HomeMy WebLinkAboutRuschParkMasterPlanCITY OF OSHKOSH
RUSCH PARK MASTER PLAN
WINNEBAGO COUNTY, WI
SEPTEMBER 2018
PROJECT No. 17.062
SEPTEMBER 11, 2018 18-487 RESOLUTION
(CARRIED___7-0___LOST _______ LAID OVER _______ WITHDRAWN _______)
PURPOSE: APPROVE RUSCH PARK MASTER PLAN
INITIATED BY: PARKS DEPARTMENT
ADVISORY PARKS BOARD RECOMMENDATION: Approve
PLAN COMMISSION RECOMMENDATION: Approve
WHEREAS, the City of Oshkosh adopted a Comprehensive Outdoor Recreation
Plan in 2018; and
WHEREAS, comprehensive plans provide a means of identifying, analyzing,
promoting and responding to changes in the community; and
WHEREAS, a comprehensive plan assists the City in the preparation of and
competition for grants to improve park services and facilities; and
WHEREAS, the Comprehensive Outdoor Recreation Plan recommended
development of a Rusch Park Master Plan;
WHEREAS, the plan has been reviewed by the Advisory Parks Board and Plan
Commission; and
WHEREAS, said plan will serve as a guide for making future decisions relating to
improvements and development of Rusch Park.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, the Common Council of the City of
Oshkosh, Winnebago County, Wisconsin, hereby adopts the 2018 Rusch Park Master
Plan, on file at the City Clerk’s office, as the basis for future improvements and
development of the park.
City of Oshkosh
Rusch Park Master Plan
Table of Contents
SECTION 1: PROJECT OVERVIEW, ANALYSIS, AND DESIGN
1.1 Acknowledgements ................................................................. 1
1.2 Executive Summary ................................................................. 2
1.3 Site Analysis (with color renderings) ........................................ 3
1.4 Needs Assessment .................................................................. 8
1.5 Final Concept Plan (with color renderings) ............................ 10
1.6 Cost Overview ....................................................................... 12
SECTION 2: APPENDICES
Appendix A – Detailed Cost Estimate
Appendix B – Public Input Meeting Notices
Appendix C – Park Amenities
City of Oshkosh
Rusch Park Master Plan
SECTION 1:
Project Overview, Analysis, and Design
Section 1: Project Overview, Analysis, and Design
City of Oshkosh P a ge | 1
Rusch Park Master Plan
1.1 Acknowledgements
The following persons provided critical input, support, and critique in the development of
this document. The City of Oshkosh and Rettler Corporation wish to thank the following
people for their time and assistance in developing this plan.
City of Oshkosh City Council:
Steven Cummings, Mayor
Lori Palmeri, Deputy Mayor
Debra L. Allison-Aasby
Steve Herman
Jake Krause
Matt Mugerauer
Thomas R. Pech, Jr.
City of Oshkosh Advisory Park Board:
Amy Davis, Vice Chair
Anthony Dirth
Scott Greuel
Steve Herman (Common Council Representative)
Devon Hudak
Todd Kaufmann
Bill Miller
Lester Millette
Megan Schuessler
City of Oshkosh Staff:
Ray Maurer, Parks Director
Bill Sturm, Landscape Operations Manager/City Forester
Chad Dallman, Assistant Parks Director
Jenny McCollian, Revenue Facilities Manager
Stacy James, Administrative Assistant
Rettler Corporation:
John Kneer, ASLA, PLA, President
Rebecca Ramirez, PLA
Section 1: Project Overview, Analysis, and Design
City of Oshkosh P a g e | 2
Rusch Park Master Plan
1.2 Executive Summary
In 2018 the City of Oshkosh updated their Comprehensive Outdoor Recreation Plan, a
formal document describing overall goals and objectives for the entire park system.
Identified within the plan was the goal of developing long-range master plans for specific
parks within the system. Rusch Park was one of those parks selected for development
of a Master Plan.
The Rusch Park Master Plan describes the current physical conditions and utilization of
current amenities including open space, nature areas, walking trails, boardwalks, and
other existing park resources found in Rusch Park. The plan also includes a review of
facility needs and requirements to meet current and anticipated demands as well as
laying out the vision and capital improvement plan for comprehensive future
development.
The planning process included a review of the existing conditions through an onsite
inventory and meetings with staff. Topography, drainage, soils, site circulation, utility
locations, and environmentally sensitive areas have been reviewed and evaluated to
identify the impacts of future planning and development efforts. Needs criteria was
gathered by holding several public input meetings and a comprehensive list of space
and facility needs was reviewed and finalized by the Advisory Park Board. Conceptual
plans were reviewed by the Parks Department with critical input from the public and
board members. A preferred concept was developed and presented at the Advisory
Park Board Meeting on May 14, 2018 and an updated version at the July 9, 2018
Advisory Park Board Meeting.
This final master plan and an associated construction cost estimates will be utilized as a
guide for future development and management efforts for the park. Per standard
procedure, specific future improvements and timing will be driven by need and funding
and ultimately reviewed by city staff, applicable boards, and the Common Council prior
to approval and implementation.
Section 1: Project Overview, Analysis, and Design
City of Oshkosh P a ge | 3
Rusch Park Master Plan
1.3 Site Analysis
Site History
Rusch Park was dedicated to the City in 1998.
General Description
Located at 3200 West 20th Avenue, Rusch Park totals approximately 42 acres, including
over 17 acres of delineated wetlands. Approximately 2,640 lineal feet of trails are within
park boundaries.
The site is bordered by W. 20th Avenue, a private parcel and Traeger Middle School to
the south, and Living Water Lutheran Church on the east, private land and residential
properties along the meandering Ruschfield Drive and Sawyer Creek Drive to the north,
and private land to the west. Visitors primarily enter the park at the end of Fox Tail Lane
or from various access points from the subdivision to the north. Another option would be
to park at Traeger Middle School and access trails leading to the park from there.
Land use around the park is predominantly residential with the exception of the Traeger
Middle School and Living Water Lutheran Church properties. Rusch Park itself is zoned
I. The land to the north is zoned SR-3 (Single Family Residential) and SR-5 (Single Family
Residential). The land to the west is zoned MR-12-PD and MR-12 (Multifamily
Residential). The land to the south is zoned I, MR-12 (Multifamily Residential), and MR-
12-PD. The land to the east is zoned SR-5 (Single Family Residential).
Section 1: Project Overview, Analysis, and Design
City of Oshkosh P a g e | 4
Rusch Park Master Plan
The majority of the park is designated wetlands and that fact makes itself apparent in
topography, landscaping, and usage.
Rusch Park experiences about 18 feet of drop from the tip of its southernmost extremity
down to Sawyer Creek at its north border. Overall, the slope averages about 1% over the
roughly 1,800-foot distance. East-west, however, Rusch Park topography is more or less
flat, with roughly six feet of difference over 3,000+ feet, the west side being higher.
Sawyer Creek, a clear hard water stream tributary to the Fox River and part of the Lake
Butte Des Mortes watershed, defines the north boundary of the park, running through
Rusch Park for almost a mile on its way northeast to the Fox River. All but the lower one
mile of stream is intermittent, according to the Wisconsin DNR. A small tributary also
meanders through the lower extremity of the park, necessitating a certain unavoidable
amount of bridges and boardwalks no matter how trails are positioned in the park.
Section 1: Project Overview, Analysis, and Design
City of Oshkosh P a g e | 5
Rusch Park Master Plan
The landscape type in Rusch Park is that of a typical wetland; containing marsh and
sedge meadow, wet prairie, and lowland shrubs with the occasional stand of mature trees
providing natural shade. Invasive species, such as buckthorn, have taken hold in some
areas.
Section 1: Project Overview, Analysis, and Design
City of Oshkosh P a g e | 6
Rusch Park Master Plan
General Park Uses and Site Feature Inventory
Rusch Park is fairly undeveloped, thus the need for a master plan. The park currently
offers trails and boardwalks.
Much of the infrastructure dates back to the early 2000’s.
Site inventory and review was accomplished through on site walk through, discussion
with city staff, and community input.
The aerial map that follows has been utilized for public meetings and the planning
process.
Section 1: Project Overview, Analysis, and Design
City of Oshkosh P a g e | 8
Rusch Park Master Plan
1.4 Needs Assessment
The needs assessment is a critical component of a successful Master Plan and plays an
important role in identifying key recreation opportunities and community needs. The
information gathered provides insight on how the existing park is being utilized and/or
which facilities are being used or avoided.
Methodology
The Rusch Park Master Plan has utilized a combination of multiple Public Input meetings,
discussions with City representatives, and continued dialogue with park staff to gather a
thorough understanding of current community needs. All input was reviewed and
prioritized by the Advisory Park Board.
Public Survey
The City of Oshkosh conducted an online survey to gain further input. The survey began
on April 4, 2018 and closed on May 11, 2018. Nearly 300 people responded to the survey.
76%
24%
Are you in favor of focused, downward lighting on
the trail at Rusch Park? (296 responses)
YES NO
51%49%
Are you in favor of the installation of
outdoor exercise equipment stations in
Rusch Park? (296 responses)
YES NO
Section 1: Project Overview, Analysis, and Design
City of Oshkosh P a g e | 9
Rusch Park Master Plan
Public Input Meetings
The Parks Department hosted three public meetings on February 14, 2018, March 22,
2018, and April 25, 2018 to collect input on the current and future needs of Rusch Park.
All meetings were held at Carl Traeger School and approximately 20-30 citizens attended
each of these meetings.
The Oshkosh Advisory Park Board was open to additional input during its regularly
scheduled meetings on May 14, 2018 and July 9, 2018.
Advisory Park Board Direction
Upon review of the information received from February through April the Advisory Park
Board gave direction on the items for inclusion in the final concept plan.
Section 1: Project Overview, Analysis, and Design
City of Oshkosh P a ge | 10
Rusch Park Master Plan
1.5 Final Concept Plan
Plan Development
Plan development was initiated by gathering existing mapping and previous studies,
conducting public surveys, site visits to the park, and numerous public meetings. The
existing conditions were then evaluated by the consultant as well as reviewed with city
staff and the information was provided to the Advisory Park Board along with a list of
possible items to include in the planning process.
The consultant presented a conceptual plan at the May 14, 2018 Oshkosh Advisory
Park Board meeting, and a preferred conceptual plan was presented for input from the
Advisory Park Board and the public at the July 9, 2018 Advisory Park Board Meeting.
The Preferred Concept Plan was developed with direction from the Advisory Park Board
and ultimately became the 2018 Rusch Park Master Plan.
Master Plan
The Preferred Concept Plan (Master Plan) includes the following items.
A. Existing Trail Improvement
1) Maintain mowed edge 10’ on each side of the trail
2) Add trail markers that display tenth of a mile distances
3) Maintain existing trails
4) Shielded trail lighting (number of fixtures to be determined)
B. Residential Vegetative Buffering
1) Buffering landscaping maintained and enhanced along the north side of
the park between the park boundary and residential back yards.
C. Additional Trails
1) New trails to be installed. Due to terrain, the new trails will include the
following features:
a. Bridges
b. Boardwalks
The following plan is intended to provide a proposed layout for the Rusch Park
development. The rendering was created and placed on aerial photography as
supplied by Winnebago County and City of Oshkosh GIS along with utility, right-
of-way, hard surface, and other shapefiles provided by the City of Oshkosh.
Prior to final engineering, bidding and project implementation, a topographic
survey is required to provide accuracy and verification of elements placed in the
field.
Section 1: Project Overview, Analysis, and Design
City of Oshkosh P a ge | 12
Rusch Park Master Plan
1.6 Cost Overview
The following site development cost ranges have been derived from Rettler Corporation
2017/2018 actual project construction costs. Redevelopment may be by phased
development; therefore, the total cost should be evaluated by both individual elements
and their phasing potential.
Earthwork and Demolition $ 102,320.00
Utilities $ 64,000.00
Walking Paths $ 32,320.00
Miscellaneous $ 183,425.00
SUMMARY
Construction items total: $ 382,065.00
Contingency @7%: $ 26,744.55
Construction estimate subtotal: $ 408,809.55
Geotechnical services: $5,000.00
Contract Administration TBD
Construction Observation TBD
PROJECT TOTAL $ 413,809.55
(See Appendix A for detailed cost estimate line items)
City of Oshkosh
Rusch Park Master Plan
SECTION 2:
Appendix
Section 2: Appendix
City of Oshkosh
Rusch Park Master Plan
APPENDIX A:
DETAILED COST ESTIMATE
PRELIMINARY COST ESTIMATE
City of Oshkosh
Oshkosh, WI
Rusch Park Master Plan
Rettler Project No.: 17.062
Item Estimated Unit Category
No. Item Description Units Quantity Price Extension Sub Total
$102,320.00
1. Mobilization L.S. 1 $30,000.00 $30,000.00
2. Demolition L.S. 1 $5,000.00 $5,000.00
3. Clearing & Grubbing L.S. 1 $15,000.00 $15,000.00
4.Common Excavation (at 1.0-ft) C.Y. 4,060 $4.00 $16,240.00
5. Stripping Topsoil (6-in ) C.Y. 2,030 $2.50 $5,075.00
6. Place Topsoil (at 6-in ) C.Y. 2,030 $2.50 $5,075.00
7. Seed/Fertilize/Mulch Common Green Space S.F. 72,150 $0.20 $14,430.00
8. Erosion Control L.S. 1 $10,000.00 $10,000.00
9. Tracking Pad EACH 1 $1,500.00 $1,500.00
$64,000.00
10.Storm water Management Allowance L.S. 1 $34,000.00 $34,000.00
11. Electrical Underground Service L.S.1 $30,000.00 $30,000.00
PAVEMENT STRUCTURE - WALKING PATHS $32,320.00
12.Crushed Limestone @ 8" depth S.Y. 4,040 $8.00 $32,320.00
$183,425.00
13. Pedestrian Lighting (shielded fixtures) EACH 13 $4,000.00 $52,000.00
14.Pedestrian Bridge (85 LF total length, 10' width)L.F. 85 $225.00 $19,125.00
15.Trail Markers L.S. 1 $2,500.00 $2,500.00
16. Boardwalks L.F. 610 $180.00 $109,800.00
BUILDINGS / MISCELLANEOUS
UTILITIES
July 2, 2018
EARTHWORK/DEMOLITION (2.5 ACRES)
Page 1 of 2
PRELIMINARY COST ESTIMATE
City of Oshkosh
Oshkosh, WI
Rusch Park Master Plan
Rettler Project No.: 17.062
Item Estimated Unit Category
No. Item Description Units Quantity Price Extension Sub Total
July 2, 2018
SUMMARY
CONSTRUCTION ITEMS TOTAL:$382,065.00
CONTINGENCY at 7%:$26,744.55
CONSTRUCTION ESTIMATE SUBTOTAL:$408,809.55
GEOTECHNICAL SERVICES $5,000.00
DESIGN DEVELOPMENT/ CONSTRUCTION DOCUMENTS /
STORMWATER DESIGN / PERMITTING / BIDDING /
CONTRACT ADMINISTRATION:TBD
CONSTRUCTION OBSERVATION:TBD
BASE PROJECT TOTAL $413,809.55
Notes:
1.
2. Storm water detention, underground, allowance not included at this time.
Geotechnical exploration and topographic mapping required prior to final estimates.
Page 2 of 2
Section 2: Appendix
City of Oshkosh
Rusch Park Master Plan
APPENDIX B:
PUBLIC INPUT MEETING NOTICES
RUSCH/SAWYER CREEK PARK
Master Plan Development Project
PUBLIC INPUT MEETING
February 14, 2018
6:30 P.M. to 8:00 P.M.
Carl Traeger Elementary Cafeteria
3000 W 20th Ave, Oshkosh, WI
**Note: This is the rescheduled meeting from January 11, 2018
which was cancelled due to inclement weather.**
The City of Oshkosh is beginning the process of developing a Master Plan for Rusch/Sawyer
Creek Park. This public meeting will provide an opportunity to assist the City in collecting
community-wide and neighborhood input identifying the various outdoor recreation options at
Rusch/Sawyer Creek Park which is a roughly 41 acre park . Rettler Corporation, a Park Planning
firm retained to complete the Master Plan, will be in attendance to present land information, listen,
provide expertise, and gather input.
Thank you for your time. Your input is greatly appreciated.
If you are unable to attend the meeting, and would like to submit comments or suggestions please
email The City of Oshkosh Parks Department at rmaurer@ci.oshkosh.wi.us
RUSCH PARK
Master Plan Development Project
PUBLIC INPUT MEETING
Thursday, March 22, 2018
6:30 P.M. to 8:00 P.M.
Carl Traeger Elementary Cafeteria
3000 W 20th Ave, Oshkosh, WI
The City of Oshkosh is continuing the process of developing a Master Plan for Rusch Park. This
public meeting will provide an opportunity to assist the City in collecting community-wide and
neighborhood input identifying the various outdoor recreation options at Rusch Park which is a
roughly 41 acre park . Rettler Corporation, a Park Planning firm retained to complete the Master
Plan, will be in attendance to present land information, listen, provide expertise, and gather input.
Thank you for your time. Your input is greatly appreciated.
If you are unable to attend the meeting, and would like to submit comments or suggestions please
email The City of Oshkosh Parks Department at rmaurer@ci.oshkosh.wi.us
RUSCH PARK
Master Plan Development Project
PUBLIC INPUT MEETING
Wednesday, April 25, 2018
6:30 P.M. to 8:00 P.M.
Carl Traeger Middle School Cafeteria
3000 W 20th Ave, Oshkosh, WI
The City of Oshkosh is continuing the process of developing a Master Plan for Rusch Park. This
public meeting will provide an opportunity to assist the City in collecting community-wide and
neighborhood input identifying the various outdoor recreation options at Rusch Park which is a
roughly 41 acre park . Rettler Corporation, a Park Planning firm retained to complete the Master
Plan, will be in attendance to present land information, listen, provide expertise, and gather input.
Thank you for your time. Your input is greatly appreciated.
If you are unable to attend the meeting, and would like to submit comments or suggestions please
email The City of Oshkosh Parks Department at rmaurer@ci.oshkosh.wi.us
Section 2: Appendix
City of Oshkosh
Rusch Park Master Plan
APPENDIX C:
PARK AMENITIES
Section 2: Appendix
City of Oshkosh
Rusch Park Master Plan
Oshkosh – Typical Pedestrian Lighting