City Council WorkshopJuly 27, 2015

Blunn / Pioneer Master Plan

Discuss possible recreational and regional uses of the 1,600 acre parcel collectively known as the Blunn / Pioneer site.

Review public input and information gathered from outreach efforts.

Receive direction from City Council on next steps.

Purpose of this Workshop

Agenda Why this Master Plan?

Overview of Site

Current and Proposed Uses

Detail on Proposed Uses

Recommendations

City Council Direction

Blunn/Pioneer Master Plan Committee:

• Amy Ito, Jeffco Open Space• Parks, Golf and Hospitality

• Mike Lee, Urban Design • Jim Wilkins, Golf Course Operations • Darrell Linders, Parks

• Community Development• Carol Ibanez, Senior Planner

• City Manager’s Office• Jessica Prosser, Sustainability

• Arvada Police Department• Lynn Johnson, Deputy Police Chief

• Utilities • Jim Sullivan, Director• Sandra McDonald, Project Manager• Cliff Deeds, Water Operations• Larry Hack, Water Treatment

• Public Works• Mark Bowman, Streets• Pat Dougherty, Engineering

Contributing Partners

Citizen Committees:

• Arvada Modeler’s Association• Golf Advisory Committee• Park Advisory Committee• Sustainability Advisory Committee• Bird’s Nest Frisbee Golf • Arvada West Dog Park Association• Arvada Equestrian Community

Nicole Horst, Project ManagerDrew Button, Landscape Designer

Special thanks to Cindy Javelet and Maria Vanderkolk for website and social media support.

The City has a history of using water supply sites in conjunction with recreational and other public needs.

Mining has ceased on the Pioneer site and reclamation is required by the end of 2017.

The reclamation plan should be designed to support planned uses.

The Blunn / Pioneer site contains 1,600 acres; this is the largest contiguous parcel of land owned by the City.

Why this Master Plan Effort?

Size of Property in Master PlanOverlay onto the City Map

• Gravel mining began in the 1980’s and concluded in October 2013.

• City approved a 10-year lease with Pioneer Sand Co, Inc. (2013–2023) in exchange for reclamation work and a 20-acre sales yard.

• Reclamation of the site is required and must be completed by end of 2017, which includes:

Pioneer Reclamation Plan

Slopes of no more than 3V:1H

All areas that hold water must be filledor drained

Land to have established vegetation

Reservation of the land is one step in a very complicated process

1. Identify need and preliminary costs

2. Obtain sponsor

3. Identify possible sites We are here…..

4. Obtain conditional reservation of site5. Develop detailed concept:

1. Sketch plans/improvements, 2. Mitigation requirements, 3. Construction budget, 4. Long-term operations and maintenance budget, 5. Sources of funding, 6. Identify who will manage

6. Commitment by City on land

7. Applications for funding

8. Detailed construction plans

9. Construction and use

The Development Process

City Council has approved the following uses on the property

Arvada Air Modelers ParkPrairie Dog

Preserve

Jefferson Parkway

Disc Golf Course

Water Treatment Plants

Dog Park

New Water Storage

Regional Trails

Fishing and Boating

Current Approved Uses

Pioneer Sales Yard

Working with members of the Jefferson County Open Space; Arvada Parks, Golf, and Hospitality Department; the Arvada Police Department; City Manager’s Office; Arvada Air Modelers Association; and Jefferson Parkway Authority, staff identified regional needs that could be met on the site.

Future Uses

• Expansion of Dog Park• Disc Golf Course Operational 

Changes• Relocate Arvada Modelers• Fencing the Prairie Dog Site• Police Training Facility• Regional/Local Trail Connections

• West Woods Golf Course Improvements

• Outdoor Public Shooting Range• Stone Circles – Teepee Rings• Bike Park• Solar Generation Center• Composting Transfer Station

Enhance Visual Attractiveness and Ensure Adequate Buffer Zone Areas

Public Outreach

Webpage Updated as project unfolded

Online Public Feedback Form Received 350 online comments ~ 70 pages

City-wide Survey Sent survey to 500 randomly selected homeswith a 40% response rate

Two Public Meetings 220 attendees

Current Concept Plan

Buffer Zone Areas

Expansion of the Dog Park

Disc Golf Course Operational Changes

Relocate Arvada Modelers

Fencing the Prairie Dog Site

Modifications to Existing Uses

Expansion of Dog ParkWest Arvada Dog Park is managed by a local citizen’s group. Original concept included three areas, two for active play, and one left dormant for vegetation restoration. Two sections have been built. The timing for the third section depends on funding by the West Arvada Dog Park Association.

Issue: Area located just below dam emergency spillway would require break-away fencing and approval of State Dam Engineer.

One comment supported expansion of the dog park.

Request from Arvada Parks, Golf and Hospitality with support of West Arvada Dog Park Assoc.

Disc Golf Course Operational Changes

Proposal: Change Bird’s Nest Disc Golf Course into a pay-as-you-throw course based on annual memberships. Place a trailer onsite to check in and acquire daily wristband. Possible concessions and equipment sales. Proceeds used to maintain and improve the course.

Comments supported pay-as-you-throw to fund better course maintenance. Other comments consider the disc golf patrons “good neighbors”

Issue: Dual use of land as a clean fill site. Will require lease negotiations.

Request from John Bird, Bird’s Nest Disc Golf.

Relocate Arvada ModelersThe Arvada Modelers are current users of the site and must relocate when the Jefferson Parkway is built. Their facility, which includes runways for model planes and a remote control car course, is open to the public for viewing and special events.

Issues: Concerns with noise from the Modelers.

Comments received are concerned about the large amount of space needed for a safe fly zone, noise from the planes and proximity to houses.Other comments mention that the Modelers are good neighbors and an asset to the community.

Request from Arvada Parks, Golf and Hospitality with support of the Arvada Modelers.

Fencing the Prairie Dog SiteThe City established this Prairie Dog Refuge through Policy in 2000. Its population has expanded beyond the original site, impacting the Stone Circles – Teepee rings and Pioneer reclamation area, with burrows approaching the Spring Mesa neighborhood. A fenced area will help reduce contact between humans and prairie dogs.

Issues: Concerns about destruction of land / possible health issues.

Comments suggest proper fencing to manage the refuge and prevent spread of the population outside of the reserve.

Request from Arvada Utilities and Parks, Golf and Hospitality.

Police Training Facility

Regional and Local Trail Connections

West Woods Golf Course Improvements

Proposed Civic Improvements (Not Surveyed)

Police Training FacilityA regional governmental public safety facility that includes an emergency vehicle operation course, indoor classrooms, and simulators. Potential to share facilities with public shooting range.

Issues: Concerns about noise and light pollution from emergency vehicle training and gunfire.

Supporters believe modern facilities and space for proper training are necessary for a strong police force. Concerned residents question the need for this facility as training is now being conducted elsewhere.

Request from Arvada Police Department with support of Jeffco Sheriff’s Department.

Regional and Local Trail Connections

Trail connections include Pattridge Open Space, trails around Arvada Blunn Reservoir, Ralston Creek, Tucker Lake, future Jefferson Parkway trail, JeffCo trails via underpass at 93, historical areas, Moon Gulch/Spring Mesa and connections between program uses.

Issues: Preventing conflict of use between users on foot, bike, and horseback. Connectivity to other systems and parks.

A majority of comments support trails, requesting that they be able to connect to other regional trail systems, open spaces, and parks.

Request from Arvada Parks, Golf and Hospitality with support of Arvada Parks Advisory Comm. and Jeffco Open Space.

West Woods Golf Course Improvements

West Woods Golf Course is expanding its club house and parking. Additional area is needed for the course because two holes must be relocated. Studies are underway to analyze the existing clubhouse and develop conceptual design options.

Issues: Concerns about changes in trail use and wildlife corridors being affected.

Comments received opposed using the Tucker Lake area for golf course.

Request from Arvada Parks, Golf and Hospitality with support of Arvada Golf Advisory Committee.

Outdoor Public Shooting Range

Stone Circles – Teepee Rings

Bike Park

Solar Generation Center

Composting Transfer Station

Proposed Civic Improvements Surveyed

Outdoor Public Shooting RangeAn outdoor, professionally managed public shooting range. Minimum six-acre site, located 1.3 miles from Arvada residential development.

Issues: Concerns are noise, safety, close proximity to residential housing and public use in natural areas.

Comments received indicate concern over disturbing western Arvada’s peaceful character. Supporters argue a publicly available range is needed and would benefit the community.

SURVEY RESULTSSupport 37%Neutral 10%Don’t Support 53%

Request from Jeffco Open Space with support of Jeffco Public Shooting Range Working Group and CO Parks and Wildlife.

Stone Circles –Teepee Rings

The Leyden-Brookes Stone Circles site was investigated in 2003 by the Colorado Historical Society. Approximately 100 stone circles were identified. The site is considered to be a residential base camp for Native Americans. Issues: Protection of stones from vandals and destruction of stone circles from existing prairie dogs.

Two comments supported protection of the historic site.

SURVEY RESULTSSupport 51%Neutral 30%Don’t Support 19%

Request from Arvada Utilities and Parks, Golf and Hospitality.

Bike ParkA bike park, like Valmont in Boulder, would contain hills and banks to ride off-trail bicycles. The trails would vary to provide interest for different skill levels.

Issues: Concerns that Park would attract crowds and produce dust. Work to minimize impacts on the adjacent neighborhoods.

Most comments support the bike park. Some residents concerned about dust.

SURVEY RESULTSSupport 58%Neutral 30%Don’t Support 12%

Request from Arvada Parks, Golf and Hospitality with support of Arvada Parks Advisory Comm.

Solar Generation CenterA 20-acre solar garden would add electrical energy to the grid so the City and residents could buy into solar power.

Issues: A Request for Proposal must be completed soon to benefit from Xcel’s two-year cycle.

Neighbors concerned solar panels located close to homes could affect views, destroy wetland and prairie habitat, and produce sun reflection. Some interest in solar sharing.

SURVEY RESULTSSupport 54%Neutral 26%Don’t Support 20%

Request from Arvada’s Sustainability Coordinator with support of the Sustainability Advisory Comm.

Composting Transfer StationRegional compost center for residents to take leaves, grass, and branches. It would also serve as a transfer station for restaurant organic material.

Issues: Concerns about odor caused by decaying material, rodents and trash.

Comments received about odor and waste being carried by the wind into eastern neighborhoods. Supporters say Arvada needs a drop site for landscaping materials.

SURVEY RESULTSSupport 64%Neutral 25%Don’t Support 14%

Request from Arvada’s Sustainability Coordinator with support of the Sustainability Advisory Comm.

Buffer Zone Viewsheds

Other Feedback

Several requests for a local community pool to serve the western side of Arvada

Response: Plan was developed for area by Apex Center that includes outdoor pool. Refer to Apex Park and Recreation District.

Request for Archery Range.

Response: Refer to Parks Master Plan effort to assess need.

Received a few comments regarding motorized vehicles.

Response: Not a large enough area to accommodate. Too many potential conflicts.

Community Swimming Pool

Archery Range

ATV Areas

Staff Recommendations for Next Steps

Pioneer Reclamation Project

Proceed with reclamation plan that is consistent with the following proposed uses:

Water Storage Relocate Arvada Modelers Bike Park Buffer Zone Area Trails

Page 1 of 4

Staff Recommendations for Next Steps

Arvada Parks Master Plan

Include as elements in the in-progress Arvada Parks Master Plan update:

Bike Park Expansion of Dog Park Disc Golf Course Operational

Changes New Trails Stone Circles – Teepee Rings

Conditional land approval would be included in the Parks Master Plan authorization.

Page 2 of 4

In-Progress Projects

West Woods Golf Course Improvements – Include in West Woods Clubhouse Master Plan Development.

Fencing the Prairie Dog Site –Proceed with budget for fencing prairie dogs.

Solar Generation Center– Proceed with application/budget for grant funding.

Composting Transfer Station –Proceed with budget and refined plan.

Conditional land approval at time of budget approval.

Staff Recommendations for Next StepsPage 3 of 4

Further Study needed before Conditional Land Approval

Outdoor Public Shooting Range -Require site specific concept plan and noise study; enter into interagency discussions and explore funding options.

Police Training Center - Enter into interagency discussions and explore funding options. Require site specific concept plan and noise study.

Conditional land approval after successful site-specific public process.

Staff Recommendations for Next StepsPage 4 of 4

Reclamation Project• Water Storage• Relocate Arvada Modelers• Bike Park• Buffer Zone Area/Trails

Arvada Parks Master Plan• Bike Park• Expansion of Dog Park• Disc Golf Course Operational Changes• New Trails• Stone Circles – Teepee Rings

In-Progress• West Woods Golf Course Improvements• Fencing the Prairie Dog Site• Solar Generation Center• Composting Transfer Station

Further Study• Outdoor Public Shooting Range • Police Training Center

Staff Recommendations for Next Steps Summary