SUMMARY REPORT PREPARED FOR: PLANNING AND DESIGN ASSISTANCE

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY REPORT SAA DESIGN GROUP, INC 101 EAST BADGER ROAD, MADISON, WI 53713 608.255.0800 www.saa-madison.com #2598 21 January 2015 SAA Design Group ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS EXECUTIVE SUMMARY REPORT PREPARED FOR: PLANNING AND DESIGN ASSISTANCE PROVIDED BY: Beloit 2020 SAA DESIGN GROUP, INC David Schreiber, Principal Jacob Blue, Project Manager Caitlin Blue, Design Associate Aaron O’Keefe, Cartography Plan and Contents Prepared in Cooperation with: Beloit 2020 Jeff Adams City of South Beloit, IL Alice Schoonover, Mayor Firepoint Media Therese Oldenburg, Owner ECOLOGICAL ANALYSIS PROVIDED BY: APPLIED ECOLOGICAL SERVICES, INC Susan Lenhardt, Senior Ecologist 17921 Smith Road Brodhead, WI 53520 608-897-8641 www.appliedeco.com 101 East Badger Road Madison, WI 53713 608-255-0800 www.saa-madison.com iii NATURE at the Confluence TABLE OF CONTENTS INTRODUCTION EXISTING CONDITIONS PROGRAMMING OPPORTUNITIES CONCEPT PLAN CONCEPT PHASING LAND ACQUISTION 10 PLAN IMPLEMENTATION 11 COST ESTIMATE 14 PROPOSED SCHEDULE 15 iv SAA Design Group INTRODUCTION ATURE at the Confluence was identified as a significant public open space opportunity in the 2012 Connections Plan Since then the vision, name, and concept of NATURE at the Confluence has grown While developing the 2012 Connections Plan, the site was identified as the possible location of Turtle Village, a Ho-Chunk village dating to the early 1800’s The likely attractor for native populations to the site are the same as those that attract visitors and users to the site today - the nature that is found when two riparian systems (Turtle Creek and the Rock River) intersect The site has been a gathering point for historical populations for centuries It is because of the Confluence that the cities of Beloit, Wisconsin and South Beloit, Illinois are located where they are today Situated on the state line of Wisconsin and Illinois as well as the joining point for the cities of Beloit and South Beloit, the site is an urban Native meadow restoration, 2008 natural area left undeveloped as a result of industrial abandonment The site is located nearly at the center of a region populated by almost 100,000 people Those who find their way along rail lines or game and foot trails to the Confluence find it still has much of its wilderness charm, though it is plagued by two problems resulting from human development patterns: The Confluence is overgrown with nonnative invasive species and weedy natives; and The Confluence and surrounding properties have been denuded by rail, manufacturing, and landfill operations The Master Plan concept envisions a place that highlights the significance of the nature that has been preserved at the Confluence and restoring the site as a place of learning, recreating, and gathering for people of all ages and abilities Several special places are proposed at the site all with a focus on nature and ecological processes or historical understanding In addition, the site is proposed as a major regional destination and it is hoped will be a catalyst for nearby redevelopment The concept proposes a variety of spaces, experiences, hiking and biking trails, outdoor education, historical interpretation, and oneof-a-kind scenic overlooks In addition, the site will connect several existing trail systems and is central to many existing natural parks or preserves in the region When completed, NATURE at the Confluence is expected to provide visitors with almost 70 acres of prairie, meadow, wetlands, woodlands, and savanna as well as host a wetland laboratory and natural play area, amphitheater, ropes course, and more NATURE at the Confluence EXISTING CONDITIONS Green, 2012 Bird, Kolbe and Tolmie, 2014 AVE EXISTING LAND COVER EEK RI VE R R LE C RT TU DICKOP ST DALLMAN BUILDING K BLV D EK HAW RE DER C AN ME CHAR LE S S BLAC K A natural resoucres inventory in early 2014 found the site’s ecology severely impacted by previous land uses, an abundance of invasive species, inappropriate bank stablization techniques within Turtle Creek and upstream of the project, and declining ecological health of the site However, nature continues to persist and evidence of many special organisms and vegetation can be found on site SHIRLAND RO CK The NATURE at the Confluence site has had a long history of uses, beginning with early settlements and industrial revolution development and ending with site landfilling and post industrial uses These land use activities presented several design challenges including: • Previous landfilling activities; • Contamination concerns; • Seasonal flooding; • Poor soils; • Site access; • Invasive species; • Stream alignment; and • Two active railroad crossings and easements Two archeological investigations were completed at the site in 20121 and 20142 Both studies focused on discovering evidence of Turtle Village, suspected to be on or near the project site T 300 FEET N Confluence Boundary Railroad Landcover Mowed Grass Floodplain Forest Water Pavement The NATURE at the Confluence site today, 2014 SAA Design Group PROGRAMMING OPPORTUNITIES The Confluence site was first identified as a possible regional destination opportunity in the 2012 Connections Plan for the Greater Beloit region The Connections Plan envisioned a continuous public open space along the Turtle Creek corridor, extending from the confluence of Turtle Creek and the Rock River in South Beloit, east and north to Milwaukee Street in Beloit A key element of the Connections Plan was the development of an open space and recreation spine along which revitalized commercial and residential land uses could be created CONCEPT PROGRAMMING OPPORTUNITIES Shirland Avenue Hiking/Biking Trail Canoe/Kayak Trail Dickop St Ro c kR ive r NATURE at the Confluence is the first of many steps to follow the 2012 Connections Plan and the result of on-going commitment by Beloit 2020 to a more vibrant, prosperous community A commitment that began with the Vision Plan in 2005, followed by the Life at the Center Plan in 2010, the 2012 Connections Plan, and now NATURE at the Confluence The NATURE at the Confluence Concept Master Plan that follows, outlines the steps and commitment for the success of this project Black Turtle Creek hawk Boule vard Project Boundary ek re Kelly’s C Charle s St NOT TO SCALE ‡ Interpret Native American history, settlement, and impacts on the landscape ‡ Interpret Industrial land use history ‡ Site restoration ‡ Habitat development ‡ Trail connectivity ‡ Flood mitigation N ‡ Habitat restoration ‡ Hiking, biking, snowshoeing, cross cournty skiing ‡ Bird watching & wildlife viewing Conceptual site programming developed during stakeholder interviews and workshops, 2014 ‡ Multiuse space ‡ Habitat restoration ‡ Silent sports ‡ Ecological interpretation ‡ Citizen science ‡ Picnics ‡ Nature play ‡ Camping ‡ Learning center ‡ Teaching gardens ‡ Multiuse space ‡ Ecosystem services demonstration ‡ Regional destination ‡ Special events ‡ Boating access ‡ Fishing ‡ Stream science ‡ Creek restoration NATURE at the Confluence CONCEPT PLAN VISION: Nature at the Confluence will be a destination, nature-based, public open space dedicated to making City Center’s historic confluence of the Rock River and Turtle Creek a place of gathering, exploration, recreation, learning, and inspiration for people of all ages and abilities CONCEPT PLAN LEGEND 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 The Nature at the Confluence Learning Center The Learning Gardens Learning Center Outdoor Courtyard/ Classroom Interim Parking Entry Signage Raingarden Infiltration Exhibit The Meadow Council Ring The Beach Looks Confluence Overlook & Trails Savanna Restoration The Trestle & Eagle’s Nest The Naturatory New Enry & Parking Drumlin Gardens Wetland & Forest Restoration Bend in the Creek Amphitheater The Knoll Trail to Boney Island Ropes Confidence Course The Wetland Works & Kelly’s Creek Restoration Bridge Connections Community Gardens Turtle Village Interpretive Trails 200 FEET N Concept plan for NATURE at the Confluence, 2014 SAA Design Group Site view looking southwest Rock River 12 19 20 18 16 11c 17 11b 21 22 13 11a r Tu ee Cr tle 14 k 15 Di p c ko St t ree LEGEND 10 The Nature at the Confluence Learning Center The Learning Gardens Learning Center Outdoor Courtyard/Classroom Interim Parking Entry Signage (Not Shown) Raingarden Infiltration Exhibit The Meadow Council Ring (Not Shown) The Beach Looks Confluence Overlook & Trails (Not Shown) NTS 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 Savanna Restoration The Trestle & Eagle’s Nest The Naturatory New Enry & Parking Drumlin Gardens Wetland & Forest Restoration Bend in the Creek Amphitheater The Knoll Trail to Boney Island Ropes Confidence Course Conceptual rendering of NATURE at the Confluence, looking southwest from Blackhawk Boulevard, 2014 21 The Wetland Works & Kelly’s Creek Restoration 22 Bridge Connections 23 Community Gardens (Not Shown) 24 Turtle Village Interpretive Trails (Not Shown) NATURE at the Confluence CONCEPT PHASING Phase I explores the improvements needed in order to provide the first level of site programming and operation This includes: remodeling and development of the Learning Center and key features associated with this facility, interim parking, establishment of initial trails to the confluence and in the floodplain forest adjacent to the Rock River, entry signage, the beach and boat access from Turtle Creek, and initiation of savanna restoration and prairie restoration immediately adjacent to the Learning Center area LEGEND AVE SHIRLAND PHASE III 24 RI VE R TURT LE CREEK 22 10 DICKOP ST 11.A 5 PHASE I 16 BLVD RO CK 12 BLAC KHAW K The Nature at the Confluence Learning Center The Learning Gardens Learning Center Outdoor Court Yard/Classroom Interim Parking Interpretive Signage Raingarden Infiltration Exhibit The Meadow Council Ring The Beach 10 Looks Conflunce Overlook & Trails 11 Savanna Restoration 12 The Trestle & Eagle’s Nest 13 The Naturatory 14 New Entry & Parking 15 Drumlin Gardens 16 Wetland & Forest Restoration 17 Bend in the Creek Amphitheater 18 The Knoll 19 Trail to Boney Island 20 Ropes Confidence Course 21 The Wetland Works & Kelly’s Creek Restoration 22 Bridge Connections 23 Community Gardens 24 Turtle Village Interpretive Trails 11.B 22 KE 19 EEK LLY’S CR 21 13 14 GARD NE R S T Phase III includes restoration and realignment of Kelly’s Creek, the Bend in the Creek Amphitheater, the Knoll, the Savanna Ropes Course, additional trails, and habitat restoration 15 PHASE II 11.C 17 20 18 CHA RLES NOT TO SCALE ST Phase II includes the Trestle and Eagle’s Nest, the Naturatory play area, and establishment of the new parking south of the Learning Center with the Drumlin Gardens along Blackhawk Boulevard Additional habitat restoration is also planned for this phase 23 N Proposed Phasing for future design and construction, 2014; Concept image of the NATURE at the Confluence Learning Center, 2013, Angus Young and Associates SAA Design Group Phase I: A The Learning Center The Learning Center provides a place to connect people of all ages and abilities with the unique ecology and historical significance resulting from the confluence of Turtle Creek and the Rock River Phase I: B The Learning Gardens These gardens are designed for use by the facility to illustrate gardening practices and outcomes E C Phase I: C Outdoor Courtyard/Classroom This space has been conceputally sized for reception events or outdoor instruction B D NOT TO SCALE Proposed special places A-E, 2014; Nature education, passive nature education A Phase I: D The Multiuse Lawn This space is intended to be used in a variety of ways such as programmed events, receptions, yoga, fitness bootcamps, or just a picnic The space is sized for event tents or for multiple smaller programmed events operating in concert N Phase I: E Raingarden Infiltration Exhibit The rain garden will treat site runoff and serve as a demonstration for surrounding and regional commercial and institutional uses NATURE at the Confluence Phase 2: F The Trestle & Eagle’s Nest This pedestrian structure is an art piece and an opportunity to view the region in a very special way At more than thirty feet high, the Eagle’s Nest is an overlook modeled after an eagle’s nest in form and structure F H I Phase 2: G The Naturatory The Naturatory is designed to be a naturebased playground dedicated to learning and fun G Phase 2: H Drumlin Gardens The Drumlin Gardens mark the entrance to the NATURE at the Confluence site along Blackhawk Boulevard and are an interpretation of the region’s glacial past Phase 2: I Parking Ample parking is proposed for the park Beginning north of the Learning Center and eventually expanding south along Blackhawk Boulevard NOT TO SCALE N Special places F-I; Wetland playground, 2007, Joy Schoenberger; Stream restoration, 2008; Willow maze by Patrick Dougherty, 2014, Jean-Pierre Dalbéra SAA Design Group Phase 3: J The Wetland Works and Kelly’s Creek Restoration A proposed outdoor wetland and creek laboratory for students and visitors Phase 3: K The Knoll The Knoll is expected to highlight native prairie species and provide an informal, mown trail to the peak Phase 3: L Bend in the Creek Amphitheater Informal seating on lawn and boulders overlooking a small stage/lecture/ performance area J Phase 3: M Savanna Ropes Course A training experience within nature and an opportunity to experience nature from a different perspective L M K Phase 3: N Community Gardens The gardens are proposed to be small plots that can be leased by citizens of South Beloit for growing vegetables and table flowers N NOT TO SCALE Special places J-N; Climbing wall; Ropes course; Oak savanna restoration, 2010, Applied Ecological Services, Inc N Beloit NATURE at the Confluence LAND ACQUISTION LAND ACQUISITION Most of the NATURE at the Confluence site is owned by the City of South Beloit The o Dallman property has been acquired ad Transit Center lg D wa y Ca na dia nP aci fic Ra il KHAW K BLV CHAR LES S T Parcel Boundary Publically Owned (City of South Beloit) Publically Owned (City of Beloit) Presently Privately Owned 10 300 FEET N OAK GROV E AVE KHAW K BLV Nature at the Confluence Proposed Phase I Area - 25.6 Acres D City of South Beloit BLAC BLAC D K BLV KHAW ROVE AVE BLAC OAK G ROVE AVE City of South Beloit way Rail OAK G cific Beloit n Pa S al ga City of South Beloit Unio Other properties that need to be acquired include the Mannino Trust properties and the Salgado properties Acquiring the Mannino Trust properties is needed in order to establish site access off of Charles Street and the proposed large parking lot south of the Learning Center The Salgado Cityproperty of is needed in order to link a continuous South Rock River trail access from the project south to Beloit City of Nygren Prairie as well as other parks South City of Beloit SHIRLAND AVE S al ga Sa City of South o Beloit OWNERSHIP ad g l Sa City of South Beloit Rail trestle, 2009; Existing site ownership, 2014 SAA Design Group PLAN IMPLEMENTATION APPROACH STRATEGIES The implementation of NATURE at the Confluence will focus on two long-term objectives: The following strategies for plan implementation propose a foundation for the near-term implementation of the plan through Phase I of development Continuous partnership building; and Continuous community and partner engagement On-going partnership building will be needed at the public and private levels The vision of NATURE at the Confluence was built through collaboration and consensus with potential partners and users It’s expected the project will continue to engage partners such as: • Welty Center; • The Winnebago County Forest Preserve District; • YMCA; A Development Advisory Team (DAT) will be developed by Beloit 2020 and the City of South Beloit The DAT is anticipated to assemble regularly to ensure that near-term action steps for the project are completed in a timely fashion It is expected that the existing advisory council will grow into the DAT Potential DAT representation could include representatives of: • South Beloit, as appointed by the Mayor and City Council; • The Winnebago County Forest Preserve District; • Beloit College; and • Welty Center; Additional partners should also be sought among recreational or other user groups: • Fishermen; Two ownership models could be applied to the project: Partnership Approach: Project partners with expertise related to the type of landscape or facility being proposed in the Master Plan take ownership and operational responsibility for portions of the site corresponding with their expertise Consolidated Approach: The City of South Beloit becomes the sole owner of all properties covered by the Master Plan Facility operation, staffing, site maintenance and landscape management would be led by the City with input from project partners and stakeholders » Development Advisory Team • School districts; others in order to maintain the vision of the project and build capacity for site management and programming » Property Ownership • YMCA; • South Beloit School District; and • Beloit College » Property Management & Facility Programming Management and facility programming should revolve around the strengths of each of the partners, the sites resources, and access This plan anticipates one of the DAT members will take leadership in day to day management of the site including staffing, programming activities, budgeting, maintenance and promotion of site programs and events • Silent water sports; • Bikers; • Native plant enthusiasts; • Bird watchers; and • Regional higher education institutions Nature walk; Prairie restoration 11 NATURE at the Confluence » Stimulating Redevelopment Operation & Programming Ownership ‡Regulatory ‡Grants ‡Leases/Easements ‡Agreements ‡Staffing ‡Maintenance ‡Promotion ‡Budget NATC Development Advisory Team ‡0LVVLRQ ‡)XQGLQJ ‡'HYHORSPHQW ‡3KDVLQJ 12 It is expected that NATURE at the Confluence will stimulate adjacent and regional redevelopment The prospect of creating a visitor and regional attraction by cleaning, improving the aesthetic, and providing community access to derelict and abandoned lands at the Confluence creates a powerful story and argument for the improvement of adajacent property Anticipated improvements immediately adjacent to NATC are expected to include Blackhawk Avenue (IL Highway 2) and Gardner Street (IL Highway 175) These streets have been identified in the City of South Beloit’s comprehensive plan as priority transportation corridors; and serve as the southern gateway to the Beloit/South Beloit City Center Improved roadway function, aesthetics, and more people in the area, will make private property adjoining the roadways more attractive for private redevelopment Proposed organization model; Sledding; Stream play; Boardwalks SAA Design Group » Agency Coordination & Support The Illinois Department of Transportation, Illinois Department of Natural Resource, Illinois State Historic Preservation Office, and federal and state Environmental Protection Agencies provided initial input as part of the master planning process Ongoing input and engagement is expected in order to facilitate agency cooperation, understanding, and support It is recommended that agency round tables are held as the plan is refined Union Pacific and Canadian Pacific railroads will need to approve track crossings, safety fencing, and landscape maintenance access proposed in the Master Plan Communication with the railroads and approval often takes longer than hoped; these issues should be given early consideration in the plan implementation » Community Engagement Continuing to engage the community with special events, news articles and progress updates on the project web site will be important if the project is expected to remain a priority in the community » Establish Taxing or Development Districts NEXT STEPS The following describes the anticipated next steps These steps are more or less arranged in order of priority » Site Control » Site Survey » Soil Survey and Sampling The NATURE at the Confluence project was first proposed as part of the 2012 Greater Beloit Connections Plan and envisioned the Confluence as part of an open space corridor that will one day be framed with redevelopment projects » Interim Site Maintenance A TIF district has been proposed by the City of South Beloit for the park area and property adjacent to the park » Coordination with Regulators and Agencies » Rail Road Coordination » Community Outreach » Threatened and Endangered Resources Survey » Coordination with Partners » 2015 Grant Opportunities » Project Budgeting by the City of South Beloit » Phase I Design Refinement » Construction Great horned owl (Bubo virginianus), 2011, William H Majoros; Snow-shoeing; Cookout; White -tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus), 2011, Steve Hillebrand, USFWS 13 101 East Badger Road, Madison, WI 53713 608-255-0800 www saa-madison.com SAA #2598