![]() ![]() |
![]() |
UFDC Home | Search all Groups | UF Government Documents Collection | Vendor Digitized Files | Internet Archive | | Help |
Material Information
Subjects
Notes
Record Information
|
Full Text |
FL3
Alachua G142 106 1994 c 2 c2HOGTOWN CREEK GREEN WAY MASTER DEVELOPMENT & .^ 1 PLX MANAGEMENT PLAN REPORT /.- 0 F '.?- .. f Prepared for: CITY OF GAINESVILLE, FLORIDA Prepared by: BUFFINGTON ASSOCIATES GREENWAYS INCORPORATED G.L. MARQUEZ AND ASSOCIATES, INC. ANDREW KAPLAN, ARCHITECT A. F. CLEWELL, INC. WILD THINGS, INC. SOUTHARC, INC. Revised As Of March, 1994 I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I MASTER DEVELOPMENT and MANAGEMENT PLAN REPORT As Approved In Concept By: City of Gainesville City Commission July 7 & 26, 1993 As Approved By: Alachua County Board of County Commissioners July 27, 1993 With Modifications As Requested By: Florida Communities Trust December 22, 1993 I I [ [ I I I I I I I I I I I I [ Page No INTRODUCTION .................................................................................. 1 PROJECT PURPOSE .......................................................................... 5 EXISTING CONDITIONS..................................................................... 7 ENVIRONMENTAL AND ECOLOGICAL RESOURCES........................... 7 TOPOGRAPHY............................................................................ 7 GEOLOGY, SOILS AND GROUND WATER................................... 7 SURFACE WATER HYDROLOGY................................................. 10 FLORA WITHIN STUDY AREA...................................................... 12 THREATENED SPECIES............................................................. 17 INVASIVE OR NON-NATIVE VEGETATION................................... 18 FAUNA WITHIN STUDY AREA...................................................... 18 CULTURAL RESOURCES................................................................... 21 CULTURAL EVALUATION OF THE PROJECT STUDY AREA............ 21 Methodology......................................................................... 26 Preliminary Evaluation Results ............................................. 26 Recommendations ............................................................... 27 CULTURAL AND ENVIRONMENTAL PROGRAMS.......................... 28 Ring Park ............................................................................ 28 Loblolly Environmental Education Facility............................ 28 Kanapaha Botanical Gardens............................................... 28 MAN-MADE FACILITIES/LAND USE EVALUATION............................... 28 POTENTIAL & KNOWN POLLUTION SITES/DEGRADED LANDS.... 29 Cabot Carbon/Koppers Superfund Site ................................. 29 Farmer's Mutual Exchange.................................................... 29 Bailey's Branch/Gainesville Mall.......................................... 29 Shands Swamp.................................................................... 29 Westgate Shopping Center Area............................................. 31 Sugarfoot Prairie.................................................................. 31 University of Florida Landfill................................................. 31 Interstate 75........................................................................ 31 Dam on Lake Kanapaha........................................................ 31 Split Rock ............................................................................ 31 Kanapaha Water Reclamation Plant..................................... 32 PROJECT GOALS ............................................................................... 33 ENVIRONMENTAL GOAL................................................................... 33 TRANSPORTATION GOAL................................................................... 33 RECREATION GOAL .......................................................................... 33 HEALTH AND FITNESS GOAL ........................................................... 33 QUALITY OF LIFE GOAL................................................................... 33 PUBLIC ACCESS/PRIVACY GOAL...................................................... 34 SAFETY AND SECURITY GOAL........................................................... 34 EDUCATION GOAL ............................................................................ 34 OPERATIONS AND MANAGEMENT GOAL ........................................... 34 FINA N C IA L G O A L ............................................................................... 34 ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT GOAL.................................................... 34 CULTURAL RESOURCE GOAL........................................................... 34 PROPERTY ACQUISITION................................................................. 35 RECOMMENDED GREENWAY FACILITIES .................................... 39 NW 23RD AVENUE, AT GAINESVILLE MALL, TO ELKS CLUB LODGE. 39 GHS TO ELKS CLUB LODGE VIA NW 23RD AVENUE......................... 41 GAINESVILLE HIGH SCHOOL TO ALFRED A. RING PARK................... 41 ALFRED A. RING PARK ...................................................................... 41 ELKS CLUB LODGE TO NW 22ND ST. VIA NW 23RD AVE. R.O.W. ..... 41 NW 16TH AVENUE TO NW 8TH AVENUE............................................ 41 ALONG NW 8TH AVENUE TO NW 34TH STREET................................ 47 NW 34TH ST. TO LOBLOLLY ENVIRONMENTAL ED. FACILITY............. 49 BLACK ACRES BIKE PATH................................................................. 51 LOBLOLLY ENVIRONMENTAL ED. FACILITY TO WESTGATE S. C. ..... 51 WESTGATE SHOPPING CENTER TO CREEKSIDE MALL...................... 54 CREEKSIDE MALL TO NW 34TH ST. @ UNIV. OF FLORIDA................. 54 CREEKSIDE MALL TO GREEN ACRES PARK..................................... 57 GREEN ACRES PARK TO SUGARFOOT PRAIRIE................................ 57 GREEN ACRES PARK TO OAKS MALL............................................... 57 SUGARFOOT PRAIRIE TO FOREST PARK.......................................... 59 SW 20TH AVENUE TO 1-75................................................................ 61 SW 20TH AVENUE TO OAKS MALL..................................................... 61 1-75 TO KANAPAHA BOTANICAL GARDENS........................................ 61 GREENWAY IMPROVEMENTS WEST OF KANAPAHA BOT. GARDENS.. 64 KANAPAHA BOT. GARDENS & WEST SIDE OF LAKE KANAPAHA ........ 66 STAGECOACH ROAD TO SW 75TH STREET ....................................... 66 ALONG TOWER ROAD TO ARCHER ROAD......................................... 66 SW 75TH STREET TO 1-75 ALONG SW 24TH AVENUE........................ 66 OTHER RECOMMENDED FACILITIES............................................ 69 GREENW AY SIGNAGE...................................................................... 69 LIGHTING OF GREENWAY FACILITIES............................................... 70 BATHROOM & POTABLE WATER FACILITIES ..................................... 71 PICNIC, SCENIC VIEW SHED AND REST AREAS ................................ 71 USE OF RECYCLED WASTE MATERIALS........................................... 72 IMPACTS OF GREENWAY DEVELOPMENT .................................. 73 ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACTS............................................................... 73 PROJECTIONS OF USE/LANDSCAPE CARRYING CAPACITY ......... 73 INFLUENCES OF PROPER TRAIL TREAD DEVELOPMENT................... 76 IMPACTS ON ADJACENT PROPERTIES............................................... 76 BUFFERING AND SCREENING................................................... 77 MITIGATING VISUAL BLIGHT....................................................... 77 PERMITS REQUIRED FOR GREENWAY DEVELOPMENT..................... 78 ENVIRONMENTAL MONITORING PLAN .......................................... 81 WATER QUALITY AND QUANTITY..................................................... 82 SOIL MOISTURE, COMPACTION AND LOSS LEVELS........................... 88 PLANTS: COMMUNITY STRUCTURE, COMPOSITION & DYNAMICS ..... 88 MAMMALS: OCCURRENCES AND DENSITIES................................... 89 BIRDS: OCCURRENCES, DENSITIES, NESTING & REPRODUCTION... 89 REPTILES, AMPHIBIANS, FISH AND OTHER ORGANISMS.................. 90 FACILITY MANAGEMENT AND MAINTENANCE ............................ 91 FACILITY MAINTENANCE .................................................................. 91 LANDSCAPE RESTORATION.............................................................. 92 ASSIGNMENT OF MAINTENANCE RESPONSIBILITIES........................ 94 GAINESVILLE NATURE OPERATIONS DIVISION ........................... 94 GAINESVILLE PARKS DIVISION................................................... 94 GAINESVILLE PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT.............................. 94 VOLUNTEER TRAIL OFFICERS.................................................... 95 ALACHUA COUNTY ..................................................................... 95 FACILITY MAINTENANCE AND MANAGEMENT COSTS....................... 95 DESCRIPTION OF MAINTENANCE/MANAGEMENT ACTIVITY ........ 97 GREENWAY SAFETY AND SECURITY ................................ ........... 98 GREENWAY HOURS OF OPERATION................................................. 99 GREENWAY USER RULES AND REGULATIONS.................................. 99 POLICE/PARK OFFICER PATROL & EMERGENCY RESPONSE............ 101 MAJOR ROADWAY CROSSINGS ................................................. 101 RISK MANAGEMENT AND LIABILITY............................................. 104 POTENTIAL IMPACT ON MUNICIPAL INSURANCE................................ 104 PILOT PROJECT DEVELOPMENT COSTS ....................................... 105 POSSIBLE PILOT PROJECT FACILITIES............................................. 105 PILOT PROJECT COST ESTIMATES ........................................... ...... 106 SOURCES OF FUNDING FOR DEVELOPMENT ............................... 107 GREENSPACE TRUST FUND............................................................ 107 STORMWATER UTILITY FUND............................................................ 107 M UNICIPAL BOND ISSUE................................................................... 107 SW AP/DONATION OF LAND............................................................... 107 ALACHUA COUNTY FINANCIAL PARTICIPATION.................................. 108 INTERMODAL SURFACE TRANS. EFFICIENCY ACT (ISTEA) FUNDS ... 108 ADDITIONAL POTENTIAL FUNDING SOURCES ................................... 108 PHASING PLAN FOR IMPLEMENTATION........................................ 109 TH E PILOT PROJECT ......................................................................... 109 PHASE II DEVELOPM ENT................................................................... 109 PHASE III DEVELOPM ENT ................................................................. 109 PHASE IV DEVELOPM ENT.................................................................. 110 APPENDIX A: APPENDIX B: APPENDIX C: ECOLOGICAL SURVEY & MANAGEMENT RECOMMENDATIONS FLORIDA COMMUNITIES TRUST ANNUAL REPORTING PROCEDURES INTERLOCAL AGREEMENT BETWEEN THE CITY OF GAINESVILLE & ALACHUA COUNTY LIST OF TABLES TABLE 1. TABLE 2. TABLE 3. TABLE 4. TABLE 5. TABLE 6. TABLE 7. Page No. KEYNOTE SPECIES OR FEATURES ............................... 22 LISTED ARCHAEOLOGICAL SITES IN HOGTOWN CREEK GREENWAY .... 24 INTENSITY OF TRAIL USE .... ..................................... 74 ENVIRONMENTAL SUITABILITY OF TRAIL USE WITHIN SENSITIVE ENVIRONM ENTS ............................................ 75 NORMAL MONTHLY RAINFALL DATA ............................. .83 AGENCIES AND INDIVIDUALS RESPONSIBLE FOR THE HOGTOWN CREEK GREENWAY SYSTEM .......................................... 96 INTERSECTION ANALYSIS ..................................... 103 LIST OF MAPS MAP 1. MAP 2. MAP 3. MAP 4. MAP 5. MAP 6. MAP 7. MAP 8. MAP 9. MAP 10. MAP 11. MAP 12. MAP 13. Page No. GREENWAY SEGMENTS .......................................... 4 REGIONALLY SIGNIFICANT FACILITIES .............................. 6 S O ILS (2) .. .. ... .. . .. ... .. . . .. . . . . . . . . . . . 8 CREEKS, LAKES, WETLANDS .................................... 11 100-YEAR FLOOD PLAIN (2) ..................................... 13 ECOLOGICAL COMMUNITY TYPES ................................ 15 ECOLOGICAL SURVEY SITES .................................... 23 ARCHAEOLOGICAL SENSITIVITY ................................. 25 POTENTIAL AND KNOWN POLLUTION SITES ....................... 30 PUBLIC PARCEL ACQUISTIONS .................................. 36 PRIORITY PARCEL ACQUISTIONS ................................. 37 PROPOSED STORMWATER MANAGEMENT PROJECTS PREFERRED DESIGN CONCEPT ................ . . . . . . . . 8 7 . . . . . . . . I l l LIST OF FIGURES FIGURE 1. FIGURE 2. FIGURE 3. FIGURE 4. FIGURE 5. FIGURE 6. FIGURE 7. FIGURE 8. FIGURE 9. FIGURE 10. FIGURE 11. FIGURE 12. FIGURE 13. FIGURE 14. FIGURE 15. FIGURE 16. FIGURE 17. FIGURE 18. FIGURE 19. FIGURE 20. FIGURE 21. Page No. TYPICAL SIGNAGE DEVELOPMENT ............................... 40 TYPICAL SOIL CEMENT PEDESTRIAN TRAIL ........................ 42 TYPICAL PEDESTRIAN BOARDWALK .............................. 43 TYPICAL PEDESTRIAN BRIDGE .................................. 44 TYPICAL MULTI-USE TRAIL ..................................... 45 TYPICAL MULTI-USE BOARDWALK ............................... 46 N.W. 8TH AVENUE TWO-WAY MULTI-USE TRAIL .................... 48 PREFERRED SITE PLAN FOR LOBLOLLY AREA ..................... 50 BLACK ACRES NEIGHBORHOOD MULTI-USE TRAILS ................ 52 TYPICAL BRIDGE DETAILS ...................................... 53 TYPICAL BRIDGE UNDERPASS FOR MULTI-USE TRAIL ............... 55 MULTI-USE TRAIL BETWEEN CREEKSIDE MALL AND APARTMENTS ..... .56 UTILIZATION OF SUGARFOOT PRAIRIE STORMWATER MGMT BERM ..... 58 TRAILS AT THE S.W. 20TH AVE. BRIDGE ......................... 60 INTERSTATE-75 OVERPASS AT HOGTOWN CREEK .................. 62 TYPICAL BOARDWALK FACILITY AT LAKE KANAPAHA ................ 63 TRAIL HEAD FACILITIES AT KANAPAHA BOTANICAL GARDENS ......... 65 OBSERVATION PLATFORM AT LAKE KANAPHA ..................... 67 TYPICAL PARALLEL EQUESTRIAN AND PEDESTRIAN TRAILS ........... 68 TYPICAL GREENWAY FENCING ................................... 79 DESIGN STORM RAINFALL DATA ................................. 85 INTRODUCTION m U U U U I Master Development & Management Plan Hogtown Creek Greenway Gainesville, Florida INTRODUCTION In 1967, the Gainesville Department of Community Development first identified the Hogtown Creek flood plain as a potential open space system worthy of protection from urban encroachment and for the future enjoyment of residents. A 1970 study by Smith and Sanderson proposed that the Hogtown Creek flood plain should become a linear open space system that provides stormwater runoff control, protects water quality, and serves as a vegetative buffer between land uses. The study envisioned a network of trails for hiking, biking and canoeing that linked neighborhoods to parks and places for shopping and employment. The study also recommended that the flood plain be preserved as a refuge for wildlife. Over the years numerous studies have been completed for the Hogtown Creek flood plain, all of which reached the same conclusion as the Smith and Sanderson study. For example: In 1973, the North Central Florida Regional Planning Council identified Hogtown Creek as over-developed and recommended a multi-use recreational land use concept that would protect the natural resources of the creek and flood plain lands. In 1974, a study by Christensen called for the establishment of a greenbelt system for the Hogtown Creek drainage basin. In 1978, a study of the Hogtown Creek flood plain by the University of Florida, Department of Landscape Architecture (Cooper) cites the lack of recreational facilities west of 13th Street, and recommends a "greenspace" system of trails that would link parks and schools to neighborhoods. In 1982, the City of Gainesville adopted a creek protection ordinance prohibiting development within 35 feet of the centerline of Hogtown Creek, and restricting or prohibiting some forms of urban development 35 to 150 feet of the creek. This action began a process of further protection by the City, including the acquisition of property and adoption of the Comprehensive Plan (1991) which called for the establishment of greenways throughout the city and surrounding areas. Since 1984, the City has acquired 191 acres of land adjacent to the creek in an effort to comply with the recommendations of these planning studies. Hogtown Creek Greenway Master Development & Gainesville, FL 1 Management Plan In 1992, the City applied for a Florida Communities Trust (FCT) Preservation 2000 Program grant, to fund the acquisition of lands for the proposed Hogtown Creek Greenway, a 6-mile, 1,786 acre multi-objective study corridor. FCT grants are provided to improve the quality of life in Florida communities through recreation and conservation oriented projects. Out of 50 project applications state-wide, the Hogtown Creek Greenway was ranked # 1 by FCT and received its top financial award. In March 1993, the Consulting Team of Buffington Associates of Gainesville, FL and Greenways Incorporated of Cary, NC were employed by the City of Gainesville to prepare a Master Development and Management Plan for the Hogtown Creek Greenway to satisfy guidelines set forth by the FCT grant, and provide direction to the City for future project implementation. This Master Development and Management Plan report is intended to provide resolution to the acquisition of lands for the greenway, development recommendations for greenway facilities, and operation, management and maintenance guidelines to ensure that the project protects the public health, safety and welfare of community residents. This document serves as a complement to the graphic plan maps, design sketches and other planning materials prepared by the Consulting Team. Citizen participation in the planning and design of the Hogtown Creek Greenway has been and continues to be of prime importance to the City of Gainesville. Through an extensive national review of similar greenway projects, the City has learned that many successful greenways are designed, implemented and managed through public-private partnerships with local residents. This project has been organized and administered to include the participation of local citizens. On April 23, 24 and 25, 1993, a citizens- oriented Hogtown Creek Greenway Design Charette was conducted by the Consulting Team and City and Alachua County staffs to solicit concerns, ideas and recommendations from the community regarding future design development of the project. The conclusions from this charette form the basis for recommendations within this report. These recommendations are supplemented with the expertise of the Consulting Team, and professional staffs from the City and County, to satisfy the planning and design requirements of the project. Most importantly, this Development and Management Plan addresses and satisfies requirements of the Florida Communities Trust Program 2000 grant, defining: the purpose of the greenway and activities that will be promoted through project implementation. physical improvements that will be made to greenway lands, including access and alterations to land use or landscape character, size/type of facilities, easement, concessions and leases that will be granted, and permits that are required for development. key management issues related to maintenance, security, staffing, natural resource protection, archaeological and historical protection, and how management will be coordinated with adjacent land uses. Hogtown Creek Greenway Master Development & Gainesville, FL 2 Management Plan resource enhancement, including restoration of plant and animal habitat, wetlands and surface water quality. cost estimates and funding sources for land acquisition, facility design development, maintenance, restoration and enhancement activities. priority schedule for funding and implementation of project activities. a monitoring plan for development and management of project lands and activities. During the development of the Master Development and Management Plan it was discovered that sixteen parcels, FCT-1 through FCT-16, all of which are located between NW 39th Avenue and NW 23rd Boulevard, were inadvertently not designated on the Recreational Greenways map in the data and analysis report of the City's newly adopted Comprehensive Plan. As a result, these parcels could not legally be included as part of the Hogtown Creek Greenway Project site or its Master Development and Management Plan. The loss of these parcels reduced the Project Site to a 6-mile, 1,786-acre study corridor (See Map 1). Consequently, the City of Gainesville's City Commission has gone on record stating that in 1994, the Land Development Code will include these sixteen parcels as designated greenway lands within the City's Greenway District, as originally intended. The Comprehensive Plan gives the City the authority to modify the Recreational Greenways Map through Policy 2.1.3 of the Recreation Element, which states that: by 1994, the City shall develop public access trails or boardwalks along publicly-owned segments of Hogtown Creek. The City Commission will adopt by resolution an amendment to the Recreational Greenways Map to include the sixteen parcels. This amendment action and changes to the Land Development code will be reflected in the Hogtown Creek Greenway Project 1994 Annual Report to be presented to the Florida Communities Trust. Hogtown Creek Greenway Master Development & Gainesville, FL 3 Management Plan Greenway Segments Hogtown Creek Greenway GAINESVILLE, FLORIDA ________________________________ LEGEND - Hogtown Creek Greenway Boundary Line lLS MILES Ridgewood Sugarfoot Lake a Kanapaha D MAP 1 P'4pawed by the D Apatmn n o Cormwrty ODe*Opmen *trt S1199 PROJECT PURPOSE PROJECT PURPOSE It is the primary objective of the proposed Hogtown Creek Greenway is to protect, restore and preserve the remaining ecologically sensitive and important landscape features within the Project Site, and secondarily, to provide structured and controlled access to these lands through a comprehensive network of trails and other public facilities. The proposed Hogtown Creek Greenway is a 1,786 acre, 6-mile multi-objective study corridor that extends from NW 23rd Boulevard to Lake Kanapaha in the City of Gainesville and portions of Alachua County, Florida. This unique community project offers local residents with an opportunity to protect important open space lands for biological diversity, improve water quality, mitigate stormwater flows and enhance aesthetic beauty of the landscape. The greenway will provide residents with access and use of some protected lands through a system of designated off-road, multi-purpose trails for environmental education, resource-based passive recreation and alternative transportation, serving to link community resources together (See Map 2). Finally, this project will make highest and best use of certain lands that serve important ecological functions, and revitalize, through redevelopment, some existing land uses so that they are better able to function as community resources. Hogtown Creek Greenway Gainesville, FL Master Development & Management Plan Regionally Significant Facilities Hogtown Creek Greenway GAINESVILLE. FLORIDA LEGEND -i Hogtown Creek Greenway Boundary Line Ii M iIle. MAP 2 Pepafod by ihe ODepaewnot of Coernmuty Deftvtpmu August 1992 ""-* j1" IH w" .~ *tC ~ 74i &qar 1. OGalnesvllle Mall 2. Glen Springs/Elks Club 3. Ring Park 4. Galnesvllle High School 5. JJ. Finley Elem. School 6. Weslwood Middle School 7. Weslslde Park 8. Llttlewood Elem. School 9. Loblolly Environmental Education Centrder 10. Stephen Foster Elem. School 11. Glen Springs Elem. School 12. Westgate Shopping Center 13. Creekslde Mall 14. University of Florida 15. Green Acre Park 16. Terwillliger Elem. School 17. Forest Park 18. Performing Arts Center and Museum 19. 34th Street Shopping Center 20. Water Reclamation Plant 21. Kanapaha Park 22. Kanapaha Botanical Gardens EXISTING CONDITIONS -a r F F F F F F I I, EXISTING CONDITIONS ENVIRONMENTAL AND ECOLOGICAL RESOURCES The City of Gainesville, Alachua Conservation Trust and Consulting Team members Wild Things, Inc. and A. F. Clewell conducted an extensive evaluation of the Hogtown Creek flood plain and landscapes within the Project Site. The results of these evaluations are summarized in the following text. A more in- depth evaluation of ecological communities authored by Wild Things and A. F. Clewell is provided in Appendix A of this report. The Project Site is comprised primarily of bottomland forests, flood plain landscapes and upland mixed forests, most of which are densely vegetated, and provide excellent habitat for a variety of plants and animals. The Project Site is one of the most biologically unique environments in North Central Florida, supporting a broad diversity of ecological communities. TOPOGRAPHY The Hogtown Creek drainage basin is characterized by gentle to flat slopes through much of the middle portion of the Project Site. In the northern sections, steep slopes border the creek, and around Lake Kanapaha, elevated limestone bluffs border the southeastern edge of the lake. Much of the natural topography along the Project Site has been altered by man through the years. Significant changes include roadway beds, cut and fill slopes that support urban development, berms to guide the flow of stormwater, and channelized sections of the creek. GEOLOGY. SOILS AND GROUND WATER Alachua County is underlain by marine and non-marine deposits of sand, clay, marl, gravel, limestone, dolomite and dolomitic limestone. The Hawthorn Group clays are located northeast of the Interstate 75 corridor, within areas known as the Northern Highlands Marginal Zone. Creeks and streams in this zone flow into sinkholes either before or after they enter the Western Valley limestone plain, and continue to cut headward into the Highlands Plateau to the northeast. Karst features are particularly well developed along the linear cross-country fracture zone which runs in a northwest to southeast direction through the zone. Both the Hawthorn and underlying limestone are extensively fractured in the zone. The Western Valley lies southwest of the 1-75 corridor, and includes the Lake Kanapaha area. In the Valley, the clay layer is absent, and the Ocala Group limestones are at the surface, contributing to the unique bluffs that surround the southeastern edge of the Lake. See soil types represented in the Project Site shown on Map 3. (Source: Gainesville Department of Community Development 1991) The Project Site is underlain by three aquifer systems: the surficial aquifer (water table), the intermediate aquifer, and the Floridan aquifer. Southwest of 1-75, only the Floridan is present. The surficial ground water zone consists of a sequence of undifferentiated, relatively porous sands and clayey sands which are typically 10 to 30 feet thick in the Gainesville urban area. Where present, Hogtown Creek Greenway Master Development & Gainesville, FL 7 Management Plan Soils (NE 1/2) Hogtown Creek Greenway GAINESVILLE. FLORIDA LEGEND - Hogtown Creek Greenway Boundary Line 7% 02i 0M.les o0.29 0.50 MAP 3 Prepared by th Depa1rr0i of Conm.Milty Owevelopment August 1992 2B Candler Fine Sand 0-5% Slopes 3B Arredondo Fine Sand 0-5% Slopes 3C Anredondo Fine Sand 5-8% Slopes 48 Arredondo-Urban Land Complex 0-5% Slopes 58 Fort Meade Fine Sand 0-5% Slopes 78 Kanapaha Sand 0-5% Slopes 69 Millhopper Sand 0-5% Slopes 1C Millhopper Sand 5-8% Slopes 99 Millhopper.Urban Land Complex 0-5% Slopes 1 1 Riviera Sand 1 3 Pelham Sand 1 4 Pomona Sand I 5 Pomona Sand 1 6 Surrency Sand I S Wauchula-Usban Land Complex 1 9 Monleocha Loamy Sand 20B Tavares Sand 0-5% Slopes 2 6 Samsula Muck 2 7 Urban Land 208 Lochloosa Fine Sand 2-5% Slopes 29C Lochloosa Fine Sand 5-6% Slopes 309 Kendrick Sand 2-5% Slopes 31 Blichlon Sand 2-5% Slopes 31C Blichlon Sand S.5% Slopes 328 Bivans Sand 2-5% Slopes 32C Blvans Sand 58% Slopes 34 Placid Sand. Depresslonal 35S Gainesville Sand 0-5% Slopes 36 Arents 0-5% Slopes 37 Zollo Sand 3 8 Pits and Dumps 399 Bonneau Fine Sand 2-5% Slopes 449 Blichlon-Urban Land Complex 0-5% Slopes 469 Jonesville-Cadillac Bonneau Complex 0-5% Slopes 479 Candler-Apopka Complex 0-5% Slopes W Waler MATC14 LIM ) 6 48 SlII Legend Soils (SW 1/2) Hogtown Creek Greenway GAINESVILLE, FLORIDA LEGEND -1- iHoglown Creek Greenway Boundary Line Milea I0 0I 050 00.2S 0.50 MAP 3 cont. Prppwed by "he 0epanmmn( of Coimmn, Devopnmemn Augus 992? the surficial aquifer in this zone operates under mainly confined, water table conditions. The Hawthorn Formation is the intermediate zone, and the aquifer in this zone is contained under confined conditions. In the urban area, water withdrawn from both the surficial and intermediate aquifers is used for domestic and landscape irrigation purposes.(Source: Gainesville Department of Community Development 1991) In the Project Site, the Hawthorn Formation is variable in thickness and perforated by sinkholes, leaving the Floridan semi-confined. Ground water flow within the Floridan is to the west/northwest. However, in the northeastern portions of the Project Site, flow movement is to the northeast due to the municipal well field. (Source: Gainesville Department of Community Development 1991) SURFACE WATER HYDROLOGY The Project Site is wholly contained by the Hogtown Creek watershed basin, which is approximately 13,700 acres in size. Annual rainfall averages 52 inches, with about half occurring during the months of June through September. Major surface waters within the Project Site include Hogtown Creek, Lake Kanapaha, Hogtown Prairie, Haile Sink and Sugarfoot Hammock and Prairie (refer to Map 4). Surface water flow is from northeast to southwest. Hogtown Creek is a stream-to-sink system, originating at several spring heads and eventually draining into Haile Sink, which discharges into the lower part of the Ocala Group limestone. This 180-foot sinkhole has recorded flows that vary from a low of 1.2 cubic feet per second to a high of 671 cubic feet per second. Recharge is to the upper zone of the Floridan aquifer, and together with Alachua Sink and Lake Alice, accounts for 75 percent of the recharge in the greater Gainesville urban area. (Source: Alachua Conservation Trust 1992, Gainesville Department of Community Development 1991) Hogtown Creek itself represents elements of three unique riverine communities: Spring-run Stream, Seepage Stream and Blackwater Stream. While the creek originates north of Gainesville in the Buck Bay and Potato Patch areas, the upstream portion of the creek receives year-round flow from Glen Springs at 23rd Avenue and Seepage along the creek banks from south of 39th Avenue. For the most part the creek waters are typically clear coming from the springs and seepage, in periods of high flow the water is perceptibly blackened due to the high level of tannins present from decomposing needles and leaves. Mid- valley areas of Hogtown Creek are subject to sheet-flow during periods of storm runoff. After reaching base level, streams shift their positions in their wide valleys with each flood water event. Former channels are abandoned and the character of the creek takes on a braided appearance. Following flooding, former channels remain filled with standing water, a condition that not only contributes to occasional increases inthe "blackwater" color, but also promotes the breeding of amphibians and insects. (Source: Wild Things and A. F. Clewell 1993) Hogtown Creek Greenway Master Development & Gainesville. FL 10 Management Plan Creeks, Lakes, Wetlands Hogtown Creek Greenway GAINESVILLE. FLORIDA LEGEND Wetlands SLakes i% Creeks "-6- Hogtown Creek Greenway Boundary Line *0 II * 1 o.n *o MInES L MAP 4 Pepared by ne DOpaunm~w of CxownArvity DO opmens August 1992 Please refer to Map 5 which illustrates the general location of flood plains within the Project Site. Most of the proposed greenway lies within the flood plain of Hogtown Creek. FLORA WITHIN STUDY AREA The Hogtown Creek drainage basin represents a variety of mesic upland, wet flatwoods, flood plain and basin wetlands, lacustrine, riverine, and xeric communities. Recognized community types closely parallel those defined by the Florida Natural Areas Inventory (FNAI) classification system. Many of these habitats are remarkably well represented and despite a long history of human impacts in and around the area, have maintained a high level of ecological integrity. The habitats encountered, though sometimes distinct, are frequently observed as ecological gradations amongst the more purely described "types." This point is particularly important to the project, where a long history of human occupation of, and interaction with the areas natural resources is evident (See Map 6). Descriptions of general types of habitats are important to the processes of design and broad scale management. The plant list (Please see Appendix A) consists of 531 taxa, of which 473 are identified to species and 58 are known only to genus. Seventeen of the species encountered are state or federally listed or proposed for listing as species of special concern, threatened or endangered. Many more of the species are considered by local experts rare or uncommon. Several species were encountered that had not previously been documented from Alachua County and thus, a range extension was established. At least 17 species of exotic plants were identified, although it is believed that many more exotics exist. The plant list provided in Appendix A of this report is the most complete for Hogtown Creek. The evaluation of flora throughout the Project Site defines the presence of thirteen distinct vegetative communities. A brief description of each community follows: Upland Mixed Forest Found primarily in the northern and southern portions of the Project Site, this dominant habitat is found from NW 23rd Avenue to NW 16th Avenue and within uncleared lands around Lake Kanapaha. These landscapes are characterized by closed-canopy forests of upland hardwoods. Sugarfoot Hammock is an example of this type of forest within the Project Site and is home to the extremely rare and unique Sugarfoot Fly (Neopalpus nearcticus). Upland Mixed Forest habitats have been reduced dramatically by residential and silvicultural development. Most of these forests seem to be increasingly invaded by exotic plants, a cause for serious concern if ecological integrity is to be protected. Hogtown Creek Greenway Master Development & Gainesville, FL 12 Management Plan 100 Year Flood Plain (NE 1/2) Hogtown Creek Greenway GAINESVILLE, FLORIDA LEGEND - Hogtown Creek Greenway Boundary Line II , 02Miles , a 0.25 0.50 NW 39TH AVENUE NW INTH AVENUE MiW 9 UNIVERSE hI Etmx S13sw Mr JWEIlJ. SW 20TH AVENUE i MAP 5 Pt*pwod by tihe OD*peilmni of Commnwly DevwopnWnml Auousil t992 In 100 Year Flood Plain (SW 1/2) Hogtown Creek Greenway GAINESVILLE., FLORIDA LEGEND - Hogtown Creek Greenway Boundary Line Ie 00l.es 0 0.... 0.- a 0.2S O.9O MAP 5 cont. Pmpwfd by hth 0*p.OmmwA4 of CArimwntyJ D0v*4wn Augusg 1992 - HOGTOWN CREEK GREENWAY Gainesville, Florida 0. Community Types s15 MAP 6 Bottomland Forest Basin Marsh L' Basin Swamp Floodplain Forest Floodplain Marsh Floodplain Swamp UgR Marsh Lake E^1 Spring [ Sinkhole Lake 1" Seepage'Stream ^ Upland Mixed Forest Xeric HFmmock Sand Hill --S Developed Areas miles 0 1 2 Bottomland Forest Occurs south of 16th Avenue in large patches frequently grading into areas of Flood plain Forest and other, wetter habitats. These forests are characterized by low-lying, closed-canopy, tall, straight trees with either dense shrubby understory and little ground cover, or an open understory and ground cover of ferns, herbs and grasses. While typical bottomlands are subject to annual or semi-annual flood events, the Hogtown Creek bottomlands are more frequently flooded. In addition, the volume of drainage through these bottomlands has been increasing steadily due to urbanization of the watershed. Consequently, it is likely that species diversity has been reduced and levels of exotics increased. Flood plain Forest These forests overlap throughout the Hogtown Creek flood plain with Bottomland Forests. In the southern portion of the creek system, they grade into Flood plain Swamp. The hydroperiod of this forest type is the principal defining character. The forests are flooded for up to half the growing season. While these forests are usually without standing water during the dry season, the seasonal flooding experienced in the summer is critical to the health of the forests themselves as well as the communities downstream. Species composition of this community could be severely impacted by changes in the levels and course of the creek. Flood plain Marsh At least two pockets of Flood plain Marsh were identified. Both are associated with the Flood plain Forest south of NW 8th Avenue and one of the sites is just outside the study area. The habitat is characterized by herbaceous vegetation (typically grasses and sedges) with some small shrubs. According to FNAI, these areas experience regular and frequent flooding (250 days/year), as well as occasional low intensity burns (every 1-5 years). These conditions keep invasive shrubs and trees from expanding into the marsh and, eventually, excluding the grasses. This area, however, may now be encroached upon so heavily by residential development that future safe burning is not possible. Succession to Flood plain Forest is probable. Flood plain Swamp An extensive area of Flood plain Swamp extends from the southern edge of the Sugarfoot Prairie to just west of SW 34th Street. The abundance of buttressed trees and high lichen lines in this habitat attest to the high frequency of flooded conditions. Many small areas within this habitat hold isolated ponds of water for long periods of time, releasing them only as floodwaters return to flush them out. This release of leaf-litter steeped water is partly responsible for the blackwater aspects of the creek. These isolated ponds are also critical for the reproductive cycle of many amphibians. Basin Marsh Also called Wet Prairie, this habitat dominates Sugarfoot Prairie and extends south around Lake Kanapaha. The area probably developed in a solution depression and is fire- and hydroperiod-maintained. Flooding at least 200 days per year and burning every 1-10 years has kept this area from more serious encroachment by arboreal species. Hogtown Creek Greenway Master Development & Gainesville. FL 16 Management Plan Basin Swamp Beginning just east of 1-75 and continuing west at the lower portion of the Project Site, Bottomland Forests grade into Basin Swamp, and Hogtown Creek becomes highly divided, even in times of very dry weather. To the north is the upland mixed forest habitat of Sugarfoot Hammock and to the south is Lake Kanapaha. It is characterized by periodic dry periods and occasional fire. Hydroperiods are critical, as in other wetland communities, in maintaining species diversity and preventing catastrophic fires. Marsh Lake Lake Kanapaha is a large shallow depression lake surrounded by bands of aquatic vegetation but it is open in the middle. Lake water is derived mostly of runoff from surrounding uplands, and the lake functions as an aquifer recharge source in times of drought (FNAI). However, the lake's water level can fluctuate in response to ground water levels and water volume in the Creek. Even though water levels change significantly in the lake, it is permanent home to many species. Sinkhole Lake These deep inverted cone-shaped depressions occur on limestone formations, where subsurface solution erosion reduces the layer above, resulting in collapse of the surface. As a result, these depressions fill with runoff water or ground water. This habitat is considered endangered in Florida, and should be protected from erosion-causing uses, including high intensity unpaved trails. There are two sinkhole lakes at the south end of Lake Kanapaha. Xeric Hammock An isolated area of this unique habitat occurs in Green Acres Park, where it abuts Flood plain Swamp with almost no ecotone transition. It is common to find young xeric hammock, but very rarely do you find mature xeric hammock. This habitat is an artifact of more extensive Sandhill areas of the ancient past, and is becoming increasingly rare because of its suitability for urban development. SandhilU Characterized by open sand on rolling hills with longleaf pine, wiregrass, and gopher tortoises, this type of community was once common within the Gainesville City limits, but is rarely found today. Fire is a dominant ecological factor in this community type. Frequent fire (every 2-5 years) helps to maintain this habitat and the plants within. Gopher tortoises are abundant in this area. This area is also extremely fragile and should be protected from high-intensity passive recreation activities. THREATENED SPECIES The following is a listing of rare, uncommon, threatened or endangered species that are known to exist within the Project Site: Coontie Zamiafloridana Needle Palm Rhapidophyllum histrix Jackson Vine Smilax smallii Godfrey's Privet Forestiera godfreyi Hogtown Creek Greenway Master Development & Gainesville. FL 17 Management Plan INVASIVE OR NON-NATIVE VEGETATION The most significant invasive, non-native vegetation found within the Project Site includes: TREES Mimosa Japanese Paper Mulberry Camphor Tree Chinaberry Chinese Tallow Green Ligustrum Variegated Ligustrum Albizziajulibrissin Broussonetia papyrifera Cinnamomum camphora Melia azedarach Sapium sebiferum Ligustrum lucidum Ligustrum sinense VINES Coral Vine Air Potato Japanese Honeysuckle Antigonon leptopus Dioscorea bulbifera Lonicerajaponica HERBACEOUS ANNUALS & PERENNIALS Mexican Clover Wandering Jew Richardia scabra Tradescantia fluminensis (Source: Alachua Conservation Trust) FAUNA WITHIN STUDY AREA The landscapes evaluated as part of the Project Site contain an abundant variety of wildlife. Due to the fact that the Project Site is narrow in parts, and linear by purpose, a comprehensive evaluation of all species is not possible, as many animals may only be passing through the corridor on their way to other destinations. The Consulting Team has generated a list of fauna from fieldwork, personal communications with authorities in this area of study, and literature review. Lists of most common types of wildlife are provided in Appendix A of this report. The evaluation of fauna throughout the Project Site defines four distinct groups. A brief description of each group follows: Mammals Numerous small rodents and insectivores are common in each of the habitats previously described. Other large mammals, such as armadillos and opossums are common, while spotted skunks, striped skunks, and gray foxes are infrequently observed. Three species of rabbit are known to exist, and are common to the grassy areas of the corridor. Coyotes are increasingly found in rural areas surrounding the City, so the possibility exists that they are passing through the Project Site corridor. River otters have been observed in Hogtown Creek within the past decade. Although they have not been visually observed, abundant otter signs have been observed as recent as June 1993. Hogtown Creek Greenway Gainesville, FL Master Development & Management Plan Raccoons are very common throughout the corridor, but may be rarely seen because they are nocturnal and tend to avoid interaction with humans. Larger mammals such as deer, bear and panther will not tend to use many portions of the corridor due to human habitation. However, the Lake Kanapaha region offers opportunity for some connection to the San Felasco Hammock and Paynes Prairie. Although the benefits of the "corridor theory" (Noss and Harris 1986) to mammals is disputed, the presence of larger mammals, especially deer, may depend on how the greenway system is developed. Birds A diverse group of wintering migratory and breeding songbirds passeriness) and birds of prey (raptors) are supported by the variety of community types found in the study area. The Lake Kanapaha region provides excellent habitat for a variety of waterfowl, herons, and waterbirds. Over 100 species were identified by the preliminary field survey -- this should be considered a "short list" of birds for the area. Among the more significant finds are a pair of bald eagles, wood stork and the loggerhead shrike, a species which is declining throughout its range. Given the extensive conversion of forested and wetland habitats to agriculture and residential land use, this area should be regarded as critical to the continued viability of these species. Many migratory songbirds currently breed and nest in the mixed and bottomland hardwood forests of the study area. The selection of nesting sites are probably explained in part by the absence of human occupation and active use in the area. The lack of human presence is probably also a factor in the high incidence of nesting in the larger interior woodland zones such as the Sugarfoot Prairie and Sugarfoot Hammock areas. The riparian woodlands are important for insectivorous birds, such as swallows, robins, thrushes, and warblers, while the prairie and lake areas are critical for raptors dependent on small mammals, lizards, snakes and frogs. This area is also close enough to the nesting habitats of Paynes Prairie that the open prairie species such as bittens and meadowlarks utilize the lake area. Songbirds often increase in species diversity with suburban development. This effect is largely due to an increase in the variety of micro habitats (exotic fruit and flowering ornamentals) and frequently provided feeders. In some cases, native bird species could be reduced due to the success of other exotic species. One goal of the greenway should be to minimize this effect by preserving contiguous natural forest, where native passerines will be less threatened by crowding (Stouffer and Best 1990). Studies are ongoing as to the minimum critical size of habitat fragments for each species. Reptiles, Amphibians and Fish The herpetofauna of headwater areas in Hogtown Creek basin probably includes creek-side salamanders. There is also a chance that certain upland and flatwoods species intrude into these narrow valleys from adjoining habitats. There is nothing unique about midvalley amphibian and reptile faunas. The herpetofauna includes species that are adapted to variable water levels. Impoundment by road embankments on the upgrade side of midstream areas (NW 8th Avenue) impacts vegetative cover and probably disrupts terrestrial and wetland invertebrates, and, to a lesser extent, vertebrates. Hogtown Creek Greenway Master Development & Gainesville, FL 19 Management Plan Herpetological communities in the Kanapaha basin include species that favor aquatic sites. Herpetological species from this area include the rusty mud salamander. Described by Goin and Netting (1942 Ann. Carnegie Mus., 29:175- 196), this salamander was initially collected in the Hogtown Creek basin. Two of the species, defined from the Consulting Team's investigations, are proposed for federal listing as Threatened species. Although not previously collected in the Project Site, these species could use ephemeral pools in the Kanapaha basin. The gopher tortoise is a "species of special concern" in Florida, and declining in Gainesville due to habitat loss. According to the Florida Game and Fresh Water Fish Commission (FGFWFC) the respiratory bacterial disease that is reaching epidemic proportions in other areas of the state has not affected local gopher tortoise populations. Active gopher tortoise colonies exist west of the University's Behavior Research Lab and in small sandy upland patches around Sugarfoot Prairie. Over 20 burrows were located at the Behavior Lab site alone. This area is rather isolated and does not allow natural escape should conditions change. If their burrow locations cannot be protected translocation to other suitable sandhill sites is suggested. The fish fauna includes approximately 16 native species and an undetermined number of exotics. Notropis chalybaeus is the only representative of a traditional creek fauna; other fish inventoried are typical of ponds, lakes and sluggish streams. Dissolved oxygen levels are critical to native fish communities, which in turn supports a variety of species including raccoons, osprey, eagles and otters. Constant flow rates in designated streams are required during the hottest periods of the year in order to ensure minimum oxygen requirements for fish. Native species have less tolerance of low oxygen levels than some exotic fish. A complete fish survey was not performed as part of the field investigations by the Team. It is suggested that the public be encouraged to work with a local agency to develop baseline information on fish populations, by recording their catches and other sampling programs. Crustaceans, Mollusks and Insects Large crayfish (Pennsylvanius clarktc, related to the Louisiana crayfish, were observed in Glen Springs, and probably occur at other locations. An unusual crayfish was reported in the late 1930's from a creek-side seepage area in the upper portion of Hogtown Creek. Other than this observation, the known range of the species is considerably north of Gainesville. The Hogtown population represents the most southern known site of occurrence. The presence of this unusual crustacean should be confirmed through more detailed investigations. Numerous species of clams and snails, as well as exotics have been recorded from Hogtown Creek, but unfortunately their status is undetermined at this time. No comprehensive inventory of invertebrates exists for Hogtown Creek or adjacent areas. Noteworthy species include the gomphid dragonfly and the nymph, which is an extensive creek bank burrowing species and a good indicator of water quality. Some creek damselfly nymphs are also good water quality indicators. The latter species was observed extensively on the creek bottom in the NW 8th Avenue bottomlands. Hogtown Creek Greenway Master Development & Gainesville, FL 20 Management Plan Perhaps the best known insect species of the Project Site is Say's Spiketail, a large species of dragonfly that occurs in adjacent Possum Branch, and has attracted the attention of entomologists from around the world. (Bill Maufrey, Personal Communication). According to the International Odonata Research Institute, it is very likely that the Possum Branch population (the largest in the world) is not the only one in the Project Site, and that seepage dependent species may occur in the Project Site north and south of Glen Springs. The species is currently a candidate for listing by the FGFWFC and is considered vulnerable. Two additional species dependent on this seepage community are the Gray Petatail and Furtive Forktail, two rare species of damselfly that have been seen in the Glen Springs area. Probably the best locally known of all invertebrates in the Project Site is the Sugarfoot Fly. This unique fly is the only member of its subfamily known to occur in North America (Amoroso 1991) and the Sugarfoot Hammock location is one of only two sites from which it is known. All that is known of this species is that adults are most active during the wettest part of the year -- June to October. The fly is active during the night and rests in the bark of trees during the day. The dominant tree species at the fly site are Sweetgum, Hophombean, Sugarberry, Redbay, and Swamp Chestnut Oak. Without accurate field data, there is little that can be done to protect the species other than to leave its habitat undisturbed. The species is a candidate for listing by FGFWFC and is considered vulnerable. Several Keynote Features of the Project Site deserve special mention, and do not conveniently fit into the description of flora and fauna. These are listed within the following Table 1 and illustrated on the enclosed Map 7, entitled Ecological Survey Sites. CULTURAL RESOURCES The Hogtown Creek basin was populated by native Americans for approximately 10,000 years. Several archaeological sites have been documented by the Department of State, Division of Historical Resources (DHR). The Florida Master Site File contains 15 archaeological sites within the proposed Project Site, as illustrated in Table 2. Additional sites have been cataloged in the vicinity of Lake Kanapaha and Sugarfoot Hammock. There are no known buildings of historical interest within the Project Site. CULTURAL EVALUATION OF THE PROJECT STUDY AREA A preliminary cultural resources evaluation of the Hogtown Creek Greenway project was conducted by SouthArc Incorporated of Gainesville, in April 1993, to identify areas of high, medium and low potential for archaeological or historical resources (See Map 8). This study defined sensitive areas within the Project Site as well as a scope of work that will be required for more intensive survey and site assessment once specific facility development projects are determined to be implemented Hogtown Creek Greenway Master Development & Gainesville, FL 21 Management Plan Sitc Keynote Species or Features I Species in this wetland area include water shrew, marsh rat, osprey, ducks, coots and many migratory bird species. 2 Remarkably large sabal palms and live oaks 3 Population of aquatic plant, Nuphar hiea: birds include Terns, Great Blue Herons, galinule, coots. Other animals include alligators and gar fish (some over 2ft long) 4 Species include abundant nesting Osprey 5 Area contains unique limestone fault line in Mcsic Hammock bordering remnant Sand ~____ Hill habitat. 6 Area is remnant Sand Hill, an ecological succession to hammock. Species include Gopher Tortoise and one of the tortoises favorite foods, the cactus mOpuntia humifusa 7 Large individuals of Gum and Elm trees and perhaps the best seasonal population of ____ Lobelia cardinalis occur where the creek becomes highly dissected. 9 Species include remarkably large examples of red bay tree, i'ersea barhonia II Species include Carex intumescens, Bumelia reclinala var. reclinala, Arundinaria gigantea, Aesculus pavia, Hymenocallis rotata 12 Area of rolling topography, dry hammock grading down to more swampy conditions near the creek 15 Most dense concentration of poison ivy observed. Occurring in the ecotone, Paw Paw ~____ (Asimina pan'iflora) 16 Gayli.ssachia sp and other species of Xeric Hammock are well represented. The XH is considered the climax community, originally a Scrub area, fire has been excluded ____ here for many years 17 Extensive Osprey habitat. Plant species include; Spirantfhes cernua, E*pidendrum ________ conol)sium (both orchids), Arisaema frilphl/um, large Quercus virginiana 18 This "pine island" or isolated Sand Hill habitat is unique in the grccn\ka) Area, and is perhaps one of the most fragile. It is presently home to a very dense population of ____ Gopher Tortoise which have lately been heavily predated (dug up and killed) by dogs. 19 Species incl: Trillium recurvata, Arundinaria gigantea, Aesculus pavia, Arisacema _______triloha. ,ahal minor; and very large specimens of Planera aqualica (Water Elm) 20 Marsh is dominated by Zizaniopsis milliacea (wild rice) 21 Species include Aesculus pavia, Spiranthes cernua (orchid), Acer floridana, i'orestiera (native privet), Cralaegus uniflora, Arundinaria giganlea, Zizaniopsis ____ milliacea (wild rice) 22 Species include swamp chestnut oak; Arisaema triphyllum, Spruce Pine (P'inus ____ glabra): clubtail dragonfly (indicator species for water quality) 24 Ring Park species include native Rhododendron, Haw, Bumelia and numerous other planted natives. 25 Species include the Needle Palm (Rhaphidophyllum histrix), Hornwort (P'haeoceros sp.), Jack-in-the-pulpit (Arisaema triphylluTm) 26 Pair of Bald Eagles nesting just northeast of dike area. Nest is in one of only two tall ~____ pine trees available. NOTE NOT ALL SITES HAVE KEYNOTE SPECIES OR FEATURES TABLE 1 HOGTOWN CREEK GREENWAY' Ch6nesvffle, Rod& Ec'ological Survey Sites and NW 39ch Avmuc Community Types bNWW,A. ftrft Bottomland Forest Basin Marsh ................. 25 Basin Swamp 23) Floodplm*n Forest 22 Floodplain Marsh 20' 21, Floodplain Swamp Annuc 13" Marsh Lake Spring Sinkhole'Lake ftwwle Seepage Stream 10) M 20-th Avcn 7 Upland Mixed Forest 6 26 4 Xeric H mock MWPh Lokn Sand Hi r, r I LOU Develo eas &nkhok jft 1 21 miles 0 "Mill AWVE ARE Q94EM LOCATIONS OF LARGER AREAS s-rumw- 23 NUP 7 ............ LISTED ARCHAEOLOGICAL SITES IN THE HOGTOWN CREEK GREENWAY Site # Parcel Site Name Culture Type 8AL02333 FCT-17 Glen Springs Indeterminate Artifact scatter 8AL02497 FCT-18 Colony Park Alachua; Artifact Early Archaic scatter 8AL00070 FCT-20 Watkins Deptford Artifact scatter 8AL00390 FCT-41 Un-named Prehistoric- Burial mounds ceramic 8AL00388 FCT-41 Un-named Prehistoric- Middens ______________ ~unspecified ________ 8AL00463 FCT-49 Henderson Prehistoric- Prehistoric Mound unspecified mounds 8AL00465 FCT-51 Un-named Archaic; Habitation Deptford 8AL00387 FCT-52 Un-named Prehistoric- Midden ceramic 8AL00389 FCT-53 Un-named Prehistoric- Midden _______________ unspecified 8AL00258 FCT-54 Un-named Prehistoric- Artifact ceramic scatter 8AL00172 FCT-60 Un-named Prehistoric- Artifact _____________ unspecified scatter 8AL00160 FCT-62 Proctor Farm Hickory Pond Artifact scatter 8AL00173 FCT-62 Proctor North Prehistoric- Artifact Field ceramic scatter 8AL00174 FCT-62 Sam Harrell Prehistoric-non Lithic quarry ceramic 8AL00451 FCT-62 Proctor Farm Prehistoric-non Artifact ceramic-archaic scatter 8AL00159 FCT-69 B.F. Williams Deptford Artifact- scatter 8AL00157 FCT-71 Damron Prehistoric- Lithic scatter/ unspecified quarry 8AL00158 FCT-72 Arrowhead Fish Prehistoric- Artifact Camp ceramic scatter 8AL00443 Westgate Hogtown Creek Prehistoric- Artifact Shopping archaic scatter Center TABLE 2 Archaeological mnd Historical Bensitivity Areas I HIGH SENSITIVITY MEDIUM SENSITIVITY Low lm:"Ty Terwilliger Pond HOGTOWN CREEK GREENWAY PROJECT SITE CITY OF OMNESVUZZ. FLORIDA DEFT. OF CULTURAL AND NATURE OPERATIONS WmiwMarAom0c= C WMVJUS IHCORPGRM3Z GWAIUXSI AcnD SOCITSm I Ii. UBi~uui. amhaanizcrE 8nrHAil. A XcT8 mpwKPA.ARCMT= L. o3 3LM Ew ooWU1Wt3 U , Loblolly Environmental * Education eFacility Westside Park- Kanapaha Park--I If L * Green Acres Park t a L N.W. 29th B ARoad Bridge ', --Galnesville Mali -Alfred A. Ring Park - Westgate Shopping Center SUniversity of Florida Creekside Mall 25 MAP 8 P~ Westwood is MOBI nrVOTm * 1 + N^ 4ftewot m lol aens tJ Methodology SouthArc employed a broad reconnaissance method for evaluating the Project Site. Project tasks included: 1) Background research to identify known sites and the environmental characteristics of the tracts proposed for greenway acquisition. This information was utilized to define the sensitive areas. The data was obtained from the record of the Florida Master Site File office, the original Federal land survey maps and notes, historic materials on file at P. K. Yonge Library of Florida History and Alachua County archives, previous cultural resource studies within the county, topographic maps, soil surveys, and historic and modem aerial photography. 2) Preparation of a brief report outlining the results of this task and the development of a map showing the levels of sensitivity within the greenway corridor. The report and this level of effort are not designed to satisfy the DHR requirements for cultural resource surveys. In order to meet those requirements, subsurface testing will be required. Preliminary Evaluation Results SouthArc's evaluation of archaeological and historical resources is general and has limited application as a planning and management tool. The final resource documentation will have to be prepared at a future date, based on more intensive site investigations. High potential areas are those areas which contain known archaeological sites, or could contain such sites. Parameters for these areas include: 1) locations of known archaeological sites; 2) reasonably well drained soils and soils associated with known sites: 3) areas within 150 meters of the 66 foot contour line around Lake Kanapaha basin; and 4) level areas above the floodplain and isolated knolls within the Hogtown Creek basin. Medium potential areas are defined as: 1) well drained high potential soils 150 meters to 200 meters above the 66 foot contour interval; 2) higher ground in proximity to isolated water sources or sinks; 3) areas of moderate slope between the 62 and 66 foot contour levels around Lake Kanapaha; and 4) areas of moderate slope within the creek basin north of the NW 22nd Street. Again, these parameters are based on the distribution of the known sites in the area. All other areas are presently considered to have low potential for cultural resources based on the presence of wetlands, steep slopes, distance of over 200 meters from the 66 foot contour, and flatwoods areas. There are at least 23 known archaeological sites in proximity to the Project Site. These have primarily been identified as a result of surface inspection. No formal surveys have been completed in the area of concern, so a survey would undoubtedly reveal additional sites, particularly in proximity to Lake Kanapaha and the prairie south of Oaks Mall. Hogtown Creek Greenway Master Development & Gainesville. FL 26 Management Plan Recommendations The DHR guidelines recommend an intensive systematic subsurface survey prior to developments which utilize state funding. Subsurface testing will be required at 25 meter intervals in high potential areas, 50 meter intervals in medium potential areas, and a ten percent sample of low potential areas. An assessment of significant sites will also have to be completed. Significant sites will require mitigation of impacts through preservation or data recovery excavations. Since this project is partially funded by a state grant, DHR will request compliance with these guidelines in order to obtain permitting for the project. In addition, any cultural resources assessment surveys of the Project Site will be submitted to DHR for comment and review prior to any land clearing or ground disturbing activities. Additionally, where properties within the proposed greenway are identified as containing a high potential for archaeological or paleontological significance, development of greenway facilities will proceed in a manner that is consistent with City and County Comprehensive Plan policies and land development regulations for protection of these resources. Once an area of the project site has been identified as potentially having archaeological resources, a cost-effective scientific investigation to evaluate the extent and significance of the archaeological resources must be completed, before an irreversible action, such as looting, is allowed to take place. Public disclosure of archaeological sites prior to the establishment of protective measures leads to the pilferation and destruction of the site and possibly the only information about its history. Therefore, when valuable archaeological resources are identified or suspected prior to or during an investigation, the information shall be handled with appropriate protection of its confidentiality, and provided only on a need-to-know basis to the state archaeologist, property owner, project sponsor, or public agency official responsible for project approval. In addition, the site's specific location and other pertinent information shall be omitted in public documents until protective measures are in effect. This Master Development and Management Plan supports the provision of protective measures for cultural resources by requiring that the collection of artifacts or the disturbance of archaeological and historic sites on the Project Site is prohibited unless prior authorization has been obtained from the Department of State, Division of Historical Resources. In addition to, and notwithstanding, the above protective measures, all applicable policies contained in the respective City and County Comprehensive Plans and all applicable land development regulations of the City and County, respectively, shall be followed, as required by law. Hogtown Creek Greenway Master Development & Gainesvllle, FL 27 Management Plan CULTURAL AND ENVIRONMENTAL PROGRAMS Several cultural and environmental programs are already in existence within the Project Site. It is anticipated that these existing programs will be expanded and improved, and new programs initiated to take advantage of the unique resources within the Hogtown Creek basin. The existing programs include: Ring Park: A 20-acre linear park located in the northern portion of the Project Site, and acquired by the City in the mid 1980's. This facility parallels the creek just downstream from Glen Springs. The City Department of Cultural and Nature Operations offers environmental education programs for adults and children, as well as passive resource-based recreation activities for park visitors. Loblolly Environmental Education Facility: An 11-acre community facility located in the middle of the Project Site, and acquired by the City in 1990. The Facility is currently being renovated by the City and is scheduled by the City Department of Cultural and Nature Operations, and will offer environmental education programs and interactive learning exhibits for families and children. Kanapaha Botanical Gardens: A 40-acre facility located in the southern portions of the Project Site, this facility was opened in 1978. The Gardens are operated by the non-profit North Florida Botanical Society, which offers education programs in cooperation with the Santa Fe Community College. It is the second largest botanical garden in the state, and the most varied garden in Florida. MAN-MADE FACILITIES/LAND USE EVALUATION Land use and zoning in and around the greenway corridor is predominantly residential, conservation and agricultural, with areas of mixed use commercial, high density residential and institutional. The Project Site corridor is bisected and bordered by several arterial and collector roadways, which provide access to local neighborhoods, shopping centers and schools. The most significant negative impacts experienced by environmental features in the Project Site, have been and will most likely continue to be: roadways, parking lots, illegal dumping of trash, leaks from underground hazardous materials and storage tanks, leaks and spills from industrial and commercial hazardous material sites and hazardous material handling activities. Residential homes near the Project Site also result in significant impacts, including the clearing of riparian vegetation; pesticide, herbicide, and fertilizer runoff; erosion and sedimentation; uncontrolled cats and dogs; noise; introduction of exotic species of flora and fauna; septic tank releases and sewage pipe leaks. (Source: Gainesville Department of Community Development, 1991; Cooper 1978) In the past 15 years, the corridor has become more popular with both pedestrians and bicyclists. Because of this increased popularity, and the inability to control the use and access, these users have caused significant impact and degradation in various areas along the corridor. Hogtown Creek Greenway Master Development & Gainesville, FL 28 Management Plan POTENTIAL AND KNOWN POLLUTION SITES/DEGRADED LANDSCAPES The Project Site contains several sites that have been degraded by poor management of manufacturing processes, leakage of toxic waste, disposal of trash and debris, or have been altered by human activity to the degree that natural ecosystems are impacted. These site locations are identified on Map 9. Cabot Carbon/Koppers Superfund Site This site is 1.5 miles east of the Project Site. Activity at the site has contaminated the surficial aquifer and soil. Compounds found in the groundwater and soils include phenols, terpines, creosote, copper, chromium, and arsenic. Pentachlorophenol was also found in the soils. Pollution, including elevated phenol levels, is apparent in the northern stretches of Hogtown Creek, with the water exhibiting an odor, slight color, and foam. Cabot Corporation and Beazer East, Inc. are currently designing EPA-approved methods for cleaning up the site. Within the coming year, it is anticipated that soil and groundwater remediation will begin. Further study is necessary to determine the downstream extent of contamination within Hogtown Creek, and the expected degree and timing of improvements to the creek due to the site remediation. (Source: Alachua Conservation Trust, 1992; Gainesville Department of Community Development, 1991; Beazer East, Inc., 1992) Farmer's Mutual Exchange A warehouse fire in 1984 contaminated soils and the surficial aquifer. Monitoring is currently underway to determine the condition of the aquifer in the area. (Source: Gainesville Department of Community Development, 1991) Bailey's Branch/Gainesville Mall This tributary of Hogtown Creek flows in a culvert under the parking lot of the Gainesville Mall, emptying into Hogtown Creek at Tax Parcel 9003-004-001. Bailey's Branch has been contaminated by a leaking underground storage tank from a gasoline station approximately 1/4 mile southeast of the Project Site. The source of the contamination has been terminated. A clean-up plan for the contamination has not yet been completed. (Source: Alachua Conservation Trust, 1992). The Consulting Team also notes that a sizable amount of trash and debris has been discarded and washed from the Gainesville Mall parking lot, through a metal fence, and into Hogtown Creek. This trash includes more than 100 shopping carts, tires, and other assorted debris. Shands Swamp A field investigation in 1991 discovered the presence of a large accumulation of trash and debris just south of Raintree Subdivision on a City-owned Greenway property (Tax Parcel 6439-001-0000). The accumulation appears to be the result of deposition from upstream sources, and is probably non-hazardous. (Source: Gainesville Department of Community Development, 1992). Hogtown Creek Greenway Master Development & Gainesville, FL 29 Management Plan Potential and Known Pollution Sites Hogtown Creek Greenway Gainesville, Florida LEGEND --. Hogtown Creek Greenway Boundary Une --Farmers Mulul -- ---- Farmere Mulual - i T Mi s 0.4 MW&il UF Landfill Ptated by the OflpWItwn of Conmwuim y ODevekxwi Aguedt 19- MAP 9 30 i Westgate Shopping Center Area This shopping center is located in a filled section of the Hogtown Creek floodplain. The creek has been channelized and is in need of restoration. The City's stormwater management master plan for the creek proposes modifications for this area. (Source: Alachua Conservation Trust, 1992) Sugarfoot Prairie Sporadic dumping of trash has occurred at various locations near and within Hogtown Prairie. (Source: Gainesville Department of Community Development, 1992) University of Florida Landfill The University formerly operated a landfill west of the main campus. Contamination by several organic compounds (benzene, chlorobenzene, vinyl chloride, clomethane, and dichlorobenzene) has been detected at an upgradient off-site well. The Florida Department of Environmental Regulation (FDER) plans to conduct an investigation to determine the source of the contamination, and will then begin enforcement action against the responsible parties for remediation. A consultant retained by UF is implementing a groundwater monitoring plan (Source: Gainesville Department of Community Development, 1991) Interstate 75 The interstate bisects Sugarfoot Hammock and crosses Hogtown Creek. It is a source of noise and air pollution, results in the death of thousands of animals each year by road kills, represents a visual eyesore, and contributes to degradation of water quality from surface runoff. The interstate is presently being widened from four to six lanes. (Alachua Conservation Trust, 1992) Dam on Lake Kanapaha In 1911, Hogtown Prairie was diked off from Lake Kanapaha. The stonework dam, which runs roughly east to west, is about five feet high at its highest point. Although much of the dam has fallen, the higher land under the dike still separates the two water bodies during low water periods. During high water periods, the dike does not impede water flow. There are no plans to alter or remove the dike. (Source: Dickinson and Wayne 1990) Split Rock There are a number of concrete and flint rock structures located around an active sink hole near Hogtown Prairie. They consist of steps, foundations, and walls which were apparently built in the early 20th century for recreational use. Their future and significance has not been determined. (Source: Dickinson and Wayne 1990) Hogtown Creek Greenway Master Development & Gainesville. FL 31 Management Plan Kanapaha Water Reclamation Plant Gainesville Regional Utilities (GRU) operates the Kanapaha Plant on the western side of Lake Kanapaha. The Plant provides tertiary treatment to meet drinking water quality standards, and injects the treated effluent into the deep aquifer. The Plant has a permit to discharge excess effluent to Lake Kanapaha, which has occurred periodically in the past (Source: Alachua Conservation Trust, 1992). GRU has recently approved plans to divert a portion of the effluent to provide irrigation. Hogtown Creek Greenway Gainesville. FL Master Development & Management Plan PROJECT GOALS [ [ F F I, U 11 11 I! U U ID In In Ii [ PROJECT GOALS Based on the thorough evaluation of environmental and cultural features of the Project Site, the Consulting Team and Gainesville City staff worked with an appointed citizens advisory group, through a planning and design charette to define appropriate goals and objectives for the proposed Hogtown Creek Greenway. The following mission statement for the proposed greenway was developed by the Consulting Team and the citizens advisory group: To preserve and protect the riparian lands and waters of Hogtown Creek through the development of a multi-objective community greenway system. The greenway will protect lands adjacent to the primary creek channel and on selected tributaries from further urban encroachment and development, will provide areas for stormwater management and flood control, will offer improved access to the unique environs of Hogtown Creek so that local residents and tourists can participate in passive recreation, environmental education and other appropriate social activities, will offer the community with a non-motorized north-south linkage that can serve alternative transportation purposes, and will promote economic redevelopment and revitalization of areas throughout west Gainesville. The following goal statements, all of which were developed at the design charette with the exception of the Cultural Resource Goal which was suggested by the Division of Historical Resources, more clearly articulate the mission statement and vision for the Hogtown Creek Greenway. ENVIRONMENTAL GOAL To protect and improve the Hogtown Creek creek channel, her tributaries and flood prone areas from encroachment of incompatible uses and urban development. To establish policies and programs that preserve, restore and protect the ecological functions and sensitive species of the Hogtown Creek and its environment. TRANSPORTATION GOAL To establish an effective, continuous, multi-modal, non-motorized alternative transportation network for the Hogtown Creek Greenway and surrounding community. RECREATION GOAL To provide ecologically sound, accessible and appropriate recreation. HEALTH AND FITNESS GOAL To provide ecologically sound, accessible and appropriate opportunities for pursuit of health and fitness. QUALITY OF LIFE GOAL To provide a community commons where people can interact peacefully with each other and with nature. Hogtown Creek Greenway Master Development & Gainesville, FL 33 Management Plan PUBLIC ACCESS/PRIVACY GOAL To provide the maximum public access possible to Hogtown Creek and its environs while maintaining appropriate protection for privacy and the environment. SAFETY AND SECURITY GOAL To provide a safe and secure recreation and transportation network for the people who use and live along the greenway, and the wildlife that inhabit greenway lands. EDUCATION GOAL To increase public awareness of the natural environment and the responsible use of such resources through public access and educational programming. OPERATIONS AND MANAGEMENT GOAL To ensure efficient and ecologically sound long term operations and management practices consistent with community greenway goals. FINANCIAL GOAL To ensure adequate on-going financial support in order to meet the goals and objectives of the greenway. ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT GOAL To capitalize on and celebrate the quantitative and non-quantitative economic benefits of the greenway for the entire community. CULTURAL RESOURCE GOAL To protect and ensure professional interpretation of significant cultural resources. Hogtown Creek Greenway Gainesville. FL Master Development & Management Plan PROPERTY ACQUISITION PROPERTY ACQUISITION The Hogtown Creek Greenway project is comprised of 64 parcels of land, forty- four of which remain to be acquired (See Map 10 and 11). According to the Alachua Conservation Trust (1992), there are three categories of properties that are to be acquired within the project study area: 1) vacant, developed land; 2) vacant land of marginal development value due to flood elevations or poor access; and 3) developed land that needs to be acquired to provide greenway connectivity. The City of Gainesville and Alachua County have structured a "Multi-Party Acquisition Agreement" to pursue the land acquisition of required parcels of land. The Alachua Conservation Trust is under contract to provide certain services to the City and County to assist with acquisition. It is the objective of this project to acquire sufficient properties to ensure connectivity throughout the greenway. It is recognized, however, that not all properties will be acquired through this program due to the possibility of unwilling sellers, title problems, lack of sufficient funds, environmental problems, or other reasons. Some properties are crucial to acquire for the viability of the project, while others are less essential (See Map 11). Some parcels are proposed to be acquired in fee simple, while a less than fee interest, such as an easement, may be acquired on other parcels. The FCT grant application recommends an "interest to be acquired" for each parcel. However, the ownership of these properties may change in the process of negotiating for each parcel. The value of some parcels to the greenway project may not adequately be reflected using the appraisal requirements of 18-1.006, F. A. C. Therefore, certain parcels may be acquired using alternative valuation methods, and will be donated to the State consistent with Section 253.025, F. S. after they have been acquired by ACT or the City. The following criteria have been generally used to establish priorities for greenway parcel acquisition: Willing Seller These persons increase the likelihood that a parcel can be acquired under terms that are favorable to the greenway manager. Unwilling sellers typically extract exorbitant concessions or selling prices for their property. Outstanding Feature(s) Parcels which possess outstanding features such as significant natural areas or important historical structures can play an important role in giving a greenway an identity, and increase the popularity of the greenway. Also, acquiring such parcels increases the likelihood that the significant features on the parcel will be restored and/or preserved for future generations. Hogtown Creek Greenway Master Development & Gainesville, FL 35 Management Plan Publicly-Owned Parcels Hogtown Creek Greenway GAINESVILLE, FLORIDA LEGEND ---- Hoglown Creek Greenway Boundary. Line * Publicly-Owned Parcels a Private Preserve Mile. 0.21 0."O i _ - S." ~4A aft *~~*~tt 4fl't B. lot. n,..ug Propwed by i9W opoapm 01 CcnvwlAy Oeveopmef Auguil 1W2 MAP 10 Priority Parcel Acquisitions Hogtown Creek Greenway GAINESVILLE. FLORIDA LEGEND Hogtown Creek Greenway Boundary Line High Priority Medium Priority Low Priority Pubicly-Owned Parcels Private Preserve ii j Mile ol : 40 *. h O.O Prepfed by "h 0"panmwm 0l Cimxnlty Oeveopnmw MAP 11 .W 510. . m D (Wiii 5~ 0~~ '~-* LEGEND MAPI 11--'I99 Linkage Parcels that physically link existing greenway segments, or provide lateral links to important sites such as schools, residential and commercial areas, and environmentally significant areas, are extremely important in achieving the continuity objective of greenways. Continuity enhances wildlife habitat (by providing wildlife corridors linking larger habitats) and trail establishment (by allowing the greenway trail to avoid relatively dangerous and inconvenient road by-passes). Development Threat Parcels that are threatened by development incompatible with the greenway (or are a threat to general environmental conservation objectives) should be prioritized. Multiple Use Parcels that potentially provide multiple public benefits without causing such problems as environmental degradation or negative impacts to a neighborhood, should be prioritized. Following acquisition, the property will be subject to a detailed environmental survey (including plant, animal, and habitat inventories) to establish baseline conditions and additional information to determine the appropriate use of the property. In addition, a surveyor will be employed to establish property boundaries and other features such as flood elevations, and utility and road rights-of-way and easements. This Master Development and Management Plan offers a listing of those properties prioritized for acquisition by the Multi-Party Acquisition Agreement and subsequent Acquisition Plan. Hogtown Creek Greenway Gainesville, FL Master Development & Management Plan RECOMMENDED GREENWAY FACILITIES RECOMMENDED GREENWAY FACILITIES In order to develop the Hogtown Creek Greenway in a manner that meets the goals and needs of the community, the City will proceed with development of the following facilities. These facilities represent a compilation of the "Preferred Design Concept" that was generated by design charette participants in April 1993 (See Map 13, page 111). NW 23RD AVE., AT GAINESVILLE MALL, TO ELKS CLUB LODGE This segment of the greenway is proposed to extend westerly along NW 23rd Avenue from the Gainesvillle Mall Activity Center, across the bridge at Hogtown Creek to the Elks Club Lodge. Currently, this road does not have proper signage, appropriate improvements for cycling, or contiguous sidewalk facilities on the south side of NW 23rd Avenue that interlinks with the Elks Club Lodge. On-street bicycle facilities will be a long term objective for the County along this segment of the road. In the short term, the bike route and greenway logo signs, as well as the extension of sidewalks, will be installed from the Elks Club Lodge to the Gainesville Mall Activity Center in order to provide safe passage between these two destination points of the proposed greenway corridor. As the intersection of NW 23rd Avenue and NW 16th Street is a controlled intersection, it is the most logical point to cross the roads for accessing the Elks Club Lodge or the Gainesville Mall. One of the most challenging aspects of this segment of the proposed greenway will be the needed acquisition of the Elks Club Lodge. This facility offers the City an opportunity to establish one of the greenway's trail heads that could provide cultural and environmental education programs, as was suggested during the Design Charette. The City is presently researching the structural condition of the buildings, demolition of the concrete pools surrounding Glen Springs, restoration of Glen Springs to its natural landscape, and the potential uses that the facilities could accommodate. These forms of improvements will require a financial commitment that is beyond the immediate scope of this project, and will be a long term objective for the City. In the interim, the Lodge will provide the City with parking, restrooms, pedestrian access to Alfred A. Ring Park and possibly serve as a greenway information center and/or headquarters for greenway maintenance personnel. The Lodge presently has approximately 80 parking spaces that will offer community residents, who do not live close enough to bike or walk to the greenway, with a northern point of access to the greenway system and Alfred A. Ring Park. Signs will be utilized at all trail heads and throughout the greenway for directional, regulatory and informative purposes (See Figure 1). Environmental restoration of the Elks Club Lodge landscape and the historic Glen Springs is required, irrespective of the decision to leave the buildings and structures intact. Hogtown Creek Greenway Master Development & Gainesville. FL 39 Management Plan z !-- w LJ CLL O. 00 o 0 ON :oM1 LU 8-'- ?1 r ^ IL. 5w 40 . ca r zz > z z : jEv 00 4 CO^1 5' riw (I 00 __IILI___________ j "oH K Z CC .tzFl ________ _ _ _ 0^*BU 9. LL~ GHS TO ELKS CLUB LODGE VIA NW 23RD AVENUE The Team notes that proposed greenway facilities along NW 23rd Avenue will establish a proposed connection to the Gainesville High School, via the existing facilities located along NW 16th Avenue. The greenway trail system will then offer students with a choice in travel from their neighborhood to school, serving a transportation function. Signs will be needed to direct students from the high school to greenway facilities. Additional greenway parking might also be available at the high school, and the Team recommends that the City negotiate necessary agreements to obtain access and use of appropriate parking spaces. GAINESVILLE HIGH SCHOOL TO ALFRED A. RING PARK From the High School to Ring Park, the Team notes that although sidewalks are provided along the north side of NW 16th Avenue to Ring Park, signs will be provided to direct students to the park and greenway system. ALFRED A. RING PARK The preferred design development approach for Ring Park includes a pedestrian only trail system through the park (See Figure 2, 3 and 4), as is presently developed. All connections to the park will support the pedestrian only designation, especially at NW 16th Avenue, where children on mountain bikes tend to access the park for recreational pursuits. A pedestrian/bicycle connection will need to be made to the Elks Club Lodge via the existing bridge spanning Glen Springs Run, to link travel and activities between these facilities. ELKS CLUB LODGE TO NW 22ND ST. VIA NW 23RD AVE. R.O.W. In order to interlink the Elks Club Lodge with Alfred A. Ring Park and the neighborhoods to the west, several improvements will have to be made for safety, security and access management purposes. From the Elks Club Lodge parking facilities a combination of multi-use trail (See Figure 5) and boardwalk (See Figure 6) facilities will have to be provided to connect with the existing Glen Springs Run bridge. At this point, railings will be required for the bridge. These railings will also need to be extended approximately 25 feet to the north and south of the bridge to provide safety and access control to the Glen Springs Run. From the south side of the bridge to the pedestrian entrance of Alfred A. Ring Park and to the park's NW 22nd Street entrance, via NW 23rd Avenue right-of-way, the existing mulch trails will be improved to the 10-foot wide, multi-use, off-road asphalt trail. This will enable trail users to utilize existing on-road and sidewalk facilities to interlink the Elks Club Lodge and Ring Park to those greenway parcels to the south and southwest. NW 16TH AVENUE TO NW 8TH AVENUE The segment of the proposed trail that begins at the intersection of NW 16th Avenue and Possum Creek will be accessed by the existing sidewalk facility located on NW 16th Avenue. Both the City and County Departments' of Public Works will require trail users to access this portion of the trail by utilizing the Hogtown Creek Greenway Master Development & Gainesville, FL 41 Management Plan -J H (7 0: UJ w I-- 111 ILl 0 _.I 0 _.I H 0 I- 0* ,I .. .-. .. .. . . I 100 -I I < _j ww w C3 0 0LW IX 2 z w w to _ Ir eU A uJ I- -J 0 H- 0>- Ucfl WI. wro 00 I-1LL TYPICAL MULTI-USE BOARDWALK SCALE: 114"=1'-00 FIGURE 6 A C existing sidewalk on the south side of NW 16th Avenue, via the at-grade crossings at the signalized intersections of NW 22nd Street and NW 34th Street. Once the trail is accessed from NW 16th Avenue, the trail system once again becomes a 10-foot wide, multi-use off-road asphalt trail, and meanders through the Possum Creek Open Space. This trail will follow the existing sanitary sewer easement, which is already cleared and is presently used by local residents. At the intersection of the sewer line and tributary streams of Possum Creek, the trail surface will need to be elevated either on a series of 12- foot wide, multi-use boardwalks, or if permitted, on earthen fill (See Figure 6). Continuing south, the multi-user trail will incorporate neighborhood trail connections to the Tanglewood Subdivision to the east and eventually intersect with the existing sidewalk facility located on the north side of NW 8th Avenue. At this intersection the existing sidewalk offers east/west travel along NW 8th Avenue (See Figure 7). Greenway facility development within the Possum Creek Open Space provides an opportunity to implement extensive environmental restoration of the floodplain landscape. This landscape is presently degraded by uncontrolled access and public use. Additionally, upstream urbanization of the Possum Creek watershed has resulted in deterioration and pollution of the main channel. The riverine configuration through this open space is braided as a result of constant flooding. Drainage culverts under NW 8th Avenue serve to impound stormwater in the open space, and downstream neighbors, south of NW 8th Avenue, are not supportive of an expansion of these culverts to permit improved stormwater flows. The City, along with its Public Works Department, will work extensively with the University of Florida and state agencies to define a design and management strategy for making improvements to this open space landscape. Stormwater detention facilities, in conjunction with habitat restoration, and greenway trail development could result in a re-ordering of public use and eventual restoration of this landscape. ALONG NW 8TH AVENUE TO NW 34TH STREET The Team has carefully considered all of the design options that are available for this segment of the greenway corridor. We are proposing that a two-way, off-road multi-use trail be constructed on the north side of NW 8th Avenue from Hogtown Creek to NW 34th Street (See Figure 7). This will require the extension of the box culverts under NW 8th Avenue to span Possum and Hogtown Creeks. This facility will intersect with the following proposed multi- use trails that extend northward to NW 16th Avenue and NW 22nd Street: 1) the trail extending into the Tanglewood subdivision neighborhood at NW 25th Terrace which extends to NW 16th Avenue, and 2) the combined boardwalk and trail system that extends through the Possum Creek Open Space to NW 16th Avenue. In addition, the City will examine the possibility of installing a wildlife-only underpass beneath NW 8th Avenue to facilitate safe passage of small mammals and other floodplain wildlife from the Possum Creek Open Space to destinations south of NW 8th Avenue. Hogtown Creek Greenway Master Development & Gainesville. FL 47 Management Plan < _ oc I- ILLI .0 co w z .,^ 2,- Z ^ -', U'J o:. cc ]D B~~ ~ T e" ^ / ^ --- "" J -' ' 0 0 w ClCo z w a0 Since the completion of the Design Charette, an alternative design option to the NW 8th Avenue connection has been discussed for the purpose of enhancing the trail user's experience. This option primarily involves maintaining the existing sidewalk along NW 8th Avenue, but includes linking it to a multi-use boardwalk trail facility that will be located in the forest vegetation, approximately 100 to 200 feet north of NW 8th Avenue. This facility will, also, intersect with the three northbound trails as described in the preceding paragraph. Further analysis of this option could be developed during the implementation phase of this area. In order to continue south along the greenway, trail users will need to cross NW 8th Avenue at NW 34th Street intersection (See Figure 8). This is presently a controlled intersection, which also offers convenient access to Littlewood Elementary School. A potential crossing was evaluated at NW 31st Street, but due to lack of signalization at this time, it does not provide the safety benefits of the NW 34th Street intersection, even though that intersection has one of the highest accident rates in the City. Although it is recommended that people use the signalized intersection to cross NW 8th Avenue, there will still be the problem of people making mid-block crossings in non-designated crossing areas, primarily east of NW 31st Street. Because of the long "gap" time required to cross the road, and the characteristic high speed of automobiles using the road, crossing NW 8th Avenue at non-designated areas creates a potentially dangerous situation for trail users and motorists. Failure to offer the best crossing could increase the liability associated with this intersection and unnecessarily expose the City to additional risks. Currently, the City staff is researching the possibility of providing additional traffic signalization for NW 8th Avenue, other alternative means of providing access across NW 8th Avenue and controlling the speed of traffic. A potential underpass or overpass was evaluated for the NW 31st Street intersection; however, the at-grade option is being pursued until trail use increases to the point that conflicts warrant a re-evaluation of the crossing. It may then be easier to justify the expense of an overpass or underpass. This area also provides the opportunity for additional public parking for potential users who do not live close to the trail. Westside Park will serve as a trail head for the greenway. It currently provides enough parking to accommodate the greenway's projected demand. Overflow parking will be available on the weekends at Littlewood Elementary School. Clear signage will be installed throughout this area to guide movement and inform users of the hazards of illegal crossing of NW 8th Avenue. NW 34TH ST. TO LOBLOLLY ENVIRONMENTAL ED. FACILITY From the intersection of NW 34th Street and NW 8th Avenue, the trail system will continue south as an off-road, multi-use asphalt trail and boardwalk system, between the western bank of Possum Creek and rear property lines of homes that front on NW 34th Street. This is a challenging landscape for trail development for a number of reasons. First, stormwater is normally impounded in a sizable wetland area, making it difficult to achieve a surface trail system. Second, private properties are relatively close to western bank of Possum Creek, meaning that routing options are limited. Finally, Hogtown Creek Greenway Master Development & Gainesville, FL 49 Management Plan II PREFERRED SITE PLAN FOR LOBLOLLY AREA ji Hogtown Creek Greenwav GAINESVILLE, FLORIDA Ii LEGEND meg Hogtown Creek Greenway Boundary Line J --.,, Multi-Purpose Trail jb 111111 Boardwalk Mi Ii MARSH AREA PROPOSED AS A 1/ PRSTORMWATER MANAGEMENT PROJECT WESTSIDE PARK / i/ ... 1 I -__ __ ,______i ______ii____i .... .... ____lNW THA VE^ __~ I MULTI-USE TRAIL ACCESS TO i -;// 5-BLACK ACRES NEIGHBORHOOD S|I II / / 1. .... .. POSSUM CREEK-- | ji I | SI-HANKIN/DELAINO -; I PROPERTIES " + ++f / / "+1 "'-, -*-"" ,I I /- +V / 7- v_ '. / = -. \+ ......1 / j'..^ ^ U. -. *f-- Kx ... - FIGURE 8 environmental sensitivity requires that trail development be balanced with restoration to ensure successful greenway implementation. As a result of the Design Charette, local property owners in this section (Hankins and Delaino) are currently negotiating with the Alachua Conservation Trust to sell their property to the City for greenway purposes. This sale would greatly improve the ability to achieve multiple objectives in this area. It allows the trail to be routed west of the creek channel, toward higher ground. The sale would enable the City to develop a proposed stormwater detention facility south of NW 8th Avenue and west of Possum Creek, which may result in a reduction in the size and location of detention berms along Hogtown Creek. Finally, the Team feels that this sale would permit a better connection to the Loblolly Environmental Education Facility, the next public facility along the proposed greenway route. As a major component of greenway facility development, a comprehensive program of environmental restoration will need to accompany facility development through this segment. This area has been degraded by abundant off-trail use, and it is expected that the designated greenway trail will encourage the majority of users to stay on the multi-user trail tread. At the Loblolly Environmental Education Facility, the trail will be routed so that it provides appropriate access to and through the facility. Some public parking, approximately 5 spaces, will be made available to serve the Center. In addition, the Gainesville Regional Transit System will be encouraged to provide a connection with the greenway at the regular stop near the Center. BLACK ACRES BIKE PATH An existing bicycle/pedestrian path links local residents with the existing sidewalks along the south side of NW 8th Avenue. A formal trail connection will need to be developed along NW 8th Avenue to improve this linkage. Additionally, improvements will be made to the trail surface and drainage structures along this pathway (See Figure 9). These improvements will be provided through the development of a multi-use trail which will reduce trail maintenance and increase the pathways tread life. LOBLOLLY ENVIRONMENTAL ED. FACILITY TO WESTGATE S. C. From the Loblolly Environmental Education Facility, the trail continues south to Westgate Shopping Center. The Alachua Conservation Trust is currently working with owners of the Creekside Apartments to acquire land for the greenway trail. Trail development will require the installation of a 12-foot wide by 60-foot long bridge across a stormwater detention weir (See Figure 8 and 10). Trail development will then be located on the southeast side of Hogtown Creek and connect with NW 34th Street. In addition, a comprehensive program of restoration will be required for the Hogtown Creek channel through this segment. Prior channelization of the creek bed has resulted in siltation and overgrowth of weeds and aquatic vegetation. The City has proposed restoration as part of the stormwater management plan for this area. Hogtown Creek Greenway Master Development & Gainesville, FL 51 Management Plan % J_0 i FENCING AND/OR VEGETATIVE BUFFER USED FOR ACCESS MANAGEMENT, SECURITY, AND PRIVACY BLACK ACRES NEIGHBORHOOD MULTI-USE TRAILS NO SCALE 52 FIGURE 9 U) I- LU a uJ 0 LU 0 w Ir 0~ H- WESTGATE SHOPPING CENTER TO CREEKSIDE MALL At the intersection of NW 34th Street and Hogtown Creek, the trail will be routed beneath the existing roadway bridge, and up onto the south side of the channel, behind the commercial establishments in the Westgate Shopping Center (See Figure 11). Utilizing bridge underpasses as part of the trail system will require the establishment of additional security measures, such as installation of vandal-proof lighting and paint, provision of visual clear zones and elimination of any potential hiding or transient living spaces. Signs will be posted to indicate that the underpasses will be closed during heavy rains and to instruct users to use the controlled intersections to cross University Avenue, NW and SW 34th Street and SW 2nd Avenue. However, when heavy rains are not occurring the users will be discouraged from using the at-grade crossings. There are several available parking areas within the Center for greenway users. Due to the ease of access to the Project Site, it is probably unnecessary to designate specific areas for greenway parking within this segment of the proposed trail. From NW 34th Street, the trail will become a pedestrian/bicycle promenade, and it is hoped that re-development of the Westgate Shopping Center would occur so that buildings could be oriented toward Hogtown Creek. The promenade remains on the south and east side of the creek through the shopping center, under the University Avenue and SW 2nd Avenue bridges. At this point the trail will extend southerly along the east side of the Creek to provide access to the existing apartment complexes adjacent to the Creek and to establish a linkage to the University of Florida. In addition, the trail will cross Hogtown Creek over to Creekside Mall where the trail will continue southwest to Green Acres Park along a 10-foot wide multi-use trail (See Figure 12). The concept of linking the trail system with Westgate Shopping Center provides an opportunity for economic re-development of the shopping center, and could create a popular destination point for local residents. CREEKSIDE MALL TO NW 34TH ST. @ UNIV. OF FLORIDA South of Creekside Mall, the trail forks, with one leg heading south to Green Acres Park, and the other heading east to the University of Florida Campus. The latter is an important connection for students who live west of the campus, by offering opportunities for non- motorized, safe alternative transportation. This trail will be a 10-foot wide multi-use asphalt tread that extends south and intersect with a 12-foot by 50-foot long bridge that spans the Hogtown Creek channel to the west, thereby, providing a linkage to the University. The Team also recognizes that the presence of wetland landscape along this route means that a boardwalk system may be required to provide this connection in an ecologically sensitive manner (See Figure 6, page 46). This spur trail will terminate on SW 34th Street, either at Radio (Farm) Road, if appropriate, or simply at its connection with the sidewalks on SW 34th Street. Hogtown Creek Greenway Master Development & Gainesville, FL 54 Management Plan ~~~dLiLX&J L TYPICAL BRIDGE UNDERPASS FOR MULTI-USE TRAIL SCALE: 1/8=1u'-0O 55 FIGURE 11 CO LU w x w -j 0Q 0 0 h- z w H 0- 0 z w CD I F- -0 cOmo The Team expresses a great amount of concern over the long term fate of the Gopher Tortoise that is known to nest in landscapes south of Creekside Mall and southeast of Green Acres Park. Therefore, the City's greenway facility development objectives will adhere to the advice provided by the Florida Game and Fresh Water Fish Commission, Wild Things, and A. F. Clewell regarding protection of these nesting sites and education of the public. CREEKSIDE MALL TO GREEN ACRES PARK From Creekside Mall south, the trail remains a multi-use, 10-foot wide asphalt trail, and will meander through an open space landscape to the existing Green Acres Park. Currently, this park is naturalized and has limited access. There are no public parking facilities provided at this City facility. The trail will be routed through the park in a manner that is most appropriate, given the existing activities, and continue south to Sugarfoot Prairie. GREEN ACRES PARK TO SUGARFOOT PRAIRIE From Green Acres Park, the trail tread will most likely change from an on-grade multi-use asphalt surface to a multi-use boardwalk trail. This determination will have to be made in the field, and will be based on the presence of wetlands and sensitivity of the local environment to greenway trail development activities. Two separate trail routes will be created at this point: one that heads south to Forest Park, and the second which will head west to the Oaks Mall. These are more thoroughly described in the following sections. Because Sugarfoot Prairie is so isolated and unique within the context of an urban landscape, this boardwalk, while providing controlled access to most of this area, will provide frequent pull over areas for observation of the surrounding landscape, coupled with a series of wayside exhibits. Furthermore, this section of the greenway will provide a special self-education opportunity for environmentally curious greenway users. GREEN ACRES PARK TO OAKS MALL From Green Acres Park, and heading west to the Oaks Mall, the multi-use trail will turn from on-surface asphalt to boardwalk and then back to on-surface asphalt. It may be possible to bench the trail into existing berms which were built to protect adjacent residential neighborhoods from flooding. Locating the trail facilities on the south and west sides of the berms utilizes the berm as a privacy and noise buffer for the adjacent neighborhoods (See Figure 13). However, an evaluation of proposed boardwalk locations in relation to adjacent neighborhoods should be developed prior to their final location. Charette participants recommended that a long boardwalk with observation platform be extended into the prairie landscape so that users might have an opportunity to view the interior landscape. Before this is accomplished, the City will conduct a thorough environmental evaluation of the impacts such a boardwalk would have on interior species wildlife. In addition, the survival of Clear Lake depends upon the free-flow of water between the Sugarfoot Prairie and the Lake. This flow currently and historically has taken place through the culvert Hogtown Creek Greenway Master Development & Gainesville. FL 57 Management Plan _j--1 lb^- LU 2 ow ia ow 0-2 2g CO W z 0 3 < cr NO0 F-Ho D~1 and pump housing under Clear Lake Drive. Therefore, the appropriate trail facilities will be planned and utilized so as not to adversely affect this water flow and the survival of Clear Lake. North and west of the prairie, the trail system will be linked to existing gravel and unimproved roads, in order to parallel the western edge of the prairie. Eventually, these roads connect to SW 62nd Boulevard, where a small trail head will be built. From this location, a short walk or bike ride will link the greenway user to the Oaks Mall or the unique community resource of Terwilliger Park, across SW 62nd Boulevard from the proposed trail head. SUGARFOOT PRAIRIE TO FOREST PARK From Green Acres Park heading south, along the southeastern edge of the prairie, the greenway trail will be primarily a multi-use boardwalk through the wetland areas, and an on-surface multi-use asphalt trail on higher land. At SW 20th Avenue, the Alachua County Department of Public Works would not support an at-grade crossing within the guardrails at the SW 20th Avenue bridge. Due to the heavy volume of traffic that exists on SW 20th Avenue, there would be very few gaps provided for crossing the road. Therefore, an on- grade crossing anywhere other than signalized intersections could not be justified. The Department of Public Works will require the trail to extend east, parallel to SW 20th Avenue, to the SW 43rd Street signalized intersection. After crossing the intersection, the trail will enter Forest Park and continue through to a mid-point of the park's west property line where the trail will cross Hogtown Creek by bridge into the Project Site. Another alternative to be considered, in addition to the at-grade crossing at signalized intersections, is an overpass. The expense of such a facility may be justified due to the danger and potential liability of trail users attempting on- grade crossings at unauthorized points along SW 20th Avenue. Because of the bridge's low clearance and the creek's consistently high water levels, it was determined that an underpass at the bridge would not be feasible. Presently, Forest Park does not provide public parking. However with future park development, the park could potentially serve as a trail head and provide vehicular parking for trail users. Trail users to the west of the Project Site, along SW 20th Avenue or SW 62nd Boulevard, will use the at-grade crossing at the SW 62nd Street signalized intersection and the existing on-road bicycle facilities to access the Project Site. For the safety of the trail users, facilities will be provided to accommodate pedestrians and bicyclist along both sides of SW 20th Avenue between the SW 62nd Boulevard and SW 43rd Street intersections (See Figure 14). These proposed facilities will include improvements to the existing bridge. A thorough study of these SW 20th Avenue facilities will have to be conducted by the City to determine the safest and most efficient route for the trail. Hogtown Creek Greenway Master Development & Gainesville. FL 59 Management Plan z -0 ow z0 55 ^s 0 I-- OC 00 SLD Z z w o W 0 rc< CI < CD (0) 0 w x cr wU Q a_ UJ I-- 0 m CD UJ w I-- H CO UJ 3: H- FAN SW 20TH AVENUE TO 1-75 From SW 20th Avenue the multi-use off-road trail continues south where it intersects with Interstate 75. Despite the fact that additional widening is occurring along this stretch of the interstate highway, no provisions have been made to accommodate potential pedestrian access. Several options exist for crossing the interstate: 1) build an overpass across the highway; 2) terminate the trail north of the interstate bridges and provide a closed loop trail that will direct trail users back toward SW 20th Avenue, where parallel facilities will then direct users over the existing interstate roadway bridge; 3) build a multi- user trail parallel along the east side of the interstate within the powerline right-of-way, coordinate the trail with the planned roadway extension of SW 62nd Boulevard to SW 40th Boulevard (identified in the Metropolitan Transportation Planning Organization's 2015 Needs Plan), and make use of the existing SW 20th Avenue roadway bridge that crosses the interstate highway. All of these options will be further explored to determine appropriate costs, efficiency of connections and desire of greenway users (See Figure 15). Currently, the SW 20th Avenue (Humpback Road) interstate bridge is too narrow to permit safe, shared crossing of the interstate. If the preferred option is to use this bridge, it will be necessary either to upgrade the structure or build a parallel facility for bicycle and pedestrian use. The Alachua County Public Works Department supports widening of this overpass to accommodate pedestrian and bicycle traffic. A tract of land that borders this area north of the designated greenway parcels (used as a borrow pit and fill site during the construction of 1-75) currently supports a series of dirt bike trails. The City is currently considering to open discussions with this landowner and local dirt bike clubs to designate this piece of land for this use, and design sufficient dirt bike courses so that this use will occur at this location and not in the more environmentally sensitive areas throughout the greenway corridor. SW 20TH AVENUE TO OAKS MALL From SW 20th Avenue, on-road bike facilities, in the form of a two-way bike route or bike lanes, should be added to the existing sidewalk facility along SW 62nd Avenue, to improve access between Forest Park and the Oaks Mall and Terwilliger School. The intersection of SW 20th Avenue and SW 62nd Avenue is currently controlled by a traffic signal. 1-75 TO KANAPAHA BOTANICAL GARDENS Depending on how 1-75 is crossed, the off-road trail is envisioned as continuing south, along the southeast side of Lake Kanapaha and Hogtown Prairie, to the Kanapaha Botanical Gardens. This is a vast, environmentally sensitive, unique and spectacular landscape. Greenway facility development through this landscape will need to be carefully routed to avoid impacting this ecosystem (See Figure 16). Strategically placed loop trails will be designed to offer the user an opportunity to get closer to certain landscape features. Hogtown Creek Greenway Master Development & Gainesville, FL 61 Management Plan L^250\ ROW POWERLINE EASEMENT INTERSTATE 75 OVERPASS AT HOGTOWN CREEK SCALE: 1 = 100'-0" POTENTIAL MULTI-USE ACCESS VIA POWERLINE EASEMENT TO ARCHER ROAD ilo FIGURE 15 0 < c, z C ._I SL~ U I-- 0 I- LLJ H H -J I- W co 1- 0 crn D 0 Ll H OC w a: ir *1 . w 0 w CO0 N 00 0- Because of the possible limited use of horse trails within this area of the greenway parallel trail treads are proposed for bikers, hikers and horseback riders that are kept within a well defined corridor of travel. These separated treads should alleviate multi-user conflicts, and allow different user groups to experience the landscape at a measurable pace. without increasing erosion. This area of the project offers a tremendous opportunity for eco-tourism activity through coordinated wayside exhibits, group-led interpretive programs, and other special events designed to extoll the virtues of this landscape. The Kanapaha Botanical Gardens should be an integral component of this eco- tourism effort, as it is already a regionally significant attraction. The Botanical Gardens currently provide some public parking to accommodate greenway users. However, additional parking facilities will be provided to serve user needs when the gardens are closed (See Figure 17). It is anticipated by the County Department of Public Works, the Botanical Gardens and the Team that a new entrance road and parking facility, that is accessed via Archer Road, will be located to complement the garden's existing access and parking area. In addition, it will serve as the southern terminus of the greenway while minimizing environmental and aesthetic impacts. The proposed access from Archer Road to the Botanical Gardens will also provide an excellent linkage opportunity with the Archer to Gainesville Rails Trail project, which has been proposed to utilize the existing power line easements and an abandoned railway corridor along SW Archer Road. GREENWAY IMPROVEMENTS WEST OF KANAPAHA BOT. GARD. Proposed greenway improvements west of the Kanapaha Botanical Gardens will provide enhancements to the greenway system as well as linkages with SW 75th Street and SW 24th Avenue. These proposed improvements consist of: 1) a linkage through the Botanical Gardens from the southern terminus of the greenway to SW 63rd Boulevard; 2) a linkage from SW 63rd Boulevard at its entrance to the Botanical Gardens north along Stagecoach Road to SW 24th Avenue; 3) trails into the Lake Kanapaha area from SW 63rd Boulevard, or Stagecoach Road to SW 75th Street and Kanapaha Park via utility easements and/or SW 41st Place. While not part of the original Project Site as approved by the Florida Communities Trust, these improvements will provide desirable linkages and enhancements to the overall project once the primary improvements are installed on the Project Site from the east side of Lake Kanapaha to the Botanical Gardens, as shown in this Master Plan report. Following or concurrent with the construction of these improvements, the County will work with the City to provide optimal linkages to SW 75th Street and SW 24th Avenue utilizing the recommended or other alternate routes. Hogtown Creek Greenway Master Development & Gainesville. FL 64 Management Plan TRAIL HEAD FACILITIES AT KANAPAHA BOTANICAL GARDENS Hogtown Creek Greenway GAINESVILLE, FLORIDA LEGEND - MULTI-USE TRAIL ,,i MULTI-USE BOARDWALK FIGURE 17 65 KANAPAHA BOT. GARDENS & WEST SIDE OF LAKE KANAPAHA This area, Kanapaha Botanical Gardens and the west side of Lake Kanapaha, was discussed by the Team as being possible good locations for incorporating an observation tower amongst the live oaks, enabling visitors to view the ecosystem of the lake without disturbing the wildlife (See Figure 18). However, the location of an observation tower will require additional analysis of the entire Lake Kanapaha area to determine the most qualified site for such a structure. STAGECOACH ROAD TO SW 75TH STREET Charette participants advocated a connection from Stagecoach Road to SW 75th Street and Lake Kanapaha Park via SW 41st Place. This is likely an overland connection through available utility easements and publicly owned park lands. Kanapaha Park could also serve as a trail head for the southern terminus of the Project Site, and once completed will offer ample parking for greenway users. ALONG TOWER ROAD TO ARCHER ROAD The neighboring subdivisions of Haile Plantation, Kenwood, Valwood, Green Leaf, etc., offer an excellent source of greenway users for the Hogtown Creek Greenway. Therefore, the Team recommends a formal connection be made along SW 41st Place between SW 63rd Boulevard and SW 75th Street. Sidewalks and bike lanes along SW 75th Street will also provide linkage to Kimball Wiles School and the proposed Middle School. An existing trails system already exists behind the elementary school which may provide some linkage opportunities with Kanapaha Park and the Project Site. Finally, the concept of Park and Bike, or Bike and Ride was thoroughly discussed during the charette. The City is considering providing facilities that allow cyclists to store their bikes in lockers at certain transit stops, or provide an opportunity to load their bikes onto busses. This will increase the efficiency of transportation within the community and offer local residents a choice in travel. SW 75TH STREET TO 1-75 ALONG SW 24TH AVENUE In completing the final loop of the greenway system, consideration will be given to adding sidewalks and bike lanes along SW 24th Avenue (Humpback Road) so that greenway users can effectively loop back north to Forest Park and other destinations in the community. Charette participants also discussed a possible connection off of SW 24th Avenue to Hogtown Prairie and Haile Sink. This is the only area of the greenway that was considered by charette participants for possible equestrian trails (See Figure 19). The Team recommends that if this is desired, it could be best accomplished though a program group-led tour that will be sponsored by the City or another agency. Hogtown Creek Greenway Master Development & Gainesville, FL 66 Management Plan < I C- < O_ w < !- < 0 LU H I- < 0L z 0 F- H m UL 0 Co 0 -~ii- -J cc i- i- R z w w 0 -J coo . __ z U) SZCI .< F- Uz w -IQ <0Q cr < oZ 0 0- H I-- OTHER RECOMMENDED FACILITIES .1 1 I I 11 1I OTHER RECOMMENDED FACILITIES Throughout the development of the Hogtown Creek Greenway, a number of other facilities, in addition to trails, will be developed to maximize safe and compatible use of the environment and to enhance the interrelationships between the public greenway corridor and adjacent private properties. GREENWAY SIGNAGE The City of Gainesville will need to install a comprehensive system of signage throughout the proposed greenway. This will include the following types of signs: Informational: orients users to their position within the trail system (i.e. "You are here") provides an overview of the types of facilities within the greenway that are open to the public, programs and activities available, and describes routes or mode of travel required to reach these facilities. Also, these signs will include approximate distances and time of travel anticipated to reach certain destinations. Because these signs will be located at all major entrances to the greenway, they will also be used to recognize those parcels that were purchased with funds from the Florida Communities Trust, the City of Gainesville and, or, Alachua County. Directional: provides users with instructions regarding their bearing and route of travel. Most directional signage is in the form of graphic symbols (pictographs) and brief descriptions or listings. For example, directional signage will include arrows that indicate a heading (direction of travel), and descriptive text such as "this way," "keep to the right," or "south, one-mile." Regulatory: describes the governing laws and regulations that apply within the trail, such as permitted uses, hours of operation/accessibility, speed limit, allowable activities, and legal requirements for use. Regulatory signs must be uniform and standard in terms of size, location and information. All regulatory signs should have black lettering on white reflective background. Regulatory information should not conflict in any way with other components of the signage program, or vice-versa. Warning: used to caution trail users of various hazardous conditions, such as sharp curves in the trail, slippery bridges, roadway crossings, steep downhill or uphill conditions, blind intersections, changes in trail surface condition, and other related warnings about environmental conditions of the greenway. All warning signage will be signs of uniform size and shape, located a minimum of 50 feet in advance of the condition that the trail user is approaching, and labeled with black lettering on a reflective yellow background. Educational: also termed interpretive signage, it is used to describe the unique qualities or significance of natural or cultural features along the greenway. Educational signage provides the user with specific information about the features, such as age, habitat, historical relevance or specific relation to humankind. Hogtown Creek Greenway Master Development & Gainesville, FL 69 Management Plan Festival: specialized type of trail signage that is used to commemorate special events and holidays, or to add accent, color and decoration. Festival signage usually offers limited information about a specific event. This type comes in many different forms, from cloth banners, to flags, to specially created pole- mounted hard surface signs. Because much of the Hogtown Creek Greenway will be designed and built to support bicycle usage, and due to the fact the City anticipates using transportation funds to build portions of the project, the City will be using AASHTO standards, and the Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices (MUTCD) as the specifications for signage throughout the project. These standards can be supplemented with a specially created signage system for the greenway, as illustrated in Figure 1. Greenway Logo: A greenway logo will be created for the Hogtown Creek Greenway. This could by achieved by the City sponsoring a community-wide competition to develop an appropriate logo for the greenway. This has been successfully accomplished in cities like Raleigh, High Point and Charlotte, North Carolina, and most recently in Knoxville, Tennessee. A logo design competition offers an opportunity to have local citizens involved in establishing the greenway, and will further serve to publicize the project to those citizens who have not yet heard of the project. The Team will agree to assist the City with the execution of the competition. LIGHTING OF GREENWAY FACILITIES As a general rule, and in compliance with the Hours of Operation for the greenway, as described in the Greenway Safety and Security section of this report, the greenway will not be lighted with the exception of a few select locations. Portions of the greenway that would be appropriate for pedestrian scale lighting include: Westgate Shopping Center due to the nighttime activities in this area, additional pedestrian scale lighting will be needed for the proposed trail from NW 34th Street to Creekside Mall. This will include lighting the underpasses or bridges in this area of the project. Creekside Mall to University of Florida again, after dark, if 24-hour usage is anticipated along this segment of the greenway, pedestrian scale lighting will be needed. This greenway segment also links several apartment complexes that will benefit from having lighted access to the University, and Creekside Mall. The lighting of greenway trails and facilities, comes additional responsibilities for maintenance, police/park officer patrol and emergency response. Lighted areas will also be equipped with emergency (911) phone systems, to promote safety and enable better response by law enforcement personnel. Specific types of lighting fixtures, and the location of these fixtures throughout the greenway is a site plan issue, and will be determined by the City at a later date. Hogtown Creek Greenway Master Development & Gainesville, FL 70 Management Plan BATHROOM & POTABLE WATER FACILITIES Public restrooms and water fountains will be provided at key points throughout the greenway system. These should be cited in conjunction with existing park sites, and other public facilities capable of supporting greenway users. Generally, these facilities are normally provided within typical greenways on an "as-needed" basis. The following locations will be specifically defined within maps and brochures for the greenway, and on signage systems throughout the greenway, designating where restrooms and drinking fountains are available. Some of these sites will require the installation of new restrooms and drinking fountains. Gainesville Mall Ring Park/Elks Lodge Westside Park Loblolly Environmental Education Facility SGreen Acres Park SForest Park SOaks Mall SKanapaha Botanical Gardens PICNIC, SCENIC VIEW SHED AND REST AREAS The Preferred Design Concept Plan map denotes areas throughout the greenway that offer ideal areas for picnicking, scenic views and appropriate rest stops. The type and amount of facilities at each of these locations is best left to decisions that will be made during the preparation of site plans. As a general rule, these areas should be designed to be low maintenance, accessible to maintenance vehicles, and appropriately signed with User Rules and Regulations. For large group activities and popular destinations, the City and County may want to consider implementing a reservation system to manage use. The ideal sites for locating picnic facilities are as follows: SRing Park SWestside Park SGreen Acres Park SForest Park SKanapaha Botanical Gardens Scenic areas throughout the greenway should be emphasized by overlook platforms, boardwalks that extend into native landscapes or observation towers, where appropriate. Again, these facilities are best determined through a more detailed site design for each scenic overlook. The areas within the Project Site that have scenic view sheds that may be considered for locating observation facilities are as follows: Loblolly Environmental Education Area Sugarfoot Prairie Hogtown Prairie Lake Kanapaha Hogtown Creek Greenway Master Development & Gainesville, FL 71 Management Plan Rest areas are located frequently throughout the project area. For example, rest areas can be the park sites, public schools, shopping malls, and destinations within the University of Florida. Additionally, some greenway users will most likely travel to neighbors homes, offices, or other commercial establishments along the greenway. USE OF RECYCLED WASTE MATERIALS The Town of Cary, North Carolina and Greenways Incorporated pioneered the use of recycled waste products in developing the Swift Creek Recycled Greenway. In doing so, the level of awareness has been raised, nationally, regarding the use of recycled plastic lumber for building greenway bridges, sign posts, benches and boardwalks; bottom ash from coal fire electrical generation plants as a substitution for aggregate base course; recycled aluminum for information, educational, festival and directional signage; and recycled asphalt for paved multi-use trails. As the City considers design development strategies for specific facilities, recycled waste materials and products will be strongly considered for use in construction. The Regional Transit System is currently exploring the use of recycled materials in the improvement of bus shelters and other amenities. The Team recommends that as the City considers design development strategies for specific facilities, recycled waste materials and products be strongly considered for use in construction. Some recycled waste products have been demonstrated in Cary, NC to have saved the town money, in comparison with traditional raw materials. Specific applications depend on regional considerations, most importantly the cooperation of local industries, product manufacturers and sales representatives in the development and delivery of these products at a cost effective price. Hogtown Creek Greenway Gainesville, FL Master Development & Management Plan IMPACTS OF GREENWAY DEVELOPMENT IMPACTS OF GREENWAY DEVELOPMENT Greenway facility development is not without impacts, both to the natural environment and to adjacent land uses. However, through proper planning and appropriate design, most of these impacts can be mitigated, and a successful public-use facility can be developed. Therefore, before undertaking any site alterations or physical improvements that are not addressed in the approved Master Development and Management Plan, the City shall request written approval for the proposed modifications from the Florida Communities Trust. The Consulting Team and the City will develop this greenway facility in a manner that exemplifies the best in environmental sensitivity and land development, and strives to minimize negative public impacts on adjacent private properties. Based on our analysis of the Hogtown Creek greenway corridor, we feel that the following areas will receive the most impact from greenway facility development. ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACTS Of primary concern to the City and the Consulting Team is the protection of sensitive landscapes, including steep slopes, habitat of rare or threatened plants and animals, wetlands, the natural creek channel and tributaries of Hogtown Creek and certain portions of the floodplain which are easily scarred by public access and use. The project will be consistent with Federal, State, Water Management District and Local Regulations to protect wetland sites from facility development encroachment. It is the goal of the City's and the Team's design to avoid, or minimize disturbance to all jurisdictional wetland areas of the project. PROJECTIONS OF USE/LANDSCAPE CARRYING CAPACITY One of the greatest impacts to the ecological systems of the study corridor landscape will come from the permitted public access and use by trail enthusiasts, commuters and recreationists. Given the current status of disorganized and unstructured recreational use, the Consulting Team believes that the study corridor landscape is suffering its greatest use-related impact. A clearly defined network of trail treads, along with a structured public access and use management program will offer delineated corridors for these activities, and thus reduce wide spread impacts. In order to better understand the limits of carrying capacity, the level of use must first be defined throughout the corridor. The Consulting Team predicts that usage levels will vary throughout the corridor, based largely on origin/destination and usage generators, and on user profiles that have been generated from other greenway systems throughout the United States. Hogtown Creek Greenway Master Development & Gainesville, FL 73 Management Plan Between NW 23rd Boulevard and NW 16th Avenue, the Team projects that the usage will be of medium intensity (See Table 3); however, the preferred route for the greenway, the size and types of greenway lands proposed for use, and the land's environmental sensitivity, offer greater carrying capacity in the landscape to absorb higher levels of future use. TABLE 3 Intensity of Trail Use User TypMe Low Intensity Use Medium Intensity Use High Intensity Use Pedestrian/Walker 2 PFM (l or Less 10-15 PFM 25 PFM Bicyclists 50 ADBT (2) or Less 200 ADBT 1000 ADBT Equestrians 4 HTD (3) or Less 20 HTD 100 HTD 1) PFM = pedestrians per foot width of walkway/minute: Source Timesaver Standards for Landscape Architecture 2) ADBT = average daily bicycle trip: Source: Greenways Incorporated 3) HTD = horses per 6 foot trail/day: Source: American Horse Council Between NW 16th Avenue and Green Acre Park, the geographic center of the project, the Team believes that the level of usage will be high intensity. This intensity will vary depending on the type of facilities developed and the connections that are made with different land uses. For example, usage by 350 persons per day during the week might occur between NW 16th Avenue and Loblolly Environmental Education Center. On the weekend this could rise to 500 or even as high as 750 users on a sunny and mild day. Around Westgate Shopping Center and Creekside Mall, use is likely to extend into the evening, and therefore exceed these usage estimates. If a trail system is extended from these commercial areas to the University of Florida campus, it would not be unusual to see average usage at 1000 users/day. Between NW 16th Avenue and Green Acre Park the environment has been modified by man, and, with the exception of the Loblolly Environmental Education Center, it is not considered to be highly sensitive landscape to further encroachment. The current conceptual plan for the greenway contains ideas for restoration of this landscape, to improve ecological function, aesthetics and biological diversity. From Green Acre Park to 1-75, and Sugarfoot Prairie, the ecological sensitivity of the landscape gains greater value, and the concern over public access and use is of greater importance. Due to the origins and destinations in this area, and the distances between other community resources, we estimate that usage will be of low intensity. Event programming may boost infrequent medium intensity use, but for the most part the Team estimates that during the weekdays, usage will remain around 75 persons per day through this area, rising to 250 users per day on weekends. The area around Forest Park may receive higher levels of usage, especially on weekends. The Team feels that these landscapes are sensitive to human use, and carrying capacity is limited through this area. Much of the use in this area is proposed to be restricted to upland areas, or confined within boardwalk trails. Hogtown Creek Greenway Master Development & Gainesville, FL 74 Management Plan |