2010/03/31 Council Agenda Packet

7 Additional links from the Railroad Corridor Trail up to the private developer's public amenity sites can be included in this first phase of work, if the developer's retail district sitework is near completion at the time of trail construction. Additional Early Phase work could include most of the development proposed for the 3-Acre Park at the north end of the Riverfront Development site. The scope of this project would entail on-site and on- street public parking (the latter should be incorporated with the schedule for road construction), restrooms, a multi-program building, open play space, floating dock, and riverfront pavilion or overlook. The shoreline work demands riverbank stabilization, which can be concurrent with Early Phase park work if the permitting allows, or follow in a later stage. Internal walking paths and connections to the Railroad Corridor Trail would be included. The schedule for park development is likely to accommodate the schedule for adjacent road and utility construction. The Early Phase of development may address the routing of Walton Creek from the new habitat pond, through Wetland C, to an outfall at the river. The enhancements will include channel excavation, riverbank regrading at the outfall, installation of large woody debris at the river, the creation of upland hillocks, and the planting of diverse native species. To limit environmental disturbance, installation of the proposed looped boardwalks (see plan) should take place while the other wetland construction is underway in Wetland C, however some boardwalk and trail construction may be staged to coordinate with the private developer's schedule for completing mitigation planting in this area. The structure and components of Early Phase construction will be highly dependent upon funding opportunities, permitting schedules,and coordination efforts with the private developer. Later Phase Projects Additional improvements and realignments to the Riverfront Trail may be part of a later phase, along with the installation of multiple picnic sites along the river. Improvements to Lowell Riverfront Park will likely be included in later efforts, addressing expanded and improved parking, emergency vehicle • access, and riverbank stabilization. Similarly, the unstable bank conditions at Lowell Riverfront Park may be addressed in the Later Phase of work, depending upon the useful life of the existing armored riverbank. Relocation of the north end of the Riverfront Trail (in response to the current riverbank erosion) may occur in later phases, but this is highly dependent on riverbank stability as well as coordination with private developer's schedule for reconstruction of the north end of the trail along the Simpson Pad. The re-contouring and replanting of the eroded riverbank are suitable elements to include in later phasing. The proposed creation of new planted upland hummocks within the restrictive covenant area of Wetland D will help to improve habitat, a scope of work appropriate to later phases, as funding and permit schedule allow. City wetland mitigation efforts that will extend riverside wetland areas (and any mitigation efforts undertaken by the city on behalf of the private developer)will be phased as permit conditions dictate. Installation of an ADA-accessible Lowell Crossing over the railroad tracks and the construction of an interpretive center or multi-purpose building at Lowell Riverfront Park will likely be Later Phase projects as well. 44 Riverfront Development Public Amenities Master Plan 79