SUMMARY REPORT PREPARED FOR: PLANNING AND DESIGN ASSISTANCE

The Master Plan concept envisions a place that highlights the signifi cance of the nature that has been preserved at the Confl uence and restoring the site as a place of learning, recrea

SAA DESIGN GROUP, INC 101 EAST BADGER ROAD, MADISON, WI 53713 608.255.0800 www.saa-madison.com #2598

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY REPORT

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY REPORT

PREPARED FOR:

Beloit 2020

Plan and Contents Prepared in

Cooperation with:

Beloit 2020

Jeff Adams

City of South Beloit, IL

Alice Schoonover, Mayor

Firepoint Media

Therese Oldenburg, Owner

PLANNING AND DESIGN ASSISTANCE PROVIDED BY:

SAA DESIGN GROUP, INC

David Schreiber, Principal Jacob Blue, Project Manager Caitlin Blue, Design Associate Aaron O’Keefe, Cartography

101 East Badger Road Madison, WI 53713 608-255-0800 www.saa-madison.com

ECOLOGICAL ANALYSIS PROVIDED BY:

APPLIED ECOLOGICAL SERVICES, INC Susan Lenhardt, Senior Ecologist

17921 Smith Road Brodhead, WI 53520 608-897-8641 www.appliedeco.com

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

PROGRAMMING OPPORTUNITIES 3

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Native meadow restoration, 2008

ATURE at the Confl uence was identifi ed

as a signifi cant public open space

opportunity in the 2012 Connections

Plan Since then the vision, name, and concept

of NATURE at the Confl uence has grown

While developing the 2012 Connections Plan,

the site was identifi ed as the possible location

of Turtle Village, a Ho-Chunk village dating

to the early 1800’s The likely attractor for

native populations to the site are the same

as those that attract visitors and users to the

site today - the nature that is found when two

riparian systems (Turtle Creek and the Rock

River) intersect

The site has been a gathering point for

historical populations for centuries It is

because of the Confl uence that the cities of

Beloit, Wisconsin and South Beloit, Illinois are

located where they are today

Situated on the state line of Wisconsin and

Illinois as well as the joining point for the cities

of Beloit and South Beloit, the site is an urban

natural area left undeveloped as a result of industrial abandonment The site is located nearly at the center of a region populated by almost 100,000 people

Those who fi nd their way along rail lines or game and foot trails to the Confl uence fi nd it still has much of its wilderness charm, though

it is plagued by two problems resulting from human development patterns:

1 The Confl uence is overgrown with non-native invasive species and weedy natives; and

2 The Confl uence and surrounding properties have been denuded by rail, manufacturing, and landfi ll operations

The Master Plan concept envisions a place that highlights the signifi cance of the nature that has been preserved at the Confl uence and restoring the site as a place of learning, recreating, and gathering for people of all ages and abilities

Several special places are proposed at the site all with a focus on nature and ecological processes or historical understanding In addition, the site is proposed as a major regional destination and it is hoped will be a catalyst for nearby redevelopment

The concept proposes a variety of spaces, experiences, hiking and biking trails, outdoor education, historical interpretation, and one-of-a-kind scenic overlooks

In addition, the site will connect several existing trail systems and is central to many existing natural parks or preserves in the region

When completed, NATURE at the Confl uence

is expected to provide visitors with almost

70 acres of prairie, meadow, wetlands, woodlands, and savanna as well as host a wetland laboratory and natural play area, amphitheater, ropes course, and more

INTRODUCTION

2 The NATURE at the Confl uence site today, 2014

The NATURE at the Confl uence site has

had a long history of uses, beginning with

early settlements and industrial revolution

development and ending with site landfi lling

and post industrial uses These land use

activities presented several design challenges

including:

• Previous landfi lling activities;

• Contamination concerns;

• Seasonal fl ooding;

• Poor soils;

• Site access;

• Invasive species;

• Stream alignment; and

• Two active railroad crossings and

easements

Two archeological investigations were

completed at the site in 20121 and 20142

Both studies focused on discovering evidence

of Turtle Village, suspected to be on or near

the project site

A natural resoucres inventory in early 2014

found the site’s ecology severely impacted by

previous land uses, an abundance of invasive

species, inappropriate bank stablization

techniques within Turtle Creek and upstream

of the project, and declining ecological

health of the site However, nature continues

to persist and evidence of many special

organisms and vegetation can be found on

site

1 Green, 2012

2 Bird, Kolbe and Tolmie, 2014

ROCK RIVER

MEAN

DER CREEK

TURTL

E CREEK

CHARLES ST

SHIRLAND AVE

DICKOP ST

BLAC K AW

K B

LVD

DALLMAN BUILDING

EXISTING LAND COVER

Mowed Grass Landcover

Floodplain Forest Water

Pavement

Confluence Boundary Railroad

EXISTING CONDITIONS

N

FEET

Conceptual site programming developed during stakeholder interviews and workshops, 2014.

Hiking/Biking

Trail Canoe/Kayak

Trail

4 5

Roc

k Riv er

Turtle Creek

Blac khawk Boulev ard

Shirland Avenue

Dickop St.

Charles St.

Kelly’s Creek

CONCEPT PROGRAMMING OPPORTUNITIES

N NOT TO SCALE

The Confl uence site was fi rst identifi ed as a possible regional destination opportunity in the 2012 Connections Plan for the Greater Beloit region The Connections Plan envisioned

a continuous public open space along the Turtle Creek corridor, extending from the confl uence of Turtle Creek and the Rock River

in South Beloit, east and north to Milwaukee Street in Beloit A key element of the

Connections Plan was the development of an open space and recreation spine along which revitalized commercial and residential land uses could be created

NATURE at the Confl uence is the fi rst of many steps to follow the 2012 Connections Plan and the result of on-going commitment by Beloit 2020 to a more vibrant, prosperous community A commitment that began with the Vision Plan in 2005, followed by the Life at the Center Plan in 2010, the 2012 Connections Plan, and now NATURE at the Confl uence The NATURE at the Confl uence Concept Master Plan that follows, outlines the steps and commitment for the success of this project

‡ Interpret Native American history,

settlement, and impacts on the

landscape

‡ Interpret Industrial land use history

‡ Site restoration

‡ Habitat development

‡ Trail connectivity

‡ Flood mitigation

1

‡ Habitat restoration

‡ Hiking, biking, snowshoeing, cross cournty skiing

‡ Bird watching & wildlife viewing

2

‡ Multiuse space

‡ Habitat restoration

‡ Silent sports

‡ Ecological interpretation

‡ Citizen science

‡ Picnics

‡ Nature play

‡ Camping

3

‡ Learning center

‡ Teaching gardens

‡ Multiuse space

‡ Ecosystem services demonstration

‡ Regional destination

‡ Special events

4

‡ Boating access

‡ Fishing

‡ Stream science

‡ Creek restoration

5

PROGRAMMING OPPORTUNITIES

4 Concept plan for NATURE at the Confl uence, 2014

VISION:

Nature at the Confluence will

be a destination, nature-based,

public open space dedicated to

making City Center’s historic

confluence of the Rock River

and Turtle Creek a place

of gathering, exploration,

recreation, learning, and

inspiration for people of all

ages and abilities.

LEGEND

1 The Nature at the Confl uence Learning

Center

2 The Learning Gardens

3 Learning Center Outdoor Courtyard/

Classroom

4 Interim Parking

5 Entry Signage

6 Raingarden Infi ltration Exhibit

7 The Meadow

8 Council Ring

9 The Beach

10 3 Looks Confl uence Overlook & Trails

11 Savanna Restoration

12 The Trestle & Eagle’s Nest

13 The Naturatory

14 New Enry & Parking

15 Drumlin Gardens

16 Wetland & Forest Restoration

17 Bend in the Creek Amphitheater

18 The Knoll

19 Trail to Boney Island

20 Ropes Confi dence Course

21 The Wetland Works & Kelly’s Creek

Restoration

22 Bridge Connections

23 Community Gardens

24 Turtle Village Interpretive Trails

N

0 200

FEET

CONCEPT PLAN

CONCEPT PLAN

Conceptual rendering of NATURE at the Confl uence, looking southwest from Blackhawk Boulevard, 2014.

NTS

LEGEND

1 The Nature at the Confl uence Learning Center

2 The Learning Gardens

3 Learning Center Outdoor Courtyard/Classroom

4 Interim Parking

5 Entry Signage (Not Shown)

6 Raingarden Infi ltration Exhibit

7 The Meadow

8 Council Ring (Not Shown)

9 The Beach

10 3 Looks Confl uence Overlook & Trails (Not Shown)

11 Savanna Restoration

12 The Trestle & Eagle’s Nest

13 The Naturatory

14 New Enry & Parking

15 Drumlin Gardens

16 Wetland & Forest Restoration

17 Bend in the Creek Amphitheater

18 The Knoll

19 Trail to Boney Island

20 Ropes Confi dence Course

21 The Wetland Works & Kelly’s Creek Restoration

22 Bridge Connections

23 Community Gardens (Not Shown)

24 Turtle Village Interpretive Trails (Not Shown)

Site view looking southwest

Rock River

Tur tle Creek

Dickop Street

1 2

3

4 6

7

9

11a 11b

12

13

14

15

16 17

18

19

20

21

22

11c

6 Proposed Phasing for future design and construction, 2014; Concept image of the NATURE at the Confl uence Learning Center, 2013, Angus Young and Associates.

PHASE II

LEGEND

1 The Nature at the Confluence

Learning Center

2 The Learning Gardens

3 Learning Center Outdoor Court

Yard/Classroom

4 Interim Parking

5 Interpretive Signage

6 Raingarden Infiltration Exhibit

7 The Meadow

8 Council Ring

9 The Beach

10 3 Looks Conflunce Overlook

& Trails

11 Savanna Restoration

12 The Trestle & Eagle’s Nest

13 The Naturatory

14 New Entry & Parking

15 Drumlin Gardens

16 Wetland & Forest Restoration

17 Bend in the Creek

Amphitheater

18 The Knoll

19 Trail to Boney Island

20 Ropes Confidence Course

21 The Wetland Works & Kelly’s

Creek Restoration

22 Bridge Connections

23 Community Gardens

24 Turtle Village Interpretive

PHASE III

11.C

17

2 3

5

4 9

10

12

11.B

11.A

7 6

16

15 1

19

23

21 22

22 24

8

BLA CK HA WK B

D

GARDNE

R ST

RO RIV ER

TURTLE CREEK

KELLY’S CREEK

DICKOP ST SHIRLAND A VE

CHARLES ST

Phase I explores the improvements needed

in order to provide the fi rst level of site programming and operation This includes: remodeling and development of the Learning Center and key features associated with this facility, interim parking, establishment

of initial trails to the confl uence and in the fl oodplain forest adjacent to the Rock River, entry signage, the beach and boat access from Turtle Creek, and initiation of savanna restoration and prairie restoration immediately adjacent to the Learning Center area

Phase II includes the Trestle and Eagle’s Nest, the Naturatory play area, and establishment

of the new parking south of the Learning Center with the Drumlin Gardens along Blackhawk Boulevard Additional habitat restoration is also planned for this phase Phase III includes restoration and realignment

of Kelly’s Creek, the Bend in the Creek Amphitheater, the Knoll, the Savanna Ropes Course, additional trails, and habitat restoration

CONCEPT PHASING

N NOT TO SCALE

Proposed special places A-E, 2014; Nature education, passive nature education.

Phase I: A The Learning Center

The Learning Center provides a place to connect people of all ages and abilities with the unique ecology and historical signifi cance resulting from the confl uence of Turtle Creek and the Rock River

Phase I: B The Learning Gardens

These gardens are designed for use by the facility to illustrate gardening practices and outcomes

Phase I: C Outdoor Courtyard/Classroom

This space has been conceputally sized for reception events or outdoor instruction

Phase I: D The Multiuse Lawn

This space is intended to be used in a variety of ways such as programmed events, receptions, yoga, fi tness bootcamps, or just

a picnic The space is sized for event tents

or for multiple smaller programmed events operating in concert

Phase I: E Raingarden Infi ltration Exhibit

The rain garden will treat site runoff and serve as a demonstration for surrounding and regional commercial and institutional uses

A B

C D

E

N NOT TO SCALE

8 Special places F-I; Wetland playground, 2007, Joy Schoenberger; Stream restoration, 2008; Willow maze by Patrick Dougherty, 2014, Jean-Pierre Dalbéra.

Phase 2: F The Trestle & Eagle’s Nest

This pedestrian structure is an art piece and

an opportunity to view the region in a very

special way At more than thirty feet high, the

Eagle’s Nest is an overlook modeled after an

eagle’s nest in form and structure

Phase 2: G The Naturatory

The Naturatory is designed to be a

nature-based playground dedicated to learning and

fun

Phase 2: H Drumlin Gardens

The Drumlin Gardens mark the entrance

to the NATURE at the Confl uence site

along Blackhawk Boulevard and are an

interpretation of the region’s glacial past

Phase 2: I Parking

Ample parking is proposed for the park

Beginning north of the Learning Center and

eventually expanding south along Blackhawk

Boulevard

I

F

G

H

N NOT TO SCALE

Special places J-N; Climbing wall; Ropes course; Oak savanna restoration, 2010, Applied Ecological Services, Inc.

Phase 3: J The Wetland Works and Kelly’s

Creek Restoration

A proposed outdoor wetland and creek laboratory for students and visitors

Phase 3: K The Knoll

The Knoll is expected to highlight native prairie species and provide an informal, mown trail to the peak

Phase 3: L Bend in the Creek Amphitheater

Informal seating on lawn and boulders overlooking a small stage/lecture/

performance area

Phase 3: M Savanna Ropes Course

A training experience within nature and an opportunity to experience nature from a different perspective

Phase 3: N Community Gardens

The gardens are proposed to be small plots that can be leased by citizens of South Beloit for growing vegetables and table fl owers

L

N J

N NOT TO SCALE

NATURE at the Confl uence

Rail trestle, 2009; Existing site ownership, 2014

LAND ACQUISITION

Most of the NATURE at the Confl uence site

is owned by the City of South Beloit The

Dallman property has been acquired

Other properties that need to be acquired

include the Mannino Trust properties and

the Salgado properties Acquiring the

Mannino Trust properties is needed in order

to establish site access off of Charles Street

and the proposed large parking lot south of

the Learning Center The Salgado property

is needed in order to link a continuous Rock

River trail access from the project south to

Nygren Prairie as well as other parks

City of South Beloit

City of South Beloit

City of Beloit

City of Beloit

Transit Center

Transit Center

City of South Beloit

City of South Beloit

City of South Beloit

City of South Beloit

Canadian P acific R ailw ay

Union P acific R ailw ay

SHIRLAND AVE

B LA C

H A

W K

B LV D

OAK GRO VE AVE

CHARLES ST

City of South Beloit

City of South Beloit

City of South

lgad o

Salg

ado

BL A CKH AW

K B

LV D

OAK GROV

E AVE

Parcel Boundary

Nature at the Confluence Pro-posed Phase I Area - 25.6 Acres

City of South Beloit

City of South Beloit

City of

South

lgad o

Salg

ado

SHIRLAND AVE

BL

A CKH AW

K B

LV D

OAK GROV

E AVE

Publically Owned (City of Beloit) Publically Owned (City of South Beloit)

Presently Privately Owned

LAND ACQUISTION

N

0 300 FEET

OWNERSHIP