GREATER NORTHAM PARK STRATEGIC MASTER PLAN CITY OF UPPER ARLINGTON, OHIO. December 2013

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1 GREATER NORTHAM PARK STRATEGIC MASTER PLAN CITY OF UPPER ARLINGTON, OHIO December 2013

2 Acknowledgements City of Upper Arlington Tim Moloney, Director of Parks & Recreation Steve Cothrel, Superintendent of Parks and Forestry Upper Arlington School District Chris Potts, Executive Director of Business Services Upper Arlington Public Library Chris Taylor, Director MKSK Brian Kinzelman, Senior Principal Matt McGrath, Project Manager Danielle Myers, Planner

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4 INTRODUCTION

5 Plan Purpose & Goals Master Plan Vision Centrally located in Upper Arlington, Ohio, Northam Park has long served as a primary gathering space for the city, hosting numerous community activities, special events and recreational uses. Upper Arlington residents, young and old, have fond memories associated with Northam Park, often referring to it as the heart of Upper Arlington. The park is home to a variety of public and civic facilities including the Upper Arlington Library, Tremont Elementary School, Tremont Pool and multiple recreational areas. As a result, the park is a vibrant space that draws its energy and population from the surrounding residential and institutional uses. In order to ensure Northam Park continues to serve the needs of the community, the City of Upper Arlington initiated the master planning efforts summarized in this document. The Greater Northam Park Strategic Master Plan seeks to build on the park s vibrancy by creating a cohesive design and identity for Northam Park which reinforces the unique character, qualities and history of the Upper Arlington community. The master planning process that follows is based on the following goal: To create a vision which will reinforce Northam Park as Upper Arlington s primary civic open space - UA s Central Park

6 Study Area Located near the geographic center of Upper Arlington, Northam Park is often considered to consist of the block east of Tremont Road, north of Northam Road, west of Andover Road, and south of Ridgeview Road. The park shares the block with St. Agatha Catholic Church and School immediately to the east, bordering athletic fields used by the church and school. The study area for the master planning efforts consists of approximately 22 acres of the park proper. This includes the Main Branch of the Upper Arlington Library, Tremont Swimming Pool, the Upper Arlington Senior Center and a variety of recreational areas. The park is bound to the east by Tremont Road, which is one of the major north-south corridors for the city. Tremont Shopping Center, immediately to the east, and Kingsdale Shopping Center to the north are major retail centers for the community, and are within walking distance to the park. Upper Arlington High School three blocks east, is also within easy walking distance, enabling student athletes to use the park space for after school practice and recreation. The close proximity of these commercial and civic uses creates an abundant amount of energy and activity around Northam Park. The Greater Northam Park Master Plan evaluates the Northam Park block, while taking in to consideration the adjacent residential neighborhoods, shopping centers, and schools. It proposes a new design that connects the greenspace and its surrounding uses by creating a cohesive identity for the park. Upper Arlington High School Northam Park Block Tremont Rd Ridgeview Rd Upper Arlington High School Tremont Tremont Center Shopping Center Tremont Rd Northam Park Study Area St Agatha Catholic Church St Agatha Church Andover Rd North Northam Study Area Rd Upper Arlington, Ohio

7 Existing Conditions Architecture & Infrastructure The existing conditions at Northam Park include multiple uses that, while complementary to each other, are fragmented and inefficient. Opportunities for shared open spaces and connected uses are lost due to the current layout of the various program elements within the park. The following observations, made as part of the Site Analysis process, stand out as being critical to the future success of the planning efforts: The Library and School Parking Lot The shared lot currently serving the park, the library, and Tremont Elementary, but is in disrepair and does not provide a strong sense of arrival. Park users and children often circulate through the vehicular parking areas creating potential safety concerns. The Tremont Elementary School main entry and drop-off does not provide a suitable front door to the school. Upon observation the lot is rarely full. Existing Architecture & Signage The Upper Arlington Library and Tremont Elementary School abut the park but are not connected to the open space in a discernible way. The existing shared parking lot is in a state of disrepair. Signage for the Main Library is not visibly prominent. Signage for the Library and School is difficult to see and partially hidden by existing vegetation and landforms. The existing Senior Center is aging and does not respond to the adjacent park space. St Agatha Church, although not within the park limits, is an architecturally significant structure and an important community asset. Community Amenities The Tremont Pool is aging and will require significant investments for upgrades and repair in the near future. The Northam Tennis Complex, bisects a significant green space at the central area of the park. This progam element is a destination use with the majority of users driving and parking. The Tennis Complex bisects the existing open spaces, and blocks drainage. The Senior Center is antiquated and disconnected from the park space.

8 Senior Center & Parking Tremont Elementary Architecturally significant Antiquated facility Does not address adjacent park space Tremont Elementary Drop-Off Does not currently function well Shared Parking Lot Lot is in poor condition Potentially unsafe for pedestrian movements St Agatha Church Architecturally significant Opportunities for partnership? Restrooms / Concessions Maintenance Storage UA Main Library Key community destination Does not address adjacent park space Tremont Pool Aging facility In need of repair or replacement Tremont Tennis Complex Layout bisects park space Tennis Complex is a destination which could potentially be re-located to other UA park space North

9 Existing Conditions Open Space & Vegetation The organization of greenspace is a key component to the success of any park or public space. Open spaces should exemplify the amenities of the park and provide opportunities for both active and passive use. Currently, the greenspace within Northam Park is home to a variety different uses, but the layout is disjointed and does not respond to the surrounding context. Tremont Avenue The existing vegetation and mounding along the east side of Tremont Road creates a visual barrier to the school, library and park. The entry point to Northam Park from Tremont Rd is not well defined and lacks a clear gateway to the park. Athletic Fields The existing athletic fields are divided by the tennis complex preventing opportunities for a shared or centralized open space which could also support Mounding and vegetation along Tremont Rd creates a visual barrier to the park. community events. Drainage problems limit use in field areas and create maintenance issues. Drainage issues in the north athletic fields limit use and create maintenance challenges. Additional Park Amenities The historic tree grove in the southeast portion of the park is underutilized and disconnected from the other park elements. The edges of the park are currently undefined and do not respond to the surrounding residential streets. The edges of the park do not respond to surrounding neighborhoods.

10 Tremont Elementary Play Area Tremont Elementary Play Area Athletic Fields (North) Used primarily by school Poor drainage limits use of some fields Existing vegetation and landforms creates visual barrier to school and library School entry not clearly marked Tremont Elementary Poor Drainage Children s Play Area Library Entry Not clearly marked St Agatha Church Main Library Athletic Fields (South) Multi-use fields, often sub-divided Major space used for community events Historic Tree Grove Historically significant tree grove to be protected North

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12 STRATEGIC MASTER PLAN Res ea dus ad magnistibus id mo eum quat.

13 Greater Northam Park Strategic Master Plan The vision of the Greater Northam Park Strategic Master Plan is to reinforce Northam Park as Upper Arlington s primary civic open space. In order to accomplish this, the design team worked with the City of Upper Arlington to Gateway Connection to Kingsdale identify key objectives that addressed existing challenges and expressed future Clearly Defined Edge goals for the role of the park in the Upper Arlington community. Parking Area Future Community / Expansion tsc ap e Goals & Objectives ts tre e on Tre m Create a unified aesthetic for the Northam Park block School Play Area Dr op -of f Establish clear park gateways and edges Gateway Connection to HS Future School Expansion Tremont Elementary Maintain the existing athletic fields e on ad e/ Dr op -of fz Parking Address Upper Arlington Library and Tremont Elementary School access and parking needs Athletics & Multi-Purpose Open Space Future Gym Expansion om en Primary Gateway Pr Pool Complex Open up the library to the adjacent park space Pro me de -of fz ca ets /E ve nt Sp ac e Dr e/ Public Play Area om en ad Tre m The Master Plan vision for Northam Park incorporates the established goals and objectives in a way that creates a distinct and cohesive identity for the park, while also responding to the existing library, school and surrounding neighborhoods. The plan looks to create a series of flexible spaces that provide the opportunity St Agatha Church & School Pavilion Pr Provide a framework to create a series of Centers for Communities Historic Tree Grove op tre ts on Provide flexible space for community events and festivals na on pe Protect existing park assets and vegetation e Parking UA Main Library Reading Garden Gateway Clearly Defined Edge Public Gardens Gateway Public Gardens Gateway Gateway Event Pavilion Clearly Defined Edge Northam Park Master Plan, Organizational Diagram Key Recommendations: for daily use, community events and sporting games. The Master Plan strives to The Master Plan is based on a series of key recommendations in support of the established Goals and Objectives. Whereas these Big Moves are interrelated a address the community s needs of the park as well as creates a civic gathering phased approach to implementation could be executed incrementally, leveraging the coordination, energy and funding of private development, ongoing expansion of space for the city of Upper Arlington. local cultural institutions and civic infrastructure projects. The Key Recommendations include: Rebuild the school / library shared parking lot Consolidate the athletic fields into a central green space Create a pronounced pedestrian entry from Tremont Road Rebuild the Tremont Pool complex Relocate the existing tennis complex Provide an organization strategy for future school and other community facility expansion

14 Master Plan Key A. Parking & Drop-off Zone B. Pedestrian Promenade C. Pavilion D. Support Buildings E. New Entrance Gateway F. Streetscape & Intersection Improvement F G. Playground H. Tremont Pool U I. Splash Pad/Water Feature J. Oval Walking Path K. Recreational Fields L. Public Gardens M. Event Gardens N. Rain Garden O. Reading Garden Terrace TREMONT ELEMENTARY SCHOOL R U Q P. Gazebo Q. Future Senior Center Facility R. School Expansion S. Historic Tree Grove T. Concessions / Storage U. Perimeter Walking Path E A R K B D I H J T U UPPER ARLINGTON PUBLIC LIBRARY O G N M C L S P ST AGATHA CATHOLIC CHURCH

15 Parking & Entry The parking lot that serves Northam Park is also shared with the Upper Arlington Public Library, Tremont Elementary School, and the Tremont Swimming Pool. While it is beneficial to connect these institutions to the park through shared parking, the existing parking lot is in poor condition and in need of repair The current parking lot does not provide a strong entry experience for Northam Park and the adjacent school and library. An indistinct primary entrance from Tremont Road lacks a defined gateway. Additionally, the current parking lot does not accommodate pedestrian circulation which can create unsafe conditions for the high number of children that are typically present around parks, schools, libraries, and recreational facilities. Finally, the Tremont Elementary School student drop-off area is inefficient and creates added circulation challenges. To address these challenges, the Strategic Master Plan proposes the following improvements to the parking lot. These recommendations create a more efficient parking design and properly accommodate the role of pedestrians in this area. Specifically, these recommendations are: Northam Gateway & Pedestrian Promenade Establish a primary pedestrian entry to Northam Park from Tremont Road. This tree-lined pedestrian zone would serve as the formal entry into the park which could also be used for special events, vendor displays and community gatherings. A wide tree-lined pedestrian promenade will serve as the primary entrance to the park. The promenade has the potential to act as event space for the community. Pedestrian Connection Between School and Library Create a distinct pedestrian linkage from the south entry of Tremont Elementary to the Library that crosses the parking areas. This pedestrian zone would be a flush connection, which would provide a safer pedestrian area and also serve to slow traffic in parking drive aisles. Improved Parking Reorient the parking lot to respond to the adjacent park space and increase efficiencies which will yield more parking spaces in approximately the same area. Install green infrastructure to support the community s sustainable initiatives. Drop-Off Areas Improve conditions at the south entry to Tremont Elementary School by potentially expanding and improving the drop-off zones. An expanding drop-off area could also serve future program elements such as expanded school or pool facilities. Pervious paving is an example of potential green infrastructure. Bioswales in the parking area could be implemented as green infrastructure.

16 Tremont Elementary Improved Student Drop-Off Dropoff New Entry / Exit Point for School parking and drop-off Dr op -of fz on e Traffic Tables - Traffic Calming Dropoff Parking Close existing access point Pedestrian Connection Between School and Library rop -of fz on e New Primary Pedestrian Connection to Park Reconfigured Parking Lot Pro me na de /D Parking Existing access point to remain Existing drop-off to remain Main Library Concept Site Plan

17 Gateways & Streetscapes The existing conditions along the edges of Northam Park lack definition and do not provide a clear sense of the park space. Along Tremont Road dense vegetation and mounding limit views into the park and minor pedestrian access points fail to provide a significant entry. By establishing a series of clear entries, gateways and streetscape improvements the limits of the park will be more clearly defined and its presence in the surrounding area can become stronger. Gateways With the goal of establishing clear and well defined entry points, gateway features should be implemented along the edges of the park along Tremont and Northam roads. Transforming the existing main entrance off Tremont Road into a pedestrian-oriented, formal entry will clearly distinguish it as the primary entrance to the park. This entrance should incorporate alternative paving materials and a significant gateway feature. This entrance will transition into a pedestrian promenade that bisects the parking area helping to lead visitors from Tremont Road directly into the park. Establishing secondary gateways at key points around the perimeter of the park will encourage pedestrian crossings at safe and logical locations, while reinforcing the edges of park. The Master Plan proposes introducing these elements at the intersection of Tremont Road and Ridgeview Road by using alternative paving materials to signal the transition into pedestrian areas. The primary entrance to Northam Park, from Tremont Road should be pedestrian oriented and clearly distinguishable. Along Northam Road, proposed garden spaces will create an engaging south edge to the park. Elements such as specialty paving, lighting, plantings and furnishings can be used to further designate these areas as gateway components. Streetscape Improvements In addition to defining clear gateways, proposed streetscape improvements along the perimeter of the block will provide a more clearly defined park edge. Street trees, sidewalk improvements, lighting, and signage components along Ridgeview, Andover and Northam will reinforce this concept and help define pedestrian crossing and access points. Garden elements and smaller architectural features can help define secondary gateways.

18 Alternative Intersection Paving, to Create a Gateway to the Area Establish Secondary Gateway Feature Improve Streetscape to Open Up Views of The Library and School Gateway Signalizing Main Entrance to Park Gateway Signalizing Entry to Park Gateways to Public Gardens Create a Defined Edge to Northam Park

19 Recreational Elements One of the key amenities Northam Park provides to the community is a place for recreation and school league sports to gather, practice and play. Football games, soccer games, and baseball games all take place on the park s athletic fields helping to strengthen community connections to the park. Currently, the park faces challenges related to the fields including stormwater drainage issues which result in a loss of field space, and lack of amenities such as seating for spectators, concessions facilities, and adequate storage for athletic and maintenance equipment. Additionally, the current layout of the field spaces is bisected by the Tennis Complex, which contributes to some of the current issues and prevents the fields from being a unified and flexible open space. Improving these popular recreational elements of the park is a key component to the Master Plan vision. Playground With the consolidation of the athletic fields and the relocation of the Tennis Complex, the existing playground will be relocated to a central location near the new entrance to the park. The Master Plan proposes increasing the playground to approximately 20,000 square feet, and updating the existing play structures and play surface. The new playground will be located adjacent to proposed buildings which frame the entry to the park and could house a seasonal café space, public restroom facilities, maintenance and other support features. Recreational Fields The heart of Northam Park is the open multipurpose green-space which can be used for athletics, community events, and general play. Consolidating the play fields into a central location is a key element to the Master Plan recommendations. This strategy not only increases the efficiency of the field layouts but also provides a key organizational element to the entire park. Covered seating areas along the edges of the oval walking path. The proposed central field space is approximated 13 acres and is large enough to accommodate four soccer fields (195 x 300 ) and four baseball / softball fields (250 outfield). The baseball / softball fields are oriented to allow for flexible use of the outfields with proposed pavilion, restroom or storage structures located along the perimeter of the field area. The field spaces also have the potential to host festivals and community based events. Having a consolidated and efficient space for community activities will reinforce Northam Park s role in the Upper Arlington community. New recreation fields will be located within the oval walking path. The new walking oval will serve both a recreational and connectivity use. Walking Path Defining the edge of the proposed athletic field area is an oval walking path that circles the fields and acts as a key organizational element to the park. The multipurpose walking path will be approximately wide and can be used for jogging, biking and walking. Covered seating areas and support elements for the fields, such as concession areas and storage structures will be accessed from this perimeter path. With the intent of creating a cohesive open space, the oval path will act as an important organizing element. When not being used for games, the fields can be used as passive greenspace. The existing playground area is proposed to be improved and enlarged.

20 Green space can be used for community events, sports games, and leisure use Recreational Walking Path. Amenities along the loop include seating areas, water fountains, shelters, restrooms Preliminary Field Layouts Include: Four Baseball / Soft Ball Fields: 250 Outfield) Four Soccer fields: (195 x 330 ) Storage / Maintenance Structure New playground area

21 Aquatics Tremont Pool A significant community draw to Northam Park is the Tremont Pool facility. The current pool complex is one of three city operated aquatic facilities in Upper Arlington and is need of major renovation. The Strategic Master Plan proposes reconstructing the pool facility in approximately the same location. This central location allows the pool and the proposed support buildings to frame the entry into the park. The new pool will be large enough to accommodate a five lane, 25 meter lap area and a 2,300 square foot swimming area set within a surrounding deck area that will be approximately 25,000 square feet. In addition two support buildings totaling 2,500 square feet can house pool office, storage and concessions for the aquatic area. Interactive Water Feature In lieu of providing a kids pool areas within the gated aquatic complex, the Strategic Master Plan recommends including an interactive water feature which will serve as a primary focal point for the new park. The water feature area can provide flexible water components that allow for interactive kids play as well as more passive features. The Tremont Pool should be reconstructed as part of the Strategic Master Plan. The new fountain should become an iconic feature of Northam Park. This water element should act as an iconic feature of Northam Park and will help active the space while drawing visitors towards the central areas of the park. The pool is a beneficial because it helps draws visitors to Northam Park. Two new buildings will anchor the pool site to add to the available facilities.

22 Support Building New Tremont Pool Facility Splash Fountain Feature

23 Public Gardens Currently, the southern portion of Northam Park is primarily occupied by sports fields and passive open space. This open landscape prevents the park from having a clearly defined edge along Northam Road, diminishing it s impact on the streetscape and preventing it from having a strong connection to the adjacent neighborhood. With the goal of creating a clear definition to the park edge, while also providing a stronger pedestrian fabric, the Strategic Master Plan proposes transforming this southern portion of the park into a series of Public Garden spaces. The Public Gardens are intended to provide another layer of community based amenities by engaging the adjacent neighborhood with physical and programmatic relationships. These gardens could be implemented incrementally over time, and could utilize public private partnerships and development efforts. Public Gardens The proposed Public Gardens are envisioned to be small scale spaces that contain a number of various program elements with a focus on community engagement. Potential amenities such as outdoor classrooms, gathering areas, raised planting beds and outdoor kitchen areas should encourage the spaces to be used for small events gatherings and educational opportunities. Providing these types of program elements is intended to encourage community involvement, and strengthen the role of the gardens and the park in the community. The spaces within the Public Gardens may be sub-divided into smaller gardens, allowing for the accommodation of a significant number of programmatic uses with special consideration given to ensure the spaces are unique to Upper Arlington. As with the other areas of the proposed Public Gardens, the Community Garden area could adopt a phased approach to implementation which leverages private development efforts and community engagement. Rain Gardens The Rain Gardens are to be a series of garden spaces designed with the intention of managing stormwater from the surrounding open spaces while creating unique garden spaces offering views of planting, wetlands and materials native to Ohio. areas to clean stormwater run-off, and can be designed to work in conjunction with existing stormwater systems to intercept water from adjacent roadways. This approach also creates educational opportunities which can highlight key sustainable features with signage and informational kiosks. The intention is that these gardens will feel in keeping with the architecture of the park and the surrounding neighborhood, but will improve the hydrology and drainage of the entire park block. Events Garden & Pavilion With the intent of being the jewel of Northam Park, the proposed Bridal Pavilion and Garden will provide an event-oriented space which could be used for special occasions such as weddings, receptions and intimate gatherings. The Bridal Pavilion is located at the terminus of the main pedestrian promenade and is on axis with the oval walk to the north and Camden Rd to the south, reinforcing its prominence in the new park layout. The circular shaped, open-air pavilion structure is envisioned to be an iconic piece of architecture that complements the surrounding garden spaces and becomes a signature element for Northam Park. Surrounding the pavilion structure is a flexible open space area, suitable for seating or other gatherings. The Bridal Pavilion and Garden space will not only serve as an event space, but will also provide a place for community activities and events. Reading Terrace The proximity of the Upper Arlington Main Library to the proposed Public Gardens allows for a unique opportunity to create a linkage between the two complementary public spaces by creating a Reading Garden along the east side of the library building. The proposed Reading Garden will be an outdoor reading room connecting to the library s main floor and will overlook the gardens to the east. The elevated space will connect to the adjacent gardens, providing a bookend to elements proposed along Northam Road. This garden will create a connection between the library building and the adjacent park spaces while also proving a new amenity to library users. A series of gardens along the southern portion of the park will create an edge that engages the street and surrounding neighborhoods. The gardens create an education opportunity for the nearby elementary school. These gardens may vary in size and scale but will function as a system to hydraulically manage stormwater for the entire park. This sustainable approach to stormwater management uses soils planting and specially designed landscape Outdoor kitchen areas could to be used for small events and educational programs.

24 Rain gardens work by collecting stormwater runoff and filtering the water back into the soil. Reading Garden Bridal Garden and Pavilion A bridal garden could create the opportunity for event rental space in Northam Park. Gazebo Rain Gardens Garden Gateway to Northam Park Flexible open space areas can suitable for seating or other gatherings.

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26 VISION

27 Aerial View Looking East

28 Aerial View Looking Southwest

29 Fourth of July at Northam Park, Looking North

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31 Closing Thoughts... Sequencing is a key factor for utility and drainage reasons. The Tennis Complex needs a home elsewhere. Is Thompson Park a possible location? The Gardens Spaces and Events Pavilion have revenue generating potential which is not insignificant... Substantial donor opportunities exist within many areas of the proposed improvements... Upper Arlington needs this quality of civic facilities to remain at the top of the list of Family Friendly Communities to add to our high quality of life and positively impact our property values.