Memorial Park Tomorrow Nov.14

MAR APRMAY MAYJUN JUNJUL JULAUG SEP SEPOCT OCTNOV NOVDEC DECJAN FEB

2013 20142014 2015

Public Input& Research Master Planning

MPC + Uptown Houston + HPARDInterview Process

Programming& Public Input

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MAR APRJAN FEB MAY

We are here

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PUBLIC INPUT

GUIDING PRINCIPLES

RESEARCH

Berg Oliver (Ecology)

John Jacob (Soils)

Hunt Design (Wayfinding)

Sherwood Design Engineers

(Civil Engineering)

Susan Turner Associates (History)

The Lighting Practice (Lighting)

ETM Associates (O & M)Ecotech Panel

Memorial Park Conservancy

Uptown TIRZ

Houston Parks and Recreation Department

CLIENT INPUT

AccessAccessibility is valued highly, including: entry points to the Park; connectivity with other parks and parts of the city, via foot, bike, car, and mass transit; and improved parking. Ease of facilities use.

BalanceBalancebetween nature and recreation, and among the needs of all users (human and animal).

Enhancement of Existing Character, Amenities & UsagePreserve and enhance Memorial Parks role as an urban wilderness. Upgrading existing amenities and add restrooms and drinking fountains.

Safety & SecurityBetter safety/security at night and for families; safety for the various types of users; management of vehicle/bike/pedestrian traffic.

CommunicationNeed for stronger communication, including: ample and clear signage and messaging about Park offerings, ongoing public input/involvement.

Long-term SustainabilityPreservation and protection of flora and fauna; a resilient ecology; employment of sustainable practices; and green facilities.

Individual & Community EnrichmentEasy to connect to other Houstonians as well as to the story of Houston, including: education programs; ways to experience the Parks location; ways to socialize with others and feel sense of community.

Houstonians Speak Up to Renew Memorial ParkIn 2013, the Memorial Park Conservancy and its planning partners, Houston Parks and

Recreation Department, and Uptown TIRZ, launched a citywide public input process to connect with current and future Memorial Park users. Multiple formats were used to offer all Houstonians opportunities to contribute their viewpoints, including large public open

houses, small workshops, and 24/7 engagement through a Memorial Park Tomorrow website and social media presence. The input from all of these, have enabled the team to

understand ways that people use the park now and would like to in the future.

The following broad public priorities are the result:

Museum stories ina movie theatre

Museum stories on TV andradio, and in newspapers

and magazines

Traveling exhibitionsat local museums

WELCOME !WELCOME !



and magazines


WELCOME !WELCOME !



and magazines


WELCOME !WELCOME !



and magazines


WELCOME !WELCOME !



and magazines


WELCOME !WELCOME !



and magazines


WELCOME !WELCOME !



and magazines


WELCOME !WELCOME !

Made possible with generous support from the Baxter Trust

Guiding Principles:

TENDMemorial Park needs our care. Lets be good stewards.

MAGNIFYMemorial Park has a lot going for it. Lets make those things more visible.

OPTIMIZEMemorial Parks parts are out of balance with each other. Lets arrange them so the park can function optimally.

RECONNECTMemorial Park is divided in many ways. Lets make it whole and plug it into life in Houston.

REVEALMemorial Park holds stories relevant to all Houstonians. Lets tell them to the world.

6

SCALE: 1=2000

source: 1915 USFS Topographic map, altered for concept demonstration

Pre-1900: Undivided Land

West of Houstons developed extents, yet to be touched by infrastructure or the thought of a park.

1834: Reinerman Tract claimed (image right)

Legend

1925 Park boundary (Hare & Hare)

1834 Reinerman Tract

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SCALE: 1=2000

Image: 2010 Aerial Photograph; Data: aerial photograph, Berg Oliver Associates, Susan Turner Associates

2010: 25 Parts

The Living Bridge is constructed.

Picnic loop is connected to Memorial Drive at a second point further east, creating another fragment.

Site rails & roads

New roads

Adjacent roads

Buffalo Bayou

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Legend

1 Bridle Trails

2 Golf Course

3 Arboretum & Nature Ctr.

4 Ravine & Woods

5 Median

6 Artillery/Infantry Woods

7 Green

8 Baseball

9 Playgrounds

10 Median

11 Median

12 Median

13 Picnic Loop

14 Rugby, green, trails

15 Weiss Park

16 Green

17 Median

18 Median

19 Median

20 Median

21 Median

22 Green / Median

23 Reynolds Woods

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SCALE: 1=2000

Source: 2014 Lee Lupher aerial photograph

VISION: RECONNECTED PARK

Stitch fragments together with contiguous spaces that feel like a cohesive park

Limit visual and pedestrian boundaries within the park

Maintain existing programmatic elements of the park

Site rails & roads

Adjacent roads

Buffalo Bayou

Legend

VISION: LIMIT AREAS OF FUTURE IMPACT

Areas in red indicate places that have been heavily impacted by previous developmentexcluding areas that are culturally or historically sensitive

Goal: limit future development to areas that have already been altered by past development

SCALE: 1:24,000

Legend

Image: 2014 Google Aerial Photograph; Data: HRA Gray & Pape In-tensive Archaeological Survey of a 1.3-mile segment of Buffalo Bayou in Harris County, Texas with Roger Moore Archaeological Consulting;

Susan Turner Associates; and Berg Oliver

Historical & Cultural Resources

Areas for future impact

Land impacted by foot traffic only

2014: EXISTING SITE ORGANIZATION

The park is currently experienced as a series of smaller and discontiguous uses and typologies

Legend

Active recreation

Image: 2014 Google Aerial Photograph; Data: Houston Parks and Recreation Department and aerial photo analysis

Urban Wilderness(trail use)

Picnic Area

Historical & Cultural Resources

Arboretum and Nature Center

GOAL: CONNECT ACTIVE RECREATION AREAS

Relocate active recreation such as baseball, rugby, and soccer that require more infrastructure and amenities such as parking and bathrooms

Combine areas of similar program, use and ecological, cultural, and historical experience

Share recreation amenities for minimal impact on park and ease of maintenance

SCALE: 1:24,000

Legend


Active recreation


Picnic Areas

Cultural & Historical Resources

Relocated active recreation

Arboretum and Nature Center

GOAL: LOCATE PICNIC AREAS THROUGHOUT PARK

Picnic areas become moments to experience different parts of the park

Accessible by car, bike, foot, or wheelchair

SCALE: 1:24,000

Legend



Dispersed picnic areas

Active recreation



Arboretum and Nature CenterPicnic area


GOAL: CONNECT LAND MASSES

Create trail areas that connect large swaths of the site, allowing for longer and more rich park experiences and greater ecological connectivity

Bridge currently divided parts of the park with green spaces trails that are appropriate to ecologically and historically sensitive sites

SCALE: 1:24,000

Legend


Active recreation




Connected wilderness areas

Arboretum & Nature Center

VISION: COHESIVE PARK PROGRAMS & EXPERIENCES

Envisioning a park that:

Preserves and interprets Camp Logans richest and most productive archaeological areas

Embraces the signature existing cultural and ecological resources

Creates expansive, connected, and complimentary program areas that provide a cohesive experience of this 1500 acre park

SCALE: 1:24,000

Legend

Image: 2014 Google Aerial Photograph;

Active recreation

Relocated active recreationUrban Wilderness (trail use)

Camp Logan interpretive areas & Historical entrance experience

Golf course

Arboretum & Nature Center


May 19, 2014

Memorial ParkHouston, TX

Land Bridge - Perspective from Memorial Drive

Unaffected Areas

Affected Areas

Legend

Berg Olivers preliminary assessment of areas negatively impacted by recent drought and hurricanes

VEGETATION: Preliminary Assessment

10000 200010000 2000

Pine, Hardwoods Forest

Wet Prairie, Savanah

Upland Prairie, Savanah

Native Prairie

Savanah/Forest

Savanah

Savanah/Prairie

Unaffected Areas

Legend

By examining historical patterns of vegetation, soils, hydrology, and existing site conditions, Berg Oliver developed these preliminary recommendations for the parks restoration strategy.

Initial Recommendations for Plant Community Restoration

10000 2000

WOODLAND

100-150 trees/acre

25% shrubs

25% herbaceous

SAVANNAH

50 trees/acre

20% shrubs

70% herbaceous

PRAIRIE

5-10 trees/acre

20% shrubs

80% herbaceous

Plant Community Restoration Typologies

Riparian Forest

Pine-Hardwood Forest

Pine-Hardwood Savannah

Native Prairie

Naturalized Golf Course

Ponds and Stream Corridors

Wet Savannah and Pairie

Bog Areas

Legend

The design seeks to reconnect what is now a patchwork of ecological corridors. Continuous flows of water, wildlife, and plant communities will be restored through restoration of four restoration types:

1. Riparian forests along water ways2. Pine/Hardwood Forests at park edges and in areas physically appropriate to forest restoration3. Savannah landscapes in much of the rest of the park4. Discrete Native Prairie near the center at the highest point on the site.

RECONNECT, TEND & OPTIMIZE: Ecological Corridors & Program

10000 2000

While road and rail networks are integral parts of Memorial Park and the parks history and current use, they interfere with how the park functions as an ecological whole and how people and wildlife experience these ecological zones.

Riparian Forest



Native Prairie




Bog Areas

Legend

Existing Corridor Roadblocks & Scattered Program

10000 200010000 2000

Riparian Forest



Native Prairie




Bog Areas

Legend

Starting on the west edge of the site, Memorial Park Drive is realigned to hug the west boundary of the park.

New bridges allow for physical connection between the North and south for water, wildlife, and people.

Reconnect Western Riparian Corridor

10000 2000

Riparian Forest



Native Prairie




Bog Areas

Legend

An access road and pedestrian bridge over the railroad would allow for further pedestrian connection between the east and west sides of the park.

Bridge Railroad for Pedestrians

10000 200010000 2000

Riparian Forest



Native Prairie




Bog Areas

Legend

The picnic loop is removed to enable connection between the eastern and western halves of the south side of the park.

Picnicking would be distributed throughout the park.

Reclaim Savannah South of Memorial Drive

10000 2000

Riparian Forest



Native Prairie




Bog Areas

Legend

Memorial Drive is reconstructed with a bridge over the main ravine, or barranco, allowing for a north-south connection for pedestrians, wildlife, and water.

Reconnect Riparian Corridor & Primary Barranco

10000 200010000 2000

Riparian Forest



Native Prairie




Bog Areas

Legend

East Memorial Loop drive is reconfigured to consolidate park fragments and create larger, usable central areas for program.

Reclaim Eastern Fragments

10000 2000

Riparian Forest



Native Prairie




Bog Areas

Legend

A land bridge across Memorial Drive connects the northern and southern halves of the park.

A unified park experience and ecological corridors are created.

Bridge Northern & Southern Halves

10000 200010000 2000

Riparian Forest



Native Prairie




Bog Areas

Legend

1. Rugby2. Volleyball and Croquet3. Soccer4. Softball5. Baseball6. Driving Range7. Softball8. Tennis Center9. Natatorium / Fitness

Active recreation fields, tennis center, and driving range are consolidated in the northeastern section of the park, adjacent to existing roads and development.

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3 4 5

6 7

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Optimize Sports in Less Ecologically Sensitive Areas

10000 2000

Riparian Forest



Native Prairie




Bog Areas

Legend

Two existing ponds in the golf course are expanded and two new ponds are created to collect and store site water.

Water will be used as amenities: beautiful ponds as well as for irrigation of the golf course, ballfields, and lawn spaces.

These ponds will double as wildlife habitat.

Gather Storm Water for Ponds, Irrigation & Ecological Health

10000 200010000 2000

Riparian Forest



Native Prairie




Bog Areas

Legend

A bridge at the east end of Memorial Drive provides another safe connection between north and south for pedestrians and a celebrated entrance to the park.

Bridge and Accentuate East Entry

10000 2000

Riparian Forest



Native Prairie




Bog Areas

Legend

REVEAL & MAGNIFY: Park History, Entries & Spaces

10000 200010000 2000

Riparian Forest



Native Prairie




Bog Areas

Legend

Memorial Parks First Master Plan

1924 Proposed Entry & Gardens by Hare & Hare Landscape Architects

Create a clearing in the forest.

Great Lawns, Gathering Spaces

10000 2000

Riparian Forest



Native Prairie




Bog Areas

Legend

WWI Camp Logan Training Camp

Camp Logan Memorial Woods

10000 200010000 2000

Riparian Forest



Native Prairie




Bog Areas

Legend

The northwest quadrant will retain Equestrian trails. A physically and visually disparate Cycle Track that replaces the Picnic Loop will solve user conflict.

An equestrian center adjacent to the polo grounds could house possible Community Riding Programs.

Equestrian Center, Trails & Cycle Track

10000 2000

Riparian Forest



Native Prairie




Bog Areas

Legend

Wide and dense forested buffers at the edges of the park create a sense of immersion in landscape spaces along the more urbanized edges.

A landscaped berm on northern edge at I-10 will help to buffer noise and pollution.

Highway and Neighborhood Buffers

10000 200010000 2000

Riparian Forest



Native Prairie




Bog Areas

Legend

Currently separated from the park, this will become an iconic entry. It provides access from the west and the south to the Arboretum and the park beyond.

This site will provide pedestrian and boating access to the bayou.

Reconnect Western Fragments, Celebrate Park Entry

10000 2000

Riparian Forest



Native Prairie




Bog Areas

Legend

Access trails are added to Hogg Bird Sanctuary. Invasive species are cleared from the understory, allowing for healthier habitat and forage for native bird species.

Restore Hogg Bird Sanctuary

10000 200010000 2000

Riparian Forest



Native Prairie




Bog Areas

Legend

Dispersed parking lots provide improved access to park activities. Parking along Memorial Loop Road is removed, allowing for two way traffic and a more park-like feeling. Discrete parking areas now provide access to all parts of the site.

The proposed parking design provides no net loss in parking.

Proposed Parking LotsParking Service Areas

Existing Parking to Remain

Legend

Distribute Parking to Active Program Areas

10000 2000

Riparian Forest



Native Prairie




Bog Areas

Legend

Vision: A park that balances a more resilient natural environment, improved recreation and amenities, and the sites rich history and setting.

REVEAL: Access to Diverse Spaces, Ecologies, & Cultural Resources

Archery

10000 200010000 2000

Riparian Forest



Native Prairie




Bog Areas

Legend

Master Plan

Cycle Track and Trails

Archery

Equestrian Center

Sports Complex

Memorial Groves

Golf Course

Tennis Center

Fitness Center/Natatorium

Blossom and Arnot Multiuse Space

Maintenance Area

Hogg Bird Sanctuary

Family Recreation Area and Southside Trailhead

Land Bridge

Running Trail Center and Timing Track10000 2000

PARKING LOT CROSSING

CON

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CONNECTION ON NORTH SIDE OF ROAD ONLY THROUGH SLT

Existing Trail Network

Multi Use Trail: 12.5 milesBridle Trails: 1.5 milesArboretum Trails: 6 milesOuter Loop: 1.25 milesTex-DOT Trail: 1.75 milesCycle Track (picnic loop): 1.25 miles Seymour Lieberman Trail: 2.9 miles

Total: 27.15 miles

10000 2000

Proposed Trail Network: 50+ miles

10000 2000

Pedestrian Trails: 40+ miles

10000 2000

Connectivity Network: 7.5 miles

10-16'

10000 2000

Memorial Loop: 9.5 miles

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10000 2000

Seymour Lieberman Trail (SLT): 3 miles & Timing Track: .25 miles

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10000 2000

Bayou Trail: 3 miles, Other Hiking & Running Trails: 8 miles

4

10000 2000

Arboretum Trails: 8 miles

20

10000 2000

Cycling Trails: 30+ miles

10000 2000

Connectivity Network: 7.5 miles

16

10000 2000

Memorial Loop: 9.5 miles

12

10000 2000

Cycle Track: 1.5 miles, Kids Loop: .25 miles

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10000 2000

Dedicated Mountain Bike: 8.5 miles, Kids Mountain Bike Zone: 1 mile

4

10000 2000

Equestrian Trails: 3.5 miles

12

10000 2000

Riparian Forest



Native Prairie




Bog Areas

Legend

Master Plan


Archery

Equestrian Center

Sports Complex

Memorial Groves

Golf Course

Tennis Center



Maintenance Area

Hogg Bird Sanctuary


Land Bridge


Sports Complex

2000 400 800

Existing Conditions Aerial Photo

Sports Complex

2000 400 800

Existing Features to Remain

Sports Complex

2000 400 800

Driving Range (Double Height)

Sports Complex Sports Fields

Baseball

Softball

SoftballSoccer

Volleyball

Croquet

2000 400 800

Sports Complex Vegetated Berm and Buffer Planting

2000 400 800

Sports Complex Access Road

2000 400 800

Sports Complex Parking

2000 400 800

Sports Complex SLT

2000 400 800

Sports Complex Multiuse Trail

2000 400 800

Blossom and Arnot Multiuse Space Existing Conditions Aerial

2000 400 800

Blossom and Arnot Multiuse Space Natatorium

2000 400 800

Blossom and Arnot Multiuse Space Tennis and Fitness Center

2000 400 800

Blossom and Arnot Multiuse Space Blossom and Arnot Multiuse Spaces

2000 400 800

Blossom and Arnot Multiuse Space Buffer Planting

2000 400 800

Blossom and Arnot Multiuse Space Access Roads

2000 400 800

Blossom and Arnot Multiuse Space Parking

2000 400 800

Blossom and Arnot Multiuse Space SLT

2000 400 800

Blossom and Arnot Multiuse Space Multiuse Trail

2000 400 800

Land Bridge and Memorial Groves Existing Conditions Aerial Photo

2000 400 800

Land Bridge and Memorial Groves Existing Features to Remain

2000 400 800

Land Bridge and Memorial Groves Access Roads

2000 400 800

Land Bridge and Memorial Groves Land Bridge

2000 400 800

Land Bridge and Memorial Groves Parking

2000 400 800

Land Bridge and Memorial Groves Memorial Groves

2000 400 800

Land Bridge and Memorial Groves SLT and Timing Track

2000 400 800

Land Bridge and Memorial Groves Multiuse Trails

2000 400 800

Land Bridge and Memorial Groves Mountain Biking Trails

2000 400 800

Family Recreation Area and Southside Trailhead Existing Conditions Aerial Photo

2000 400 800

Family Recreation Area and Southside Trailhead Land Bridge and Access Roads

2000 400 800

Family Recreation Area and Southside Trailhead Parking

2000 400 800

Family Recreation Area and Southside Trailhead Trailhead Program

2000 400 800

Family Recreation Area and Southside Trailhead SLT

2000 400 800

Family Recreation Area and Southside Trailhead Multiuse Trail

2000 400 800

Family Recreation Area and Southside Trailhead Mountain Biking Trails

2000 400 800

Family Recreation Area and Southside Trailhead Hiking Trails

2000 400 800

Riparian Forest



Native Prairie




Bog Areas

Legend

Master Plan


Archery

Equestrian Center

Sports Complex

Memorial Groves

Golf Course

Tennis Center



Maintenance Area

Hogg Bird Sanctuary


Land Bridge


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SPACES AND PLACES: HOW WILL IT LOOK?Monday, January 12th, 2015, 6:308:30 pmMoody Park Community Center3725 Fulton St.Houston, TX 77009

THE PROPOSED PLAN: MEMORIAL PARK TOMORROW A PLACE FOR ALL HOUSTONIANSMonday, March 9th, 2015, 6:308:30 pmThe Museum of Fine Arts, HoustonBrown Auditorium Caroline Wiess Law Building1001 Bissonnet St.Houston, TX 77005

HOST: Council Member Ellen Cohen (District C)

A STORY OF THE PARK: PEOPLE IN NATUREINITIAL DESIGN CONCEPTSWednesday, September 17th, 68 pmThe Eldorado Ballroom2310 Elgin St. Houston, TX 77004

HOST: Council Member Dwight Boykins (District D)CO-HOST: Council Member Robert Gallegos (District I)

All Houstonians are welcome at all meetings

Join a meeting near you!

MASTER PLAN PUBLIC UPDATE MEETINGS

ORGANIZING THE SITE: WHAT GOES WHERE?Monday, November 10th, 6:308:30 pmWhite Oak Conference Center7603 Antoine Dr.Houston, TX 77088

HOST: Council Member Brenda Stardig (District A)

Slides from last meeting.pdfIntro_PreviousPublicMeetingsSlides 1Intro_PreviousPublicMeetingsSlides 2Intro_PreviousPublicMeetingsSlides 3Intro_PreviousPublicMeetingsSlides 4Intro_PreviousPublicMeetingsSlides 5Intro_PreviousPublicMeetingsSlides 6Intro_PreviousPublicMeetingsSlides 7Intro_PreviousPublicMeetingsSlides 8Intro_PreviousPublicMeetingsSlides 9Intro_PreviousPublicMeetingsSlides 10Intro_PreviousPublicMeetingsSlides 11Intro_PreviousPublicMeetingsSlides 12Intro_PreviousPublicMeetingsSlides 13Intro_PreviousPublicMeetingsSlides 14Intro_PreviousPublicMeetingsSlides 15

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Memorial Park Tomorrow Nov.14