Hogans Creek Park Master Plan

[tufsu1]

Before people get too bent out of shape, things need to be put in their proper place.  Overall, the plan has some good elements (a good mix of passive/active uses, etc.), along with several issues that need to be addressed (ex. historic preservation, connectivity, shifting around existing assets, etc.).

However, its VERY preliminary.  The presentation format easily confirms this.  As the process continues, reality will enter the picture and a more well thought out plan will be produced.

Exactly!

And as fsu813 stated, the best way to provide input is to ATTEND a public meeting!

[thelakelander]

PPS has a pretty good track record.  We've featured a couple of projects they have been involved with in the past.  It would be nice if they can play a larger role.

www.pps.org

[sheclown]

Even though the plan is preliminary, the vision for the plan ought to be in place.  For example, will the balustrades be removed to have a natural creek? 

The decision to save the canal or return it to a natural creek -- has this been decided?

[zoo]

HDR's project list - http://www.hdrinc.com/13/default.aspx

PPS' current project list - http://www.pps.org/info/services/current_projects/where_pps_working_today_all

[thelakelander]

Even though the plan is preliminary, the vision for the plan ought to be in place.  For example, will the balustrades be removed to have a natural creek?

The general vision seems to be to restore the park into a centralized public space that offers a diverse things to do.  From what has been explained here is that the options and components of such a plan can change as more input is given.

The decision to save the canal or return it to a natural creek -- has this been decided?

My guess would be if enough of the community demands preservation, the city will come around.  JTA did with the DT BRT plan and the city appears to be doing so with Friendship Fountain.  The key is to participate early in the process of decision making.  So despite what the conceptual sketches may show, don't accept them as being set in stone.

[sheclown]

So, now is the time to take on stand on preserving our Klutho Canal and its balustrades.

[thelakelander]

yes.

[sheclown]

Do we know if SPAR is working toward preserving the canal and its balustrades?

[zoo]

The scope of the master plan includes determining timing/cost for environmental remediation of soil and water, storm water management (flood control), preservation and restoration of historic assets where possible, and inclusion of beautification components.

[Ocklawaha]

Vision? How about that empty space over by Jefferson? How about this?



Don't sweat the small stuff - it's for models, look at the size of the autos. Bet this would bring out every retired,active, or wanna be pilot in Florida. Radio Controlled model flight, too cool... Ok LUNICAN, go find the video of an RC landing!  



OCKLAWAHA

[thelakelander]

^Ock, send them to Cecil.  If we're talking about the same empty space, that's where to VA Clinic is supposed to go.  However, the plan should include how to intergrate a BRT station and associated retail/dining near the clinic and Shands.  That's something that I would suggest not leaving JTA in charge to decide.

[zoo]

Thank you, Chris, for continuing to be a reasonable voice.

That is not so.  I saw many of the written suggestions taken at the Karpeles incorporated, one of which was the possible removal of the Health Center which was built on park land.  A couple of weeks ago I was invited to walk the creek and parks with Jennifer Holbrooke and Kevin White and talk first hand about what I thought about the area, and water control.  I felt it was an enlightening walk for all of us.  These plans are not cast in concrete (pun intended) and are evolving, also there are many many problems, like the contamination, to overcome.  At least something is moving and attention is once again being drawn to an area, which even today in its shabby dress, is a thing of beauty - "which is a joy for ever".
They are looking at a long hard slog to get anything achieved, it was 3 1/2 years from idea to completion on the fountain, at least they are trying, listening and putting stuff out for all to see. The decision to spend the money was that of the parks and city representative, they thought it worthwile.

[sheclown]

Chris,

Is the plan to save the canal and the balustrades?

[strider]

Another note is that the efforts to save the balustrades actually began way back in 1994 or 1995 when Ed Austin was still mayor and Lisa and Mellissa wrote the grant and got the funds.  While it seems the original funds were used for other worthwhile things, it is odd that we are still talking about whether to save the balustrades or not. It should be a no brainer and we should be talking about how the rest of the park will work with them in place and restored.

[thelakelander]

I'm for the redevelopment of Hogans Creek as well. This is a process that should have happened years ago.  While there are elements in the conceptuals I don't agree with, I know that what was presented (it looks like a quick sketch on trace paper overlayed over an aerial) was probably thrown together in a hour or two after getting some input from the stakeholders.  Thus some things are completely out of scale and have not been properly addressed.  This is why its important at this stage to provide as much input to the consultants as possible.

In the end, a final plan should be much more detailed.  So my advice (I work in this industry) is to not get so stressed out.  Even when a final is produced, there's a slim chance everything on the plan will be built exactly as shown, anyway.

an example of a preliminary plan


an example of a more finalized plan


The Hogans Creek Plan still has a way to go, so now is the time to suggest what should be included or taken out.