2017 VISION PLAN KNIGHT PARK II VISION PLAN signs, andmake everyonefeelwelcome, Jennifer Smith were ateverymeetingprepared tohelp,place and hersensibilitiesasamom, GrantKnoxandBrian Veronica Squires brought experienceas afundraiser plan. EdBeldinglenthisarchitect’s eyetotheproject, their expertise,enthusiasm, andtimetothevision Other steeringcommitteemembershappilycontributed Chris wastheperfectpersonforthisrole. and appointedChrisAlasaasthechair. Knight Parkvisioningsteeringcommittee with apositivecan-doattitudetoleadthe recognized thattheyneededsomeone full parkvisioning.Neighborhoodresidents revitalization efforts inKnightParkwitha out toParkPridehopingcontinue grant, HowellStationneighborsreached After successwiththeSmallChange program. Itwasandisahugesuccess. grant project through ParkPride’s matching the neighborhood’s firstSmallChange recent forayintoparkimprovements and park in2016,wasHowellStation’s first ofthe installed inthesoutheastcorner recognition of These acknowledgementsmustinclude that were soontocome. change ratherthansimplyreacting pressures toexternal city. foresight, theydecidedtograbthereins With of throughout AtlantaastheBeltLinegrows around the of trees. Theyalsorecognize thepaceofchange meet neighbors,orsimplysitunderamature canopy want anearbyplacetowalktheirdog,stayfit, young children, youngprofessionals are relocating and changing quickly—newfamiliesare movinginwith realize thattheirWestside Atlantaneighborhoodis for theneighborhoodofHowellStation.Theresidents of chili,thenblendedandshapedbyashared affection Ideas were tossedaround overdinnerpartiesandpots their community’s shared greenspace, KnightPark. heart-felt wishofHowellStation’s residents toimprove This parkvisionplangrew outoftheenthusiasmand ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS The Bench . Thebench, the existingbrickstructure inthepark. instrumental indeveloping creative reuse concepts for surrounding District3masterplan.Healsowas incorporate theresults ofthevisionplaninto engaged withthevisioningprocess andworkedto Architecture. andhisstaff Herman enthusiastically and forintroducing Howard ustoHerman ofSHAPE Young forhissupportoftheparkvisioningprocess, We alsowanttothankCommissionerIvoryLee known asourfairygodmother. positive force inthesteeringcommitteeandbecame Lorraine steadfastlyremained anenthusiasticand to keepusgoingduringourlateeveningmeetings! the process. Thechurch alsoprovided deliciousfood steering committeeandthepublicmeetingsthroughout generously suppliedameetingplaceforboththe Lorraine WhiteandtheMountEphraimBaptistChurch the project. corrall neighbors,androuse communityenthusiasmfor Lakemaker investedvaluabletimetoattendmeetings, Higgins, MeghanMurphy, JarvisLakemaker, andEmily

KNIGHT PARK III VISION PLAN KNIGHT PARK IV VISION PLAN rjcsadBde 28 24 17 6 15 8 vi Projects andBudget Final ConceptualPlan Conceptual Plan,Option2 Conceptual Plan,Option1 Community Engagement Existing Conditions Context 2 Executive Summary Acknowledgements iii Contents

KNIGHT PARK V VISION PLAN KNIGHT PARK VI VISION PLAN EXECUTIVE SUMMARY enhancements, andotherbeautificationinitiatives. court, anamphitheatre, ashorttrailloop,stream a refurbished andexpandedplayground, abocce Other improvements identifiedintheplaninclude for improving theimageanduseofpark. existing brickbuildingwasdeemedthehighestpriority festivals, andholidaycelebrations.Creative reuse ofthe pavilion thatcouldbeusedforcommunityevents, The biggestneedidentifiedbythecommunityisa proposed parkimprovements. community membersontheprogram of andform public meetingswere convenedtosolicitinputfrom and concludedinSeptemberofthesameyear. Four The visioningprocess kickedoff inFebruaryof2017 Department andotherapplicablereview committees. andvettedthroughneed tolegallypermitted theParks not beseenasaguarantee.Eachindividualproject will community, itdoesnothaveweightoflaw, andshould in thecomingyears.Althoughthisplanisatoolfor approach tocommunity-drivendevelopmentofthepark process. Thisplanisintended toguideaphased actvities, anddecisionsmadethrough theparkvisioning This documentisarecord oftheoutreach, engagement T. William named inhonorofCityAlderman Knight. at acostof$3,080forthe4-acre site.Thenewparkwas Rice andChurch Streets wasacquired byCityCouncil, of in 1997.Itwasnotuntil1944thatlandatthecorner and placedontheNationalRegisterofHistoricPlaces Howell Stationneighborhoodwasestablishedin1893 step inthePark’s renovation inmanyyears.Historic The Vision Plan forKnightParkisthefirstbig

KNIGHTKNIK GHTGH PARK 1 VISIONV ISIO N PLAN KNIGHT PARK 2 VISION PLAN CONTEXT Howell Station Knight Park/ Knight Park installations and culturalevents,suchas concerts. from KnightParktotheBeltLine,aswellpublicart Subarea MasterPlan callsforgreenway trailconnections for whichamasterplanwas developedin2009.The Knight Parkislocatedwithin theBeltLineSubarea 9, residential andcommercial development. of thecityandwilllikelybringwithitnewdenser amenities thatwillconnectHowellStationtotherest intorecreationalbeing transformed andtransportation that employedHowellStation’s residents are now rail corridorsthatonceservedtheindustrialoperations the neighborhood’s edges.The andwestern eastern the comingofAtlantaBeltLine,whichextendsalong remains, butthisconditionisexpectedtochangewith The lightindustrialnature oftheneighborhoodenvirons adopted astylizedimageoftherailroad asitslogo. heavy rail.Assuch,theneighborhoodassociationhas hugged bylightindustrialoperationsthatrelied on community hasdeephistorictiestotherailroad, being of tree-lined streets, andfourhistoricchurches. The a widevarietyofsingle-familyhousingstyles,grid neighborhood aftertheCivilWar, HowellStationboasts Developed asasegregated working-class district. styleofarchitecturevernacular typicalinthehistoric the NationalRegisterapplicationasanexampleof the brickbuildingthatsitswithinparkwasusedin individually recognized withitsownhistoricdesignation, curated bytheNationalParkService.Althoughnot historic placesthatare worthyofpreservation. Itis of HistoricPlaces,whichistheofficial listofAmerica’s The neighborhoodappearsontheNationalRegister Westside Revivemasterplanning efforts. Quarry, andotherprojects associated withtheD3 District, theAtlantaBeltline,Westside ParkatBelleview Marietta Street corridor, Huff Road,theWestside Arts growth andrevitalization inthenearfuture alongtheW. The surrounding area isexpectedtoexperiencerapid Boulevard NW, andisprimarilyzonedresidential (R-4A). by W. MariettaStreet NW, tothewestbyMarietta Station neighborhoodisroughly boundedtothenorth The NeighborhoodPlanningUnit(NPU)isK.Howell currently servedbyCouncilmemberIvoryLeeYoung. Station neighborhoodare inAtlantaCouncilDistrict3, park spacein1944for$3,080.TheandHowell 2.7-acre property waspurchased bytheCityasa neighborhood northwestofdowntownAtlanta.The sitswithintheHistoricHowellStation sewers inthefirstpartof 20 remaining, mostofwhichwere buriedascombined is oneofonlyafewdaylittributaries toProctor Creek stream thatrunsfrom east towestthrough KnightPark on thearea’s sewerinfrastructure. Theephemeral blamed forneighborhoodflooding,anditputsastrain water qualityandhabitatinProctor Creek, itisoften runoff whenitrains.Thisrunoff isthebiggestthreat to development, resulting in large volumesofstormwater upper watershedhasbecomehighlyimperviousfrom communities. Overmanyyears,however, thecreek’s an assetandsource ofpride forthesurrounding Proctor Creek watershed.Proctor Creek washistorically Knight Parkalsoresides withintheupperreaches ofthe population increases. neighborhood asnewdevelopmentoccursandlocal Knight ParkastheonlyparkspaceinHowellStation new parkshouldalsorelieve muchofthepressure on be aregional drawasamajornewBeltLine park.This from KnightPark,thisvibrantnewamenitypromises to for theCityofAtlanta.Locatedastone’s-throw away is designedtoholda30-dayemergency watersupply acres, theparkwouldbelargest parkinAtlanta, and in publicspaceandcivicinfrastructure. Atnearly300 Park atBellwoodQuarryisanothermajorinvestment Just westoftheAtlantaBeltLine,newWestside hydrological system. the creek arare feature inanotherwisehighlyurbanized th century. Thismakes

KNIGHT PARK 3 VISION PLAN KNIGHT PARK 4 VISION PLAN the swirlofnewdevelopmentandinfrastructure. neighborhood identityasasmall-scalegreenspace in pressures. KnightParkcanbecomeavehiclefor historic characterinthefaceofinevitableeconomic be importantforHistoricHowellStationtoprotect its ofparks,trails,transit,anddevelopment,itwill terms the anticipatedinvestmentscomingtoarea in rest ofAtlantainthecomingyearsanddecades.With to grow andbecomemuchmore connectedwiththe The areas around HistoricHowellStationare poised the east. Cobb Countytothewest,anddowntownAtlanta of HowellStationtoconnecttheSilverComettrailin major connectivebikewayisshownpassingnearnorth 20 years.Also,inadditiontotheAtlantaBeltLine,a portion ofthepopulationgrowth expectedinthenext a “growth corridor,” oratargeted locationtoabsorba area surrounding HistoricHowellStationisidentifiedas King’s conceptoftheBelovedCommunity. Init,the development inanaspirationtoward Dr. MartinLuther released amasterplanand report toguidegrowth and In September2017,TheAtlantaCityDesignStudio explored inrelation tothecreek. Therefore, managementoptionswere stormwater not flooding issuesinotherheadwatersneighborhoods. water comingfrom KnightParkisnotcontributingto of Proctor Creek thatthe maps,itwasdetermined Department ofWatershed Managementandareview of floodingorwaterquality. Inconversationswiththe impacts furtherdownstream inthewatershedterms intervention atKnightParkwouldhavepositive management whetherastormwater to determine A preliminary analysiswasconductedbyParkPride BeltLine andQuarryPark. greenway connectionsfrom KnightParktotheAtlanta The AtlantaBeltLine’s Subarea 9Masterplanshows Knight Park/Howell Stationasa“growth corridor.” Atlanta CityDesignStudio, identifiesthearea around City ofAtlantaDepartment ofCityPlanningandthe The AtlantaCityDesignPlan, publishedin2017bythe Knight Parkresides in CityCouncilDistrict3and NeighborhoodPlanning UnitK Historic HowellStation. The proposed 300-acre Westside ParkatBellwoodQuarryisjustashortdistancefrom KnightParkand

KNIGHT PARK 5 VISION PLAN KNIGHT PARK 6 VISION PLAN EXISTING CONDITIONS in theapplication forinclusionintheNational Register. Ithassince fallenintodistress. The existingbuiliding intheparkwasused asanexampleofthevernacular architecture oftheneighborhood Knight Park The topography of the park forms agrassybowlwith The topographyoftheparkforms reaches thestreambed. that isjumpingthecurbandcuttingslopebefore it drainage Street erosion isbeingcausedbystormwater the pointwhere itpassesunderRiceStreet. TheRice erosion headofthestream atboththeeastern and other tangledplants.There isevidenceofstreambank overgrown withprivet,Nepalgrass(Microstegia sp.)and drains intoProctor Creek. Thestreambanks are currently One ofthoseareas stream isthesmallintermittent that inaccessible. choke theunderstoryandmakesomeareas ofthepark and numerous otheraggressive non-nativespecies trees inthepark.Thickets ofprivet,wisteria,mimosa, exotic plantsare oneoftheprimarydangersto also scattered withsmallunderstorytrees. Invasive (Acer spp.),andhickoriesCaryaspp.).Theparkis spp.), sweetgums(Liquidambarstyraciflua),maples tuliptrees (Liriodendron tulipifera),oaks(Quercus Knight Parkisitscanopyofmature trees, including on twosides.Oneofthemoststrikingfeatures of greenspace withlonguninterrupted road frontage isasmallneighborhood-scale permanently someyearsago. permanently The roof failed,causingthebuildingtoclose plumbed withtworestrooms butisnowabandoned. have beenintendedasarecreation centerandwas built around 1945andusedasstorage.Itoriginallymay An existingbuildingonsiteisbelievedtohavebeen propertysouthern line. this area. In2016,oneparkbenchwasinstalledonthe the existingimprovements are andsitefurnishings in a wideflattenedliponthenortheastcorner. Mostof

KNIGHT PARK 7 VISION PLAN COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT KNIGHT PARK 8 VISION PLAN Steering Committee Councilman Ivory LeeYoung, Jr. poseswithmembers of theKnightPark broad representation ofskillsandinterests. Station NeighborhoodAssociationtoachieve assembled andconstitutedbytheHistoricHowell committee ofdedicatedneighborsandresidents, The visioningprocess wasledbyasteering Steering Committee Park Pride’s mission application. the AtlantaBeltLinefurtherstrengthened their from CouncilmemberIvory LeeYoung, Jrand through aParkPridegrant. Lettersofsupport completion ofthebenchproject, fundedinpart change inKnightParkthrough thesuccessful engagement andmotivationtoimplement awarded aparkvisioning.Theyhaddemonstrated In autumnof2016,theFriendsKnightParkwere their park. to fundraiseandadvocateforimprovements in The plancanthenbeusedbycommunitygroups results inaconceptualmasterplanforthepark. comprises acommunityengagementprocess that community groups free-of-charge. Avisionplan program offers professional designservicesto competitive applicationprocess. Thevisioning to CityofAtlantaparkseveryyearthrough a service ofthismission,twovisionplansare offered community toactivatethepowerofparks!In istoengagethe which includedfourpublicmeetings. meeting, andtheproject schedulewasdeveloped, The parkvisioningscopewasdiscussedatthis attended bytencommunitymembersandleaders. the firststeeringcommitteemeeting,whichwas Park visioningkickedoff onFebruary22 the broader communitiessurrounding thepark. representing theirconstituenciesandthevoicesof and vettingresults. Theywere charged with process, reviewing input,preparing materials, steering committeemetmonthly, guidingthe Between FebruaryandSeptemberof2017,the of theabandonedbuilding. which depictsastylizedrepresentation ofthefacade Park Pridecreated alogoidentityforKnightPark, public input. advertise opportunities for create aparkbrandandto accompanying yard signto new KnightParklogoand Park Pridealsocreated a listserve. networks andtheneighborhood and distributedthrough online The surveywaspostedonline potential parkimprovements. data from thecommunityon created asurveytocollect process, thesteeringcommittee awareness ofthevisioning meetings, andtoraise In preparation forpublic nd with

KNIGHTKNIK GHTH PARK 9 VISIONV ISIONON PLPLANAN KNIGHT PARK 10 VISION PLAN Mobility concerns Under ageof18 by adultsin the neighborhood. need forparkspacesthat canbeusedcomfortably children inthehome,which also suggeststhe Almost two-thirds ofrespondents donothave base ofusersforthepark’s popularplayground. they haveyoungchildren, which provides agood Additionally, athird ofrespondents indicatedthat to KnightPark. pedestrian infrastructure bothwithinandleading Park, whichsuggeststheneedforbetter, safer Knight Parkandthattheyalsowalkto 100% ofrespondents saidthattheylivenear the neighborhood. priorities, consideringtherelatively smallsizeof onparkusesandneighborhood information survey, whichprovided agreat baselinefor In all,58peopleresponded totheKnightPark Survey Results Young children No children Drive Teens Walk Dogs Bike public meetings(opposite page). infographic withhighlights from surveyresults and ParkPride createda digestibleformat, an In order toquicklyshowsurveyresults in be notedthateverychoicethisquestionprovided events, festivals,holidaycelebrations.”Itshould Park shouldprovide “aplaceforcommunity 95% ofsurveyrespondents indicatedthatKnight When askedwhatKnightParkshouldprovide, made itimpracticaltopursuethisidea. along withchallengingtopographyinthepark regulations onminimumacreage fordogparks explored duringthevisioningprocess, butCity owners. Theideaofadedicatedoff-leash area was The surveyalsorevealed ahighpercentage ofdog demolition. or evenoutright community center, to restoration asa from adaptivereuse, building ranged the future ofthe Suggestions for of KnightPark. the naturalbeauty a detractorfrom community, and an eyesore inthe is perceived as park. Thebuilding building inthe abandoned brick the future ofthe for most concern expressed the Survey respondents nature.” place toexperience and “aquietcalm playground forkids,” event space,”“a included “acovered popular choices of thevote.Other garnered over50% connectivity to quarry/beltline connectivity clean creek/improved bridge courts tennis pavilion/community space courts tennis Desired Park Amenities grills/cooking stations grills/cooking use asanopenpavilion” “I wouldlovetoseethe natural waterfeature tennis court update tennis court skate parkforskate teens structure salvagedfor playground update improved lighting wildlife sanctuary observation deck observation additional tables exercise stations pool/splash pad walkways/paths crumbling building terraced levels better seating amphitheatre bocce court nature trail restrooms volleyball flat space dog park 0 NUMBER OF MENTIONS NUMBER OF Needs immediateattention Knight Park Accessibility 01 02 30 25 20 15 10 5 crime-prevention) Safety (lighting, Park Concerns Rated Park Concerns o par Dog ngng, onon) , ) needs attentionsoon Medium priority, Trash Collection TTr r as h Co ll ect i on water fountain” “Human/dog Inv Invasive Plants & & Overgrowth Over would like thepark as to provideaplace iv e g 95 Pl rowt for community Low priority, attendasneeded a n ts h gatherings E rso Safety Erosion r os i on % Survey Results Maintenance M a and Repair a nd Re in te n p a ai n

ce r

Not acurrentconcern

covered event event covered

85 would like a a like would

(facility hazards) ( facilit space Safet y hazards

y

) %

k

“Dancing in in “Dancing the park!” the clean creek

KNIGHT PARK 11 VISION PLAN KNIGHT PARK 12 VISION PLAN park onThursday, April20 The firstpublicmeetingwasheldinsidethe Visioning Meeting Community members writeanddrawtheir ideasforthefuture ofKnight Park onthe“Green Wall” neighborhood. Participants listed informal social neighborhood. Participantslistedinformal role thattheparkplaysin thesociallifeof community fabricofHowellStationandthekey One keypointofconsensuswasthestrong Several keyideascameoutofthismeeting. dreams. encouraged todrawpictures oftheirideasand and quantifiedafterward. Participantswere also All ideaswere recorded ontheBigGreen Paper to “dream big”aboutthefuture ofKnightPark. it, whichwere focusedongettingthecommunity of green paperwithdifferent questions writtenon The brickbuildingwaswrappedinalarge sheet principles forthepark. preliminary inputonthelarge goalsandguiding number ofsmallchildren were present andgave Approximately 25communitymembersanda attending latermeetingsduetoearlybedtimes. in theneighborhoodwhohavedifficulty accommodate themothersofyoungchildren The earlyhourandlocationwasselectedto

th , 2017from 5-7pm. playground. use whenthecourtisusedasanextensionof multiuse courtintroduced anoccasionalconflictof parents, andtheplayground’s interfacewiththe Church Street alsopresented for safetyconcerns children play. Theproximity oftheplayground to welcoming areas forparents tositwhiletheir replacement. Additionally, there are noclearor equipment hasagedtothepointofneeding improving theirplayfacilities. Theplayground Lastly, thecommunityshowedaclearinterest in prominently intheresults. including birdsong andtrees alsoshowedup and benchesnearflowingwater. Ideasofnature, bridges goingovercreeks, waterfeatures, ducks, the park.Severalparticipantsdrew pictures of the creek totheidentityandnaturalessenceof Another importantpointwastheimportanceof events wasaprimaryconcern. social gatheringspacethatcouldbeusedfor Night, andaChiliCookoff. Theideaofacentral including anannualEasterEggHunt,aMovie as importantoccasionsthattheparksupports, park. Neighborhoodeventsalsoshowedup interactions asthemostcommonactivityin vernacular architecturevernacular ofthe1940s. architectural identity, itisagoodrepresentation of known historyofsignificant eventsorastrong new. Althoughthebuildingdoesnot havea or reuse salvagedmaterialstobuildsomething adaptively reuse portionsof the existingbuilding preference from thecommunity toeither boards andactivities.First,there wasastrong Several keyfindingsemerged from thepreference 36 peopleattendedtheworkshop. Approximatelymeeting andputthemintoform. workshop tobegintaketheideasfrom thefirst series ofpreference exercises andanopendesign meeting wasstructured asanopenhousewitha was heldnexttothebuildingatKnightPark.This On June7,2017,thesecondpublicmeeting Design Workshop Think ofyourfavoritepark.Whatqualities What wouldmakeyoufeelcomfortablein What doyoueverytimeyou’re inKnight What memoriesdoyouhaveofawelcoming What inspires youaboutKnightPark? What soundsdoyouwanttohearinthe What sightsdoyouwanttoseeinthepark? What isspecialaboutKnightPark/Howell What canthisbuildingdotocontribute What isyourfavoriteplacetobeinKnight Station? Knight Park? Park? How doyouenvisionthefuture ofthis Park? the community? place? park? make itspecial? building? Public Meeting Questions of KnightPark Community members discusspossibilities forthefuture a terracedhillsideamphitheatre, amore robust community were: pathspavedwithunitpavers, Some otheritemsthatwere preferred bythe addition ofplacestosit.Grillswere notfavored. gatherings andneighborhoodeventswiththe preference fortheparksupportingsocial Participants onceagainexpressed astrong providing acovered pavilionspace. factors behind of themotivating events were one neighborhood Recent rained-out the ChiliCookoff. events, suchas for neighborhood weather andshade from inclement provide shelter pavilion thatwould for aroofed strong preference also expressed a the community partially retained, building shouldbe finding thatthe In additiontothe to otheroptions pavilion spacewere preferred Building reuse andacovered

KNIGHT PARK 13 VISION PLAN KNIGHT PARK 14 VISION PLAN Feedback received atthe meetingwasgenerally practical. existing canopytrees were preserved totheextent maintain amore pastoralquality. Inbothplans, of thepark,andotherwhichsoughtto concepts, oneofwhichincreased theactivearea The steeringcommitteedecidedtopresent two meeting. meeting. Approximately 45peopleattendedthe was requested onworksheetsdistributedatthe Pride were presented tothepublicandfeedback conceptualdesignsdevelopedbyPark alternate Ephraim BaptistChurch. Atthismeeting,two held inthecommunitymeetingroom atMount On July11,2017,thethird publicmeetingwas Presentation ofPreliminary Plans children’s play. stabilized andenhancedcreek, andcreative truss bridgeoverthecreek, granitewalls,a Community members discussthemerits anddrawbacksofeachconcept planatthethird public meeting. playground tothisarea wasabandoned. safety. Forthosereasons, theideaofrelocating the of issues,includingaccess,sightlines,cost,and the playground andbrought tolightanumber was positive,somebalkedatthenewlocationof Although mostofthefeedbackonConcept1 side oftheparktocreate aflatterlawnspace. idea ofconstructingalowseatwallonthesouth walking trails,andtheamphitheater, aswellthe also received forthecreek enhancementproject, east ofthemultiusecourt.Positivereaction was the “lawngamearea” thatwasshowndirectly slope. Attendeesalsohadapositivereaction to associated covered deckextendingoutoverthe as adeconstructedwalledgarden withan reactions tothereuse oftheabandonedbuilding in favorofConcept1,withparticularlypositive Examples offeedbackformsreceived from communitymembersafterthe third publicmeeting.

KNIGHT PARK 15 VISION PLAN Concept One introduces several new elements to the park. This design includes more heavily-programmed areas and brings CHURCH STREET the park to an increased active potential Traffic Calming Measures while maintaining passive elements on the south side. Wide Sidewalk Entry Plaza

The existing building has been largely deconstructed, ADA Ramp Partially Library leaving a few remnant walls suitable for interpretive signage Deconstructed explaining the history of the area. The floor slab of the Building building has been removed and replaced with a soft-surface courtyard planted with flowering trees. A new pavilion attached to the courtyard creates an overlook for observers Lawn who may be interested in nature watching or supervising kids Game Multi-Use Area in the relocated playground below. Court The playground, which is now settled in the natural Overlook depression of the park, is accessible via stairs, slide, or a curved ADA ramp that includes a paved overlook. Seating built into the hillside provides a place for parents to watch their children play away from the streets. Hillside seating may also be used by the community to get together on a movie night. New Pavilion The northeast corner of the park maintains its use as a place for active sports. In addition to the existing multi-use court, space for lawn games such as volleyball, badminton, corn hole, and bocce are included. Additional seating options for Boardwalk VISION PLAN spectators and park-goers interested in using the free library Playground are now nestled in this space. Preserve Existing Overflow

16 Shade Trees Spaces close to and along the natural creek provide new Catch Basin educational and play prospects for kids and adults. A tiered water garden increases interest to the creek which has been cleared of invasive vegetation, celebrated, and stabilized with large boulders and native plantings. A new, more robust bridge brings foot traffic through the park and connects to a

KNIGHT PARK KNIGHT PARK soft-surface walking trail that meanders through the forested area of the park. Erosion on the west side of the park has been controlled with Water Garden an overflow catch basin located adjacent to the stream along Walking Trail the western sidewalk. New Bridge

Stream Stabilization

Entry Plaza Community Bench RICE STREET

Feet Concept 1 0 10 20 40 60 80 Ü July 11, 2017 VISION PLAN 17 KNIGHT PARK KNIGHT PARK

Concept 1 - Image Board July 11, 2017 Concept Two maintains a more passive design approach. This approach makes use of existing program elements while CHURCH STREET maintaining large flexible lawn areas in line with the existing pastoral character of the Traffic Calming Measures park.

Wide Sidewalk Entry Plaza The existing building has been partially deconstructed, Library opening key views and providing social space for neighbors to gather. The newly-opened building includes a weather- proof roof, providing shade and social space for neighbors to gather. Seating Area Terraced Lawn By placing the playground in closer proximity to the pavilion, Amphitheatre Playground the need to use the multiuse court for children’s play may be reduced. The playground also occupies a space of central Multi-Use importance with increased visibility from the street and Partially Deconstructed Court Building with Partial Roof surrounding areas. The playground is now located further from the street, fully enclosed, with a dedicated parent courtyard to create a comfortable and safe space.

Additional space for seating and bocce is situated beyond Stone Seating the multiuse court on existing level ground, complete with a Platform human/dog water fountain. A pathway from the building connects to a terraced lawn amphitheater nestled into the slope. The amphitheater Open Lawn provides seating for onlookers and movie watchers for a Bocce Court

VISION PLAN screen on the green neighborhood event. A new secondary access point from the western sidewalk Preserve Existing

18 Shade Trees leads visitors into the park’s open lawn space below and nearby ephemeral stream. Now lined with boulders and native plantings, the stream becomes a more open and Rip-Rap interactive space opening possibilities for education and Boulder-Lined on Slope Ephemeral Stream water play. to Reduce Erosion Erosion control on the western side of the park is remedied KNIGHT PARK KNIGHT PARK with rip rap placed into the slope. New Bridge Linking the two sides of the park is a walking trail that connects to the south-west access point, forested seating area, and stone seating platforms. Lastly, lawn space supported by a large seating wall creates additional level Seating Area space for passive and active play.

Walking Trail

Seat Wall Installed to Entry Plaza Create Level Lawn Space RICE STREET

Community Bench

Feet Concept 2 0 10 20 40 60 80 Ü July 11, 2017 Credit: Ed Belding Credit: Ed Belding VISION PLAN 19 KNIGHT PARK KNIGHT PARK

Rough Concept

Concept 2 - Image Board July 11, 2017 KNIGHT PARK 20 VISION PLAN INTENTIONALLY BLANK INTENTIONALLY BLANK

KNIGHT PARK 21 VISION PLAN KNIGHT PARK 22 VISION PLAN the followingpages. For clarity, onlytherevised finalplanisshownin and slides. traditional seriesofclimbingstructures, swings, equipment waschangedtoshowamore the lawngamelocation,andplayground to theplan.Theplayground wasswitchedwith comments seriouslyandmadeonefinalrevision Park Prideandthesteeringcommitteetookthese found inplaygrounds. provide thekindofslides andswingstypically proposed, whichwasless traditionalanddidnot shade, aswellthetypeofplayequipment relocation oftheplayground toanarea withless raisedrelatedThe concerns totheproposed proposed locationofthe playground inthisplan. aboutthe attend themeetingandhadconcerns messages from neighborswhowere notableto After themeeting,ParkPridereceived several the space. in device, orplacingrainwatercatchmentcisterns providing adecorativeexclusionary screening surfacing theunderspacewithaheavyrip-rap, this project. Potentialsolutionsdiscussedinclude be examinedaspartoftheimplementation behaviors. Asolutiontothisissuewillneed as apotentialspaceforillicitornegativepark popular, thearea beneaththedeckwasraised the ideaofcovered pavilionoverlookwas werepositive, butsomeconcerns raised.While Feedback from meetingattendeeswaslargely where inputwasinvitedfrom thepublic. presented, followedbyanopen-housestyleforum the planwasdeveloped.Theitselfthen began withapresentation oftheprocess andhow Approximately 35peopleattended.Themeeting and commentswere invitedfrom thepublic. a finalversionoftheplanwaspresented, Mount EphraimBaptistChurch. Atthismeeting, meeting washeldinthecommunityroom at On August16,2017,thefourthandfinalpublic Presentation ofFinal Plans Examples offeedbackformsreceived from communitymembersafterthe fourth publicmeeting.

KNIGHT PARK 23 VISION PLAN This final concept combines elements of the two preliminary concepts. This design includes more heavily programmed areas Traffic calming measures along Church Street CHURCH STREET along Church Street, while maintaining a more passive and pastoral character over Wide sidewalk much of the rest of the park. Entry plaza Bocce court In this concept, the existing building has been largely Library deconstructed, leaving a few remnant walls suitable for

interpretive signage explaining the history of the area. The Terraced lawn floor slab of the building has been removed to create a walled amphitheatre Multi-use court garden space planted with flowering trees. A new pavilion Path lighting interfaces with the walled garden to create an overlook for Lawn game observers and shelter from inclement weather. area Partially The playground remains in its current location to take deconstruct advantage of the shade provided by nearby canopy trees. building to create a walled garden Old playground equipment is updated and provides climbing Playground structures, swings, slides, tunnels, and even a potential zip-line Lawn stage High/low feature. Selection of specific equipment will be accomplished New water fountain through community input. The little free library and reading pavilion benches are set in a small courtyard just north of the playground and paved with bricks reclaimed from the building. This area Human/dog buffers the playground from the street. An allée of trees along water fountain the west side of the playground forms a visual threshold into the playground and provides shade. In addition to the existing multi-use court, space for lawn games such as corn hole and bocce is included just north of the walled VISION PLAN garden. A low granite seat wall served to separate the active Preserve existing play area from the sidewalk that runs along Church Street. shade trees

24 Additional seating options for spectators or outdoor dining are Stabilize slope scattered throughout this space. with boulders/ rip-rap A terraced lawn amphitheater nestled into the slope creates a formalized transition down into the bowl of the park. Terraced New bridge seating can be used by the community to gather for a movie night or an outdoor performance.

KNIGHT PARK KNIGHT PARK Spaces close to and along the natural creek provide inviting areas for kids and adults to explore nature. The creek has been Walking trail cleared of invasive vegetation, celebrated, and stabilized with

boulders and native plantings. A new, more robust bridge brings foot traffic through the park and connects to a soft- surface walking trail with boulder steps that meanders through Investigate options the forested area of the park. for restoring creek base flow (uncover Lastly, a more formal entry plaza welcomes pedestrians into the Stream natural spring?) passive southwest corner of the park. A small lawn supported enhancement by a curved seat wall creates additional level space for informal play or simply relaxing and taking in the views.

As a future project, the community is encouraged to restore Seat wall installed to natural flow to the creek. create level lawn space Entry plaza RICE STREET

Community bench

Feet Final Concept 0 10 20 40 60 80 Ü September 06, 2017 Partial building deconstruction with new pavilion (looking East)

Dry Creek Bed (precedent) New pavilion concept (precedent) VISION PLAN 25 Partial building deconstruction with new pavilion (looking West) KNIGHT PARK KNIGHT PARK

Sculptural playground (PlayForm 7 by PlayWorld pictured) Echelon Apartments at Innovation Campus (precedent) Cabbagetown amphitheatre (precedent)

Echelon Apartments at Innovation Campus in Milwaukee, WI (precedent)

Final ConceptBocce court (precedent) - ImagTraffice calming Board bulb outs (precedent) Improve dual-use basketball/tennis court

August 16, 2017 KNIGHT PARK 26 VISION PLAN INTENTIONALLY BLANK INTENTIONALLY BLANK

KNIGHT PARK 27 VISION PLAN PROJECTS & B & PROJECTS KNIGHT PARK 28 VISION PLAN UDGET This vision plan portion ofthe stream, KnightParkiswell-positioned headwaters ofProctor Creek toboastadaylighted Chattahoochee River. Asoneofonly twoparksinthe from easttowestacross theparkonitswayto stream, anephemeraltributarytoProctor Creek, runs Stream enhancement&erosion control: The mature trees once theybegintoageanddieoff. part ofthisproject tobegingrow intoreplace the valuable shade.Newtrees shouldalsobeplanted as advantage ofthemature canopytrees thatprovide proposed toremain initsexistinglocationtotake next totheexistingplayground. Theplayground is footprint totakefulladvantageoftheflatlanddirectly updated seriesofplaystructures andexpandsthe This project replaces theexistingequipmentwithan advantage ofthespaceavailableforplayequipment. aging beyonditsusefullife,anditdoesnottakefull Playground: TheplayequipmentatKnightParkis disruption totheroots oftheexistingmature trees. trees andisbuiltwithpierfoundationstominimize The pavilionispositionedbetweentwolarge canopy from inclementweatherduringcommunityevents. will givethecommunitysomemuch-neededshelter roof overlookingthevalleyofpark.Thepavilion pavilion wouldbeconstructedasadeckwithshed Overlapping thiscourtyard space,thecommunity history oftheparkandneighborhood. condition ofthebuildingandinterpreting relevant be addedtotheproject documentingthe original portions ofthebuilding.Interpretive signagecould planted withtrees, surrounded bytheremnant wall portions ofthebuildingtocreate acourtyard space This project wouldselectivelydeconstructlarge an exampleofvernaculararchitecture inthe1940s. and empty, butstillhassomehistoricalsignificanceas collapsed severalyearsagoithasstoodboarded up eyesore bymanyinthecommunity. Sinceitsroof a centralpositioninKnightParkisconsidered an abandoned brick-and-cinderblockbuildingoccupying Community pavilion&walledgarden: Theexisting priority isgivenbelow: The listofprojects andabriefdescriptioninorder of first. order ofprioritytoguide which projects shouldcome meeting, attendeeswere askedtorankprojects in likely inaphasedapproach. Atthefinalcommunity guide community-baseddevelopmentofthepark, forKnightParkisintendedto or justrelaxing! space inthispart oftheparkforpick-up lawngames, also constructed,increasing theusabilityoflawn residents towalk through thepark.Alowseatwallis entry plazatothepark’s southwestern corner, inviting Rice Street entrance : Thisproject addsaformal sidewalk tothelowerlawnspace. access isachievedviaacentralstairleadingfrom the of thepark.Additionally, saferandmore formalized to sitandwatchm ovies orperformancesinthebowl amphitheater tothepark,offering residents aplace Amphitheater: Thisproject addsaterracedlawn the edges. planted areas directly adjacenttothecourtsoften restriping forbothtennisandbasketball,adding another basketballhooptothesouthendofcourt, existing multiusecourtbyreplacing thefence, adding Multi-use courtrenovation: Thisproject enhancesthe observed inthisarea. switchbacks tonavigatethechallengingslopes that traildesignuseboulderstepsorconstructed eradication beundertakenaspartofthisproject, and It isrecommended thatextensivemulti-year invasive slopes andadenseunderstoryofinvasivevegetation. into thewoodedarea haverevealed challenging more robust heavytimbercrossing. Siteinvestigations and replaces theexistingbridgeovercreek witha corner oftheparktocreate ashortwalkingcircuit advantage ofthewoodedareas inthesoutheast Bridge &woodlandtrails:Thisproject takes adjacent property owners. by removing thisconcrete capincooperationwith consistent baseflowmayberestored tothecreek worth investigatingthisfurthertounderstandwhether ago onprivatelandadjacenttothepark.Itmaybe baseflow ofthecreek wasfilledwithconcrete years rumored thataspring,whichactedassource forthe as“watersofthestate.”Itwasalso permitting project willrequire extensivelocal,state,andfederal Although itdoesnothaveregular baseflow, this and thepark. natural feature asapointofprideforthecommunity stream. Itseekstocelebrate andrehabilitate this provide placesforparkusers tointeractwiththe vegetation, create opportunitiesforhabitat,and species, stabilizethebankswithbouldersandnative of stream enhancementdesignedtoremove invasive this rare feature. Thevisionplanproposes aprogram to takeadvantageoftheopportunitiespresented by

KNIGHT PARK 29 VISION PLAN KNIGHT PARK 30 VISION PLAN addition oflowgraniteseatingwallsenclosesthe free library”spacejustnorthoftheplayground. The aesthetic andfunctionalimprovements tothe“little Books onbricks:Thisproject institutessimple compliance withtheseregulations. is recommended thatstreetscape improvements bein park iswithintheBeltLineoverlayzoningdistrict,andit traffic downasitmovesintotheneighborhood.The landscaping tobeautifyChurch Street aswellslow project usescurbbumpouts,sidewalks,lighting,and Church Street beautification &traffi shed roof Par Walled Garden Item September 2017 Knight Park OpinionofProbable Costs Benches Concr Church Street Entry Plaza TOTAL Landscape Entry sign GC project management andmobiliza Waste receptacle Human/dog water fountain Trees Granite seat wall Lawn GameArea TOTAL Design &engineering Trees Picnic tables Cus Pavilion TOTAL GC project management andmobiliza Grading Concrete sidewalk surround Aggregate garden surfacing Educa Benches Design &engineering Site furnishings Bocce court with GC project management andmobiliza Gravel surfacing TOTAL Design &engineering Ɵ tom pavilion deckwithguard rail and al deconstruc ete paving Ɵ onal signage Ɵ Ɵ me digEA mber edging on ofexis Ɵ n uligAllow ng building Ɵ Ɵ Ɵ o 25% on o 25% on o 5 1 25% on EA Allow Allow SF Notes Extended Cost Cost/Unit Qty Unit EA EA Allow LF Allow EA SY EA EA EA EA Allow SF EA SF SF c calming: This 1650 1500 3000 790 2 $1 $24,200 $110 220 5 $1 $10,850 $31 350 2 100 $12,000 $1,000 12 $,0 $2,500 $2,500 1 $000 $30,000 $30,000 1 $,0 $3,000 $1,500 2 $2,500 Use exis $2,500 1 $0 $500 plan $500 1 $3,0 $230,000 Includes design,delivery &installa $230,000 1 1 $,0 $5,000 Allowance for newsite furnishingsinthewalled garden $5,000 1 $,0 $10,000 delivered andinstalled $2,500 4 $,0 $2,000 $2,000 1 $000 $20,000 $20,000 1 1 $7,000 $1,000 7 $,0 $6,000 at eachendofBoccecourt $1,500 4 $,0 $1,200 $1,200 1 $,0 $5,400 $5,400 1 $050 $10,500 $10,500 1 $ $5,135 $7 $ $10,725 8’ widthsidwalk around three sidesofbuilding $7 $ $5,250 $4 $ $10,500 $4 and ParkPridemakesnowarrantyastotheiraccuracy. benefit offullconstructiondocumentationorasurvey, opinions ofprobable costwere notdevelopedwiththe cost about$1.6M,using2017pricesasaguide.These In total,alloftheseimprovements canbeexpectedto deconstruction oftheexistingbuilding. with bricks,potentiallyusingsalvagedmaterialfrom the playground andthestreet. Thespaceisalsopaved space andprovides aphysicalbarrierbetweenthe $230,000 $111,656 $15,419 $95,625 $18,331 $17,025 $3,084 Includes wall desconstruc capping u adjacent projects No fee given -theentry plaza shouldbeincorporated into oneofthe around edges -may befree through tree grant program fi compacts to form anADA-compliant surface Use slate chips,decomposed granite orsomething elsethat establishment period for two years -recommend maintenance contract for two-year recommended -make sure contractor guarantees plant material Planted inbuildingfootprint -Hornbeams(Carpinuscaroliniana) are and Recrea Interpret history ofpark/building-must beincompliance withParks compliant surface Use slate chipsorsomething elsethat compacts to form anADA- ve planted inlinewithtrees inwalled garden, andseven planted Ɵ ngs at rear ofbenches Ɵ ng domes Ɵ li Ɵ on signage standards Ɵ es -highuncertainty Ɵ c service line c service Ɵ on/stabiliza Ɵ on Ɵ on, removal of fl oor slab, Str Church Street Improvements TOTAL GC project management andmobiliza Str Stream Enhancement TOTAL GC project management andmobiliza Corten steel planters New basketball hoops New tennis net Court Resurface/restripe 10’ blackvinyl chainlinkfence Mul TOTAL GC project management andmobiliza Curb bump-outs Sod Flush curbingedge Mass grading Granite retaining wall $350,000 Includes design,delivery &installa $350,000 1 Allow Benches New play equipment Playground Design &engineering Design &engineering Design &engineering $2,600 For playground edges notadjacent to sidewalk orwalls $20 130 LF Brick paver plaza Gr Library plaza TOTAL Flush curbingedge Concr Amphitheatre TOTAL GC project management andmobiliza Landscape TOTAL Design &engineering GC project management andmobiliza Ini Allow Erosion control adjacent to RiceStreet Clearing andgrubbing Design &engineering anite seat wall Ɵ eetscape improvements eam enhancement al maintenance Ɵ use ete steps withhandrails Ɵ Ɵ Ɵ Ɵ Ɵ o 5 1 25% on o 5 1 25% on 1 25% on o 5 1 25% on o 5 1 25% on Allow EA Allow Allow SY LF LF Allow Allow LF CY Allow Allow LF LF EA AC EA SF Allow LF LF EA EA 0 $0 $2,000 $20 $39,000 150 $130 100 300 0 $1 $11,000 $110 100 0 $1 $6,200 $31 200 0 $5 $42,500 $85 500 8 $0 $5,850 may beableto incorporate bricks from deconstructed building $10 585 4 $0 $102,000 $300 340 0 $0 $10,000 $20 500 5 20 $12,100 $220 55 $000 $10,000 $10,000 1 $100,000 Landscaped $20,000 5 $,0 $9,000 $9,000 1 $,0 $5,000 $5,000 1 $,0 $5,000 $5,000 1 $30,300 $30,300 1 $6,000 $1,500 4 $,0 $3,500 $3,500 1 $,0 $2,500 $2,500 1 $,0 $6,500 $6,500 1 $,0 $1,000 may beableto usedonated materials $1,000 1 $,0 $5,000 $5,000 1 $,0 $4,800 $500 $2,400 $500 2 1 $000 $50,000 expect alotofpermi $50,000 1 $ $750 $5 $375,863 $352,600 $120,625 $84,063 $37,250 $34,813 $15,013 $50,500 $12,125 $5,450 $5,963 Overlay requirements Includes sidewalk, trees, andligh Goals ofestablishing na crea of desired vegeta Follow upfor 2years ofini Ɵ ng opportuni Ɵ on Ɵ es to interact withthestream ƫ ng work Ɵ ve ve vegeta Ɵ al maintenance to ensure establishment Ɵ ng incompliance withBeltLine Ɵ Ɵ on on, crea Ɵ ng habitat, and

KNIGHT PARK 31 VISION PLAN KNIGHT PARK 32 VISION PLAN Clearing andgrubbing Grading Switchbacks orsteps adcp lo $0 $500 plan $3,000 $1,550 $500 $1,500 $31 2 $1,600 1 $11,700 $6,000 may beableto incorporate bricks from deconstructed building 50 $20 $130 $10 Allow EA 90 80 CY 600 LF LF SF Landscape Benches Mass grading Granite retaining wall Flush curbingedge Brick paver plaza Rice Street Entrance &Lawn Invasive eradica Natural surface foo nr inE $,0 $2,500 $1,200 $2,500 $1,200 1 1 EA EA GC project management andmobiliza Waste receptacle Entry sign ein&egneigAlw1 1,0 $10,000 $10,000 1 Allow 20’ w Bridge &Woodland Trail TOTAL Design &engineering 10’ wooden footbridge GRAND TOTAL TOTAL GC project management andmobiliza Design &engineering ooden footbridge Ɵ on Ʃ rails Ɵ Ɵ o 5 $7,013 1 25% on o 5 1 25% on AC Allow LF SF YR SF EA Allow 960 6 $0 $8,000 $50 160 0 5 $4,000 $50 80 $,0 $3,500 Ini $3,500 1 $,0 $6,000 Mul $2,000 3 $,0 $3,500 $3,500 1 $,0 $10,000 $2,000 5 $200 $12,000 $12,000 1 $ $6,480 $7 $1,566,825 $45,063 $63,850 $10,370 Ɵ al eradica Ɵ Ɵ year follow-up a ngs at rear ofbenches Ɵ on ofinvasive species Ō er ini Ɵ al eradica Ɵ on fin

KNIGHT PARK 33 VISION PLAN