Bayview Park Master Plan City of Pensacola, Florida December 2011 Contents

Introduction ...... 3 History ...... 5 Existing Conditions ...... 9 Preliminary Design Concept ...... 17 Town Hall Meeting [1] ...... 23 Survey Results [1] ...... 31 Town Hall Meeting [2] ...... 35 Survey Results [2] ...... 51 Proposed Master Plan ...... 55

quina grundhoefer architects Introduction

The City Neighborhood Services Department DQGWKH0D\RU¶V2I¿FHFUHDWHGDQLQLWLDWLYHWR study improving the appearance and function of Bayview Park – one of Pensacola’s most popular parks. Quina Grundhoefer Architects, D ORFDO 3HQVDFROD DUFKLWHFWXUDO ¿UP ZDV commissioned to develop a Master Plan that could be implemented over time as funds become available. An initial analysis of this existing 28 acre site reveals a lack of original cohesive planning and a poor relationship between the pedestrian and the waterfront. Historically considered Pensacola’s “watering hole” because of its past swimming activities in Bayou Texar, Bayview’s infrastructure was designed without consideration for waterway conservation which has contributed to the current poor water quality.

Beginning with a basic understanding of the goals of the City, the architects developed a planning method that included both neighborhood and community interaction. Two town hall meetings were conducted with input from over 150 residents. From the comments that were expressed and surveys that were conducted, the architects developed a design concept that not only incorporates the input from the community, but also includes planning features from other successful city waterfront parks. This booklet documents the development of the Bayview Park Master Plan.

quina grundhoefer architects

3 History

/LVWHGIRUWKH¿UVWWLPHLQLQWKH3RON¶V Pensacola City Directory, Bayview Park is a local landmark with a rich history.

quina grundhoefer architects

5 Pensacola held its Independence Day celebration in Bayview Park in 1908. The event was declared:

The most successful and largely attended civic enterprise ever given in Pensacola.

,QWKH¿UVWPHQDQGZRPHQ¶VEDWKKRXVH was constructed.

quina grundhoefer architects

7 6ZLPPLQJOHVVRQV¿UVWDLGFODVVHVVRFLDOVHUYLFHFODVVHVDQGKHDOWKWDONVZHUHDOOSDUWRIWKH program. Boat races and other “aquatic sports” were staged in Bayou Texar.

quina grundhoefer architects

8 Existing Conditions

Bayview Park has evolved over time as simply an open space. Like many Pensacola parks, there was no master plan and very little design. Minimal expenditures went into infrastructure and facilities, and when facilities were constructed, mostly in the 50s, there was no relative theme nor architectural design concept. The results were poor planning, little relationship to the water front and no character, especially when the park is compared to the diverse, appealing and somewhat historic character of its East Hill neighborhood.

In recent years, in response to neighborhood requests, a large portion of the park has been fenced and functions as a dog beach, a small dog park and a large dog park. While swimming in Bayou Texar from park piers and shores is not allowed for people, it is encouraged for dogs. This alone is an interesting evolution as Bay View has been historically known as Pensacola’s watering hole and has supported boating, skiing and other water sports activities. There still exists, albeit not used, a viewing stadium facing the bayou.

quina grundhoefer architects

9 Park infrastructure was designed without consideration for water way conservation as was the case for most of our waterfront neighborhoods. While improvements have been made to retain storm water runoff in the East Hill neighborhood and some work has been done to retain storm water, but areas of runoff continue to spill directly into the bayou. Presently a maintenance approach is to clear cut the water’s edge and to avoid plantings which conceal or hide areas of the park. The result is easier security but very little natural retain-age of storm water. With almost half the water front being two boat ramps and trailer parking, runoff contamination is considerable.

AERIAL PHOTO

quina grundhoefer architects

11 NORTHWEST ZONE

EAST ZONE

SOUTHWEST ZONE

An analysis of the existing Bayview Park shows three main zones of activities.

EXISTING SITE ANALYSIS PLAN

quina grundhoefer architects

12 The southwest zone of the park has a large diversity of functions, including two major buildings: the Senior Center and the Community Center. Due to reduced operational funding, the Community Center is used primarily by groups who reserve the center by appointment. The Senior Center remains very active and provides a vital public service. The two buildings share a steeply sloped parking lot for about 80 cars, all located in the southern portion.

PaP rking CCommunity Center Senior Center

ReR ststroroomms

Pierr CoConcncreretet BlBleaeachers

Doog Beeaach

SOUTHWEST ZONE

quina grundhoefer architects

13 The largest portion of the park located on the northwest zone is open space with mature oaks, pines, younger magnolias and some newly planted trees. The ground plane consists of curving asphalt paths, minimal planting beds and closely cut ground cover (some grass, weeds, and sand).

The east side of the park includes tennis courts (hard surfaced with lights), the “cross” and the vehicular entrance to the boat Passssivve PaParkrk launch area. The site terraces in a very unique way from the tennis courts down to the water’s edge at the south. Between the PaP rking courts and the two buildings, there are many picnic shelters, a gazebo with restrooms, a children’s playground and a network of asphalt, concrete, and sand paths with steps to access grade changes.

DoDog PaParkrk

NORTHWEST ZONE

quina grundhoefer architects

14 TeT nnnisis Couourtrts

Croso s

Boat Launch Resttroom PaP viilil on

PaPavivililionons Parking

SeSerrvvici e DrDrivive

Booatat Launch

EAST ZONE

quina grundhoefer architects

15 Preliminary Design Concepts

Sketches of the site plan illustrate the preliminary design concepts.

quina grundhoefer architects

17 Goals: ‡ Return the waterfront park to the users ‡ Build a new community center addition to the existing senior center to maximize hours of operation and utilization of city staff ‡ Create accessible pedestrian paths to connect the east zone of park to the west ‡ Design a tree-lined vehicular path to connect tennis parking and community/ senior center parking

SCHEME A

quina grundhoefer architects

19 Goals: ‡ Return the waterfront park to the users ‡ Build a new community center addition to the existing senior center to maximize hours of operation and utilization of city staff ‡ Design and construct three new public restroom pavilions ‡ Separate pedestrian and vehicular movement within the park ‡ Create accessible pedestrian paths to connect diverse activity zones ‡ Design a tree-lined vehicular path to connect the diverse activity zones within the park

SCHEME B

quina grundhoefer architects

20 Goals: ‡ Return the waterfront park to the users ‡ Construct an event plaza and add picnic pavilions at the water’s edge ‡ Design a new community center addition with “porch” to maximize waterfront views much like that at Sanders Beach - Corinne Jones Community Center ‡ Install a disc golf course in current northwest “open” park ‡ Build a vehicular path with parking to connect the east zone of park to the west

SCHEME C

quina grundhoefer architects

21 Town Hall Meeting [1] July 14, 2011 The City of Pensacola Parks and Recreation, along with Quina Grundhoefer Architects, conducted a town hall meeting for residences of the East Hill neighborhood to discuss improvements to Bayview Park and its facilities. David Flaherty, City Parks and Recreation Director, opened the meeting and explained that the intent of the meeting was to hear from the community about the future of Bayview Park. Mr. Flaherty introduced his staff, Councilman Sam Hall and then Mr. Carter Quina. Mr. Flaherty also asked all attendees to complete the survey form that was available at the door and to share these with their friends.

Carter Quina introduced the Project Team and then shared general information about the history of Bayview Park, the existing conditions of the Park, and information on other City community centers. Photos of Sanders Beach - Corinne Jones and Cobb Community Center were shared as well as sketches of the proposal for the Legion Field Resource Center. The presentation then focused on an explanation of the existing Park plans and facilities which include the Senior Center, Community Center, boat ramp, picnic areas, restrooms, tennis courts, parking lots, walkways, pier, dog park, and dog beach. Preliminary sketchs illustrate the proposed Master Plan.

quina grundhoefer architects

23 Mallory Stt

DDiisscc Gololf PaParkrkining

TTennnnisis

OOpen Fieeldd

Blount St

Boat Ramp DDoog PaP rkrks

PPaarkrkiinng

SSeenioorr PlPlazaza CeCentntere

EExxpapannssioion Bayou Texar

Doog BeB ach

CONCEPT A

quina grundhoefer architects

25 Mallory Stt

DiDisscc Gololf PaParkrkining

TTeennnnisis

Doog PaParkrks OpOpenen Fiei ldd Blountn St

BoB at Ramp

PPaarkrkiinng

SeSeniioror Centn err PPllazaza

EExxpap nsnsioon Bayou Texar

DoDog BBeeacch CONCEPT B

quina grundhoefer architects

26 PROPOSED STREETSCAPE

quina grundhoefer architects

27 PROPOSED WATER SIDE BOARDWALK AND PAVILIONS

quina grundhoefer architects

28 PROPOSED BOARDWALK

quina grundhoefer architects

29 Survey Results [1]

Comments made during the meeting and from WKHVXUYH\IRUPVWKDWZHUH¿OOHGRXWLQFOXGHGWKH following areas of concern:

‡ Sustainable design for any future improvements are important so that the results of our project would take steps in improving the water quality of Bayou Texar. ‡ Open the community center like it used to be or build a nice new one. ‡ Maintain the open, green space character of Bayview Park and possibly add disc golf. ‡ Maintain the boat launch facility in some manner. ‡ Improve lighting and provide other security measures to prevent vandalism. ‡ Provide a solution to skate board users in the Park. ‡ Upgrade and provide more picnic, seating and playground areas/ equipment.

quina grundhoefer architects

31 Survey Results [1]

Respond to the following features: 1. Needed 2. Possibly needed 3. Not needed I. Place for leisure: Park benches ...... 31 ...... 10 ...... 0 Swings ...... 8 ...... 20 ...... 9 Checkers/chess table...... 6 ...... 12 ...... 16 Boardwalk ...... 8 ...... 7 ...... 21 Nature Trail ...... 10 ...... 11 ...... 16

II. Place for family activities Kid¶s playground equipment ...... 12 ...... 8 ...... 9 Neighborhood garden ...... 10 ...... 13 ...... 8 .LG¶VZDWHUSOD\IRXQWDLQ ...... 18 ...... 15 ...... 4 Fenced dog park...... 17 ...... 5 ...... 12 Shaded gathering areas ...... 18 ...... 5 ...... 8

III. Place for recreation: Walking track/sidewalks ...... 13 ...... 6 ...... 13 Badminton court...... 4 ...... 9 ...... 19 Basketball court...... 10 ...... 9 ...... 14 Beach volleyball court...... 8 ...... 14 ...... 10 Horseshoe pits ...... 6 ...... 13 ...... 9 Disc golf nets ...... 13 ...... 9 ...... 11 Skateboarding area...... 8 ...... 19 ...... 9 Boat launch area ...... 19 ...... 6 ...... 8 Boat trailer parking ...... 17 ...... 6 ...... 7 Swimming areas ...... 15 ...... 6 ...... 14 Fishing areas ...... 8 ...... 8 ...... 13

IV. Place for neighborhood events: Pavilion/picnic tables...... 18 ...... 5 ...... 9 Music & entertainment platform ...... 17 ...... 10 ...... 2 Plazas (ie. for Art in the Park) ...... 14 ...... 11 ...... 8 BBQ grilles ...... 17 ...... 10 ...... 10 Amphitheatre ...... 16 ...... 14 ...... 4

V. Place for special services: Restrooms...... 29 ...... 5 ...... 2 Concessions (food, drinks, fishing supplies). . 11 ...... 11 ...... 13 Vending machine areas...... 9 ...... 9 ...... 16 Kayak/canoe/paddle boat rentals ...... 14 ...... 14 ...... 8

quina grundhoefer architects

33 Town Hall Meeting [2] September 26, 2011 The City of Pensacola Parks and Recreation, along with Quina Grundhoefer Architects, conducted a second town hall meeting for residences of Pensacola to discuss improvements to Bayview Park and its facilities. David Flaherty, City Parks and Recreation Director, opened the meeting and noted that the architects will present a conceptual plan that will be developed as they gain input from the community. Mr. Flaherty noted that there are no funds presently for the Bayview park improvements and therefore, improvements will be developed as moneys are appropriated. Mr. Flaherty introduced his staff, Mayor Ashton Hayward, Councilman Larry Johnson and the architects and environmental staff.

Mr. Carter Quina began the presentation by summarizing the results from the compiled surveys and highlighting the areas of concern for Bayview Park. He reviewed the present conditions of the park. Mr. Quina then introduced a conceptual plan and presented the proposed improvements area by area. The areas include D PDLQ HQWUDQFH GH¿QHG ZLWK DQ HQWU\ DUFK D resource center addition to the existing senior center, an event plaza with an interactive water feature, a habitat restoration zone and boardwalk along the bayou, and a pedestrian friendly brick streetscape. The goals of the plan are to maximize waterfront access, improve internal vehicular access to activity zones, increase indoor activity areas, eliminate underused facilities, and provide for environmental improvements. Plans and sketches were shared.

quina grundhoefer architects

35 Goals: ‡ Improve waterfront access and activities ‡ Provide for internal vehicular access to activity zones ‡ Eliminate eyesores and under-utilized facilities ‡ Improve and increase indoor activity areas ‡ Provide for environmental improvements ‡ 3URYLGHDUHDVIRUVSHFL¿FDFWLYLWLHV

ZONE 1

ZONE 5

ZONE 2

ZONE 4

ZONE 3 quina grundhoefer architects ZONE 1

Moreno

EXISTING CONDITIONS

ee Oppenen Parark AvAv hh tt 2020 ZONE 1

BBlouunt St EnEnttry Arrcchh

RRoounund AAbboouut Located on 20th Avenue, a new entry sign replicates the historical Bayview sign.

ZONE 1

quina grundhoefer architects

38 PROPOSED ENTRY ARCH

quina grundhoefer architects

39 Blountt st EnEnttrry AArchch

RRoouunnd AbAboouut

EXISTING CONDITIONS

ZONE 2 ee AvAv hh tt

2020 PaParkrkinng

DrDroopp Offff

LeL e st Senior CeC nter The new construction will house both RResourrcece a Community Resource Center for the Centtere neighborhood as well as the current Senior AAddiitition &HQWHU DFWLYLWLHV 7KH EHQH¿W RI PHUJLQJ the two buildings is to increase the hours of operation without increasing staff. The design of this new addition incorporates a multi-purpose space with views of the bayou, Seervrviicce RoRoaadd much like that at Sanders Beach - Corinne Jones Community Center.

ZONE 2

quina grundhoefer architects PROPOSED RESOURCE CENTER ADDITION

quina grundhoefer architects

41 PPiicnnicic Pavviillioions PaP vilion

EXISTING CONDITIONS

ZONE 3 RaRain Garardeden WWateterssidde PaP viv liliono s

HHaabibittaat RReessttooration Zone

BBoara dwdwalalk

Relocating a portion of the boat trailer parking maximizes this desired natural space for park users at the water’s edge and allows for a new boardwalk and a habitat restoration zone. This restoration zone coupled with new “rain gardens” provides D QDWXUDO ¿OWUDWLRQ V\VWHP IRU WKH FXUUHQWO\ polluted run-off.

ZONE 3

quina grundhoefer architects

42 PROPOSED BOARDWALK

PROPOSED WATERSIDE PAVILIONS

quina grundhoefer architects

43 RaR inin Garardeden

Waatet rsidde PaP viv lionns

VeVendndoror Shahackc s EXISTING CONDITIONS

EvEvenent PlPlaaza ZONE 4 HHaabibitatat RReeststoro ation Zone VeVendndoror Shahackcks ToTowew r WWaateter PlPlayay

Maarina

Evennt PPaavilionn

The proposed boardwalk connects waterside pavilions to the future Event Plaza that can allow for public activities and interaction with vendors such as bait and ice cream shops, canoe rentals, and various other shops.

ZONE 4

quina grundhoefer architects PROPOSED EVENT PLAZA

quina grundhoefer architects

45 PaPavivili

quina grundhoefer architects PROPOSED BRICK STREETSCAPE

quina grundhoefer architects

47 Features:

‡ Low impact Design ‡ Internal drives and “natural” parking zones (141) ‡ Addition to Senior Center ‡ Water’s edge boardwalk ‡ Event plaza & water Play ‡ Picnic & Waterside Pavilions ‡ Playgrounds ‡ Boat Launch, Trailer parking (29) ‡ Dog Parks and Dog Beach ‡ Rain Gardens ‡ Habitat Restoration zone ‡ Skate Sidewalk ‡ Disc Golf

quina grundhoefer architects

48 Oppenen Parark PaParkrkining

TTeennnnisis Couourrts

DoDog PaParrkks

BBrricick SSttrereetet PParkkinng

Booata Launch PiP cnc ici Arereasa

HHaabibitatat RRestorrata ion RResourrcece BoBoara dwd ala k Zoonee CeC nterr AdAddidititionn EvEvenent PlPlazaza

PROPOSED MASTER PLAN CONCEPT “A”

Doog BeBeach

quina grundhoefer architects

49 Survey Results [2]

Other features to consider or other comments: ‡ More shade in green space. ‡ More trashcans in the park. ‡ No roads through the park – save the green space. ‡ One idea to use permeable paving instead of brick pavers throughout the park. ‡ More landscaping throughout park. ‡ Exercise area/gym in the existing Community Center. ‡ Suggested that the kayak and canoe rentals could come from the Community Center. ‡ Would like to see improvements to both Bayview Community Center and Senior Center. ‡ Add community center activities to a restored amphitheater area. ‡ Retain boat launch and boat parking. ‡ Like the idea of consolidating the boat launches. ‡ Add security to park. ‡ Would like to see water quality improvements. ‡ More utilization of the water front for activities. ‡ Public swimming pool. ‡ Would like a water fountain feature. ‡ Improve the beach areas. ‡ Restroom improvement. ‡ Would like an attractive entrance sign to read “Bayview Park” (Bayview as one word). ‡ Would like a skate park. ‡ Consider dog beach relocation. ‡ Would like to bring in more sand for the dog beach.. ‡ More lighting for the park. ‡ Shaded picnic areas and more benches. ‡ More bike racks. ‡ More walk trails in park. ‡ Add speed bumps around park. ‡ Disc golf course. ‡ Would like the park to have pervious parking. ‡ Fence children’s area for safety. ‡ Can expand parking lot by tennis center and around perimeter of park.

quina grundhoefer architects

51 Survey Results [2]

I. Place for leisure: Park benches ...... 31 ...... 10 ...... 0 Swings ...... 8 ...... 20 ...... 9 Checkers/chess table...... 6 ...... 12 ...... 16 Boardwalk ...... 8 ...... 7 ...... 21 Nature Trail ...... 10 ...... 11 ...... 16

II. Place for family activities Kid¶s playground equipment ...... 12 ...... 8 ...... 9 Neighborhood garden ...... 10 ...... 13 ...... 8 .LG¶VZDWHUSOD\IRXQWDLQ ...... 18 ...... 15 ...... 4 Fenced dog park...... 17 ...... 5 ...... 12 Shaded gathering areas ...... 18 ...... 5 ...... 8

III. Place for recreation: Walking track/sidewalks ...... 13 ...... 6 ...... 13 Badminton court...... 4 ...... 9 ...... 19 Basketball court...... 10 ...... 9 ...... 14 Beach volleyball court...... 8 ...... 14 ...... 10 Horseshoe pits ...... 6 ...... 13 ...... 9 Disc golf nets ...... 13 ...... 9 ...... 11 Skateboarding area...... 8 ...... 19 ...... 9 Boat launch area ...... 19 ...... 6 ...... 8 Boat trailer parking ...... 17 ...... 6 ...... 7 Swimming areas ...... 15 ...... 6 ...... 14 Fishing areas ...... 8 ...... 8 ...... 13

IV. Place for neighborhood events: Pavilion/picnic tables...... 18 ...... 5 ...... 9 Music & entertainment platform ...... 17 ...... 10 ...... 2 Plazas (ie. for Art in the Park) ...... 14 ...... 11 ...... 8 BBQ grilles ...... 17 ...... 10 ...... 10 Amphitheatre ...... 16 ...... 14 ...... 4

V. Place for special services: Restrooms...... 29 ...... 5 ...... 2 Concessions (food, drinks, fishing supplies). . 11 ...... 11 ...... 13 Vending machine areas...... 9 ...... 9 ...... 16 Kayak/canoe/paddle boat rentals ...... 14 ...... 14 ...... 8

quina grundhoefer architects

53 Proposed Master Plan

With the results of the comments from the citizens from the town hall meetings and the survey results, the architects developed a Master Plan - Concept “B”. The goal of the Master Plan is to improve the overall cohesiveness and character of the park, to provide safe and accessible paths to the various zones in the park, to help restore the clean water in the bayou, and to provide facilities for new and enhanced community activities.

Implementation of the Master Plan is anticipated to take several years and would be accomplished in many phases, as funds become available over the next 5 to 10 years. This is merely a conceptual plan, and may change before inception. We will KRVWDGGLWLRQDOSXEOLFLQSXWPHHWLQJVWRUH¿QHWKH conceptual plan, as funding becomes available.

quina grundhoefer architects

55 The features of the Master Plan Concept “B” include the following:

‡ A water’s edge boardwalk that allows for users to view and access the beautiful Bayou ‡ Brick-paved pedestrian paths through the park that create a cohesive relationship between diverse zones of activities ‡ A waterfront “Event Plaza” that encourages interaction with features such as water play fountains, viewing areas and pavilions. The plaza may also allow for vendors to set up small kiosks for sale of items such as ice cream, hot dogs, gifts, artwork, bait or to facilitate the rental of boats, wave boards or canoes. ‡ The recreation of the Bayview Park entrance sign at the intersection of Blount DQGWK6WUHHWUHVWRULQJLGHQWL¿FDWLRQWRWKHSDUN ‡ More picnic pavilions, in particular, more relating to the waterfront zone ‡ New and improved restroom facilities ‡ Consolidation of parking for the boat ramp area, retaining the same amount of parking, but allowing more waterfront access for picnickers ‡ Maintaining the green spaces and open areas of the park ‡ Creating more walking paths, so the entire perimeter of the park can be used ‡ Enhancement of the habitat restoration zone along the water’s edge ‡ ,QFRUSRUDWLQJ³UDLQJDUGHQV´WRFROOHFWQDWXUDOO\WKHZDWHUUXQRIIEHIRUHLWÀRZV LQWRWKHED\RXWKXVIRUPLQJQDWXUDO¿OWUDWLRQ ‡ Enhanced lighting that may be solar powered for night time events and improved security ‡ An addition to the Senior Center for multi-purpose events to replace the present outdated community center. This can be a Community Resource Center that HQFRXUDJHVDFWLYLWLHVIRUDOODJHVLQFOXGLQJ¿WQHVVDUHDVFRPSXWHUDFFHVV game area and a large room for gatherings and receptions. ‡ An event pavilion at the pier will allow for more water’s edge activities ‡ Present functions of the park to be retained and improved are the dog beach and dog parks, tennis courts, stadium seating, parking and playgrounds.

quina grundhoefer architects

56 CONCEPT “B”