets. In general:
A. The greater the risk of being seen, challenged or caught, the less likely
they are to commit a crime,
B. The greater the effort required, the less likely they are to commit a crime,
C, The lesser the actual or perceived rewards, the less likely they are to
commit a crime.
Through use of OPTED principles, the park can be designed and managed to
ensure:
A. There is more chance of being seen, challenged or caught,
B. Greater effort is required,
DRAFT 20 January 04 Page 14
C. The actual or perceived rewards are less, and
D. Opportunities for criminal activity are minimized.
CEPTED design principles are functionally grouped into three categories:
• Natural Surveillance. This category focuses on strategies to design the built
environment in a manner which promotes visibility of public spaces and areas.
• Access Control. This category focuses on the techniques which prevent
and/or deter unauthorized and/or inappropriate access.
• Ownership. This category focuses on strategies to reduce the perception of
areas as "ownerless" and therefore available for undesirable uses.
CEPTED principles were considered in the design process for the Alternatives.
The following table summarizes the results of the analysis:
CPTE; TJesiP
Natural Surveillance.
Access Control.
Ownership.
Good visibility of
proposed parking area
from Moore Street and
surrounding homes.
Trail visibility is fair on
waterfront, poor on
Pedestrian / vehicular
access is uncontrolled.
Area located near
Moore street is less
susceptible to crime as
it is "owned" by
surrounding residences.
Park users and
community groups can
demonstrate ownership
through use patterns and
the provision of
Poor visibility of
parking area and boat
launch. Trail visibility
is fair on waterfront,
poor on uplands.
Pedestrian / vehicular
access is uncontrolled.
Area located near
Moore street is less
susceptible to crime as
it is "owned" by
surrounding residences.
Park users and
community groups can
demonstrate ownership
through use patterns and
the provision of
DRAFT 20 January 04 Page 15
The results of the CPTED analysis have resulted in the development of the
following strategies:
A. Natural Surveillance. To reduce the lack of visibility due to the necessary
southerly location of the proposed boat launch, Alternative B will require the
provision of an on -site caretaker's residence. To maximize it's effectiveness,
the caretaker's residence would need to be located in the southerly portion of
the park. Domestic water is available to serve the residence. A sanitary
drainfield will need to be established. The drainfield may be co -located with
that required for the proposed restroom facilities.
B. Access Control - Evening hours typically have a greater exposure for crime as
natural surveillance is reduced. Limiting access to the park during evening
hours will significantly reduce opportunities for crime to occur. Lighting of
key park facilities (notably parking areas) can also contribute to a reduction in
the likelihood of criminal activity. The following interventions are
recommended and are shown in rank order of suggested implementation:
Alternative A: Signage (park closed at dusk)
Turnstile gate at Hadlock Avenue pedestrian entrance
Lighting of parking areas, restrooms
Gate closure at dusk / opening at dawn
Alternative B: Signage (park closed at dusk)
Turnstile gate at Hadlock Avenue pedestrian entrance
Caretakers's residence
Lighting of parking areas, restrooms, boat launch
Gate closure at dusk / opening at dawn
C. Ownership.. Increased use by community members and groups will enhance
the perception of ownership of the park. Please see Project 3 - Stewardship
below.
Pro'ect 2 - Coordination with Fish and Wildlife.
At one time, the Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) was to be closely
connected with the County acquisition of the park site. However, financial
arrangements were never resolved successfully, so there was no crossover in
ownership between the County and the state. However, WDFW has been an
active participant in the Master Planning Process.
DRAFT 20 January 04 Page 16
WDFW proposes to restore their property to a pre -development state. Shallow
water habitat in Port Townsend Bay is crucial for migrating salmon to avoid
predators. The WDFW property was historically a flat, sandy beach with a spit at
the mouth of Chimacum Creek. Shallow water habitat existed even during high
tide. Decades ago industrial development on the beach covered about 13 acres of
intertidal sand flats destroying this important habitat.
WDFW has received a grant to restore the intertidal habitat by removing
bulkheads and fill as recommended in the summer chum recovery plan. The
removal of these materials will have a direct effect on the park. It has been
speculated that an embayance may be created by tidal action and drift patterns
rather than a gently sloped beach. Further, additional erosion may occur on the
park site due to the proposed removal of materials.
The County shall coordinate with WDFW to ensure that the final restoration
design is integrated with the proposed park and that risks to the shoreline are
minimized.
Project 3 -- Stewardshi
A key component for the continued success of the park will be the identification
and recruitment of an active community group who supports and nurtures the
facility. The nucleus of this group appears to already been formed as evidenced by
ongoing workshop participation and attendance.
This "Friends of the Park" group should advocate for the implementation of the
master plan. A key component of the support group may be the preparation of
grant applications, monthly work parties on site, dedicated fund raising and other
similar activities.
The County shall support the initial establishment of this support group.
2. Capitol Cost Estimates
TO BE INSERTED
Appendices
Appendix A - Regulatory Context
DRAFT 20 January 04 Page 17
Appendix B - Results of Workshops
Appendix C — Boat Ramp Feasibility Letter Report
Appendix A — Regulatory Context
Re 6,1 ati[jzj'.bf;'Sit.:: `
Zoning RURAL
RESIDENTIAL 1:5
Comprehensive Plan RURAL
RESIDENTIAL 1:5
Parks and Playfields and Recreational
Facilities are allowed in RR1:5
Zoning Districts. Caretakers
Residences (public parks) are not
allowed -
Shoreline Master Plan URBAN Day -use recreational facilities and
boat launches are primary uses in a
Urban Shoreline District. A
Shoreline Substantial Development
Permit will be required for most
construction activities occurring on
the site. A substantial development is
defined as any development of which
total cost for market value exceeds
$5,000 or any development which
material interferes with any normal
public use of the water or shorelines