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Gunkeilfir eo City of Ithaca New York 1987 Prepared for the Department of Planning and Development and the Department of Public Works City of Ithaca New York Funded in part by a Grant from the Architecture, Planning and Design Program of the New York State Council on the Arts Prepared by: Trowbridge -Trowbridge Landscape Architects Ithaca, New York C®unt'temne Credits Preface Chapter One History of Planning in the Park 1894 -Present Chapter Two Preservation Goals Goal One: Establish a Park Commission 6 Goal Two: Preserve Historic Structures and their Landscape Setting 8 Goal Three: Preserve and Enhance the Overall Park Landscape 10 Goal Four: Preserve and Enhance Park Road and Path Systems 11 Goal Five: Protect and Beautify the Shoreline 12 Goal Six: Preserve Passive And Informal Recreation Activities Preserve Limited Active Recreation and Enhance Water Related Activities 14 Goal Seven: Coordinate Park Furnishings 15 Chapter Three Preservation Guidelines I. Park Structures and Their Landscape Setting 15 II. Park Landscape 26 III. Shorelines 36 IV. Roads and Paths 40 V. Recreation 44 VI. Park Furnishings 47 Chapter Four Recommended Phasing Actions 51 The 1987 Stewart Park Preservation Goals and Guidelines and accompanying plan were prepared by Trowbridge -Trowbridge Landscape Architects, Ithaca, New York. Peter Trowbridge was principal- in -charge, Paula Horrigan, project manager and Kathryn Wolf, Dan Krall, Bob Corning and Rick Manning, project staff. Tom Brown conducted the user survey in the beginning stages of the study. The work was performed for, and with the continued input from, the City of Ithaca Department of Planning and Development, Director Thys Van Cort, and the Department of Public Works, Director Jack Doherty. Completion of the 1987 Stewart Park Preservation Goals and Guidelines represents the culmination of over a year of coordinated effort by the City of Ithaca and the wider Ithaca community. Many individuals and groups provided valuable information, encouragement, assistance and critical input into this process. We would like to thank the following organizations for their assistance- Dewitt Historical Society, Historic Ithaca, and the NY State Department of Environmental Conservation. The following individuals also offered support and assistance - Leslie Chatterton, Thys Van Cort, Betsy Darlington, Susan Cummings, Bob Cutia, Jack Dougherty, Barbara Ebert, Lemoyne Farrell, Mayor John Gutenberger, Ben Nichols and Jon Meigs. We are grateful to members of the Stewart Park Advisory Group for their input and feedback. Finally we would like to acknowledge the committment to the planning and design process which has been exhibited by specific members of the Ithaca community, a committment which has helped to shape a direction for the preservation of Stewart Park. Specifically we would like to acknowledge and thank members of Citizens to Save Stewart Park- Doria Higgins, Vince Mulcahy, Victoria Romanoff, Joel Rabinowitz and Sally Grubb and the many other dedicated members of the community who attended meetings and presentations, wrote letters and offered feedback, including last but not least, David Ruether. Stewart Park is a delicate balance of lawn, trees and buildings. Anything done to it must be done with understanding, sensitivity, and inordinate care. To buzzsaw its trees, bulldoze its greensward, and run asphalt over the remains is to brutalize this fragile terrain. Christian Otto The process which led to the following Stewart Park Preservation Goals and Guidelines has been a long and weary one. The public outcry, set forth in a petition which 7,000 people signed, flatly criticised proposals which had been set forth in the 1984 Master Plan. Officially contracted to conduct design development of the 1984 Master Plan, Trowbridge -Trowbridge found themselves in the midst of a community controversy which often didn't stop short of personal attack. "We like it the way it is" and "Don't change the park" became the favorite catchall slogans for the day, slogans that meant to some "hands-off" and to others "maintain, restore, preserve" . Individual agendas, opinions and passions ran high. No doubt, at times, the degree of passion and anger muddied the waters and made goals and purposes, the city's, the community's and the consultant's difficult to define, However, the same energy facilitated a process which ultimately turned the 1984 Master Plan on its head and led to a significantly different 1987 preservation approach which respects the historic development of Stewart Park. The process for constructive planning in Stewart Park. has really only just begun. Putting the past aside, it is time to begin to consider the possibility of the kind of park that Stewart Park can be in the future- a revitalized community resource which is properly maintained, appreciated and safeguarded by the community. In the following pages Preservation Goals and Guidelines are set forth for Stewart Park. The accompanying plan illustrates the concepts outlined in the goals and guidelines. The future of Stewart Park is hinged on a shared vision and strategy for its future. Seven Preservation Goals Ithaca residents love Stewart Park for its 'serenity', 'spaciousness' and 'open vistas.' This openness and transparency accommodates the informal, passive uses of picnicking, walking and relaxing that typify public use of the park. The big picture at Stewart park is of a continuous plane of trees and grass meeting water on three sides in which one has a sense that the park goes on forever. This feeling of openness contributes to a sense of safety and comfort in the park. Preserving these unique attributes which embody the landscape character of the park is essential while maintaining and rehabilitating vegetation and landscape features. The other picture of Stewart Park, when it is studied both historically and in detail, is of a park in which historic structures and their surrounding landscapes have deteriorated. Suffering from lack of appropriate renovation they have become increasingly inhospitable and inaccessible to the. public. Certain park landscapes including the lake edge and the nature pond, have also deteriorated and suffered from inappropriate renovation procedures which limit both public and wildlife access. It is difficult to deny that many currently recognized problems associated with the park have resulted from years of wear and tear and neglect and lack of a consistent long range vision for the We think the present design of Stewart Park functions efficiently and enjoyably and allows a pleasant diversity of human movement. In general we support all proposals for better maintenance preservation and restoration of the park. Citizens to Save Stewart Park Park. In many instances, the adhoc planning of the past decades presents increased problems and conflicts with preservation strategies. The preservation approach, consisting of goals and guidelines outlined in the following pages, acknowledges both Stewart Park's history and the dynamics of change which have occured there. It does not preclude accomodating contemporary uses as long as they do not jeopardize the historic landscape and architectural value of the site. It is difficult to pin down any one approach for preservation in Stewart Park. Quite the contrary, a complex mixture of preservation measures are recommended to sustain the form, integrity, and material of the building and structures in the park, the form and vegetative cover of the site, and the layout and form of the overall park. The approach to preservation in Stewart Park combines aspects of rehabilitation, adaptive use, restoration, reconstruction and maintenance. Rehabilitation is the preservation approach which on the whole is recommended for Stewart Park's landscape and structures. This treatment aims to improve the utility, function and/or appearance of Stewart Park's historic cultural landscape while ensuring that the historic fabric remains following rehabilitation. Seven preservation goals are recommended to facilitate the rehabilitation of Stewart Park (See Chapter Three for detailed discussion). They are Goal One: Establish a Park Commission and Park Manager Goal Two: Preserve Historic Park Strucutres and their Landscape Setting Goal Three: Preserve and Enhance the Overall Park Landscape Goal Four: Protect and Beautify the Shoreline Goal Five: Preserve and Enhance Park Road and Path Systems Goal Six: Preserve Passive and Informal Recreation activities, preserve limited active recreation and enhance water related activities Goal Seven: Coordinate Park Furnishings It is intended that the 1987 Preservation Goals and Guidelines will facilitate the creation of maintenance schedules which in turn will facilitate the day-to-day maintenance of the park to ensure a long-lasting cohesive vision for Stewart Park. Both annual and day-to-day maintenance practices impact the character and quality of the park environment, as well as how the park is used. However, maintenance schedules cannot begin to be developed until a concensus opinion and preservation goals regarding the future of the park are resolved. CHAPTER ONE Illtin ry -211aunmililnE Illln 2"EWAI ? IPA X 1894 -Present 1934 STEWART PARK MASTER PLAN. Depicting the park in relation to the Stewart Park Complex- the Bird Sanctuary, Golf Course and Biological Field Station. What Led to the 1987 Plan? The 1987 Stewart Park Preservation Goals and Guidelines were prepared for the City of Ithaca in an effort to generate detailed guidelines for the ongoing restoration and maintainence of the City's historic waterfront park. The 1987 Goals and Guidelines are an up-to-date planning document for the park- a park which has seen considerable transformation, some planned and a good deal unplanned, in its nearly 100 year history. Park Planning in the 1980's The most recent period of planning for the Stewart Park Complex was initiated in 1984 by the City of Ithaca. At this time the 1984 Master Plan for Improvement of the Stewart Park Complex was prepared by Planning/Environmental Research Consultants, Land Planners; Glavin & Van Iderstine, Landscape Architects; and Leonard Mankowski, Architect. The 1984 Master Plan acted as a generalized plan for the long range development and use of the entire Stewart Park Complex, including the waterfront park, the Fuertes Bird Sanctuary, Newman Golf Course and Cornell Biological Field Station. It was not intended to be a detailed or final design for any of these areas of the park. The 1987 Stewart Park Preservation Goals and Guidelines, on the other hand, were undertaken to provide detailed guidelines for the waterfront portion of the park only, and as a result, do not include the bird sanctuary, golf course, or biological field station. The 1987 Goals and Guidelines reflect more refined and clarified community goals, many which have arisen out of criticism of the 1984 Master Plan. A consistently History of Planning in Stewart Park expressed opinion that the park's rehabilitation and maintenance should reflect it's historic character and quality provided the foundation for this most recent planning effort. Therefore, the proposals contained in the 1987 Goals and Guidelines acknowledge the historic park landscape and structures as the foundation for rehabilitation and preservation strategies in the future. Foremost among these proposals is the improvement of public access to the park's historic park structures requiring extensive rehabilitation and restoration of both the structures themselves and their adjacent sites. Before 1984, the year 1934 marked the last time a master plan for Stewart Park was developed. In the past 50 years the lack of a clear planning and development directive in Stewart Park has led to the gradual eroding of the 1934 Plan in an atmosphere where decisions have been made on an adhoc basis and subject to the political and management structure of the time. To overcome this problem the Goals and Guidelines contained herein suggest an ideal overall vision for the park along with tools for short and long range planning, management and decision making. The 1987 Goals and Guidelines emphasize the role of both a Park Commission to guide decision making and of Preservation Guidelines to facilitate a comprehensive vision for the park. The 1987 Goals and Guidelines are ultimately only a planning tool for Stewart Park . It is individuals who share a vision and committment who will make the difference at Stewart Park. 1 History of Stewart Park: 1894 to the Present During the past 100 years Stewart Park has undergone significant shifts in its ownership and uses. While it has seen a long history as a recreational facility it was not until 1921 that the park became a public facility .when it was purchased by the City of Ithaca and consolidated with other tracts to form a municipal park. Mayor Edwin Stewart, to whom the main incentive to create a public park is attributed, died in office only a month before the park's formal opening. As a result of both his input and his bequest of funds for the park's renovations and development, the park was renamed in his honor. Park Beginnings- 1890's In the early 1890's Stewart Park emerged as a result of two separate events. First, the purchase of the northeastern portion of the Parker tract by the Cascadilla School to develop athletic facilities followed by the construction of a trolley line to the lake and an accompanying trolley amusement park by the Cayuga Lake Electric Railway Company. Cascadilla School Athletic Facilities In 1894 The Cascadilla School commissioned Ithaca architects Clinton L. Vivian and Arthur N. Gibb to design a large boathouse/gymnasium on their waterfront site. When it was completed in 1896 it became recognized as one of the most successful examples of shingle -style architectural design in Ithaca. Although much diminished in its form and character as a result of neglect and disuse the Cascadilla Boathouse remains today as a prominent park structure. Rowing, the primary recreation function accomodated by the boathouse, has recently been revived at Stewart Park. A History of Planning in Stewart Park running track associated with the Cascadilla School facilities is evident, even today, in the layout of the western loop of the present park road. Cayuga Lake Electric Railway Developments The revival of steamboat travel on Cayuga lake inspired the Cayuga Lake Electric Railway to extend service to the lake. Seizing on an opportunity to boost profits, the Railway promoters created an amusement park at the lake terminus. The purchase of 40 acres between the Cascadillla School property and the hamlet of Port Renwick enabled the new owners to open their new park, known as Renwick Park, replete with structures and landscaping, to the public in 1894. Combining formal and picturesque elements in the Olmsted style, landscape architect and engineer William Webster of Rochester, was contracted to lay out the road in the park, locate tennis and croquet fields, and direct planting and clearing of vegetation. No plans of this work have been located to date. The design of the Renwick Park structures has been attributed to the firm of Vivian and Gibb and by 1895 their designs for pier, restaurant pavilion, dancing pavilion,water tower, bandstand and other structures had been constructed. A major feature of their pavilion design was a peristyle colonnade connecting the tower to the pavilions and partially enclosing the court. It was however never built, a fact lamented by local citizens. Into the Twentieth Century By 1896 the park was largely completed and so began a long period of change and development into the early 20th century. Amusements, a park menagerie, a merry-go-round and the renovation of the dancing pavilion to create Ithaca's first 2 vaudeville theater and later a motion picture theater and roller skating rink, were among the growing amusements at Renwick Park. However, rapid decrease in ridership in the first decade of the 1900's led to an increasingly non- profit situation for the park's owners and both the park and railway experienced a period of passing between private hands. It finally was sold to a group of local men in 1908 when the Cayuga Lake Electric Railway Company was dissolved and the Renwick Park and Traffic Assocation formed to replace it. By 1915 the hey -day of the trolley amusement park had passed and with it the park's popularity. Community visitation experienced a downward trend. Sometime before 1915 trolley access to the park was completely discontinued. At this time 55 acres south of the park were set aside as a bird sanctuary and maintained by the Cayuga Bird Club, named after the club's president upon his death in 1927, the Fuertes Bird Sanctuary. The park closed officially in 1915 although the new tenants, Wharton Studios, invited the public to continue using the park. The restaurant pavilion became the studio for Wharton Studio's motion pictures shot on location in the local area, while storage sheds were temporarily added to the property. The departure of the film industry from the Park in 1919, left the park in a poorly maintained and overgrown state. However, much of its historic form remained intact. A Public Park- 1921 By 1920, a renewed interest in Stewart Park was spearheaded by Mayor Edwin C. Stewart's vision for a lakeside municipal park. This led to the City's purchase of the property from the Renwick Park and Traffic Association in 1921. On March History of Planning in Stewart Park 2, 1921, before the park was officially dedicated, Mayor Stewart became ill and died and the park became renamed Stewart Park in his honor. In 1927 a permanent memorial was also erected in his memory. The flagpole to the south of the pavilion group still stands today although without its garden setting. Financed by citizen donations, the memorial was designed by Arthur Gibb whose design also involved a formal garden layout reminiscent of the trolley -era entrance garden. Park Expansion and Planning In preparation for the reopening of the park in 1921 several changes in the park's layout occured. In the early days the trolley had terminated and originated at the pavilion group where it loaded and unloaded visitors while carriages and early automobiles used the lakeshore road. In 1921 a new automobile entrance drive along the southern edge of the park was added to link the park entry to the city street system. The move to accomodate automobile traffic in the park reverberated throughout the park and caused extensive changes. The pavilion area no longer served as the park's major departure and arrival point and circulation was redirected to the perimeter of the park. The old lakeshore road was truncated where it passed in front of the pavilions and became a lakefront parking area. While this planning strategy eliminated a conflict between parking and the architectural elements of the pavilion group it changed the focus of the park activities from the central pavilion complex to other areas of the park. In 1923 the City purchased the Cascadilla School property and the new property was subsequently incorporated into the park with a minimum of 3 change. The School's abandoned running track became the western loop road of the much enlarged park. Russell VanNest Black highlighted the role of Stewart Park as a potentially important community recreation area in the preparation of Ithaca's first planning study initiated in 1924. VanNest Black proposed that carefully executed plans for the park's development take place and suggested that on the whole it "be developed natualistically with groves, drives, pathways, and open meadows." (VanNest Black quoted in "The Stewart Park Story", Historic Ithaca, 1987, p. 10). Master Plan for Stewart Park- 1934 A master plan finally emerged in 1934 following in the footsteps of major dredging and infill works undertaken by the WPA to raise the level of the park's gradient between two and three feet and stabilize its shorelines. At the same time that the headland was stabilized and enclosed to house a bird "refuge" a stone observation platform was constructed and the whole area dedicated to Louis Agassiz Fuertes. These changes appeared on the 1934 Plan. Other elements of the 1934 Master Plan included proposals to link the Fuertes Bird Sanctuary, to the south, with the Cascadilla duck pond, to the north, via a walkway. This proposal was however never realized. One of the pair of tennis courts proposed for the lakeshore above the athletic field was built according to the plan while the west court and the tennis pavilion were never built. The lakeshore extension and planting proposed north of the tennis complex was never implemented and, while a large pier and bathing ramp were proposed to extend from the main pavilion group, only the History of Planning in Stewart Park bathing ramp was ever constructed and remains today. A pavilion proposed for the circle on the south edge of the park was never built, although the road circle, constructed as part of the circulation pattern, is extant. Other major capital open space projects emerged from the 1934 plan although the thoroughfares which would have linked them to the park were never implemented. The present day Stewart Park complex consisting of the bird sanctuary, municipal golf course, Cornell biological field station and the park proper was thus conceived and largely realized in the 1930's. Planning in Stewart Park- Post 1934 Since the 1934 Master Plan, the park has witnessed significant changes which on the whole have been unguided. An acknowledged vision and committment to the type of character and image Stewart Park ought to convey has as a result, since the 1930's, been lacking. Deterioration of park buildings, infrastructure and shoreline, has in some cases, led to rehabilitation measures and in other cases to the abandonment of structures for public use. In some instances a crisis situation has arisen in which years of neglect and a lack of planning strategies endangers the existence of structures, such as the Casdadilla Boathouse, making them only increasingly more costly to stabilize and rehabilitate. The decade of the 1950's saw the development of playground and picnic areas west of the pavilion group where the Vivian and Gibb teahouse was relocated and used as a picnic pavilion. The tubular steel play equipment and the spray pool were installed there at this time. In 1961 a merry- go-round was placed adjacent to the area. 4 i Swimming was discontinued due to pollution and the turgidity of the water. The 1960's witnessed the construction of Route 13 and the creation of the present automobile entrance. Excess fill from Route 13 construction was used to extend the lake edge northward. the row of willows was planted at this time. Since the 1960's additions such as the Kiwanis Chicken Barbeque and the Arnold C. Stallman Memorial Rose Garden have been erected in the park, gifts from citizens groups. The gift of two white swans to the duck pond led to the fencing of the duck pond from park visitors. While appreciated civic gestures, these additions to the park do not comply with any long range planning vision which recognizes the historic integrity of the park. Park structures, with an unclear future of rehabilitation have closed down and succumbed to the storage needs of the Department of Public Works and the living quarters for the park's caretaker. Historic paths and the Major Stewart Memorial Garden, while demolished are still visible in the remaining configuration of shrubs and plantings. Public gathering space has been replaced with an asphalt parking lot in the main pavilion complex. The zoo or menagerie was only recently disbanded making the southernmost portion of the park an open picnic area. Deteriorated shoreline has led to engineered shoreline improvements vastly at odds with the original vision of Stewart Park as a naturalistic Olmstedian landscape. It was in this atmosphere of deterioration of the park's facilities and an atmosphere of ad-hoc decision making that the 1987 Preservation Goals and Guidelines emerged. These Goals and History of Planning in Stewart Park Guidelines attempt to reverse a trend of deterioration and facilitate the beginning of a regenerative period for Stewart Park, guided by careful planning strategies and decision-making which respects the historic integrity of the park's structures and landscape. •5 CHAPTER TWO rreoelovmffi®lm C ©ihh Goal One: Establish a Park Commission Goal Two: Preserve Historic Structures and their Landscape Setting Goal Three: Preserve and Enhance the Overall Park Landscape Goal Four: Protect and Beautify the Shoreline Goal Five: Preserve and Enhance Park Road and Path Systems Goal Six: Preserve Passive and Informal Recreation Activities, Preserve Limited Active Recreation and Enhance Water Related Activities Goal Seven: Coordinate Park Furnishings RECOMMENDED PARK PLAN -1987 The accompanying plan illustrates the Goals and Guidelines described in this report. It is meant to serve as a guide for planning and decision-making. The following Goals guided the development of the plan: Goal One: Establish a Park Commission Goal Two: Preserve Historic Structures and Their Landscape Setting Goal Three: Preserve and Enhance the Overall Park Landscape Goal Four: Protect and Beautify the Shoreline Goal Five: Preserve and Enhance Park Road and Path Systems Goal Six: Preserve Passive and Informal Recreation Activities, Preserve Limited Active Recreation and Enhance Water Related Activities. Goal Seven: Coordinate Park Furnishings LEGEND rip -rap shoreline vegetation pebble beach shrubs path proposed specimen trees benches picnic tables ,Cayuga Lake Goad ©me: Establishment of A PARK COMMISSION The 1987 Goals and Guidelines are meant to serve as a guide for decision making and planning in Stewart Park. As a public park of historic significance and special meaning to the Ithaca community Stewart Park needs continual planning and care to both preserve its historic attributes and support its thoughtful evolution. No plan for Stewart Park can stand on its own. Without a decision-making structure to facilitate planning all planning is for nought and risks the same short-lived vision that the 1934 Master Plan experienced. The investment of time and energy by a stable Park Commission comprised of professionals is strongly recommended as a strategy for both short and long range planning in Stewart Park. The Park Commission would provide continuity and committment to planning and decision-making in Stewart Park while maintaining an aesthetic and practical preservation vision. It is recommended that a Park Commission be comprised of a group of appointed professionals and local citizens. Functioning with binding review power, the Park Commission would act as an overseer on planning and maintenance issues in the park. The responsibilities of such a Commission could logically extend to Ithaca's other city parks. Preservation Goals Public support and a desire for such a commission has already been strongly expressed by community groups. It is recommended that the Park Commission consist of not less than seven (7) members, chosen because of their specific expertise and comprised of individuals representing the following areas of expertise. an ecologist/naturalist a botanist or horticulturist a landscape architect an architectural preservationist an ornithologist an aquatic biologist a member of the Board of Public Works local citizen and user groups representatives The Role of a Park Manager It is further recommended that a park manager is appointed in Stewart Park. A park manager would be responsible for managing the park's day-to-day planning and maintenance schedules, training crews and developing long term maintenance procedures. Such an individual would work closely with the Park Commission in implementing its directives according to the goals and guidelines set forth for the park. 6 J Preservation Goals MODEL FOR PARK DECISION MAKING Common Council *Approve Stewart Park Preservation and Revitalization Manual. *Appoint Park Commission members and Park Manager. *Determine budgets for annual park maintenance and capitol improvements. Park Commission *Set park policy based on the goals of $tewart Park: Preservation Goals and Guidelines. *Develop and direct implementationof the park management, annual maintenance, and capitol improvement program. the selection of Park Manager and consultants for capitol projects. Park Manager *Develop Park Management Plan. *Coordinate the development and implementation of annual park maintenance schedules. *Coordinate park crew training. *Coordinate citizen participation in park maintenance. *Coordinate capitol improvement projects and consultants. Park Maintenance Crew and Consultants *Work with Park Manager to develop annual park maintenance schedules. *Implement park maintenance schedule. *Implement in-house park preservation projects. Stewart Park: j987 Preservation Goals and Guidelines, *Goals and guidelines for park preservation and restoration. *Phased, area -by -area preservation recommendations. *Proposed model for park decision making. Stewart Park Management Plan *Implementation strategy for overall goals and objectives listed in the Stewart Park: 1987 Preservation Goals and Guidelines. *Detailed and phased implementation plan for park maintenance, preservation, and revitalization. Annual Maintenance Schedule and Capitol Improvement Projects *Tasks listed for each park area throughout the year. *Prioritized lists of in-house and consultant preservation projects. Park Maintenance and Preservation *Grass cutting, pruning, painting, building stabilization, planting flowers, etc. *Bench constuction and installion, lighting installation, BBQ installation, planting trees and shrubs, removal of selected trees and shrubs, removal of selected fencing, playground installion. *Road reconstruction, building reconstruction and improvement, lake and Fall Creek edge improvements, pond rehabilition and restoration, and design of gateways, new structures, furnishings and other site and building details. 7 Goal Two: Preserve Historic Park Structures and their Landscape Setting The highest priority concern in Stewart Park is to rehabilitate, restore and in some cases reconstruct the architectural ensemble of park buildings and their historic character -defining features. Currently, only the picnic pavilion and tea pavilion are accessible to the general public. Improved restrooms, concessions, and community access are desperately needed to renew the role of these historic structures as focal points for programming and activities in the park. Specifically, the significant park structures designated for preservation include the Cascadilla Boathouse, the Picnic and Dance Pavilion ( often referred to as the main pavilion complex) and the Tea Pavilion. The historic Mayor Stewart Memorial Flagpole, designed by Arthur Gibb is, in addition, included as a significant park structure. These structures are not only architecturally interesting and unique, but of local, if not national, historic significance. The main pavilion complex was conceived and constructed as a grand civic gesture in the late 19th century, while the Cascadilla Boathouse, circa 1894, is a significant example of shingle style architecture. Furthermore, it is strongly recommended that the landscape setting around major park structures is rehabilitated to reflect their historic use, building and site relationships and their relationship to the overall park character and setting. Rehabilitation and restoration of historic landscapes goes hand in Preservation Goals hand with rehabilitation of park structures and together will both enrich the park experience for users and provide an appropriate setting for historically significant park structures. A.Preservation of Cascadilla Boathouse and Landscape Setting Objectives: 1. Increase opportunities for public access and use of the Cascadilla Boathouse to accomodate new public restrooms, winterized community rooms, and boatclub functions. 2. Undertake major interior and exterior rehabilitiation to restore the original architectural character and integrity including facade restoration, veranda restoration, and possible replacement of the 3 -story conical tower, previously removed. 3. Rehabilitate the landscape surrounding the boathouse to complement the historic structure and to unify the boathouse, nature pond, Fuertes Overlook, and boat access area along Fall Creek. B.Preservation of Dance and Picnic Pavilion and Landscape Setting Objectives: 1. Reclaim the pavilion complex as the centerpiece of the park and as a community accessable facility. Rehabilitate restrooms, consolidate concessions and accomodate multiple community uses. Restore the architectural integrity of the two pavilions as an ensemble. 8 A Preservation Goals 2. Remove parking from between the pavilions and restore it as a community gathering space reminiscent of its original design. C. Preservation of Tea Pavilion and Landscape Setting Objectives: 1. Maintain access to the tea pavilion for group picnicking. 2. Restore the historic form and character of the tea pavilion. 3. Link the tea pavilion and main pavilion complex with a footpath, to both facilitate circulation among facilities and recognize the architectural ensemble of park buildings. 4. Enhance the prominance of the tea pavilion as an architectural feature in an open park setting. D. Preservation of Mayor Stewart Memorial Flagpole and Associated Garden Objectives: 1. Rehabilitate and maintain the Memorial Flagpole and its base. 2. Reestablish the Memorial Flagpole as the centerpiece of a memorial garden setting as it was once designed. 3. Recreate historic path networks which connect the Memorial Flagpole to the Main Pavilion Complex. 9 Goad Tllnrr® preserve and Enhance the Overall Park Landscape Stewart Park has experienced many phases of landscape development which over the years have been altered or transformed to meet changing priorities and points of view about how the park should function. However, one thing has remained the same. Generally, Stewart Park is remembered as a landscape of open views and vistas provided by its continuous lawn spaces and specimen trees. The goal is to maintain open lawns and specimen trees which occur throughout the main body of the park. Furthermore, it is recommended that landscape elements which have experienced deterioration in the past decades are rehabilitated Rehabilitation of damaged or negected landscapes in the park will improve ecological habitat for fish, birds, and wildlife, create renewed education and recreation opportunities for park users, and improve the overall visual harmony of the landscape image. Areas designated for ecological rehabilitation include the nature pond, the South Glade and the lagoon. A. Preservation of Open Lawns and Specimen Tree Plantings Objectives 1. Maintain specimen trees in an open lawn setting in the major body of the park. 2. Preserve the willow row along the lakefront as an important part of the park image. Preservation Goals 3. Infill and plant specimen trees along the road to frame large open spaces and to improve the road character and drive through the park using care to avoid blocking views and vistas. 4. Improve the park entry with tree and lawn improvements which also screen Route 13. B. Landscape Rehabilitation of Cascadilla Nature Pond Objectives: 1. Rehabilite the vegetation of the nature pond to create a more ecologically suitable wildlife habitat, while improving public access to the pond as an environmental education opportunity. C. Landscape Rehabilitation of South Glade and Lagoon Objectives: 1. Restore the wetland -glade vegetation character of the South Glade and lagoon along the water's edge. Restore the area to be an extension of the Fuertes Bird Sanctuary as it was historically conceived. 10 s Goill IFounuo Protect and Beautify the Shoreline Stewart Park's relationship to the water is its greatest asset. To preserve and protect that asset, major shoreline improvements are suggested along Cayuga Lake, Fall Creek and the lagoon. These improvements involve maintenance, repair, stabilization and enhancement of the habitat potential of existing edges while improving public access to the shore and water. Shoreline improvements may include both landscape and engineering solutions. A. Rehabilitation of Fall Creek Shoreline Objectives: 1. Improve and maintain public access to Fall Creek for fishing, sunbathing and rowing. 2. Combine shoreline improvements with water recreation programming in relation to the Cascadilla Boathouse. 3. Maintain and restore the wildlife habitat along Fall Creek while stabilizing the banks from erosion. B. Rehabilitation of Cayuga Lake Shoreline Objectives: 1. Rehabilitate and maintain the shoreline along Cayuga Lake. 2. Improve public access to the water's edge. Preservation Goals C. Rehabilitation of Lagoon Shoreline Objectives: 1. Improve the shoreline to accomodate and support vegetation diversity . 2. Improve public access to the water's edge. 11 (C®ill IFfve: Preserve and Enhance Park Road and Path Systems It is recommended that the existing vehicular circulation system including the one-way loop road on the west end of the park be preserved. Furthermore, it is recommended that the road and curb system existing in the park is maintained and that high priority is given to addressing road problems where they particularly impact landscape character, historic park structures or drainage concerns. The existing wide park road and unstructured parking layout creates problems particularly in periods of heavy use. Therefore, it is recommended when long term, large scale road infrastructure improvements are undertaken, that the road be carefully studied. At that time, it is recommended that nose -in parking spaces are distributed throughout the park to create an efficient parking layout. Currently, pedestrian circulation throughout Stewart Park is largely unstructured and walkways are considered unnecessary in the main body of the park. However, walkways are recommended in areas where they were once historically proposed or constructed. A. Rehabilitate park road system Objectives: 1. Maintain existing road layout including the one- way loop road. Preservation Goals 2. Maintain and restore the historic curb edge as an intergral feature of the road's character. 3. Maintain and upgrade road drainage. 4. Short term improvements: a. Undertake realignment of the park road and/or removal of asphalt in association with rehabilitation improvements of shoreline, and park structures and their setting. b. Undertake measures to make the road safer for pedestrians and bikers including the following: monitor parking in heavy periods of use on the loop road to discourage unsafe parallel parking on both sides of the road; delineate a permanent bike lane on the road; monitor road speeds in the park. 5. Long term improvements: a. Regularize park road width to a scale consistent with the park setting. b. Consider elimination of parallel parking and implemention of regularized nose -in parking. Consider redistribution of parking throughout the park. c. Consider increasing parking capacity along the lakefront. B. Recreate historic path networks Objectives: 1. Implement pathways which link the Circle Greenway and Stewart Park to one another. 12 2. Recreate historic pathways associated with the Mayor Stewart Memorial Flagpole and garden and linking the Memorial Flagpole to the main pavilion complex. 3. Restore the architectural ensemble of park buildings with a pathway linking the Tea Pavilion and the Main Pavilion Complex. 4. Restore the connection between the park and the city with a sidewalk which links the Youth Bureau with the park and provides for visitors who arrive by bus. Consider a sidewalk connection which ties into the city street network and the high school. Preservation Goals 13 Go.:1 Il Shys: Preserve passive and informal recreation activities, preserve limited active recreation and enhance water related activities Recreation in Stewart Park is primarily passive including walking, running, sitting, picnicking, sunbathing, reading and fishing. The open spaces of the park have always encouraged informal sports activities such as kite -flying and frisbee throwing. Active recreation facilities are limited to the children's playground, the tennis courts, and the softball backstop which enables small scale ball playing. Although located on the water, water related recreation in Stewart Park is limited by impermanent deteriorated docks and shoreline. Increased water access and water related recreation is considered a major goal for recreation in the park. A. Maintain passive recreation activities Objectives: 1. Preserve and enhance open lawn areas to allow unimpeded movement through the park in all directions. 2. Increase opportunities for passive walking, and strolling in the park with path improvements. Locate park benches in association with views, vistas and path improvements to improve the experience for passive park users. 3. Maintain access to the Fuertes Bird Sanctuary for pedestrians. Preservation Goals B. Maintain limited active recreation Objectives: 1. Continue to accommodate the playground, a softball backstop and possibly the tennis courts in the park but do not increase the number of permanent recreation elements. 2. Relocate active recreation which is not dependant on lake views to the east field, an underutilized area of the park. 3. Increase the safety of bikers in the park with a designated bike path along the park road. 4. Preserve and maintain the traditional tubular steel play equipment. 5. Rearrange the playground equipment and relocate the spray pool in association with rehabilitation of park structures and landscapes, and to ensure safety of small children. 6. Maintain the carousel in its current location. D. Increase water access to Cayuga Lake, Fall Creek and the lagoon Objectives: 1. Improve docking facilities on Fall Creek in association with the Cascadilla Boathouse. 2. Improve access for unmotorized small craft in and out of the lake with shoreline improvements. 3. Improve access to the lagoon with shoreline improvements. 14 Goma Bears®o Coordinate Park Furnishings The design and character of park furnishings which include elements such as signs, lighting, fencing, gates, picnic tables, barbeques and trash receptacles, are integral to the overall park image. It is recommended that the many of the current park furnishings, utilitarian light poles and signs be replaced with park furnishings which complement the historic park landscape and structures. A. Coordinate park furnishings Objectives: 1. Design and/or select a standard park bench, table, barbeque, trash receptacle, and water fountain compatible with the preserved image of the park structures and landscape. 2. Design and/or select park signage and lighting which is compatible with the park setting, park scale and historic character and materials of park structures. 3. Bury out -of -scale overhead utility lines which cut through the park and incorporate lighting utilities with the park road. 4. Preserve park entry columns and incorporate into an improved and landscaped park entry sequence. Preservation Goals 15 CHAPTER THREE Tmerrva1ti®Il11 GuntlEelliirmeo * Park Structures and their Landscape Setting * Park Landscape * Shorelines * Roads and Paths * Recreation * Park Furnishings etrifidULL.ea End ath fiLL lame oc zEn Sercaflln Park Structures and Landscape Setting -Preservation Guidelines Preserving . Historic Structures and Their Landscape Setting The four historic park structures, the dance pavilion, picnic pavilion, tea pavilion and boathouse require extensive and creative rehabilitation measures to bring them to a point where they reclaim their prominence in the park's picturesque landscape setting as well as to become once again prominent activity centers in the park. Rehabilitation of the buildings themselves along with rehabilitation of the site and landscape setting which surrounds them is recommended to accommodate a variety of contemporary uses. There is difficulty in pinpointing a specific time period to which these buildings and sites ought to be restored and in most cases a mixture of rehabilitation, restoration and reconstruction approaches is recommended to provide a cohesive character and identity to Stewart Park's structures and site. The role of a preservation professional in guiding stabilization, new design and design review associated with historic structures, historic restoration and rehabilitation is crucial to the process of preserving Stewart Park's structures. While all work undertaken in the park would be subject to review by the larger Park Commission, the expertise and knowledge of an individual or group of individuals in this regard would ensure that both short and long term preservation goals are satisfied in a manner which benefits the park and the park structures. On-going maintenance of park structures and their associated landscapes now and in the future is critical to safeguarding Stewart Park. Building maintenance schedules compiled by the park manager and reviewed by a preservation professional and the Park Commission will ensure proper maintenance. Programming for and use of park structures will also work to ensure their proper maintenance. Currently, for example, the privately organized and operated Cascadilla Boat Club, leases the Cascadilla Boathouse for their operations. This type of arrangement should be encouraged both in short and long range planning. Lease and concession arrangements in the boathouse and other pavilions might be considered to muster support and investment from a community -wide base. New Park Structures There is both very little room or historic precedent for additional park structures in Stewart Park. A primary location for a small scale pavilion or gazebo is in the South Glade overlooking the lagoon and providing a focus for the southern extremes of the park. Other new construction might involve a future pier on the waterfront. New construction is however a low priority in the park. The rehabilitation of historic park structures, their programming and consolidation of services should be completed before any new construction is considered. If and when new design of park structures is undertaken, it should be done by an architect. The design of new park structures should be guided by the Park Commission using historic structures, their character -defining elements and materials, to insure architectural unity. Appropriate designs should be constructed of wood and utilize features such as balustrades, overhanging eaves, columns, posts, brackets, cornices, clapboards, cedar shingles and historic roof shapes consistent 16 Park Structures and Landscape Setting -Preservation Guidelines with the preserved park structures. New structures should be designed to accommodate program needs as identified by the Parks Commission. Building Stabilization Stabilization of historic park structures is a critical first step in the preservation process. It is recommended that the following stabilization measures, prepared by Historic Ithaca, be undertaken immediately. 1. Cascadilla Boathouse - Remove vegetation, dirt piles, and other articles away from the foundation. - Cover gap in floorboards just inside the northwest portal. -Repair posts supporting the tower on north and separate them from direct contact with the ground. - Repair posts supporting veranda on east side, reattach braces, make sure posts actually meet members to be supported. - General cleaning of woodwork to remove dirt, bird nests, and other foreign material, especially on underside of veranda and tower. -Gutters need to be replaced around entire structure and cleaned regularly when they are in place. - Undertake stabilization of building foundation with new concrete piers and slab. 2. Tea House - Some of the beadboards on the interior need refastening, -Drip edge around exterior needs to be repainted 3. Dancing Pavilion/Bathhouse - Gutters need to be replaced, and cleaned when in place; remove utility pole leaning against southeast corner of building. - Rafters to be replaced on "second story" on west side. -Remove ivy and other vegetation from the north side of the building, remove driftwood and other debris from the roof. - Repair wooden window sills on north side. - Stucco badly damaged on all four corners; note large crack on northwest corner 4. Picnic Pavilion - Roof valleys in southwest and southeast corners need to be repaired along with rotted/missing wooden elements underneath them. -Replace missing panes of glass in southwest corner window -Replace column bases along north side (notably 4th, 5th and 9th from northwest corner) and seal joints on pie -shaped bases of other columns. - Correct height differentiation and buckling in vicinity of 5th and 6th columns (from northwest corner) on north side. - Replace missing posts on southeast corner 17 Park Structures and Landscape Setting -Preservation Guidelines -Repair stairs in small lean-to on south side -Gutters to be repaired and/or replaced and cleaned when in place General Guidelines for Preservation and New Construction of Park Structures 1. Preservation of the existing historic park structures, the boathouse, tea pavilion, dance and picnic pavilion, should be undertaken by a preservation consultant responsible for overseeing stabilization, rehabilitation, restoration and new design associated with the interior and exterior of these structures. 2. All tasks undertaken by a preservation consultant should be overseen by the Park Commission. 3. All rehabilitation of existing park structures should be undertaken with a consisent attitude toward identifying, preserving and maintaining those character -defining architectural materials and features which define that buildings' historic character. 4. Preservation of existing historic park structures should be done in such a way as to strive for a unified image to the buildings in the park which all represent turn of the century shingle style architecture. 5. Any new construction should be undertaken by an architect using design details and architectural features, materials and forms consistent with and compatible with the historic structures in the park as they are preserved. 6. Rehabilitation of the interior of the picnic pavilion, dance pavilion and boathouse should reflect efficient contemporary program needs as identified by the Park Commission and reflect multiple and flexible uses in order to insure ongoing support for these buildings. 7. The development of a detailed stabilization schedule and in the future an annual maintenance schedule for these park structures should be a high priority for the Park Commission to insure the on- going functioning and maintenance of these buildings. 8. Preservation of the picnic pavilion, dance pavilion, boathouse and tea pavilion should take into consideration the U.S. Secretary of the Interior's Standards for Historic Preservation. 9. All materials specified for building exterior and interior rehabilitation, restoration or reconstruction should reflect the historic character, colors, finishes, and wood details evidenced in the available historic photograghs, pictoral or physical documentation regarding these structures. 10. Alterations and additions to the historic park structures involve a particularly sensitive and complex design process which should be overseen by a preservation expert supervised by the Park Commission. 11. Health and Safety Code Requirements: barrier - free access should be provided to all existing and new park structures and their facilities in such a way as to not negatively impact or destroy the 18 - Park -Structures-and Landscape Guidelines building's historic character or its character - defining materials and features. General Guidelines for Preservation and New Construction of the Landscape Setting of Park Structures 1. Preservation of the landscape setting of the historic park structures in the park should be undertaken under the direction of the Park Commission, by a landscape architect responsible for design of site layout, drainage, grading, planting design and design detailing of walls, paving and path details and park furnishings as appropriate. 2. All tasks undertaken by a landscape architect should be overseen by the Park Commission. 3. All rehabilitation of landscapes associated with park structures should be done with a consistent attitude toward identifying, preserving and maintaining historic building and landscape relationships while responding to contemporary program needs. 4. All new materials and construction of landscapes should use details and features which are consistent with and compatible or sympathetic with the historic structures in the park in order to create a unified image. This includes color, finishes, materials and architectural details. 5. Rehabilitation of the landscape setting of the historic structures should reflect planning goals as identified by the Park Commission. 6. The development of a detailed landscape maintenance schedule associated with the landscape surrounding park structures should be developed under the supervision of the Park Commission and carried out by an appointed urban forester/park manager. 7. Health and Safety Code Requirements: Barrier - free access should be provided in the design of landscapes surrounding buildings in such a way as to not negatively impact and or destroy the historic character of the buildings associated with these landscapes. Health and safety code requirements should apply to the design of other major landscape elements such as the roadway and pier. 19 Park Structures and Landscape Setting -Preservation Guidelines Specific Recommendations for the Preservation of Historic Park Structures and their Landscape Setting 1.The Cascadilla Boathouse Exterior Existing Conditions The Cascadilla Boathouse has undergone significant changes and alterations in both its appearance and use since the once elegant shingle style building was first designed by architects Vivian and Gibb and constructed in Stewart Park in 1894. Today the building exists in a dilapidated state with a variety of confusing public and private uses which include a private caretaker apartment, park storage facilities and use by the community membership based Cascadilla Boat club. Historic photographs exist as evidence of the buildings former grandeur and unique architectural features including its original veranda and conical tower, its fenestration on the east facade which has been replaced by the currently existing garage doors. Today the veranda has all but disappeared and where it remains (on the eastern half of the north facade and the eastern facade) it is threatened by instability and poor maintenance. Interior Existing Conditions As indicated above, the interior of the boathouse is currently used on the ground level for both boat storage by the Cascadilla Boatclub and storage by the Youth Bureau and Department of Public Works. The brick wall which now divides the garage and boat storage area was added to divide the space for these uses, a renovation which reverberated to the building's exterior eastern facade where garage doors replaced the once windowed facade. Restrooms in the south side of the ground floor are currently in a deteriorated state and are inaccessable to park users. The second story of the boathouse is currently occupied by a private caretaker apartment on the eastern end. Formerly, the apartment most probably served as office space for the Cascadilla School. The rest of the second story is devoted to a large open •gymnasium space which spans the entire width of the building but is currently used for storage by the Department of Public Works. Landscape Setting: Existing Conditions The confusion of public and private uses, accessibility and inacessibility, and poor maintainance extends to the landscape in which the Cascadilla boathouse is placed. Like the building, this is a landscape desperately in need of rehabilitation. In the past, the building effectively blended with its surroundings by means of decking, as evidenced in historic photos, extending off the west facade to service the maneuvering of boats in and out of the building. Today a concrete ramp has replaced the decking, and makeshift boat docking facilities, an eroding Fall Creek Shoreline, and willows along the shoreline inhibit a fluid connection between building and landscape. Along the east and south facade asphalt has replaced the former green lawn plane which would have advanced up to the building edge. Consistent with . the inaccessibility of the boathouse, there is no clear landscape reinforcement of entry into the building or of its major facades. One experiences no sense of front or back or of heirarchy of uses. The north facade of the boathouse, as evidenced in historic photos, once overlooked the marsh laden duck pond and provided an open air veranda and towers for experiencing the breathtaking overlook northwards up the lake. 20 Park Structures and Landscape Setting -Preservation Guidelines Today the landscape connection between the boathouse and the pond is virtually non-existant, diminshed both by the deteriorated building and the deteriorated landscape adjacent to it. The stone Fuertes Overlook is visible in historic photographs and appears to have once been part of a larger stone retaining wall which encircled the former marsh.The gift of swans to the pond has virtually cut the pond off from public access and enjoyment by requiring a chain-link fence around its entire circumference. The pond overlook, constructed of stone in the 1930's, appears as a landscape addition floating in a forgotten landscape setting. The narrow strip of land between the boathouse and the pond with its deteriorated chain-link fence appears unused and inaccessible. It currently gathers undesireable trash and litter and creates an unsafe feeling for even the visitor who senses it as a forgotton end of the park. In addition the peninsula which was added to the pond in the recent decades, was engineered to encourage circulation around the pond from its intake area to its output area. This significantly diminishes the openness and continuity of the pond. Recommended Preservation of the Boathouse Preservation of the Boathouse should strive to restore it to an image which reclaims its place as a prototype of shingle style architecture close to its form at the tum of the century It is recommended that the conical tower, as it appears in historic images, be reconstructed and that the veranda which wrapped the entire structure be both restored and where it has been destroyed, recreated. Historic preservation measures would involve restoration of the north and east facades as well. Interior renovations of the Boathouse should be undertaken which rehabilitate the structure while restoring its role as a boatclub and storage facility, providing public restroom facilities for park users, and provide community programming space on the second floor. Recommended Preservation of the Landscape Setting Around the Boathouse Rehabilitation of the landscape in which the Boathouse sits should be undertaken so as to reestablish the building's relationship with its setting. This includes removal of asphalt on the east and south sides of the building and replacement with a green ground plane; the design of decking and boatdock facilities on the west side of the building to connect boat club uses with Fall Creek; the redevelopment of an entry sequence into the boathouse including walkway, signage and planting; the redevelopment of drainage away from the building but not in a manner which will adversely effect the nature pond; the redevelopment of the landscape on the north side of the building to reestablish its connection to the nature pond and reaffirming the interior -exterior relationship between the boathouse and the outdoors. 21 l • 1""':111111[111111111111111. Cascadilla School Boathouse, Circa 1900. West Facade with conical tower. Note the boat storage entry and decking to enable lauching of rowing sculls into Fall Creek. (Photo courtesy of the Dewitt Historical Society) Cascadilla School Boathouse, North Facade, Circa 1900. (Photo Courtesy of the Dewitt Historical Society) Cascadilla Boathouse, 1987, Existing Condition. Conical tower, veranda, and windows have been removed. CASCADILLA BOATHOUSE - IMAGES Cascadilla Boathouse, 1987, Existing Condition, East Facade. Cascadilla Boathouse, 1987, Northwest Facade. • 111[1111111111111i 11 IIS VIII II11 WET Cascadilla Boathouse, 1987, Southeast corner. Park Structures and Landscape Setting -Preservation Guidelines 2. Picnic Pavilion and Dance Pavilion Picnic Pavilion Existing Exterior Conditions Early photographs portray the picnic pavilion and the dance pavilion as a pair which was the intention when designed in 1894 by architects Vivian and Gibb. Changing use and maintenance priorities over time have seriously altered both the form and the relationship between these two structures. Today, the character -defining architectural features of the original pair are still visible in the picnic pavilion. The dance pavilion has been significantly altered; its current use as a park maintainance facility speaks to its lost role as a central park pavilion for public use. The picnic pavilion should serve as the model for reconstruction of the dance pavilion. Selecting a specific period of time to which these structures should be rehabilitated is a complex issue. Recent structural foundation work on the picnic pavilion and replacement of what historic photographs portray as a wooden porch, railings, and stairs with the currently existing concrete porch, concrete column bases and concrete stairs are an indication of significant changes in the architectural character of the pavilion. The relationship of the finish floor of the building occurs nearly two feet above the grade around the building and even higher on the south face of the building. This creates problems with handicapped accessibility to both the pavilion interior and the restrooms on the south side. Character -defining architectural features particularly include the arched glazed window openings, cedar shingles, roof lines, porch overhang, wooden columns should be identified, retained and preserved in order to maintain the historic character of this building. Any new design adjacent to the building should borrow from and reflect the buildings character -defining features and materials using historic photographic and pictoral evidence as a reference. The rehabilitation of the south side of this structure is particularly needed to reconnect it with the landscape and to make restroom facilities prominant, safe and accessible to the public. Interior Existing Conditions Rehabilitation of the buildings interior should reflect current program needs and should include upgraded kitchen facilities, picnic facilites and upgraded restroom facilities. Landscape Setting: Existing Conditions Rehabilitation of the picnic pavilion should include major rehabilitation of the landscape which surrounds it and improvements which, while maintaining the character and intergrity of the structure allow for handicapped accessibility. Today handicapped accessibility is accommodated by a handicapped ramp on the east side of the building, an addition which has altered the historic character of that facade. When considering landscape developments handicapped accessibility should be a number one priority. However, due to the strong horizontal character of the building and its gentle lifting off the ground plane, handicapped access should aim not to eliminate its porch and porch stairs. Dance Pavilion Exterior Existing Conditions Today the dance pavilion is a shadow of its former self, having undergone extensive alteration over time to accommodate changing usage throughout this century. Virtually none of the original exterior 22 Park Structures and Landscape Setting -Preservation Guidelines features are extant although some of the structural character and massing is evident. Photographic evidence reveals that the dance pavilion and the picnic pavilion were physically similar. In order to restore their similarity and relationship as a pair, extensive reconstruction of the dance pavilion would be necessary. Interior Existing Conditions Currently the interior of the dance pavilion reflects its current use as a storage facility for the D.P.W.. There is little basis for reconstruction of this building. Programming needs as identified by the Park Commission may help to set interior specifics. Landscape Setting: Existing Conditions The landscape which surrounds the dance pavilion reflects its current use as a park storage facility. The asphalt drive serves the garage doors on the western face of the building. The separation between the picnic pavilion and dance pavilioin is reinforced by the asphalt parking lot which occurs between the two structures. Recommended Preservation of Picnic and Dance Pavilion It is recommended that the picnic pavilion be rehabilitated and that its complement, the dance pavilion, be reconstructed so as to restore their role as both an architectural and activity focal point of the park. Rehabilitation of the picnic pavilion should guide the design and reconstruction of the dance pavilion and character -defining architectural features and materials of the picnic pavilion should be reconstructed to undertake the dance pavilion reconstruction. Contemporary programming needs should guide the interior rehabilitation of the picnic pavilion and the design and development of the dance pavilion. A high priority for the picnic pavilion are upgraded restroom facilities. For the dance pavilion a flexible, largescale interior space to accommodate community events (such as the dances which once took place in this building) should be considered. It is recommended that the Youth Bureau concession be relocated to the dance pavilion where it would be accessible from the outside on the south facade. Recommended Preservation of the Landscape Setting Around the Picnic and Dance Pavilion The process of rehabilitating the historic relationship between the picnic and dance pavilion while accommodating contemporary program needs, requires extensive redevelopment of the landscape around the pavilions. This landscape has seen much change and development over time. Redevelopment of this space should attempt to be an interpretation of former uses. Recommended is the removal of parking between the buildings and the development of a courtyard space which would be used for community events as well as spill over from the pavilions. This area has at times in the past contained the tea pavilion, the bandstand and the water tower. A proposed pergola structure by Vivian and Gibb was never built for the space but provides evidence of the role and function of this important community space. A pergola structure unifying the two pavilions and bringing the space between them down to a more human scale is recommended. This structure should be designed to reflect the character -defining architectural features and materials of the historic 23 Park Structures and Landscape Setting -Preservation Guidelines picnic pavilion and should be treated as a contemporary interpretation of an historic feature. Complex grade changes around the pavilions present problems in the design of the community space. It is recommended that a combination of ramps and steps are used to design the area around the base of the building. Ramps which ascend gradually along the front facades of both the dance and picnic pavilion, and approaching from both the east and west would enable handicapped access without needlessly attaching narrow ramps onto the building. On the south facade of the building regrading to bring the ground level to the same level as the finish floor of the pavilions would enable handicapped access into the restrooms in the picnic pavilion and concession facilities in the dance pavilion. It is recommended that the lakefront adjacent to the pavilion complex is once again made a focus of activity by removing the currently existing concrete ramp and regrading the shoreline gradually to create a grass bank. Historic photos of the lakefront show stone retaining walls and gradual grass slopes to the water's edge. The introduction of a curving seatwall on the lakeshore is recommended to both level the grade in front of the pavilions and create a sitting area at the waterfront. Very little photographic evidence remains to illustrate what exactly the waterfront pier would have looked like. Piers have been located there many times in the past. It is recommended that a waterfront pier extend from the central courtyard space into the lake to a distance of 300'. Like its historic precedents it should be constructed of wood and its railing, decking, seating and lighting detailing consistent with the character -defining features and materials of the rehabilitated picnic pavilion and reconstructed dance pavilion. 24 Renwick Park Structures, Plan and Elevation, 1894, Clinton L Vivian and Arthur N. Gibb,—architects. a e. t cts. All the proposals were constructed except for the semi -circular collonade which was meant to connect the two pavilions. (Ithaca Daily Journal, August 2, 1894) Water Tower, circa 1900. (photo courtesy of the Dewitt Historical Society) PICNIC and DANCE PAVILION - IMAGES 4.T 44, • Pavilion Complex, circa 1900. View of picnic and dance pavilion with bandstand and water tower in the central space. Note the grass slope to the water's edge and historic lantern light fixture mounted on utility pole. (photo courtesy of Dewitt Historical Society) Above: Bandstand, circa 1900. The pier and lakeshore road are visible in the background. (photo courtesy of the Dewitt Historical Society) Below: Picnic Pavilion and Landscape Setting, 1987. Today an asphalt parking lot has replaced the bandstand, tower and community gathering space. 3. Tea Pavilion Park Structures and Landscape Setting -Preservation Guidelines Existing Exterior and Interior Conditions The location of the tea pavilion has changed many times in the history of the park. At one time it was located between the dance and picnic pavilion. Today it stands west of the main pavilion complex, adjacent to the playground. Historic photographs illustrate the degree to which the tea pavilion was designed to be part of the architectural ensemble which included the dance and picnic pavilion. While it remains as an open air roofed structure, many of its character -defining architectural features and materials have been removed, covered over or replaced with inappropriate materials selections. Furthermore, a gentle lifting of the structure off the ground plane was once provided by what appears stone base supports. These have been removed and the building appears truncated as a result. Landscape Setting:Existing Conditions The tea pavilion floats in a grass ground plane but is disconnected from the main pavilion complex. Furthermore, play equipment on the south facade, disrupts the flow of space through and around the structure. Recommended Preservation of the Tea Pavilion It is recommended that the tea pavilion be restored to accurately recover its historic form and details including reconstruction and resetting of the columns, roof rehabilitation using cedar shingles, appropriate color schemes and decorative detailing consistent with the historic character of the structure. Recommended Preservation of the Landscape Setting Around the Tea Pavilion Rehabilitation of the landscape setting around the tea pavilion should consider the historic relationship between the tea pavilion and the dance and picnic pavilions. It is recommended that open space be created around the tea pavilion so as to not encumber it with permanent features,particularly play equipment. To enable it to be perceived as a connecting element to many areas in the park it is recommended that it be reconnected to the main pavilions by means of a footpath. 25 Tea Pavilion, circa 1900. View of the pavilion as designed with its column bases and columns. (photo courtesy of the Dewitt Historical Society) Tea Pavilion, 1987 Existing Condition. Today the building exists with its profile lowered, column bases removed, columns covered and cedar shingles replaced with asphalt. TEA PAVILION - IMAGES Park Structures and Landscape Setting -Preservation Guidelines 4. Manor Stewart Memorial Flagpole and Garden Designed by Arthur Gibb and dedicated by Ithaca citizens in 1927, the Mayor Stewart Memorial Flagpole is an historic milestone commemorating both the advent of Stewart Park as a public city facility and the park's principal founder. Historic photographs exist to illustrate the original flagpole and its formal garden setting on axis with the central space of the main pavilion complex. Paths connect the flagpole and garden with the main pavilions. Existing Condition of Flagpole and its Landscape Setting Currently the flagpole remains on a stone base that bears the plaque inscribed with a dedication to Mayor Stewart. It is set on an elevated grass platform with four sets of native stone steps and walks which descend from it and originally would have connected to garden paths. The memorial formal garden layout has unfortunately been entirely removed. What does remain are overgrown evergreens, once part of the garden, which do more to mask and conceal the significance of Stewart Park's most significant monument, than to complement it in a landscape setting. Recommended Preservation of Flagpole and its Landscape Setting Preservation of the Mayor Stewart Memorial Flagpole should involve ongoing maintenance of this significant park and city monument. Furthermore, it is recommended that the flagpole be restored into a formal garden setting to revive the significance of this central area of the park. This will involve selective removal of overgrown species remaining from the last time the area sponsored a garden. For example, around the flagpole base, what initially would have been clipped yews are today tremendously overgrown and out -of -scale specimens. It is recommended that the layout of historic paths be redeveloped to both define the formal garden area and to connect the flagpole to the main pavilion complex. The use of native flowering trees, shrubs and perennials is suggested for this area to provide seasonal variation and interest (see Park Landscape - Preservation Guidelines for plant lists). 26 , Mayor Stewart Memorial Flagpole, circa 1932. Aerial view of flagpole and path network outlining the formal garden. (Photo by C.S. Robinson, City of Ithaca Archives) MAYOR STEWART MEMORIAL FLAGPOLE 'Park Lundoc a. px History of Park Landscape Beginning in 1894 landscape engineer William Webster envisioned the layout for Stewart park in the romantic Olmsted style, combining elements such as a large formal garden with picturesque open lawns and specimen trees and groves. Webster planned a formal entrance garden south and east of the main pavilion buildings where the trolley deposited visitors and he directed that all trees west of the pavilions be removed to open up a treeless lawn. By 1896 the park vegetation had assumed Webster's specified form. By 1913, 55 acres to the south of the park were set aside as a bird sanctuary and the landscape in that location remained virtually untouched to encourage wildlife. After 1915 when the park closed and was leased by Wharton Studios main park landscape deteriorated due to lack of maintenance and neglect. It was not until the 1920's that the park underwent a renaissance when it became a public facility. By 1923 the Cascadilla School and Stewart Park were conglomerated expanding the park landscape to the west along Fall Creek. The 1927 landscape improvements highlighted the memorial flagpole and formal garden recalling Webster's formal trolley entrance garden of the 1890's. The first city planning study for Stewart Park prepared by Russell VanNest Black in 1924 called for the park to be developed "naturalistically with groves, drives, pathways and open meadows." (Historic Ithaca p. 10) However it was not -until 1934 that a plan emerged that would lay the framework for development of the park. The plan developed by the Ithaca firm of Hewitt and Metzger was directed by the city engineer Harry W. Eustance and the vegetation proposed on the Master Plan depicts a wooded south glade; wooded area along the lagoon and drainage Park Landscape -Preservation Guidelines channel adjacent to the Bird Sanctuary, wooded sanctuary character to the duck pond, specimen tree plantings along road edges with open spaces in the middle. The Memorial Garden layout is also evidenced around the flagpole. 1930's vintage photographs by Ithaca photographer C.S. Robinson depict the vegetation character of the park with the wooded south glade- extension of the "Fuertes"; newly installed plantings throughout along the roadway; a marshy headland north of the boathouse, a wooded grove in which the tea pavilion sets: open spaces with specimen trees in the east and west field and specimen trees along the water's edge. In the 1960's the extension of the lakeshoreline with fill from Route 13 led to the planting of the row of willows along the lake, now an important landscape image to Stewart Park's visitors. Existing Conditions of Landscape On the whole, large open lawn areas and specimen trees predominate in the park. In many cases hedges which formerly sponsored walks and garden spaces still exist particularly in the center of the park. Around the memorial flagpole, hedges which at one time defined the memorial garden have gone unmaintained and are now seriously overgrown and out of scale with the area. In other areas, pruned shrubs and hedges, clipped annually by the park crews, contribute to a park image which is diametrically opposed to the naturalistic romantic landscape quality as envisioned in the earliest beginnings of the park. In contrast to open lawn, trees and hedges are areas like the duck pond and lagoon which receive little maintenance. As a result there is no planting 27 Park Lan dsca ne-Preservation Guidelines or vegetation concept to facilitate management of the vegetation in these areas, a situation which has led to seriously aggravated erosion and a deteriorating landscape quality. Along Fall Creek the recent addition of gabions has eliminated the vegetated character of -the shoreline and created not only an eyesore but a situation in which neither plant or wildlife could be sustained or encouraged. In order to maintain and develop vegetation in the park, professional guidance and trained park crews are desperately needed. Recommended Landscape Preservation It is recommended that the landscape character of Stewart Park recalls the earliest vision of a park comprised of naturalistic trees, groves and meadows. This involves the following: maintenance of trees and lawns; removal of high maintenance clipped hedges and trees; diversification of specimen trees; the integration of more native shrub massing to replace ornamental hedges; the introduction of standard trees along the edges of the park; treatment of the nature pond, lagoon and Fall Creek shoreline using native wetland vegetation as envisioned in the 1934 Master Plan. Furthermore, the recreation of a formal garden area around the Mayor Stewart Memorial Flagpole is recommended. General Landscape Preservation Guidelines 1. Enrichand diversify the vegetation at Stewart Park to reflect different use areas and park experiences. 2. Encourage the use of native trees and shrubs throughout the park. 3. Retain the feeling of openness that characterizes the park today in the management of vegetation. The flat lawn ground plane with large, highly branched specimen and shade trees combines to create the informal and safe environment that users enjoy. New tree planting in the largest area of the park should reinforce this objective while creating edges. for large open spaces, framing views and lining selected roads and parking areas. 4. Develop the southern and western boundaries of the park as the edges to the Fuertes Bird Sanctuary and Fall Creek including the Lagoon and the Cascadilla Nature Pond. Planting in this zone should reestablish the natural wetland character that has been lost through a lack of maintenance. 5. Develop a planting scheme of ornamental native shrubs and perennial flowers surrounded by small native flowering trees for the Memorial Flagpole garden. The objective for this area will be to utilize plants with a range of seasonal interests and characteristics including foliage color and texture, bark, form and habit. 6. Encourage wildlife habitat along the water's edge in the development and maintenance of vegetation. 7. Appoint a Park Manager to be responsible for developing a maintenance schedule for plantings in the park and for the training of park crews in maintaining them. 8. Encourage community sponsorship, manage- ment and interpretation of the planted areas in the park to ensure that they do not deteriorate. This is especially feasible in the Memorial Flagpole garden and the Cascadilla nature pond. 28 9. Use the recommended planting lists as a guide to vegetation selection for different areas of the park. Specific Recommendations Naturalistic wetland vegetation 1. Establish naturalistic wetland vegetation in the Nature Pond and semiaquatics in areas along the water's edge with the consultation of a landscape architect and plant ecologist. 2. Consider vegetation and shoreline improvements together in rehabilitating Fall Creek. Utilize purple osier willow in areas to stabilize the bank and minimize erosion. Establish grass and shrub vegetation on the gabions which remain along Fall Creek to soften them and restore habitat capability at the water's edge. Utilize plants as specified in the planting lists. 3. Establish woody wetland shrub vegetation in the South Glade and lagoon area along with semiaquatic vegetation along the water's edge. Utilize plants as specified in the planting lists. Selectively thin and cut existing vegetation on site in order to incorporate into a rehabilitated planting and vegetation concept. Main Park Lawns and Trees 1. Utilize diverse native specimen trees as specified in planting lists. 2. Maintain willow row along lakefront with infill planting and selective pruning which does not destroy tree form and maintains views to lake. 3. Encourage planting of high branching specimen trees in the entrance to Stewart Park, along the park Park Landscape -Preservation Guidelines roadway, edges of the west field and east field. Maintain the body of the park as an open meadow/lawn area with high branching specimen trees. Memorial Flagpole Garden Establish native ornamental trees, woody shrubs and perennials in the Mayor Stewart Memorial Garden as an area of seasonal variety and interest in the park. Utilize plants identified in planting lists. 29 Planting Recommendations The plant lists compiled on the following pages are suggested as possible selections for new and replacement planting in the park. Species and cultivar selection will vary depending on the specific area being considered and the intended function of the planting. The park manager and/or consultants will be responsible for specific selections, subject to the approval of the park commission. The plant lists have been organized into two categories - those suitable for use in the main area of the park (including the Mayor Stewart Memorial Garden) and those suitable for the naturalistic areas. These two categories have been sub- divided as follows: Note: Areas correspond to the Phasing Area Plan found in Chapter Four. PARK AREAS (A, C, E, I, J, K, L, M, N, 0, P, Q, S, T, U, V) 1. Large Deciduous Trees 2. Evergreen Trees 3. Small Trees 4. Shrubs Park Landscape -Preservation Guidelines NATURALISTIC AREAS(B, C, E, F, H, R) 1. Large Trees 2. Small Trees and Shrubs 3. Herbaceous Perennials 4. Semi-acquatic Vegetation 30 LARGE DECIDUOUS TREES FOR PARK AREAS Botanical Name Acer pseudoplatanus 'Brilliantissimus' Acer rubrum* Acer saccharum* Aesculus carnea Catalpa speciosa Cercidiphyllum japonicum Cladrastis lutea Fraxinus americana Fraxinus pennsylvanica Larix decidua Magnolia acuminata Metasequoia glyptostroboides Phellodendron amurense Quercus acutissima " coccinea imbricaria palustris* rubra Salix alba var. tristis* Sophora japonica Taxodium distichum Tilia cordata* Tilia americana * Species already is planted in park and is Park Landscape -Preservation Guidelines Common Name Sycamore Maple Red Maple Sugar Maple Red Horsechestnut Northern Catalpa Katsura Tree American Yellowwood White Ash Green Ash European Larch Cucumber Tree Magnolia Dawn Redwood Amur Cork Tree Sawtooth Oak Scarlet Oak Shingle Oak Pin Oak Red Oak Weeping Golden Willow Japanese Pagoda Tree Bald Cypress Small -leaf Linden Basswood suitable for replanting. 31 EVERGREEN TREES FOR PARK AREAS Botanical Name Abies concolor " homolepsis Picea abies 11 11 11 omorika orientalis pungens* Pinus cembra 11 It nigra resinosa strobus flexilis Pseudostuga menziesii* Thuja occidentalis SMALL TREES FOR PARK AREAS Acer campestre* Acer griseum Amelanchier canadensis Betula nigra 'Heritage' Betula papyrifera Carpinus betulus 'fastigiata' Cercis canadensis Cornus kousa Cornus mas* Park Landscape -Preservation Guidelines Common Name White Fir Nikko Fir Norway Spruce Serbian Spruce Oriental Spruce Colorado Blue Spruce Swiss Stone Pine Austrian Pine Red Pine Eastern White Pine Limber Pine Douglas Fir American Arborvitae Hedge Maple Paperbark Maple Serviceberry River Birch Paper Birch European Hornbeam Eastern Redbud Japanese Dogwood Cornellian Cherry 32 -i Corylopsis glabrescens Crataegus x lavallei It phaenopyrum* viridis "Winter King" Eleagnus angustifolia Hamamelis mollis vernalis virginiana Koelreuteria paniculata Magnolia stellata Malus (sp.) "Autumn Glory" "Baskatong" "Centurion" "Evelyn" "Baccata (CVS)" Oxydendrum arboreum Pyrus calleryana 'Aristocrat' 'Select' Syringa reticulata* Styrax japonicum Park Landscape -Preservation Guidelines Fragrant Witchhazel Lavelle Hawthorn Washington Thorn Winter Hawthorn Russian Olive Chinese Witchhazel Vernal Witchhazel Common Witchhazel Golden Rain Tree Star Magnolia Crabapple Crabapple Crabapple Crabapple Crabapple Sourwood Aristocrat Pear Select Pear Japanese Tree Lilac Japanese Snowbell 33 SHRUBS FOR PARK AREAS Cotinus coggygria Hypericum prolificum Kokwitzia amabalis Philadephus coronarius Spiraea x vanhouttii " x bumalda Syringa vulgaris Viburnum carlesii "Cayuga" dilatatum plicatum tomentosum trilobum 11 11 11 LARGE TREES FOR NATURALISTIC Acer rubrum Alnus incana " glutinosa Fraxinus americana " pennsylvanica Larix laricina Metasequoia glyptostroboides Nyssa sylvatica Populus deltoides Salix alba var. tristis Taxodium distichum Park Landscape -Preservation Guidelines Common Smoketree Shrubby St. Johnswort Beautybush Sweet Mockorange Vanhoutte Spirea Bumald Spirea Common Lilac Korean Spice Viburnum Linden Viburnum Doublefile Viburnum American Cranberrybush WETLAND AREAS Red Maple Speckled Alder European Black Alder White Ash Green Ash American Larch Dawn Redwood Black Gum Northern Cottonwood Weeping Golden Willow Bald Cypress 34 Park Landscane-Preservation Guidelines SMALL TREES AND SHRUBS FOR NATURALISTIC WETAND AREAS Botanical Name Common Name • Amelanchier canadensis Serviceberry " laevis Alleghany Serviceberry Clethra alnifolia Summersweet Clethra Cornus alba Tatarian Dogwood " amomum Silky Dogwood sericea Flaviramea Yellow -twig Dogwood Hypericum prolificum Shrubby St. Johnswort Lindera benzoin Spicebush Myrica pensylvanica Northern Bayberry Rosa rugosa Rugosa Rose Salix discolor Goat Willow Salix purpurea Purple Osier Willow Sambucus canadensis American Elder pubens American Red Elder Vaccinum corymbosum Highbush Blueberry Viburnum acerifolium Mapleleaf Viburnum dentatum Arrowwood trilobum American Cranberry Bush 35 Park Landscane-Preservation Guidelines HERBACEOUS PERENNIALS FOR WATER EDGE PLANTING Botanical Name Common Name Asclepias incarnata Swamp Milkweed Eupatorium maculatum Joe-Pye Weed Helenium autumnale Sneezeweed Lilium species Water Lilies Lobelia cardinalis Cardinal Flower Lobilia siphilica Great Blue Lobelia Monarda didyma Scarlet Beebalm SEMI -AQUATIC VEGETATION FOR WATER EDGE PLANTING Angelica atropurpurea Angelica Acorus calamus Sweet Flag Caltha palustris Marsh Marigold Iris versicolor Wild Blue Flag Phragmites communis Wild Reed Typha species Cattail 36 Aquatic NATURALISTIC VEGETATION FOR WET SOILS Wet Meadow Shrubs Trees � 9' \ 1 �- - \P IFIM .i _ 1/,. r'N�!z \\\\ \\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\; \\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\ \\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\ \\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\ \\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\ \\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\ \\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\ \\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\ Lawn PARK VEGETATION FOR MOIST SOILS Trees �: \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \\\\ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \• \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \• \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \• \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \' \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ _ �v , • r vt. Y 1 1'!..\ %1 . V Vr WILDLIFE POND Seem -aquatic vegetation Path FALL CREEK and CAYUGA LAKE Cascadilla Nature Pond and Fall Creek Illustrative Planting Section The existing duck pond was originally conceived and constructed as part of the Fuertes Bird Sanctuary. Historic photos show a reed marsh habitat attractive to waterfowl. This habitat has eroded and deteriorated over time. Reestablishment of the reed marsh habitat is recommended. Submergent vegetation, perennials and reeds are proposed in the shallow areas of the pond edge. This provides food and shelter for many aquatic and semi -aquatic species. In addition, the creation of open beach areas creates easy pond access, egress and sunning areas for waterfowl. Aquatic, semi -aquatic and wet area species suited for the creation of such a habitat are recommended. Maintaining a soft sand or woodchip path around the pond will enable public access and complement the desired character of the area. 0 allnarellfineo History of Park Shoreline The park is surrounded on three sides by water where it adjoins Cayuga Lake, Fall Creek and the lagoon and drainageway. Stewart Park's relationship to the water evokes its most memorable image. Stewart Park's shoreline is anything but static. In addition to natural cycles of erosion and siltation man has impacted the character and form of the shoreline over the last 100 years with the addition of fill to raise the level of the park and expand the shoreline into the lake. The most recent fill resulted from the construction of Route 13 in the 1960's and added 80 to 100 feet to the shoreline where the willow row was subsequently planted. Prior to the 1930's, the shoreline was graded gradually to the water's edge and easy access was available for swimming. Turn of the century photographic evidence depicts a grassy shoreline with stone retaining walls supporting trees along the waterfront. The addition of fill to raise the park and safeguard it against flooding in the 1930's created a more abrupt transition between water and land throughout the park. This resulted in more vertical banks subject to erosion caused by the action of waves and currents. Rip rap or boulders were then required to stabilize the shoreline. The addition of the concrete swimming ramp as proposed in the 1934 Master Plan, caused more problems than it solved at this central juncture of the park and lakeshoreline. Swimming was abandoned at Stewart Park in the 1960's but the ramp remains to this day as a collection point for massive quantifies of lake deposited debris. Shorelines -Preservation Guidelines The western lake shoreline encircling the nature pond (currently known as the duck pond) has seen many changes in its history. As envisioned in the 1934 Master Plan, the area, known as the headland, was stabilized in the 1930's and set aside as a marshy bird refuge, a northern extension of the Fuertes Bird Sanctuary. Historically Fall Creek has served as the major water access area for rowing craft from the Cascadilla Boathouse. Historic photographs depict permanent docking facilities on the shoreline south of the boathouse and an elaborate boatlauch decking area which extended from the western facade of the boathouse and led to the water. The lagoon and drainageway, added in the 1930's, appear in the 1934 Master Plan and in circa 1930's photographs of the park, as a naturalistic shoreline extension of the Fuertes Bird Sanctuary. Cayuga Lake Shoreline: Existing Conditions Today undercutting has caused the erosion of the lake shoreline behind the existing rip rap and created, in many areas, dangerous eroding transitions between the land and water. The lake shoreline, where it encircles the nature pond, is retained by large willows along its banks. Here again significant undercutting threatens not only the willows but the shoreline. Rip rap has been added in places to stablize the banks and to decrease the rapid loss of shoreline. Lack of management and maintenance of the vegetaton has led to overgrown species. Situations such as these present difficult choices between loss of shoreline or loss of trees. Regardless, something must be done to control future erosion. 37 Shorelines -Preservation Guidelines Recommended Preservation of Cayuga Lake Shoreline In order to diversify the lake shoreline and the experience for the park user it is recommended that a combination of shoreline rehabilitation measures are implemented. First, re-laying of the deteriorated rip rap and filling the shoreline where it has eroded away is the highest priority. On the lake shoreline around the nature pond, selective removal of vegetation and infilling of rip rap is recommended. Second, removal of the swimming ramp and regrading of the shoreline in front of the main pavilion complex to create a gradual grass slope to the waters edge. Third, taking advantage of an already gradually sloped shoreline, a beach area on the west end of the lake shore is recommended. Finally, to create a final destination on the east end of the lakeshore the development of an earthen jetty is recommended. Fall Creek Shoreline: Existing Conditions Along Fall Creek the shoreline is a steep grade to the water's edge, a situation which has precipitated a high rate of erosion and undercutting by the rapidly moving waters of Fall Creek especially in the springtime. The Fall Creek shoreline is in dire need of stabilization. The unsightly gabions added in 1986-87 severely diminish the picturesque character of the Fall Creek shoreline and limit its capability to support vegetation and wildlife. A lack of permanent docking facilities along Fall Creek is in part due to the deteriorating condition of the shoreline. The concrete bulkhead awkwardly projecting from the shoreline is in a deteriorated condition and presents major problems with permanent dock installation and waterfront access. The Cascadilla Boatclub currently uses a jury-rigged makeshift dock which extends at an angle from the shoreline. Furthermore, the manipulation of the 60' rowing shells is hindered by the location of the dock and its awkward connection to the boathouse. No permanent dock is available for boat tie ups or for fishing along Fall Creek. Recommended Preservation of Fall Creek Shoreline To enhance this shoreline major improvements are recommended. The regrading of the shoreline to create a gradual south -facing grass slope will require coordination with road improvements along the west side of the loop road. Removal of some of the gabions is recommended. For the remaining gabions the establishment of vegetation is proposed to reclaim the lost shoreline habitat. Furthermore, shoreline stabilization using rip rap and the construction of a permanent bulkhead west of the Cascadilla Boathouse, is recommended in order to accommodate a permanent dock at that location. Lagoon Shoreline: Existing Conditions The shoreline of the lagoon is, on the whole, grass to the water's edge. The close proximity of the south road to the water's edge makes planting between the road and the water difficult and the potential erosion of this edge particularly problematic. Fisherman find a popular south -facing fishing area along the east bank of the lagoon. Heavy use of the shoreline has resulted in serious erosion problems there. In times of low lake levels the lagoon is virtually transformed into a mudflat and shallowness threatens its ability to support wildlife habitat. 38 Recommended Preservation of Lagoon Shoreline In combination with dredging to increase the fish habitat potential of the lagoon it is recommended that the shoreline is recontoured to create a more diverse edge condition. This approach will provide access for fishermen as well as create habitat for semi -aquatic and aquatic vegetation. The recommended shoreline vegetation will enhance the character of the South Glade and lagoon area and reaffirm its connection to the Fuertes Bird Sanctuary, its shoreline neighbor across the lagoon. General Guidelines to Protect and Beautify Shorelines 1. Diversify and enrich the experience of land meeting water at Stewart Park. 2. Minimize erosion while at the same time minimizing the negative visual impact of a strictly engineered solution to stream or lake bank erosion. 3.Safeguard the existing wildlife habitat and encourage habitat along the water's edge particularly along Fall Creek and the lagoon. 4. Make Fall Creek accessible for non -motorized boats, ie. rowing, canoeing and other small craft. 5. Make Fall Creek and the lagoon accessible for fishing. 6. Undertake dredging of the lagoon on a regular basis to safeguard fish habitat. Shorelines -Preservation Guidelines 7. Undertake construction of an impoundment structure in the lagoon to maintain high water for ice skating in the winter. 8. Undertake development of a maintenance schedule for shoreline improvements by a park manager and approved by the Park Commission. Specific Recommendations Cayuga Lake Shoreline 1. Augment and relay the existing riprap along the Cayuga Lakeshore. Add a substantial amount of fill betweeen the line of willows and the rip rap and maintain this shore at regular intervals as outlined in a maintenance schedule prepared by the Park manager and reviewed by the Park Commission. 2. Regrade the lakeshore for a length along the northwest end in proximity to the nature pond, to create a gravel beach. This area is already quite shallowly graded and presents an opportunity for this type of landscape enhancement. 3. Remove the concrete boat ramp in front of the Main Pavilion Complex and regrade the shore with a maximum 6:1 grass slope with riprap at the toe. This approach aims to restore the shallow grade to the waterfront that was once apparent at Stewart Park. 4. Construct an earthen jetty into the water in combination with shoreline improvements on -the -- east end of the lake shoreline as a terminus to the park. 39 Fall Creek Shoreline 1. Regrade the Fall Creek Shore with a maximum 6:1 grass slope using rip rap at the toe and vegetation plantings at intervals along the shore to stabilize the banks. This will involve removal of some of the recently installed gabions. Shoreline engineering in this location must be considered along with road and landscape improvements. 2. Install new rip rap and a bulkhead along the Fall Creek shore in proximity to the Cascadilla Boathouse in order to accomodate the tieing up of a rowing dock and/or transient boat slip dock. 3. Undertake soil and vegetation treatment of the remaining gabions to restore the landscape character of the southern shoreline of Fall Creek and to protect exisitng trees along the shoreline. Lagoon Shoreline 1. Dredge the lagoon and recontour the edge to create a more gradual slope to the water's edge, beach, and wet area vegetation. 2. Dredge deeper holes in the lagoon bottom for overwintering of fish. 3. Install an impoundment structure in the lagoon to create a consistent high water level throughout the year. Shorelines -Preservation Guidelines 40 J crushed stone pathway • 2 - minimum 6:1 grass slope with southern exposure ELEV 4 shrub willow and :0 vegetation to I stabilize shore ,•• / , '‘1,__V•K? f ,y ! ' voe' 0 CJ vegetation to soften gabions and reestablish wildlife habitat "rk #111114h. 0 0 • , , • 40 lirP:1141 ,, 6 ,.;47,,-44-4•44-te:;!V,„ , f.420410 4. -. 4*51910* ta1041 . '4 Ill crushed stone T pathway 'e w': ,. ..1 .-4'2..:1.-.v- ,. • .. „ . . . . . , '....,, • / .2./ /7/•';' /.' . ;',/,/7/./i ./;:ve; ...!/%2.2."..,...,://,- ,.;.,...,,,,,,...,.. ••• r-' ELEV. , . A. Regraded shoreline to create grass slope B. Vegetation establishment on existing gabions SHORELINE PRESERVATION - Fall Creek Shoreline Northward along the Fall Creek shoreline, from the bend -in -the -road , a more aesthetic, low impact solution is proposed for stabilizing the shoreline. This entails removal of a length of the installed gabions. The shoreline is to be regraded to no less than a 6:1 slope and in so doing, requires the relocation of the existing park road which currently hugs the shoreline. The toe of the slope, close to the water's edge, is stabilized with a course of rip - rap. Planted at intervals along the toe is Salix purpurea, a fast-growing, multi stemmed shrub adapted to wet areas where its fibrous root structure provides streamside bank stabilization. The shore is graded gradually back, from the toe to the road to create a south facing grass slope for sunbathing and blanket picnicking. From this improved shoreline expansive views over both the creek and the golf course are visible. This type of shoreline treatment is also recommended for the Cayuga Lake shoreline in front of the main pavilion complex. The existing gabion shoreline has destroyed much of the formerly natural shore along Fall Creek. On the other hand, the gabions have preserved large existing trees which occur close to the water's edge. Maintenance of a portion of the gabion shore is proposed in order to preserve these trees. However, the gabions should be topped with soil and planted with perennial grasses and shrubs to create a more natural appearance and to enable the edge to regain some of its ecological habitat potential for wildlife. bottom dredging to create fish habitat BEACH SHORELINE Recommended on Lagoon and Cayuga Lake Shoreline The regrading of the Lagoon edge increases the opportunity for a rich and diversified water experience. A small pebble beach area is proposed with a maximum of 1:20 slope. This south -facing shore will make the water accessible for fishing. A similar treatment is proposed on the west end of the Cayuga Lake shoreline where the existing grade would easily facilitate it. L) 4" " • , lo! • 1,4, J Cayuga Lake Shoreline: Undercutting has caused erosion of the shoreline behind the rip -rap. It is recommended that the rip -rap is reset and fill is added. Regrading of the shoreline in front of the main pavilion complex and on the west shore is recommended. Fall Creek Shoreline: Existing gabions: Removal of the gabions to the bend- in -the - road and regrading of the shoreline to increase public access while managing erosion, is recommended. r Lagoon Shoreline- North Shore Lagoon Shoreline -West Shore Lagoon Shoreline Regrading of portions of this shoreline are recommended to both increase public access and develop the vegetation quality of the edges. This could be undertaken in association with dredging of the lagoon to increase depth for fish habitat. =V. Roza zld illttItnb Roads and Paths -Preservation Guidelines History of Park Roadway and Circulation Systems The current roadway configuration was laid out when the park became a public facility in the early 1920's marking the transition from a trolley park of former times to an automobile park of modern times. The park entrance and drive was laid out along the southern edge of the park and replaced the lakeshore road. Furthermore, where the lakeshore road had passed in front of the main pavilions it was removed meaning, from that point onwards, automobiles encircled the perimeter of the park and parked on the lakefront away from the main pavilions. The purchase of the Cascadilla School property in 1923 added the western loop road to the park, the school's former running track. As it appeared in the 1934 Master Plan, the southern roadway was intended to link the Golf Course and Stewart Park via a bridge across Fall Creek. Designed as a two-way roadway it functioned much like a city street running in an east -west direction. The road extensions to the lake were planned as the major parking areas for park users. It is conceivable that the south road was never intended to have parking along it. The bridge across Fall Creek was never built and the park entranceway was once again relocated in the 1960's when Route 13 was constructed. Furthermore, the remoteness of Stewart Park from the city street network, caused by Route 13 construction, combined to create a situation in which automobiles predominate in the park. The city standard curb edge still appears throughout much of the park. The brown stone edging is subtle and unobtrusive and creates a clean division between roadway and landscape. Drainage works integrated with the road involve extensive use of a concrete gutter installed between the road and curbs and catch basins located throughout the park. The road effectively acts as the primary drainageway for the park watershed. Catch basins leading to storm water drains terminate in the lake, drainageway and duckpond and in the latter case pose serious questions about safeguarding water quality and habitat. The 1934 Master Plan illustrates a path, originating at the footbridge in the South Glade, and connecting to the northern nature pond thus linking the Fuertes Bird Sanctuary with the park. Although planned these paths were never built. Formerly paths which encircled the Mayor Stewart Memorial Garden and diagonal paths which eminated from the main pavilion complex appear on the 1934 plan and were built accordingly. These have since been eliminated although remnants of their form appear in the base of the flagpole and in the diagonal hedge configuration which radiates from the southwest side of the pavilion complex. Park Roads and Paths: Existing Conditions The existing roadway configuration has for long been part of the park form although unrealized connections and excessive auto use have put stresses on its intended use. The benefits and shortcomings of the road layout have been the subject of much community debate. In short, -the existing roadway allows for casual driving or "cruising" in the park. However it also creates a conflict with pedestrian use in the park especially during periods of intensive park use. Overly wide swaths of asphalt create dangerous situations because of the haphazard manner in which people tend to park in them and when driving to take 41 Roads and Paths -Preservation Guidelines wide -reaching turns. The paving of formerly public gathering spaces (eg. the space between the picnic and dance pavilions) has created inapproriate parking areas which diminish both the historic and contemporary relevance of these spaces to both the park and park users. Parking areas in Stewart Park present considerable conflict and confusion as well. The overly wide roadway in most cases, throughout the park, is meant to accomodate nose -in and parallel parking. However, it falls victim to the often random and inefficient parking style of the park users. In periods of particulary heavy use the road is narrowed by illegal parallel parking on both the north and south side of the western loop road. Narrowing to such dangerous proportions forces vehicles, bicycles and pedestrians to risk their safety as they pass. The lack of consistency and clarity concerning parking in Stewart Park leads to a situation in which "no parking" signs abound and moveable concrete curbs are strewn over the park to inhibit people from parking on the grass. There is virtually no policing of illegally parked cars and unmonitored park speeds creating a serious conflict between the pedestrian and the automobile user. Furthermore, the lack of a designated bicycle path makes the park road increasingly unsafe for bicyclists. Paths in the park are limited to the one which encircles the nature pond and currently requires clearing and maintenace. Recommended Preservation of Park Roads and Paths It is recommended that the existing roadway circulation layout in the park is preserved, specifically the two way road and the western one- way loop road. Furthermore, it is recommended that both short and long term improvements respect the character of the road with its historic curb edge. Immediate short term road improvements should focus on drainage, and road improvements which combine with other major landscape or park structure rehabilitation. Specifically, these involve the following: the realignment of the road along Fall Creek in order to undertake shoreline improvements; the restructuring and rehabilitation of the parking circle on the south side of the park; the removal of large swaths of asphalt between the picnic and dance pavilion, adjacent to the boathouse and on the "bend in the road" on the east side of the park and on the eastern end of the west loop; the elimination of concrete curbs and the replacement of historic curbing where it has been removed throughout the park; and the designation of a minimum 4' wide bike lane on the park road. Long term improvements of the park road should include a more regularized parking configuration, regularized park -scale road widths, a more even distribution of parking spaces throughout the park, and an increase of -parking on the waterfront. - -- - -- It is recommended that pathways which are based on historic precedent or which link the park to the rest of the Stewart Park Complex and the city are added. This includes the following; recreation of the historic path network connecting the Mayor 42 Roads and Paths -Preservation Guidelines Stewart Memorial Flagpole and the main pavilion complex, maintenance of the path around the Cascadilla nature pond; the creation of a path linking the nature pond with Fall Creek and the South Glade and eventually linking to the footbridge as designated in the 1934 Master Plan; the improvement of the path into the Fuertes Bird Sanctuary; and the creation of a sidewalk link between the park (near the proposed tennis courts) and the Youth Bureau and bus stop. General Guidelines for Preservation and New Construction of Roads and Paths Immediate Short Term Road Improvements 1.Preserve the historic roadway layout that accommodates a leisurely "drive through the park". 2.Maintain a park -like character to the roadway by removing asphalt and protecting trees or restoring lawn, restoring and maintaining the decoratively scaled curbing throughout the park and adding a designated bikelane. 3. Maintain drainage works on roadway 4. Realign roadway along the west loop (where it runs alongside Fall Creek) in order to undertake Fall Creek shoreline improvements which require a greater depth between the road and shoreline. 5. Restructure the south road circle by the lagoon to accommodate diagonal parking and one-way driving in order to restore landscape quality and accommodate more efficient parking. Long Term Road Improvements 1. Remove parrallel parking from the side of the road and regularize driving lanes to complement park scale and character as specified in the following specifications. 2. Plan for an even distribution of parking spaces throughout the park and consistent nose -in parking. 3. Expand parking on lakefront by structuring to accomodate double -loaded nose -in parking. Path Improvements 1. Restore historic pathway networks which radiate from the main pavilion complex and link to the Memorial Flagpole. 2. Construct a pathway link between the Fuertes Bird Sanctuary and the Park which encircles the South Glade and runs north -south along Fall Creek and encircles the nature pond. (This also creates a bikeway link from the city bikeway, over the footbridge to Stewart Park) 3. Design and construct paths with materials consistent with the desired park character and as specified in the following specifications. Specific Recommendations for Road and Path Improvements Roads: Short Term a. Restore missing curbs to match existing historic curbs. Install historic curb edge throughout the park to maintain consistent historic character to roadway and replace moveable concrete curbs. 43 be Realign the roadway to create a more generous landscape area along Fall Creek. This will serve the dual purpose of controlling erosion and facilitating access to the waterfront. Long Term a. Repave the roadway to a consistent 26' road width throughout the park where the road is two- way and 18' where the road is one-way along the loop road. b. Develop double loaded parking on the lakefront and perpedicular parking areas distributed throughout the park. Parking spaces should be 22' deep to accomodate pedestrians accessing vehicle trunks. Paths. a. Utilize a 6' wide asphalt and gravel walkway along Fall Creek from the lagoon bridge to the Nature Pond and Cascadilla Boathouse. b. Utilize asphalt and gravel walkways radiating from the main pavilion complex and linking with the Memorial Flagpole. c. Design asphalt and. gravel walkways to be 10'- 12' wide where service access is necessary, specifically at the Cascadilla Boathouse and the main pavilion complex.. -- d. Consider use of native stone or decorative paving in the paths for the formal garden encircling the Memorial Flagpole. e. Maintain a woodchip or sand path around the Nature Pond. Roads and Paths -Preservation Guidelines 44 „ 1$11,01,1 rw—por , ,1 4i? , 0011 „ p :1111 nolv I 4,4104$1W.,....0,610 4 "1'1,1f1'"'4149$111A7,400$10, Vir$4,41111,W:.,N,P1,101i00,14.1;,, p " , _ • 7 1. 0,44! dO• Existing hodge-podge of furnishings: Plastic and aluminum should not be favored over wood and materials compatible with the historic park structures Existing Picnic Furnishings Ensemble: While they serve their function there is room for more creative and permanent solutions which might take advantage of local artisans and be constructed by park crews. City standard park bench: This design could be adapted into a backless bench which could be used in more remote areas of the park. Vo EecreEafiom History of Recreation In the earliest days, as part of the Cascadilla School athletic facilities, the boathouse and its dock provided the focal point for rowing on Fall Creek and the lake. On the lake shoreline, the Renwick Park pier accommodated steam boats travelling up and down the Cayuga lake. As a public park, water related activites, swimming and boating, continued to be the, highlight of recreational activity on the site. The 1934 Master Plan suggested the addition of tennis courts in the west field along with swimming ramp improvements, in association with a new park pier, on the lakefront. Only half of the tennis courts were eventually built and only the concrete swimming ramp was completed. Swimming took place on this lakefront site until it was abandoned as an activity in the 1960's. In the 1950's play equipment was introduced into the park in the form of the current swings and the spray pool loosely organized south of the tea pavilion. A baseball' backstop was added to the west field at this time as well. Throughout its history its large open areas have provided for flexible informal play space for sports such as softball, frisbee throwing, beep baseball, and running. Walking or strolling along the lakefront or through the park has always been a favorite_ pastime of park users. Exisiting Conditions Today the tennis courts are still in use although significantly deteriorated from lack of maintenance and upkeep. In the playground newer wooden and steel equipment has replaced or augmented the traditional tubular steel equipment and the Recreation -Preservation Guidelines playground and spray pool are heavily used, as evident in eroded grass surfaces. Boating has only recently undergone a revival at Stewart Park as a result of the Cascadilla Boat Club's use of the boathouse. The private membership Boat Club also provides makeshift dock facilities on Fall Creek for use by its members. Other people using non -motorized boats such as canoes and kayaks often simply climb over the rip rap along the lake to put their boats into the water. Swimming, to the disappointment of many, has been abandoned at Stewart Park since the 60's. Combined with loss of the lakefront pier and Fall Creek docking facilities there is a perception that water related sports have declined. Fishermen particularly use the lagoon and Fall Creek for fishing. The condition of eroding banks along these shorelines is aggravated by fishing. Furthermore, no dock facilities exist on Fall Creek for the use of fishermen although the Boat Club dock is frequently used for that purpose. Recommended Preservation of Recreation It is recommended that the current sports activities are maintained in the park and that no other permanent facilities or elements are added to exceed the number already there. a. Active Sports Recommendations It is recommended that the_active-sports- areas including the baseball backstop and the tennis courts be encouraged in the east field where they are not dependent on lake views. The east field is currently an underutilized open space which is conveniently located in proximity to the Youth Bureau. The preservation of the west field as an open space which views across in all directions is 45 Recreation -Preservation Guidelines recommended. This does not preclude the playing of ball in the west field. It attempts to limit the use of permanent elements (such as the backstop) which tend to encourage active sports. A possible site for relocation of the tennis courts exists on the east side of the lake, north of the new Youth Bureau. After much study it appears that this is the best of relatively few alternatives. It is strongly recommended that the need for tennis courts at Stewart Park is carefully assessed and that the possibility of increasing facilities at Cass Park or the High School be studied as an alternative. Enhancing the safety and experience of biking through Stewart Park and connecting the park to the city bikeway is recommended. This could be accomplished by designating a 4' wide bike path along the park road, undertaking path improvements in the South Glade and carrying a designated bike path .out of the park, past the Youth Bureau and linking eventually to Cayuga Street. b. Playground Recommendations It is recommended that the playground is maintained in Stewart Park and that the traditional tubular steel equipment inform the future style and type of equipment selections. The thin tubular steel members give this type of equipment a visual transparency- one can virtually see through the play equipment. In addition, as opposed to strictly selecting catalog -items, future play equipment could be designed to utilize color schemes, imaginitive forms and wind generated sound or moving parts. The removal of chunky wooden equipment is recommended. Furthermore, it is strongly recommended that the play equipment is reorganized to take advantage of proximity to the main pavilion complex, free up the space around the tea pavilion and maintain the flow of both open lawn space and movement in an east -west direction through the park. The exisitng proximity of the kids spray pool to the park road has been an issue which many have expressed concern about. When it is necessary to replace it, it is recommended that the pool be moved closer to the recommended small childrens playground area. In the future it is suggested that a play area for older children is located on the south end of the space ( currently where the spray pool is located). c. Passive Recreation Recommendations Enhancement of the park for walkers, joggers, and strollers is recommended in association with path and circulation improvements. First, it is recommended that the park is linked to the City Bikeway and the rest of the Stewart Park Complex via the footbridge and the creation of a walk in the South Glade which continues along Fall Creek and links to the existing path around the nature pond. The recreation of historic path networks in the area of the Memorial Flagpole are recommended as well. (See Roads and Paths: Preservation Guidelines). A sidewalk link between the Youth Bureau and the proposed tennis courts is recommended to link the park with both the Youth Bureau and the bus stop. A possibility which should be strongly considered in the future involves continuing sidewalk improvements along James Gibbs Drive and out to --34B, under Route 13 and connecting to the city street network. Such improvements would restore a connection between the city and the park which was severed by the construction of Route 13. It is recommended that the park access to the Fuertes Bird Santuary be maintained. However it 46 Recreation -Preservation Guidelines is also recommended that it be relocated on center with the memorial flapole. From the entrance a narrow path would move along the drainageway for a short distance before crossing into the Sanctuary. The safeguarding of the Fuertes Bird Sanctuary is of great concern. Therefore it is recommended that a secure small scale gate entrance to the Fuertes is constructed to discourage bikes and encourage pedestrian users only . A small-scale gate stile which incorporates an information sign about the use of the Sanctuary is recommended for this purpose. d.Water Recreation Recommendations Shoreline improvements are directly related to the desire to improve water access in the park. Improvements of the Fall Creek Shoreline will allow people to sunbathe and fish from the Creek's grassy banks. Improvements along the shore adjacent to the Cascadilla Boathouse will facilitate tieing a boat dock to the shoreline. Finally, the regrading portions of the lake shoreline to create pebble beach or grass slopes, will facilitate ease of entering and exiting the water with small-scale boats. General Guidelines 1. Maintain the current recreation activities which exist in the park and do not add to them. 2. Encourage development of water related sports activities in combination with shoreline rehabilitation and rehabilitation of park structures. 3. Adopt a typology for play equipment based on the existing traditional equipment. Select similar equipment in the future which does not block views either to the lake or elsewhere in the park. 4. Site active recreation facilities (tennis courts and backstop) on the east side of the park where they are not dependent on lake views and where they are convenient to the Youth Bureau. If further study determines a more suitable off-site location for the tennis courts then it is conceivable that the courts will not be relocated within the park. 5. Maintain open lawn spaces for flexible informal sports activites. 6. Develop designated pedestrian and bicycle paths in the park to connect Stewart Park to a larger network of recreation including the Fuertes Bird Sanctuary, the city bike path, the Youth Bureau, high school and city. 47 PET Run Ilefbfzn (OE e History of Park Furnishings Historic photograhic evidence exists to depict some of the historic light fixtures and benches which appear compatible with the turn of the century shingle style park archtecture. The diamond motif concrete bench, while representative of a later period, appears compatible with park architecture. As a city standard bench, created by city crews, it is an excellent prototype for in-house design and construction. Park Furnishings:Existing Conditions The existing condition of park furnishings in Stewart Park is a hodge-podge of design and catalog selections which represent no one consistent character or period. They are not necessarily reflective of the architectural turn -of the century flavor of the park and on the contrary are reflective of many periods of design. For example, the concrete benches and play equipment represent art deco and 1950's design respectively and reflect on the style at the time they were added to the park. Today the addition and replacement of play equipment corresponds to contemporary catalog cuts and fails to blend with old-style tubular steel equipment forms. Water fountains are reduced to pipe standards emerging out of concrete slabs placed in activity areas throughout the park. A range of quality and style of varied benches, picnic tables and barbeques are found in the park. A purely utilitarian approach which thoroughly sidesteps design or historic compatibility considerations has been taken in the approach to solving functional requirements of lighting and trash collection in the park. Lighting is currently handled in the park with light standards mounted on high utility poles arranged in a utility corridor which passes right through the middle of the park and the play area. Trash receptacles are green painted 55 gallon drums randomly scattered throughout the park and roadway. Parking areas are designated with moveable painted white concrete curbs. Standard metal roadway signs which appear in the park, are inconsistent with the park setting and better suited to a busy city street. Recommended Image of Park Furnishings Compatibility of park furnishings with one another as well as with the desired image for the park buildings is of paramount importance if the park is to achieve a harmonious form and character. Thus, decisions regarding park furnishings and buildings must be considered at the same time. General Guidelines to Coordinate Park Furnishings 1. Coordination of the design and installation of park furnishing should be undertaken by a park manager -and subject to review by the Park Commission. 2. All new construction of park furnishings should be undertaken by a designer using design details, lettering, motifs, materials and forms consistent with and compatible with the historic structures in the park as they are preserved and subject to review by the Park Commission. 3. Replacement, restoration and new design of park furnishings should be done in such a way as to strive for a unified image to the furnishing elements in the park which complements the tum of the century architectural style of the park's prominent architectural structures. 48 4. The involvement of local artisans and designers should be encouraged in both the design and the construction and/or manufacture of park furnishings. - 5. The development of a detailed maintenance schedule for annual maintenance of park furnishings should be a high priority concern and task for the park manager. 6. Materials specified for park furnishings should reflect the historic character, colors, finishes and details evidenced in available historic photographs, pictoral or physical documentation and in the proposed preserved image of the park structures. 7. Park Signage: a design vocabulary for park signage at Stewart Park should be established which is consistent with the historic landscape and architectural features and the overall park character. Utilize signage to highlight the main activity areas of the park. Size of signs, construction materials, colors, finish, and letter style should be coordinated to complement one another and the desired architectural character of the park. 9. Restore the entry character to the park using existing columns combined with sidewalk, seating and landscape improvements. 10. Develop a coordinated lighting sheme for Stewart Park which recalls -the historic turn of the century character of the park in the selection of more human and park scale light fixtures and to illuminate the park roadway, key park buildings and park features only. 11. Coordinate park furnishings and select a single park bench type, picnic table, trash receptacle, and barbeque. Replace worn-out furnishings as needed. 12. Utilize moveable park furnishings, tables and chairs, in association with the main Pavilion Structures in the park- to be used on decks and in courtyard spaces. 13. Preserve and Maintain the steel tubing swings along the waterfront and use wood, as opposed to aluminum seating, in association with them. 14. Adopt health and safety guidelines in the selection of park furnishings 15. Strive to utilize design forms and materials which are hard-wearing, minimize vandalism and are maintainable by park crews. Specific Recommendations a. Utilize the city standard bench, concrete supports with diamond -motif, wooden slat backing and railing as the park bench. Design a backless bench, using the same motif, for less formal areas of the park. b. Position benches throughout the park to encourage use of diverse areas and to take advantage of views and vistas. c. Undertake the design of a.permanent barbeque pit which is compatible with the park's character and can be constructed by park crews. d. Undertake the design of a table which can be built by park crews and is compatible with benches and barbeques. 49 e. Undertake design of a trash receptacle compatible with the park and park furnishings. f. Utilize materials and color in park furnishings which is compatible with the park's architecture as it is preserved g. Undertake selection of an historic light post standard and fixture using existing historic photographic evidence as a guide. -Select light standard for human scale and park -like proportions to a height of 12'- 14'. -locate light standards 100'-125' on center staggered on opposite sides of the park roadway along the entire park roadway length. -Utilize Mercury Vapor lighting fixtures h. Design illumination for the main park structures using lighting fixtures which are integrated with the architectural features and strucutures as they are preserved. Building mounted fixtures, recessed lighting, spot lighting could be considered as options. i. Develop a five-part signage program which uses the following sign types in the park: 1. historic signs: building mounted plaques commemorating historic structures in the park and located on the building face. 2. park entry sign: incorporated into the gateway entrance to the park. 3. park rules sign: located perpendicular to the park road and incorporating a park map. 4. ecological or intergretive sign: a waist height information sign or key map in the wildlife pond area or lagoon area, in the "Art in the Park" area. 5. roadway traffic signs: Small-scale eye -level traffic signs limited to traffic direction, stopping, right -turn or yield. Parking rules should be identified on the park rules sign and "no parking" signs should only be used as low-level signs, in critical areas k. Develop a coordinated graphic presentation for all signs in the park and employ materials, color schemes and consistent character in the signs used there to reflect the park's architectural preservation character and materials. 50 eC®mmll llR e CHAPTER FOUR IKEzeflns Acttn®IIne PHASING AREA PLAN The accompanying plan is divided into discreet Areas for the purpose of phasing. Recommended phasing actions for each of the Areas illustrated are described in the following pages. Recommended Phasing Actions The following phasing recommendations summarize actions for each of the designated park areas. In general the phasing by stages can be considered in the following way: Stage One: 0-2 years Stage Two: 2-5 years Stage Three: 5-8 years It is important to state that the recommended improvements would not in all cases adhere to the above timeframe. However, understanding the place of improvements in phasing may facilitate a sequenced preservation approach. Furthermore, it is important to distinguish Stage One from Stage Three proposals. Stage One recommendations represent high priority concerns while Stage Three recommendations are long term proposals which represent low priority actions. AIRIEA A Stage One a. Undertake immediate Boathouse stabilization measures as outlined in this report. b. Contract with a Preservation Consultant to undertake boathouse rehabilitation according to guidelines for preservation as outlined in this report. c. Contract with Landscape Architect to undertake detailed rehabilitation of site surrounding the boathouse according to guidelines setforth in this report. Recommended Phasing Actions d. Remove park storage needs from the Cascadilla Boathouse and relocate to Lake Street D.P.W. facility. e. Remove existing asphalt on east and south side of Cascadilla Boathouse and reseed and vegetate the areas. f. Remove vegetation as required on Fall Creek to accommodate new rip rap and rowing dock. g. Install riprap and bulkhead on Fall Creek shoreline along determined length to support prefabricated rowing dock. Stage Two a. Undertake exterior and interior rehabilitation and restoration of the Boathouse. b. Construct exterior site improvements which complement architectural rehabilitation. c. Develop maintenance schedule for boathouse and site. Stage • Three a. Undertake ongoing maintenance and programming of Boathouse to ensure its role as a primary park resource. AREA I3 Stage One a. Remove swans from the park and designate the duck pond as a nature pond for diverse waterfowl. 51 b. Remove fence from around pond and reintegrate the pond as a park experience for visitors. c. Stabilize the lake shorelines north of the boathouse with selective vegetation thinning and rip rap. d. Undertake dredging and recontouring of the depth and shoreline of the pond to create areas for waterfowl and more diverse vegetation habitat as outlined in guidelines. e. Eliminate road drainage, from surrounding roads into the pond, as it currently occurs. f. Eliminate peninsula, develop a submerged earthen dam for pond circulation and create an island for waterfowl nesting. g. Replant and develop the vegetation along the pond for wildlife and vegetation diversity using both native specimen trees and shrub massings as outlined in the guidelines. h. Maintain a sand or stone path around the nature pond. i. Develop maintenance schedule for pond vegetation. -Stage Two and- Three a. Undertake management of vegetation, water quality and paths on an on-going basis. b. Install park benches to take advantage of views. Recommended Phasing Actions c. Develop interpretive signage for the path around the nature pond which highlights aspects of the ecology there. Airco@ (C Stage One a. Rehabilitate shoreline character by removing gabions along Fall Creek shoreline from bend -in - the -road northward. Regrade shoreline back from water's edge to create grass slope and undertake replanting as outlined in guidelines. b. Relocate road back from water's edge to accommodate new grading. c. Undertake revegetation of water's edge as outlined in guidelines d. Construct new path along upper slope to connect South Glade to the nature pond. e. Develop maintenance schedule for park plantings, shoreline and pathway. Stage Two and Three a. Undertake maintenance of shoreline and plantings AREA ED Stage One a. Park Commission should review programming needs to determine the need for a new pavilion or gazebo in the South Glade. The appropriateness of a new park pavilion in the future at this location should be explored. 52 Stage Two and Three a. If lagoon pavilion or gazebo is desired contract with architect to design pavilion according to guidelines for new park structures. AREA IE Stage One a. Develop a foot and bike path beginning at the lagoon bridge and running along Fall Creek northward to the nature pond and Cascadilla Boathouse. b. Establish wet woodland shrub vegetation along the proposed walkway as specified in guidelines. Develop wetland vegetation along the lagoon shoreline. c. Incorporate new benches and sitting areas in the South Glade area.. d. Accommodate a limited amount of moveable picnic tables (no barbeques) in the South Glade. e. Install topsoil on the remaining gabions to establish shrub and grass species along Fall Creek and make the gabions aesthetically compatible with the park. f. Develop a maintenance schedule for the South Glade vegetation, shorelines and paths. Stage Two and Three a. Undertake maintenance of South Glade vegetation, shorelines and paths. Recommended Phasing Actions ATOM IF Stage One a.Work with the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation to improve fishing opportunities in the lagoon. b. Investigate the feasibility of an impoundment structure to maintain water level in the pond during the winter months for ice-skating, and to encourage fish habitat. Stage Two and Stage Three a.Undertake dredging of the lagoon to increase habitat diversity. If advisable and feasible, construct an impoundment structure under the suspension bridge. b. Manage and maintain impoundment structure. Anal G Stage One a. Regrade lagoon shoreline using fill from dredging to create a diversified edge for vegetation and to lessen the proximity of the lagoon edge to the south road as outlined in shoreline improvements. Recontour the lagoon shoreline along its northern edge to create a wetland grass area and a gradually sloped pebble beach. b. Establish vegetation that enhances the intimate stream/wood character of this end of the park as outlined in planting guidelines. 53 Stage Two a. Install new benches and picnic tables as necessary to encourage passive use of area overlooking the lagoon . b. Develop maintenance schedule for vegetation and shoreline improvements along lagoon edge. Am®m IHI Stage One a. Restructure parking so that the loop is one-way and parking occurs on the diagonal. Delineate edge of road and park with curbing. b. Rehabilitate vegetation along lagoon with maintenance and planting according to guidelines. c. Locate a small number of moveable picnic tables in this area and install benches where necessary. d. Use the large circular grass island as a staging area for community organized "art in the park" - either in the form of an earthwork project or as a place for a large outdoor sculpture. In addition consider locating a number of local sculptor's work around the lagoon. Stage Two a. Implement community "Art in the Park" program b. Develop maintenance schedule for lagoon. ATOM 11 Stage One a. Remove rip rap from area of shoreline and regrade the lake shoreline to create a pebble beach Recommended Phasing Actions for closeness to the water and easy access/egress of small craft according to shoreline improvement guidelines. b. Install new benches, swings and bbq's. Stage Two and Three a. Develop maintenance schedule and undertake on-going maintenance of shoreline. ATOM JI • Stage One a. Relocate existing active recreation facilities (tennis and softball) that are not dependent on lake views, to other more underutilized areas of the park. b.Remove parking from the "bend in the road" at the northeasternmost end of the loop road, to create views unobstructed by parked vehicles and increase barbeque and picnic facilities. c. Plant additional specimen trees along north and west edges of the field and in the already established grove in the southeastern portion of the West Field. d.Add permanent barbecue and picnic table along the edges of the West Field open space as appropriate. e. Provide electrical hook-ups for large scale outdoor summer events in the west field along the parking area on the north end of the space. 54 Ahem IIS Stage One a. Undertake filling to replace areas of eroded shoreline. Reconstruct rip rap as designated in guidelines. b. Add additional picnic tables, barbeques where appropriate. Aman@ IL Stage One a. Undertake stabilization measures for the Tea Pavilion as outlined in the Preservation Guidelines of this report. b.Contract with a preservation architect to oversee stabilization measures and to develop restoration and rehabilitation plans for tea pavilion as outlined in the preservation guidelines. c. Rehabilitate the landscape setting around the tea pavilion according to guidelines. ,Stage Two and Three a. Undertake rehabilitation of tea pavilion. b. Create walkway linkage from tea pavilion to main pavilion complex. c. Locate benches and lighting according to park furnishings guidelines Recommended Phasing Actions Ann M Stage One a. Maintain tubular steel play equipment. b. Maintain sand or woodchip surfaces under the play equipment. c. Relocate and group the small children's play equipment to the area between the tea pavilion and the picnic pavilion.This improves access to restrooms and the concession, and distances the small children from the road. Stage Two a. Reconstruct and relocate spray pool to play area away from road. b. Add benches, picnic tables and barbeques to the edges of the space to encourage family picnicking. c. Create a permanent decorative fence around the carousel Stage Three a. Relocate and group the larger children's equipment to the south end of the play area. Add a large scale piece of complex and dynamic equipment to this area. The -piece- should --utilize- - - — tubular steel but be exciting, colorful and playful in its character. 55 AIIBIEA N Stage One a. Undertake stabilization of picnic and dance pavilion under the supervision of a preservation professional. b. Undertake temporary rehabilitation of toilet facilities and coordinate permanent rehabilitation with large scale rehabilitation of the pavilions. c. Contract with a preservation professional to undertake picnic and dance pavilion rehabilitation and preservation proposals. d. Remove the parking lot from between the two pavilions. e. Contract with a landscape architect to design site improvements surrounding the picnic and dance pavilion as they are rehabilitated. Stage Two a. Undertake major exterior and interior rehabilitations of the dance and picnic pavilion b. Undertake site improvements. ATOM 0 Stage One a. -Eliminate the concrete swimming ramp on the lakeshore. Regrade the shoreline so that a gradual grass slope meets the water's edge. Recommended Phasing Actions Am IF Stage One and Stage Two a. Consider feasibility of and desire for pier and contract with engineer to develop pier design alternatives. - Stage Three a. Undertake the design and construction of a municipal pier if desireable. ATOM Q Stage One a. Remove east diagonal roadway leading to the main pavilion complex. b. Remove manicured hedges to open up space in east -west direction. c. Reconstruct the diagonal paths radiating from the picnic pavilions as wide pedestrian paths that allow service and emergency access to the pavilions. d. Recreate a formal garden around the . flagpole as a focal point of the space. Relocate Stallman Rose Garden to this location. e. Maintain the open lawn panel and the connecting view between the flagpole and the central space between the pavilions. - - --- - -` f. Maintain the openness of the center of the space to accommodate circulation across the park particularly in an east -west direction. 56 g. Plant the formal garden to achieve a seasonally varied and rich horticultural display according to planting guidelines. Stage Two a. Reconstruct the straight paths which connect the flagpole and memorial garden to the pavilions and central courtyard. b. Locate park benches throughout the memorial garden area where appropriate Aire@ R. Stage One a. Relocate the entrance to the Fuertes Bird Sanctuary on center with the flagpole. b. Acknowledge the entrance to the Fuertes Bird Sanctuary with a small pass-through gate -stile which limits vehicles. Develop soft path which parallels the drainage channel before crossing the creek into the sanctuary. Arrem Stage One a. Plant specimen trees along the edge of the East Field to frame views in and out of the space and to frame views from the automobile as one enters the park. b. Relocate the softball backstop to the East Field. Recommended Phasing Actions Stage Two a. Incorporate benches and seating as desired in East Field. Aire@ T Stage One. Two and Three a. Fence the railroad right of way, with a fence or hedge which does not obstruct views of the lake but ensures safety of park visitors and limits the railroad crossing to one location. b. Remove Stallman Rose Garden and relocate to Mayor Stewart Memorial Garden. Arrem U Stage One a. Develop a planted median at the park entrance to clarify vehicular circulation and create a more park- like entry. b. Preserve existing columns but relocate to intersection with James Gibbs Drive and incorporate lighting compatible with park architecture and furnishings. c. Incorporate a drop-off and waiting area with the entrance gate posts. d. Increase landscaping along Route 13 in order to mediate sound and pollution and reduce the negative impact of the highway on the park. 57 Alrem V Stage One a. Undertake shoreline improvements as indicated in the guidelines. b. Construct an earthen jetty which extends into the lake for a short distance, approximately 80'-100', and is on axis with the Youth Bureau. The jetty, becomes a final "event" and destination on the northeasternmost lakeshore. Arrem W Stage One a. Remove the asphalt in the "bend in the road" and replace with lawn. Stage Two and Three a. Construct new tennis courts if considered necessary and if other city locations are not considered feasible. Provide a sidewalk connection from the Youth Bureau and bus stop which passes through the park entrance and leads to the tennis courts. Recommended Phasing Actions 58