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HomeMy Public PortalAbout5b RFP Fraser River Corridor ~ THKFRASER RIVER CORRIDOR MASTER PLAN PROPOSAL PREPARED FOR: PREPARED BY: TABLE OF CONTENTS Project Overview                   1 Project Approach                2 Project Scope                  14 Team Organization              26 Description of Firm                 27 Firm Resumes                28 Description of Subconsultants           31 Subcontractor Resumes            32 Project Experience                 34 Project Fees                    42 Project Schedule                  43 PROJECT PARTNERS: CLIENT: 2953 South Peoria Street, Suite 101 Aurora, Colorado 80014 303.770.7201 fax 303.770.7132 market research planning landscape architecture golf feasibility/valuation 2953 South Peoria Street, Suite 101 Aurora, CO 80014 303.770.7201 fax 303.770.7132 June 28, 2107 Catherine Trotter Town of Fraser P.O. Box 370 Fraser, Colorado 80442 RE: Cozens Ranch Open Space Fraser River Corridor Master Plan Request for Proposals Dear Ms. Trotter: THK Associates, Inc., in partnership with Grand Environmental and Matrix Design Group, is pleased to provide you with the following proposal for the Fraser River Corridor Master Plan project. The THK Team is comprised of landscape architects, planners, engineers and scientists who have been involved in various stages of planning and research along many of Colorado’s river corridors, including the Fraser River Corridor. As a result, we come into this process with a strong understanding of the unique opportunities and challenges of working through the Fraser River Corridor. Members of our multi-disciplinary team have been leading the way, creating successful and balanced riparian corridor master plans throughout Colorado for many years. Some of these riparian corridor projects include: The key to success for all of these projects is balance. The THK Team’s approach to riparian corridor projects is based on a philosophical goal of achieving a balance between the natural and developed worlds by protecting and preserving wildlife and riparian habitat, connecting humans with this natural resource and inspiring the community to get outdoors and enjoy this gem of Fraser. This approach allows the THK Team to integrate important recreational and educational opportunities that connect users to the river and the natural environment. Achieving this balance is an in-depth task that requires extensive experience, comprehensive research of the natural river system to acquire a full understanding of project conflicts and careful planning to ensure long-term sustainable success. The THK Team has the necessary experience and knowledge and has prepared an approach to attain this balance. • South Platte River Corridor Master Plan • Fountain Creek Corridor Restoration Master Plan • Clear Creek Corridor Plan • Fish Creek Flood Recovery Master Plan • South St. Vrain Restoration Master Plan • Upper Fountain Creek and Cheyenne Creek Watershed Master Plan • Upper Monument Creek Watershed Master Plan • Old Sopris Trail and the Purgatory River Corridor Design • Big Thompson River Corridor Master Plan 2953 South Peoria Street, Suite 101 Aurora, Colorado 80014 303.770.7201 fax 303.770.7132 market research planning landscape architecture golf feasibility/valuation After establishing a master plan, the next step is to create a demonstration project to build community support and lay the groundwork for future funding of projects. The THK Team will help develop a strategy to leverage funds from other organizations and grant agencies in order to complete a meaningful and impactful demonstration project that provides recreational, educational and environmental benefits to the corridor and the community. With a staff of 11 professionals with experience in river corridor, trails and park planning and design, THK has been proud to serve many municipalities and agencies on riparian planning projects and we look forward to the opportunity to provide you with the same exceptional service. You have our personal commitment to leverage our prior work and knowledge, maintain focus on your goals and deliver the project that the Town and residents need. If you have any questions or would like to discuss our qualifications, please contact Kevin Shanks by phone at 303.770.7201 or by email at kshanks@thkassoc.com. Sincerely, Kevin R. Shanks, RLA, ASLA Vice President, Director of Landscape Architecture and Planning THK Associates, Inc. kshanks@thkassoc.com, 303-770-7201 2953 South Peoria Street, Suite 101 Aurora, CO 80014 303.770.7201 fax 303.770.7132 Project Overview 1 THK Associates has led many multi-disciplinary teams for river corridor planning and design projects that are pioneering the way for developing comprehensive and balanced riparian corridor master plans. All of the projects the THK Team has completed not only have a focus on environmental health and floodplain management, but recreational and educational experiences as well. Riparian corridors are complex systems that require careful planning to achieve a stable and sustainable balance of environmental, social and economic factors. The THK Team has the experience, the knowledge and the expertise to achieve this for the Town of Fraser, here-to referred to as the Town. We have selected firms and individuals who have worked on recent projects within and around the Town of Fraser and specifically on the Fraser River Corridor. This local knowledge, combined with the THK Team’s extensive experience and our outstanding communication skills, will provide the Town with a seamless master planning process that will be results driven. Additionally, the THK Team has worked with several different grant agencies and other funding sources, including Great Outdoors Colorado (GOCO). We are intimately familiar with these agencies grant requirements, reimbursement procedures and project closeout procedures. The following pages outline our approach and scope to this project that were designed to not only provide the Town with a comprehensive master plan and phase 1 project, but also create excitement in the community and momentum for additional grant funding. As you read the THK Team’s approach and scope, it will become clear that we have the ability to provide several unique services that will lead to a comprehensive master plan that can be completed within the Town’s $90,000 budget. PROJECT OVERVIEW TEOIB Ranger program leading a group of visitors THK’s Clear Creek Greenway Trail along the Clear Creek River Corridor Education inspires preservation... Cozens Ranch Open Space Fraser River Corridor Master Plan2 PROJECT APPROACH WHY CHOOSE OUR TEAM? The THK Team is comprised of both local and regional experts that bring more than just the skills to complete a successful master plan; we bring intimate knowledge of the project site and local community that allows us to “hit the ground running.”. Grand Environmental, Gatesman Environmental, Divide Environmental and Mapping are all local environmental firms that have completed and continue to work on projects along the Fraser River Corridor - See the THK’s Project Team Knowledge of the Project Area Map for a map of projects completed in the Cozen’s Ranch Open Space. THK Associates is a regional firm that has been working with the Headwaters Trail Alliance and the joint Economic Development Administration (EDA) on the Economic Resurgence and Resiliency Plan between Clear Creek and Grand Counties. These partnerships have allowed THK to participate in local events such as HTA fundraisers and joint economic development meetings. The THK Team has knowledge of other projects that have been completed or planned in the project area, such as Trout Unlimited’s plans for an ADA accessible fishing dock along the river and trail improvements around the Lion’s Ponds. We are also aware of some previous hydraulic modeling (HEC- RAS) that was completed as part of the pedestrian bridge projects that could be useful, depending upon what design features are incorporated into the master plan. This background is important because there may be opportunities to pair some of these previous efforts with a Phase 1 project, increasing the scope and/or level of design of the project for significantly fewer dollars. Increase ADA access to the River and Ponds Expand current boardwalks to access wetland/riparian ecosystems with minimal impact Increase access to activate the River HTA pub crawl along the Fraser River Trail July 2016 THK designed ADA accessible dock at Overland Pond in Denver Project Approach 3 The stormwater drainage across Cozens Ranch Open Space Park was realigned to provide adequate drainge to the Fraser River Understanding wetlands and their importance to our ecosystem is an important factor of our workWorking with local engineers and excavators a boulder cross vane was installed in the river bed to meet preferred pipeline elevation Projects have focused on mitigation efforts to preserve the Fraser River A wetland survey was conducted to plan for the installment of a pedestrian bridge in Cozens Ranch Open Space Park Work was done to improve the augmentation water-intake system on the Fraser River after a beaver had complicated upstream hydrology THE THK TEAM’S KNOWLEDGE OF THE PROJECT AREA: Environmental Projects Completed by THK Team Members Drainage Realignment Town of Fraser - Site assessment evaluation, alternatives, wetland permitting and construction oversight for drainage realignment in 2013-2014 Pedestrian Bridge Town of Fraser - Site assessment, initial design and wetland permitting for pedestrian bridge to complete trail loop in 2014-2015 Augmentation Pond Intake Upgrade WP West Water and San - Site assessment, design and construction oversight for augmentation-pond intake realignment in 2013-2014 Wetland Recon FVPT - Wetland delineation for trail connector concept in 2014 Augmentation Pongs GC#1 Water and San - Site assessment, alternatives development, wetland permitting and construction oversight for re-purposing lagoons into augmentation ponds 2006-2008 Mitigation Reconnaissance Rendezvous -Site assessment for alternative mitigation sites in 2007 - Existing Trail Heads Cozens Ranch Open Space Fraser River Corridor Master Plan4 Project Approach 5 The THK Team is also familiar with the Fraser Downtown Revitalization Plan and understands the goals for developing the riverfront including: • Allow for a variety of land uses, including multi-family housing, retail, restaurants/bars, offices and artist/trade space within the Riverwalk District. Consideration should be given to how different types of development may influence the public feel of the riverfront. For example, residential development fronting on a river can create a feeling of being in someone else’s yard. • Balance development with open space along the Fraser River. The River offers a terrific economic opportunity but potential impacts to the River from adjacent development must be considered and mitigated. • Creation of a river park/open space/green space buffer along the Fraser River creates opportunities for river-oriented recreation. • Enhance the existing trail system along the Fraser River. Creation of a boardwalk/riverwalk along the Fraser River was suggested as a concept for enhancing the existing river trail. As part of our public engagement strategy, the THK Team would feature many of the elements of this revitalization plan so that the Town of Fraser and its residents can realize the implementation and follow through of that plan. Lastly, the THK Team is utilizing cutting edge technology to provide efficient and innovative designs. Historically, design processes have been displayed primarily through the use of plan view (top-down) graphics, as well as with select section, elevation and perspective drawings. Of these drawing types, perspective drawings are by far the most discernible and easy to understand. Whether at public meetings, board presentations or team reviews, many participants will not provide input or will provide unhelpful input on plan, section and elevation drawings because they simply do not fully understand what the project design will actually look like. However, plan drawings are historically the standard for the design process because they are quicker and easier to produce than perspectives. The THK Team has the expert knowledge and capabilities, as well as the software, to quickly and efficiently integrate many newer technologies such as 3D modeling, drone imagery and drone orthorectification into the design process. As a result, this technology allows the THK Team, the client and any stakeholder participants to clearly understand the impacts of proposed designs, as well as have more insightful and progressive discussions. THK Associates has been pioneering the use of these emerging technologies in the design process for many years. 3D visualization model created for the John Meade Park Master Plan Cozens Ranch Open Space Fraser River Corridor Master Plan6 Recently, Landscape Architecture Magazine (the national magazine of the American Society of Landscape Architecture-ASLA) featured THK Associates for their innovative use of many technologies. Among those highlighted were the use of 3D modeling during the design process rather than only as a presentation tool, the use of drones to collect aerial imagery and terrain data and the integration of multiple technologies to allow clients to make better informed design decisions. It is important to note that, as much background as the THK Team has about the project, we do not seek to influence the public into any design that has already been proposed. Our goal is to provide the most up-to-date and accurate information, communicate and present project opportunities and constraints, gather public input, consolidate all data and provide design options that meet both technical requirements and the desires of the Town, its stakeholders and the public. HOW DO WE BUILD MOMENTUM? The Cozens Ranch Open Space is one of the Town’s most utilized recreation areas. As such, there is tremendous interest in developing it into an amenity that the Town of Fraser can be proud of. The THK Team understands that this project has been talked about for the last 10 years and the excitement generated by the successful award of a GOCO grant is noticeable. There are several organizations and individuals that supported the grant application and have some great ideas about what they would like to see developed in the area. In order to gather as much information and ideas as possible, as well as generate additional excitement about the project, the THK Team suggests a strong community engagement approach that will include: PROJECT WEBSITE The THK Team provides the option of building a project website/webpage that can be stand-alone (have its own url) or hosted by the Town of Fraser or any of the numerous partners that have an interest in the project, including the Headwaters Trail Alliance (HTA) or the Headwaters Trout Unlimited Chapter (the THK Team can also host the site, but local agencies typically appreciate the increased visitation to their own sites). This website will house all pertinent information about the project including updated designs, public meetings, public surveys and project photos. It will also serve as the primary communication point for anyone that has questions about the project but cannot attend any of the public meetings. One of the more recent examples of a project website built by the THK Team is the Big Thompson River Corridor Master Plan, which can be viewed at WWW.ABETTERBIGT.COM. Home Page for the Big Thompson River Corridor Master Plan website Project Approach 7 PUBLIC OUTREACH Unlike most public processes, the THK Team believes that some of the most useful information provided by the public is generated outside of formal public gatherings. This is especially true for towns like Fraser where much of the economy is driven by tourism and many of its residents are second home owners that come up on Friday for the weekend. To address this reality, the THK Team will hold a 2-day On-Site Strategic Planning Session on a Thursday and Friday. Thursday will consist of site tours and exploration with Town staff and interested stakeholders, as well as gathering thoughts and ideas from other visitors. Friday will consist of more of the same, while the project team starts to compile information in preparation for a public meeting that evening that would include a brief presentation, Q&A and open house. It will be ideal if this design charrette was held in August and coincided with other public events (the HTA hosts its fall pub crawl on Friday, Aug. 18 that brings out a large and diverse crowd that is recreation oriented). The THK Team will also propose holding a second public meeting in early November that will present a draft of the final master plan and proposed Phase 1 Project. This meeting will be particularly important to capture final input from some of the more involved residents and stakeholders. A final public meeting will be scheduled near the completion of the project to present the final master plan and the Phase 1 project. This final meeting could double as a fundraiser to gather community supported matching funds for grant applications and can also be paired with another public event. Presentations inform the community about a project and allow the project team to collect input at the City Thornton’s Big Dry Creek Master Plan Workshop Using visual aids allows for engagement between community members and the project team during the Clear Creek County Visioning Workshop Activities such as a community bike ride is an interactive engagement tool that THK utilized during the Legacy Loop Trail Design Valuable information is gathered during THK’s 3-day On-site Strategic Planning Session for Riverside Park in Evans, CO Cozens Ranch Open Space Fraser River Corridor Master Plan8 COMMUNITY SURVEY The THK Team also proposes conducting a community survey for the master plan. Community surveys are useful for a few reasons. The primary reason is to allow maximum participation from the community, particularly those that cannot attend all public events. A survey also allows the Town, stakeholders and other individuals to view opinions of all involved in the project. Finally, several grants require documentation of community participation and ask about opposition or concerns to any of the proposed actions. Questions for the survey will be developed with input from Town staff, the project team and information gathered during the two-day design charrette. The survey will be hosted by Survey Monkey, with links added to the project website, Town website and partner websites. Social media blasts through project partner accounts will help boost participation as well as email blasts from lists from the Town and other project partners. HOW DO WE KEEP THE MOMENTUM? The primary reason master plans do not proceed past a planning effort is because the “next steps” identified do not necessarily take into consideration the ability to fund the project. Even the few plans that do take funding into consideration typically do not account for the economic resources of the community and its ability (or inability) to provide a financial match required by most grants. The THK Team addresses these issues in two ways. 0.0% 10.0% 20.0% 30.0% 40.0% 50.0% 60.0% 70.0% 80.0% 0.0% 10.0% 20.0% 30.0% 40.0% 50.0% 60.0% 70.0% Big Dry Creek Recreation and Floodplain Restoration Master Plan Survey Results: Desired Use Which activities would you like to do at Big Dry Creek open space areas? Please select all that apply Which of the following features would you like to see incorporated into the Big Dry Creek Corridor? Please select all that apply Paved trails Unpaved trails Playgrounds Picnic/sitting/ wildlife viewing areas Nature playgrounds/ discovery areas Self-guided nature walks Including interpretive nature Programmed events (Earth Day Celebration) Art installations Trailheads/ parking lots Restrooms Other (please specify) Rentable pavilions Trail connections to neighborhoods & existing trails Wi-Fi hotspots Running/skating/ walking/biking on paved trails Running walking/ biking on unpaved trails/off of trails Dog walking Wildlife watching Golf Photography Nature exploration (on and off -trail) Fitness Playgrounds Nature play Sitting/relaxing/ contemplation Other (please specify) of respondents believe that it is IMPORTANT for natural open space areas to-include year-round recreational opportunities with trails, wildlife viewing areas, shade shelters, benches, etc. Over 90% 57 % 67 % 60 % 49 %56 % 37 %49 % 36 % 31 % 31 %45 % 3 %6 % 64 % 28 % 52 % 41 % 66 % 42 %50 % 51 % 26 %16 % 16 % 11 % 16 % Other responses included: - Swimming - Soccer - Kids play - Games - Disc golf - Picnic - Sledding - Tent camping - Dog park - Fishing - Bike park - Adult workout stations Other responses included: - Climbing facilities (walls, rocks, ropes) - Soccer - Keep it natural! - Facilities for dogs (waste bins, dog parks) - External trail connections - Water fountains - Exercise facilities (equipment, places for passive exercise such as yoga) Community Survey during the City Thornton’s Big Dry Creek Master Plan clearly what the community wanted out of their corridor and allowed the THK project team to make informed design decision based on community desires Project Approach 9 First, the THK Team will identify possible funding sources that could be used to complete additional planning (if needed) and construction/implementation. These sources will be specific to the region and the project. For the Cozens Ranch Open Space this will include grants that fund trails, education, habitat restoration, playgrounds, parking, restrooms, fishing and more. Second, as a design is being finalized, the THK Team will target specific grant opportunities and create a funding plan that will outline which grants should be targeted, the dates and timeline for awards, and the match required. The goal of this plan will be to target grants that can be leveraged against each other, minimizing the amount of resources (cash) that the Town of Fraser would have to provide to match grants. Some of the sources of these grants include: GREAT OUTDOORS COLORADO (GOCO) Since this planning effort is being funded by GOCO, it is unlikely that any additional planning funds can be solicited through GOCO. However, GOCO has three separate grant programs that can be used for implementing improvements to Cozens Ranch Open Space. • Local Park and Outdoor Recreation Grants help build or improve community parks, outdoor recreation amenities, outdoor athletic facilities and environmental education facilities. Funding is also available for land acquisitions. • Youth Corps Grants employ Colorado Youth Corps Association crews on projects like building trails, erosion control after forest fires and eradicating invasive species. • Habitat Restoration Grants improve and restore Colorado’s rivers, streams, wetlands and critical habitat on permanently conserved land. COLORADO PARKS AND WILDLIFE (CPW) • Fishing is Fun provides up to $400,000 in matching grants annually to local and county governments, park and recreation departments, water districts, angling organizations and others for projects to improve angling opportunities in Colorado. • The Colorado State Recreational Trails Grant Program (Non-Motorized Trails) funds projects for large recreational trail grants, small recreational trail grants, trail planning and trail support grants. COLORADO DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION (CDOT) • Transportations Alternatives Program (TAPS) are federal funds that are distributed through State transportation agencies. Unfortunately, Colorado has expended all of its TAPS funds through 2020. However, if through the design process, trails are identified as later improvements, future TAPS funds could be used. • Senate Bill 17-267 Sustainability of Rural Colorado was passed at the end of May and allocates $1.8 billion to transportation related infrastructure projects, of which 10% must be used for off highway transportation improvements. This could include trails and parking areas near state highways. It is too soon to understand how and when these funds will be dispersed, but given Cozens Ranch proximity to US 40, it is a potential funding source. DEPARTMENT OF LOCAL AFFAIRS (DOLA) • Energy/Mineral Impact Assistance Fund Grant (EIAF) is a unique funding opportunity that can be utilized given the impact of Henderson Molybdenum Mine is cutting production as it nears a full shutdown. The purpose of the EIAF Program is to assist political subdivisions that are socially and/ or economically impacted by the development, processing, or energy conversion of minerals and mineral fuels. Funds come from the state severance tax on energy and mineral production and from a portion of the State’s share of royalties paid to the federal government for mining and drilling of minerals and mineral fuels on federally-owned land. Cozens Ranch Open Space Fraser River Corridor Master Plan10 • Conservation Trust Fund (CTF) The Department of Local Affairs distributes CTF dollars quarterly, on a per capita basis, to over 470 eligible local governments: counties, cities, towns and Title 32 special districts that provide park and recreation services in their service plans. This money is already accounted for in the Town of Fraser’s Budget ($25,185 for FY2017), but should still be acknowledged as a funding source for grant matches. GRAND COUNTY • Ballot Measure 1A was passed in November 2016 by voters in Grand County. The measure will impose a county-wide sales tax of 0.3 percent that expires in 10 years and will be used for keeping water in the Colorado River and other rivers (such as the Fraser River) available for agriculture, ranching and outdoor recreation; conserving agricultural lands, natural areas, scenic open lands, wildlife habitat, wetlands and river access through acquisition and maintaining hiking and biking trails. The Board of County Commissioners (BOCC) will appoint an Open Lands, Rivers and Trails Advisory committee called the “Open Lands Advisory Committee.” The committee will be composed of nine members—three residents from unincorporated Grand County, one from each commissioner district and a person nominated by each municipality in the County. The committee will convene twice a year to make recommendations to the BOCC regarding the disbursement of money from the Open Lands Fund, review applications for money and discuss major trail maintenance programs. It is still unknown whether the dispersal of these funds will solely be to unincorporated areas of Grand County or if funds will be distributed to municipalities as well. CLIMAX MOLYBDENUM (FREEPORT MCMORAN) • Community Investment Program (CIF) engages community leaders in cultivating and assessing community projects that address identified community priorities (developed at Community Partnership Panels) and allow them to allocate Freeport-McMoRan Foundation funds to programs and projects that encourage a strong focus on local capacity- building, community development and sustainability. This year Climax Molybdenum is distributing $200,000 between Grand and Clear Creek County. • Colorado Operations Local Contributions are smaller grants that are allocated on a quarterly basis. The average grant award is $5,000, but can be used to match larger grants. TROUT UNLIMITED (TU) • Embrace a Stream Program (EAS) is a matching grant program administered by TU that awards funds to TU chapters and councils for coldwater fisheries conservation. Since its inception in 1975, EAS has funded more than 1,000 individual projects for a total of $4.4 million in direct cash grants. Although these are the major funding sources, there are several others that can be used depending on the design of Cozens Ranch Open Space including: • Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE)• Colorado Health Foundation (CHF)• Laura Jane Musser Fund• Clif Bar Family Foundation• Gates Family Foundation The THK Team has been extremely successful in helping to identify funds, provide information that will be crucial for a successful grant submission and leveraging funding sources against each other. Most recently, the THK Team has assisted the City of Idaho Springs leverage CDOT funds being used for local road reconstruction against funds from GOCO and CPW, resulting in $700,000 in trail/park design and construction funds. These funds are being further leveraged for applications that will be submitted in August to GOCO and DOLA for $3 million in trail and park construction. Assuming these applications are successful (which is very likely), the City of Idaho Springs will have received almost $4 million in trail/ park design and construction for a total of $15,000 from their general funds. Project Approach 11 Another way that our team has helped continue community excitement for projects through river corridors is to create an identity that is specific to the area. This can include branded logos and slogans that highlight key environmental, historic and/or recreational features of the area. Our team has used this technique successfully on several projects, creating signage that displays the brand and printing posters and stickers for the community to display in shops and on vehicles. HOW DO WE BALANCE THE ENVIRONMENT AND RECREATION? THK understands that the Cozens Open Space Master Plan must balance public access with those river-riparian resources that make this such a rich Town resource. As a leader in Colorado trails, parks and river corridor planning, we have vast experience creating designs that are not only environmentally friendly, but also sustainable. As part of the Environmental Study, baseline mapping will characterize existing built assets such as trails, ponds and utilities including easements and setbacks. Natural resource mapping will lay out reaches and areas of varying values and sensitivities using the FACWet and FACStream methodologies developed by Colorado State University and EcoMetrics, LLC in collaboration with Colorado Parks and Wildlife, the US Army Corps of Engineers, Colorado Department of Transportation, and USEPA. These assessment methodologies emphasize tangible functional values including wildlife and fishery habitats as modified by “stressors” resulting in a “report card” for each resource area. Master plan buildout, including conservation and construction, can thus be informed and guided by clearly defined sensitivities and opportunities including final pre- project assessment, design, permitting and funding, as well as mitigation planning and post-project evaluation. In addition, our assessment methodologies can set the stage for broader public involvement including “citizen science” education programs and “Learn By Doing” efforts by other groups. A good example of this approach is the work our extended team did with Winter Park Ranch Water and Sanitation District to upgrade the (Lyons) augmentation pond intake on the Fraser River. The new intake system is now in a more stable, less sensitive configuration offering more efficient operations and enhanced fishery habitat with better public access - a win-win all around. Understanding how “stressors” influence habitat is essential Two moose at the Sanitations District ponds represent the wildlife that will be evaluated as part of the natural resource mapping Poster created for Trinidad Trails and Greenway Master Plan Cozens Ranch Open Space Fraser River Corridor Master Plan12 HOW DO WE ACTIVATE THE CORRIDOR? The Town of Fraser has done a great job securing, protecting and maintaining the Cozen’s Ranch Open Space. The Open Space and Fraser River Trail are heavily used and highly valued by the community with more than 200 people riding the trail daily in the winter time, according to HTA. While this area is already desirable, its true potential is not currently being realized. The THK Team has spent time in this corridor and understands the issues facing it and we have the experience to improve it. For this master plan to be successful, it is essential to activate the corridor! By talking with Town staff, stakeholder groups such as, HTA and the Colorado River Chapter of Trout Unlimited and conducting a Preliminary Recreational Analysis, the THK Team has identified the following opportunities to activate the corridor. DEVELOP A RIVERSIDE PARK The area around the Lions Ponds is already an area of activity and recreation. Its highly visible location, stocked fishing ponds, ADA accessible dock, Eisenhower sculpture, veterans memorial, picnic shelter and playground provide a solid framework for a riverside park. However, improvements to the playground, increased active recreational space and increased river access will make this area more desirable. INCREASE RIVER ACCESS Currently, access to the River is difficult throughout the corridor. Social trails spur off of the Fraser River Trail and crisscross sensitive wetland areas. The THK Team will evaluate the most suitable locations for river access, increase the number of access points and formalize the access to make it accessible to everyone. This will have the added benefit of concentrating access to key areas and reduce the amount of wetland disturbance. Lions Pond area provides great opportunity for Riverside Park THK’s new Grant Frontier Park in Denver provides ADA access to the river’s edge, environmental play opportunities and fosters outdoor educational programing - Photo taken during construction Social trail provides limited access to the Fraser River New river access at THK’s Pasquinel’s Landing Park in Denver provides ADA access to river’s edge promoting safe family interaction with the South Platte River Project Approach 13 EXPAND TRAIL CONNECTIONS ON THE WEST SIDE OF THE RIVER Expanding the current trail system to the west side of the River has been a goal of the Town Board and will be an important part of the planning effort. The THK Team has consulted with HTA and begun analyzing a preliminary alignment for the trail connection. INCORPORATE NATURAL PLAY AND OUTDOOR EDUCATION The current playgrounds in the corridor are dated and underutilized. By using natural materials, such as boulders and logs, these playgrounds can be renovated to increase active play opportunities. These natural playgrounds double as an opportunity for outdoor education, showing children the importance of natural materials and systems. The Town of Fraser has already done an excellent job incorporating educational signage along the corridor. However, many of the panels are fading and could be updated. The THK Team will also consult with stakeholder groups to incorporate new and exciting outdoor educational tools, other than signage, into the corridor. As a former teacher, Tiffany Gatesman will be a valuable resource in this effort. BRING ART INTO THE CORRIDOR The Town of Fraser has a rich artistic community. Their works are featured all over town but their presence is limited along the corridor. Working with local artist and bringing their work into the corridor will increase the aesthetic appeal and promote community interest in this area. Trail currently feels disconnected from the river and western side Existing playground at the Lions Pond area Ike Statue is a good existing example of bringing art in the corridor Potential trail alignment on the west side of the river based on HTA’s assessment Natural playground at THK’s Grant Frontier Park in Denver uses natural materials to promote creative active play. Unique bus stop in Fraser represents new styles of art which could be incorporated Cozens Ranch Open Space Fraser River Corridor Master Plan14 STEP #1: COLLECTION AND QUANTIFICATION TASK A: PROJECT START/KICK-OFF MEETING Prior to commencing work, key consultant personnel will conduct one (1) kick-off meeting with the Town of Fraser staff to review, in detail, specific project objectives, scope items, schedules, methodologies and other project parameters. This initial meeting is recommended to ensure that all interests are adequately addressed and that the capabilities and knowledge of the consultants and Town staff are utilized effectively in completing the project in an efficient and cost effective manner. Specific discussion items include but are not limited to: • Identify and introduce project personnel including Town staff and members of the consultant team • Review and finalize key stakeholder list. Key stakeholders can be organizations or other government agencies and may include the following stakeholders identified in the Town’s GOCO Planning Grant Application: Headwaters Trails Alliance, Grand County Water Information Network, Winter Park & Fraser Chamber, Fraser Valley Metropolitan Recreation District, Grand County Water & Sanitation District, Winter Park Ranch Water & Sanitation District, The Fraser River Valley Lions Club, Winter Park — Fraser Valley Rotary Club, Town of Winter Park, Grand County, Colorado Headwaters Chapter of Trout Unlimited, CrossFit Thin Air, Grand County Historical Association, Grand County Pet Pals, residents, second home owners, business owners and developers. • Review Master Plan goals, vision and purpose • Review the planning process • Review all existing data for the Cozen Ranch Open Space necessary for the inventory and evaluation of the river corridor and identify additional sources as needed • Identify and review existing Town plans and documents that may inform the project • Discuss the status of plans that the Town is completing such as the Fraser River Source Water Protection Plan • Review details regarding mapped (GIS format) deliverables to ensure compatibility with the Town’s and Grand County’s current mapping standards • Review responsibilities of the consultant team and supporting roles of the Town of Fraser staff • Review the stakeholder and public engagement effort ›Project Website ›Public Workshop #1: 2-day on-site Strategic Planning Session ›Community Survey ›Public Workshop #2 ›Public Workshop #3 • Review project parameters, scope and schedule • Identify the target dates for the 2-day on-site Strategic Planning Session and Public Workshops Following the kick-off meeting, the THK Team proposes a site walk take place with Town staff, Public Works staff and key stakeholders to document additional existing opportunities and constraints along the corridor, as part of the Recreational Analysis. PROJECT SCOPE Project Scope 15 TASK B: ENGAGE KEY STAKEHOLDERS Once key stakeholders have been identified, the THK Team will create a stakeholder advisory committee (SAC). The goal of this committee will be to offer a wide range of perspectives and expertise in the design of the Cozen’s Ranch Open Space and to develop a shared vision for the corridor. To maintain consistent engagement with the committee, the THK Team proposes two (2) SAC meetings as follows: • SAC Meeting #1: Review Existing Data and incorporate stakeholder information of the site into existing data. • SAC Meeting #2: Discuss Preliminary Master Plan concepts and review community input from the 2-day Strategic Planning Session. • SAC Meeting #3: Present Final Master Plan and receive final comments. The stakeholders will ultimately carry this vision forward so early engagement is vital to keep them involved throughout the project and beyond. TASK C: PROJECT COORDINATION Open communication between the THK Team and the Town is vital to the success of this project. In addition to scheduled meetings purposed in this document, the THK Team recommends holding bi- weekly phone calls with the Town to check-in, go over project progress and address any issues that may arise. These calls may occur more or less frequently based on project progress and staff availability. In addition to these schedule calls, the THK Team will be available for additional coordination via phone or email throughout the project. TASK D: REVIEW EXISTING DATA Following the kick-off meeting, the THK Team will review all existing data for the Cozen’s Ranch Open Space necessary for the inventory and evaluation of the river corridor. TASK E: IDENTIFY AND REVIEW EXISTING PLANS The THK Team will work with the Town to identify and acquire plans for all of the existing projects affecting the Cozen’s Ranch Open Space. Each project will be reviewed, in detail and their impact will be taken into account as part of the Existing Conditions Report. TASK F: PREPARE BASE MAPS AND INITIATE FIELD WORK THK has complied data collected on-site, Grand County’s GIS information and USGS wetland data to create initial base maps for the Cozens Ranch Open Space. This will save valuable time during this Task, enabling the first public meeting to take place very early in the process. Additional GIS data from the Town or other sources identified in Task A will be collected as available and incorporated into these base maps. Prior to the 2-day on-site Strategic Planning Session base maps will be shared digitally with the Town for review and comment to confirm the validity of the information and to ensure that the data is thorough and complete. No meeting time is anticipated for this review. All information will be compiled using ArcGIS. The THK Team will use the base maps created during this task to initiate the Recreational Analysis, the Environmental Study and Existing Conditions Report. THK is excited to further engage with local stakeholders Cozens Ranch Open Space Fraser River Corridor Master Plan16 TASK G: STAKEHOLDER ADVISORY COMMITTEE (SAC) MEETING #1 The THK Team proposes holding the first SAC meeting immediately following the review of existing data and preparation of base maps. Many of the members of this committee have a long history on the corridor and will be able to offer value insights that are not contained in existing data. The THK Team will present existing data collected and base maps to the committee for review and comment. TASK H: EXISTING CONDITIONS REPORT Recreational Analysis: In preparation for this proposal, THK has completed a preliminary recreation analysis of the project area as shown in the Preliminary Recreation Analysis Map. The preliminary recreation analysis has documented existing recreational features, river access points, potential trail connections and potential parking and development opportunities. This preliminary analysis will provide a good starting point. However the THK Team will conduct one (1) site walk of the entire project area to verify information already collected and document any additional features defined during Task E or based on Town comments. This information will be analyzed to identify deficiencies in current recreational features, gaps in circulation patterns and potential for recreational and educational improvement. The THK Team will compile this information into a final Recreational Analysis of the project area that will include but is not limited to: • Locations of existing physical site amenities such as rest areas, signage, benches, picnic tables, garbage cans, pavilions, river access, play grounds, etc. • Locations and identification of existing trails, parking lots and other hardscape features including surface materials and visual condition • Locations of severe slopes • Locations of view corridors • Potential development sites and potential trail connections • Locations of visible utilities • Potential conflicts (ped/traffic, wildlife, utilities, etc.) • Locations most and least suitable for passive and active recreation opportunities • Landscapes current condition, sustainability and maintenance needs • Photographic inventory During this visit to the Town, one member of the THK Team will walk the project area, while another member will conduct a local inventory of existing recreational features in the valley. Information collected during this effort will be cross referenced with potential recreational features for the Cozens Ranch Open Space to create a Recreational Needs Assessment. This effort will be conducted in order to reduce the redundancy of recreational features and prioritize the most beneficial features for the Cozens Ranch Open Space. Key stakeholders, such as the Headwaters Trail Alliance, have already offered to guide members of the THK Team around the area to help with this documentation. Project Scope 17 1 2 43 65 Existing Rest Area LEGEND - Lion’s Pond Picnic Area - Existing Playgrounds - Area of Activity - Open Space Boundary - Potential Parking Area - Existing Trails - Potential Trail Connections on west side of River1 Note: Potential Trail Connection on west side of River was provided by HTA - Potential Development Area - Existing Trail Heads - Rest Area and River Access Points - Pedestrian Bridges 1 2 3 4 6 5 PRELIMINARY RECREATION ANALYSIS MAP Activating the underutilized area around the Lion’s Ponds will provide a highly visible and recreational rich amenity along the Fraser River New pedestrian bridge opened the opportunity for a trail on the west side of the river and will act as a precedent for additional improvements Current railing and gabion wall are aging and could represent an opportunity for improvementFormalizing river access is essential to activating the river’s edge and reducing habitat degradation Replacing/updating the information signage along the trail will increase outdoor education in the corridorA connection between the east and west side of the river in the center of the Open Space would further active the area and create a smaller loop trail Cozens Ranch Open Space Fraser River Corridor Master Plan18 Project Scope 19 Environmental Study: An Environmental Study will be conducted concurrent to the Recreational Analysis by Grand Environmental and members of Gatesman Environmental and Divide Environmental. The Environmental Study will use the Functional Assessment of Colorado Streams and Wetlands (FACStream and FACWet) methodologies developed by Colorado State University, to evaluate: • Watershed setting and project corridor including natural habitats and adjacent developed areas such as trails, water-supply well field and augmentation ponds. • River and floodplain morphology to characterize corridor dynamics including channel evolution, flood-flow attenuation and groundwater recharge, as well as risk assessment in flood-prone areas. • Riparian habitats to characterize riparian health including wildlife habitat such as migratory songbirds, also water-quality processes such as shading, sediment capture, nutrient uptake and aquatic food-chain support. • Aquatic macroinvertebrates indices that are the most cost-effective rapid assessment of riverine habitat health including species found in pools, riffles and lateral habitats. • Real-time (multi-meter) measurement of river chemistry to enhance our baseline in terms of water- quality “vital signs.” All information collected during the environmental study will be compiled into a graphic model for the project corridor including hydrology, ecology and geochemistry that can inform future public uses including conservation, trails and long-term water supply management. This information will also further support grant applications as well as local “Learn by Doing” efforts. Grand Environmental, Gatesman Environmental and Divide Environmental have extensive experience working on the Fraser River. This previous experience will make the environmental analysis efficient and thorough. No meeting time is anticipated for this task. Existing Conditions Report: All information collected and/or verified during the Recreational Analysis and the Environmental Study will be compiled into an Existing Conditions Report for the Town. Information will be crossed referenced between the recreational and environmental analysis to determine the most effective use of space with the least impact to sensitive environments. Spatial data will be digitized into usable GIS layers and incorporated into the existing base maps. Step #1 Deliverables: All deliverables will reflect decisions made and items produced during Step #1, Tasks A-G. • One (1) Kick-off Meeting • Project work schedule and timeline including workshop and meeting dates • Development of SAC, development of SAC schedule • Base maps in ArcGIS with one (1) revision based on Town’s comments • One (1) meeting with the stakeholder advisory committee (SAC) to review existing information • One (1) Site Walk during the Recreational Analysis • Recreational Analysis • Regional Recreational Inventory • Recreational Needs Assessment • Environmental Study • Existing Conditions Report and Mapping Cozens Ranch Open Space Fraser River Corridor Master Plan20 STEP #2: IDENTIFICATION AND VISION TASK I: CREATE A PROJECT WEBSITE (OPTIONAL) The THK Team provides the option of creating a project website that will act as a resource for the community to get additional information about the project, advertise for community events and distribute project content, such as site analysis maps and input received at the public workshops. TASK J: PUBLIC WORKSHOP #1: 2-DAY ON-SITE STRATEGIC PLANNING SESSION To begin the public engagement process, the THK Team has proposed a 2-day on-site Strategic Planning Session. The purpose of this planning session will be to gather input, review the information collected in previous tasks and develop preliminary master plan concepts. A 2-day on-site Strategic Planning Session will allow the THK Team time to work with the Town to further assess on-site conditions, deeply engage with Town staff and community members and receive ideas and feedback from people who have an in-depth understanding of the corridor and its needs. Potential locations for this Planning Session are the Lion’s Ponds, the Fire Station, the Fraser Valley Library or the Headwater Trail Alliance Offices. The following is a proposed work schedule for the 2-day on-site Strategic Planning Session: Day One Day One will consist of a morning meeting with Town staff and key stakeholders. This meeting will provide an overview of the day’s events, review of the overall Planning Session agenda and finalize key objectives of the session. Following the meeting and site walk, the THK Team will set up presentation boards and base maps at the Lion’s Ponds Picnic Area (or other appropriate location) to tell community members about the project and gather input throughout the day. An evening on-site public open house will be held at the Lion’s Ponds Picnic Area. Base maps, initial site analysis and notes from the morning site walk will be presented to the community for review and comment. Community members will be encouraged to share their experience, ideas and vision for the corridor with the THK Team throughout the evening. Food and non-alcoholic drinks will be provided by the THK Team. Additional information gathered from the public will be incorporated (as appropriate) to the base maps. Day Two The morning of Day Two, one member from the THK Team will return to the Lion’s Ponds Picnic Area and continue to engage with community members, while another team member will travel to meet with individual stakeholders or groups who are not able to attend the public workshops. The THK Team will host another public open house event the evening of Day Two to recap the information and ideas received during Day One and the morning of Day Two. This information will be displayed on a series of presentation boards and base maps where community members can comment on the ideas generated for the Cozens Ranch Open Space as well as things they like and don’t like about existing recreational features in the area. TASK K: COMMUNITY SURVEY Using the ideas, questions and concerns gathered in the 2-day Strategic Planning Session, the THK Team will formulate an on-line community survey to allow community members that could not make the 2-day Strategic Planning Session or needed time to think about ideas an opportunity to voice their thoughts. This survey will be hosted through an online survey provider such as SurveyMonkey. Project Scope 21 This survey will run through the initial design development phase and will be analyzed intermittently to assist with design concepts. Survey results will be shared with Town staff and key stakeholders then presented at the second public workshop. TASK L: CONDUCT STRENGTHS, WEAKNESS, OPPORTUNITIES, THREATS (SWOT) ANALYSIS AND CONSTRAINTS AND CHALLENGES Although SWOT characteristics are a good way of summarizing project components, they are also subjective and can sometimes be viewed as being biased. The THK Team’s approach to the SWOT will be less formalized, providing the public with base maps that depict geographical, environmental and recreational elements of the project area and letting them identify what they view as SWOT characteristics. 90% of the time the public will identify the same SWOT characteristics as the design team, but done this way the public feels more empowered and involved in the planning process. Once the public has weighed in on design options at the 2-day on-site Strategic Planning Session, the THK team will develop Preliminary Master Plan Concepts. Each option will have SWOT characteristics highlighted at the following public meeting. These SWOT charts will be used to help the public weigh in on a preferred design. Step #2 Deliverables: All deliverables will reflect decisions made and items produced during Step #2. • Project Website • Public Workshop #1: 2-day on-site Strategic Planning Session • Community Survey • SWOT analysis STEP #3: DEVELOP AND PRESENT THE DRAFT PLAN TASK M: PRELIMINARY MASTER PLAN CONCEPTS Based upon the input received in Step #2, the THK Team will create two (2) Preliminary Master Plan Concepts. These concepts will depict various site layouts and provide details concerning design vocabulary, recreational amenities, materials selection and options for further design efforts. Open space and park layout diagrams, sketches and graphic models will be used to help illustrate the design concept. The Preliminary Master Plan Concepts may include: • Riverside park concepts • New trail alignments and surfaces • Parking areas • River access points • Environmental play opportunities • Outdoor educational opportunities • Picnic areas – including restrooms, drinking fountains, etc. • Shade structures • Dog Park • Bike Skills Park • Site furnishings • Fishing improvements • Potential future development areas • Aquatic and Terrestrial Habitat improvements • Instream river and bank stability improvements (if applicable) Cozens Ranch Open Space Fraser River Corridor Master Plan22 TASK N: STAKEHOLDER ADVISORY COMMITTEE (SAC) MEETING #2 In the morning of the second public workshop day, the THK Team will hold one (1) meeting with the committee to discuss the Preliminary Master Plan Concepts and review community input. TASK O: PUBLIC WORKSHOP #2 The second public workshop will showcase Preliminary Master Plan Concepts. The goal will be to receive input from residents on the concepts in order to prioritize preferred features and design elements. TASK P: PREFERRED MASTER PLAN CONCEPT Following the development of the Preliminary Master Plan Concepts, the THK Team will hold one (1) meeting with the Town and key stakeholders to select one (1) Preferred Master Plan Concept. This Preferred Master Plan Concept may be a highbred of multiple alternatives. Town staff and stakeholder input at this meeting will determine the final direction. TASK Q: PROJECT PRIORITIZATION Once a Preferred Design Concept is identified, the THK Team will work with the Town to group proposed site features and design elements into potential future “projects”. The THK Team will work with the Town to develop a prioritization matrix, based on public comment, by which each project will be evaluated through a series of criteria and implementation potential. The THK Team will develop the initial approach for this evaluation and will modify it based on feedback from the Town. One (1) meeting between the THK Team and the Town will occur to review the prioritization matrix and evaluate each project in real time. Based on a project’s score during this evaluation, they will be categorized into three major groups: (1) High Priority, (2) Medium Priority and (3) Low Priority Projects. An example of a prioritization matrix used on THK’s South St. Vrain Creek Restoration project outside of Lyons, CO ID SOUTH ST. VRAIN CREEK RESTORATION Prioritization MATRIX - FOR THE PRIORITIZATION OF THE PREFERRED ALTERNATIVE CRITICAL ISSUE PRIORITIZATION CRITERIA FLOODPLAIN CONNECTIVITY ALTERNATIVES EVALUATION CHANNEL COMPLEXITY REVEGETATION INFRASTRUCTURE PROTECTION 1 Community Protect critical public and private infrastructure? The best way to increase flood volume and reduce flood energy throughout the system. Water rights are needed to detain water. Can provide some channel stability. Once vegetation is established can provide some flood-plain stability. Can provide immediate site specific protection to infrastructure. 2 Safety Reduce flood risk to the public and residents by providing long term solutions that increase resiliency? Increases flood storage volume and reduces flood energy throughout the system. Provides some creek channel resiliency. Once allowed to mature the vegetation provides some resistance to future floods. Hardened points are created in the corridor not always resilient. 3 Environment Natural ecosystem processes restored?Most holistic approach.Partial approach, not all ecosystems addressed.Partial approach, not all ecosystems addressed.Least holistic approach. 4 Environment Protects or improves existing habitat and significant ecological resources? Improves both terrestrial and aquatic habitat.Improves aquatic habitat.Improves terrestrial and riparian habitat Not the focus of infrastructure protection techniques. 5 Implementation Creates infrastructure investments that are reasonable to construct? Because it jump starts the corridor’s natural systems it is the best value for their life-cycle. Reasonable to construct and jump starts natural system of the creek. Without regrading, the revegetation effort will have diminished results. Protects infrastructure but requires on-going maintenance. Fair - What is thought to be right, acceptable Better - Higher in quality Best - Better than all others in quality or value Project Scope 23 A complete project prioritization list will be compiled with project rankings and anticipated levels of funding. This information will aid the Town in the acquisition of future funding and implementation of these projects. Preliminary cost estimates will be developed for up to three (3) projects. TASK R: FUNDING AND IMPLEMENTATION PLAN Following the development of the Project Prioritization, the THK Team will develop a funding plan for future implementation of master plan projects. TASK S: DRAFT MASTER PLAN The THK Team will work with the Town to develop a final outline of the master plan but potential chapters/sections might include: 1. Acknowledgments 2. Background and/or Executive Summary 3. Table of Contents 4. Introduction 5. Existing Conditions • Recreational • Environmental 6. Strengths, Weakness, Opportunities, Threats (SWOT) 7. Community Needs • The Public Engagement Process • Regional Inventory • Recreational Needs Assessment 8. Recommendations • Recreational • Environmental 9. Master Plan Design • Preliminary Master Plan Concepts • Preferred Design Concept 10. Project Prioritization 11. Funding and Implementation Plan 12. Appendix One (1) meeting between the THK Team and the Town will occur to review the Draft Master Plan and discuss comments. Additional comments can be received by phone or email. Cozens Ranch Open Space Fraser River Corridor Master Plan24 Step #3 Deliverables: All deliverables will reflect decisions made and items produced during Step #3. • Three (3) Preliminary Master Plan Concepts • One (1) meeting with the Town and key stakeholders to review Preliminary Master Plan Concepts and select a Preferred Design Concept • One (1) Preferred Design Concept • Public Workshop #2 • One (1) meeting with the stakeholder advisory committee (SAC) to review Preliminary Master Plan • Prioritization Matrix • One (1) meeting to review prioritization matrix and evaluate each project • Project Prioritization List • Funding and Implementation Plan • Draft Master Plan • One (1) meeting with the Town to review the Draft Master Plan STEP #4: FINALIZE AND PRESENT THE FINAL PLAN TASK T: FINAL MASTER PLAN Based upon comments received from the Town and SAC, the THK team will make one (1) round of revisions to the Draft Master Plan Following these revisions, the Final Master Plan document will be provided to the Town of Fraser in a digital format. TASK U: PUBLIC WORKSHOP #3 The third and final public workshop will be held in the spring to present the Final Master Plan to the community. TASK V: STAKEHOLDER ADVISORY COMMITTEE (SAC) MEETING #3 The third SAC meeting will be held the same day as Public Workshop #3. This meeting will present the Final Master Plan to the SAC and allow the SAC any final thoughts. Deliverables: All deliverables will reflect decisions made and items produced during Step #4. • Final Master Plan document • Public Workshop #3 • One (1) meeting with the stakeholder advisory committee (SAC) to review Final Master Plan BIG DRY CREEK7KRUQWRQ&RORUDGR 2SHQ6SDFH +HULWDJH7UDLO Big Dry Creek Recreation & Floodplain Restoration Master Plan June 8, 2017 THK’s recent Big Dry Creek Recreation and Floodplain Restoration Master Plan for the City of Thornton defined a vision for the Big Dry Creek corridor through public engagement, detailed environmental research and creative recreational planning Project Scope 25 STEP #5: DESIGN AND CONSTRUCTION DOCUMENTS FOR PHASE 1 IMPLEMENTATION TASK W: DEMONSTRATION PROJECT SELECTION For the Phase 1 Project, the THK Team has elected to propose a Demonstration Project to showcase recommendations from the master plan, build momentum for future implementation of master plan projects and help the Town apply for additional sources of funding. The THK Team will work with the Town throughout the master planning process to select a suitable location for this Demonstration Project. The location should be highly visible, accessible and could be a “High Priority Project” identified during Task Q. TASK X: DEMONSTRATION PROJECT DESIGN The scope of the final Demonstration Project Design shall be determined by the Town and the THK Team during the master planning process (see Task W). Experience on other similar Demonstration Projects has shown that the most successful projects are not always a stand-alone construction project. They are the projects that represent the goals and ideas of the Town and community and that build momentum for the funding of future projects. That is why it is vital to fully understand the priorities of the Town, the community and their ongoing efforts before a scope can be finalized. The THK Team will work with the Town to develop a comprehensive scope for the selected Demonstration Project that will ensure an agreed upon design is “shovel ready” as part of this planning grant. The THK Team has worked closely with contractors operating in the area and may suggest that the Town engage the contractor in this process to facilitate a Design Build or CMGC construction approach. This approach will only be taken with the Town’s approval and in an effort to save them time and money during the construction documentation phase. Step #5 Deliverables: All deliverables will reflect decisions made and items produced during Step #5. • Demonstration Project Construction Documents THK worked with CPW to focus restoration efforts on highly visible stretch of Fish Creek in Estes Park to build community support and increase habitat Volunteers become a part of the demonstration project on THK’s Wetland Restoration on Fountain Creek Community supports continued health of THK demonstration project along Monument Creek in Colorado Springs Cozens Ranch Open Space Fraser River Corridor Master Plan26 P u b l i c I n p u t P u b l i c I n p u t A UNIQUE TEAM FOR A UNIQUE PROJECT Our consultant team, consisting of THK Associates, Grand Environmental, Gatesman Environmental, Divide Environmental and Matrix Design Group have partnered on this project to provide the Town of Fraser with a holistic vision for the Cozen’s Ranch Opens space that balances recreation needs with environmental concerns. Each team member will provide the following services: • THK - Planning, Landscape Architecture, Public Outreach and Project Management • Grand Environmental - Environmental Study, Design and Permitting • Gatesman Environmental - Geo-chemical Analysis and Environmental Education • Divide Environmental - Macro-invertebrate Study • Matrix Design Group - Engineering services will be conducted on an as needed basis M a s t e r P l an Team FEDERALAGENCIES GENERALPUBLIC LOCALNON-PROFITS STATE AGENCIES PRIVATELANDOWNERS MUNICIPAL LAND OWNERS TOWN OF FRASER Cozens Ranch Open Space Fraser River Corridor Master Plan Client Final Deliverable THK Project Manager, Kevin Shanks Design Lead, Brandon Parsons Public Outreach/Funding Randall Navarro E A R T H S C I E N T I S T O W N E R , G E O F F E L L I O T T G R A N D E N V I R O N M E N T A L G A T E S M A N E N VIRONMENTAL M A T R I X D E S I G N G R O U P O W N E R , T IFF A N Y GATESMAN L E A D E N G I N E E R , S C O T T S C H R I E B E R , P E E N V I R O N M E N T A L S CIE NTIST, GEO-CHEMIST W A T E R R E S O U R C E E N G I N E E R RYA N L O K E T E F F WATERS H E D S C I E N T I S T DIVIDE E N V I R O N M E N T A L TEAM ORGANIZATION Resumes 27 Founded in 1969, THK Associates, Inc. is a market research, landscape architecture, planning and urban design firm that assists public and private clients in making informed and realistic planning and design decisions. THK serves its clients throughout the United States with a broad base of professional skills and a multi-disciplinary team approach. THK is distinguished by its balanced emphasis on the environmental, political, social and economic factors of a given project. For 48 years, THK has been a leader in the planning and design of public spaces, transportation corridors, regional trails, parks and private development of all kinds that enhance communities’ quality of life. We have completed and maintain many ongoing comprehensive and detailed design projects along major river corridors throughout the Colorado Rocky Mountains and the Colorado Front Range. For the last 17 years, the process of developing public projects has averaged about 60% of THK’s yearly workload. Currently, THK is working on over 100 miles of river corridor, parks and open space restoration. Over the last 15 years, THK has been responsible for the design and/or restoration of over 60 parks and recreation projects in the Western United States. These projects are accomplished through an inclusive, collaborative, planning and design process that identifies and mitigates potential land and user conflicts. Stakeholder and community support creates project momentum, and with this momentum THK helps communities develop project partnerships to implement early action projects. In the last five years, THK assisted the City of Denver and the Greenway Foundation with developing partnerships that led to $25 million dollars of improvements on nine miles along the South Platte River through Denver. The restoration and recreation design efforts put forth during the Platte River Vision project resulted in the reception of the 2016 Colorado Association of Stormwater and Floodplain Managers’ Grand Award for Engineering Excellence. THK understands that the primary objective for the Cozens Open Space Master Plan is to develop a long- term vision for river-corridor management that enables recreational and municipal improvements to proceed while conserving and enhancing river-riparian resources. Our understanding develops from similar projects where waterway improvements, recreation and access to the water were primary objectives for the community including: • The Clear Creek Greenway - Over 15 years of planning and community input to create regional connections between towns throughout Clear Creek County while improving the Clear Creek watershed and creating connections to the creek for rafters, kayakers and fishermen. • The South Platte River Corridor Master Plan through downtown Denver - Creating a network of parks and regional trails to connect downtown Denver along the South Platte River. • Big Dry Creek Recreation and Flood Restoration Master Plan - Connecting existing parks and schools with a master planned regional trail with environmental play and learning opportunities. • Hall Ranch Open Space Restoration - Following the 2013 floods, THK and Matrix developed restoration plans for over a mile of river above the Town of Lyons, CO. DESCRIPTION OF FIRM Bringing people to the River through interactive design and signage Cozens Ranch Open Space Fraser River Corridor Master Plan28 KEVIN SHANKS, RLA, ASLA Principal / Project Manager PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE • Clear Creek County Parks, Recreation, Tourism and Open Space Master Plan – Clear Creek County, CO • Clear Creek County Comprehensive Plan - Clear Creek County, CO • Clear Creek Greenway Master Plan - Clear Creek County, CO • Clear Creek Greenway Trail Design: Empire - Hidden Valley - Clear Creek County, CO • I-70 Context Sensitive Solutions - Morrison to Glenwood Springs, CO • I-70 Aesthetic Guidance - Morrison to Glenwood Springs, CO • Riverside Park Flood Recovery Master Plan - Evans, CO • River North and River South (South Platte River) Greenway Master Plans – Denver, CO • Platte River Vision Implementation Plan - Denver, CO • Fountain Creek Corridor Restoration Master Plan including Pueblo Springs Ranch and Eco-Fit Park – Colorado Springs to Pueblo, CO • Fish Creek Flood Recovery Master Plan - Estes Park, CO • Upper Fountain Creek and Cheyenne Creek Watershed Master Plan - Pueblo, CO • Midland Greenway Master Plan – Colorado Springs, CO • Mineral Palace Park Renovation Master Plan – Pueblo, CO • Clear Springs Ranch Open Space Master Plan – El Paso County, CO • Old Town Clifton Overlay District and Transportation Plan - Clifton, CO • Gross Reservoir Recreation Management Plan – Denver, CO • Ute Pass Regional Trail Master Plan - El Paso County, CO • Trinidad Trails, Greenway and Open Space Master Plan - Trinidad, CO • Fountain Creek Open Space and Trail Master Plan – Pueblo, CO • Pueblo Historic Eastside Greenway – Pueblo, CO • Front Range Trail through Clear Springs Ranch – El Paso County, CO • Kinney Run Trail Master Plan – Golden, CO • City of Lone Tree Trails Master Plan – Lone Tree, CO • City of Thornton Parks, Recreation and Open Space Master Plan – Thornton, CO • Emerald Mountain Special Recreation Management Plan – Douglas County, CO For the last 36 years, Mr. Shanks has been a Senior Landscape Architect and Project Manager for THK Associates, Inc. He is experienced in land use planning, project master planning, preliminary and detailed site design, graphic presentation, construction documentation, specification writing, irrigation design and construction administration. In addition to his project responsibilities, he is Vice-President and Principle of THK, managing the Landscape Architecture and Planning Departments and overseeing all design and planning projects undertaken by the firm. Mr. Shanks has extensive park, recreation, open space and trail master planning experience. He has managed many regional park, athletic field, playground, recreation and open-space master plans. He has lead multi-discipline teams in order to provide planning and design services for parks master planning efforts. Additionally, Mr. Shanks has extensive site planning and design experience. Beyond the initial planning effort, moving the project forward through construction is a hallmark of his experience. EDUCATION Bachelor of Science in Landscape Architecture, Iowa State University REGISTRATIONS RLA - State of Colorado RLA - State of Iowa MEMBERSHIPS American Society of Landscape Architects Douglas County Conservation District Supervisor Gateway Park Design Review Committee FIRM RESUMES Resumes 29 SARAH MOLL, RLA, ASLA Senior Landscape Architect PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE • Grant Frontier Park and Regional Trail - Denver, CO 2016 CASFM Grand Award for Engineering Excellence • Pasquinel’s Landing Park - Denver, CO • Clear Creek Greenway Design: Empire to Hidden Valley - Clear Creek County, CO • Old Game Check Station Trail Head - Clear Creek County, CO • Colorado Boulevard Reconstruction - Idaho Springs, CO • Courtney-Riley-Cooper Park and Clear Creek Greenway - Idaho Springs, CO • Dumont Trail Head and Creek Access (Clear Creek Greenway) - Dumont, CO • Legacy Loop Plaza, Regional Trail and Monument Creek Access - Colorado Springs, CO • Centennial Boulevard Extension and Bikeway - Colorado Springs, CO • Sherpa Trail - Colorado Springs, CO Sarah Moll is a registered Landscape Architect and project manager with over 14 years of experience. She is experienced in the detailed design and construction of natural areas, constructed wetlands, trails, creek and river access, appropriate plant selection and design for the Colorado Front Range, parks and open space, streetscapes, urban spaces and landscape on structures. Ms. Moll has a knack for site engineering and cleaver design solutions. She is also well versed with project management, LEED documentation, construction documentation and administration and Colorado Water Law. Ms. Moll’s strict attention to detail has proved invaluable to the final result of her projects. MEMBERSHIPS American Society of Landscape Architects Council Denver Trout Unlimited MEMBERSHIPS American Society of Landscape Architects Council Denver Trout Unlimited EDUCATION Bachelor of Science in Landscape Architecture, Colorado State University EDUCATION Bachelor of Science in Landscape Architecture, Colorado State University BRANDON PARSONS, ASLA Design Lead PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE • Big Thompson River Corridor Master Plan - Loveland, CO • Fish Creek Corridor River Restoration and Trail Design - Estes Park, CO • Big Dry Creek Recreation and Floodplain Restoration Master Plan - El Paso County, CO • Clear Creek Greenway - Clear Creek County, CO • Twin Tunnel / Old Game Check Trailhead - Clear Creek County, CO • Pasquinel’s Landing Park - Denver, CO • Grant Frontier Park - Denver, CO • Sherpa Trail Design - Colorado Springs, CO • St. Vrain Greenway - Longmont, CO • Estes Priority Projects - Estes Park, CO Brandon Parsons is experienced in innovative and responsible design, represented through engaging public presentations, graphic representations, conceptual site design, ecologic restoration, construction documentation and detailing, as well as project coordination and management. During his time at THK Associates, Inc. Mr. Parsons has taken a lead role in many of THK’s most comprehensive greenway trail projects, including designing over 15 miles of trail and has contributed heavily to planning, design and construction of the Fish Creek Corridor, Clear Creek Greenway, St. Vrain Greenway and the South Platte River Trail. Cozens Ranch Open Space Fraser River Corridor Master Plan30 EDUCATION Masters in Policy Management, Georgetown University Bachelor of Arts in Public Policy, University of Maryland RANDALL NAVARRO, MPM Executive Director, CCGA, Public Outreach / Funding PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE • Riverside Park Master Plan- Evans, CO • Fish Creek Corridor River Restoration and Trail Design - Estes Park, CO • Clear Creek Greenway - Clear Creek County, CO • Twin Tunnel / Old Game Check Trailhead - Clear Creek County, CO • Ute Pass Regional Trail Master Plan - El Paso County, CO • John Meade Park Master Plan - Cherry Hills Village, CO • Courtney-Ryley Cooper Park - Idaho Springs, CO Randall Navarro is the Executive Director of the Clear Creek Greenway Authority, a 501(c)(3) that guides economic development through the Clear Creek Corridor through recreation. He has managed and facilitated design teams and design efforts for several projects throughout Colorado. Mr. Navarro’s ability to clearly translate technical data and information into easy to understand concepts for public dispersal has been integral in the successful completion of several contentious design projects. Additionally, Mr. Navarro excels at identifying funding resources and helping to complete competitive grant applications that lead to successful grant awards. MEMBERSHIPS American Society of Landscape Architects Colorado Native Plant Society Wilderness Restoration Volunteers EDUCATION Bachelor in Landscape Architecture, Texas A&M University ELLIE GARZA, ASLA Landscape Designer PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE • Big Thompson River Corridor Master Plan - Loveland, CO • Riverside Park Flood Recovery Master Plan and Final Design - Evans, CO • Big Dry Creek Recreation and Flood Restoration Master Plan • Clear Creek Greenway - Clear Creek County, CO • Colorado Boulevard Reconstruction - Idaho Springs, CO • Courtney-Riley-Cooper Park and Clear Creek Greenway - Idaho Springs, CO • Legacy Loop Plaza, Regional Trail and Monument Creek Access - Colorado Springs, CO After receiving her BLA from Texas A&M University, Ellie has gained valuable experience working on a multitude of public parks, trails, community areas and river restoration projects with THK Associates, Inc. Ellie’s professional practice has focused on the communication aspects of design in the form of public engagement and construction documentation. Her background allows her to be able to assess the different needs of a community and to prepare successful site plan solutions and programs. Resumes 31 Grand Environmental Services (GES) is partnering with THK Associates, Inc. for the Cozens Ranch Open Space Fraser River Corridor Master Plan because of our understanding of how to manage land and water in the Colorado Highcountry. Our project experience includes work with water-supply and wastewater infrastructure, parks and shoreline landscaping, trails, roads and utility crossings and agricultural land restoration. Our multi-disciplinary approach builds on a deep understanding of natural-resource management and regulations, while applying creative solutions to project design and a hands-on, collaborative approach to project development. GES is a small, field-oriented team and as capable technical managers, we can augment our strengths with strategic partners for cost-effective project solutions depending upon client needs. This can include scientific specialties as well as engineering, larger scale excavation and construction, or we can join larger teams in collaborative efforts. The Cozens Ranch Open Space Fraser River Corridor Master Plan project has a number of challenges in terms of river corridor history and ecological trajectory along with wonderful opportunities for community use. With this in mind, GES is contracting two local specialists to augment the THK Team: 1. Tiffany Gatesman of Gatesman Environmental in Tabernash has recently moved back to the Fraser Valley after completing her Master’s studies in environmental chemistry at the University of Alaska. We’ve asked her to help us with river-water quality analysis and development of geochemical aspects of our river-riparian model for the Cozens project corridor. In addition, as a former science teacher at Middle Park High, Tiffany is uniquely qualified to guide our technical follow through with the Fraser community, able to promote a “citizen science” approach to long-term baseline monitoring for recreational projects and Learn By Doing efforts by Trout Unlimited and other groups. 2. Ryan Lokteff of Divide Environmental and Mapping in Grand Lake has been involved in local GIS- based watershed science and macroinvertebrate monitoring for several years. As Executive Director of Grand County Water information Network, Ryan oversaw county wide water quality monitoring including sampling for real-time and laboratory analyses, lake-clarity (Secchi Disk) analyses and macroinvertebrate communities. In addition, his local field experience with EGSD Watershed and Bug Weeks including the Fraser River and, along with Tiffany, will be valuable promoting “citizen science” efforts within the Fraser community including determining baseline conditions for Learn by Doing efforts by Trout Unlimited and other groups. Grand Environmental will collaborate with Tiffany and Ryan as adjunct scientists, overseeing all analyses and reporting. DESCRIPTION OF SUBCONSULTANTS Grand Environmental has extensive knowledge of the Cozens Open Space in Winter Park, Colorado. Cozens Ranch Open Space Fraser River Corridor Master Plan32 GEOFF ELLIOTT Earth Scientist EDUCATION Bachelor of Science in Earth Science Master of Science in Geology CERTIFICATIONS Certified Professional in Erosion and Sediment Control (CPESC # 5082) OSHA 40-Hour Certified Hazards Identification and Communication for the On- Shore Oil & Gas Industry PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE • Developing New Partnerships with Rotary + River Watch + GLOBE - CO • Restoring River Resiliency after the 2013 Colorado Floods, Lessons We Might Learn (Maybe) Presentation - Lakewood, CO • Riparian Plumbing Repair for Watershed Resilience Presentation- CO • Riparian Groundwater Monitoring Sheds Light on Wetland Impacts from Moffat- Gross Trans-mountain Diversions - Grand through Boulder County, CO • Rapid Assessment, Restoration Design, and Wetland Permitting for three river-restoration projects on the Big Thompson River TIFFANY GATESMAN Environmental Chemist, Gatesman Environmental Tiffany Gatesman has been involved in natural resource science and education for 11 years. She specializes in water quality surveys, wetland research, data analysis, document writing, and environmental education and outreach. Prior land management and survey experience involved working with private land owners, county governments, and federal governments. Mrs. Gatesman has extensive experience with education and outreach through secondary education, professional research presentations, and environmental outreach benefiting local communities. MEMBERSHIPS Upper Colorado River Watershed Group Board Member American Water Resource Association EDUCATION Bachelor of Science in Water Resource Management - Soil and Wetland Science, University of Wisconsin Master of Science in Environmental Chemistry, University of Alaska PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE • Earth Science and Biology Secondary Teacher 2012-2014 – Granby, CO • Data collection and analysis – Grand Lake, CO, Stevens Point, WI, Portage, WI, Fairbanks, AK, Elko, NV • Construction inspection for compliance with erosion and storm water control plans - Dane County, WI • Trout habitat surveys – Elko, NV • Endangered wetland species surveys – Portage, WI, Elko, NV • Geochemical Hydrological Modeling – Fairbanks, AK • Design, construction, and research of bioretention basins – Stevens Point, WI • River bank land use mapping survey (UWSP) Geoff Elliott is a seasoned field scientist adept at reconnaissance environmental assessment guiding project development, cost-effective scope of work, and understanding team needs. Geoff has extensive experience with Environmental Impact Assessments, Special- Use permitting, and 404/Wetland permitting. His experience includes several years teaching interdisciplinary teams fundamentals of NEPA project development and editorial management. Geoff has particular interest in improving water intakes in river/riparian systems settings. Geoff has a broad background in a variety of settings and habitats – from urban and industrial utilities to high elevation agriculture in the Andes, from energy sector to ski runs, boathouses, fly-fishing. Geoff is also a member of the Rotary International Cadre of Technical Advisors to the Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene Rotary Action Group (WASHRAG) where he was tasked with developing kid-friendly watershed assessment tools to support Global Grants. SUBCONTRACTOR RESUMES Resumes 33 SCOTT SCHRIEBER, P.E. Civil / Hydraulic Engineer Scott is a Water Resource Engineer at Matrix Design Group and has 10 years of experience with a very diverse background in civil engineering. Scott’s water resources experience includes stormwater management design, water budget analysis, stream restoration, Clean Water Act permitting, corridor planning studies, land development, groundwater studies, athletic field design, LOMR submittals, LID and LEED designs, and drainage infrastructure design. Also being the President of Denver Trout Unlimited and on the CWCB Metro Roundtable he has his finger on the pulse of water activities in Colorado. He has experience in all phases of a project from writing of proposals and budgets to design and analysis to construction observation. RYAN LOKTEFF GIS Watershed, Divide Environmental & Mapping Ryan Lokteff of Divide Environmental and Mapping in Grand Lake has been involved in local GIS-based watershed science and macroinvertebrate monitoring for several years. As Executive Director of Grand County Water information Network, Ryan oversaw county wide water quality monitoring including sampling for real-time and laboratory analyses, lake- clarity (Secchi Disk) analyses, and macroinvertebrate communities. In addition, his local field experience with EGSD Watershed and Bug Weeks including the Fraser River and, along with Tiffany, will be valuable promoting “citizen science” efforts within the Fraser community including determining baseline conditions for Learn by Doing efforts by Trout Unlimited and other groups. EDUCATION Masters of Science in Watershed Science, Utah State University EDUCATION Master of Science, Environmental Fluid Mechanics and Water Resources Engineering, Georgia Tech Bachelor of Science, Civil Engineering, Virginia Tech CERTIFICATIONS American Fisheries Society: 2009 - Present American Geophysical Union: 2010 - 2015 REGISTRATIONS PE - State of Colorado PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE • Grand County Water Information Network - Grand Lake, CO • Fraser River Source Water Protection Plan - Grand County, CO • National Aquatic Monitoring Center automated watershed delineation and watershed spatial statistics through python, sample design prep, and map creation • Upper Colorado River Watershed Group GIS mapping • Outstanding Grand Lake GIS mapping • Fraser River Source Water Protection Partnership GIS mapping • Stream temperature, aquatic macroinvertebrate, lake clarity, and water quality monitoring across Grand County, CO PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE • Fish Creek Public Infrastructure Project, Estes Park, CO • Monument Creek Stream Restoration Plan • Witter Gulch Hydrologic and Hydraulic Evaluation • Stone Creek Restoration Master Plan • Williamsburg Env Group • St. Vrain Greenway Pedestrian Bridge and Trail Repairs • CDOT I-70 Peak Period Shoulder Lane, CO • Copper Mountain Stormwater Management Plan, Colorado Cozens Ranch Open Space Fraser River Corridor Master Plan34 SOUTH PLATTE RIVER GREENWAY CORRIDOR Denver, Colorado Since 1974, the City and County of Denver, The Greenway Foundation and other partners have invested over $100 million dollars in the South Platte River Corridor, resulting in over $10 billion dollars of residential and commercial development. THK Associates has provided consulting services on the South Platte River for decades. In 2008, THK and The Greenway Foundation created new master plans for the entire South Platte River Greenway Corridor through the City and County of Denver. This effort included the River South Greenway Master Plan, River North Greenway Master Plan and the River Vision Implementation Plan. The corridor master plans included vision master planning, funding and implementation, design development and construction documentation of more than 9 miles of greenway trail and river corridor improvements along the South Platte River. In the last five years, based on THK’s master plans, over $25 million dollars has been raised for improvements on the river. Since the beginning, this process has included an emphasis on community participation, recreation, in channel boating improvements, floodplain restoration and economic development. Currently, the South Platte River corridor is the most desirable recreational amenity in the City of Denver. As a part of the master plan, THK developed the concepts for five early implementation projects. In the last two years alone, THK has taken three of the five early implementation projects, Pasquinels Landing Park, Grant Frontier Park and the RINO Pedestrian Bridge to final construction. Other teams used THK’s design concepts for Johnson Habitat Park and Confluence Park to develop final construction documents. Key elements of the design, on all projects, focus on opening up the floodplain, enhancing river access, restoring wetland and riparian habitat, improving fishing, improving boating, fostering environmental education and youth engagement, all while expanding the city’s connectivity through an expansion of regional trail. What began as a master plan has developed into a network of active recreational trails, connections to the South Platte River and interpretive play areas that promote interaction and imagination. Client: City of Denver Reference: Jeff Shoemaker, President The Greenway Foundation 5299 DTC Blvd., Suite 710 Greenwood Village, CO 80111 jeff.shoemaker@gnwy.org (303)818-8078 PROJECT EXPERIENCE River access jetty at Pasquinel’s Landing Park, Denver, Colorado Project Experience 35 For this project, THK Associates developed a master plan for 6 miles of the Big Dry Creek corridor between I-25 and 160th Avenue. While the city of Thornton had already created ‘pearls’ of open spaces along the South Platte River and Niver Creek, Big Dry Creek was the last remaining ‘open space pearl’ needed to create a complete system of open space corridors in Thornton. Big Dry Creek provides outstanding opportunities for passive recreation and wildlife habitat and encompasses almost 300 acres of open space areas that have been preserved through acquisition by Thornton and Adams County. The master plan assessed these publicly-owned parcels from hydraulic, geomorphic, environmental, social and recreational standpoints and created a framework for these areas to be connected both to each other and to the larger networks of trails, parks and open spaces. The key to creating an effective and implementable framework in the master plan was to understand that successful riparian corridors are complex systems that cannot be completely ‘controlled.’ By preserving and protecting a wide corridor that the Creek could move within without negatively impacting infrastructure (such as roads and buildings), we were also able to create a plentiful wildlife habitat alongside recreational amenities including a regional trail system and environmental learning opportunities. BIG DRY CREEK RECREATION AND FLOODPLAIN RESTORATION MASTER PLAN El Paso County, Colorado Client: El Paso County Parks Division Reference: Paula Schulte, City of Thornton Representative paula.schulte@cityofthornton.net (303) 225-7844 Baseflow Water Surface Footer Log Log Buried in Bank: 8’-12’ Length, 16” Min. Diameter Stabilizing Boulders Willow or Cottonwood Stakes: Roots Should Extend to Dry Season Water Level Root wad: -Partially Embed into Channel Bottom -Orient Upstream -Partially Submerge Sharp oxbow turns created by straightening the channel on either side of a parcel along Big Dry Creek. Image captured by THK via drone. Bank erosion and sedimentation issues along Big Dry Creek Master Plan infographic explaining bank stabilization measures Cozens Ranch Open Space Fraser River Corridor Master Plan36 FOUNTAIN CREEK CORRIDOR RESTORATION MASTER PLAN Colorado Springs to Pueblo, Colorado In 2010, THK established a revitalization concept vision for 46 miles of Fountain Creek between Colorado Springs and the confluence with the Arkansas River in Pueblo. The THK Team used their extensive knowledge of the watershed to develop a detailed Corridor Master Plan for El Paso and Pueblo Counties that focused on improving watershed health, creating channel stability and restoring riparian and wetland ecosystems while planning for recreational, educational and experimental opportunities along the corridor. To accomplish this, the THK Team fostered a consensus between stakeholders to create a realistic implementation plan that balanced the needs of private property owners with the needs environmental needs essential to create a vibrate corridor. In addition to regional restoration planning, the THK Team identified a series of potential demonstration projects that used a unique “toolbox” of restoration and conservation techniques to identify potential design options for each stretch of the creek. These "toolbox" items were then progressed in the final construction documents, where four (4) demonstration projects, focusing on the restoration of Fountain Creek and the extension of the Front Range Trail, were built along the corridor. Demonstration Projects that have been completed by THK include: The master plan document can be found on the Fountain Creek Watershed, Flood Control and Greenway District’s website at: http://fountain-crk.org/studiesreports/fcw-master-plan.html Client: Colorado Springs Utilities and The Lower Arkansas Conservancy District Reference: Larry Small, Executive Director,Fountain Creek Watershed District fountainckdist@aol.com (719)447-5012 • Fountain Creek Restoration - Side Detention/ Sediment Control Project • Fountain Creek Restoration at Clear Springs Ranch • Fountain Creek Restoration – Jurisdictional Wetlands • Fountain Creek Restoration - Frost Ranch Trail alternatives studyFinal master plan graphic Project Experience 37 The Clear Creek Greenway will run alongside Clear Creek between Jefferson County and the Continental Divide. The greenway is envisioned to serve as the backbone of the County and tie together communities with a string of open spaces, parks, recreational facilities and commercial recreation providers. It will embrace the County’s unique cultural heritage and natural environment and provide an outstanding resource for families, visitors and outdoor enthusiasts to enjoy. The concept is the development of a main arterial trail and key open space areas to create an interconnecting corridor of parks, natural areas, trail connections, recreational activities and related amenities. Developing the Greenway as a major natural resource and recreational corridor will not only provide recreation and open space, but will also improve economic development opportunities for the county and its municipalities. THK has worked with Clear Creek County for over ten (10) years to develop and implement the master plan for this corridor. THK is currently working on the construction drawings for the Clear Creek Greenway and prioritizing projects to move into final construction. CLEAR CREEK GREENWAY CORRIDOR Clear Creek County, Colorado Client: Clear Creek County Reference: Tim Mauck, County Commissioner Clear Creek County Tim@timmauck.com (303)679-2312 REACH D: HIDDEN VALLEY 103 40 70 6 REACH D: HIDDEN VALLEY REACH A: EMPIRE REACH C: IDAHO SPRINGS - ST. MARY’S REACH B: DOWNIEVILLE - LAWSON - DUMONT REACH A: EMPIRE CHALLENGES: • Empire Junction interchange design is unknown • Signature Greenway Bridge • Mixed-use development area • Segment may need private property • Segment may be simpler to design / build • Multiple alignments are available • Environmental issues • Historical issues • Parking FEATURES AND DESTINATIONS: • ~2.8 miles • 8 potential bridge crossings • Minton Park • Easter Seals Camp REACH C: IDAHO SPRINGS - ST. MARY’S CHALLENGES: • I-70 could be realigned with future improvements • Narrow corridor • Must move bikes off of I-70 • Most visible part of trail from I-70 • Opportunity to build public support for the project • Major rafting corridor • Few river access opportunities • Parking FEATURES AND DESTINATIONS: • ~5.0 miles (~1.1 miles through Idaho Springs not included) • 3 potential bridge crossings • Water Wheel Park • St. Mary’s Glacier • Mt. Evans • Forest Service Visitor Center • Idaho Springs • Argo Mine • Downtown Idaho Springs REACH D: HIDDEN VALLEY CHALLENGES: • Has several segments in different stages of planning and construction • Alternatives to current trail alignment exist • Problem with users parking in the bike lane • River access opportunity • Parking FEATURES AND DESTINATIONS: • ~1.9 miles • 3 potential bridge crossings • Game Check Station Trailhead • US 6 Trailhead • Access to Central City REACH B: DOWNIEVILLE-LAWSON-DUMONT CHALLENGES: • Private property may be needed for ROW • Right-of-way is available, but not along the creek • Has creek access - potential to improve access • Connectivity to retail • Neighborhood support? Sections of the trail are in neighbhorhoods • Connections to retail • Impacts to neighborhoods • Different alignments have different user experience • Parking FEATURES AND DESTINATIONS: • ~4.3 miles • 9 potential bridge crossings • Lawson White Water Park • Colorado Adventure Park • Trailhead at Philadephia Mill Site INFORMAL TRAIL SEPARATED TRAIL 8’ WIDE MISSING CONNECTION AT USFS SEPARATED TRAIL 8’ & 10’ WIDE SECTIONS ON STREET ON STREET INFORMAL TRAIL ON STREET CLEAR CREEK COUNTY CDOT CENTRAL CITY CCMRD CC COUNTY OPEN SPACE CCGA CLEAR CREEK COUNTY IDAHO SPRINGS CDOT YORK GULCH NEIGHBORHOOD FALL RIVER ROAD NEIGHBORHOOD ST. MARY’S GLACIER NEIGHBORHOOD CCMRD USFS CCGA CLEAR CREEK COUNTY DOWNIEVILLE-LAWSON-DUMONT NEIGHBORHOODS CC COUNTY OPEN SPACE PRIVATE PROPERTY OWNERS CCMRD CCGA CLEAR CREEK COUNTY EMPIRE CDOT PRIVATE PROPERTY OWNERS CCMRD CCGA TRAIL DESIGN REACHES EXISTING TRAIL CONDITIONS POTENTIAL PARTNERS BY REACH EMPIRE DOWNIEVILLE - LAWSON - DUMONT BELLEVIEW MOUNTAIN NOT INCLUDED IN THIS PROJECT ST. MARY’S GLACIER SANTA FE MOUNTAIN March 09,2016 SAXON MOUNTAIN DOUGLAS MOUNTAIN LAWSON WHITE WATER PARK GATEWAY BRIDGE WATER WHEEL PARK GEORGETOWN MINTON PARK SADDLEBACK MOUNTAIN IDAHO SPRINGS VETERAN’S MEMORIAL TUNNEL OLD GAME CHECK TRAIL HEAD U.S. 6 TRAIL HEAD CASINO PARKWAY SH O U L D E R SH O U L D E R EXISTING GRADE MIN. 10’-0” CONCRETE TRAIL TYPICAL SECTION 11.10.2015 STAND ALONE TRAIL CONDITION CLEAR CREEK GREENWAY TRAIL GENERAL NOTES: • Trail width may increase to accomodate vehicular traffi c BOULDERRETAINING WALL CLEAR CREEK COUNTYROW CDOTROWCOUNTYROWPRIVATEROW EXISTING GRADE Section graphic depicting trail impact and implementation process Graphic of the extents of the Clear Creek Greenway Corridor Cozens Ranch Open Space Fraser River Corridor Master Plan38 Riverside Park is a 100+ acre regional park that is located adjacent to the South Platte River that was destroyed by the flood events that ravaged Colorado in September 2013. The Park featured baseball fields, multi-use recreation fields, playgrounds, basketball courts, pavilions and a fishing area. The basic concept for the restoration of the Park included reconnecting the floodplain and the river. The master planning process included an extensive public process that included a 3-day design charrette, site tours, public meetings, public events and council meetings. Similar to Cozens Ranch Open Space, the City of Evans identified some additional property that could possibly be purchased and integrated into the park master plan. THK included design for this additional property as a chapter in the master plan in case the City was able to acquire it. Many of the same design features that the Town of Fraser has identified for Cozens Ranch Open Space were ultimately included in the design of Riverside Park, including environmental play, better river access, habitat restoration, educational signage, trails and ADA accessibility. Following the approval of the master plan, THK develop final design and construction documents. Final design includes repairing flood damage, restoring approximately 10-acres of riparian habitat, raising the park road and ball fields to provide additional resiliency and balancing grading efforts to achieve a no-rise certification in the floodplain. THK assisted the City of Evans in securing $11 million dollars in funding for design and construction of Riverside Park as well. Construction in the park is slated to be completed by November 2017. RIVERSIDE PARK FLOOD RECOVERY MASTER PLAN AND FINAL DESIGN South Platte River, Evans, Colorado Client: City of Denver Reference: Nancy Salazar, Flood Recovery Manager nsalazar@evanscolorado.gov (970)475-1157 WETLAND BENCH WETLAN D B E N C H BOARDWALK PUMP HOUSE TOT PLAYGROUND ACCESS GATE SHADE STRUCTURES RESTROOMS PLAYGROUND PAVED PATH FISHING DOCK RIVERSIDE LAKE MULTI-USE SPORTS FIELDS4-PLEX RIVERSIDE PARK MASTER PLAN EVANS, CO SO U T H P L A T T E R I V E R FISHING POINT CHAMPIONSHIP FIELD PARKING LOT 47 SPACES PARKING LOT 94 SPACES PARKING LOT 237 SPACES JUNIOR SOCCER FIELDS CONCESSIONS CANOE / TUBE / KAYAK PULL-OUT FISHING POINT UNPAVED PATH ENVIRONMENTAL PLAY AREA EXISTING COTTONWOOD GALLERY CCCCCCCCCCCCCTTTTTUURRRRESSCTUURRES H E A D _I N P A R K I N G 7 7 S P A C E S Damage from the 2013 floods at Riverside Park Riverside Park Master Plan Project Experience 39 The Big Thompson Master Plan encompasses a 9-mile section of the Big Thompson River through the City of Loveland. This stretch of riverfront is an amazing resource for the citizens of Loveland, with broad undeveloped floodplains, trails, parks and open space. The 2013 flood caused damages along the corridor from undersized crossings, out of bank flows and erosion, among other factors. While some portions of the river support healthy riparian vegetation and have habitat that would be suitable for aquatic organisms, other portions are more degraded due to disconnection of the river and floodplain, bank erosion and limitations on available water due to upstream diversions that dry out the river through Loveland. THK is helping the City of Loveland to develop a long-term vision for the Big Thompson River Corridor and to develop plans for enhancements that can be implemented in a phased manner in the coming decades. A major objective of this effort is to increase the benefits that the river and corridor provide to the citizens of Loveland by providing additional open space and recreational opportunities and enhancing natural habitat for aquatic and terrestrial wildlife, all while improving the level of flood protection and resiliency. Through this planning and engineering effort, the City intends to transform the corridor into a landmark for the City, a recreational destination, a haven for wildlife in the midst of an urban environment and a more resilient river corridor. Most importantly, the River Corridor Master Plan will build on recent flood recovery efforts to identify potential projects that will reduce the flood hazards along the Big Thompson River, and provide additional protection of the health, safety, and welfare of the community. Through this project, the ultimate vision for the Big Thompson River corridor through Loveland is a fully “Connected Corridor.” This Corridor includes a network of interconnected greenways, parks, open space and natural areas that provide the public with opportunities for recreation and interaction with the river and nature. BIG THOMPSON RIVER CORRIDOR MASTER PLAN City of Loveland, Colorado 1 ST BIGTHOMPSONRIVER Upstream Study End Downstream Study End Boyd Lake Lake Loveland Boedecker Lake Lon Hagler Reservoir Silver Lake Buckingham Lake Ryan Gulch Reservoir Heinricy Lake Chapman Reservoir Bud Mielke Reservoir Rist Benson Reservoir Westerdoll Lake Cattail Pond Lower Hoffman Lake Jayhawker Ponds Upper Hoffman Lake Jayhawker Ponds B u r l i n g t o n N o r t h e r n R R Great Western RR B u r l i n g t o n N o r t h e r n R R 14TH ST 29TH ST W I L S O N A V E B O I S E A V E G A R F I E L D A V E B O Y D L A K E A V E C O U N T Y R O A D 2 1 COUNTY ROAD 14 HIGHWAY 402 T A F T A V E C L E V E L A N D A V E C O U N T Y R O A D 1 3 C O U N T Y R O A D 1 1 D E N V E R A V E N A M A Q U A A V E 5TH ST EISENHOWER BLVD M O N R O E A V E COUNTY ROAD 16E C O U N T Y R O A D 9 37TH ST C O U N T Y R O A D 2 3 COUNTY ROAD 16 C O U N T Y R O A D 1 9 C O R V U S D R L I N C O L N A V E T A F T A V E 37TH ST37TH S T 37TH ST COUNTY ROAD 16E COUNTY ROAD 16 L I N C O L N A V E 2 1 14 1ST ST T A F T A V 29TH ST W I L S O N A V 14TH SW ST 8TH ST M A D I S O N A V C R 9 E G A R F I E L D A V 22ND ST 7TH ST B O Y D L A K E A V 1 1 C CARLISLE DR D O T S E R O D R D U F F I E L D A V 23RD ST B O I S E A V L I N C O L N A V 4TH ST 37TH ST S H E R I D A N A V 22ND SW ST D O U G L A S A V ¬«74 ¬«9 ¬«40 ¬«16 ¬«56 ¬«138 ¬«7¬«63 ¬«8 ¬«58 ¬«140 ¬«147 ¬«69 ¬«44 ¬«70 ¬«22 ¬«139 ¬«38 ¬«65 ¬«144 ¬«57 ¬«145 ¬«14 ¬«27 ¬«24 ¬«29 ¬«17 ¬«61 ¬«146 ¬«26 ¬«28 ¬«64 ¬«67 ¬«15 ¬«23 ¬«41 ¬«143 ¬«21 ¬«62 ¬«32 ¬«141 ¬«71 ¬«12¬«19 ¬«66 ¬«68 ¬«42 ¬«25 ¬«60 ¬«30 ¬«31 ¬«43 ¬«59 ¬«13 ¬«18 ¬«39 ¬«72 ¬«20 ¬«73 0 3,0001,500 Feet Enhancement Potential LEGEND Big Thompson Centerline Rail Alignment City Boundary FEMA Floodway FEMA Floodway FEMA 100-Year Floodplain FEMA 500-Year Floodplain Enhancement Potential High High for all but Mining (Low) Medium Low ° BB i i gg TT hh oo mm pp ss oo nn FORT COLLINS LOVELAND GREELEY LONGMONT ESTES PARK LYONS §¨¦025A ¬«14 ¬«119 ¬«66 ¬«119 ¬«056B ¬«7 ¬«257 ¬«1 ¬«402A ¬«392 £¤287C £¤34 £¤36 £¤85 Big Thompson River Corridor Master Plan Inset Map Study Area Site ID Enhancement Potential Site Name 7 High Pasture at CR 9E & CR 20C 8 High Pasture N. BT River/E. CR 9E 9 Medium Abandoned Sugar Plant Ponds 12 Medium BT River E. of CR 9E 13 Low Wetland E. of CR 9E, N of 402 14 Medium Uplands/Wetlands E. of CR 9E 15 Low Wetland Adjacent to CR 9E 16 High Gravel Ponds near CR 9E 17 Medium Ponds W. of CR 9E, N of River 18 Low Pond & Wetland S. of CR 20 19 Medium BT River W. of CR 9E 20 Medium Stock Pond E. of CR 9E 21 Medium Weedy Field Adjacent to BT River 22 High Gravel Ponds N. of 18th Street 23 Medium BT River E. of Boise 24 High BT River W. of Boise 25 Low Drainage E. of St. Louis 26 Low Field at 14th & Lincoln * 27 Medium Pond & Field E. of St. Louis 28 Medium Pond near River & St. Louis 29 Medium BT River at Lincoln * 30 Medium BT River near Old Fairgrounds * 31 Medium Wetland near Old Fairgrounds 32 Medium Ponds W. of Lincoln, S. of River 38 Medium Grassy Field E. of Taft 39 Low Cattail Drainage W. of Taft * 40 High Ponds between RR & Taft 41 Low Field N. of BT River, E. of RR 42 Medium BT River W. of RR 43 Medium BT River E. of Taft 44 Medium BT River W. of Taft * 56 High Ponds near BT River & Wilson 57 Medium Field W. of Taft, N. of River 58 High Ponds near Wilson & CR 19E 59 High BT River W. of Wilson 60 Medium BT River at CR 19E 61 Medium BT River W. of CR 19E 62 Low Orchard at Namaqua & W. 1st 63 Low Prairie Dog Colony near Butte * 64 Low Mariana Butte * 65 Medium Small Lake N. of Boedecker Lake 66 Low Drainage Ditch NW of Boedecker 67 Low Pasture near Golf Course 68 High Ponds S. of 34 & West Ridge Dr. * 69 Medium Westernmost BT River Site 70 Medium BT River near Golf Course 71 Low Pasture/Pond N. of Golf Course 72 Low Gravel Pond N./Mariana Butte 73 Low Pond W. CR 19E, S. Hwy. 34 74 Low Hogback 138 Low Rist Benson Lake * 139 High Gravel Pit Ponds 140 Low Reclaimed Gravel Pits & Active Mining 141 Medium Commercial Tree Nursery 143 Low Upland Grassland & Trees 144 Low Gravel Pit Pond and Grassland 145 Medium Gravel Pit Ponds,Grassland & Disturbed 146 High Gravel Pit Pond, Wetlands & Upland Grasslands 147 High for all but Mining (Low)Ponds, Pasture/Wetland Meadow, Hayfield, & Mining Client: City of Loveland Reference: Chris Carlson, City Civil Engineer chris.carlson@cityofloveland.org (303)962-2774 GIS mapping for the Big Thompson River Corridor existing site analysis Cozens Ranch Open Space Fraser River Corridor Master Plan40 Grand Environmental Services (GES) worked with WPRWSD to improve their (Lyons) augmentation water-intake system on the Fraser River after beaver had complicated upstream hydrology. With recommendations from Trout Unlimited, we focused on a river location at the WPWSD Pumphouse #7 which offered a shorter, more efficient path from river to ponds. Challenges included channel elevations (the river thalweg was lower than the pond surface), and unstable river bank caving as much as a foot a year, and a road and trail crossing the pipeline project area. Our solution was to work with local engineers (JVA) and excavators (Conroy) to install a boulder cross vane to raise the river bed to meet preferred pipeline elevation (to satisfy WPRWSD water rights during low flows while not impacting road and trail alignment), and a boulder J-hook to deflect flows away from the unstable bank. The project conserves water resources, improves oxygenation and temperatures in the Lyons augmentation ponds, and offers new, family-friendly fishery habitat. WINTER PARK RANCH AUGMENTATION POND INTAKE IMPROVEMENTS Cozens Open Space at Pumphouse #7, Winter Park, Colorado Client: Winter Park Ranch Water and Sanitation District Winter Park Ranch looking upstream previous conditions -2012 Winter Park Ranch looking upstream after improvements - 2016 Winter Park Ranch looking downstream after improvements - 2016 Project Experience 41 Grand Environmental Services (GES) helped the Town of Hot Sulphur Springs with a pre-acquisition environmental assessment of the Pioneer Park property as part of GOCO-funded purchase from the Union Pacific Railroad in the early 2000’s; we then worked with the community to prepare a GOCO- funded River Corridor Master Plan in 2004 including camping and day-use, river restoration, and the Town’s municipal water treatment plan including water intake. Master plan buildout started with designation of high-value conservation areas, identification of priority riverbank-stabilization projects, and better definition of trails, roads, and camping areas. GES had designed and permitted with the Corps of Engineers a new water intake system to be set under the river bed, again funded by GOCO, when the water-treatment plant failed the Town was put under a CDPHE boil order. Timing was good for ARRA funding so GES joined with a top-notch team of engineers, agencies, and builders to plan, fund, and install a new state-of-the art membrane-filter water treatment plant including the new water intake. With GES as Program Manager answering directly to the Mayor and Town Trustees, the project was designated by CDPHE the top water-supply project in the State of Colorado in 2010 and received Congressional Recognitions for responsible use of public funds. Still building on the 2004 River Corridor Master Plan, we completed detailed environmental studies and initial designs for a pedestrian bridge over the river, including three alternative alignments, then secured CDOT funding and oversaw installation. In conjunction with the successful bridge project, we developed additional trail and day-use amenities that earned the THK Team the Starburst Award in 2014 “Recognizing excellence in the use of Lottery Funds for community and conservation projects…winners are chosen based upon the creativity of the project, economic and social impact on the community, and whether the project achieved its goal.” Improved trail crossing at vegetation-stabilized river banks Improved trail crossing at vegetation-stabilized river banks Camp ground improvements at Pioneer Park PIONEER PARK RIVER CORRIDOR MASTER PLAN BUILDOUT Town of Hot Sulphur Springs, Colorado Client: Town of Hot Sulphur Springs Cozens Ranch Open Space Fraser River Corridor Master Plan42 PROJECT FEES STEP #1: COLLECTION AND QUANTIFICATION $25,776.00 STEP #3: DEVELOP AND PRESENT THE DRAFT PLAN $24,119.00 STEP #5: DESIGN AND CONSTRUCTION DOCUMENTS FOR PHASE 1 IMPLEMENTATION $12,760.00 TOTAL PROJECT BUDGET - $89,994.00 STEP #4: FINALIZE AND PRESENT THE FINAL PLAN $8,228.00 STEP #2: IDENTIFICATION AND VISION $19,111.00 The THK Team has read the Town of Fraser’s successful GOCO grant application and understands that the goal is meet a $90,000 budget. Our budget outline depicted below was built utilizing the goals outlined in the Town’s Request For Proposal (RFP) and GOCO grant . However, the THK Team realizes that the ultimate goal is to have a Phase 1 demonstration project prepared for future grant requests. Since the scope of a Phase 1 project has yet to be identified, and since the desired level of environmental and design details contained in the master plan has not been determined, the THK Team has the ability to revise our fee schedule to reflect the Town’s specific needs while maintaining a $90,000 project budget. For example, should the Town determine that a project website is not needed for this project, or that certain recreational or environmental surveys not be required, those fees could be subtracted from Step #1 and Step #3 and added to Step #5 to complete additional final design on a Phase 1 demonstration project. Project Schedule 43 PROJECT SCHEDULE Task H: Existing Conditions Report STEP #2: IDENTIFICATION AND VISION Task J: Public Workshop #1: 2-day on-site Strategic Planning Session Task L: Conduct Strengths, Weakness, Opportunities, Threats (SWOT) analysis Task M: Preliminary Master Plan Concepts Task N: Stakeholder Advisory Committee (SAC) Meeting #2 Task O: Public Workshop #2 Task P: Preferred Master Plan Concept Task Q: Project Prioritization Task R: Funding Plan Task S: Draft Master Plan STEP #4: FINALIZE AND PRESENT THE FINAL PLAN Task T: Final Master Plan Task U: Public Workshop #3 Task W: Demonstration Project Selection Task X: Demonstration Project Design STEP #5: DESIGN AND CONSTRUCTION DOCUMENTS FOR PHASE 1 IMPLEMENTATION STEP #3: DEVELOP AND PRESENT THE DRAFT PLAN Task K: Community Survey Task I: Create A Project Website (Optional) Milestone STEP #1: COLLECTION AND QUANTIFICATION Task B: Engage Key Stakeholders Task D: Review Existing Data Task E: Identify and Review Existing Plans Task F: Prepare Base Maps and Initiate Field Work Task G: Stakeholder Advisory Committee (SAC) Meeting #1 Task C: Project Coordination Task A: Project Stat/Kick-off Meeting DecNov JunFebJanSeptAprAugMarOctMay 2017 ON-GOING ON-GOING 2018 This schedule was created to not only meet the Town of Fraser’s desired completion date, but also provide final plans in preparation for some key grant application deadlines. Task V: Stakeholder Advisory Committee (SAC) Meeting #3