Ordinance No. 20513 - Laserfiche WebLink

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Downtown Riverfront Specific Area Plan OPEN SPACE PROGRAM The variety of public open space types in the plan support a range of program opportunities on the riverfront site. These types include green infrastructure, parks, public plazas, and interpretive sites. Concepts related to the development of private open space are also noted. As a whole, the open space network contributes to the vision of the Downtown Riverfront as a vibrant, mixed -use, sustainable, and highly walkable community. PARKS Riverfront Park The Riverfront Park has been designed to extend the entire length of the EWEB site to connect with greenways and other areas of open space and extend the riverfront character of the site into Downtown Eugene. A significant aspect of the space will be the enhancement of the riverfront open space and habitat. This park will be comprised of predominantly native and non - invasive introduced species that require minimal supplemental water, fertilization or pest or disease - control. Where possible the existing riverbank will be cut back above the 100 -year flood elevation to improve to the visual connection to the river and provide a more suitable grade for rehabilitation and management of invasive species. A series of river overlooks are planned along the top of bank. A naturalized meadow will allow for large public gatherings and also make an important ecological and educational contribution to the site. Pathways, low seating walls, and varied native plantings will create a series of naturalized garden spaces throughout the park. A major pedestrian and bicycle path extends the length of the Riverfront Park and connects to the existing Riverbank Trail on either side of the EWEB property. This path is a combined pedestrian and cycling path through most of the park; however, along Restaurant Row the paths are separated for safety reasons and to support compatibility among multiple modes of transportation. There is also a more narrow nature trail along the top of bank, which creates a variety of seating opportunities along the edge of the river and connects to river overlooks. All pathways will be universally accessible. Adventure Landscape An adventure landscape is a natural play area connected to the Millpond Swale and located close to Restaurant Row, boardwalk, and Riverbank Trail. The park provides an opportunity for children to play near the edge of the Millpond Swale among a natural landscape. Pollinator Park This pollinator - friendly open space is situated near the southeast edge of the property, on a damaged site that must remain capped and can only be altered above - grade. Rather than re- purposing the entire site as a parking area or hardscape, a design concept presented the opportunity to create a man -made landform using excavated fill from on -site redevelopment and the reshaping of the riverbank. The site could also be planted as a naturalized meadow and include an accessible interpretive site. A viewing area would provide seating, weather protection, and interpretive signage. Raised garden beds or other urban agriculture could be located near the perimeter of this park. GREENINFRASTRUCTURE Millpond Swale The Millpond Swale is a major stormwater feature that provides park and open space opportunities adjacent to the Steam Plant and Restaurant Row. In addition to the stormwater treatment features, this park provides wetland habitat and biodiversity, interpretive and educational opportunities along the water edges, direct connections to the river, and a variety of seating and overlook features at the waters edge and through the park area. There is also a possibility that the Millrace could be connected to this water feature in the future. A series of weirs at bridge crossings could accommodate the elevation changes in the wetland to recirculate the water and cleanse it prior to its release into the river. Green Streets The green streets planned for the EWEB site are intended to provide a significant contribution to the open space character and site ecology. They are to be integrated with the parks and open space design, and they provide a functioning, vegetated edge to the new blocks. The streets will have a pedestrian focus with significant green infrastructure such as stormwater management, extensive planting, large trees, and flexibility for alternate uses such as cafe tables, shop displays, seating, markets, and public art. Streetscape materials and furnishings on the streets should be durable, locally available, cost effective, and have a sense of connection to this place. 5th Avenue Swale The 5th Avenue Green Extension is the second major bioswale that serves as a stormwater management system as well as a landscape park and open space amenity. The swale extends from High Street to the river, gradually widening as it moves toward the riverfront. The park space will be planted with appropriate wetland and /or bioswale vegetation and will have a number of seating, overlook and interpretive opportunities along it. The 5th Avenue Streetscape and the 5th Avenue Green Extension should be designed in concert and feel like one contiguous public space that draws pedestrians to the river from Downtown, provides a beautiful naturalized path, and serves a critical stormwater function. Maintaining service access to the south side of the EWEB Headquarters building is an important consideration to resolve with this element's design. 46 ■ Rowell Brokaw Architects