Mulhurst Bay Revitalization Proposal 2019

Created 2019-06-28

TABLE OF

CONTENTS

Purpose of the Plan……………………………………….pg.1

Goals…………………………………………………………..pg.1

Site Inventory and Initial Assessment……………..pg.2 A. Parking…………………………………………….pg.2 B. Park Area…………………………………………pg.2

1. Children’s Playground……………………..pg.3 2. Sand Volleyball Court……….pg.3 3. Basketball Court………………pg.3 4. Public Washrooms……………pg.3

5. Drainage of Park Area………pg.3 6. Sheltered Picnic Area……….pg.3 C. Shoreline………………………………pg.4

Proposed Revitalization Action Plan…….pg.6 Estimated Costs………………………………..pg.7

Funding……………………………………………pg.8 Community Engagement……………………pg.8

The Mulhurst Bay Revitalization committee proposed project falls in line with the goals set forth from the County of Wetaskiwin vision and mission created by Council for the execution of the organization's day to day operations and future planning.

Vision: Strong proactive leadership, safe progressive communities.

Mission: Provide local representation to pool resources and provide a consistent level of core services to the community enhancing the quality of life for present and future generations.

Purpose of the Plan

The Mulhurst Bay Revitalization Plan sets out several initiatives to meet the ever-changing needs and aspirations of the Mulhurst Bay community. The new plan will:

• Receive Council support;

• Revitalize the Mulhurst Bay Park Area, Parking

Availability and Shoreline Area to enhance the

quality of life for present and future generations;

• Respond to the needs of the residents, business

owners, visitors and other community stakeholders;

• Engage a wide range of partners in plan related

project implementation;

• Initiate a comprehensive 3-year capital and 5-year

operational plan that is supported financially by

County of Wetaskiwin;

• Develop an environmentally progressive project that

enhances and adheres to watershed management

development practices;

• Build on the present engagement and enthusiasm of

the Mulhurst Bay Revitalization committee and the

surrounding community;

• Provide a safe and progressive community.

Goals

The goal of the Mulhurst Bay Revitalization Committee is to revitalize the three main areas to a suitable standard that will enhance the community well being but also attract business and visitors into the area, mentioned below are the three areas;

A. Parking Availability B. Park Area C. Shoreline Area

Pg. 1 Site Inventory and Initial Assessment

The following information is in its infancy, Council support, consultation with the County of Wetaskiwin administration, stakeholders and community will be needed to ensure that the existing data relates to the specific needs of the community.

A. Parking

Currently the Mulhurst Day Use area is in desperate need of additional parking to accommodate the influx of vehicle traffic during the summer weekends and holidays. Theses vehicles are typically boaters with truck and trailers. Currently most vehicles utilize the angle parking along the 49th street west of the day use area. There is also a small additional parking lot that is north of the park area which is utilized by some visitors. During summer peak times the angled parking and the small additional parking north of the playground are congested due to the visitors utilizing one of the only public boat launches on Pigeon Lake. This is a major safety concern for the community. It is apparent that the current supply of parking does not meet the current parking needs, another concern is the safety of the pedestrian traffic. As there us no designated walking paths or side walks this could be a potential liability for the County. Appendix (A),

Initial Deficiencies: • Congested 49th street, 58 avenue and overflow areas • Lack of appropriate parking spaces available • High traffic volume frequently during summer months • Potential liability concerns for pedestrian traffic (includes children)

B. Park Area

The existing Mulhurst Bay Park (MBP) has been highly utilized by visitors and community members for the past 40 years.

The MBP inventory is; 1. Children’s playground 2. Sand volleyball court 3. Basketball court 4. Public washrooms. 5. Drainage of park area 6. Sheltered picnic area

Pg. 2 1. Children’s Playground

The expected life associated with a typical playground structure is 15 to 20 years based on industry standards. As the playground equipment ages, the risk of failure to various components of the structure increases. As illustrated in Appendix (B), there is a significant gap in funding to address replacing the existing structure. This gap brings into question what level of service is expected. As the original play structure is approximately 40+years old (minimal upgrades have occurred) it is very apparent that replacement with a new structure that falls in line with CSA (Canadian Standards Association). It is very important that the new structure address; inclusivity, age specific, mobility is very necessary. 2. Sand Volleyball Court

The sand volleyball court is well utilized during the summer months. Currently the court is in suitable condition for the usage during the summer months. A professional grade net and post should be installed to withstand the environmental conditions. Appendix (C)

3. Basketball Court 5. Drainage

The current basketball The drainage at the court does not provide optional Mulhurst Bay Park has been recreational opportunities A multi identified as a major use area that provides basketball, contributor to the deterioration pickle ball and soccer would of the washroom facility as well better utilize the area to provide as limiting visitors and County recreational opportunities to a wide staff from maintaining the range of demographics in the area. grounds during specific times Appendix (D) of the season. An engineer is required to provide solutions that will fall inline with 4. Public Washrooms government regulations. Appendix (E) The public washrooms at the Mulhurst Bay Park are in desperate need of renovation or 6. Sheltered Picnic Area replacement. The deterioration of the washroom facility has been The current sheltered accelerated due to the poor structure is in adequate and drainage on site and lack of major does not supply a direct line of maintenance. site for safety of residents.

Appendix (E)

Pg. 3

C. Shoreline Area

The waterfront is at the heart of Mulhurst Bay. The shoreline features a boat launch, swimming area and foot path. It’s the key attraction for tourists and prime recreation area for the community. In its current state of disrepair, revitalization is essential to optimize the economic, recreational and environmental value of this natural treasure. Appendix (F)

Deficiencies Optimization SWIMMING Access to the swimming area is Implement landscape design solutions AREA significantly impeded and includes including adding more useable green hazards or potential hazards. space, reducing hard surfaces, improving - Failing feature wall installed in 1970s lighting, adding garbage receptacles, - Limited gathering space managing foot and vehicle traffic, installing - Impeded sight lines netting on the swimming area buoys and - Ineffective traffic management improving watershed management crossing main street practices to reduce excess nutrient load - High volume of boat launch traffic (e.g. and reduce frequency or algal blooms. boat trail parking, frequent fuel spills) Strategy: - Biomass accumulates in the swimming - Modernize access management solutions area - Design to current safety standards for - Lake health in a highly developed area swimmers and casual recreational use with limited watershed management to - Implement Low impact development reduce pollution and excess nutrients practices for stormwater management entering the lake for increased and clean runoff potential for algal booms - Manage traffic flow & rescue devices

BOAT Launch issues: Launch access issues: LAUNCH - Risk to equipment with shallow access in - Introduce signage about launch restrictions periods of low water levels (e.g. boat access capacity and safe launch - High volume of boat launch traffic e.g. practices, speed, traffic flow etiquette) boat trail parking, fuel spill clean- up - Implement low impact solution for - Risk to water quality with frequent fuel improving slope of the launch spills - rescue devices - Mange flow of boat launch traffic - Fuel spill clean up kit, signage and protocol - Lack of rescue devices with training for staff or volunteer clean up team)

Pg. 4 FOOT While a new surface was added for the Reduce pollutants entering the lake by: PATH foot path recently, issues include: - Planting 2-3 buffer strips with deep - Highly developed areas in which rooted plants between the path and native vegetation has been removed road way to slow, filter and clean and is stripped of natural solutions water before it enters the with for clean off. educational signage to support - Suspected grey water dumping resident awareness of clean runoff directly into the lake - Benches - Monitor runoff in 2-3 drainage areas (2 yrs)

This work will be based on watershed management practices as outlined in the Pigeon Lake Watershed Management Plan (PLWMP), where applicable.

Environmental Partner Groups: Pigeon Lake Watershed Association and PLWMP Steering Committee. In addition, there is a commitment to consult as needed with healthy-lake partners e.g. Nature Alberta, Alberta Low Impact Development Partnership, Alberta Environment and Parks, Cows and Fish.

Regulatory Authority: Permitting to be acquired before starting any project that might alter the shoreline i.e. Approvals from Alberta Environment, Alberta Sustainable Resource Development and Fisheries and Oceans Canada. Additional authorization may be required from the local municipality, county, and/or other federal and provincial regulators.

The Mulhurst Bay Shoreline Committee will also be consulted during the process.

Pg. 5

Proposed Revitalization Action Plan

The Mulhurst Bay Revitalization Committee would like to propose a three-phase plan to successfully revitalize the Mulhurst Bay Area.

REVITALIZATION

PHASE 3 PHASE 1

PHASE 2

PHASE 1 – Enhanced Parking: Enhancing and expanding the day use area parking lot to accommodate the traffic from the weekend boaters. Congested streets and safety of pedestrians are the major concern.

PHASE 2 – Revitalization of the Mulhurst Bay Park: This phase will look at the replacement of the following components as well as additions

1. Replacement of existing playground structure. 2. Replacement of existing basketball court with a new multi court surface that accommodates additional sports such as; pickleball, soccer… 3. Installation of a self circulating Splash Park. 4. Replacement of existing washroom facility to meet the needs of a splash park as well as the daily foot traffic associated with the boat launch 5. Drainage, groundwork will need to be done to eliminate the seasonal flooding that occurs.

PHASE 3 – Shoreline Enhancement: This phase will look to enhance the shoreline, rock wall and seating areas to create a focal point for the community.

“Parks have the power to strengthen communities, transform lives, and protect the future” National Recreation and Parks Association

Pg. 6 Estimated Costs PHASE 1 – Enhanced Parking:

Capital: $20,000.00 Contingency : $2,000.00 Total : $22,000.00

PHASE 2 – Revitalization of the Mulhurst Bay Park

• New playground structure - $150,000.00 • Multi Court Surface - $150,000.00 • Splash Park - $212,198.00 • New Washroom Facility - $100,000.00 • Drainage - $50,000.00 • Park Benches / Garbage Reciprocals - $25,000.00 • Gazebo - $40,000.00 • New Fence - $15,000.00 • Entrance Sign - $5,000.00

Capital: $747,198.00

Contingency: $74,719.00 Total: $821,917.00

Operational – Estimated Annual – Total $9,500.00 • Water Maintenance - $3,000.00 • Water Safety Course AHS - $500.00 • Janitorial Services - $3,000.00 • Stormwater monitoring - $3,000.00

PHASE 3 – Shoreline Enhancement

• New Park Benches / Garbage reciprocals - $10,000.00

• Landscaping in swimming area including path to water, replacing retaining wall with green space and planting for improved access control - $60,000.00 • Traffic control access management including guard rail and enhancements to delineated crossing areas - $20,000.00 • Biomass netting for swim area - $8,000 • 2-3 clean runoff, raingarden buffer strips with benches and signage along the foot path - $30,000.00 • Grey water management (to be address in separate project) • Boat Launch repairs (to be addressed by the municipality)

Capital: $128,000.00

Contingency: $12,800.00

Total: $140,800.00

TOTAL ESTIMATED CAPITAL COSTS

$984,717.00 Pg. 7

Funding

This proposal has demonstrated the need, priority and consistency with the County of Wetaskiwin Vision and Mission statements. Historically recreational services have been the responsibility of community groups within the County of Wetaskiwin, while the County has mainly funded specific initiatives be it capital or operational costs. In this case, this specific project (Revitalization of County owned Property) and need is out of scope for local volunteers to initiate. It has been noted in the Recreational Needs Assessment that the County of Wetaskiwin should have a greater presence in recreational service delivery. The Mulhurst Bay revitalization Committee believes that financial investment from the County is needed to ensure that current and future generations are provided quality recreational experiences.

The Mulhurst Bay Revitalization committee will commit to a 50/50 fund-raising strategy that will involve in applying for; Provincial, Federal grants as well as fund raising events to assist with the capital costs.

The Mulhurst Bay Revitalization Committee is looking for commitment from the County of Wetaskiwin Council to allocate funds towards revitalizing the Mulhurst Bay Area.

Community Engagement Steps

The Mulhurst Bay Revitalization committee would like Council participation in a community engagement session during the planning process. The Committee would like to follow the County of Wetaskiwin Communication & Engagement Strategy to carry out the process to ensure that the community is properly informed of the vision and Council support of the project.

Public Meeting

Decision Council

Engagement

Dialog Administration

Stakeholders

Pg. 8