Gore Creek Promenade Renewal

The Gore Creek Promenade Updated Design Concept

Project Goal

To preserve the established character of the Gore Creek Promenade while addressing design and maintenance deficiencies.

Project Objectives

1. Establish a turf management program to promote high-quality turf areas. This includes hiring a turf management consultant, improving soil structure and drainage, establishing/improving regular maintenance protocols, evaluating seasonal short-term closures and/or adding non-turf gathering spaces.
2. Evaluate existing healthy mature trees and established stream bank vegetation and identify trees/vegetation that should be protected. Consider opportunities to remove some existing vegetation to create additional gathering space and improve site views. Add new trees as appropriate. Consider replacing some mature stream bank vegetation with lower-growing species, shade trees and relocating some vegetation areas.
3. Reduce congestion on the east end of the park by improving gathering spaces, circulation, and opportunities to interact with Gore Creek on the west end of the park.
4. Improve the “linger time” within the park and overall promenade area. Increase formal and informal seating opportunities and improve “shopper seating.” Take advantage of existing shade and consider the addition of small tables, Adirondack chairs and other new seating options. Create appropriate places for bicycle/ski racks and trash/recycle bins. Consider the installation of a water bottle filler/drinking fountain.
5. Improve park access/egress points and provide better access throughout the park for those with a disability or limited mobility.
6. Consider how special events impact park features. Evaluate design options, special event management procedures and types of activities to better accommodate those events with a goal of reducing impacts to the park’s features.
7. Coordinate with the Art in Public Place Board for opportunities that align with the goals of the AIPP Strategic Plan.
8. Evaluate the use and/or desire for a fire pit(s). Consider changes to location, appliance type, operation schedule and overall need.
9. Consider future opportunities to work with private property owners for a pedestrian connection between the Promenade and the Covered Bridge along Gore Creek.
10. Evaluate the existing boulder streambank to determine where erosion is occurring and how it should best be repaired.

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