CoQuitlam For Council

August 31, 2015 Our File: 12-6100-30/ORCSl/l Doc#: 1872955.V8 •

To:. City Manager From: General Manager Parks, Recreation and Culture Services

Subject: Mundy Park/Riverview Forest Off-Road Cycling Trail Improvements

For: Council

Recommendation: That Council: 1. Authorize staff to initiate planning to complete trail improvements in

Riverview Forest, as part of phase 3 of the Mundy Park/Riverview Forest Off-Road Cycling Facilities project, as per the report from the General Manager Parks, Recreation and Culture Services dated August 31, 2015 entitled "Mundy Park/Riverview Forest Off-Road Cycling Trail Improvements";

2. Include this project as a "B" priority in the 2016 Business Plan; and

3. Direct staff to consult with the public and the Tri-Cities Off-Road Cycling Association ("TORCA") on this project and present a final design and budget for Council consideration once consultation is complete.

Report Purpose: This report seeks Council direction to proceed with proposed off-road cycling

~v trail improvements in Mundy/Park Riverview Forest.

Strategic Goal: The initiative outlined in this report supports sport, recreation and culture, and represents the third phase of a suite of off-road cycling projects in Mundy Park/Riverview Forest, which were endorsed for completion as part of the approval by Council of the 2007 City of Coquitlam Off Road Cycling ("ORC") Strategy and endorsed as a Business Plan priority in 2013. The first two phases, which include bike skills facilities for beginner and intermediate riders, were completed in 2014, but a third bike skills node and required trail improvement work was deferred to future years. The Parks, Recreation and Culture ("PRC") Final Draft Master Plan identifies outdoor recreation as a key strategic direction, and off-road cycling is a key element of this service area.

Background: The Master Trail Plan ("MTP") When the MTP was developed in 2003, mountain biking related issues including trail planning, design, management, operations, maintenance standards and guidelines were not addressed. The 2007 ORC Strategy was

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therefore developed to address that deficiency and was endorsed by Council on December 5^^ 2007, as noted below. The 2003 MTP was subsequently updated in 2013 and incorporated key elements of the 2007 ORG Strategy, resulting in a flexible and comprehensive guide for the development of off-road network trails citywide. The MTP identified Riverview Forest Park as a Potential Intensive Trail Network Site and the Mundy Park Hydro Right Of Way as a Potential Adventure Park.

The 2007 ORG Strategy The ORG Strategy provided a comprehensive framework for the development of off-road cycling trails and facilities in City parks. This strategy was intended to guide the development of safe, environmentally responsible facilities that compliment other park and natural area uses. The ORG Strategy specifically identified the Riverview Park as Potential Trail Network Park and Adventure Park (Attachment l).

Mundy Park/Riverview Forest Off-Road Cycling Facilities The trails in Mundy Park and Riverview Forest Park were identified for off-road cycling improvements in the 2007 Off Road Cycling Strategy. This project was endorsed by Council as a priority, and the project was initiated in 2013, and two phases of the work, the beginner and intermediate Mundy Park Bike Skills nodes, were completed in 2014 (Attachment 2) within the hydro corridor at the corner of Mariner Way and Ghiiko Boulevard. Future phases of this project, including a third bike skills node (pump track), and required off-road cycling trail improvements in Riverview Forest, were deferred to future years. The first two facilities have been very well received by the public and are well used by the off-road cycling community.

Funding in the amount of $45,000 remains available for completion of the outstanding phases of this project. Staff has identified rtrail enhancements at Riverview Forest as a priority, and recommend that Council endorse proceeding with this outstanding project. The final phase, a proposed pump track, will be identified as a future work item, subject to consideration of funding and other park priorities.

Discussion/Analysis: Riverview Forest Park is located,along the east edge of Mariner Way across from the Mundy Bike Skills Trail. The natural forest, creeks and ravines host an extensive network of man-made trails and naturally occurring bike features and the park is used extensively by hikers, dog walkers, mountain bikers and BMX riders. These formal and informal trails present both a safety concern for the public, due to resulting pedestrian/biker conflicts as well as a challenge for park operations staff to effectively maintain the park and its many assets.

Riverview Forest Trail Enhancements- Design Process and Consultation The 2007 ORG Strategy provided only a high-level concept of potential new off-road facilities in Mundy Park/Riverview Forest. To assist in the

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implementation of this project, as part of the completion of the first two phases, staff retained a consultant in 2012 to complete a technical review of all phases of this project, including Riverview trail enhancements. This technical work will provide a base of analysis and will be used to guide the upcoming evaluation and design process for this project (Attachment 3).

This work also provides information on recommended trail improvement and new signage in this park and provides site analysis and guidelines for trail assessment and signage construction details for the entire park (Attachment 3). Additional planning and design is required to identify proposed routes and trail layout for cyclists and pedestrians, as well as signage and trail markings. A key safety objective for the trails will be to utilize the various slopes and grades to create downhill cycling loops that enable cyclists to be separated from pedestrian whenever possible, as well as the decommissioning of unsanctioned routes and trails. Ensuring that current pedestrian use is maintained will be a key consideration in the design.

PRC staff is proposing to initiate this next phase of the project later this year, starting with the selection of a consultant to provide technical support to staff. Staff intends to initiate a public consultation process in late 2015, including the scheduling of an open house in the park, with notices to the surrounding neighbourhood, followed by stakeholder review and feedback of the proposed trail layouts and park upgrades. Park Operations will manage the construction and implementation of the trail reconfiguration and signage, and a Park Spark initiative will be used to gain volunteer and community involvement in the trail building process. Staff will also be consulting with TORCA to ensure off-road cycling facilities and improvements are developed in consultation with this key user group.

City-Wide Off-Road Cycling Facilities- Future Considerations It is noted that the ORC Strategy provides guidance for the development of off-road cycling facilities City wide, and Parks Planning and Design staff will continue to reference the ORC Strategy and the MTP in the design and planning of new park infrastructure and incorporate the recommendations where appropriate (Attachment 4). An update of the ORC Strategy may be warranted in this regard, and staff will be evaluating this option as a future work item. Coquitlam's Northeast area in particular presents a number of future off-road cycling opportunities, such as specialized outdoor recreation and eco-tourism. While a formal City advisory group has not been formed, TORCA has been in regular contact with the City to discuss their goals and objectives and work with staff on developing new off road cycling amenities. Staff will continue to liaise with this group and other active stakeholder groups to guide the continued improvement and maintenance of trails in Coquitlam.

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Financial Implications: Council allocated $200,000 in DCC funding to the Mundy Bike Skills Trail and Riverview Forest Park improvements between 2008 and 2010, and $180,000 of this was budgeted for the Mundy Park/Riverview Forest improvements. Approximately $155,000 has been spent on phases l and 2, leaving an estimated $45,000 from DCC funding available in the existing capital plan to advance this project

Staff intends on working within the existing budget envelope, however, the scope of potential trail enhancement and management work, includingtrail repair, new signage and markings, and trail decommissioning, is unknown at this time. Once further technical review and consultation is complete, staff will bring forward a final project scope and design to Council to confirm the required project budget. Should additional funding be required, staff will endeavor to contain and manage costs using operational budgets and if necessary from new trail construction capital within the 5-year plan.

Conclusion: The completion of off-road cycling facilities in Mundy Park/Riverview Forest was endorsed by Council in 2007, and the first two phases of this project were completed in 2014. Staff recommends that the next phase of this project, proposed trail improvements and signage in Riverview Forest, be initiated utilizing funding previously allocated for this work, and that this outstanding project be included in the 2016 Business Plan as a "B" priority, with initiation later in 2015. It is also recommended that staff consult with the public and TORCA on the proposed improvements. A final design and budget will be presented to Council for approval once consultation is complete

Raul Allueva, RPP

Attachments: 1 - 2007 ORC Strategy (Page 21) 2- Mundy Park/Riverview Forest- Existing Bike Facilities- Context plan 3 - 2012 Mundy Park/Riverview Forest Off-Road Cycling Facilities

Project- Consultant Analysis and Technical Background Information (Excerpt)

4 - 2013 MTP- Off-Road Cycling Future Amenities and Routes Map

This report was prepared by Rajinder Singh and reviewed by Andre Isakov, Park Planning and Design Manager, Michelle Hunt, Director, Planning and Business Services, Kathleen Reinheimer, Manager of Parks, Sheena MacLeod, Director Financial Services, Eric Kalnins, Tourism Manager, Economic Development, and Kathleen Vincent, Manager Corporate Communications.

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Attachment 1

5.3 Mundy / Riverview / Pinnacle Creek Network The trail network area centers on a hydro corridor separating Mundy and Riverview Parks. Pinnacle Greek Park, and its associated hydro corridor, have been identified as potential areas to support new trail and MTB facility development. Mundy Park provides excellent green trails and Riverview Park is an existing mountain bike trail area with mostly blue trails. Potential mountain bike amenities or facilities types that have been identified within the network area include a Trail Network Park, three Adventure Parks, and a Gravity Park location.

5.3.1 Potential Facility Locations:

Potential Trali Network Palrk ahd Adventure Park

||>f|nderCi^ijz)^Jpafifii||f|i||||i||||gi|K|^^ >Used by local bikers, including organized high walkers, pedestrians) ^

is^j|^l}groups|iQ|®|p||lp|||ij|3||K;3|® S^Ea;s|::a^i|sfrariBli||jM|;u|ita!rK^ >Network exists; development will improve existing trails, including stream crossings stands >Concentrates MTB use away from Mundy Park

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; Maillardville / Makin Park: Adventure Park

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21

Riverview Forest Boundary

Existing Trails

Streams

50 100 200 M

1:5,000

Attachment 3

CITY OF COQUITLAIVI ORCS-APPENDIX A

3.2 City of Coquitlam Trail Review

Technical Trail Features

Current Technical Trail Features in Riverview Forest and possible future components will need to be reviewed by The City.

These features also require a minimum fall zone as seen on the left. These fall zones are especially important in beginner areas.

Riverview Forest Trail Rating/Approval

When conducting a review of a proposed trail or reviewing an existing trail the following questions needs to be answered:

General Trail Criteria General trail criteria apply to all single-track or multi­purpose trails. These criteria create a general review for the approval of any off-road cycling trail.

Does the trail avoid any streams and creeks? The first question is important for the environmental impact of the existing or proposed trail. If a trail crosses or damns an existing waterway or stream this trail needs to be realigned or a TTF needs to be provided to ensure proper flow. When reviewing this criteria ensure all of these crossings have minimal environmental impact (i.e. low volumes of erosion and do not cause flooding of upstream elements).

Does this trail avoid low-lying wetland areas and flood ways? The second question pertains more to general lowlands than creeks and streams. Developing trails in low-lying areas leads to flooded out trails, mud/deteriated tracks, and a high level of trail maintenance. When reviewing a trail, look for wide track elements with deep tire ruts as this usually indicates soft subsoil. Other key indicators of low-lying areas are wetland plants that only grow in semi-wet areas.

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Figure 13: Technical Trail Feature - Clear Object Diagram

Figure 14: Riverview Forest Trail Difficulty Map

van der Zaim + associates ^ Landscape Architecture | Urban Design | Parks & Recreation

3.2 City of Coqultlam Trail Review

Does this trail provide a safe route through the existing trail system? When crossing existing trails with new or proposed trails ensure open sight lines of at least 5 meters prior to an intersection. These intersections should also have signage indicating direction and difficulty level. For the purposes of the initial review, a sight line review is the only essential component.

Does this trail have clear direction and access points? When reviewing the trail ensure the trail has a clear direction and access points. Access points need to have a clear entrance and exit. This means providing a small staging area for major trails and stopping location at access points.

Does the area for the proposed trail contain any heritage vegetation? This review can be done prior to the on-site review. Trails should avoid sensitive environmental areas as much as possible.

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Figure 15: Off-Road Cycling Trail Design Standards Table. *

Does the trail create a loop within the existing system? Creating loops within the mountain bike area will allow riders to continously ride the park without major congestion problems. One-way single track loops provide the most efficient means of mountain bike track creation and reduce congestion and safety issues.

Is the trail built to 1MB A Standards? Figure 18 on the right provides design standards for each trail difficulty level. For determining slopes a simple clinometer can be used. On existing trails major slopes should be reviewed with the clinometer. Trail width, TTFs, and curve radii need to be reviewed at a general level. If less then 75% of trail tests meet the difficulty rating in which the trail is designed the trail will not pass approval.

^4 van der Zaim + associates Landscape Architecture | Urban Design | Parks & Recreation

CITY OF COQUITLAM ORCS-APPENDIX A

3.2 City of Coquitlam Trail Review Technical Trail Feature Criteria The criteria for reviewing technical trail features focuses on the safety of each element. Careful consideration needs to be given to the condition of each feature. Secondary to feature conditions is it's relation to the trail difficulty of the surrounding single track. Although this element is important, optional lines can be provided to go around TTFs if a rider does not have the proper experience. The following questions are to be used during a TTF inspection:

Is the technical trail feature visible from the appropriate direction? Ensuring the TTF is visible allows for safe approach and proper stacking if riders are waiting to complete the TTF.

Does the structure support the proper weight? (One person standing on feature should not displace support more than 5cm) This is further outlined in the ORCS. The structure should be sound in all directions and should not have "play" within its framing. Log rails and rock outcroppings should be compacted into place and should not shift when rode.

Does the features height and width meet the difficulty rating requirements? These feature ratings are based on the Trail Design Standards and Whistler Trail Design Standards.

Does the Technical Trail Feature use native materials? Using native materials allows for easier maintenance as raw materials do not need to be brought in from off-site. Some TTFs may be more elaborate and require some non-native materials but most elements should be native materials.

Are weight bearing members notched and cross-braced? This element again pertains to the ability of bridges and log rides to handle the load exerted on them. Bridges should be built with cross bracing to ensure they do not fail in the center or on long horizontal runs.

Does the Technical Trail Feature use the proper fasteners? i.e. galvanized carriage bolts, galvanized lag screws and washers, and galvanized ardox spikes and nails. This item is further outlined in the ORCS document. Generally, solid galvanized screws, washers, and spikes should be used and countersunk for all TTFs. Fasteners should not have extend bolts or exposed heads that may cause snags or tire punctures.

Is the bridge built to the Bridge Rung Spacing and Surfacing as per Off-Road Cycling Strategy? Check the ORCS for all requirements regarding bridge rung spacing.

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3.3

Phase 1 Improvements: Signage and Trail Restoration In order for the previous two sections to be effective at Riverview Park, signage will need to be provided for the approved and future trails. Phase 1 of the Riverview Park will work to develop a current signage system as well as providing for future signage requirements. These signage standards were developed using the ORGS, the City of Coquitlam Master Trail Plan, and Managing Mountain Biking document. The following types of signage will need to be considered:

Trailhead Identification Signs These roadside signs direct users to parking areas and trailheads. Typically these signs need to be approved by the transportation authority.

Trailhead Signs Trailhead signs are also called trailhead kiosks. These signs provide the information of several of the lower level signs. Well designed kiosks include a complete map and description of all the nearby trails and facilities, local regulations, emergency contact information, and educational messages.

Primary Trailheads Major access points to the trail system. They Include all types of trail systems.

Secondary Trailheads Smaller less developed than primary trailheads but serve similar functions.

Tertiary Trailheads

Less formal access points and often used by locals. Basic rules and contact information are provided.

Trail Intersection Signs

Provide clear, concise directions for how to stay on the trail or return to the trailhead. These signs may also provide information on which users are allowed on each trail.

CITY OF COQUITLAM ORCS-

APPENDIX A

Riverview Forest Bike Trails

10 Key Elements for a Trailhead Kiosk • Map

• Trail Information

• Emergency Contacts

• Location Identification

• Volunteer Information • Trail Difficulty Rating

• Risk and Hazard Warnings

• Responsible Recreation and Trail Etiquette Tips

• Rules and Regulations

• Interpretive Information

Trailhead Identification Signs

Primary Trailhead Signs

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3.3 Riverview Forest Bike Trails

Waymarks Waymarks are small simple signs that direct users along a trail. Examples include blazes painted on trees, aluminum or plastic diamonds affixed to trees, and posts sunk into the ground.

Difficulty Rating Signs Signs that indicate difficulty provide considerable information yet are simple to create and easy to understand. These signs will typically be placed when entering a different difficulty rating.

Road/Trail Intersections Specific signs can be used to alert motorists and trail users to the intersection of trails and roads. Yield signs, painted crosswallks, stop signs and traffic signals are some of the way road crossings can be addressed.

Emergency Signs Each trailhead should be assigned a physical address by the appropriate authority and mapped by GPS.

Warning Signs Warning signs should be used to mark known hazards. Position these signs well in advance of the harzard area. These signs can also be used as trail closed signs.

Traii dosed Signage These signs can be used to close unsanctioned or discontinued trails. Trail closure signs should cover enough area to eliminate the possibility of cut throughs.

Trail Intersections

Trail Closed Signage Difficulty Rating Signs Warning Signs Emergency Signs

28 van der Zaim + associates landscape Architecture | Urban Design | Parks & Recreation

CITY OF COQUITLAM ORCS-APPENDIX A

3.3 Riverview Forest Bike Trails

Sample Sign Network

Primary

Trailhead (2)

Secondary

Trailhead (2)

Trailhead

Identification (3)

Road/Trail

Intersections (4)

Trail

Intersections (7)

Trail

Direction (6)

Trail

Direction (7)

Emergency (1)

•

Riverview Forest

Figure 17: Riverview Forest Trail Sign Network

van der Zaim + associates landscape Architecture | Urban Design | Parks & Recreation

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Off-Road Cycling Strategy - Future Amenities and Routes Attachment 4

City of Coqultlam Master Trail Plan 2013 39

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