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HomeMy WebLinkAboutPlayground Staff report DATE: November 5, 2020 APPLICANT: Ron Ross, Dept. of Parks and Recreation ADDRESS: 503 E 9th Street FILE NUMBER: HDC2020-021 COA REQUEST: New universal accessible playground with sidewalks PROJECT BACKGROUND AND DESCRIPTION: The subject property is located at 503 East 9th Street. The property’s legal description is “That part NW lying E of Quapaw Line W of McAlmont Street & North of E 13th Street in Township 1N, Range 12 W Sections 2 and 11, Little Rock, Pulaski County, Arkansas." The Arsenal Building was built in the 1840’s and is a national landmark, the highest recognition of a historic building. The structure is a contributing structure in the district. This application is for a new universal accessible playground with sidewalks. PREVIOUS ACTIONS ON THIS SITE: On January 10, 2018, a COA was approved for storm windows on the Arsenal Building. On March 10, 2014, a COA was approved for new fencing at the playground. On April 5, 2013, a COA was approved for a sign at the MacArthur Museum of Arkansas Military History. On December 10, 2012, an application for a fence was reviewed by the HDC as part of another application but was withdrawn at that hearing. On December 10, 2012, a COA was approved for multiple signs to be installed in the park. DEPARTMENT OF PLANNING AND DEVELOPMENT 723 West Markham Street Little Rock, Arkansas 72201-1334 Phone: (501) 371-4790 Fax:(501) 399-3435 www.littlerock.gov STAFF REPORT ITEM NO. Four. Location of Project Page 2 of 9 On January 31, 2011, A COA was approved for two new signs for the MacArthur Museum of Arkansas Military History and for a directional sign for the MacArthur Museum of Arkansas Military History and the Arkansas Korean War Veterans Memorial. Location looking west from east parking lot Contributing and Non-contributing map PROPOSAL AND WRITTEN ANALYSIS OF THE APPLICATION BASED OFF OF INTENT AND GUIDELINES: This playground is a component playset with colorful elements and will be located southeast of the MacArthur Museum of Arkansas Military History. The location between the two existing parking lots will provide ample parking. The playground is designed for children 5 -12 years old. Playground equipment includes slides, climbing boards, overhead ladders, gliders, swings, zip tracks, as well as sensory equipment associated with touch, sound, and visual experiences. Shade structures cover much of the play equipment and seating areas. Surrounding the playground, low shrubs, boulders, fences, and benches will be in place to control access. Signage will be included. The existing playground will be removed when the new playground is installed. The site will be leveled and seeded with grass to provide a free from play area. Sidewalks from the parking areas to the new playground area will be 8 feet wide. Additional walks will be added to the edges of the parking lots to connect to the playground. One sidewalk from the eastern parking lot will be removed. Two 12’ square cantilever umbrellas shade bench areas that look onto the playground. Other benches surround the play area without umbrellas. Fencing around parts of the playground will match the fence that was installed recently at the corner of 9th and McMath near the existing playground. The proposed fence is 4’ tall as stated on the drawings. The fence will have 3” square intermediate posts between the sections. For a fence on a slope without a masonry base, it is important for the fence to follow the slope without the bottom of the fence being buried in the soil or providing too much of a gap between the bottom of the fence and the ground beneath. For that reason, it would be desired to have the maximum height of any portion of the fence to be 54” above the existing grade. Page 3 of 9 Below are signs for the playground that are typical of the new signage being installed in all of the parks in the city. The locations for the signs are noted on the plan shown at the end of this report. The guidelines do not comment on the installation of playgrounds. When the land was deeded to the City from the Federal Government, it was to be used in perpetuity as a city park. Parks inevitably have playgrounds as part of the programming of the spaces. The Arsenal Building, that houses the MacArthur Museum of Arkansas Military History, is a on the National Register of Historic Places as a National Landmark. Moving the playground from the front of the park along 9th Street to the side will help preserve the view shed to the front of the Arsenal building. Having the playground more accessible to parking, more accessible to kids of varying abilities, and less in the view shed of the Arsenal Building is a positive attribute. A contemporary playground will never “match” the Arsenal Building, but in its proposed location, Staff believes that it can blend in with the neighborhood. NEIGHBORHOOD COMMENTS AND REACTION: At the time of distribution, there were six letters of support from area neighborhood associations and entities. STAFF RECOMMENDATION: Approval with the following conditions: 1. Obtaining a building permit. COMMISSION ACTION: November 5, 2020 Chair Jeremiah Russell, made the announcement that since there are only five commissioners in attendance, the applicants tonight could defer to the next month’s meeting and the City would send the notices. It was explained that for a motion to pass, the motion needs a majority of the entire commission which is four positive votes, not just a majority of the commissioners present. The applicant verbally stated that they wanted to proceed with the hearing tonight. Brian Minyard, Staff, made a brief presentation to the Commission Playground rules sign Playground dedication sign Page 4 of 9 There were no members of the public that chose to speak on this item. A motion was made to approve the item as presented by Commissioner Amber Jones and was seconded by Commissioner Christine Aleman. The motion passed with a vote of 5 ayes, 0 noes, and 2 absent (Frederick and Hodge). Page 5 of 9 Application Page 6 of 9 Cover Letter page 1 Page 7 of 9 Cover Letter Page 8 of 9 Playground rendering view from northwest Page 9 of 9 Plan of playground (north to the left of page)