lake boren park master plan - newcastle

LAKE BOREN PARK MASTER PLANCity of Newcastle

LAKE BOREN PARK MASTER PLANCity of Newcastle

Prepared by Worthy and Associates, LLCAugust 12, 2008

2

City Council

Ben Varon, Mayor

Dan Hubbell, Deputy Mayor

Lisa Jensen

Carol Simpson

Steve Buri

Sonny Putter

Jean Garber

Newcastle Parks Commission

Mark Garvin, Chair

Andrew Shelton, Vice Chair

James Parico

Diane Lewis

Peggy Price

Curtis Gray

Christopher Hills

Koleen Morris

Suzi O’Byrne

Consultants

Worthy and Associates, LLC

Steve Worthy, ASLA, Principal

Carolyn Alcorn, ASLA

Laura Davis, ASLA

MAKERS, Architecture and Urban Design

John Owen

ESA Adolfson

Catherine Conolly

Public Works Department

Maiya I. Andrews, P.E., Director

Jed Gonzales, Assistant City Engineer

Jules Maas, Special Events Producer

Acknowledgements

Lake Boren Park Master PlanCity of Newcastle

City Manager

John Starbard

Table of Contents

Cover …………………………………………….……………….………………………………………………………………………… 1

Acknowledgements……………………….…………………………………………………………………………………………… 2

Table of Contents .…………………………………………….……………………………………………………………………… 3

Analysis and Background…………………………………………….……………………………………………………………… 4-5

Mission and Plan Elements…………………………………………….…………………………………………………………… 6-7

South Entrance and Fuchsia Garden ………………………………………………………………………………………… 8-11

Water Spray Play Area …………………………………………….………………………………………………………………… 12-13

Play Area Improvements…………………………………………….……………………………………………………………… 14-17

Amphitheater Improvements …………………………………………………………………………………………………… 18-19

Maintenance Facility, North Park Entrance, and Mid Cross Town Trail……………………………………… 20-23

North Grove, Meadow, and Shoreline Improvements ………………….…………………………………………… 24-25

Stormwater Pond………………………….…………………………….……………………………………………………………… 26

Public Input and Outreach ……………………….…………………………….………………………………………………… 27

Cost and Phasing Strategy………………………………………………………………………………………………………… 28-34

Final Review and Approval Process.…………………………………………………………………………………………… 35

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This Master Plan is an update that incorporates and builds from the 1995 Lake Boren Master Plan Update, the 2000

Newcastle Community Business Center/Lake Boren Corridor Master Plan, and the 2003 Newcastle Comprehensive Plan. To

analyze the success of the park and reveal potential opportunities and constraints to future use the Consultants reviewed

these plans, received verbal and written-survey comments from community members, the Newcastle Parks Commission

and the Newcastle Public Works Department, made site visits, and attended public events at Lake Boren Park. The

Consultants reviewed additional background materials including the city’s Municipal Code, the 2005 Wetland Inventory

prepared for the City of Newcastle by Adolfson Associates, Inc., and data from the King County GIS Center and National

Resources Conservation Service.

The 22-acre Lake Boren Park shares a 500-foot shoreline edge with 16-acre Lake Boren. Additional public utility and road

right of ways extend the public spaces beyond the boundaries of Lake Boren Park. As seen by the ownership diagram, the

wetland-edged lake is surrounded primarily by private residential properties.

The City of Newcastle Comprehensive Plan presented a system of trails envisioned by the community and the local non-

profit organization, Newcastle Trails, which includes important pedestrian and non-motorized connections to the park. The

map at right shows existing trails that connect Lake Boren Park (solid lines) to its environs as well as local trails proposed

by Newcastle Trails and the Comprehensive Plan that have not been completed as of December 2007 (dotted lines). The

future direction of trail expansion should continue to enhance the entire community’s access to Lake Boren Park through

walking, biking and other non-motorized means.

The park access points, existing park features, activity centers and circulation systems shape the siting and nature of park

improvements. Wetland delineation, critical-areas buffers and assessment of American Disabilities Act (ADA) compliance

will inform site design of improvements proposed by the master plan update. Two figures and right show wetlands and

buffers requiring local delineation and path slopes (as designed) that may not provide ADA-approved access. Each phase

of site improvements within the park will allow opportunities to assess and enhance broad issues such as accessible

circulation, local maintenance, and concerns for the user’s sense of safety.

Analysis and Background

60' wetland buffer around lake & wetland at lake outlet

East shore: city properties

100' buffer for salmonid-bearing stream

Existing walkway

Walkways proposed by City of Newcastle & Newcastle Trails (dotted)

Existing walkways

Park entry

Existing trail to CrossTown trail and Lake Boren Esplanade

City of Seattle utility corridor

(restricted access)

Park events parking

highway views from Park

Site of future library

water quality good; habitat moderately rich

LAKE BOREN

BOREN CREEK

CHINA CREEK

Boren Creek flows in culvert

Historic Newcastle Cemetary

steep slopes

The Present: Lake Boren AREA

C King County

Coal Creek watershed

LAKE LAKE BOREN BOREN PARKPARK

East Lake Washington watershed NEWCASTLE WAYNEWCASTLE WAY

CO

AL C

REEK

PK

WY

CO

AL C

REEK

PK

WY

ADA access: existing paths

LakeBorenPark

LakeBoren

BorenCreek

ChinaCreek

Wetlands& bufferssouth oflake

Wetlands& buffersnorth oflake

CONTEXT: Wetlands and their buffers

Lake Boren Park

Lake Boren

City-owned properties in yellow

CONTEXT: Land owned by city

Lake Boren Park within watersheds & city limits

RED pathportions maybe too steep

LAKE BOREN PARK

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Mission and Plan ElementsPlanning the next direction for Lake Boren Park involves looking beyond the site to the system of parks, trails and

recreational facilities in the City of Newcastle to consider how Lake Boren Park can be improved within the larger context of

the city as a whole. The goals for land use and parks and recreation adopted by the city in the 2003 Newcastle

Comprehensive Plan and shown in condensed form at the right, create a framework from which to assess potential change

within the park.

As a result, this update to the Master Plan has focused on six plan features and facility improvements:

• South Entrance

• Water Spray Play Area

• Playground

• Amphitheater

• Maintenance Facility and North Entrances

• Shoreline and North Grove

The remainder of this document presents these key plan elements and follows with a discussion of implementation issues.

Lake Boren Park is centrally located within the city’s well-loved and expanding trail system, which links neighborhoods, the

downtown business area, parks, viewpoints, and historical sites. To provide more awareness of this great city asset,

orientation maps are proposed on the existing restroom wall and within a kiosk in a small plaza at the park’s entry from

the south parking lot. An updated system of trail markers is also proposed to orient and guide pedestrians throughout the

park and to nearby destinations. Newcastle’s rich mining history could be highlighted within the kiosk through the use of

historic photographs, stories, and materials dating from the city’s beginnings.

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South Park Entrance...Information, Orientation, and History Kiosk

The Northwest Fuchsia Society created and maintains a small test garden located near the Lake Boren Park parking lot. In

order to generate greater community interest in this botanical feature, more diverse planting could be added to improve

seasonal interest, fragrance, texture, and to attract birds and butterflies. The garden’s entrance and visibility could be

enhanced by expanding the planting along the adjacent pathway from the parking area. Other suggested improvements

include the addition of plant identification tags and more places to sit and picnic within the garden.

Fuchsia Garden…Creating Greater Interest

LAKE BOREN PARK, City of NewcastleLAKE BOREN PARK, City of NewcastleFuchsia Garden and EntrancesFuchsia Garden and Entrances

EntrancesFuchsia Garden

Paved pathways andlighting to the waterlinetrail?

Add artworkand publicinfo. kiosks?

Provide better entryto fuchsia garden:• Expand planting

along the adjacentpathway to theparking area

Expanded gardenattractions:• Provide seasonal interest• Better seating and picnic

tables?• Winter garden?• Hummingbird garden?• Fragrance garden?

• Identification signs• Make connections

to a network ofgardening groups

Interpretation of thehistoric railroad line?

Guide pedestrian travel between the park and trails on the east side of the lake, the Cross Town andLake Boren Esplanade trails:• Post a map showing local trails and destinations within reach of the park• Update system of trail marker posts

trail crossing at Coal Creek Parkway

Lake Boren Park

Lake Boren

City-owned properties in green

•

CONTEXT: CITY-OWNED LANDS

Coal Creek Pkwy

• improve existing access

IMPROVE EXISTING PATHS

Park Access ImprovementsLAKE BOREN PARK, City of Newcastle

trail along Coal Creek Parkway

• Add trail marker posts

• Mount a labelled aerial photo map on the restroom wall

Water Spray Play Area…An Attraction for All Ages

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A water spray area would safely bring fun and interactive water play to Lake Boren Park. With no standing water, lifeguard

supervision as well as special water treatment would not be required. The proposed water play design includes a diverse

mix of in-ground spray features timed to a pre set program to surprise and delight users. The variety of spray effects

available includes misters, geysers, jets, foam sprays, gushers, sprinklers, streams of water, water tunnels, and bubblers.

In-ground spray features are suggested over above-ground features due to their lower cost, vandal resistance, and simple

aesthetic. Children also like to sit and stand on the ground sprays to change the display of water. In order to appeal to a

broad range of ages, lower and softer spray features would be grouped together to entice toddlers, while a separate

section of larger spray features would draw in older children and adults.

The water spray play area should be sited within a flat section of land, with good sun exposure, and in close proximity to

the restroom. The Washington Administrative Code section 246-260.21.f states, “Restroom facilities must be located

convenient to, and no further than one hundred feet away.” Low seat walls wrapping around the play area would provide

resting spots. During the seasons when the spray features are turned off, the water spray area could serve as an open

gathering space with community artwork tile walls and colorful patterned pavement.

Industry standards suggest sizing water spray play areas based on 25 square feet per user. Thus, to accommodate 20

users, the area should be approximately 500 square feet, or 1,000 square feet for 40 users. Currently the concept is

shown for 40 users as a point of discussion.

Maintenance and operation costs are being reviewed at this time. Present water and sewer rates are 1.5 cents per gallon.

The park site’s water and power supplies also need to be reviewed to verify that there is adequate pressure and capacity.

The system would focus on low water-use spray features without recirculation of water. A recirculation storage system is

not recommended since it would be more expensive and would require additional trained staff for upkeep and Health

Department compliance for water quality monitoring.

LAKE BOREN PARK, City of NewcastleLAKE BOREN PARK, City of NewcastleWater Spray Play AreaWater Spray Play Area

Flush Mount Options

Concept Plan

Parking Lot

Restroom

Water Spray Play Area• 500-1,000 SF (20-40 people)• 10-15 spray features• Sunny and flat location• Within 100 feet of restroom• Seatwall enclosure• Colored paving

Seat walls anddense bufferplanting forseparation fromthe parking area

•

•

Spray Play Area Examples

Alternatelocation

Colored Pavement Examples

Play Area Improvements…Elevating the Fun

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Heavily used by the community, the existing play structure is estimated to need replacement within 7 years. While the

structure remains, the play area could be significantly enhanced by the addition of more challenging play elements to

engage kids and adults over 8 years old. The existing structure is designed for a limited and young age group. When the

existing structure is replaced, it is proposed that the play area would be developed into two age-separated play zones for

2-5 years olds and 5 years and up.

The 5 years and up play zone would engage older children and adults through play structures that offer increased height,

varying levels of difficulty, and coordinated play. Two play structure options include a traditional cable-net climber and a

modern design climbing structure. Both play structures would offer advanced climbing challenge, but are also fairly

transparent for good visibility across the play area. A medium-challenge play structure would increase the variety of

activities and challenge levels available. Additional small play elements are proposed to encourage social interaction

through group play.

Play Area Improvements with Age Zone SeparationLAKE BOREN PARK, City of Newcastle

Play area will be redeveloped and separated into two age zones:• two options to offer advanced climbing challenge

Option 1 • Traditional cable-net climbing

structure

Seat wallPicnic tables

Picnic shelter

Ex. swings

Play stage

Advanced-challenge climbing structure

Medium-challenge play structure

Sand box

• Group play (Kompan Supernova)

Option 2 • Modern climbing structure

(Kompan Galaxy)

• improve play facilities

PLAY AREAS

Supernova

Rubber surfacing

• 5 years and up play zone

• Medium-challenge play structure w/slide

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The 2-5 years old play zone would provide age-appropriate structures for younger children who have more limited mobility.

Imaginative play would be encouraged with a small stage area and play structure forms that encourage role playing. The

sandbox would provide hands-on sensory play. Smaller play elements would provide moving parts and group play

activities.

A curving pathway of rubber safety surfacing is shown crossing the play area to create greater separation between the age

zones and to provide a stable, ADA accessible, walking surface. Additional play area enhancements include a small picnic

area and low seatwalls that would provide good views toward the play area and the amphitheater.

Play Area Improvements with Age Zone SeparationLAKE BOREN PARK, City of Newcastle

Seat wall

Picnic tables

Picnic shelter

Ex. tot swings

Play stage

Sand box

See-sawSpinner bowl

Toddler play structure

Play train Rubber surfacing

• 2 to 5 years play zone

Play area will be redeveloped and separated into two age zones:

• Group play (Kompan Seesaw)

• Movement (Kompan Seesaw)

• Enhance imaginative play with a sandbox, stage, and play structures that encourage role playing

• Age-appropriate play structures • Hands-on sensory play

Amphitheater Improvements…Meeting Performance Standards

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Stage and performance-facility design improvements will maintain a casual style, appropriate to Lake Boren Park, and

enhance the amphitheater as a popular and important spot in the park for movie nights, concert series and Newcastle

Days. The 32 by 16-foot performance stage size is small but the central location and orientation of the facility works well

for service and pedestrian access, with a broad seating lawn sloping toward the stage and away from the playground. The

play equipment, seat walls and picnic shelter create a viewing area which allows for multiple uses by family groups during

performance events.

It may be time to begin upgrades to the amphitheater structure and facilities. Proposed improvements to the facilities

include a larger 40 by 30-foot concrete stage with seasonal or permanent roof and full or partial walls with the potential

for built-in storage areas. Coupled with the Public Works Maintenance facility upgrade, proposed improvements include

power service to the stage for sensitive electronics and sound and lighting options that require clean, 120/208 volt, 3-

phase power. Performers have requested an elevated and stable stage surface ideally 24" above the lawn area, a ramp,

front-of-stage steps and a paved area for dancing and stage equipment loading.

A roof over the stage protects performers and valuable equipment. Partial or continuous back or side walls provide

functions including creating off-stage areas to safely store gear out of view during performances, while camouflaging

stage equipment and distracting park functions during performances. Alternatively, temporary fencing screen panels can

be inserted adjacent to the stage area to contain views and limit distractions. Current parking of performance-crew

vehicles within the view of the audience view could be addressed by directing these vehicles to the maintenance facility or

utility right-of-way parking areas.

Amphitheater ImprovementsLAKE BOREN PARK, City of Newcastle

• A backstage area would store and camoufl age gear safely during performances.

A permanent roof would allow for year-round gathering and

protection from weather.

• Stage: now 32’ x 16’; proposed 40’ x 30’.• Power: improved dedicated service and increased capacity.• Concrete base.

The current stage remains as an open platform in the off season.

One of many possible design confi gurations: A concrete

stage with seasonal screens on permanent posts. open concrete stageopen concrete stage

covered concrete stagecovered concrete stage

• Concrete stage with seasonal or permanent roof protects performers and equipment during summer performances.

steps

ramp

backstage storage

dedicated power

building materials and design durable and appropriate to Newcastle

performance stage featuresperformance stage features

current wood stagecurrent wood stage

The existing City of Newcastle Public Works/ Parks maintenance facility is undersized and due for upgrades. The city is

planning for a new 40’x 60’ building with additional yard and equipment storage space located near the north park

entrance. Options for visual and sound buffering include solid fencing, landscape berms, and evergreen screening shrubs.

The building should be sited for maximum separation from existing park paths and possibly set into the south slope for

increased buffering. With a 5,000 square foot limit on new impervious surfaces, permeable surfacing options such as

green roofs and permeable paving will be needed.

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Maintenance Facility…Functioning Well Within the Park

The two entrances at the north end of the park will increasingly provide pedestrian access to the lakeshore, dock, and park

in general, as well as a link to the crossing of Coal Creek Parkway on the Mid Cross Town Trail. Civic, commercial and

higher-density residential improvements will bring additional pedestrian activity along 129th Avenue SE sidewalks and the

Waterline Trail to the park. The designs for the new maintenance facility will minimize the danger of conflicts between

service vehicles and pedestrians by routing park users coming from the downtown core safely around the facility and its

driveways.

Along the west side of Lake Boren Park, the public-utility corridor and its trail (Waterline Trail) provide valuable summer

events parking and multiple pedestrian entry points into the park. As event parking needs exceed the capacity of the

formal paved parking lot and the utility right-of-way parking, shuttle service from off-site locations can meet seasonal

peaks in parking requirements. Additional park lighting, trail markers, and crushed rock surfacing will guide entry and

improve walking conditions into the park from the pipeline grass overflow parking area.

These street and utility right-of-way points of entry in the northwest corner of Lake Boren Park provide important non-

motorized pedestrian and bike access between downtown, across the park, and across Coal Creek Parkway, to the east. In

the park’s southeast corner, near the footbridge over Boren Creek, the Mid Cross Town Trail provides a glimpse back in

time and an opportunity for historic interpretation: a rock wall that once supported the Coal Creek railroad. Seating

improvements are also proposed in this area. The path leading down from the north edge of the stormwater pond may

require further use studies to ensure necessary accessibility on this potentially key pedestrian route.

North Park Entrances and the Mid Cross Town Trail…Improving Connections

LAKE BOREN PARK, City of NewcastleLAKE BOREN PARK, City of NewcastlePark Maintenance FacilityPark Maintenance FacilityConcept Plan

••

•

• Buffer views of the facility with athick evergreen shrub planting

• Provide safe separation ofpedestrians and vehicles

• Building set into the south slope forscreening and sound buffering

120’ x 65’ yard and equipment storagespace. New impervious surfacing limited to5,000 SF, size of hatched area. Review per-meable surfacing options including greenroofs, gravelpave, and permeable pavers.

Separatedpedestrianpath withmarkings

Service vehiclelockable gateat north parkentrance

•

40’ x 60’Maintenancebuilding

(4) 10’ X 10’Material storageareas

(1) 10’ X 20’Material storageareas

6’ Solid fence

Gate

Preserveexisting treesat sloped area

•

• ••

Existing steepslopes

••

•

•Bottom ofslope

•

Evergreenscreening shrubs

•

Park Access ImprovementsLAKE BOREN PARK, City of Newcastle

Guide entry from the Waterline Trail to Park events:• Regrade the existing pathway for improved access• Add marker posts and crushed-rock surface

• improve existing access

IMPROVE EXISTING PATHS

parking on the Waterline Trail

looking down to the park

looking upslope to the Waterline Trail

Boren Creek CrossingLAKE BOREN PARK, City of Newcastle

Enhance trail crossing at Boren Creek creek• Improve creekside seating and provide interpretation of the historic railroad grade

existing crossing of Boren Creekmultiple access paths

• interpret history and restore pedestrian amenities

BRIDGE CROSSING AT BOREN CREEK

historic railroad grade; existing seating is in disrepair

With its mature trees and meadow style lawn, the north grove can continue to act as a shaded and secluded but safe-

feeling open space, a retreat from the busier, well programmed areas of the park. The existing paved loop trail around the

north grove allows clear views under the trees and some views to the lake itself. Selective pruning and plant replacements

will enhance current views to the lake. The value of the north grove to park users is as a place of quietude away from the

more active areas in the rest of the park. Public enjoyment can be enhanced by installing benches that face down slope

toward the water, restored native plantings, and wildlife viewing stations. Single picnic tables also can attract users from

other areas of the park, who may be looking for a more peaceful shaded spot.

Extensive bedrock, at the surface in the north grove, is part of the park’s unique character and a material connection to

Newcastle’s mining history. As the existing boulders embedded in the lawns of the southwest corner of the park, strategic

clustering of local boulders can continue the pattern to lead visitors to these viewing points and the lake, creating casual

seating areas along the way. Children will enjoy the challenge of these half-hidden “stepping-stones” emerging from the

ground.

Mowing is required less frequently in the natural “eco-turf” area of the north half of the park. Without fertilizers, weed

killers or pesticides, the serviceable—not fancy—lawn remains more environmentally friendly near the wetland and lake

shore. Irrigation is impractical and not advised because the shallow soils would become soft and easily damaged during

the heavy impacts of summer events such as the car show and performance-stage truck deliveries. In addition, the native

trees and shrubs in this area are healthiest without summer irrigation.

To improve the appearance of the grove plantings, native groundcover and evergreen perennials, such as sword fern and

low Oregon grape, are proposed as low-growing lawn alternatives for the bare, rough slopes beneath the trees, which are

too steep and dry for lawn. Along the forest edge pathway, mulched borders of native flowering shrubs and evergreens,

including red-flowering currant and evergreen huckleberry, would be attractive additions.

North Grove and Meadow…Naturally Quiet and Peaceful

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Plants currently provide desirable cover and shade for Lake Boren’s shoreline and wetlands and some shelter for wildlife,

but only consist of a few short-lived deciduous natives like willows, alder and cottonwood, and invasives such as iris and

Lake Boren Shoreline…Enhancements for Wildlife and Park Visitors

• New surfacing at shoreline access points will reduce soil erosion and accommodate increases in use.

• Restoration will diversify native plant communities, improving habitat, water quality and aesthetic value.

• As City of Newcastle conservation areas, Lake Boren, its wetlands and Boren Creek require protection and 60’ to 100’ buffers.• Wetland delineation is recom–mended prior to site design.

• Selective pruning and plant replacements can enhance current views of the lake.

• Bedrock is part of the park’s unique character. Clusters of

local boulders would create casual seating areas & continue the playful

“stepping stones” to lead visitors from the south entrances to the

amphitheater and shoreline.

• Low-growing, easy-care evergreen natives planted on bare slopes would make the north grove more attractive for lingering.

• Additional benches and picnic tables draw users to enjoy the diverse areas of the park, and especially invite repose in the park’s north grove.

new picnic tablesnew picnic tables new benchesnew benches

boulder clustersboulder clusters

evergreen groundcoverevergreen groundcover

cedarcedar

twinberrytwinberry

red currantred currant

Shoreline Access, Visibility and RestorationLAKE BOREN PARK, City of Newcastle

blackberry. Removing invasives and planting natives such as Western red cedar, Oregon ash, crabapple, twinberry,

salmonberry, rose and red-osier dogwood within the area designated as wetland buffer would increase habitat, water

quality, and aesthetic value. Newcastle’s consultant biologist has recommended a critical areas report to delineate the

wetlands, streams and their buffers. Wetland enhancement and required buffers would be integrated as part of other

shoreline improvements.

A small portion of the Lake Boren shoreline falls within the boundary of Lake Boren Park. The desire for people and dogs to

use public waterfront is balanced at Lake Boren by regulatory limitations imposed to protect an environmentally sensitive

area. Vegetation removal, digging and filling to expand access and to install a sand beach or viewing platform would

require local, state and federal critical-areas permits. Short and long-term impacts to the shoreline would depend on

design. Post-and-rail fencing and educational signage can help limit the extents and impacts of increased usage, while

providing attractive and appropriate built features to the wetland edge.

The public dock is a popular and important element in Lake Boren Park but it is degrading and requires repair. The lake-

bed shading of this dock design would likely preclude allowing an in-kind replacement. Dock replacement within the Lake

Boren wetland would trigger requirements for wetland mitigation. Although the existing dock and small sand beach are

allowed to remain, expansion of either would be viewed as wetland impacts. A simple dock repair and minor maintenance

would facilitate access and avoid potentially larger disturbance.

The distance to hand carry small boats would keep a small-boat launch within the Park impractical for most people (at

least 900 feet from the main parking lot).

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Stormwater Pond…Maintaining a Quality FacilityObservations of the large stormwater pond at the southeast corner of Lake Boren Park pointed out the need for further

study into its function and need for maintenance to continue to slow and clean parking-lot and neighborhood road runoff.

Wetland plants and soils indicate standing water, however, the pond needs evaluation in relation to current inflows and

outflows. Potential pond fixes will improve water quality that will directly affect water quality in adjacent Boren Creek.

Adjustments to the stormwater pond may offer opportunities to evaluate use of its north end for other park functions as

well as the removal of invasive species from the pond itself.

Public Input and Outreach

27

Lake Boren Park is well-loved by the citizens of Newcastle and an exciting topic for public reviews. City staff and Parks

Commission members have found easy access to public opinion and input during community gatherings in the park.

Hundreds of citizens visited with city staff, park commissioners, and the consultant team during Newcastle Days on

September 9, 2007 and at Concerts in the Park in the summer of 2007. This input was recorded and formed the basis for

informed design of the master plan. Additionally, Parks Commission meetings on August 9, September 12, November 15,

and December 12, 2007, and January 9 and June 11, 2008, provided expanded opportunities for public review and comment.

Phase Implementation and Cost OpinionThe City of Newcastle Parks Commission, city staff, and consultant met during a standard public park commission meeting

on January 9th, 2008, to discuss and assess priorities and recommendations for future project funding. The preliminary

cost opinions presented on the following pages were evaluated for consistency with the primary goals and objectives of the

master plan. Important current and continuing needs for protection of the public and environment (health, safety, and

welfare) were highly acknowledged plus future opportunities that require long range budgeting and exploration of

partnership funding sources.

1. Top priorities were assigned to improve the amphitheater performance area including power services jointly

installed with the new proposed maintenance facility.

2. The dock repair, shoreline enhancements, north grove, and meadow were also given high importance.

3. Entrances from the north and south need planting designs, signage, location kiosks, and attractive art work. The

maintenance facility will warrant added aesthetic plantings, screening, and park/trail signage.

4. Play area improvements are also desirable as a priority.

5. The water spray play area is a low priority. The City of Newcastle Parks Commission wants to wait for other park

elements to be completed before embarking on this.

Completing the proposed Lake Boren Park master plan improvements will require a sizeable financial investment.

Normally, identifying funding for such a project requires considerable time and effort, which rarely results in an opportunity

for a single construction phase. In acknowledgement of this fact, the following menu items of smaller project phases with

preliminary cost opinions are presented for full public review.

28

Lake Boren Park Master PlanCity of NewcastlePreliminary Cost Opinion6/11/2008

Item Unit Qty Low Unit High Unit Low Ext. High Ext. Avg. ExtensionSOUTH ENTRY and FUCHSIA GARDENSite Preparation; Mobilization, Security, TESC LS 1 $3,000.00 $6,000.00 $3,000.00 $6,000.00 $4,500.00Clearing & Grubbing SF 2,000 $0.50 $1.00 $1,000.00 $2,000.00 $1,500.00Rough Grading; Total Disturbance SF 2,000 $0.50 $1.00 $1,000.00 $2,000.00 $1,500.00Paving; Crushed Rock Paths and Shoulders SF 500 $3.00 $5.00 $1,500.00 $2,500.00 $2,000.00Paving; Pedestrian Concrete SF 750 $5.00 $7.00 $3,750.00 $5,250.00 $4,500.00Landscape Plantings (1,500 SF) LS 1 $5,000.00 $10,000.00 $5,000.00 $10,000.00 $7,500.00Lawn Soil Prep., Seeding, and Estab. SF 1,000 $0.50 $0.75 $500.00 $750.00 $625.00Site Furnishings; Benches, Picnic Table, Trash LS 1 $3,300.00 $6,600.00 $3,300.00 $6,600.00 $4,950.00Information Kiosk LS 1 $12,000.00 $24,000.00 $12,000.00 $24,000.00 $18,000.00Trail Markers LS 2 $250.00 $500.00 $500.00 $1,000.00 $750.00Interpretive and Regulatory Signage LS 1 $1,000.00 $2,000.00 $1,000.00 $2,000.00 $1,500.00Irrigation, Fully Automatic, Drip LS 1 $2,000.00 $4,000.00 $2,000.00 $4,000.00 $3,000.00

Subtotal $34,550.00 $66,100.00 $50,325.00Contingency @ 15% $5,182.50 $9,915.00 $7,548.75

Design and Administration @ 20% $6,910.00 $13,220.00 $10,065.00Taxes and Permitting @ 10% $3,455.00 $6,610.00 $5,032.50

Preliminary Cost $50,097.50 $95,845.00 $72,971.25


Item Unit Qty Low Unit High Unit Low Ext. High Ext. Avg. Extension

WATER SPRAY PLAY AREASite Preparation; Mobilization, Security, TESC LS 1 $10,000.00 $20,000.00 $10,000.00 $20,000.00 $15,000.00Utilities TBD; Sewer, Storm Drains, Water, Power LS 1 $20,000.00 $40,000.00 $20,000.00 $40,000.00 $30,000.00Clearing & Grubbing SF 2,500 $0.30 $0.60 $750.00 $1,500.00 $1,125.00Rough Grading; Total Disturbance SF 2,500 $0.50 $1.00 $1,250.00 $2,500.00 $1,875.00Colored Pavement SF 1,200 $10.00 $30.00 $12,000.00 $36,000.00 $24,000.00Seat Walls LF 105 $125.00 $250.00 $13,125.00 $26,250.00 $19,687.50Artwork Tiles on Seat Walls SFF 100 $20.00 $50.00 $2,000.00 $5,000.00 $3,500.00Landscape Plantings (700 SF) LS 1 $2,000.00 $4,000.00 $2,000.00 $4,000.00 $3,000.00Lawn Prep., Seeding, and Estab. SF 1,000 $0.50 $0.75 $500.00 $750.00 $625.00Water Spray Elements, Drains, Manifold, CPU LS 1 $25,000.00 $50,000.00 $25,000.00 $50,000.00 $37,500.00Regulatory Signage LS 1 $1,000.00 $1,500.00 $1,000.00 $1,500.00 $1,250.00






PLAY AREA IMPROVEMENTSSite Preparation; Mobilization, Security, TESC LS 1 $15,000.00 $25,000.00 $15,000.00 $25,000.00 $20,000.00Demolition (curbing and play structure) LS 1 $6,000.00 $12,000.00 $6,000.00 $12,000.00 $9,000.00Clearing & Grubbing; SF 4,000 $0.30 $0.60 $1,200.00 $2,400.00 $1,800.00Rough Grading; Total Disturbance SF 8,000 $0.50 $1.00 $4,000.00 $8,000.00 $6,000.00Additional Wood Fiber Safety Surfacing CY 110 $35.00 $45.00 $3,850.00 $4,950.00 $4,400.00Rubber Safety Surfacing SF 910 $32.00 $50.00 $29,120.00 $45,500.00 $37,310.00Paving; Pedestrian Concrete, plaza, and stage SF 2,000 $5.00 $7.00 $10,000.00 $14,000.00 $12,000.00Concrete Curbs LF 120 $25.00 $50.00 $3,000.00 $6,000.00 $4,500.00Seat Walls LF 95 $125.00 $250.00 $11,875.00 $23,750.00 $17,812.50Lawn Soil Prep., Seeding, and Estab. SF 5,000 $0.50 $0.75 $2,500.00 $3,750.00 $3,125.00Site Furnishings; Picnic Tables LS 1 $3,200.00 $6,400.00 $3,200.00 $6,400.00 $4,800.005 and up play zone structures LS 1 $70,140.00 $100,200.00 $70,140.00 $100,200.00 $85,170.002-5 play zone structures LS 1 $50,400.00 $72,000.00 $50,400.00 $72,000.00 $61,200.00Sandbox LS 1 $2,500.00 $5,000.00 $2,500.00 $5,000.00 $3,750.00






AMPHITHEATER IMPROVEMENTSSite Preparation; Mobilization, Security, TESC LS 1 $12,000.00 $24,000.00 $12,000.00 $24,000.00 $18,000.00Demolition LS 1 $2,000.00 $3,000.00 $2,000.00 $3,000.00 $2,500.00Power service TBD 120/208 volt, 3-phase LS 1 $10,000.00 $40,000.00 $10,000.00 $40,000.00 $25,000.00Clearing & Grubbing SF 1,000 $0.30 $0.60 $300.00 $600.00 $450.00Rough Grading; Total Disturbance SF 2,000 $0.50 $1.00 $1,000.00 $2,000.00 $1,500.00Paving; Traffic Rated Asphalt, Pavement Marking SF 500 $3.50 $6.00 $1,750.00 $3,000.00 $2,375.00Landscape Plantings LS 1 $2,000.00 $4,000.00 $2,000.00 $4,000.00 $3,000.00Lawn Prep., Seeding, and Estab. SF 1,000 $0.50 $0.75 $500.00 $750.00 $625.0040 x 30 Concrete Stage with Ramp LS 1 $45,000.00 $90,000.00 $45,000.00 $90,000.00 $67,500.00Seasonal or Permanenet Roof LS 1 $80,000.00 $250,000.00 $80,000.00 $250,000.00 $165,000.00






MAINTENANCE FACILITY SITE ENHANCEMENTS, NORTH PARK ENTRANCE, TRAIL CONNECTIONS and HISTORIC INTERPRETATIONBUILDING SITEWORK AND UTILITIES NOT INCLUDEDSite Preparation; Mobilization, Security, TESC LS 1 $2,000.00 $3,000.00 $2,000.00 $3,000.00 $2,500.00Clearing & Grubbing; SF 2,500 $0.30 $0.60 $750.00 $1,500.00 $1,125.00Rough Grading; Total Disturbance SF 2,500 $0.50 $1.00 $1,250.00 $2,500.00 $1,875.00Trail Paving; Traffic Rated Asphalt SF 2,000 $3.50 $6.00 $7,000.00 $12,000.00 $9,500.00Buffer Plantings (5,000 SF) LS 1 $6,000.00 $10,000.00 $6,000.00 $10,000.00 $8,000.00Lawn Soil Prep., Seeding, and Estab. SF 2,000 $0.50 $0.75 $1,000.00 $1,500.00 $1,250.00Site Furnishings; Benches LS 2 $1,000.00 $2,000.00 $2,000.00 $4,000.00 $3,000.00Trail Markers LS 4 $250.00 $500.00 $1,000.00 $2,000.00 $1,500.00Historic Interpretive Signage LS 1 $3,000.00 $4,000.00 $3,000.00 $4,000.00 $3,500.00Regulatory Signage LS 1 $1,000.00 $2,000.00 $1,000.00 $2,000.00 $1,500.00

Subtotal $25,000.00 $42,500.00 $33,750.00Design Contingency @ 15% $3,750.00 $6,375.00 $5,062.50





NORTH GROVE, MEADOW, AND SHORELINE IMPROVEMENTSSite Preparation; Mobilization, Security, TESC LS 1 $10,000.00 $20,000.00 $10,000.00 $20,000.00 $15,000.00Clearing & Grubbing; Invasive Plant Removal SF 30,000 $0.40 $0.60 $12,000.00 $18,000.00 $15,000.00Rough Grading; Total Disturbance SF 40,000 $0.10 $0.25 $4,000.00 $10,000.00 $7,000.00Paving; Crushed Rock Paths and Shoulders SF 500 $3.00 $5.00 $1,500.00 $2,500.00 $2,000.00Paving; Traffic Rated Asphalt, Pavement Marking SF 500 $3.50 $6.00 $1,750.00 $3,000.00 $2,375.00Meadow Plantings LS 1 $5,000.00 $10,000.00 $5,000.00 $10,000.00 $7,500.00Shoreline Restoration Plantings SF 30,000 $1.50 $2.00 $45,000.00 $60,000.00 $52,500.00Lawn Soil Prep., Seeding, and Estab. SF 1,000 $0.50 $0.75 $500.00 $750.00 $625.00Landscape Boulder Placement LS 1 $2,500.00 $5,000.00 $2,500.00 $5,000.00 $3,750.00Post and Rail Fencing LF 300 $16.00 $32.00 $4,800.00 $9,600.00 $7,200.00Site Furnishings; Benches and Picnic Tables LS 1 $7,400.00 $14,800.00 $7,400.00 $14,800.00 $11,100.00Interpretive and Regulatory Signage LS 1 $3,000.00 $6,000.00 $3,000.00 $6,000.00 $4,500.00Dock Inspection and Repair TBD LS 1 $20,000.00 $80,000.00 $20,000.00 $80,000.00 $50,000.00

Subtotal $117,450.00 $239,650.00 $178,550.00Design Contingency @ 15% $17,617.50 $35,947.50 $26,782.50



Final Review and Approval ProcessCity staff concluded their reviews of the draft master plan on January 14, 2008, with recommendations for adding low

impact, water conserving, coverage and control improvements to the irrigation system; spot drainage enhancements at

key path edge locations; and budgeting long term (7 years) for replacement of playground equipment components that are

experiencing heavy use.

A SEPA checklist was drafted on January 18, 2008, and received a determination of non-significance on May 29, 2008.

City Council reviewed the draft master plan during a study session on April 1, 2008, and asked for additional review of the

following items:

1. Provide pedestrian access to and from the waterline trail- specifically for event parking.

2. Provide improved wayfinding to and from the east side of the lake.

3. Emphasize the age separation between the two play area zones.

4. Consider any potential uses or needs in the park land along Boren Creek- opportunity for wayfinding?

5. Open up views of the lake more.

On June 11, 2008, the above review items and responses were presented to the Parks Commission and approved without

further revisions. City Council adopted the Master Plan on August 5, 2008.

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lake boren park master plan - newcastle

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