Town of Mead
Open Space, Parks & Trails Design Guidelines
December 2011
2 Table of Contents
TABLE OF CONTENTS
1.
INTRODUCTION ..............................................................................................................5
2.
GENERAL ACQUISITION, PLANNING AND DESIGN PARAMETERS...............................9
3.
OPEN SPACE...................................................................................................................13
3.1 Acquisition and Development Guidelines ...........................................................14
3.2 Additional Methods.................................................................................................16
3.2a Conservation Easements...............................................................................16
3.2b Partnerships .....................................................................................................16
3.3 Trail Corridors within Open Space Areas ..............................................................16
3.4 Types of Open Space .............................................................................................17
3.4a Natural Areas ..................................................................................................17
3.4b Agricultural Lands...........................................................................................18
3.4c Water Amenities .............................................................................................18
3.4d Cultural/Historic Sites ......................................................................................19
3.5 Open Space Use Guidelines ................................................................................20
4.
PARKS .............................................................................................................................23
4.1 Design and Development Guidelines...................................................................24
4.2 Types of Parks ..........................................................................................................24
4.2a Mini Parks (Pocket Parks) ...............................................................................24
4.2b Neighborhood Parks .....................................................................................25
4.2c Community Parks ...........................................................................................27
4.2d Regional Parks ................................................................................................29
4.2e Special Use Facilities ......................................................................................31
4.3 Specific Amenity Considerations ..........................................................................32
4.3a Minimum /preferred dimensions ..................................................................33
5.
GREENWAYS ..................................................................................................................39
5.1 Acquisition and Development Guidelines ..........................................................40
5.2 General Design Parameters ..................................................................................41
5.3 Types of Trails ...........................................................................................................42
5.3a Concrete Trails ................................................................................................42
5.3b Soft Surface Trails............................................................................................42
5.4 Working with other agencies .................................................................................43
6.
SOURCES AND REFERENCES ..........................................................................................47
Table of Contents 3
1
INTRODUCTION
1
INTRODUCTION
The strength of a successful park, trail and open
It is also important to note that the information in this
space system is that it provides a variety of park types
document was developed concurrently with the 2011
and recreation opportunities spread throughout the
Mead Open Space, Parks and Trails Master Plan, and
community to encourage recreation participation from
specifically relates to the Prioritized Action Plan and
as many residents as possible. The ideal park system will
Recommendations of that document. Much of the
provide an array of park and open space sites with
language in this document is directly from or is based
amenities and facilities appropriate to the Town of
on existing Town documents (such as the Open Space
Mead. Site selection, park design, and development
Plan, the Comprehensive Plan and the Land Use
should support the function and purpose of each park
Code). These guidelines use those previous documents
type to ensure that diverse recreation opportunities are
as a basis and in some cases change or add to those
provided and community recreation needs are met.
standards to create a consolidated “best practices”
This will provide a more efficient system and minimize
guiding document for new open space, park and
the potential for conflicts between different interest
trail acquisition and design. When an existing facility
groups.
is to be redesigned, these guidelines should also be
referenced. However, the primary focus is on new
This document presents general design policies that
facility development and acquisition. This document
will guide park and open space planning, as well as
is intended to supersede parts of those previous
design and development guidelines for park types
documents which conflict, specifically regarding design
and amenities that will be owned and maintained by
parameters and recommendations for park design and
the Town or a Metropolitan District. They are intended
development. However, it is strongly recommended
to be used in a manner that provides some flexibility
that these other documents also be reviewed for a
and allows the Open Space and Parks and Recreation
comprehensive perspective on their directives.
Committees to evaluate alternatives or non-traditional
concepts on a case-by-case basis. These guidelines
can be adopted completely or in pieces as part of
the regulatory documents guiding Mead’s land review
process or remain as a guide and reference for land
developers and Town staff.
6
Introduction
Introduction
7
2
GENERAL ACQUISITION, PLANNING AND DESIGN PARAMETERS
2
GENERAL ACQUISITION, PLANNING AND DESIGN PARAMETERS
Sites should have value to the Town beyond being
public use where appropriate, and a healthy
empty, undeveloped land. In order to assist in
environment for plants to grow.
determining whether a site should be acquired and
• Continuity
–
Consistency
in
equipment,
whether it should become an Open Space or a Park
materials, sizes and styles in design and
property, these categories should be considered:
site development should occur to minimize
maintenance
• Environmental Protection – Protect water
costs
and
strengthen
the
identity of Mead parks.
resources, ecologically sensitive areas or
wildlife corridors and protect lands that have
The following guidelines are intended to provide more
outstanding conservation and educational
detailed guidance on the planning and design of parks
value to the public.
and recreation facilities in Mead:
• Accessibility and Connectivity – Parks and
open space should be physically connected
• Incorporate public input into park master
where feasible to create a cohesive system of
planning and design to ensure that community
parks, trails and open spaces throughout the
needs and issues are addressed. Public
Town of Mead.
outreach during the design process should
• Safety – Create safe spaces for users through
include nearby neighbors, likely park users,
quality design, but also through site selection
community members, and partner agencies.
and
design
by
considering
adequate
• Involve maintenance and recreation program
distances between vehicular and pedestrian
staff (and appropriate sports leagues) in
uses and adequate visual surveillance.
the design process so that maintenance
• Sustainability – Acquire lands which can be
and
programming
requirements
are
sustained and maintained in the long-term
considered during site selection, design, and
based on the resources of the Town. Consider
development.
design elements which minimize the impact to
• Conduct a cost impact analysis/cost estimate
the environment and local resources such as
prior to final design and development of all
water, materials and fuel to access the site.
new major recreation facilities.
• Maintenance
and
Durability
–
Design
• Per the Comprehensive Plan, a stormwater
and materials should support the lowest
detention or retention facility should never
maintenance approach possible, extensive
be counted as a park or towards a park
10 General Acquisition, Planning and Design Parameters
dedication requirement. Although it can be in
may be demonstrated using green building
or adjacent to a park, and may occasionally
technologies, alternative power, low water-
be used for informal recreation. Such a facility
use fixtures, automated sport field lighting,
should have no permanent structure placed
and stormwater treatment techniques.
inside it.
• Incorporate
public
art
and
interpretive
• Oil and gas well production facilities and town-
elements into parks to contribute to park
defined buffer zones should not be credited
identity and character. Interpretative elements
toward park and openspace requirements.
can be incorporated into parks of all types to
• Evaluate potential partnerships with other
raise community awareness about the local
agencies
and
opportunities
to
acquire,
environment and history. Art elements are
develop, and maintain parks, open space,
well suited for mini parks, community parks,
and facilities. Evaluate how well the project
regional parks, or other community-gathering
supports the goals and guidelines identified
areas.
in this Plan. Properties or projects that offer a
• A majority of each park should be high,
unique feature or desired function should be
dry, flat, and usable. No park needs to be
considered for acquisition and development
completely flat, unless it is a specialized
according to the needs of the community.
sports facility requiring such. Parks (except for
• Consider the layout of the surrounding
mini parks) are intended to be owned and
neighborhood when placing park amenities.
maintained by the Town in order to ensure
Situate
that amenities are available to all residents
lighting
and
noise-producing
amenities away from neighboring homes to
minimize confl icts.
• Locate
amenities
and are properly taken care of.
• In
(such
as
the
future,
Homeowners
Associations
playground
(HOAs) should not own and maintain parks )
equipment, picnic shelters, and basketball
other than mini) because the survivability and
courts) to provide visibility from adjoining
reliability of HOAs is not guaranteed. However,
streets, which will promote safety, minimize
the Town can work with Metropolitan Districts
vandalism, and encourage use.
regarding the ownership and maintenance of
• Connect parks to surrounding neighborhoods
by sidewalks, bicycle lanes, and/or off-street
some facilities within specific communities.
•
Parcels of turf or small landscape areas
trails, which encourages multiple ways of
under 1 acre in size, and landscaped
accessing parks.
entrance features or islands in bulbs of
• Incorporate ADA guidelines for accessible
design
(Americans
with
Disabilities
cul-de-sacs should not be owned or
Act
maintained by the Town because of the
Accessibility Guidelines (ADAAG)) into all new
maintenance time and costs involved.
parks to facilitate site access, circulation, and
These would be owned and maintained
facility use for people of all ages and abilities.
by HOAs or Metropolitan Districts.
• Incorporate new technologies, sustainable
•
All
trail
corridors,
other
than
small
design, and conservation-smart elements
neighborhood connections should be
into all park and recreation facility designs
owned and maintained by the Town,
when financially feasible, as they facilitate
unless other agreements are developed
operational efficiency and cost savings on
with a Metropolitan District.
maintenance, fuels or utilities. This commitment
General Acquisition, Planning and Design Parameters 11
3
OPEN SPACE
3
OPEN SPACE
Per the 2008 town of Mead Open Space Plan, open
3.1 Acquisition and Development Guidelines
space can be defined as land that is intentionally left
free from future development. “Open Space areas fulfill
Property located adjacent to or designated as land that
the goal of promoting a healthy relationship between
cannot be developed, such as floodplains, wetlands,
people and the environment. Open space land is
steep slopes, water bodies, river bluffs, and irrigation
intended for passive recreation use such as outdoor
ditches are reasonable candidates for open space
activities that create opportunities for independence,
acquisition, but are not the sole properties appropriate
closeness to nature, and a high degree of interaction
for such acquisition.
with the natural environment and which require no
organization, rules of play, facilities, or the installation of
The following, (in addition to referencing the Natural
equipment, other than those which may be necessary
Resource Inventory map) should be used as initial
to protect or enhance the natural environment.
parameters when evaluating the suitability of a plot of
The setting for passive recreation is a predominantly
land for open space designation or acquisition. This is
natural-appearing environment of moderate to large
based on both the Mead Open Space Plan and the
size.” These may include ecologically sensitive areas,
City of Longmont Open Space and Trails Plan. The list
land around water resources, buffers between land
should be used in addition to the sample guideline
uses, agricultural lands, forests, trees and sites of historic
matrix reproduced in Appendix C of the 2008 town of
or cultural significance. Equipment or facilities typically
Mead Open Space Plan.
installed in or at the edges of open space lands include
• Linkages and trails - access to public lakes,
trails, viewing platforms, interpretive signage, shade
streams and other usable open space lands,
shelters, picnic areas, and other structures of minimal
stream corridors and scenic corridors along
invasiveness.
existing highways.
• Conservation of natural resources - including,
but not limited to, forest lands, range lands,
agricultural lands, aquifer recharge areas,
and surface water.
• Urban shaping buffers - between or around
municipalities or community service areas
and buffer zones between residential and
non-residential development.
• Natural amenities should be considered on
their own merits, regardless of location.
14 Open Space
The Open Space Committee shall advise the Town
In addition to the evaluation steps previously noted, the
Board of Trustees on the preservation, acquisition, and
parameters for all future Town of Mead open space
management of open space including recreation
acquisitions and designations should be evaluated
resources. Once the previous criteria are met, the
and meet the following physical considerations:
second step will help define the priorities for acquisition:
• Corridors - Should not be less than 35’ in
• Willingness of seller.
width (preferably 50’ wide) and should be a
• Wildlife /vegetation and restoration potential.
minimum of 500’ in length.
• Recreation value and adjacent land uses.
• Cost/benefit of acquisition and long-term
• Non-corridor parcels - should not be less
than 100’ in length or width at any point. The
minimum size of a parcel should be 5 acres.
management.
• However, remnant parcels which connect
• Cultural and historic value.
existing
open
space
areas
should
be
The final step helps determine the action to be taken
considered on a case by case basis. Ideally
on the acquisition of the land once the first two steps
the parcel’s minimum width is 50’, but for a
are completed:
trail corridor a minimum 35’ is acceptable.
• Who should acquire the land?
• The land should have ecological, historical or
• Is it a partnering opportunity?
agricultural significance, have visual benefit
• Should it be acquired fee simple or protected
or be a visual or physical buffer.
• Significant geographic features should also
through some other means?
• Significant changes to overall management
be evaluated for inclusion into the open
direction or techniques shall be presented
space system. This may include, but is not
by the Open Space Committee to the Town
limited to lakes, ponds, streams, high points,
Board before a decision is made.
and ridgelines.
• In developing management plans for open
space areas, Committee volunteers shall
solicit
public
participation
of
interested
individuals, community organizations, and
adjacent landowners. Plans shall be reviewed
by the Committee and recommended for
adoption by the Town Board.
•
Management
plans
should
include
defined responsibilities for revegetation,
weed
management,
and
general
maintenance.
• A purchase of land for open space requires
approval by the Town Board after review and
recommendation by the Committee.
Open Space 15
3.2
Additional Methods
protection of sensitive or historic resources at
a regional level.
The Town can and should also consider alternative
• State Agencies or Statewide groups – this may
ways of preserving natural open space besides outright
include but is not limited to the Colorado
purchase, such as acquiring conservation easements,
Division
encouraging donations of land, negotiating land
Colorado State Parks and the Department
trades or working with national or regional agencies or
of Wildlife), for significant wildlife habitat or
non-profits as partners in land acquisition.
passive recreational opportunities. This may
of
Parks
and
Wildlife
(formerly
include linear parcels for trail connections,
3.2a Conservation Easements
wildlife corridors and larger parcels for hunting
Conservation easement agreements should include
or wildlife areas.
conditions that allow for limited public use or access to
• National Organizations – such as but not
the site as long as the agricultural or ecological integrity
limited to the Nature Conservancy, Trust for
of the site is maintained. Limited public use or access
Public Land or other Land Trust groups (both
can be defined but is not limited to:
national and local). These organizations can
• Trail corridors on the perimeter or in areas not
assist in working with landowners to conserve
affecting the environmentally sensitive areas
open lands through a variety of methods.
or agricultural production;
• Intermittent events or public hours which allow
3.3
Trail Corridors within Open Space Areas
access to the site for events, interpretation
opportunities, classes, educational sessions,
Open space lands vary in their fragility and the level
etc.
of human impact they can handle. Some spaces will
When acquiring lands for conservation easements,
be fine with a concrete trail, benches, and signage
any agreements on acquisition should be evaluated
running through them, while some lands are intended
regarding the resources of the Town to provide the
to be preserved because of sensitive ecosystems or
appropriate maintenance and security of the site in
maintained in agricultural use. Either way, the public
order to sustain the land in an appropriate manner.
often desires some form of access to the properties
3.2b Partnerships
Potential open space land acquisitions can be
undertaken by the Town alone, however partnerships
purchased with their tax dollars or public monies. Also
see Section 5
of these design guidelines for more
information on trails.
• On
highly
sensitive
sites
or
agricultural
will reduce costs and often give the effort more
conservation
regional exposure. Partners to consider working with
signage,
should include:
or trails on the perimeter of the property or
interpretive
identification
signage,
overlooks,
• Adjacent jurisdictions – especially in areas
pull-offs on the shoulder of the road next to
where planning influence areas overlap or for
the site would greatly enhance the public’s
urban-shaping buffers to define jurisdictional
understanding and appreciation for the
boundaries and development.
preservation of such open space and should
• Weld County or Boulder County or regional
16
easements,
be considered.
organizations – acquisitions of open space
• In less sensitive areas, concrete trails, benches
lands that are instrumental to regional efforts
and amenities that encourage or increase
to provide trail connections, buffers, or
human use can be included as appropriate.
Open Space
• Generally, trails should be maintained 50’ to
100’ from all environmentally sensitive areas.
Site Selection and Development Guidelines
• Site size should be based on natural resource
• Crusher fines or soft surface trails are preferred
needs, but should not be less than 5 acres.
for trails within open space areas, unless they
Acreage should be sufficient to preserve
are part of a regional connection or larger
or
trail network, then concrete is needed.
acquisition should be on lands offering unique
• Concrete
trails
are
acceptable
on
the
perimeter of sensitive or agricultural use sites,
including within the right-of-way of adjacent
public roadways.
protect
the
resource.
Emphasis
for
features that have the potential to be lost to
development.
• An analysis should be made to determine if
unique qualities and conditions exist on-site to
• To minimize impacts to wet or water areas
boardwalks can be used.
warrant acquisition.
• Natural Areas should be managed and
• Irrigation ditches serve as wildlife corridors
and open space buffers. However, because
maintained for a sense of solitude, separation,
or environmental protection.
the ditch itself cannot usually be eliminated, it
• The numbers of visitors and types of uses the
should not be included when counting a land
area can accommodate should be limited
owner’s/developer’s required dedication of
to retain its natural character and protect the
parks or open space acreage. However, an
environmentally sensitive areas from overuse.
adjacent bicycle/pedestrian trail or a trail
• Universal accessibility on to natural area
within the ditch easement should be counted.
sites should be accommodated when it is
not detrimental to the integrity of the natural
3.4
Types of Open Space
resource. Consider using natural surfaces
or boardwalks to minimize the impact while
3.4a Natural Areas
maximizing visitor access where appropriate.
Natural areas may preserve, protect or reclaim
environmentally
sensitive
areas,
such
as
• Off-street parking (typically 6-30 spaces)
wildlife
should be considered for larger natural areas,
habitats, stream and creek corridors, lakes or ponds,
especially if a trail is located within the site.
or unique and/or endangered plant species and
However, the amount of parking will depend
should be included in the open space system. Lands
upon the quantity and type of anticipated
unsuitable for development but offering natural
trail use (pedestrians only or pedestrians and
resource potential (examples: parcels with steep slopes
equestrians). Otherwise, on-street parking
and natural vegetation, drainageways and ravines,
could be provided.
surface water management areas, existing man-made
• Development and site improvements should
or agricultural pond areas, gravel mining ponds and
be kept to a minimum, keeping the emphasis
utility easements) can be considered on a case-by-
on the natural environment.
case basis. Limited public access may be appropriate
• When
appropriate,
re-vegetation
of
in these natural areas because they often include
disturbed areas should be with a seed mix
sensitive ecological resources.
that closely matches the native fauna.
Open Space
17
• Site selection should take not only the 2008
3.4b Agricultural Lands
Town of Mead Open Space Master Plan
Agriculture, specifically including farming and ranching,
into consideration, but also the adjacent
are a defining characteristic of the Mead community.
jurisdiction’s plans for buffering and open
Lands that are still in production are considered
space preservation, including but not limited
significantly important by residents of the community.
to
Therefore,
Longmont,
Berthoud,
Frederick
and
Firestone.
in
addition
to
ecologically
important
sites, those that provide significant agricultural value
• Some natural areas may be managed
or preserve the agricultural character should be
secondarily by or in partnership with other
considered when acquiring and creating open space
agencies, such as the Department of Wildlife.
system within the Mead community.
These areas
can serve as development-defining buffers between
Features and Amenities to Consider
Mead and adjacent communities as well as maintain
• Interpretive signage
agricultural-based land uses between neighborhoods
• Trail and pathway system
within the community itself.
• Trailhead or entry kiosk
• Viewpoints or viewing blinds
In order to maintain agricultural production and
• Benches
safe practices, these types of lands will likely remain
• Interpretive or educational facilities
inaccessible
• Portable or permanent restrooms (depending
interpretive
by
the
signage,
general
public.
identification
However,
signage
and
on facilities and anticipated amount of site
overlooks may be appropriate on the perimeter of a
use)
site. In some cases, agreements can be developed to
• Parking
make these sites and the activities upon them open
to the public on a limited basis, such as for guided
Features and Amenities to Avoid
tours, seasonal festivals or for educational sessions. Any
• Turf areas
agricultural-based open space parcels should have
• Ornamental plantings
an operations agreement and management plan that
• Active use areas
clarifies public access to the site (also see Section 3.2a
• Facilities or uses that encourage loud activities
if this document).
3.4c Water Amenities
Lakes, ponds, irrigation ditches, creeks and rivers are
all integral to the wildlife corridors and character of the
Mead community (also see Map G of the 2011 Open
Space, Parks and Trails Master Plan):
• Buffers of 50’ to 100’ from the edge of water
resources are recommended.
• The lakes and ponds are deemed open space,
but the issue of the physical ownership of the
water is usually separate from the recreational
rights on the water.
18
Open Space
•
Lake may not be able to be purchased
native character, including native and
or otherwise acquired as open space,
dryland grasses, groupings of trees and
but
be,
minimal use of shrubs. Formal plantings,
therefore potentially gaining access to
shrub beds and annual flowers should
the recreational value of the water. The
not be used.
adjacent
property
could
nature of the recreational activity, if any,
on the water would then dictate whether
In general, surface water is a desirable quality near
it is deemed more like a park or more
open space and includes edges of surface water, the
as an enhancement to open space
water itself, and water corridors. All waterways, water
(i.e. swimming versus fishing or wildlife
bodies, and wetlands should have a buffer adjacent
viewing).
to them. The amount of buffer that is appropriate will
• Another form of water resource within the
vary based on individual circumstances with bodies of
community is the irrigation ditches that
water. It is recommended that bodies of water have
have been created over time to carry water
100’ wide buffers and waterways have a minimum of
to downstream users, and the associated
50’ buffers on each side.
strips of land that are part of the prescriptive
easements that run with the ditch. Ditches are
3.4d Cultural/Historic Sites
an integral part of the community and serve
Cultural and historic lands and structures should
as wildlife corridors across the region, and
be set aside for preservation of remnant historic
they are rarely abandoned or piped.
landscapes and open spaces. This includes historic
•
•
water
and scenic properties or features as well as significant
conveyance and the use of the easement
natural resources that should provide opportunities
by the company must be maintained.
for education.
The ditches themselves will not count
controlled or limited public access similar to or in
towards a site developer’s open space
conjunction with agriculture-based sites.
The
primary
purpose
of
These types of sites may also have
dedication requirements. However, if
trails are developed on either side of the
ditch, the associated trail easement or
buffer can be considered open space.
•
If these corridors are used as pedestrian
corridors, trails should be developed. Soft
surface trails are preferred, but concrete
should be used if part of a regional
connection.
•
Some ditch areas are utilitarian in nature,
but can become attractive pedestrian
linkages and transportation corridors
when appropriate. Any landscape or
trail improvements along these corridors
are only allowed with agreement by
the ditch company ownership. Any
landscape should maintain the rural
Open Space
19
3.5
Open Space Use Guidelines
the time of the decision).
• Any development of facilities on open space
Per the 2008 Town of Mead Open Space Plan,
land shall be based on a plan approved by the
recreational use of Town open space land may
Town Board after review by the Committee.
be permitted where such use is consistent with the
• Dog leash regulations of the Mead Municipal
management plan for the property and does not
adversely impact natural and cultural resources or
other management objectives. The Open Space
Committee and Town Board will consider the best
interest
of
the
property
when
determining
use
guidelines not specifically listed below. In most cases
recreational use shall be passive and as each parcel is
individually evaluated parameters will be established
for all proposed activities. Only limited development
and maintenance of facilities is anticipated.
• Acceptable uses include: hiking, photography
or nature studies, art, fishing, jogging, nonmotorized
boating
(where
designated),
picnicking, reading, and wildlife viewing.
• Activities which are NOT acceptable on open
space parcels include, but are not limited to:
organized sports, hot air balloon launches,
and motorized vehicle use of any kind, except
for designated agriculture and municipal
maintenance equipment.
• Activities that should be considered on a
case-by-case basis include hunting and
target shooting sites, bicycling and horseback
riding.
• Permits for special uses or events on Town open
space shall be evaluated for their impacts to
natural and cultural resources as well as other
management objectives and maintenance
considerations. Users will be responsible for
restoration of open space lands after approved
events are completed. Such requests will be
reviewed and must be approved by the Town
(open space committee or staff, depending
on the appropriate decision-making body at
20
Open Space
Code shall be enforced.
• All open space lands will have a no-alcohol
policy.
Rockwell
Reservoir
Hill
Lake
County Road 17
25
County Road 15
Colorado Blvd.
County Road 7
County Road 5
County Road 3
County Road 1
Baxter
Lake
NATURAL RESOURCE
INVENTORY MAP
Davis
Reservoir
Little Gem
Reservoir
Thomas
Reservoir
North
Creek
Founders
Park
NATIONALLY SIGNIFICANT
AGRICULTURAL LAND
COLORADO DEPT. OF WILDLIFE
NDIS OVERLAPPING SPECIES RANGES
Coyote Run
Parks
Town Hall
Park
Mead E&M
School
Less
Lake Marie
This map provides an overlay analysis of the distribution and overlap select
natural resource elements common to the study area, including: nationally
significant agricultural lands, flood zones, oil/gas wells, topography and
individual species habitat ranges. Nationally significant agricultural lands are
those lands that have beneficial agricultural qualities when irrigated. This data
has been modified to reflect current development in the study area. Oil and gas
well locations were provided through the Colorado Oil and Gas Commission and
are current as of July 20, 2011. The habitat range analysis was derived from the
Colorado Division of Wildlife (CDOW) Natural Diversity Information Source
(NDIS). The following species occurrences are incorporated into this overlay
analysis: American white pelican, bald eagle, great blue heron, ring-necked
pheasant, snow geese, wild turkey, black bear, black-tailed prairie dog, mule
deer, Preble’s jumping mouse, and white-tailed deer. The habitat range of many
other species may be located within the study area; however, their ranges have
not been included in the CDOW NDIS. Lighter areas in the upland sections of the
district indicate fewer overlapping ranges. Darker areas along the St. Vrain River
and other water bodies may indicate locations where species common to uplands
mingle with the species common to the lower elevations and riparian zones. As
many as ten species ranges overlap near the St. Vrain River.
County Road 34
Bass
Reservoir
MEAD
Diamond
Reservoir
Lake Thomas
C re e k
n
Mulligan
Reservoir
Industrial Park
S t . Vr a
i
East County Line Rd.
County Road 32
Grand View
County Road 30
66
66
When looking closely at the NDIS data is important to understand the digital data
disclaimer published by CDOW.
Liberty Ranch
Parks
MAP DISCLAIMER:
Sanborn
Reservoir
Greater Overlap of Range
PRIMARY MAP DESCRIPTION
Ames
Park
Mulligan
Lake
Foster
Reservoir
“The information portrayed on these maps should not replace field studies necessary for
more localized planning efforts. Data discrepancies may become apparent at scales different
than those at which data was created. The areas portrayed here are graphic representations
of phenomena that are difficult to reduce to two dimensions. Animal distributions are fluid;
animal populations and their habitats are dynamic.”
25
Mead High
School
0
1101 Bannock Street
Denver, Colorado 80204
P 303.892.1166
F 303.892.1186
MEAD PLANNING
INFLUENCE AREA
FLOOD ZONE
Holt
Reservoir
PREPARED BY:
TOWN LIMIT
CONSERVATION
EASEMENT
PRIVATE HOA
SERVICE AREA
PLANNED OIL/GAS WELL
Miantenoma
Reservoir
County Road 36
Highland
Lake
Copyright© 2011 - The Town of Mead, Colorado
- All Rights Reserved. No Part Of This GIS Data
May Be Copied, Reproduced, Or Transmitted
In Any Form Or By Any Means Whatsoever, Union
Whether Graphic, Electronic Or Mechanical, Reservoir
Including Photocopying, Posting On The Internet,
Recording, Or Through The Use Of An Information
Storage And Retrieval System, Without Prior
Written Permission Of The Town of Mead.
SCHOOL
EXISTING OIL/GAS WELL
Vale View
Parks
Map Produced For The Town of Mead, Colorado
- By Norris Design. This Map Is Intended
For Planning & Discussion Purposes Only.
Legend Elements May Vary In Size, Color And
Transparency From Those Shown On Map
TOWN OWNED PARCEL
(OTHER)
NATURAL RESOURCES
County Road 38
Margil
Parks
Mead
Ponds
EVALUATED PARCELS
0.5
1.0
2.0
OPEN SPACE, PARKS AND TRAILS
MASTER PLAN
MILES
Pl
i
|L d
Town
A hit t
WWW.NORRIS-DESIGN.COM
OF
Mead
G
SEPTEMBER 2011
Open Space
21
4
PARKS
4
PARKS
Parks are the primary recreation spaces in a Town’s
fencing, sidewalk pavers, etc. These parks will remain
system and tend to serve the broadest recreation
under the ownership of the community (HOA or a
needs of a community. Parks are typically not the same
Metropolitan District) and not be given to the Town
type of facilities as open spaces, though open space
to own or maintain due to their size, though they will
and naturalized areas can be found within park sites.
count towards the park land dedication requirement.
Parks are the spaces within the community for residents
to actively recreate. Parks typically are designed to
Site Selection and Development Guidelines
encourage more active uses such as ball games,
• Size will depend upon the nature of the park
running, jumping, climbing, court sports, and group
and the types of facilities provided, however
gatherings.
they are typically larger than 1 acre and
smaller than 5 acres.
4.1 Design and Development Guidelines
• Site should front a public street and be
within or adjacent to a business district or
Park design and development guidelines are noted
for each park classification (Mini, Neighborhood,
Community, Regional, Special Use) instead of generally.
These guidelines include Description, Site Selection
and Development Guidelines, Features and Amenities
to Consider, Features and Amenities to Avoid, and
prototypes.
4.2 Types of Parks
4.2a Mini Parks
Mini parks are typically less than 5 acres and are a
walk-to type park with no parking facilities. Due to their
size, they tend to attract and serve residents who live
within a ¼ mile of the park or visitors to a commercial
center. The parks are sometimes themed to blend in
with the surrounding neighborhood with matching
24 Parks
neighborhood area.
• Parking is typically not provided.
Figure 1: Mini Park Siting
Required Mini Park site features:
Features and Amenities to Consider
Mini parks are required to include a combination of
• Appropriate site furnishings (picnic tables,
benches, bike racks, drinking fountains, trash
the following items as noted:
receptacles, etc.) for the intended scale and
use of the park.
Infrastructure (include All):
• Plaza area.
• Benches (minimum 2).
• Children’s play area.
• Irrigation.
• Sidewalks connecting to adjacent streets
(ADA accessible).
• Other
facilities
(skate
feature, bocce, exercise station, etc.).
• Water feature.
• Security/safety lighting.
• Plant material to meet the Town of Mead
landscape requirements.
• Trees and general landscaping improvements.
• Turf areas.
• Public art.
• Hard-surfaced areas.
Additional features (select 2 minimum):
• Picnic Shelter (with two picnic tables minimum).
• Multi-level play structure.
• Open turf area (minimum size 3,000 square feet).
• Display garden.
• Special facilities or features, such as historic or
interpretive structures.
• Interpretive signage.
Features and Amenities to Avoid
• Depends on the site – if in proximity to
Choice Elements (select 3 minimum):
residential units, features that encourage
• Loop walk (minimum length 2,000 lf).
large gatherings or loud activities should be
• Multi-level play structure (if not chosen as an
additional feature above).
discouraged.
• Fields for league play.
• Basketball court (full court)
• Facilities for community-wide events or large
• Bocce ball.
gatherings.
• Community Garden.
• Fitness course.
Mini Park Prototype
• Climbing structure.
Average Size: 1 to 5 acres (target size, 1-3 acres)
• Horseshoe Pits.
General Concept: Playgrounds for children; benches,
• Volleyball Court.
• Water feature (a passive, water-based amenity
such as fountains, ponds or waterfalls).
• Public art sculpture used as a focal point.
signage
sports
• Picnic shelter or grouping of tables.
• Trash Receptacles (minimum 2).
• Interpretive
small-scale
about
the
history,
environment or other component of the site
tables for adults, Plaza areas
General Purpose: Serves immediate neighborhood, no
parking
Programs: Non-programmed activities
Service Radii: ¼ mile
or local area.
Parks 25
within a ½ mile of all residents served by the
park.
• For safety purposes, neighborhood parks
should NOT be located on an arterial roadway.
• Such parks should have physical and visual
access from a street on at least one side of
the park.
• The site should have at least 200’ of street
frontage.
• Access to the site should be provided via
a local or collector street with sidewalks.
4.2b Neighborhood Parks
• On-street parking should be provided. Larger
sites may include off-street parking, with the
Neighborhood Parks provide close-to-home recreation
amount depending on the facilities provided
opportunities primarily for non-supervised informal
at the site.
recreation activities. Neighborhood Parks are the core
• Off-street parking should be provided in
of the local park system and with the current land
locations where adjacent on-street parking
dedication requirements will likely be provided in each
would be unsafe or where sports fields will be
residential development. The policy of the Town is that
actively used for practice of team sports.
land dedication for a neighborhood park is required
•
Parking facilities should be evaluated on
and that cash-in-lieu of land dedication should be
a case-by-case basis depending on the
discouraged, unless there is a very good reason to
types of activities and size of the park.
accept cash-in-lieu of a neighborhood site. Ideally,
•
The standard for parking is a minimum of
per the Level of Service Analysis and recommended
seven spaces for the fi rst ten acres and
service radii all residents should be located within a
one additional space for each additional
½ mile of a Neighborhood Park. Neighborhood Parks
acre. This may vary based upon the
conceptually concentrate intense recreation activities
activities and programs present. If team
and facilities into a limited amount of space.
sport facilities or a special feature such as
Site Selection and Development Guidelines
The size of each neighborhood park will vary with the
size and population of the neighborhood served. Per
the Mead Land Use Code, neighborhood parks “shall
not be less than seven acres in size”, but may be as
large as 20 acres.
• Neighborhood
residential
parks
should
neighborhoods
be
and
inside
easily
accessible by pedestrians.
• Generally neighborhood parks should be
centrally located within the subdivision and
26
Parks
a swimming pool is included, additional
on and off-street parking spaces will be
needed (in the range of 40 per field or
greater).
• Neighborhood Parks would be appropriate
adjacent to a school. Parking could be
shared.
• At least 50% of a site should be relatively level
and usable, providing space for both active
and passive uses.
• Facilities should not be lighted in order to
preserve the residential nature of the area
surrounding
the
park.
However,
security
lighting should be included for safety and
to reduce vandalism. All lighting should be
designed or shielded to be night-sky friendly
Features and Amenities to Consider
• Children’s playground (i.e. jungle gym, swing
set, etc.).
and prevent glare to adjacent neighbors,
• Picnic table groupings and/or shelters.
and in accordance with Chapter 16, Article 2
• Shade structures.
of the Land Use Code.
• Benches.
• Playground areas should be located away
from roadways for child safety.
• Landscaping should delineate use areas and
provide shade near playground and picnic
areas.
• Existing trees that are healthy and safe should
be preserved and enhanced when possible.
• Active and noise producing facilities, such as
• Open turf area for unstructured play.
• Basketball (full or half) court
• Volleyball court
• Small court games (bocce ball, four-square,
tetherball)
• Multi-use fields for practice
• Pathway connecting park elements
• Interpretive signage
basketball courts, should be located at least
• Natural area
100’ from nearby homes or property zoned for
• Permanent restrooms - either porta-lets with
residential use.
• Active facilities such as courts and playgrounds
should be a minimum of 50’ from adjacent
streets.
• The site developer is responsible for grading,
enclosures or permanent structures
• General landscape improvements (including
tree planting)
• Trash containers, pet waste disposal bag
dispensers, and similar support items.
installation of amenities, and irrigation prior to
Town acceptance.
• The town will begin maintenance two year
Features and Amenities to Avoid
• Horticultural or annual plantings, unless
after completion of the park, this means the
sponsored and maintained by a
developer’s warranty period is 2 years.
neighborhood or community group.
• Indoor recreation center (consider on a
Figure 2: Neighborhood Park Siting\
case-by-case basis, may be appropriate if
operated by a Metropolitan District).
• Wading pools and similar types of amenities
that
require
staff
supervision
or
highly
specialized maintenance.
Parks
27
Neighborhood Park Prototype
Average Size: 7 to 20 acres
Site Selection and Development Guidelines
• Community Parks should be easily accessible
General Concept: Active and passive recreation
from all parts of the community, preferably
amenities
on a collector or arterial street. They should
General Purpose: Active recreation for daytime use by
not be inside subdivisions, but may be on the
nearby residents
perimeter of them.
Programs: League practice, open space play, not
• The site should be visible from adjoining
recommended for festivals or large-scale events on a
streets and have a minimum of 400’ of street
regular basis
frontage.
Service Radii: ½ mile
• Access to the site should be provided via a
collector or arterial street with sidewalks and
4.2c Community Parks
Description
A community park provides active and structured
recreation opportunities, facilities and open space to
serve several neighborhoods, but not necessarily the
whole region. This term does not mean that there would
be only one community park. Numerous community
parks may be necessary, depending on the ultimate
population. While a community park may be proximate
to a neighborhood, it is designed primarily as a “driveto” park rather than a “walk-to” park. The service radius
of a community park is 3 miles and it provides amenities
that are typically too large in scale or too disruptive to
be located in a neighborhood park. This type of park
serves as a community focal point, providing a site for
special events, organized sports or larger-scale sports
tournaments, as well as daily recreational enjoyment
of many residents. Per the Land Use Code, Community
Parks “shall be at least thirty (30) acres,” but can also
work when smaller (recommended no less than 20
acres). Larger sites are common when associated
with a natural area. Existing parks smaller than this
size range, but usually larger than the size range of a
neighborhood park, are also classified as community
parks when their function has developed or evolved
to provide facilities to the entire community, not just
to a specific neighborhood or activity. For example,
Mead Town Park, at 2.1 acres (and less than that if the
fire station/Town Hall is excluded) is a community park
because it is used as such, including as a location for
community events.
28
Parks
bicycle lanes.
• The site should be appropriate for the
facilities included without the need for major
earthwork.
• Some floodplain area may be adjacent to or
associated with the park, but most of the site
should be located outside the floodplain.
• Community Parks would be appropriate
adjacent to a middle school and/or a high
school.
• These parks may range from 20 to 75 acres in
size, depending on the spatial requirements of
the facilities provided and the amount of land
dedicated to natural resource protection.
• At least two-thirds of the site should be
available for active recreation use. Adequate
buffers or natural open space areas should
separate active recreation areas from nearby
homes.
• Parking requirements should be based upon
the facilities provided at the site. Generally,
50 off-street spaces per ball field are required,
plus 5 spaces per acre of active use area.
• Lighting of fields should be considered on a
case-by-case basis.
• Security lighting should be included for
safety and to reduce vandalism. All lighting
should be designed or shielded to be nightsky friendly and prevent glare to adjacent
neighbors, and in accordance with Chapter
16, Article 2 of the Land Use Code.
• Playgrounds should be located away from
roadways and parking areas for child safety.
• Landscaping should delineate use areas and
• Other sporting facilities (lawn bowling,
croquet, bocce court).
provide shade near playground and picnic
• Field lighting.
areas.
• Skate park.
• Site layout should take advantage of natural
• Water playground/spray feature.
site characteristics to reduce construction
• Off-leash dog area.
costs and to preserve existing vegetation
• Community gardens.
whenever possible.
• Concessions or vendor space.
• At this time, the proposed Community Park
at Liberty Ranch will provide service to the
southern part of the Mead area. The next
• Interpretive signage.
• An area for staging of special events (open
area or amphitheater).
community park to be developed should be
• Public art.
located north of downtown Mead.
• Natural area.
Figure 3: Community Park Siting
• Indoor recreation center.
• Storage or maintenance buildings: If visible,
these should be architecturally compatible
with other park elements. Any exterior work
areas should be screened from view.
• Off-street parking.
• Gazebo.
• Sledding hill.
• Swimming pool.
• Water features and/or lake.
• Passive open space and/or wooded areas.
• Outdoor ice rink (a very shallow, highly visible
basin that is flooded for ice skating in cold
Features and Amenities to Consider:
• Playgrounds (tot and youth).
periods and for use of amphibians and toy
boats in warm periods).
• Designated sports fields for baseball, softball,
and soccer or multi-use fields. Fields may be in
a complex within the park.
• Open turf area for unstructured play.
• Looped pathway system. There should be
connections to the community-wide bicycle/
pedestrian trail system as well.
• Large picnic shelters.
• Permanent restrooms. Consider year-round
facilities where appropriate.
• Volleyball courts.
• Tennis courts.
• Basketball courts.
• Horseshoe pits.
Parks
29
Community Park Prototype
A regional park provides facilities and open space
Average Size: 20 to 75 acres (target 60 acres)
for the entire community, although it is recognized
General Concept: Combine passive and active activi-
that residents of other communities will use such a
ties into one locale and retain passive areas for non-
park indirectly or through participation in organized
organized recreation.
activities. It is a site designed to accommodate large-
General Purpose: Provide a full range of recreational
scale events such as sport tournaments, concerts or
activities for the entire population.
competitions. They provide amenities that need to be
Programs: Active sports and multi-generational activi-
easily accessed by a large population and should not be
ties and passive areas with nature viewing, lake activi-
placed directly adjacent to residential neighborhoods
ties and walking.
because of traffic generation, night-time lighting, and
Service Radii: 3 miles
other disruptions. One-of-a-kind features or facilities
may be associated with a Regional Park, including a
4.2d Regional Parks
recreation center. A Regional Park could focus on a
man-made or naturally occurring feature such as a
Description
lake or rock formation, it could focus on a site like an
The largest park typically found within a system is the
old farmstead or rock quarry, where existing structures
regional park. These parks offer the most diverse and
may convert to adaptive reuse as exhibit buildings,
unique recreation opportunities in the park system and
show barns, museums, arenas, or other facilities. If the
are designed to serve the entire region. Regional parks
latter occurs, it may not be appropriate to also have
also are typically supported by nearby food services,
large-scale athletic fields on the same site, or at least
lodging and other services necessary to accommodate
directly adjacent to these features.
extended use of the park by out-of-town guests. The
size of a regional park varies from 50 to 250 acres,
Site Selection and Development Guidelines
depending on the type of activities and the amount of
• The site size will generally exceed 50 acres
use. The service radius for this type of facility is based
and should be sufficient to accommodate
upon drive time and is typically within an hour’s drive
the park’s unique features or amenities.
of most users, though it can support events that bring
• At least 75% of the site should be developable.
in overnight guests too. Conceptually, the regional
• Regional Parks should be accessible from
park is to provide large areas that can be accessed
all parts of the community via an arterial
through a variety of means, from roadways or hiking
roadway, be visible from the street in question,
and biking into the site. Also, based upon the locale,
and
it can have unique recreation areas, such as a water
adjacent to a residential neighborhood.
generally
not
be
situated
directly
park, sports complex or equestrian facility coupled
• Some floodplain area may be adjacent to or
with natural areas. Regional parks are unique to the
associated with the park, but most of the site
general area. Prototypical or preferred amenities vary.
should be located outside the floodplain.
Because of the diverse and unique offerings, regional
parks typically contain more open space and support
facilities than community parks. Typical regional park
users visit the park for 2 to 4 hours or more.
• External bicycle trail connections should be
provided, specifically to regional trails.
• Parking requirements should be based upon
the facilities provided at the site. Generally,
50 off-street spaces per ball field are required,
plus 5 spaces per acre of active use areas.
30
Parks
• At least 2/3 of the site should be available for
active recreation use. Adequate buffers or
Features and Amenities to Consider
• Children’s
play
environment
(unique
natural open space areas should separate
or custom-designed, at a large size to
active recreation areas from nearby homes.
accommodate a large number users).
• Sports field lighting is appropriate and should
be included for ballfield facilities in Regional
Parks. This allows for extended playing time
and tournament capabilities.
for
safety
and
• Event space/festival grounds for large group
gatherings.
• Expanded utility and electric service to
• Security lighting should be included as
appropriate
• Open turf area for unstructured play.
to
support community events.
reduce
• Large picnic shelters, including one capable
vandalism. All lighting should be designed or
of accommodating groups of 50-100 people.
shielded to be night-sky friendly and prevent
• Permanent restrooms.
glare to adjacent neighbors.
• Extensive pathway system.
• Playgrounds should be located away from
roadways and parking areas for child safety.
• Designated sports fields for baseball, softball,
and soccer. Fields may be located in multi-
• Landscaping should delineate use areas and
sport or single sport complexes and should
provide shade near playground and picnic
include lighting. Adjacent practice fields may
areas.
be provided.
• Site layout should take advantage of natural
site characteristics to reduce construction
costs and to preserve existing vegetation
whenever possible.
• A site may need to be re-graded in order to
• BMX courses or bike park.
• Specialty or extreme sport venue (serves as a
destination location).
• Volleyball courts.
• Basketball courts.
accommodate the programmed recreational
• Tennis courts.
facilities.
• Horseshoe pits.
• A sports complex should not be located
• Water playground.
directly adjacent to a nature preserve. A
• Disc golf course.
buffer of 500’ to ¼ mile is preferred.
• Regional-scale skate park.
Figure 4: Regional Park Siting
• Other
sporting
facilities
(lawn
bowling,
croquet, bocce courts).
• Off-leash dog area.
• Concessions, vendor space, or commercial
lease space.
• Performance
space,
such
as
outdoor
amphitheater, stage area, or band shell.
• Large, indoor community recreation center or
swimming pool.
• Fairgrounds, Equestrian Park or other animalbased use.
• Historic or cultural feature or amenity.
• Lake or pond.
• Entry plaza.
Parks
31
• Public art.
These facilities can vary in size according to the demand
• Interpretive signage.
and type of layout. For example, a regulation size, par
• Natural area.
72 golf course would need at least 140 acres while an
• Environmental education facilities.
executive style (par 60) layout may only require 100 to
• Storage or maintenance buildings. If visible,
120 acres based upon amenities such as driving range
these should be architecturally compatible
and practice facilities. Since Special Use Facilities tend
with other park elements and any exterior
to be unique facilities they often have a regional draw,
work areas should be screened from view.
therefore a 3 mile service radius is appropriate.
• Off-street parking.
4.3 Specific Amenity Considerations
Features and Amenities to Avoid
• Depends on the site.
When determining whether a piece of land can
accommodate a specific use, it is important to consider
the type of park, its location, topography and access.
4.2e Special Use Facilities
It is also important to understand the amount of land
that individual facilities such as baseball fields or skate
Description:
parks require to function properly. See the facility chart
Special use parks are designed to meet the needs of
below for more information, which includes not only
a specific user group. An example of a special use
the space for the amenity, but also buffer area and
park at a larger scale would be a golf course, zoo or
parking.
a museum. Because of their atypical amenities (fishing
ponds), Mead Ponds is considered a Special Use park.
Typically these parks are good revenue generators.
If maintained and properly staffed, these parks can
provide a substantial cash flow for the Town.
Examples that could be deemed a special use park,
whether they are public or private facilities, include:
• Circuit
parks,
which
seek
to
create
a
continuous circuit or loop of parkland or open
space parcels and greenways around the
town, also known as greenways.
• Parkways,
which
are
linear
parks
and
park linkages with aesthetically integrated
roadways the length of the parkway.
• Aquatic facilities, also known as water parks.
• BMX or other specialty venue.
• Beaches.
• Major special-purpose sports complexes.
• Historic sites or museums.
• Golf courses.
• Large natural areas with a regional draw.
32
Parks
Park land standards:
Facility Category
Park System Facility Types
Area required to accommodate
1 facility (in Acres)
Sports Fields
Soccer/Multi-use Field
2.21
Ball Field (Baseball/Softball)
3.77
Courts
Outdoor Recreation
Leisure
Other Recreational Facilities
Tennis Court
0.17
Basketball Court
0.16
Volleyball Court
0.10
Small Skate Park (7,000 sf footprint)
0.18
Full-sized Skate park (17,000+ sf footprint)
0.50
BMX Track (Standard ABA Certified)
3.12
Paved Multi-use Trail (per mile)
2.43
Dirt/Gravel Multi-use Trail (per mile)
1.83
Fishing Accessible Shoreline (per mile)
3.64
River Put-In/Take-out with Boat Ramp (per acre)
1.00
Playground (per 3,200 sf of fully developed area)
0.14
Family Picnic Area
0.01
Group Picnic Area (with shelter)
2.06
Park Bench
0.00
Swimming Pool (outdoor)
0.34
Ice Hockey Rink (full-sized, refrigerated, covered)
0.90
Outdoor Events Venue (per acre)
3.14
This chart is per State of Colorado Small Community Parks & Recreation Standards Figure 8, page 16.
4.3a Minimum /preferred dimensions:
The following graphics depict the recommended
Figure 5: Soccer Field (not multi-use)
210’
design parameters for various recreation facilities
including fields, courts, playgrounds and picnic areas.
In some cases this includes specific dimensions for field
boundaries, in others it is a concept that includes site
layout parameters.
16’
56’
50’
123’
Diameter
56’
330’
Soccer Fields
Soccer fields are typically used in the spring and fall
for recreation leagues. Ideally soccer fields should
be oriented north-south. In addition to stand-alone
soccer fields (with or without permanent goal fixtures),
they can also be incorporated into a turf area that
accommodates other sports to maximize the field for
multiple sport seasons.
This could include lacrosse
(spring/fall), football (fall), field hockey (spring/fall) or
smaller soccer fields for younger players (spring/fall).
Parks
33
Figure 6: Multi-purpose fields
Soccer Dimensions (210’x330’)
Football Dimensions (160’x360’)
210’
360’
Baseball/Softball fields
Baseball and softball fields primarily are used during
late spring and summer, sometimes into fall. The fields
should be oriented facing east or northeast from home
plate towards second base when possible. Fields should
include a skinned infield that is 135’ deep in order to
accommodate 60-80’ base paths. The recommended
minimum depth to the outfield fence is 305’, as it is
the most versatile. Larger depths may be used but risk
making play more difficult for younger players.
30
5’
60
’-8
0’
Figure 7: Baseball/Softball fields
5’
13
34
Parks
Tennis Courts
Volleyball
Tennis can be played year-round if the court is dry, but
Volleyball courts in parks also tend to be used more
typical league seasons for outdoor courts are in the
for “pick-up” games than for leagues or organized
spring, and fall and some in the summer. Courts should
teams. Posts should be permanent, and a permanent
be oriented north-south and are fenced to contain the
or semi-permanent net is optional depending on the
balls. They can be built in multiples or singles, depending
preference of the Town to maintain and/or replace
on the facility and intended use. A single court should
as needed. If sand is chosen, sand courts will need
be 120’x60’, which provides adequate room around
more upkeep than turf areas, as the sand needs to be
the actual court surface.
kept clean and worked to stay soft. It is also popular
for people to bring their own volleyball net, ball and
Figure 8: Tennis Court
outline to parks to play directly on a flat grassy area,
therefore if volleyball is a desired activity within a park,
42’
it is also an option to provide an open turf area that
matches the dimensions of a permanent site for those
60’
27’
with their own equipment.
36’
Figure 10: Volleyball (sand or grass)
120’
Basketball Courts
30’
Outdoor basketball courts tend to serve more of a
“pick-up” need instead of leagues or organized play,
unless they are built more as a complex with multiple
courts. The surface can be concrete or asphalt, or have
60’
a rubberized coating like tennis courts. A concrete
base is preferred. These can be fenced or have open
sides, depending on proximity to sloped areas, parking
lots or roads. The court can also be paired with other
court games such as 4-square or tetherball if made
large enough to minimize conflicts between players.
Diameter 39’
Figure 9: Basketball Courts
50’
12’
19.5’
4’
84’
Parks
35
Inline Hockey
Playgrounds
The popularity of hockey, both on and off the ice has
Playgrounds can be installed in every type of park
seen an increase in the development of concrete
within the system. Playgrounds can range from
hockey rinks throughout the United States. The rinks
standard playground equipment to custom designs
typically are enclosed at a minimum by a low wall, and
or even small informal and naturalized climbing
sometimes a low wall with a Plexiglas section on top
or education amenities.
(similar to indoor ice rinks). These facilities should be laid
layout is encouraged. Playgrounds throughout the
out in a north-south alignment to minimize snow and ice
system should all be different, as many residents use
accumulation on the playing surface on the north side
all of the parks within the community and children’s
of southern walls. In addition to the rink itself, benches
favorites become destinations even if they are within
and spectator seating should be included whether the
small neighborhood park across town. Sometimes it is
rink is intended for pick-up games, practices, formalized
appropriate to only have one play area for one age
games, or league play.
group, and that section should be based on the size of
Creativity in design and
the park and the intended users. The guidelines noted
Figure 11: Inline Hockey Rink
in Figure 12 can be used for a single play area and age
group, a regional destination site, or a medium-sized
Ra
di
us
site.
20
’
Figure 12: Multi-age playground layout
Diameter
20’
Road
Min. 50’ setback from roadways or
a physical barrier,
such as fencing
Distinctly separate play
areas for 2-5 year olds
and 5-12 year olds
130’-200’
Age appropriate
play equipment with
adequate fall zones
Shade provided on the
south and/or west sides by
either trees or a structure
22’
Benches provided
for parents
20’
15’
65’-100’
36
Parks
5-12 y.o.
2-5 y.o.
Picnic areas
Figure 14: Picnic Shelter Layout
Picnic tables and shelters can be accommodated in
Road
a variety of settings in a variety of park types. Single
Min. 50’ setback
from roadways
picnic tables are appropriate in open space areas,
small parks or along trails or distributed throughout a
larger park. Groupings of tables (see Figure 13) can
encourage small gatherings of families or friends
while still providing an informal setting.
These small
groupings are appropriate in natural areas, mini parks,
neighborhood parks and in key areas of community or
regional parks.
If more than one picnic
shelter is provded, they
should be situated in
groups of 2 or 3 with
multiple tables
Min. 2000 sf
picnic shelter
Optional shared
amenities, such as
grills, restrooms, etc.
Picnic shelters can vary greatly in size and can be
developed as a single pavilion or as a grouping of
shelters for larger groups. These would typically be
located in parks of any size but are less appropriate
in open space areas and Mini Parks. These types of
facilities are also more conducive to rental opportunities
for the Town and can accommodate larger groups
and parties. Typically groupings of shelters intended for
larger gatherings should also be located in proximity
to a playground, volleyball courts, larger areas of turf,
or a feature of a park, so that members of the group
can initiate games of volleyball, Frisbee, croquet,
etc. or supervise children at a playground while still
participating in the activity at the shelter.
Figure 13: Picnic table grouping layout
Road
Min. 50’ setback
from roadways
Individual tables
situated in groups
of 2 or 3
Shade provided by
canopy trees
Parks
37
5
GREENWAYS
5
GREENWAYS
Greenways (a.k.a. – trails) have become one of the
• Categorize the existing and proposed trails
most popular recreation amenities throughout the
into off-road and on-road alignments and
country. The value of greenways in terms of recreation,
segments.
education and resource protection is invaluable.
•
Priority
on-road
alignments
should
Greenways serve as linkages between communities,
include major north-south and east-
parks, schools, commercial areas and neighborhoods.
west connections along section line
They provide a safe mode of transportation that
roads and the Great Western Railway,
preserves
greenways
including a provision for connecting trails
include trails from 5’ to 12’ wide which can be paved
underneath or over Interstate 25. See the
or a sort of natural surface. When developing a
Recommendations and Prioritized Action
greenway system, corridors should be identified where
Plan in the 2011 Open Space, Parks and
they are easily accessible, connect elements within
Trails Master Plan for more details.
the
environment.
Typically,
the community and incorporate all the characteristics
• Links
to
existing
or
proposed
trails
in
of the natural resource areas. Greenway corridors
neighboring communities, St. Vrain State Park,
should typically be a minimum of 50’ in width except
and proposed regional trails along the St.
in neighborhoods, where 35’ may be acceptable.
Vrain River.
Greenways can be located in a variety of settings
• The Town shall acquire trail rights-of-way or
and can be utilized for active and passive recreation
access easements through purchase, lease,
activities.
donation, or dedication from any public
or private entity. When appropriate and
5.1 Acquisition and Development Guidelines
beneficial, existing roads and rights-of-way
The following priorities should be applied to any
will be used.
proposed trails:
•
• Interconnectedness of subdivisions in addition
to
regional
north-south
and
• Convenience to residents served.
• Consideration for employee commutes to
employment centers.
• Identification of support facilities for trails, such
as benches, drinking fountains, trail signs, and
40 Greenways
recommended trail corridors.
east-west
connections.
parking lots.
See Map H, which shows existing and
Site Selection and Development Guidelines
• Greenway and trail corridors should take
trails, parks or open space master plans in
adjacent jurisdictions into consideration to
create regional connections.
• Due to the shape, configuration, and potential
for user noise in these spaces, user impacts on
adjoining neighbors should be considered.
Fences, walls, or landscaping may be used
5.2 General Design Parameters
• Greenway
corridors
should
generally
to provide some privacy for neighbors, but
have a corridor width of 50-100 feet. In
the provision of these features also should
neighborhoods, 35 feet may be acceptable
consider user safety.
but each instance less than 50’ wide should
• Trails may be located adjacent to existing
irrigation ditches, but plans are required to be
coordinated and approved with the relevant
be reviewed on a case-by-case basis.
Figure 15: Typical Greenway
ditch companies.
• ADA guidelines for trail surfaces, slopes and
cross-slopes should be considered at a
preliminary level as well as during detailed
design.
Features and Amenities to Consider
8’ Concrete
Regional Trail
35’ Min. (By Review)
50’-100’
Connection to
Neighborhood
• Paved pathways.
• Soft surface edges on paved pathways.
• Separated paths for pedestrians/bicycles and
equestrians.
• Soft surface trails in sensitive areas.
• Viewpoints.
Residential
Lots
• Seating areas.
• Picnic tables.
• Trash receptacles.
• Orientation and information signage.
• Trailhead or entry/ kiosk.
• Landscaped areas, ornamental plantings, turf
areas.
• Maintained natural vegetation.
• Fences, landscaping, or other features to
control access near adjoining residential
areas.
• Parking (at major trailheads).
Facilities and Amenities to Avoid
• Active use facilities (sport fields, paved courts,
etc.)
Greenways 41
• Site analysis studies should be conducted
5.3 Types of Trails
to ensure that trail locations are sensitive to
the natural environment, routed to maximize
5.3a Concrete Trails
views of adjacent natural landscapes, avoid
safety
Concrete regional trails in designated greenway
problems to the greatest extent possible,
corridors should be 8’ wide with a 3’ wide crushed
and are sensitive to similar geographical
gravel side surface on one side for two-way use as
considerations.
a soft surface running or equestrian area (can vary
ecologically
sensitive
areas
and
• Paved pathways should be designed to
accommodate
maintenance
and
patrol
This type of trail is ideal for multiple uses, including
running, walking, hiking, mountain and road biking,
vehicles at a minimum of 8’ wide.
• The amount and type (on-street or off-street)
rollerblading, and so forth. In some areas, (especially
of parking provided at trailheads will depend
in road rights-of-way) the trail will be 8’ wide concrete
on facilities at the site and anticipated trail
surface without a soft surface side, especially if there
use.
are space limitations or other reasons why the side
planned,
surface would not be included. In built-up areas of
designed, and constructed to avoid or
the Town or along major roadways, this cross-section
minimize the degradation of natural and
might be more appropriate to use for commuting and
cultural resources, especially riparian areas
within rights-of-way. Neighborhood connections where
and associated wildlife habitats.
maintenance vehicles access is not required, trails can
• Trails
and
trailheads
shall
be
• Adverse effects on private lands shall be
be 5’ in width, but should be reviewed on a case-by-
minimized insofar as possible by trail and
case basis.
trailhead placement, posting of rules and
Figure 16: Multi-purpose concrete trail
signs
against
trespassing,
installation
of
containment fences where critical, and any
other appropriate measures.
• Trails shall provide for pedestrian, equestrian,
bicycle, and/or other non-motorized uses,
where each is warranted. Incompatible uses
shall be appropriately separated.
• Special considerations shall be given to
rights-of-way needed for pedestrian, bicycle,
and/or
other
uses
(such
as
equestrian)
during the design and construction of road
improvements.
• Material
selection
should
take
into
consideration trail slopes, cross-slopes and
other conditions to minimize erosion and
maintenance in the trail corridor.
42
based on site conditions). Concrete should be 6” thick.
Greenways
Figure 17: Soft surface 6’ trail
5.4 Working with other agencies
If trails are in proximity to another jurisdiction or their
ultimate destination is in proximity to another jurisdiction,
the Mead Open Space Committee and Town Staff should
work in preliminary stages and through construction with
that jurisdiction to establish the expectations of each
agency; understand partnership opportunities (labor
and funding for construction); establish consistent trail
Figure 18: Single-track natural surface trail
design standards (width, materials and thickness);
planned routes; connection points of each jurisdiction’s
trails; maintenance responsibilities; standard signage;
and rules and regulations. This relationship is key in
minimizing duplication of services, parallel facilities, and
miscommunication. Ultimately this will help create a
strong and useful regional trail network that will benefit
the Mead community.
3’
Single Track Trail;
Soft Surface
5.3b Soft Surface Trails
The soft surface trails can either be wider crusher fines
trails or narrower single track (dirt trail). The 6’ wide
crusher fines trails would be minor connections or trails
developed in open space or natural areas only. A
single track trail with a maximum width of 3’ would be
most appropriate when the open space surrounding
the trail is too delicate to support a more structured
trail, the area is remote, or where the goal of the trail is
to offer a more natural experience. The trail surfacing
can be crusher fines in some instances to provide for
universal accessibility to specific features; for example,
wildlife viewing areas where traffic intensity is greater
or where erosion control is necessary. However, on
steep slopes, single track will typically hold up better to
erosion than crusher fines.
Greenways
43
44
Greenways
RECOMMENDED TRAILS MAP
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ROAD CORRIDOR
IRRIGATION / DRAINAGE
CORRIDOR
EXISTING PARKS
IRRIGATION / DRAINAGE
ROAD CORRIDOR
LAKES
LOOP
RAILROAD CORRIDOR
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MAP DISCLAIMER:
Map Produced For The Town of Mead, Colorado
- By Norris Design. This Map Is Intended
For Planning & Discussion Purposes Only.
Legend Elements May Vary In Size, Color And
Transparency From Those Shown On Map
Copyright© 2011 - The Town of Mead, Colorado
- All Rights Reserved. No Part Of This GIS Data
May Be Copied, Reproduced, Or Transmitted
Union
In Any Form Or By Any Means Whatsoever,
Reservoir
Whether Graphic, Electronic Or Mechanical,
Including Photocopying, Posting On The Internet,
Recording, Or Through The Use Of An Information
Storage And Retrieval System, Without Prior
Written Permission Of The Town of Mead.
PREPARED BY:
WWW.NORRIS-DESIGN.COM
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Mead Trail Recommendations Base
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OPEN SPACE, PARKS AND TRAILS
Road Corridor
MASTER PLAN
MILES
Town
OF
Mead
H
SEPTEMBER 2011
Greenways
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6
SOURCES AND REFERENCES
6
SOURCES AND REFERENCES
Sources
• Town of Mead Open Space Plan, 2008
• Town of Mead Comprehensive Plan, 2009
• City of Longmont Open Space and Trails
Master Plan, Volume II, 2002
• State
of
Colorado
Small
Community
&
Recreation Planning Standards, 2003
References
• City of Aurora Parks and Open Space
Dedication
and
Development
Criteria
Manual, 2006
• Town of Erie Parks, Recreation, Open Space
and Trails Masterplan, 2010.
48 Sources and References
Sources and References 49