Page 24 - 2011 SDCA Project

4-6 Picnic Focus Area The grouping of two picnic tables at each terrace was intentional. This layout creates
intimate seating and gathering spaces if multiple groups wish to use the Picnic Area at
Site Recommendations herein, might be the most picturesque acreage on the entire property. Sitting in a valley use all the tables in one cohesive unit. Versatility is the key to this design.
the same time. However, their close proximity to each other also allows one group to
The acreage surrounding what is referred to as the Master Grill area, or Picnic Area
between the sloping hillside that serves as the western border of the park and a natural
The design team also recommends demolishing the existing elevated concrete stage at
bluff where the park’s swimming pool is located, the Picnic Area offers a secluded
the center of the site. Instead, a larger, lower stage constructed out of pressure treated
gathering space for the residents of the Adams Park neighborhood. A set of granite
lumber or a composite wood material is proposed. This stage would be located in the
steps leads you down into this valley from on-street parking located on Logan Lane. A
small concrete footbridge crosses the creek that cascades down rocky bluffs from the
existing trees create a natural amphitheater that is perfect for such a gathering space.
north end of the property and feeds the Pond area to the south. Situated in the middle “cup” of the existing rock bluffs at the southeastern corner of the site. These bluffs and
of the valley area are seventeen large wooden picnic tables, arranged like church pews By keeping the deck a maximum of 24” off the ground, the stage will not need any
on the gradual slope. A large, newly renovated covered pavilion with a smoking pit handrails, keeping the site open and allowing users to sit comfortably on all sides. The
and historic granite fireplace frames the north end of the Picnic Area beyond the picnic decking material shall be placed on piers which allows any storm water runoff to flow
tables. seamlessly around and underneath this structure.

When visiting the site, the most evident programmatic challenge is the severe erosion
that is occurring underneath the picnic tables in the center of the space. Due to the
large canopy of the mature hardwoods that surround the site, high-traffic groundcovers
such as turfgrass that would prevent erosion do not receive enough sunlight to survive.
This has allowed storm water running off the existing slope on the west of the property
to erode the existing top soil, removing the nutrients needed for native groundcovers to
seed, while also exposing many of the tree roots creating numerous trip hazards.

The design team was charged with the following tasks: Louie Northern developing the Picnic Area Concept.

1. Manage the storm water runoff in a minimally invasive, sustainable way
2. Reconfigure the picnic tables into logical groupings
3. Create a more vibrant space that capitalizes on the natural, picturesque setting

To manage the storm water runoff, the design team implemented two strategies. First, a
rock-lined dry creek bed was located at the bottom of the western hillside to collect the
majority of the runoff before it runs across the site, and divert it into the existing creek. A
second dry creek bed was located at the north end of the site between the picnic tables
and the covered pavilion. This will capture the remainder of the runoff, also diverting
it into the existing creek, while helping to divide the site into different “outdoor rooms”.

The church pew table arrangement was abandoned. In its place, five groups of two
tables were arranged along the dry creek at the west of the site. The groups are located
on separate, level terraces created by 18” boulder retaining walls. The terracing helps
to level the site, thus reducing the velocity at which rainfall will drain across the site and
helping to prevent future erosion.

Large swaths of native, lowland vegetation are proposed to be planted along the edge
of the existing creek as it flows through the site. This plant material will help filter
any rainfall that flows across the site as it drains towards the creek. The design team
recommends bringing in supplemental topsoil to cover the exposed roots and create a
healthy soil profile in which to plant the proposed lowland plant material. In the areas
that are to remain open, the design team recommends bringing in hardwood mulch
to serve as a groundcover. This material can be recycled from downed trees in the Picnic Area Hardline.
surrounding area. Picnic Focus Area Concept Development
Red & Green Scene Volunteer Design Charrette 2010
Plans are conceptual and subject to change