A Master Plan for Southside Park

City of Atlanta, Georgia M a y 2 0 0 7

Prepared for: The City of Atlanta Department of Parks, Recreation and Cultural Affairs Prepared by: Tunnell-Spangler-Walsh & Associates This report was made possible by the participation and support of the staff of the City of Atlanta Department of Parks, Recreation, and Cultural Affairs, the residents of Poole Creek, the execu- tive members of NPU Z, and the office of Council member Joyce Sheperd. Acknowledgement

Mayor Shirley M. Franklin

Atlanta City Council

Council President Lisa Borders

Carla Smith, District 1 Felicia A. Moore, District 9 Kwanza Hall, District 2 C.T. Martin, District 10 Ivory Lee Young, Jr., District 3 Jim Maddox, District 11 Cleta Winslow, District 4 Joyce Sheperd, District 12 Natalyn Mosby Archibong, District 5 Ceasar C. Mitchell, Post 1 At Large Anne Fauver, District 6 Mary Norwood, Post 2 At Large Howard Shook, District 7 Lamar Willis, Post 3 At Large Clair Muller, District 8

Department of Parks, Recreation, and Cultural Affairs

Dianne Harnell-Cohen Sushma Dersch Paul Taylor Patricia Katz

Prepared by:

Tunnell-Spangler-Walsh & Associates 1389 Peachtree Street NE, Suite 200

Southside Park Master Plan i This page intentionally left blank

ii Southside Park Master Plan Table of Contents

I. Inventory & Analysis

A. Overview 1 B. Park Description and Context 2 C. Master Planning Process 3 D. Jonesboro Road Plan 4 E. Existing Conditions 5 1. Elements and Facilities 5 2. Natural Systems 5 3 Transportation and Circulation 10 4. Adjacent Land Uses & Zoning 14 5. Community Demographics 18 6. Nearby Parks and Recreation Centers 20

II. Need Analysis

A. Opportunities and Constraints 23 B. Summary of Community Input 24 C. Regional Park Positioning 26

III. Master Plan

A. Concept Description 31 1. Overview 31 2. Circulation and General Notes 32 3. Character Districts 34 B. Master Plan Considerations 38 C. Adjacent Land Use 38 D. Concept Graphic 40

IV. Implementation

A. Projects and Phasing 41 B. Preliminary Cost Estimates 48

Southside Park Master Plan iii Inventory & Analysis

Figure iv.1: Southside Park Context Map.

Southside Park Master Plan Inventory & Analysis

I. INVENTORY & ANALYSIS “There are no I.A Overview world class cit- ies without world The Southside Park Master Plan is intended to guide future class parks.” improvements at this large greenspace in southeast Atlanta. The Plan includes a program, concept, and recommendations Leon S. Eplan that express the desires of area stakeholders and considers the park’s role in the City’s overall park system.

The plan’s recommendations will transform Southside Park from a relatively unknown, under-utilized greenspace into: • A safe place with amenities that appeal to all ages and support local neighborhood needs; • A park destination for the City’s broader constituents, particularly those on its south side; • A walkable and accessible environment with an internal trail system connecting to surrounding neighborhoods and their community anchors; and • A magnet for new residential development and catalyst for the area’s overall economic benefit.

I.B Park Description and Context

Great public spaces bring people Southside Park is a 211 acre greenspace on Jonesboro Road and communities together in southeast Atlanta. On Jonesboro Road, it is between Forest Park Road on the east, I-285 on the south, and Hutchens Road on the north. The park is in the South River Gardens neighborhood, located within Neighborhood Planning Unit (NPU) Z, and City Council District 12 (represented by Councilwoman Joyce Sheperd). The park is also near the City’s borders with Clayton and DeKalb Counties, many of whose residents use it.

According to historic aerial photographs, the land constituting Southside Park has always been open space, with farming being the maximum extent of its development. This has been confirmed by a Phase 1 Environmental Assessment (EA) prepared in November of 2002 for the Trust for Public Land (TPL) during purchase of a 44 acre expansion at the park’s southern Neighborhood Planning Unit Z end. The assessment traced ownership of the property from the

Southside Park Master Plan Inventory & Analysis

Poole family up to 1962, when it was transferred to the father of its most recent owner, Ms. Yetta Arp, prior to acquisition by the City. As such, the park represents one of a few large rare unspoiled greenspaces in the City of Atlanta.

Like the park itself, the area around Southside Park has his- torically seen little development. Until recently, the site was bor- dered by low density single family housing, small commercial, undeveloped land, and I-285. However, in the past two years new development has started to transform adjoining lands into more intensive residential uses, particularly those to the east. The City purchased the park’s southern 44 acres in 2002, which it includes a significant floodplain, The recent development trends adjacent to Southside Park are shown as shaded above part of a larger redevelopment trend occurring across southeast Atlanta. These include both public and private-sector ini- tiatives. The Atlanta Development Authority (ADA) plans to expand Southside Industrial Park, just west of the park, while a recently-approved Urban Enterprise Zone (UEZ) for Jonesboro Road will abate property taxes for new development. Further- more, implementation of infrastructure upgrades from recently completed Jonesboro Road Corridor Redevelopment Plan will increase already-strong private sector reinvestment and place additional demands on Southside Park.

The Urban Enterprise Zone program can be used to encouraged housing

Southside Park Master Plan Inventory & Analysis

I.C Master Planning Process

The Southside Park Master Plan process involved four phases: 1. Inventory and analysis of existing conditions 2. Stakeholder and community input (on-going) 3. Creation and testing of concepts 4. Development of Recommendations and Implementation Plans

An Advisory Committee guided the consultant throughout the Stakeholders review initial ideas at planning process. In addition, public-at-large meetings were the Preliminary Concept Meeting held during various phases of the project, including: • An Advisory Committee Meeting & Public Workshop on April 20, 2006, • A Preliminary Concept Meeting on May 18, 2006, and • A display of the draft plan at NPU Z Redevelopment Master Plan meeting on March 17, 2007.

Southside Park Master Plan Inventory & Analysis

I.D Jonesboro Road Plan

This Master Plan is an addendum to the Jonesboro Road Cor- ridor Redevelopment Plan Update, which was completed in September 2006 for the City of Atlanta by the consulting firm of Tunnell-Spangler-Walsh & Associates.

Key recommendations that will impact Southside Park include: • Adding transit shelters, seating, lighting, and trash receptacles at all bus stops near schools and centers. MARTA bus stops near Southside • Implementing direct bus service on Jonesboro Road. Park do not offer a quality waiting experience • Reviewing and improve traffic controls, signage and striping corridor-wide. • Conducting a safety assessment and intersection modification at Jonesboro Road and Macedonia Road. • Conducting a safety assessment and intersection modification at Jonesboro Road and Southside Industrial Parkway. • Installing a 12-foot planted median along Jonesboro Road between Macedonia Road and I-285. • Building a new street extending Southside Industrial Parkway into Southside Park. • Constructing sidewalks on both sides of School Drive and Macedonia Road, west of Jonesboro Road. Missing sidewalks on Jonesboro • Creating a multi-use trail along the utility corridor Road disrupt pedestrian access to paralleling Jonesboro Road between McWilliams the park Road and Conley Road, connecting to the South River Greenway and Southside Park. • Creating a multi-use trail on Southside Park property along the east side of Jonesboro Road. • Creating a pedestrian-oriented “Town Center” featuring office and big box retail uses at Conley Road and I- 285; establishing a “Village Center” at School Drive, at Southside Industrial Parkway, and creating a “Neighborhood Center” at Macedonia Road. • Creating a model “Olmstedian” conservation subdivision north of the park. • Focusing park-oriented retail uses in commercial properties abutting Southside Park. Multi-use greenway trails serving bicyclists and pedestrians can be • Expanding the park into commercial properties at 3500, used by all ages 3504, 3530, and 3532 Jonesboro Road.

Southside Park Master Plan Inventory & Analysis

• Providing pedestrian access to the park from the Atlanta Expo Center and the proposed Gateway Commercial District south of I-285. • Adopting easements into the Comprehensive Development Plan (CDP) to require new development to build roads that connect into Southside Park in accordance with the Master Plan.

The parcels in front of Southside Park were proposed for park expansion by the Jonesboro Road Rede- velopment Plan Update

A concept plan for an “Olmstedian” Figure I.1: Jonesboro Road Redevelopment Plan Update Study Area conservation subdivision north of Southside Park

Southside Park Master Plan Inventory & Analysis

I.E Existing Conditions

The following conditions were inventoried within and around Southside Park: • Elements and facilities that comprise Southside Park; • Natural systems, including hydrology, forest cover/ vegetation, and topographical characteristics; • Vehicular and non-vehicular circulation, parking, access, walking distances, road typology, street and sidewalk network, and connectivity; The relationship between parks and • Land use, development activity, and zoning; nearby buildings and land uses is of key importance in park planning • Potential areas of environmental concern; (Courtesy of Alex S. MacLean) • Population figures; • Schools and other civic buildings; and • Other recreation and park facilities in the City of Atlanta.

I.E.1 Elements and Facilities

Facilities at Southside Park include baseball fields, tennis courts, parking, and concession building. It is in the center of a baseball quad, surrounded on its western half by an approximately 300 space parking lot. The City recently repaved the parking lot, renovated the concession building, and reconstructed the four ballfields. There are also eight tennis courts southeast of the The concession area is the only facility located within Southside Park baseball fields, but they are in extremely poor condition.

I.E.2 Natural Systems

The potential use of parks is foremost defined by natural systems such as waterways, drainage patterns, topography, and natural vegetation. Southside Park’s elevations range from approximately 810’ to 920’ above sea level. The highest areas of the park are found on several heavily forested knolls located in its northwest, northeast, southeast, and southern portions. The park property naturally slopes downward from its highest elevations at both Jonesboro Road and Forest Park Road toward Poole Creek and its tributaries (which bisect the Park in a north-south direction), at the park’s lowest elevation. When the The forested interior of Southside fields were added the area was raised and graded to create the Park flattest area in the park. The steepest slopes are located in the park’s northeastern portion.

Southside Park Master Plan Inventory & Analysis

Figure I.2: Existing Conditions: Summary of the Southside Park area.

Southside Park Master Plan Inventory & Analysis

Streams, Wetlands and Floodplains Streams, wetlands, and floodplains are important in planning for a individual park and creating connections between multiple parks. This is due to the high degree of protection afforded them and their surroundings.

In Atlanta, a 25-foot wide undisturbed buffer and additional 50- foot impervious surface setback buffer protect the banks of the city’s rivers and streams from development. A 15-foot setback is also required for all flood hazard areas. City law also requires The South River (shown in dark applications for construction in a flood hazard area to include pink) is on the Georgia 305(b) and plans showing that no expansion of the flood hazard area would 303(d) lists result from said construction. Finished construction elevations must be at least two feet higher than the nearest base flood elevation (BFE) and a distance of at least 15 feet from the nearest BFE. Variance and permit applications must show that the applicant has minimized or avoided all impacts to aquatic resources.

Federal protection is also provided. Alteration of a stream segment contributes to permanent impacts to jurisdictional waters of the United States, including any wetlands, intermittent and perennial streams. This requires the involvement of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Savannah District, under Section 404 of the Clean Water Act. Permanent impacts include (but are not The King Smith Equities property limited to) dredging, filling, relocating, and piping/culverting. (adjacent to Browns Mill Golf Course) was acquired for greenspace protection along the South River Poole Creek is within the South River Watershed and branches into three segments at the center of Southside Park. Water falling on the park enters Poole Creek or one of its tributaries on- site and flows north to the South River, which eventually flows to the Atlantic Ocean. The Poole Creek stream channels in the park appear to be undefined and severely degraded. The City of Atlanta maintains sewer easements along the creek and tributaries. Periodically, maintenance crews must access manholes and disturb the surrounding vegetation; this may degrade the adjacent stream.

Wetlands along Poole Creek and its tributaries run north-south through center of Southside Park in an inverted “Y” shape. Ac- An open manhole was noted within the sewer easement along Poole cording to City of Atlanta GIS data, approximately 50 acres of Creek These options presented in this document are not considered final until approved by the City of Atlanta, FEMA, EPD, or the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, as applicable.

Southside Park Master Plan Inventory & Analysis

Humphries Elementary SCHOOL DR

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O J O B N N E 5 S 8 S B 2 O - E O I S U R Legend T 285 D O H ¨¦§ R S R Parks EPA Hazardous Waste Handlers K I D D R E S A South River Water Reclamation Facility E S P Public School I A N RA å M T D A Potential Greyfields C S U KEYSTONE DR D E River or Stream R P S R T Potential Brownfields R R R P N Day Care Centers R O I F A 75-ft. stream buffer O O F L B B Railroad N C Wetlands S 5 T 8 5 -2 Day-Night Sound Level 8 I atl_topo_5ft 2 - I ARCHC6R0 EDSNTL DR 65 DNL 0 500 1,000 70 DNL Feet

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T D T R D NL ONLEY BONNIE LN 70 D C R Figure I.3: Existing Conditions: Natural Systems

Prepared for: Prepared by: Southside Park Master Plan Southside Park Master Plan Base Map

Department of Parks, April 2006 Recreation & Cultural Affairs Office of Park Design Inventory & Analysis

floodplain and 29 acres of wetlands occur in the park. These serve as cleansing buffers between streams and pollutants from streets or other impervious surfaces. As such they should be preserved and maintained. Additionally, these buffers pose limitations on the type and amount of development that can occur on the southern 44-acre tract.

Vegetation Southside Park is heavily wooded with hardwoods and pines, with underbrush particularly heavy along the peripheral, most Southside Park’s extensive woodlands recently disturbed portions of the site. The understory primarily are an asset, but it must be cleared of includes flowering dogwood (Cornus florida), hawthorns (Cra- invasive vegetation taegus sp.), American hornbeam (Carpinus caroliniana), red- buds (Cercis canadensis), and the invasive species Chinese Privet (Lingustrum sinense) and kudzu (Pueraria montana).

Within the interior of the site, the trees are characteristic of the Red Oak-Sugar Maple group in the Southern Appalachian Hardwood forest region of the U.S. These include southern red oak (Quercus falcata), water oak (Quercus nigra), and yellow poplar (Liriodendron tulipifera). Several southern red oaks are found on the property that measure approximately 40 inches in diameter at breast height. The growth and regeneration rates of this group are high.

Southside Park is located in the South- Environmental Issues ern Appalachian Hardwood forest region Junk yards, repair shops, and other auto-related uses line the west side of Southside Park. Such uses are an environmental concern because they can generate contamination problems of soil and groundwater by spillage of petroleum products or other stored chemicals. Examples of these uses include the commercial parcels in front of the park at 3500, 3504, 3530, and 3532 Jonesboro Road.

Another environmental factor is Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport, located two miles west of Southside Park. Because a portion of the park is within the path of incoming air traffic, noise levels and jet fuel emissions impact the park.

Commercial uses in front of the Park Nearby railroads and I-285 also generate some degree of air pose potential environmental issues and noise pollution. However, both the railroads and the interstate have enabled industrial uses to locate and remain in the vicinity of the Study Area.

10 Southside Park Master Plan D o Hop t n e St e M ree n t t Atlanta Avenue Atlanta Avenue

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s S o o e N iv East Rhinehill Road ton ADT: 4725 boron Road approximately 650 feet northr of its intersection with ew M D d all D R k Sargent Drive a rive Southside Industrial Parkway. In additionc to lack of signalization o o o B R Pegg Road a Pegg Road R FF UU LL TT OO NN ro d M m and the less than optimal sightr line because of the curve, its lo- a Mcwilliams Road k la r a ck o d a c D cation and poor signage giveP the park low avisibility and recogni- r o i P o ve n t R e t s tion. rWhileee this road may be an aesthetically pleasingD entrance,n St e e D E K A L B er l D E K A L B

a k r Qua l r i i The entrance into Southside Park r v v L

it abruptly ends at the parking lot that surrounds the ballfield o Cleveland e e

C a ircle today F 85 p - d quad. Furthermore,I unless the facilitiesa in the park are in use,

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I M d r n i R a Park. Additionalra nearby routesv include Southside Industrial G Cross Road o e s H r F Parkway to the west, Macedoniae Road to the northwest,y Forest Mount Zion Ro t ad Mount Zion Road a a

W Park Road to the east, Conley5 Road to the south, and Hutchens W School Drive 7 Gl y - e nr r Road to the north. The otherI areas surroundingose the Park have Cir b t Drive L cle Forres a m a network of two lane residential streets. Access to I-285 is af- e 85 t E o n Forrest Circle n Oak Dri a forded via Jonesboro Road near Conleya Road. Trafficve conges- L

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in each direction approximately 500 feetu north of theu intersec- o e ADT: 3685 5 o B 8 S -2 B n I tion of Macedonia Road. Historic Average Annualo Daily Traffic J t d Southside e l i r o

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Southside Park Master Plan 11

Jonesboro Road Area Roadway Network March 2006 Inventory & Analysis

Transit There are no MARTA rail stations within walking distance of Southside Park. MARTA does provide bus service along Jones- boro Road via bus routes 55 and 78. Both routes serve a stop in front of the current park entrance, however, the buses do not have a direct route along Jonesboro Road and therfore do not provide access to the many potential park users to the north. Therefore, the Jonesboro Road Redevelopment Plan Update recommended that a direct MARTA bus route into Downtown Atlanta be established, which would benefit Southside Park us- MARTA provides bus service along ers which live along the redevelopment corridor. Jonesboro Road, but does not provide a direct route to downtown Pedestrian and Bicycle Circulation Southside Park does not have a path/trail system inside of it. Pedestrian access is via a sidewalk along the east side of Jonesboro Road adjacent to the Park. Minimal landscape buff- ering (typically two feet), usually incorporating utility poles, is provided between the sidewalk and roadway. This offers little protection for pedestrians. The street also lacks street trees to buffer shade pedestrians or buffer them from trafic along this five-lane, high speed (40 mph) section of Jonesboro Road.

In addition to the poor facilities, there are few people who live with walking distance (1/3) mile of Southside Park to even po- Pedestrian access to Southside Park tentially walk there. As previously noted, the park is surrounded is obtained by this sidewalk, located by marginal commercial uses, vacant land, and low density sin- on the east side of Jonesboro Road gle-family homes. As a result most park visits are made by car.

Plans are underway to improve pedestrian and bicycle access. The City of Atlanta plans a multi-use greenway trail along the South River and its tributaries that could eventually connect to the proposed West End Rail multi-use trail at Pryor Road near University Avenue just east of I-85. It may be possible to use utility corridor easements to connect off-road bike paths near the Jonesboro Road corridor. Several easements intersect the corridor, including one that travels underneath I-285, bisects Southside Park, and connects to the southeast corner of the Browns Mill Golf Course. This could potentially allow for connection with the South River Greenway Trail, and provide a safe A greenway such as this could con- passage for trail users under I-285. nect the multi-use trails near the BeltLine with the South River

12 Southside Park Master Plan t

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B n e I 0 0.125 0.25 0.5 0.75 1 lto C L A Y T O N F O R E S T P A R K e i C L A DY T O N

Miles i m e r a i p v

H S H A P E V I L L E J H A P E V I L L E e m o

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Figure I.4: Existing Conditions: Jonesboroo Road Corridoro Sidewalk Inventory and Pedestrian Crashes

B R Roosevelt Drive

r o

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a y

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l n Southside Park Masteri Plan F 5 n o 13

7 W r - a I e 5 K c s 7 s t e - G ilb a 5 ert V I C Way n 7 a r w - 5 o W l I Celes l 7 te a e - w Drive I y n y Co nley R D R D oad r i o r v a i e d st Drive v Archcre e Sidewalk Inventory and Pedestrian Crashes 0 0.125 0.25 0.5 0.75 1 C L A Y T O N F O R E S T P A R K Miles March 2006

Sidewalk Inventory and Pedestrian Crashes March 2006 Inventory & Analysis

I.E.4 Adjacent Land Use & Zoning

The land uses around Southside Park are primarily single-family residential, vacant, commercial, and industrial uses. These occur in segregated, single-use zones typical of a suburban land use pattern and lacking a street grid. This pattern is an indicated of the relatively recent development of the area when compared to other parts of the city.

Civic Land Use Auto-oriented commercial uses and Civic land uses near Southside Park include schools, churches, billboards abut Southside Park along Jonesboro Road and other public lands. The closest park or public recreation center in the City’s limits is the Rosel Fann Recreation Center on Cleveland Avenue to the north. See Section I.E.7 for more information on surrounding parks and recreational facilities.

Civic land uses include many schools within walking distance of Southside Park. South Atlanta High School is located off Hutch- ens Road less than a half-mile north of Southside Park; it had an enrollment of 1,119 students in March 2006. Humphries El- ementary is located on Humphries Drive, approximately a half- mile west of the Park, and had 305 students in March 2006. Heritage Academy Elementary has approximately 600 students, and is located on Villa Circle, a half-mile southwest of the park.

Schools, churches, and other pub- Residential Land Use lic land uses (purple) are prevalent around Southside Park There are many residential land uses near Southside Park. Single family uses are found north and east of it; there are approximately 295 single-family homes within a quarter-mile. Most are along Hutchens, Conley, Jonesboro, and Macedonia Roads. The typical single-family lot is 50 feet by 150 feet. Multifamily developments are located nearby on Conley Road and Forest Park Road, southeast of the Park, including the Columbia Hills Apartments (3450 Forest Park Road), Essex House Apartments (3627 Forest Park Road), and the Colony Square Apartments (325 Conley Road).

Development trends suggest an increase in residential uses near Southside Park. The appraisal conducted for the City of At- Residential land uses surround lanta and the Trust for Public Land in 2002 for the 44-acre park Southside Park expansion details comparable sales and the buyers’ intended

14 Southside Park Master Plan Inventory & Analysis

R WAYN R SCHOOL DR E E E S CT S S T N D FORREST CR L G T R H AYLES E S C OLD ROUGH & READY RD U T O T Y R C A O H R

D B E YS L D N R S N SA N E S R K N EST D R FORR R

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C L A S

Southside Park Mobile Home Vacant E C

N I N O A N C T ALVERSTONE DR 0 500WAS 1,000 N

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Feet D B 1 inch equals 250 feet ´ R Figure I.5: Existing Land Use

Prepared for: Prepared by: Southside Park Master Plan Southside Park Master Plan Existing Land Use 15 Department of Parks, Recreation & Cultural Affairs April 2006 Office of Park Design Inventory & Analysis

Table I.8: Existing Land Use Summary Table

Parcels Land Use Number Acres Percent Commercial 8 27.95 5.52 Industrial 1 0.57 0.11 Institutional 1 0.99 0.20 Multi-Family 1 3.21 0.63 Single-Family 17 19.32 0.57 Parking/TCU 1 2.87 3.82 Vacant 27 451.0 89.15 *Surrounding land use includes all parcels within 75 feet of the Southside Park boundary.

uses for properties near the park. The Southern Lumber Com- pany owns/previously-owned a majority of the vacant land north of I-285, and Jonesboro South Investors owns the majority of the vacant property located south of I-285 off Conley Road. These properties will likely be residential or commercial in the future. Habitat for Humanity also owns the property at the intersection of Hutchens and Forest Park Roads; it can be assumed that this property will be residential. Originally owned by the Southern Lumber Company, Triad Investments now owns the vacant property two parcels south of Habitat, and it is intended for residential use. The Southern Lumber Company still owns Habitat for Humanity now builds homes consistent with the historic the property adjacent to Southside Park and I-285, and it was styles of Atlanta (Source: DCA 2004 purchased for residential development. Across I-285, Southern Georgia Housing Conference) Lumber also purchased approximately 82 acres of property at Forest Park and Hendon Roads, and it is intended for 199 single-family homes.

Commercial Land Use Commercial land uses surround the southern and western boundaries of Southside Park, including a row of four parcels with tenant uses incompatible with the interests of Southside Park. Other commercial uses in the vicinity of Southside Park include: Love Train Antiques, Super 8 Motel, a car rental facility, the Atlanta Expo Center and Atlanta Expo Center South, Home Depot, auto garages and gas stations. The area has a lack of Recently, multifamily housing growth dining establishments, which is problematic for current and fu- has increased near the park ture Southside Park users.

16 Southside Park Master Plan Inventory & Analysis

The Atlanta Expo Center, consuming prime property at the I- 285/Jonesboro Road northeast interchange, is also a challenge to park planning due to its infrequent occupancy. Currently, the center is averaging only one event per month.

Industrial Land Use Industrial land uses around Southside Park are concentrated in the Southside Industrial Park. The industrial park is not yet completely built-out, but represents an important part of the City’s employment-creation goals. This, in addition to its Commercial land uses on the west- excellent railroad and interstate access, means that Southside ern edge of Southside Park do not relate to the Park’s function Industrial Park, unlike other intown industrial areas, is unlikely to redevelop to other uses in the near future. In fact, the At- lanta Development Authority plans a 90-acre expansion of the industrial park.

Undeveloped Land Southside Park is surrounded by vacant land, due in part to its proximity to I-285, the airport, and its location within the 65+ Day-Night Average Sound Level (DNL) noise contour. Many of these vacant parcels are owned by investment companies, or large land holders in the area.

Furthermore the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) discour- Most land east of the park is indus- ages housing within the 65+ DNL and has been acquiring and trial or airport related, including the former Ford plan in Hapeviile demolishing residential uses within the zone as part of mitiga- tion to the west of Southside Park.

Existing Zoning Southside Park is zoned Commercial (C1-C) and Single Family Residential (R-4). The majority of land surrounding the park is also Residential (R-4 or RG-2), and Commercial (C-1). South- side Industrial Park is zoned for Light Industrial (I-1). Land south of I-285 is zoned Commercial and Office/Industrial (OI).

Nearby zoning categories include C- 1 (pink), I-1 (blue), O-I (purple) and R-4 (yellow)

Southside Park Master Plan 17 Inventory & Analysis

I.E.5 Community Demographics

The population surrounding the park is low compared to other neighborhoods in Atlanta. Figure I.6 shows the average population within a five-mile radius of the Park. These figures are particularly low when considering the size (200+ acres) of Southside Park. The combination of these factors supports the City’s designation of this park as a regional park. As previously indicated, this low density means that virtually all users of the park must drive to it. It also supports the current “destination” ball facilities. However, in the future, as Jonesboro Road redevelops, the need may increase for more passive, neighborhood-oriented amenities that can be used on a daily basis by nearby residents.

Table 1.9 shows a breakdown of age distribution within 2.5 and 5.0 miles of the park. The data demonstrate that the 2.5 mile zone is slightly younger than 5.0 mile zone. Even more significant among the two zones is a broad overall distribution of ages. This suggests that Southside Park could serve a broader age range than it currently does. The limited offerings of baseball and tennis fail to reflect the potential needs of the broader age mix. It may need to be expanded to include both active and passive recreation amenities.

Employees may also be potential park users. Almost 7,000 people work within two miles from the intersection on Jonesboro Road and Cleveland Avenue (adjacent to Browns Mill Golf course, and approximately one mile north of Southside Park); more than 33,000 people work within three miles; and more than 122,000 work within five miles. Nearby employees are also a valuable market for new retail and housing development that could serve park patrons.

Table I.9: Age Distribution Around Southside Park (2000 Census Data) Within 2.5 Miles Within 5 Miles Age Number* Percent Number* Percent Under 5 5,156 8.58% 15,278 8.51% 5 to 17 13,622 22.68% 39,115 21.79 18 to 21 4,324 7.20% 11,352 6.32% 22 to 29 8,562 14.25 24,855 13.85% 30 to 39 9,360 15.58% 29,663 16.52% 40 to 49 8,095 13.48% 25,255 14.07% 50 to 64 6,923 11.52% 21,240 11.83% Over 65 4,029 6.71% 12,754 7.01 Total 60,071 100.00% 179,512 100.00% *Some blocks groups are located within both distance zones.

18 Southside Park Master Plan Inventory & Analysis

¦¨§I-20

I¦¨§-7585 D n e o Population: 604 t K l a u l F b

Population: 2,786 Southside Park ¦¨§I-85

Fulton 1.0-Mile DeKalb Clayton ¦¨§I-285 Clayton

2.5-Miles Population: 21,734

¦¨§I-675

5.0-Miles

Legend Population: 102,610 Southside Park Census 2000 Blockgroups Population Buffers Persons/Acre I-75 exwy_arc ¦¨§ Less than 2 counties 2 - 4 4 - 6 6 - 8 More than 8

0 5,000 10,000 Feet 1 inch equals 2,000 feet ´

*Population data based on U.S. Census Bureau 2000 statistics for Blockgroups and Census Tracts.

FigurePr eI.6:pared Existingfor: Population Density Around Southside Park. Prepared by: Southside Park Master Plan Demographic Conditions

SouthsideDepartment of Par ksPark, Master Plan 19 Recreation & Cultural Affairs April 2006 Office of Park Design Inventory & Analysis

I.E.6 Nearby Parks and Recreation Centers

Some of the largest City-owned tracts of public spaces are located in Southeast Atlanta. These include: • Southside Park (211 acres) • Lakewood Fairgrounds with Hi-Fi Buys Amphitheater (109 acres) • Browns Mill Golf Course (160 acres)

The Rosel Fann Recreation Center (formerly Southeast Atlanta The track at South Atlanta High Park) is a comprehensive indoor/outdoor recreation center lo- School is a usable open space that is available to residents nearby cated at 365 Cleveland Avenue SE, across from Browns Mill Golf Course. The facility includes a ballfield, natatorium, gymnasium, playground, basketball courts, and a walking track.

South Bend Park and Lakewood Fairgrounds with Hi-Fi Buys Amphitheater are located off Lakewood Avenue, west of the corridor. Tull Water Park, Browns Mill Golf Course, and Southeast Atlanta Park are located in a cluster along Jonesboro Road, north of the Study Area. However, due to the lack of sidewalks, bike paths, and street network, access to these large park spaces is limited to mostly the car.

Although not immediately adjacent, the BeltLine also must be considered in regards to Southside Park. Because it will pro- The Rosel Fann Recreation Center vide a unique opportunity for non-motorized connectivity be- is a community landmark tween parks, greenways, employment, and residential centers, multi-use trail facilities connecting Southside Park to the Beltline could greatly enhance the role of the park in the city’s overall park system. The recommendations of the Jonesboro Road Redevelopment Plan Update call for providing future greenway trail connections to the BeltLine.

GRASP™ Analysis The Geo-Referenced Amenities Standards Program orGRASP™ Analysis determines the Level of Service (LOS) existing parks and recreation centers provide the public by calculating a composite score for each of these areas based on several factors.

Figure I.7 portrays the current total LOS offered by Atlanta’s

20 Southside Park Master Plan Inventory & Analysis

GRASP PERSPECTIVE - PARK INFLUENCE WITHIN 5 MILES OF SOUTHSIDE PARK ACCESS TO ALL COMPONENTS - VARIABLE BUFFER LEGEND PARKS & RECREATION )" Recreation Center Proposed Greenways (CDP Adopted) Regional Park Other Park BOUNDARIES

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C L O T O B N B

C C Frankie Allen Park O O

U U Greater Access - High Score 65 N N T T GRASP™ Perspective Based Upon Those Parks In Y Y The City Of Atlanta Georgia Located Within A 5 Mile Radius Of Southside Park (Subject). Shady Valley Park Scores Based Upon Composite Values Of The Existing Alexander Park Park Inventory Components From Current City GIS Data. 1/3 Mile Buffer Of Parks Within 5.33 Miles And An Additional Lindberg Center Station 3 Mile Buffer Of Regional Parks Within 8 Miles H! (!400

Atlanta Memorial Park Peachtree Hills Recreation Center Bobby Jones Golf Course )" (!236

Whittier Mills Park Spink-Collins Park Tanyard Creek Park (GS) Wildwood Urban Forest

(!13

(!13 (!280 )" ¨¦§85 Herbert Taylor Park English Recreation Center ¤£278 )" Winn Park Arts Center Station H! (!70 Rockdale Park (!9 )" A.D. Williams Park Piedmont Park

MH!idtown Station (!70 Center Hill Park ¨¦§285 )" Grove Park Bankhead Station ¤£78 (!70 H! North Avenue Station ¤£278 H! ¤£29 Freedom Park )" Central Park Maddox Park ¤£41 )" Candler Park Collier Park Civic Center Station )" ¨¦§20 H! (!42 Harwell Heights Park J.F. Kennedy Recreation Center (!42 Edgewood-Candler Park Station )" (!10 H! Anderson Park Washington Park H! Peachtree Center Station (!42 )" Adamsville Recreation Center Ashby Station Omni Station H! )" H! H! H! (!42 Hightower Station Wilson Mill Park Vine City Station Bessie Branham Recreation Center (!139 H! H! M.L.K. Natatorium )" H! )" )" Five Points Station )" Adamsville Rec Center & Natatorium Park West Lake Station " Mozley Park Georgia State Station ) Coan Park 154 402 (! H! (! H! (!42 (!139 H! Garnett Station 155 154 154 (! (!10 (! (! Isabel Gates Webster Park (!10 )" (!42 Zaban Recreation Center ¤£19 (!14 Oakland Cemetery (!155 (GS) Herbert Greene Rosa L. Burney Park )" (!260 (!260 (!260 (GS) Lionel Hampton )" 260 (!42 (! (!260 Grant Park )" Brownwood Recreation Center West Manor Park West End Station )" H! (!42 Brownwood Park Adair Park II ¤£23 ¨¦§285 Outdoor Activity Center Pittman Park John A. White Park )"

(!154 ¨¦§20 (!42

)" Oakland City Station South Atlanta Park Oakland City Park H!

(!42 " Cascade Springs Nature Preserve )" )" ) £ Adams Park Perkerson Park ¤23

Melvin Drive Park Lakewood Fairgrounds & HiFi Buys Amphitheater )" ¤£29 Lakewood - Ft. McPherson Station Thomasville Park (!166 H!

(GS) Falling Water 166 (!166 (! (!166 (!166 South Bend Park (GS) Swann Preserve ¨¦§285 Avery Park ¤£ Ben Hill Park 23 )"

Cleveland Avenue Recreation Center)" )" Browns Mill Golf Course Deerwood Park ¨¦§85 Southeast Atlanta Park Stone Hogan Park SOUTHSIDE PARK (!54 ¨¦§75 N. Camp Creek Parkway Nature Preserve Empire Park Southside Park

(!6

(!6 Harper Park

1 0.5 0 1 2 3 4 ¤£19 ¨¦§75 FULTON COUNTY ¨¦§285 Map Scale In Miles CLAYTON COUNTY

Map Produced For The City of Atlanta Georgia - Department Of Parks, Recreation & Cultural Affairs - Office Of Park Design This Map Is Intended For Planning & Discussion Purposes Only - Please Refer To Related Project Documents For Map Details Legend Elements May Vary In Size From Those Shown On Map Sources: Tunnell-Spangler-Walsh & Associates, City Of Atlanta, Fulton County, Metropolitan Atlanta Transit Authority (MARTA) - Map Revised - June 2006 - ¶ TUNNELL-SPANGLER-WALSH ▪ DESIGN CONCEPTS ▪ GEOWEST FigureCIT I.7Y Proximate OF A TParksLA andN RecreationTA GE CentersORG inI Athe City of Atlanta and Their “Usability” SOUTHSIDE PARK MASTER PLAN

Southside Park Master Plan 21 Inventory & Analysis

parks and recreation infrastructure for the area within a 5- mile radius of Southside Park. The map is based on several assumptions. The first is that service derives from “components“ or the features, facilities, and other elements provided by the parks and recreation system. Components include such things as playgrounds, athletic fields, and sports courts, as well as passive elements such as picnic shelters. The assumption is that having components available for use provides a service to the public, and that greater availability of components increases the service provided. The components used in generating this map are the ones that the City of Atlanta has listed as being available at its parks and recreation sites. Due to data limitations, the other assumption is that all components provide equal quantity and quality of service. Also, it is assumed that availability is related to distance: something close to you is more available than something far away. For the purposes of this analysis, a distance of three miles (approximately a 10-minute drive) represents a reasonable distance to use for determining availability for components located within Regional parks, and a 10-minute walk (1/3 mile) for Neighborhood parks.

On this map, areas with a darker shade experience a higher LOS, and areas with lighter shades experience a lower LOS. The measurements reflect only those components provided by the City of Atlanta’s parks and recreation system, and are intended to reflect the LOS provided by that system. Other provid- ers, such as private or non-profit institutions, or adjacent agen- cies and communities, are not included in the measurement.

Figure I.7 shows that the northern half of the study area currently enjoys a higher LOS from the parks and recreation system than the south half. It should be noted that higher LOS may not be necessary for all locations. Desired LOS for any given location may depend upon such things as land use, population, demographics, or other variables. For example, the desired LOS within 1/3-mile of Southside Park may not need to be equal to that around other parks in the study area if there are more peo- The Jonesboro Road Redevelop- ple living close to those parks and Southside Park is intended ment plan calls for a multi-use trail to connect Southside Park to the to provide more of a regional service. In that case, the desired BeltLine LOS for the southern half of the Study Area may be similar to that found in the far western corner of the study area or some other comparable area. Because of the cumulative nature of LOS, adding service value to Southside Park will also raise the total LOS for the areas surrounding Southeast Atlanta, Empire,

22 Southside Park Master Plan Need Analysis

II. NEED ANALYSIS

II.A Opportunities & Constraints

The inventory provides the basis for the analysis of opportunities and issues that drive the conceptual master plan design. This section analyzes those elements to determine park needs.

II.A.1 Opportunities The park’s parking and baseball fields are well maintained • Very little of the 200+ acre park has been developed, providing a blank slate of opportunity. • The streams and wetlands running through the park could be the base for passive park amenities. • The park is within a half mile of the major I-285/Jonesboro Road interchange. Jonesboro Road and Hutchens Road are also MARTA bus routes. • Southside Industrial Park continues to grow and this employment population could be a potential weekday park user segment. • Several schools (South Atlanta High School, Kipp Charter School, etc) are located nearby the park and represent Park creeks represent both op- potential park user segments. portunities and constraints • The rolling topography provides the ability to design a variety of interesting park environments, viewpoints and landscapes. • The 2006 Jonesboro Road Redevelopment Plan Update recommended the creation of a neighborhood commercial node at the intersection of Macedonia and Jonesboro Roads, which is adjacent to Southside Park. • The softball fields, concessions building and approximately 330 space parking lot are well maintained, and have undergone recent renovation. • While the park currently has only one entrance off Jones- The Jonesboro Road Redevel- boro Road, there is much undeveloped land to the north opment Plan recommended a and east between the park and other potential access neighborhood node by the park

Southside Park Master Plan 23 Need Analysis

roads. Planning for other entrances through these properties is more feasible because sites have not been developed. II.A.2 Constraints or Issues

• Only 22,000 residents lie within five mile of the park, and the City’s Future Land Use Plan shows a continuance of low density single family residential development nearby. This dic- tates a regional park positioning with destination oriented activities in order to obtain an appropriate level of activity and use. • The streams and wetlands bisect the park into east and west halves, presenting challenges to access and continuity. • The park has only one entry driveway from Jonesboro Road, which lacks visibility and prom- inence. No other roads are accessible without an easement from existing property owners. Forest Park Road is an overpass over I-285, lacking highway access. • The park is located in the extreme southeast portion of both the City of Atlanta and Fulton County which makes it difficult to serve the bulk of the population to the north and southwest. Its location draws users from other areas outside of DeKalb County including Clayton County to the south. • Noise levels, particularly in the southern half of the park, are substantial - greater than 65 DNL - due to the park’s proximity to Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport. • The Atlanta Exposition Center is currently only used about once a month, creating a large vacant void of activity on the south side of the park. • The park lacks private sector support that could provide additional resources for new capital projects and maintenance (i.e. conservancy/nonprofit or community support group). • The City has invested recently in the upkeep and renovation of the ballfields and parking lot. Thus, these elements should remain in their current location. • Several blighted commercial enterprises lie adjacent to the park on Jonesboro Road, presenting a poor image not reflective of the park. Meanwhile, the area lacks quality retail, commercial and dining options that could support park users.

II.B Summary of Community Input

Meetings were held with community members on April 20 and May 18, 2006 that served to establish the desired characteristics and program to support neighborhood stakeholder needs. General comments included: • “There needs to be something for everyone of all ages” • The community’s needs have not been met at the park. It only supports softball leagues with a regional constituency and needs to be open to local residents more hours.

24 Southside Park Master Plan Need Analysis

• The park lacks visibility - most people don’t even know it exists. • Amenities available in nearby parks or recreation centers (e.g an indoor pool at Rosel Fann Center) should not be duplicated at Southside Park. • More entrances are needed into the park. • Concerns over public safety and the need to prevent illicit activity. • Few services and commercial/dining options exist A multi-use trail could provide recreation options and connect around the park. the park to neighborhoods The following amenities were proposed by neighborhood stakeholders for inclusion in Southside Park: • Multi-use trails throughout the park. Include swings, benches, and gazebos along the routes for “rest and contemplation” areas along the way. Possibly provide a cross country running trail that could be also used by South Atlanta High School. • Family picnic areas. • Cultural/Arts Center. Build on community’s history and culture, and offer places for youth arts and crafts. • Nature Center. Capitalize on the existing woodlands Small rest areas could be pro- and natural environment. Clear out the underbrush vided along multi-use trails and make the park more usable. • Soccer fields. • Farmer’s Market and Events/Festival location. Pos- sible amphitheater. • Skateboard Park and/or Outdoor Basketball Courts. • Food Services.

Some stakeholders would like to see a farmer’s market in the park

Southside Park Master Plan 25 Need Analysis

II.C Regional Park Positioning

Southside Park’s large size, remote location, and low surrounding population density all indicate a regional park positioning. The park must contain activities and elements that will draw a citywide constituent base in addition to supporting the local community’s needs and desires. Sufficient levels of usage and activity in the park at all times of the day are not only required for public safety reasons, but also to efficiently utilize a large public greenspace resource. As a regional park in an area without good transit access, It is also necessary to develop a master plan that looks beyond Southside Park will need to the park’s boundaries, and considers adjacent land use and continue to provide adequate access. A park and its edge properties are linked, with the “suc- parking cess” of one conditional upon the other. Both can be enhanced by key design and operational principles. The extensive amount

Figure II.1 : An early concept diagram for Southside Park.

26 Southside Park Master Plan Need Analysis

of adjacent undeveloped property provides an opportunity to deploy some of these principles that will lead to a better park, and economic benefit to property owners and the City of Atlanta.

An inventory of competitive amenities found in nearby recreational centers and other parks provides a framework of supply gaps for Atlanta residents (Figure II.2). Eighteen receational facilities are located within three miles of Southside Park. Excluding some special facilities, such as Lakewood Amphitheater, and the Browns Mill Golf Course, and several tiny plots of open space, the primary “competition” in the area comes from the Rosel Fann Recreation Center and several neighborhood parks. Figure II.3 shows the primary amenities found in the facilities listed in II.2. ballfields, tennis courts and receational centers are fairly well represented. Pool availability also appears appropriate for the more extensive coverage area they serve. Playgrounds and picnic areas tend to be distance sensitive and should typically be available at the local, neighborhood level. These also appear to be well represented. Areas of apparent deficiency are: soccer fields, walking and biking trails, and running tracks.

Southside Park’s Regional classification and size mean that its plan must also be viewed on a broader scale. Figures II.4 and II.5 show facilities designated as “Regional” per the City of Atlanta Department of Parks, Recreation, and Cultural Affaris (DPRCA). These parks range in size from 131 acres to 268 acres, and typically host a broad array of amenities. Excluding the Browns Mill Golf Course, the only other Regional Park within five miles of Southside Park is Grant Park on the approximately five miles to the north.

Regional or national recreational trends are another factor to consider. Atlanta is one of the nation’s strongest markets for tennis leagues of all ages, with both Atlanta Lawn Tennis Associa- tion (ALTA) and United States Tennis Association (USTA) teams playing year round. While the tennis courts currently located next to the ballfields in Southside Park are little utilized, this does not preclude a tennis complex as a potential park element. The existing courts are in such poor condition as to be unplayable, and the lack of a tennis center constrains use by leagues and coaches for lessons.

Soccer and inline skating/skateboarding are highly popular with youth in many parts of the country, and playfields and skateparks are insufficient to meet demand.

As the population grows, the Department of Recreation predicts a need for a gymnasium. As this need develops, a new study should be conducted to determine the location of a new gymnasium either within the current boundaries or in future acquisitions of adjacent properties.

Southside Park Master Plan 27 Need Analysis

Figure II.2: Other recreational fa- City of Atlanta Recreational Facilities Proximate to Southside Park cilities proximate to Southside Park. Type Acres Within 1 mile of Southside Park

Empire Park Neighborhood 10 Harper Park Neighborhood 13.5 Jonesboro Triangle Garden 0.16 Rosel Fann Recreation Center Community 18.5 SubTotal 4

1 to 3 miles from Southside Park

Avery Park Neighborhood 11 Billings Circle Garden 0.03 Browns Mill/McWilliams Park Garden 0.04 Browns Mill Golf Course Regional 160 Cleveland Avenue Park Neighborhood 5.9 John C. Burdine Park Neighborhood 4.3 Lakewood Fairgrounds/ Special Facility 113.3 HiFi Buys Amphitheater McKay Circle Garden 0.04 Pryor-Tucker Playlot Block 0.19 Rebel Valley Playlot Block 1.4 Roseland Cemetery Special Facility 0.22 South Bend Park Community 76.6 Thomasville Park Neighborhood 44.1 Tullwater Park Block 5.4 SubTotal 14

Total 18

Recreational Amenities Proximate to Southside Park

Number of Other Parks/Centers with Amenity Amenity Within 1 mile 1-3 miles Total <3 miles Ballfield 3 3 6 Basketball Court 2 4 6 Golf 0 1 1 Gym 1 2 3 Picnic Area/Amenity 3 5 8 Playground 3 6 9 Pool 1 2 3 Recreation Center/Arts Ctr 1 4 5 Soccer 0 1 1 Figure II.3: Ameni- Tennis Court 2 3 5 ties found in nearbly Trail or Track 0 0 0 recreational facilities.

28 Southside Park Master Plan Need Analysis

Figure II.4: City of Atlanta designated regional facilities.

Southside Park Master Plan 29 Need Analysis Trail Other Football Field, Lake Dog Park, Lake, Open Fields, Track t X X Arts/Crafts Center, Trail, Amphitheater, Horse Park X Cour Tennis XX Soccer Rec Center Pool X XXXXX ground raw. XXX XXXX XXXXXX Amenities Picnic Areas/ Play- X Gym f X X X Gol t Cour Basketball X Ballfield k -- Distance from Southside Par Acres F 131 3-5 miles X X I E 188 5-8 miles A 158 5-8 milesG X 189 5-8 miles X X H 185 > 8 miles X Label on Figure II.5 City of Atlanta Parks Department Regional Parks* Adams Park Atlanta Memorial ParkBrown's Mill Golf CourseChastain Memorial Park BFreedom Park CGrant Park DJohn A. White Park 199 160Piedmont Park Southside Park 268 > 8 miles 1-3 miles > 8 miles* Defined by the 1993 Parks Plan as one of 100 or more acres serving 20,000 people and attractions with a citywide greater d X X X X X X X X Figure II.5: City of Atlanta identified Regional recreational facilities. Figure II.5: City of

30 Southside Park Master Plan Master Plan

III. MASTER PLAN

III.A Concept Description

III.A.1 Overview

This master plan is intended to guide the long term development of the park and be a catalyst for related projects such as road connectivity and nearby land use planning. Figure III.1 is a Con- cept Plan that illustrates an example of what amenities could be Circulation within Southside Park developed, and how the overall theme of each “district” could (shown in red) is integral to its use and development within the com- be phased into Southside Park’s development. Multiple element munity options are possible within each district and are expected to be considered in more detail at the time each is considered for implementation. However, the guidelines and overall principles of this master plan should be followed to ensure a cohesive, comprehensive result.

The Concept Plan is derived from the following principles: • Southside Park is a 200+ acre regional park in an area of low population density and activity. It does also not currently serve the needs of the local community. Thus, both neighborhood and regional attractions are required to increase park use and provide revenue back to the City’s Recreation Department to continue implementing improvements to the park. • The site is heavily wooded (of inconsistent quality), varying topography, and environmentally sensitive creeks, floodplains and wetlands. These are utilized as assets in the design of the Master Plan. • Other major regional parks in Atlanta offer a variety of activities and features that serve to appeal to a broad range of interests. This philosophy is incorporated into this design, with the subdivision of the park into five key, unique districts, each with a theme and focus. • The plan shows hypothetical new residential developments on undeveloped parcels adjacent to the park. While future development will be the prerogative of property owners, it is recommended that certain goals be factored into the

Southside Park Master Plan 31 Master Plan

City’s review of such plans. These are described in Sec- tion III.B. III.A.2 Circulation and General Notes

The ultimate long-term visision is for a new primary park road entrance would be created at the signalized intersection of Jonesboro Road and Southside Industrial Parkway. The existing park entry road would only be used for service vehicles, and could also serve as an “exit-only” route during large events. This would require the purchase of the commercial properties Construction is a common sight in the vicinity of Southside Park on the east side of Jonesboro Road just south of the Southside Industrial Parkway intersection (located at 3500, 3504, 3530, and 3532 Jonesboro Road). In their current state, these properties are not in keeping with the desired uses surrounding a park environment. The highest priority parcels are in the northern half; along roughly 400 linear feet of Jonesboro Road.

According to the Jonesboro Road Redevelopment Plan Update, the purchased parcels should be used for a “park-oriented main entrance”. An optimal use of the purchased parcels could be dedicated to restaurant/dining establishments, which supports * the activities proposed in this Master Plan. The Redevelop- ment Plan also states, “As part of the proposed main entrance into the Park, this property could eventually be leased to new commercial tenants, where in the lease agreement, a portion of A primary entrance to the park would the rental fee would go toward a dedicated fund for Southside be created at the intersection of Southside Industrial Parkway and Park.” If feasible, this land could be leased to approved food re- Jonesboro Road tailers with the provision of a percentage of revenue generated going to park capital projects and maintenance. With the expansion of Southside Industrial Park and its anticipated employment growth, the lack of eating establishments could warrant the need for casual dining. If a leasing plan is not feasible, the site should be revegetated with native species not found in the park today. This area could become part of a recommended arboretum in the park, located in District “E” (see Section III.A.3).

In the interim a new new park entrance road would be created at the intersection of Jonesboro and Macedonia Roads. This intersection was also recommended as a neighborhood center node in the Jonesboro Road Redevelopment Plan Update, due The Willy’s at Piedmont Park could serve as a model for redevelopment to its connection with surrounding neighborhoods. The Redevel- of parcels adjacent to Southside opment Plan recommended mixed-use development consisting Park (image courtesy www.willys.com)

32 Southside Park Master Plan Master Plan

of commercial and residential uses, and medium-density multifamily housing to replace vacant land at the southwest corner. This new entrance road would seamlessly integrate the park with this redevelopment activity and provide the primary western park entry until implementation of the Southside Industrial Parkway entrance.

A primary park road entrance road is also needed from the east, off of Forest Park Road. The concept plan shows the east side entrance as a low-speed, pedestrian-friendly boulevard that traverses the boundary line of the Southern Lumber Company and Triad Investments parcels off of Forest Park Road. This road could be a public/private partnership with the developer of the Southern Lumber Company property. At the time of this report, the property’s developers were in discussions with the City and neighborhoods for a mixed residential housing development.

Pedestrian oriented principles and plan elements include: • Primary pedestrian path crossings with roads internal to the park should be overpasses/un- derpasses or clearly marked at-grade crossings to avoid vehicle/pedestrian conflict. • The multi-use path system should be hard surface and 10’-12’ wide. At least one route meeting ADA specifications should be provided between the park’s main amenity areas, preferably around the park’s perimeter. Spurs and secondary natural trails can feed off the main multi-use routes. • As with vehicular connectivity, pedestrian linkages between the park and surrounding neighborhoods should also be supported. A proposed pathway links the South Atlanta High School to the park’s northern path system. • The plan incorporates a recommendation in the Jonesboro Redevelopment Update Study regarding a 12’ greenway multi-use trail running down the Georgia Power utility easement. This will allow Southside Park to have connectivity with the South River Greenway. Similarly, the plan shows the recommended 12’ wide AASHTO Class 1 multi-use trail on park property along Jonesboro Road, which is recommended in this concept plan as a multi-use trail that wraps the perimeter of the park.

Southside Park Master Plan 33 Master Plan

III.A.3 Character Districts

Southside Park’s available acreage and varying topography support its subdivision into several “character districts”, defined roughly by program use themes. These five districts (A-E) are arranged in a quadrant configuration to provide a method of phasing/implementing the park’s components.

While specific amenities are shown in the graphic, some are representative of several options that could be implemented. A system of boardwalks could be in- However, consideration of the final plan for each district should stalled adjacent to an arboretum or adhere to the overall theme and goals as outlined in the de- natural preservation areas scriptions that follow.

A: Woodlands/Wetlands Natural District

The Woodlands/Wetlands District incorporates the extensive creek and wetlands system that bisects the park vertically. These areas are used as a resource in the plan and should be preserved for their useful function in water quality and erosion control processes. They are potential areas for a path system that will allow users to appreciate these landscapes in the different seasons. Paths traversing the designated wetlands should be constructed as an elevated boardwalk to preserve the integ- rity of the natural systems.

B: Multi-Age Active District

Located on the west side of the park, the goal of this district is to cater to both neighborhood and regional interests for primarily unorganized active programs (organized activities are not ex- cluded but are just one use type). It is also intended to appeal to all ages to encourage family and inter-generational park users who would utilize the park at different times of the day and week. This area’s adjacency to I-285, location within the > 65 DNL noise area (from the airport flight path), and relatively flat terrain, make it the best site for organized active programs.

A primary reason for locating this program here is the existence of the currently maintained and well-used ballfields and adjacent parking lot. The parking lot could be expanded as park

34 Southside Park Master Plan Master Plan

use grows. This area provides a hub to base other traditional park amenities around, such as a playground, basketball courts and picnic area. Basketball courts should not be located adjacent to the playground, but instead should be located near the skatepark, within view of other park amenities. The area to the south of the new primary road entrance is within the floodplain and could be utilized by much needed youth size soccer fields.

In summary, recommended amenities and facilities in this district (in addition to the current ballfields, parking lot and concessions building) could include: • Adult-sized soccer fields and bleachers (place all on one side of the road to prevent pedestrian/vehicular conflicts); • Playground; • Picnic area (the location shown in the graphic is already an optimal site, with canopy trees in a cleared grassy area close to parking and activities); • Basketball courts (3); Note that Recreation Staff have requested that any basketball court complex have some form of access control. • Picnic pavilions (2); • Leased retail space; • Space for a concrete skatepark (phased into the park after the construction of a temporary skatepark facility, which could be located on the existing tennis courts). • New, regional scale tennis complex with clubhouse is meant to be a high quality and well maintained court system usable by instructors and leagues for practice and tournaments. Other considerations for the district could include: • Adult regulation soccer field or multi-use fields; or • Outdoor skateboarding complex; or • Indoor ice skating complex for hockey and figure skating. A playground is situated adjacent to the structure, and an informal picnic area “in the woods” (without shelter) is located at the southern end of the district.

Skatepark users typically frequent their facilities for long periods of time and would benefit from the proximity of the existing washrooms and concession in the area.

Southside Park Master Plan 35 Master Plan

C: Active Ballfield District

Atlanta’s growing population and supply of outdoor public event spaces support the strong consideration of an alternative to Piedmont Park on the southside of Atlanta for events, festivals, farmers markets, and other cultural activities. Such events pull in a regional draw necessary to fuel a higher activity level in and around the park. Fees from league/organization use are pre- ferred over single-use, fee-based systems. Southside Park’s proximity to the Jonesboro Road/I- 285 interchange provides good vehicular access for visitors by car or bus.

A park maintenance area could be placed unobtrusively in the center of the park (near the existing softball quad), should some maintenance equipment and supplies be needed on-site in the future. Any maintenance facility should be camouflaged with vegetation.

A cultural and historic resources survey was conducted by New South Associates for the De- partment of Parks, Recreation & Cultural Affairs on September 27, 2006. Although cultural and historic resources are known to exist in the area, no such sites were encountered at the park. However, this does not preclude sites from potentially being located in other areas of the park. Depicted on maps in the DPRCA plan collection, suspected Civil War “rifle pits” on the eastern and southwestern slopes were identified as tree falls. Because the park is primarily wooded, a tree survey is required to identify specimen and quality groves of hardwood trees to retain prior to site clearing.

D: Scenic Overlook District

The steep topography in the northeast quadrant of the site will be capitalized upon by creating an organically shaped meadow at the foot of forested hillsides. This portion of the park will be available for unorganized play, wandering and relaxation. Minimal structures are planned for this District; instead, it is intended for unstructured activities, family gatherings, walking/hiking/biking, and contemplation. The site is intended to include a combination of open grasslands, lawns with shade tree canopy and wooded slopes, designed to allow the pedestrian circulation required for a festival.

The only structures proposed in district D is the “Eagle’s Nest” observatory and overlook pavilion. Open to all park users, this is a short tower structure of architectural interest that not only provides a beacon and icon for Southside Park, but also serves the function of enabling scenic views from this highest point/knoll in the park. Also on this knoll is a complementary building that would be available for special event rentals (e.g. for wedding receptions). This facility could also be used by community organizations for meetings and as offices of any future “Southside Park Conser- vancy”. Rental fees from this facility could provide funding to further the implementation of this master plan. Placed just southeast of a mountain bike trail network, the pavilion is a focal point for traffic coming from the Jonesboro Road/Southside Industrial Park/Forest Park Road entrance.

36 Southside Park Master Plan

Master Plan

Inclusion of a leash-free dog park would provide another facility in short supply in the Atlanta area and provide steady traffic of a user group which typically provides a degree of crime deterrence.

The mountain bike trail network would include a series of “switchbacks” along challenging terrain. This type of trail configuration makes the most of trail mileage in a relatively small space. In addition, switchbacks limit the impact of mountain bikes by avoiding the “fall line” which is the shortest path down the slope and cause erosion problems. The trails can be made additionally challenging through the use of man-made features, such as rock ledges or ladder bridges from felled trees.

E: Revenue Generating Event District

The primary goal of this district is to use activities that appeal to a regional constituency to generate ongoing revenue to help fund Southside Park capital projects. The concept shows a combination of adult soccer fields or a new tennis complex with clubhouse.

Southside Park could also be the home of a destination facility which would capitalize on the site’s location, topography, and vegetation. Botanical, arboreal, zoological, or ecological attractions would provide a place for schoolchildren to visit and learn about native trees, wetlands, and landscapes. Specimen trees could be planted along the extensive path system of the park, with education stations or kiosks in select locations with information about vegetation in the area of visitation. Southside Park’s large size and varying topography offer the opportunity to showcase a variety of landscape environments and habitats. A system of boardwalks is envisioned within the inundated portion of the wetlands, perhaps radiating directly from the arboretum into the heart of Southside Park.

Supporting this District’s theme would be a facility such as a nature center, environmental education center, wildlife/bird sanctuary or arboretum facility that could offer programs and tours that take advantage of the natural resources in the park. In the concept, this facility is located near the largest wetlands area, roughly in the park’s center. This area could also be a prime location for the “Southside Community Gardens”, with opportunities for food gardening classes and community gardeners to meet at the adjacent nature center facility.

As a complement to such a facility, an informal amphitheater with grass steps/concrete or timber risers built into the hillside is a possibility for small group performances. The area along Forest Park Road should be cleared enough to provide visibility into the site to support impulse traffic to the event.

Southside Park Master Plan 37 Master Plan

III.B Master Plan Considerations

All of the above amenities are in short supply and in demand in the Atlanta metropolitan region. However, their size and cost require consideration of their optimal location within the overall City of Atlanta parks system.

The park’s internal roadway system needs to be designed and implemented in a way which allows maximum flexibility for access control or traffic redirection as may be necessary to meet future operation and security needs. Encourage “Eyes on the Park” Dedicated parking lots and restroom facilities (near areas of activity) within the Districts are requirements to support this program. The proposed new east side park entry road would also be a prime access route to both Districts D and E.

Due to the nature of these amenities, consideration should be given to agreements with private entities for ongoing operation and possible construction of facilities.

III.C Adjacent Land Use

While planning for land use outside of the park is not within the scope of this project, the influence of the surrounding area on the park (and vice versa) cannot be overestimated. The large Avoid typical layout where homes face away from, or expanses of undeveloped land and low density, small single back into the park family housing developments do not provide the population base needed to keep the park utilized and active (and inher- ently safe). Therefore, circulation connectivity is also crucial to this purpose.

Thus, for representation purposes only, the concept plan provides a possible future build-out scenario of the land adjacent to the park. With the exception of Southside Industrial Park and the proposed neighborhood retail node at Macedonia and Jonesboro Road, the land use is expected to be predominantly residential surrounding the park. The concept plan incorporates elements in these potential residential developments that will provide a symbiotic positive impact on both the new develop- Avoid creating dead end ment and Southside Park. roads

38 Southside Park Master Plan Master Plan

The City should pursue the following principles and guidelines in the future evaluation of development proposals for these adjacent properties:

• Subdivision roads should connect into the proposed road network for Southside Park. • A park entrance off of Forest Park Road is needed to serve neighborhoods and residents east of the park, which would alleviate traffic congestion to access the park’s main entrance on Jonesboro Road near I-285. This road would jointly support development needs as well as park users. A location for this road must be identified as soon as possible so incentives or easement requirements can be made of future plan submittals. • Homes should front the park, preferably along a perimeter road to support activity within the park and keep “eyes on the park”. • Pedestrian trail access from all new subdivisions should be provided into the park’s trail network, where feasible. The locations for such trails are recommended along stream banks, which support current efforts by the City of Atlanta to locate greenway trails along rivers and streams. • While single family residential land use is the primary form of housing, plans that support increasing the population of potential park users within walking distance of Southside Park should be encouraged.

Southside Park Master Plan 39 Master Plan

III.D Concept Plan Graphic

Please see foldout Concept Plan at right.

40 Southside Park Master Plan

Implementation

IV. IMPLEMENTATION

IV.A Projects and Phasing

The Concept Plan described in Section III is a long-term vision for upgrading Southside Park to better serve the needs of existing and future users. To achieve this vision, ten critical projects have been identified.

These following is a summary of these projects and their pro- The renovation of the tennis courts, posed phasing. Please see IV.B for element and cost details. baseball fields, and soccer field at Southside Park is recommended as the first project to be implemented in Project 1/Phase 1 (P1): Baseball Complex (below) this master plan Southside Park’s baseball fields are currently the park’s biggest attraction. This project will upgrade the four existing baseball fields, one soccer fields, and tennis facilities. It will also include vehicular upgrades, renovation of surrounding pedestrian facilities, and a new multi-use trail system.

Southside Park Master Plan 41 Implementation

Project 2/Phase 2 (P2): Maintenance Building (below) This project will involve demolishing the existing maintenance building and replacing it with a new building, sidewalks, and associated landscaping.

Project 3 (P3) - Tournament Soccer & Multi-Purpose Fields (top right or P6) The proposed tournament soccer and two multi-purpose fields will allow Southside Park to increase its offerings of regional-serving activities. The proposed fields and associated parking are recommended for the eastern portion of the park, near I-285. They will connect to the restored Baseball Complex by a new road that could extend to the east, into the adjacent development site. Similarly, new multi-use trails will enhance the park’s proposed non-vehicular facility and connect to a larger citywide network to the north.

Project 4 (P4) - Playground & Picnic Pavilion (bottom right) Southside Park currently lacks areas for rest and children. This facility will provide a playground and an associated seating/picnic area. It will expand the park’s offerings to parents with young children, while also provide an alternative for families with children of different ages who may need to use different park facilities.

42 Southside Park Master Plan Implementation

Southside Park Master Plan 43 Implementation

Project 5 (P5) - Skatepark (below) The proposed skatepark is intended to allow Southside Park to serve the needs of the area’s youth. It will be located along the park’s western edge, and includes a small amount of associated parking, as well as a leg of the park’s proposed multi-use trail system.

Project 6 (P6) - Meadow Dog Park (top right or P3) Increased townhouse, small lot single-family, and multifamily development in the Jonesboro Road corridor will mean a future need outside dog facilities. The proposed meadow and dog park will provide a place for pet and non-pet owners to enjoy passive recreation. Said facilitiy will occupy the park’s north side, and include a new park entrance from Jonesboro Road.

Project 7 (P7) - Pavilion (bottom right) Located east of the dog park, this area includes an outdoor pavilion and a shared hiking/mountain bike trail.

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Southside Park Master Plan 45 Implementation

Project 8/Phase 8 (P8): Softball Fields (below) Two new softball fields will be provided at the weastern edge of Southside Park to complement the revitalized baseball complex. It will also include associated parking and a short segment of soft surface trail.

Project 9/Phase (P9): Nature Center (top right) The proposed nature center will offer an interpretive center and walking trail through the park’s environmental diverse woodlands and riparian zone. It will complete the park’s broad offerings of both passive and active recreational facilities.

Project 10/Phase (P10): Retail Space (bottom right) This long-term project will establish park-oriented retail space on a proposed park expansion along Jonesboro Road. Likely tenants include casual park-oriented restaurant users such as an ice cream shop, sandwich shop, or similar establishment. Outdoor dining is encourage to create a sense of vitality along Jonesboro Road.

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Southside Park Master Plan 47 Implementation

IV.B Preliminary Cost Estimates

The following provides a detailed breakdown of the ten projects identified in this master plan. Please note that this opinion of probable costs is intended only for use as a preliminary evaluation of the general magnitude of the general costs associated with the project. The material quantities shown herein are subject to change. Unit prices are compiled from job costs of similar projects when such information is available. In the absence of this source of information, other published references may be used to determine approximate unit prices. Variation in items such as raw material costs, labor efficiency, wage rates, and union practices will affect final project costs.

48 Southside Park Master Plan Implementation Southside Park - Opinion of Probable Cost

Prepared for: City of Atlanta Prepared by: Tunnell-Spangler-Walsh & Associates - Landscape Architect

# ITEM QTY. UNIT UNIT COST COST

P1- BASEBALL COMPLEX

Existing Facilities Improvements

Site Engineering:

1 Existing Entry Road Improvements - Pedestrian Crossing at Circulation Path 1 LS $5,000.00 $5,000.00 - Landscape Improvements 1 LS $8,000.00 $8,000.00 2 Existing Parking Improvements - Resurfacing and Striping 129,619 SF $1.25 $162,023.75 - Landscape Improvements 1 LS $15,000.00 $15,000.00

Subtotal $190,023.75

Site Development:

1 Existing Baseball Field Improvements - Field Upgrades 1 LS $10,000.00 $10,000.00 - Sidewalks Repairs 1 LS $25,000.00 $25,000.00 - New Landscape 1 LS $15,000.00 $15,000.00 2 Existing Tennis Improvements - Resurfacing Courts 15,000 SF $1.50 $22,500.00 - Replace Nets (2) 1 LS $4,000.00 $4,000.00 - Landscape Improvements 1 LS $10,000.00 $10,000.00 3 Approved Soccer Field (City of Atlanta Budget) 1 LS $262,426.00 $262,426.00

Subtotal $348,926.00

Proposed Site Development

Site Engineering:

1 Site Clearing and Demolition 250,000 SF $0.10 $25,000.00 2 Site Grading and Stormwater Drainage 250,000 SF $1.00 $250,000.00 3 Erosion and Sediment Control 250,000 SF $0.15 $37,500.00 4 Site Utilities 1 LS $100,000.00 $100,000.00

Subtotal $412,500.00

Site Development:

1 Site Lighting (Allowance) 1 LS $50,000.00 $50,000.00 2 Site Furnishings (Allowance) 1 LS $20,000.00 $20,000.00 3 New Concrete Sidewalks 6,000 SF $5.50 $33,000.00 4 12' Multi-Use Path (Asphalt with Concrete Edge) 8,100 LF $70.00 $567,000.00 5 Asphalt Parking Lot Expansion 60,000 SF $2.00 $120,000.00 6 Asphalt Street w/ Concrete Curb and Gutter 3,600 LF $150.00 $540,000.00 7 Passive Open Space (Turf Zones) 205,550 SF $0.25 $51,387.50 8 Landscape Improvements 1 LS $50,000.00 $50,000.00

Subtotal $1,431,387.50

Phase 1 Total $2,382,837.25 Contingency - 20% $476,567.45 Phase1 Total w/ Contingency $2,859,404.70

Southside Park Master Plan 49 Implementation

P2 - MAINTENANCE BUILDING

Site Engineering:

1 Site Clearing and Demolition 60,000 SF $0.10 $6,000.00 2 Site Grading and Stormwater Drainage 60,000 SF $1.00 $60,000.00 3 Erosion and Sediment Control 60,000 SF $0.15 $9,000.00 4 Site Utilities 1 LS $50,000.00 $50,000.00

Subtotal $125,000.00

Site Development:

1 Site Lighting (Allowance) 1 LS $15,000.00 $15,000.00 2 Maintenance Building (3,000 sf) 1 LS $300,000.00 $300,000.00 3 Perimeter Fence for Storage Yard 400 LF $25.00 $10,000.00 4 Concrete Sidewalks 8,000 SF $5.50 $44,000.00 5 Parking 11,025 SF $2.00 $22,050.00 6 Landscape Improvements 1 LS $5,000.00 $5,000.00

Subtotal $396,050.00

Phase 2 Total $521,050.00 Contingency - 20% $104,210.00 Phase 2 Total w/ Contingency $625,260.00

P3 - TOURNAMENT SOCCER & MULTI-PURPOSE FIELDS

Site Engineering:

1 Site Clearing and Demolition 710,000 SF $0.10 $71,000.00 2 Site Grading and Stormwater Drainage 710,000 SF $1.00 $710,000.00 3 Erosion and Sediment Control 710,000 SF $0.15 $106,500.00 4 Site Utilities 1 LS $500,000.00 $500,000.00

Subtotal $1,387,500.00

Site Development:

1 Site Lighting (Allowance) 1 LS $50,000.00 $50,000.00 2 Site Furnishings (Allowance) 1 LS $20,000.00 $20,000.00 3 Multi-Purpose Fields 172,800 SF $0.50 $86,400.00 4 Soccer Field 86,400 SF $0.50 $43,200.00 5 Spectator Seating 1 LS $50,000.00 $50,000.00 6 Concession/Restroom Building (1,500 sf) 1 LS $150,000.00 $150,000.00 7 Field Lighting - Tournament Field Only (Allowance) 1 LS $200,000.00 $200,000.00 8 Concrete Sidewalks 10,000 SF $5.50 $55,000.00 9 12' Multi-Use Path (Asphalt with Concrete Edge) 5,300 LF $70.00 $371,000.00 10 Asphalt Parking Lot 153,140 SF $2.00 $306,280.00 11 Asphalt Street w/ Concrete Curb and Gutter 2,300 LF $150.00 $345,000.00 12 Asphalt Boulevard w/ Concrete Curb and Gutter 350 LF $200.00 $70,000.00 13 Vehicular Bridge 200 LF $2,500.00 $500,000.00 14 Landscape Improvements 1 LS $50,000.00 $50,000.00

Subtotal $2,296,880.00

Phase 3 Total $3,684,380.00 Contingency - 20% $736,876.00 Phase 3 Total w/ Contingency $4,421,256.00

50 Southside Park Master Plan Implementation

P4 - PLAYGROUND & PICNIC PAVILION

Site Engineering:

1 Site Clearing and Demolition 82,000 SF $0.10 $8,200.00 2 Site Grading and Stormwater Drainage 82,000 SF $1.00 $82,000.00 3 Erosion and Sediment Control 82,000 SF $0.15 $12,300.00 4 Site Utilities 1 LS $10,000.00 $10,000.00

Subtotal $112,500.00

Site Development:

1 Site Lighting (Allowance) 1 LS $5,000.00 $5,000.00 2 Site Furnishings (Allowance) 1 LS $15,000.00 $15,000.00 3 Playground Equipment (Allowance) 1 LS $100,000.00 $100,000.00 4 Playground Surface 12,000 SF $2.00 $24,000.00 5 Picnic Pavilion (2,000 sf) 1 LS $80,000.00 $80,000.00 6 Concrete Sidwalk 800 SF $5.50 $4,400.00 7 8' Soft Surface Trail (No Edge) 1,000 LF $15.00 $15,000.00 8 12' Multi-Use Path (Asphalt with Concrete Edge) 2,550 LF $70.00 $178,500.00 9 Landscape Improvements 1 LS $10,000.00 $10,000.00

Subtotal $431,900.00

Phase 4 Total $544,400.00 Contingency - 20% $108,880.00 Phase 4 Total w/ Contingency $653,280.00

P5 - SKATEPARK

Site Engineering:

1 Site Clearing and Demolition 135,000 SF $0.10 $13,500.00 2 Site Grading and Stormwater Drainage 135,000 SF $1.00 $135,000.00 3 Erosion and Sediment Control 135,000 SF $0.15 $20,250.00 4 Site Utilities 1 LS $15,000.00 $15,000.00

Subtotal $183,750.00

Site Development:

1 Site Lighting (Allowance) 1 LS $20,000.00 $20,000.00 2 Site Furnishings (Allowance) 1 LS $10,000.00 $10,000.00 3 Skatepark Facility (Pour-In-Place Concrete) 30,000 SF $25.00 $750,000.00 4 Pavilion 1 LS $35,000.00 $35,000.00 5 Concrete Sidewalks 2,000 SF $5.50 $11,000.00 6 8' Soft Surface Trail (No Edge) 1,000 LF $15.00 $15,000.00 7 Asphalt Parking Lot Expansion 35,000 SF $2.00 $70,000.00 8 Passive Open Space (Turf Zones) 60,000 SF $0.25 $15,000.00 9 Landscape Improvements 1 LS $20,000.00 $20,000.00

Subtotal $946,000.00

Phase 5 Total $1,129,750.00 Contingency - 20% $225,950.00 Phase 5 Total w/ Contingency $1,355,700.00

Southside Park Master Plan 51 Implementation

P6 - MEADOW & DOG PARK

Site Engineering:

1 Site Clearing and Demolition 400,000 SF $0.10 $40,000.00 2 Site Grading and Stormwater Drainage 400,000 SF $1.00 $400,000.00 3 Erosion and Sediment Control 400,000 SF $0.15 $60,000.00 4 Site Utilities 1 LS $150,000.00 $150,000.00

Subtotal $650,000.00

Site Development:

1 Site Lighting (Allowance) 1 LS $10,000.00 $10,000.00 2 Site Furnishings (Allowance) 1 LS $15,000.00 $15,000.00 3 Dog Park (Lawn Only) 100,000 SF $0.25 $25,000.00 4 Chainlink Fence 1,500 LF $25.00 $37,500.00 5 Concrete Sidewalk 2,000 SF $5.50 $11,000.00 6 Meadow 270,000 SF $0.25 $67,500.00 7 Asphalt Parking Lot 30,000 SF $2.00 $60,000.00 8 Asphalt Street w/ Concrete Curb and Gutter 3,000 LF $150.00 $450,000.00 9 Asphalt Boulevard w/ Concrete Curb and Gutter 600 LF $200.00 $120,000.00 10 Vehicular Bridge 200 LF $2,500.00 $500,000.00 11 12' Multi-Use Path (Asphalt with Concrete Edge) 5,000 LF $70.00 $350,000.00 12 8' Soft Surface Trail (No Edge) 3,500 LF $15.00 $52,500.00 13 Landscape Improvements 1 LS $75,000.00 $75,000.00

Subtotal $1,773,500.00

Phase 6 Total $2,423,500.00 Contingency - 20% $484,700.00 Phase 6 Total w/ Contingency $2,908,200.00

P7 - PAVILION

Site Engineering:

1 Site Clearing and Demolition 65,000 SF $0.10 $6,500.00 2 Site Grading and Stormwater Drainage 65,000 SF $1.00 $65,000.00 3 Erosion and Sediment Control 65,000 SF $0.15 $9,750.00 4 Site Utilities 1 LS $10,000.00 $10,000.00

Subtotal $91,250.00

Site Development:

1 Site Lighting (Allowance) 1 LS $20,000.00 $20,000.00 2 Site Furnishings (Allowance) 1 LS $15,000.00 $15,000.00 3 Pavilion 1 LS $250,000.00 $250,000.00 4 Concrete Sidewalks 1,000 SF $5.50 $5,500.00 5 Asphalt Parking Lot 8,000 SF $2.00 $16,000.00 6 8' Soft Surface Trail (No Edge) 8,000 LF $15.00 $120,000.00 7 Passive Open Space (Turf Zones) 50,000 SF $0.25 $12,500.00 8 Landscape Improvements 1 LS $10,000.00 $10,000.00

Subtotal $449,000.00

Phase 7 Total $540,250.00 Contingency - 20% $108,050.00 Phase 7 Total w/ Contingency $648,300.00

52 Southside Park Master Plan Implementation

P8 - SOFTBALL FIELDS

Site Engineering:

1 Site Clearing and Demolition 500,000 SF $0.10 $50,000.00 2 Site Grading and Stormwater Drainage 500,000 SF $1.00 $500,000.00 3 Erosion and Sediment Control 500,000 SF $0.15 $75,000.00 4 Site Utilities 1 LS $250,000.00 $250,000.00

Subtotal $875,000.00

Site Development:

1 Site Lighting (Allowance) 1 LS $25,000.00 $25,000.00 2 Site Furnishings (Allowance) 1 LS $15,000.00 $15,000.00 3 Softball Fields 150,000 SF $0.50 $75,000.00 4 Softball Field Fence 2,500 LF $25.00 $62,500.00 5 Concession/Restroom Building (1,500 sf) 1 LS $150,000.00 $150,000.00 6 Field Lighting (Allowance) 1 LS $300,000.00 $300,000.00 7 Concrete Sidewalks 20,000 SF $5.50 $110,000.00 8 8' Soft Surface Trail (No Edge) 2,200 LF $15.00 $33,000.00 9 Asphalt Parking Lot Expansion 120,000 SF $2.00 $240,000.00 10 Passive Open Space (Turf Zones) 200,000 SF $0.25 $50,000.00 11 Landscape Improvements 1 LS $10,000.00 $10,000.00

Subtotal $1,070,500.00

Phase 8 Total $1,945,500.00 Contingency - 20% $389,100.00 Phase 8 Total w/ Contingency $2,334,600.00

P9 - NATURE CENTER

Site Engineering:

1 Site Clearing and Demolition 170,000 SF $0.10 $17,000.00 2 Site Grading and Stormwater Drainage 170,000 SF $1.00 $170,000.00 3 Erosion and Sediment Control 170,000 SF $0.15 $25,500.00 4 Site Utilities 1 LS $100,000.00 $100,000.00

Subtotal $312,500.00

Site Development:

1 Site Lighting (Allowance) 1 LS $50,000.00 $50,000.00 2 Site Furnishing (Allowance) 1 LS $30,000.00 $30,000.00 3 Amphitheatre 12,000 SF $50.00 $600,000.00 4 Nature Center (10,000 sf) 1 LS $3,000,000.00 $3,000,000.00 5 Concrete Sidewalks 4,000 SF $5.50 $22,000.00 6 Naturalized Area 20,000 SF $2.50 $50,000.00 7 Asphalt Parking Lot 24,000 SF $2.00 $48,000.00 8 Soft Surface Trail 6,000 LF $5.00 $30,000.00 9 Landscape Improvements 1 LS $25,000.00 $25,000.00

Subtotal $3,855,000.00

Phase 9 Total $4,167,500.00 Contingency - 20% $833,500.00 Phase 9 Total w/ Contingency $5,001,000.00

Southside Park Master Plan 53 Implementation

P10 - RETAIL SPACE

Site Engineering:

1 Land Assembly $652,750.00 2 Site Clearing and Demolition 43,000 SF $0.10 $4,300.00 3 Site Grading and Stormwater Drainage 43,000 SF $1.00 $43,000.00 4 Erosion and Sediment Control 43,000 SF $0.15 $6,450.00 5 Site Utilities 1 LS $50,000.00 $50,000.00

Subtotal $756,500.00

Site Development:

1 Site Lighting (Allowance) 1 LS $20,000.00 $20,000.00 2 Site Furnishings (Allowance) 1 LS $10,000.00 $10,000.00 3 Commercial Building (6,000 sf) 1 LS $900,000.00 $900,000.00 4 Concrete Sidewalks 3,000 SF $5.50 $16,500.00 5 Asphalt Parking Lot 9,020 SF $2.00 $18,040.00 6 Landscape Improvements 1 LS $20,000.00 $20,000.00

Subtotal $984,540.00

Phase 10 Total $1,741,040.00 Contingency - 20% $348,208.00 Phase 10 Total w/ Contingency $2,089,248.00

Project Total $22,896,248.70

Disclaimer:

This opinion of probable cost is not based on a Conceptual Master Plan. It is intended only for use as a preliminary evaluation of the general magnitude of the general costs associated with the project. The material quantities shown herein are subject to change. Unit prices are compiled from job costs of similar projects when such information is available. In the absence of this source of information, other published references may be used to determine approximate unit prices. Variation in items such as raw material costs, labor efficiency, wage rates, and union practices will affect final project costs.

54 Southside Park Master Plan