West Duluth Sports Corridor Mini-Master Plan and Wheeler Athletic Complex August 31, 2015 Table of Contents

Table of Contents ii Acknowledgements Executive Summary iii We would like to thank the neighborhood residents, athletic organizations, and elected offi cials who provided input and feedback on the West Duluth Introduction 1 Sports Corridor Mini-Master Plan. Existing Conditions 3 Parks and Recreation Commission Master Plan 7 • Edwin Hall (at large) - Chair • Thomas Albright (District 5) Implementation and Phasing 11 • K. Tiersa Dodge (District 4) • Andy Holak (Professional) • John Schmidt (District 3) • Erik Torch (Community Education) • Jon Welles (District 2) • Tjaard Breeuwer (District 1) • Patrick Contardo (at large) • Amanda Crosby (Commission on Disabilities) • Michael Schraepfer (Land Management) Staff Advisory Group • Kathy Bergen - Manager, Parks and Recreation • Dale Sellner - Building and Grounds Supervisor • Patrick Loomis - Engineering • Chuck Campbell - Properties & Facilities • Jared Blomdahl - Police • Mike Erikson - Police • John Kelly - Planning City of Duluth • Jim Shoberg - Parks & Recreation 411 West First Street • Lisa Loukkala - Parks & Recreation Duluth MN 55802 • Josh Abraham - Parks & Recreation 218 . 730 . 4300 • Tari Rayala - City Architect Citizen Advisory Committee • Craig Smith - Duluth Huskies • Daniel Hersey - Duluth Huskies Hoisington Koegler Group Inc. • Katie Adkin - Lincoln Park Business Group, Board of Directors • Chris Pekkala - West Duluth Little League 123 N 3rd Street, Suite 100 • Bob Rients - UMD Minneapolis MN 55401 • Dave Geary - Arrowhead Youth Soccer 612 . 338 . 0800 • Ben Olson - Damage Boardshop

Wheeler Athletic Complex and Wade Stadium in 2008 II West Duluth Sports Corridor Mini-Master Plan Executive Summary

Project Overview Maintenance The West Duluth Sports Corridor Mini-Master Plan provides direction to Bldg. & Yard guide reinvestment at Wheeler Athletic Complex, the Wade Stadium area Superior StSuperior St 34th Ave (including the surrounding fi elds, parking, and other support facilities), and 34th Ave the surrounding area that connects to the Heritage Sports Center. The intent P +/- 16 of the master plan is to analyze, evaluate, and recommend improvements Expanded Field #5 for Baseball that will create a distinctive “district” feel between these major sporting Picnic destinations in West Duluth. Sand Tennis & Wade Stadium Volleyball Pickleball P +/- 260 Goals of the Project Expanded • Create a cohesive corridor from Wheeler to Wade to Heritage. Skatepark Softball • Identify strategies to make the corridor a competitive center for Duluth sports. Picnic Fieldhouse Entry Plaza Bocce Plaza • Resolve parking and lighting issues at Wade and Wheeler. 35th Ave • Softball Identify other improvements needed at Wade and Wheeler Horse Revamped Playground • Identify future cross-city trail alignments and entry points. Concessions Shoes P Batting Cages • Develop a wayfi nding strategy. Softball & Dugouts Softball Wade Stadium • Identify stormwater solutions. • Prioritize projects for implementation. Wheeler

P +/- 198 Ave Ave Grand Grand t S Softball Tree Mich. St. n Preferred Master Plan Plantings a Dedicated g i P h Youth Ballfi eld c The preferred master plan represents the collection of feedback throughout i 36th Ave +/- 98 MMichigan St the planning process. The core framework of the parks remain intact Trailhead Kiosk Right Field with upgrades to many of the existing facilities and the addition of a few P 36th Ave P new features. Enhanced connectivity between both parks is created with P +/- 71 Dedicated +/- 45 Youth Ballfi eld additional trails and provide clear access to smaller, satellite parking lots Merritt Cr. surrounding Wade Stadium. Key elements of the plan for Wheeler Athletic P Complex, Wade Stadium Area, and Corridor Connectivity are as follows: +/- 32 Wheeler Athletic Complex The main goal at Wheeler is to improve the existing facilities. All of the would be repaved, lighting would be upgraded and stormwater treatment Corridor Connectivity ballfi elds receive improvements including expanding the fi eld #5 outfi eld would be implemented. New walks and trails will help improve park circulation. Improving connections between Wade and Wheeler, as well as other parking locations and Heritage Sports Center will help the facilities function together dimensions and infi eld, and upgrading the dugouts, concession building, Wade Stadium Area scoreboard, & surrounding paving and stairs for at the softball pinwheel). for the promotion of athletics in the area. Multi-modal connections (roads, Expanded and improved parking and trails at Wade improve the gameday The existing fi eldhouse building would need a new roof and upgraded hvac trails, sidewalks) ensure all users are able to get to, and move through the experience for fans, players, and neighbors. Stormwater improvements help and the lower terrace courts area would be revamped with tennis/pickleball, corridor. Wayfi nding and signage ensure visitors and neighbors are able to the ecological functioning of the park and improve the overall aesthetic. basketball, bocce, horseshoes, sand volleyball, and an expanded skate park. fi nd their way, from both the vehicular and pedestrian/bicyclist experience. Improvements to the surrounding fi elds and their support facilities Relocating the maintenance facility out of the center of the center of the park (concessions, warm up areas, staging areas) will advance the facility as a would allow for an enhanced playground and picnic area. The parking lots regional tournament destination. Executive Summary III Introduction

Project Overview Other Plans and Projects The West Duluth Sports Corridor Mini-Master Plan provides direction to There are a number of other recently completed planning eff orts or eff orts guide reinvestment at Wheeler Athletic Complex, the Wade Stadium area that are currently underway that have been reviewed, analyzed and (including the surrounding fi elds, parking, and other support facilities), and referenced as a part of this planning process . These projects and plans the surrounding area that connects to the Heritage Sports Center. The intent include: of the master plan is to analyze, evaluate, and recommend improvements • Duluth Parks and Recreation Master Plan that will create a distinctive “district” feel between these major sporting • Duluth Parks and Trails Master Plan destinations in West Duluth. • The Cross City Trail Mini-Master Plan • St. Louis River Corridor Neighborhood Parks Mini-Master Plan Goals of the Project • Historic Wade Stadium Renovation A number of goals and objectives were identifi ed at the start of the process: • Lincoln Park Small Area Plan • Create a cohesive corridor from Wheeler to Wade to Heritage. • West Duluth Neighborhood Revitalization Plan • Identify strategies to make the corridor a competitive center for Duluth sports. • Resolve parking and lighting issues at Wade and Wheeler. • Identify other improvements needed at Wade and Wheeler • Identify future cross-city trail alignments and entry points. • Develop a wayfi nding strategy. • Identify stormwater solutions. • Prioritize projects for implementation.

Context The Wheeler Athletic Complex and the Wade Stadium area sit in the heart of West Duluth, just north of Interstate 35 between the 40th Avenue and 27th Avenue exits along Grand Avenue, a major transportation route in the community. The area is designated as a hub in the City’s Park and Recreation Master Plan and hosts a number of tournaments and league play at the numerous softball and baseball fi elds and Wade Stadium is a major tourist destination.

The skate park at Wheeler Athletic Complex 1 West Duluth Sports Corridor Mini-Master Plan Duluth

Downtown Lake Superior

Project Area

Superior

Introduction 2 Existing Conditions

Existing Conditions Analysis confi guration with 60’ base paths and 300’ fences for primarily softball, and As part of this process, the existing conditions and needs were inventoried one with 90’ base paths and 290’ dimension for outfi eld fencing for youth and analyzed. This included “on the ground” site analysis, discussions with baseball. These fi elds host baseball and softball tournaments that draw staff in charge of scheduling and maintaining the facilities, and in-person and from the region and around the state, but are showing signs of deferred online input from various user groups and neighbors. maintenance. The outfi elds are also striped for youth soccer for multi-use. On the lower terrace of the park near Grand Avenue, the park includes a Context 5,000 +/- sq. ft. concrete skate park built as phase one of a planned larger In western Duluth and the area immediately surrounding the West project in 2008. Phase 2 and 3 have yet to gain funding. Four tennis courts Duluth Sports Corridor, there are several projects underway to which are in need of repair and resurfacing and there are 6 bocce ball courts that the mini-master plan must respond. Wade Stadium recently underwent need upgrades. A small, single container playground with relatively new play improvements including installation of an artifi cial turf fi eld, upgraded equipment is adjacent to the softball fi elds and maintenance road. Wade Stadium entrance (prior to entry plaza construction) lighting, and enhancements to the scoreboard and outfi eld walls. With the stadium improvements and anticipated additional use and visitorship The Wheeler Fieldhouse is a WPA structure with meeting rooms, restrooms, it is more important than ever to provide better connectivity between the offi ces, a small kitchen and a grounds keeper apartment above. The surrounding parking lots and stadium entry area. Additionally, enhanced building’s roof is showing signs of age and will likely need replacement soon. connections between Wheeler Athletic Complex across Grand Avenue and The restrooms could be upgraded and additional insulation and heat would around the existing niehgborhood to the Wade Stadium Area are important make the building better suited to accommodate year round offi ce use. considerations for this planning eff ort. Asphalt parking is located near the fi eldhouse and around the softball Adjacent to the Wheeler Athletic Complex, the City has purchased a single pinwheel to the west, but the condition of the parking lot is degrading from family home and is currently in negotiations to acquire the former gas station years of spot patching asphalt. site. The acquisition of these parcels would allow for additional park program Wade Stadium Complex features or expanded parking on the eastern portion of the park. The Wade Stadium Complex includes the historic Wade Stadium which Field #5 at Wheeler Athletic Complex Phase 1 of the Cross City Trail from the Lakewalk to the Heritage Sports underwent renovation and repairs in 2014 to secure the perimeter walls, Center was completed in 2015 and currently terminates at the Carlton Street/ convert the fi eld to artifi cial turf and provide new lighting and a scoreboard. Superior Street intersection. The Cross City Trail is anticipated to continue Surrounding the stadium are two softball fi elds with 60’ bases and 285’ fences, west through the Sports Corridor. While the alignment of this trail and two youth ballfi elds with 60’ bases and 200’ outfi elds. will be determined by the Cross City Trail Mini-Master Plan Process, the West The main parking lot for Wade Stadium is paved, but accessory lots along Duluth Sports Corridor Mini-Master will anticipate possible connections Superior/Michigan Streets and beyond the right fi eld wall of the main through the area as either the main trail, or the potential for spur trail stadium are dirt/gravel and create an poorly drained, uneven parking surface connections to the main trail. and are underutilized due to their condition. Physical Inventory Wheeler Athletic Complex The Wheeler Athletic Complex has fi ve ballfi elds, 4 in a pinwheel

Entrance to the Heritage Sports Center (prior to entry plaza) 3 West Duluth Sports Corridor Mini-Master Plan Existing Conditions 4 The Planning Process - What We Heard may be easier to schedule games and practices so that all not all fi elds An Advisory Committee consisting of key user groups in the park convened are in use at the same time. This could help with parking shortage. three times throughout the process to help guide planning eff ort. Two • Water at the little league concession stand is needed. public meetings were also held as well as on-line review and comment on • A good location for a trailhead for the cross-city trail is the informal the needs assessment questionnaire, and review of the preliminary concepts. overfl ow parking lot behind the softball/little league fi elds. Additionally, there were fi ve meetings with City of Duluth Parks and • Fast pitch softball fi elds at Wade use temporary fences at 200’. Temporary Recreation and other city staff as well as monthly updates to the Parks and fences are removed for slow pitch softball, expanding to 300’ Recreation Commission. The process began with a needs assessment that • In the current confi guration, there is a need to light and pave the alley informed three alternative concepts, which ultimately lead to the preferred between Wade Stadium and the existing homes for safety (amount of plan and subsequent phasing strategy. The following is a list of key needs, traffi c, night time games), maintenance (dust/ mud), on event days. issues and opportunities for the Sports Corridor: • Connections from Michigan Street Parking (south of rail line near little league diamonds) area are desired. Wheeler Athletic Complex • Walking trail connections between the fi elds at Wade are desired. • The pinwheel works well. • Parking in main Wade lot is made ineffi cient by tailgaters. Exploration of a • Bocce works well and should stay. set aside area for tailgating is desired. • Horseshoes are desired at Wheeler. • The western lot (currently unpaved) gets messy with weather (dust/ • Skate park should stay/be improved. Diffi culties in getting a new facility mud). sited were a concern. Corridor & Connectivity • Little league would like an intermediate baseball fi eld with a grass • Parking is insuffi cient on summer weeknights when all fi elds at Wade infi eld- Field #5 may be a good location for this. Consider an artifi cial turf and Wheeler are in use. There can be 300+ cars at these times. outfi eld that could be used for soccer. • Former bowling alley parking will likely be unavailable in the future. • Adult softball participation numbers are down. • Circulation between the parking lots is important. • The school district is building new tennis courts at McAurthur, two • Signage and way fi nding is needed throughout the district. courts should be suffi cient at Wheeler. There is concern about public • An established “This is THE way you get to Wade” is desired at to clarify access at McArthur. parking and arrival for Wade Stadium. • Tennis Courts need to be resurfaced and drainage needs to be better • Signage/clarity for the informal parking areas along Grand Avenue is managed. desired. • Tennis nets are an annual maintenance need and removed in winter. • Signage of public property to allow people to move from parking areas • Playground location does not work well. Possibly should be more to the stadium without impacting private property. oriented towards Grand Avenue. • Downtown signage such as the “10 minutes to Canal Park ->” way fi nding • Fieldhouse – does not have heat in offi ce; bathrooms need upgrading; was recommended as a precedent. a bigger fi eld house might function better as a community building. • Creation of a connection from the informal parking area on Grand to Perhaps the building could be designed to be unlocked and Wade and the back parking area is desired. unsupervised (vandal resistant). • Overfl ow parking under the trestle needs lighting for safety. • The Fieldhouse roof will need to be replaced soon. • Signage is needed so people know where they can and can’t park • Desire for maintenance building – mowers – space for all equipment and (particularly the lot on Grand Avenue). an offi ce in one building. • There may be the potential for mixed use neighborhood designation to • Dugout and concession building improvements are very important for allow for commercial use. attracting regional tournaments. • There are on-going discussions for a potential hotel near the Heritage • Ballfi elds are reported to have high levels of use. Sports Center. • It is not possible to get full sized soccer without removing fencing. • The Cross City Trail alignment will be determined at a future point. The Wade Stadium Area sports corridor facilities are logical destinations along the trail. • Parking is insuffi cient on summer weeknights when all fi elds at Wade and Wheeler are in use. There can be 300+ cars at these times. • Former bowling alley parking will likely be unavailable in the future. • Circulation between the parking lots is diffi cult; particularly the two overfl ow parking lots. Paving the gravel overfl ow lots is needed. • Parking lot lighting is needed. • City is working on an on-line scheduling system. Once this is in place it Wheeler Fieldhouse 5 West Duluth Sports Corridor Mini-Master Plan Existing Conditions 6 Master Plan

WADE: CONCEPT A: WADE STADIUM& WHEELER ATHLETIC COMPLEX t $MPTFWFIJDVMBSBDDFTTGSPNNBJO8BEFMPUUPBMMFZ t *NQSPWF SFQBWF MJHIU NBJOMPUXJUIDVSSFOUMBZPVU • Improve parking lot – new paving, lighting and stormwater treatment WEST DULUTH SPORTS CORRIDOR MASTER PLAN t "OHMFEQBSLJOHBMPOHUI"WF t 1VCMJDBDDFTTUPSFTUSPPNTBMPOHSECBTFMJOF Master Plan Overview April 10, 2015 t 4IJGUTPVUIFSOTPGUCBMMöFMEUPJNQSPWFQFEFTUSJBO DJSDVMBUJPOXJUIBQBWFEXBML t #BUUJOH$BHFT t 4FQBSBUFBMMFZBOEESJWFXBZBDDFTTGPSYYCMPDLPG areas OE"WF t "DRVJSFBQPSUJPOPGUIFCPXMJOHBMMFZMPUGPSQBSLJOH Overall, the focus of the mini master plan is the reinvestment of existing RELOCATE DRAFT STORAGE MAINTENANCE YARD BUILDING ACQUIRE PORTION OF PROPERTY FOR PARKING (12,500 sf) (5,000 sf) (80 spaces) PARKING 32ND AVE W CREEK • Improve Wheeler Fieldhouse – upgraded restrooms, new roof, and heat (22 spaces) N 34TH AVE W ACQUIRE VACANT ANGLED PARKING PARCEL FOR facilities with an emphasis on connectivity between the major destinations of STORMWATER ENTRY SIGN (16 spaces) DEDICATED FULL- SCALE TREATMENT SOCCER FIELD WARM-UP AREA Long-term option for indoor STORMWATER PICNIC PAVILLION fieldhouse/bubble dome with: POND LIGHTING, TYP. for offi ce areas t Artificial turf

GRAND AVE t Parking lot to east t Roadway connection to Wheeler Athletic Complex, Wade Stadium and the Heritage Sports Center. In TENNIS REPAVE ADULT SOFTBALL / SKATE PARK Grand Ave. 2 courts LOCAL VEHICLE PARKING LOT GIRLS FAST PITCH EXPANSION JENSWOLD ST TRAFFIC ONLY (300 spaces) t Temporary fence

PLAZA AREA SKATE PARK HORSESHOES UPDATE FIELD HOUSE t Picnic tables Wade Stadium Area t Roof t Trees the preferred plan, many of the existing facilities will receive improvements, t Restrooms t Meeting space

NEW DUGOUT WADE CONCEPT B: WADE STADIUM & WHEELER ATHLETIC COMPLEX t 3FDPOöHVSFBOEJNQSPWF SFQBWF MJHIU  • Expand main parking area at Wade, provide stormwater treatment at NBJOQBSLJOHMPU or be repurposed. The general layout of park facilities will remain intact with UPGRADE PAVEMENT & CONCESSIONS BUILDING WEST DULUTH SPORTS CORRIDOR MASTER PLAN t $SFBUFMPPQESJWFGSPNUI"WFUPNFFU VQXJUISFDPOöHVSFEFOUSBODFBU8IFFMFS NEW DUGOUT t %FWFMPQQFEFTUSJBOPOMZQBUIXBZBMPOH April 10, 2015 UI"WFCFUXFFOOE4UBOEUIFTUBEJVN t "OHMFEQBSLJOHBMPOHUI"WF entry, and improve lighting (requires acquisition of vacant property) t 8BSNVQTQBDFTPVUTJEFPVUöFMETPGUIF the softball and baseball fi elds remaining on the upper terrace of Wheeler TPGUCBMMöFMET t &OIBODFETUSFFUTDBQFBMPOHUI"WF

MAINTENANCE DRAFT BUILDING STORAGE YARD (5,000 sf) EXTEND FENCE HEIGHT • Pave surrounding parking lots, add lighting and provide stormwater TO PROTECT CARS (6,175 sf) PARKING AQCUIRE PARCEL Athletic Complex, and the lower terrace consisting of a variety of court sports (18 spaces) 32ND AVE W CREEK ENHANCED STREETSCAPE N 34TH AVE W ANGLED PARKING (16 spaces) ADD LIGHTING DEDICATED BABE RUTH BASEBALL STORMWATER WARM UP treatment (both south and west of Wade Stadium and small lots along t Extend fence to 350’ SPACE and an expanded state park. The primary focus on the Wade Stadium side t Temporary mound option

300’

GRAND AVE SEASONAL INDOOR CONCEPT A FACILITY ADULT SOFTBALL / GIRLS FASTPITCH JENSWOLD ST WHEELER: 90’ t Inflatable dome (temporary fence) t 5SBOTJUJPOöFMEUPEFEJDBUFETPDDFS (winter) PARKING

300’ NEW TRAIL Grand Avenue) GPPUCBMMMBDSPTTFöFME QPUFOUJBMBSUJöDJBM t Artificial turf (260 spaces) UVSG PICNIC PAVILION is on circulation (both vehicular and pedestrian), improved and expanded t Support baseball, LOCAL t &YQBOE4LBUF1BSL lacrosse, soccer, VEHICLE UPDATE FIELD HOUSE PICNIC basketball TRAFFIC t 3FUBJOQMBZHSPVOEJODVSSFOUMPDBUJPO t Roof t *OTUBMM)PSTFTIPFT t Restrooms Meeting space t 3FUBJOBOEJNQSPWF SFQBWF MJHIU DVSSFOU t QBSLJOHDPOöHVSBUJPO DISTRICT: • Create enhanced circulation with new access to west parking lot and t 5SBJMIFBEBU+FOTXPME parking, and access/ visibility with expanded trails and upgraded lighting. NEW DUGOUT WADE t &YQBOEBOEJNQSPWF SFQBWF MJHIU NBJO CONCEPT C: WADE STADIUM & WHEELER ATHLETIC COMPLEX QBSLJOHMPU UPGRADE PAVEMENT & CONCESSIONS BUILDING WEST DULUTH SPORTS CORRIDOR MASTER PLAN t /FXESJWFGSPNUIUP(SBOEXJUI JNQSPWFEGFFMBUTUBEJVNFOUSZ t "DRVJSF8TU4UBOE8TU4U behind existing residential (requires acquisition of a single residential NEW DUGOUT April 10, 2015 GPSJNQSPWFETUPSNXBUFSNBOBHFNFOU t /FXQBSLJOHBMPOHöSTUCBTFMJOF t "DRVJSF8OE4U 8OE4U  8OE4U BOE8OE4UGPS BEEJUJPOBMQBSLJOHBMPOHöSTUCBTFMJOF t 8BSNVQTQBDFPVUTJEFPGPVUöFMEPGPOF property) DRAFT MAINTENANCE TPGUCBMMöFME STORAGE BUILDING Preferred Master Plan YARD (5,000 sf) (12,500 sf) PARKING ACQUISITION OF (22 spaces) 32ND AVE W CREEK 2 PARCELS N 34TH AVE W • Improve all surrounding fi elds - realign west fast pitch fi eld to CONCEPT B The preferred master plan represents the collection of feedback throughout WHEELER: PARKING t 4FBTPOBMEPNFGBDJMJUZXJUIBSUJöDJBMUVSG (120 spaces) t $POWFSUöFMEUPEFEJDBUFE HSBTTJOöFME#BCF INDOOR FACILITY 3VUICBTFCBMMöFMEXJUIFYQBOEFEGFODJOH MERRITT CREEK t Bubble dome

GRAND AVE STORMWATER t /FXSPBEGSPNUI"WFJOUFSTFDUJPOUISPVHI t Artificial turf ADULT SOFTBALL / t Support baseball, GIRLS FASTPITCH JENSWOLD ST accommodate trail between the Stadium & softball fi eld QBSLUPSFDPOöHVSFEQBSLJOH lacrosse, soccer, LOCAL (temporary fence) the planning process. The core framework of the parks remain intact t &YQBOEöFMEIPVTFQBSLJOHBSFB basketball TENNIS VEHICLE t &YQBOEQBSLJOHBMPOHUIFPVUTJEFPGUIFFBTU DROP-OFF (2 courts) TRAFFIC TPGUCBMMöFME AND PARKING ONLY (40 spaces) PARKING PLAZA AREA t 3FDPOöHVSFFOUSZESJWFUPBMJHOBDSPTT(SBOE "WF UPDATE FIELD HOUSE SKATEPARK HORSESHOES (301 spaces) t Picnic tables t Trees t 1MBZHSPVOESFMPDBUFEUPQJDOJDBSFB t Roof • Provide additional trail connections around Wade Stadium, linking fi elds t Restrooms DISTRICT VEHICLE ACCESS t Small shelter t $SFBUJPOPGiMPPQwDJSDVMBUJPOGPS BETWEEN PARKING LOTS Lighting with upgrades to many of the existing facilities and the addition of a few t 4LBUFQBSLSFNPWFEPSSFMPDBUFEUPBOPUIFSQBSL t Meeting space t WFIJDMFTXJUIOFXSPBE ADULT SOFTBALL / t Next team up t *OTUBMM)PSTFTIPFT ENTRY t 5SBJMIFBEBUUI(SBOEQBSLJOH BOCCE GIRLS FASTPITCH staging PLAZA (temporary fence) NEW DUGOUT

(Lighting, Banner poles, Signage)

UPGRADE PAVEMENT & REPAVE and parking lots PARKING PICNIC PAVE/ CONCESSIONS BUILDING STRIPE new features. Enhanced connectivity between both parks is created with (68 spaces) PARKING WARM UP SPACE NEW DUGOUT PLAYGROUND (56 spaces) t Huskies Baseball NEW TRAIL MAINTAIN t UMD Baseball CONNECTION / KIOSK ROAD t Babe Ruth Baseball ACCESS FOR t Soccer RESIDENTIAL UPGRAGE FIELDS • Create a plaza area near softball fi elds with shade and picnic tables PROPERTIES LIGHTING ENHANCED STREETSCAPE additional trails and provide clear access to smaller, satellite parking lots ACQUISITION OF 1 PARCEL PAVE/STRIPE STORMWATER PARKING STORMWATER (98 spaces)

CONCESSIONS/ SWALE STORAGE • PAVE/STRIPE Provide an open pick-up/warm up area at Wade beyond the outfi elds r PARKING surrounding Wade Stadium. The following is a summary of key park features PAVE/ (68 spaces) SWALE REPAVE PARKING LOT STRIPE LIGHTING UPGRAGE FIELDS STORMWATER (198 spaces) PARKING CROSS CITY (34 TRAILHEAD spaces) t Portable restroom CROSS CITY TRAIL t Wayfinding STORMWATER STORMWATER CONNECTION CONCEPT C t Kiosk • Supply water to little league concessions/ storage building MERRITT CREEK PAVE/ BUFFER t Bike Racks RETAINING WALL broken down into three main categories: Wheeler Athletic Complex, Wade WHEELER: STRIPE t *OEPPSGBDJMJUZXJUIBSUJöDJBMUVSGXIFSFöFMEJT PARKING OPX (32 spaces) t &YJTUJOHQBSLJOHDPOöHVSBUJPOSFUBJOFEBOE JNQSPWFE SFQBWF MJHIU BUFFER GRAND AVE t "EEJUJPOBMQBSLJOHUPTFSWFOFXJOEPPSEPNF t /FXSPBEGSPNUI"WFJOUFSTFDUJPOUISPVHI DRAFT .VMUJ6TF5SBJM.VMUJ6TF 5SBJM Stadium Area, and Corridor Connectivity. QBSLUPFYJTUJOHQBSLJOH t 1MBZHSPVOESFUBJOFEJODVSSFOUMPDBUJPO DISTRICT 4JEFXBML t $SFBUJPOPGiMPPQwDJSDVMBUJPOGPS t 4LBUFQBSLSFUBJOFEJODVSSFOUMPDBUJPO WFIJDMFTXJUIOFXSPBE 1BSL#PVOEBSZ t *OTUBMM)PSTFTIPFT   t 5SBJMIFBEBUUI(SBOEQBSLJOHMPU $SPTT$JUZ5SBJMIFBE r /035) Wheeler Athletic Complex Corridor Connectivity As part of the process, three diff erent alternatives were developed and vetted with staff , • Maintain pinwheel – upgrade dugouts, concession building, scoreboard, • Provide opportunity for Cross City Trailhead along Grand Avenue & south stakeholders, and the public. These alternatives were refi ned into the preferred master plan. & surrounding paving parking lot • Maintain baseball at Field #5, expand infi eld and outfi eld fencing to Babe • Enhance trail and sidewalk connections between Wheeler Athletic Ruth dimension Complex & Wade Stadium • Maintain, expand skate park • Provide enhanced intersection crossings for pedestrians at Grand Avenue • Maintain, tennis (2 courts) & stripe for pickle ball • Investigate additional connections to Lincoln Park Middle School • Add full court basketball (2 courts), reuse portion of former tennis courts • Improve 34th Avenue West with curb and gutter, sidewalks and entry • Upgrade bocce courts signage for Wade Stadium • Add horseshoe pits • Provide enhanced connections to Harrison Park along Grand Avenue • Relocate maintenance facility to east side of park (at former residential • Provide enhanced connections to Heritage Sports Center along both lot) Carlton Street and Superior Street. • Improve, expand playground • Provide wayfi nding and signage, linking major destinations in the • Add additional trails and sidewalks for enhanced internal park circulation corridor

7 West Duluth Sports Corridor Mini-Master Plan Maintenance Bldg. & Yard Superior StSuperior St

34th Ave 34th Ave P +/- 16 Expanded Field #5 for Baseball Picnic

Sand Tennis & Wade Stadium Volleyball Pickleball P Softball +/- 260 Expanded Basketball Skatepark Softball Picnic Fieldhouse Entry Plaza Bocce Plaza 35th Ave Softball Horse Revamped Playground Concessions Shoes P Batting Cages Softball & Dugouts Softball Wade Stadium

Wheeler

P +/- 198 Ave Ave Grand Grand t S Softball Tree Mich. St. n Plantings a Dedicated g i P h Youth Ballfi eld c i

36th Ave +/- 98 MMichigan St Trailhead Kiosk Right Field P 36th Ave P P +/- 71 Dedicated +/- 45 Youth Ballfi eld Merritt Cr. P +/- 32

Master Plan 8 Wayfi nding & Signage Strategy • Kiosks, pedestrian information signs, and trailheads should incorporate As part of the strategy to make the area feel as a more unifi ed district, a maps and wayfi nding that can help people fi nd key destinations wayfi nding and signage concept was developed. This will also improve the including gas stations, local restaurants and hotels. awareness of the parks and their facilities and help out-of-town visitors and • There may also be a need for temporary signage to direct visitors to those unfamiliar with the area to navigate the West Duluth Sports Corridor. tournament locations The collection of conceptual signage below could be used as a starting point for implementation of a new brand for the district. This palate of signs Potential locations for these wayfi nding and signage elements can be seen is intended to carry over between mulitiple modes and user groups. Key on the opposite page. These locations are intended to match sign types aspects of the signage strategy include: with their appropriate locations to help people navigate to, and around the corridor and between park facilities. • Larger signs will be necessary for those traveling by vehicle and should be legible from a far, and quickly readable for those traveling at roadway Wayfi nding needs include: speeds. • Navigation from Interstate 35 and the two exits at 27th Avenue and 40th • Banners and large signs can also help create a unique identity for the Avenue district, particularly along Grand Avenue and Michigan Street. • Integration with the Cross City Trail (alignment to be determined) • Parking signs will help direct visitors to underutilized parking lots and • Connections between Wade, Wheeler, and Heritage help to minimize confl icts with the neighborhood. • Connections within each park/facility

P 6 3

WEST DULUTH SPORTS CORRIDOR ' 2 HOTELS / RESTAURANTS : 8 HERITAGE SPORTS CENTER ( & / WADE STADIUM 6 5 8 WHEELER ATHLETIC COMPLEX 7 2 7 LINCOLN PARK SCHOOL WEST DULUTH SPORTS CORRIDOR 7 + WADE MUNICIPAL 5 STADIUM 6 5 , WADE ' MUNICIPAL STADIUM 101 N. 35TH AVE W 2 5

LIGHTPOLES & PED/BIKE WAY- TRAIL HEAD/MAP SECONDARY VEHICULAR DISTRICT ENTRY MONUMENTPR PRIMARYRRRIM VEHICULARC R BANNER FINDING SIGN DIRECTIONAL SIGN IDENTIFICATION

9 West Duluth Sports Corridor Mini-Master Plan lincolnlilincn olln parkpaparkk walbanks park Indoor Facility Exploration SPORTS CORRIDOR WAYFINDING mimmiddleddddlee sschoolchchooool During the planning process there was a desire raised by some groups for a WEST DULUTH SPORTS CORRIDOR MASTER PLAN seasonal or permanent covered facility with full sized soccer/multi-use fi elds. While this would be a welcome addition to the West Duluth Sports Corridor harrison community recreation center and could mesh well other nearby existing facilities, it would not come lincolnlinclinc park without signifi cant costs, displacement of existing facilities, or additional neighborhoodneigneig acquisition of private property. As part of the planning process, a high-level look at the potential locations for an indoor facility show a number of potential spots in the corridor that have the spacial requirements needed for the large footprint (white boxes Wheeler P on the graphic below) and the associated parking (dark boxes). Some of Athletic these options would involve displacement of existing park facilities, extensive Complex P Duluth Heritage grading and earthwork, and some show the need for additional acquisition of private residential or industrial property and would depend on a willing seller. Sports Center MerritMerrittt Creek P A public/ private partnership for a facility could be a potential opportunity P P at the existing Heritage Sports Center, but further conversations with the P

P facilities owner would need to occur.

P P merritt community recreation center P 32nd Ave W Creek

denfeld neighborhood Cross City Trail - preliminary route 41st Ave W CreeCreek WadeW Stadium

k Sports Destination Trail Head/Map

Cross City Trail - potential routes Ped/Bike Wayfi nding Sign Cross City Trail - original route District Entry Monument Cross City Trail - existing Primary Vehicular Identifi cation Proposed sharrows/bike blvd. (2011) Secondary Vehicular Directional Sign Existing bike route Sidewalk/Pedestrian Key streets Vehicular Route Parking Lots Interstate access point

Indoor Facility Location Study - the larger white boxes represent a single full size soccer fi eld dimension with a seasonal dome and the darker boxes represent roughly 100 parking spaces.

Master Plan 10 Implementation and Phasing

Project Budget for Improvements Phasing One of the primary objectives of the mini-master plan is to guide the The following is a recommended strategy for implementation. The exiting investment of funds at Wheeler Athletic Complex and the area surrounding framework of the parks allows for incremental transformation/ upgrades Wade Stadium. Identifying each specifi c park element within this master to these facilities without displacement. The initial phase identifi es plan helps to prioritize reinvestment and allocate capital funds. This chapter roughly $1,000,000 of potential improvements to the park that includes a provides a summary of the anticipated initial capital (construction) costs and combination of $500,000 from the half and half tax and requires a $500,000 operations and maintenance (O&M) costs for park elements and outlines local match. This phase is a combination of priority elements identifi ed the phasing strategy recommended for implementation of the desired park during the planning process and includes upgrades to the concession program elements. building and dugouts, expanded fi eld #5, an expanded skate park, and the addition of pickle ball and basketball. The second phase includes Assessment of Capital and Lifecycle Costs improvements to Wheeler Fieldhouse, the relocation of the maintenance area, Table 1.1 illustrates the estimated range of capital, O & M, or lifecycle costs and the expansion of the playground and new picnic areas. The remaining for the desired park elements at Wheeler Athletic Complex and the Wade elements are tied to renovation of the Wade Stadium parking areas. These Stadium Area. These budget numbers helped prioritize the phasing strategy improvements are anticipated to come with a second request for State outlined on pages 13 and 14. For each of the phases a project budget Bonding dollars for the improvements and would be paired with additional (low and high end) are identifi ed for each signifi cant park element. The renovation inside the Stadium including restrooms and concession areas. project budget numbers include the design, construction, construction administration, and contingency. The project budget numbers identifi ed are for planning purposes only, and can vary signifi cantly from year to year due to changes in material and labor costs. These budget estimates are based on 2015 costs.

11 West Duluth Sports Corridor Mini-Master Plan Typical Annual O&M Cost + Estimated Program Park Element Capital Cost Replacement Contribution Life (Years) Capacity Restrooms $100,000 $8,000/Bldg./Yr. 40 N/A ($250-$300 Sq. Ft.) Activity Buildings $200,000 ($200 Sq. Ft.) $20,000/Bldg./Yr. 40 N/A

Open Air Shelters $35,000 $1,500/Bldg./Yr. 25 N/A ($65 Per Sq. Ft) Park Building/ Building/ Park Shelters Trails (10 Ft. Wide Asphalt) $160,000 Per Mile $11,000 Per Mile 30 N/A

Parking Lots (Asphalt) $2,500-$3,000 Per Stall $20-$25 Per Stall 40 N/A

Parking Lots (Gravel) $500-$750 Per Stall $5-$7 Per Stall 3-5 N/A Trails & Trails Surfaces Tennis Courts + Lighting $150,000 $15,000/Court 25 High (12,500 Sq. Ft Double Court) Tennis Courts $100,000 $10,000/Court 25 Mid (12,500 Sq. Ft Double Court) Basketball Courts (Concrete) $30,000 Per Court (4,680 Sq. Ft.) $3,000/Court 50 Mid Basketball Courts (Asphalt) $25,000 Per Court (4,680 Sq. Ft.) $2,500/Court 25 Mid Volleyball $4,000 Per Court $400/Court 20 Mid Playgrounds $250,000-$350,000 $25,000-$30,000/Site/Yr. 20-25 N/A Poured Concrete Skate Parks $30-40 Per Sq. Foot $40,000/Site/Yr. 25+ N/A Park Amenities Park A Level Softball Field (irrigation + lighting) $125,000-$185,000 $12,500-$18,500/Field 7-10 High (Includes: lining, mowing, trimming, fertilizing, weed control, aerating, irrigation & overseeding) B Level Softball Field $70,000-$100,000 $7,000-$10,000/Field 7-10 Mid (Includes: lining, mowing, trimming, fertilizing, weed control, aerating, & overseeding) A Level Baseball Field (irrigation + lighting) $175,000 - $250,000 $12,500-$18,500/Field 7-10 High (Includes: lining, mowing, trimming, fertilizing, weed control, aerating, irrigation & overseeding) B Level Baseball Field $35,000--$50,000 $3,500-$,500-$18,500/Field 10-15 Mid (Includes: lining, mowing, trimming, fertilizing, weed control, aerating, irrigation & overseeding) A Level Grass Mid Sized Soccer Field $50,000-$75,000 $5,000-$7,500/Field 15 High (irrigation + lighting) (Includes: lining, mowing, trimming, fertilizing, weed control, aerating, irrigation & overseeding) A Level Grass small Soccer Field $30,000-$50,000 $3,000-$5,000/Field 15 High (irrigation + lighting) (Includes: lining, mowing, trimming, fertilizing,

Athletic Fields weed control, aerating, irrigation & overseeding) Table 1.1 - Capital and Lifecycle costs estimates for the recommended improvements in the West Duluth Sports Corridor

Implementation and Phasing 12 IInitialnitial PhasePhase SSecondecond PPhasehase

Maintenance Bldg. & Yard Superior StSuperior St Superior StSuperior St

34th Ave 34th Ave

Expanded Field #5 for Baseball Picnic

Sand Tennis & Volleyball Pickleball Softball

Expanded Basketball Skatepark Softball Picnic Fieldhouse Bocce 35th Ave 35th Ave Softball Horse Revamped Playground Concessions Shoes P Batting Cages Softball & Dugouts Softball Wade Stadium Wade Stadium

Wheeler

t Ave Ave Grand Grand t Grand Ave Ave Grand Grand t P +/- 198 S S Softball Tree n Mich. St. n S Plantings a g Dedicated ga i i P higan h Youth Ballfi eld c i

Mic MMichigan St +/- 98 MichMichigan St 36th Ave Right Field Trailhead Kiosk P P 36th Ave +/- 71 Dedicated P Youth Ballfi eld +/- 45 Merritt Cr. P +/- 32

Key Elements: Key Elements: Sub. Loc. Description Cost Sub. Loc. Description Cost • Updates and upgrades to softball Softball Wheeler Upgrades Around Pinwheel Shelter $50,000 • Adjust Wade Softball Softball Wade Move fi eld for improved dugouts & circulation $100,000 fi elds, building, & dugouts Softball Wheeler New Dugouts $30,000 fi elds Rec. • Updates and upgrades to Softball Wheeler Taller Fencing $20,000 • Renovate Wheeler Fieldhouse Wheeler Renovate Fieldhouse $200,000 courts along Grand Ave: tennis, Bocce Wheeler Maintain/ Upgrade Bocce Courts $8,000 fi eldhouse Maintenance Wheeler Maintenance Storage Building $200,000 integrated w/ pickleball, Bocce Baseball Wheeler Expand Field 5 to accommodate HSBB and BRBB $200,000 • Build maintenance Bldg. Maintenance Wheeler Maintenance Yard $100,000 Tennis Wheeler Resurface Courts (2) $30,000 Parking Wheeler Wheeler Parking Lot Pave and Stripe $297,000 • New Courts along Grand Ave: facility at Wheeler Basketball Wheeler New Basketball Courts (2) $40,000 Parking Wheeler Wheeler Parking Lot Lighting $78,000 basketball (2), sand volleyball (2), Skate Wheeler Skate park Expansion (Phase 2 & Plaza Skate) $250,000 • Wheeler Parking Lots Parking Wheeler Merritt Creek Parking Lot - Gravel $16,000 and horseshoe pits (6) Horseshoes Wheeler Build Horseshoes (6) $5,000 • Wheeler Parking Lots Parking Wheeler Merritt Creek Parking Lot Lighting $18,000 • Expanded skate park Volleyball Wheeler Sand Volleyball Courts (2) $10,000 Stormwater Parking Wade 36th Ave Parking Lot - Gravel $22,500 • Expanded and improved Picnic Wheeler New Picnic Shelter $35,000 • Parking Lots and Parking Wade 36th Ave Parking Lot Lighting $12,000 playground Playground Wheeler Playground Expansion $250,000 Stormwater along Grand Trails Wade Trail from Grand Ave Parking Lot $27,000

Recreation Baseball Wade Upgrade Little League Fields $30,000 Streets Wade New 36th Ave entry drive connection $101,250 • New picnic facilities Softball Wheeler Upgrade Pinwheel Shelter Building $50,000 Avenue Wayfi nding Both Signage and Wayfi nding Improvements $10,000 • Updates and upgrades to youth Softball Wheeler New Roof on Pinwheel Shelter Building $10,000 • Trail connections Streets Wheeler Connection to new Maintenance Facility $8,000 fi elds and building at Wade Baseball Wade Concessions and Storage for LLBB $5,000 through Wade Parking Wheeler Parking Lot at Maintenance Building $20,000 Circulation & Infr. • Upgraded satellite parking lots at Buildings Baseball Wade Water to Concessions for LLBB $25,000 • Acquire 3624 W 2nd St. Trails Wheeler Trail from new maintenance facility to parking lot $60,000 Wade Parking Wade Right Field Parking Lot & Alley Enhancement - Gravel $50,000 Stormwater Wheeler Wheeler Parking Lot Rain Gardens $100,000 Stormwater Wheeler Merritt Creek Parking Lot Rain Garden $50,000 • Stormwater at upgraded parking Parking Wade Right Field Parking Lot Lighting $18,000 Parking Wade Michigan Street Parking Lot - Gravel $49,000 h20 Stormwater Wade 36th Ave Parking Lot Rain Garden $50,000 lots at Wade Parking Wade Michigan Street Parking Lot Lighting $30,000 N/A Wade Acquire 3624 W 2nd $144,750

• Signage and wayfi nding Trails Wade Trail Connection from Michigan St. Lot to LLBB Fields $36,000 Acq. N/A Wade Acquire Gas Station Site (potential land swap) $0

improvements Circulation & Infr. Wayfi nding Both Signage and Wayfi nding Improvements $25,000 Second Phase Total: $1,614,500 Stormwater Wade Michigan Street Raingarden $50,000

h20 Stormwater Wade Right Field Parking Lot Raingarden $50,000 Initial Phase Total: $1,356,000 13 West Duluth Sports Corridor Mini-Master Plan FFutureuture WWadeade SStadiumtadium Subcategory Location Description Cost Phase Subtotals Softball Wheeler Upgrades Around Pinwheel Shelter $50,000 1 Softball Wheeler New Dugouts $30,000 1 Softball Wheeler Taller Fencing $20,000 1 Bocce Wheeler Maintain/ Upgrade Bocce Courts $8,000 1

Superior StSuperior St Baseball Wheeler Expand Field 5 to accommodate HSBB and BRBB $200,000 1 34th Ave Tennis Wheeler Resurface Courts (2) $30,000 1 34th Ave P +/- 16 Basketball Wheeler New Basketball Court (2) $40,000 1 Skate Wheeler Skatepark Expansion (Phase 2 & Plaza Skate) $250,000 1

Wade Stadium Horseshoes Wheeler Build Horseshoes (6) $5,000 1 P Volleyball Wheeler Sand Volleyball Courts (2) $10,000 1 +/- 260 Picnic Wheeler New Picnic Shelter $35,000 1 Playground Wheeler Playground Expansion $250,000 1 Entry Plaza Plaza Baseball Wade Upgrade Little League Fields at Wade $30,000 1 35th Ave Softball Wade Move fi eld for improved dugouts & circulation $100,000 2

Recreation Picnic Wade Plaza in Left fi eld $36,000 Wade $1,094,000 Wade Stadium Softball Wheeler Upgrade Pinwheel Shelter Building $50,000 1 Softball Wheeler New Roof on Pinwheel Shelter Building $10,000 1

Grand Ave Ave Grand Grand Tree t Baseball Wade Concessions and Storage for LLBB $5,000 1 Plantings n S ga i Baseball Wade Water to Concessions for LLBB $25,000 1

36th Ave MichMichigan St Fieldhouse Wheeler Renovate Fieldhouse $200,000 2 Maintenance Wheeler Maintenance Storage Building $200,000 2

Buildings Maintenance Wheeler Maintenance Yard $100,000 2 $590,000 Parking Wade Right Field Parking Lot & Alley Enhancement $50,000 1 Parking Wade Right Field Parking Lot Lighting $18,000 1 Parking Wade Michigan Street Parking Lot Pave and Stripe $49,000 1 Parking Wade Michigan Street Parking Lot Lighting $30,000 1 Trails Wade Trail Connection from Michigan St Lot to LLBB Fields $36,000 1 Wayfi nding Both Signage and Wayfi nding Improvements $25,000 1 Parking Wheeler Wheeler Parking Lot Pave and Stripe $297,000 2 Key Elements: Parking Wheeler Wheeler Parking Lot Lighting $78,000 2 Sub. Loc. Description Cost Parking Wheeler Merritt Creek Parking Lot Pave and Stripe $16,000 2 • Wade Picnic/Plaza Area Parking Wheeler Merritt Creek Parking Lot Lighting $18,000 2 Picnic Wade Plaza in Left fi eld $36,000

• Wade Parking Lot Rec. Parking Wade 36th Ave Parking Lot Pave and Stripe $22,500 2 Improvements Parking Wade Wade Parking Lot Pave and Stripe $390,000 Parking Wade 36th Ave Parking Lot Lighting $12,000 2 • Stormwater Parking Wade Wade Parking Lot Lighting $75,000 Trails Wade Trail from Grand Ave Parking Lot $27,000 2 enhancements Parking Wade 34th Ave Parking (onstreet angled) $56,000 Streets Wade New 36th Ave $101,250 2

Circ. Wayfi nding Wade Signage and Wayfi nding Improvements $25,000 Wayfi nding Both Signage and Wayfi nding Improvements $10,000 2 for parking lot Streets Wheeler Connection to new Maintenance Facility $8,000 2 Stormwater Wade Improve low land property next to the main Wade lot $50,000

improvements h2o Parking Wheeler Parking Lot at Maintenance Building $20,000 2 Trails Wheeler Trail from new maintenance faciliity to parking lot $60,000 2 N/A Wade Acquisition of 3406 West 1st St for parking expansion $93,300

Acq. Parking Wade Wade Parking Lot Pave and Strip $390,000 Wade Wade Phase Total: $725,300 Parking Wade Wade Parking Lot Lighting $75,000 Wade Parking Wade 34th Ave Parking $56,000 Wade

Circulation & Infrastructure Wayfi nding Wade Signage and Wayfi nding Improvements $25,000 Wade $1,423,750 Stormwater Wade Michigan Street Raingarden $50,000 1 Stormwater Wade Right Field Parking Lot Raingarden $50,000 1 Stormwater Wheeler Wheeler Parking Lot Rain Gardens $100,000 2 Stormwater Wheeler Merritt Creek Parking Lot Rain Garden $50,000 2 Stormwater Wade 36th Ave Parking Lot Rain Garden $50,000 2 $350,000

Stormwater Improvements Stormwater Wade Improve low land property next to the main Wade lot $50,000 Wade Streets Wade Acquire 3624 W 2nd $144,750 2 Maintenance Wheeler Acquire Gas Station Site (potential land swap) $0 2 Acq.

Prop. Stormwater Wade Acquire 3406 W 1st $93,300 Wade $238,050 Project Total: $3,695,800

Implementation and Phasing 14