RECOMMENDATION:

THAT the Development Services report entitled “Unionville Playground and Parkette” dated February 3, 2004, be received;

THAT the parklands (Fred Varley Parkette) adjacent to the Millennium Bandstand, on the south side of Fred Varley Drive, west of Main Street Unionville, be endorsed in principle as the preferred site for a new children’s play facility based on the results of community input;

AND THAT the MBTW Group be retained to provide design services for the preparation of a conceptual master plan for Fred Varley Parkette, including appropriate community input and applicable agency permits, as well as contract documents and contract administration for a play facility within the parkette, to an upset limit of $10,000 including 7% GST to be funded from 2003 Capital Project 081-5350-5314-005. Additional funds, not to exceed $2,500.00, are to be funded from this account for any required surveying and/or soil testing work.

AND FURTHER THAT staff report back to Council on the final design, having consulted with the community, TRCA and Heritage Markham, for confirmation of the project scope and final budget.

PURPOSE:

The purpose of this report is to seek Council’s approval on the preferred site for a new children’s play facility in the Village of Unionville, as well as approval to retain the MBTW Group to undertake further community consultation and to provide required design, contract documents and contract administration services for the new park facility.

Currently, this project has approved funding in the amount of $75,000 (50% from Development Charges and 50% from community fundraising).

BACKGROUND:

At the April 29, 2003, Committee of the Whole Meeting, Mr. Brian Roman addressed Committee stating that the community is in support of a playground and parkette to the west of the Millennium Bandstand on Main Street Unionville. Mr. Roman confirmed that funds raised through the 2003 Unionville Gala would be provided for this project. Discussion took place regarding the need for a public process to decide the location of the playground, the possible need for approval from the TRCA, and possible alternative locations. At the Council meeting, of the same day, Council resolved as follows:

· That the Unionville Playground and Parkette Capital Project be deferred until 2004 in order to complete the Millennium Bandstand Capital Project;

· That funding for this project be provided 50% from Development Charges and 50% from community fundraising efforts including the 2003 Unionville Gala, to a maximum total cost of $75,000.00;

· That staff proceed with a public process for the planning of this project and report back.

OPTIONS/DISCUSSION:

Public Input:

Comments and input from area residents on a proposed playground in Unionville have been received by staff through community meetings, as well as, direct correspondence from residents.

On May 22, 2003, staff held a community meeting at the Unionville Train Station to discuss possible site locations for a children’s play facility. Five potential locations were identified by staff (see Figure 1). All five sites are within Unionville, but not all are within the Unionville Heritage District Boundaries:

Fred Varley Parkette (west of Millennium Bandstand)
Parkview Public School
Corner of Carlton Road and Chambery Court (south-east of Unionville Library)
Fred Varley Park
Toogood Pond Park near the Varley Art Gallery

At the May, 2003 community meeting, some residents inquired about the possibility of a potential sixth site located at the Unionville Home Society at Anna Russell Way and Eureka Street. However, this land is not presently owned by the municipality.

The Unionville Villager’s Association (UVA) has passed two separate resolutions in support of the construction of a playground within the Heritage District and, if possible, within the Fred Varley Parkette provided certain aspects relating to views, noise and heritage compatibility were resolved in the final plan.

Staff have also received a written proposal from a group of Unionville residents outlining an expanded vision for the development of Fred Varley Parkette. This vision includes gardens, pathways, sitting areas designed to view performances and to relax, as well as a children’s play area and opportunities for theatrical performances.

Analysis of Alternative Sites:

A summary of the opportunities and constraints of each alternative site as identified through the public process and staff analysis is as follows. These sites have been ranked by staff in order of preference based on review and analysis of locational criteria, technical issues and community input:

Fred Varley Parkette (west of Millennium Bandstand): This site is ranked first because it is centrally located within Unionville, is near Main Street, and can be designed to create a community focus for the Village of Unionville. This site requires TRCA approval and has certain constraints related to flooding. Matters relating to views and heritage compatibility need to be resolved through the design process in consultation with Heritage Markham and the community. This site is supported by the majority of Unionville residents and businesses who participated in the public process, as well as the Unionville Villager’s Association.

Corner of Carlton Road and Chambery Court (south-east of Unionville Library): This site is ranked second. It has no physical constraints, is not in a floodplain, and does not require TRCA or Heritage Markham approvals. A play facility could easily be incorporated on this site with no impact on views or concerns about heritage compatibility. However, it is not centrally located and residents immediately abutting this property would prefer that the site remain a passive open space.

Toogood Pond near the Varley Art Gallery: This site is ranked third. Playground uses are compatible with the Art Gallery and Toogood Pond park. However, this site is not central, requires TRCA and Heritage Markham approval and has certain constraints related to flooding.

Parkview Public School: This site is ranked fourth because it is not central and would be of limited benefit to a community focus and Main Street activities. It is internally focused and surrounded by a residential community. This site does not require TRCA or Heritage Markham approval.

Fred Varley Park: This site is ranked fifth because it is too far west of the historic core of Unionville and would serve a more local than community function. This site does not require TRCA or Heritage Markham approval.

Fred Varley Parkette should be pursued:

Based on the above analysis, staff support a children’s play facility within Fred Varley Parkette to the west of the Millennium Bandstand. Staff recommend proceeding with hiring a landscape architect to work with staff and the community to develop a master site plan for Fred Varley Parkette and the best location for a children’s play facility within the parkette. The final design must satisfactorily resolve matters relating to:

· Views and Noise: No structure should impede views to and through the bandstand, from the primary and secondary seating areas. Also structures should not impede secondary casual seating on the grass to the west of the bandstand, and/or distract (through views or noise) from the performances being held in the bandstand.

· Heritage Design Compatibility: No non-heritage structure should be built in direct line of sight from Main Street, through the bandstand to the parkette. Heritage Markham will be consulted in the design of the master site plan (see below).

· Neighbourhood Compatibility and Safety: Any structure including its design and placement should be compatible with the surrounding residential and commercial uses. Also, the play facility must meet current Canadian Standards Association (CSA) standards for playgrounds.

· TRCA Approval: (see below).

TRCA Requirements:

Since Fred Varley Parkette is within the Special Policy Area (SPA), which is the Regional Floodplain of the Rouge River, TRCA approval is required. As part of the analysis of this preferred site, the TRCA was asked to provide conditions that they require in order to obtain a permit. These are as follows:

that a permit is granted by the TRCA pursuant to Ontario Regulation 158 (Fill, Construction and Alteration to Waterways);

that a site plan indicating how the site is to be levelled and where the level area is to be located, is prepared and submitted to the TRCA as part of the permit process;
that the level area for the play structure (approximately 15m x 20m) be located outside of the 100 year flood elevation level which is determined to be 172.95m elevation;
that through site grading, every effort must be made to minimize the amount of fill be placed on the site so as not to increase flooding downstream;
that since the area above 172.95 m elevation is near Fred Varley Drive, fencing for public safety would be supported, if required;
that, as part of the permitting process, compensatory plantings will be requested along the banks of the watercourse in order to increase riparian cover;
that a set of 4 swings (15m x 17m area), if desired, do not have to be above the 100 year flood elevation but must be clearly shown on the site plan to the satisfaction of the TRCA;
and that the Town of Markham submit an application for an Ontario Regulation 158 permit and provide 3 copies of the site plan created to accommodate the above noted requests.

Heritage Markham Requirements:

Since the preferred site is located within the Unionville Heritage District boundaries, Heritage Markham, based on its role and mandate, is required to provide comments and issue a “Heritage Permit” for the final design. On May 22, 2003, Heritage Markham recommended to Council that any plans for a play structure be provided to them for their review and comment and that Council seek the input of Heritage Markham prior to making any decision with the respect to approval of any play equipment on or near the Millennium Bandstand property. Once Council selects a preferred playground location, Heritage Markham will become involved in the review and approval process for the final design.

Recommended Approach:

Staff support the community’s desire to have some kind of children’s play facility built within Fred Varley Parkette west of the Millennium Bandstand provided that:

The conditions of the TRCA are met and that a permit is received;
The concerns of the UVA, and other residents, with respect to noise, location, views and design compatibility with the surrounding neighbourhood and heritage district are addressed satisfactorily;
That any playground facility be planned and designed within a context of a larger long-term “vision” for the park as a viable and multi-use community focus;
That any concerns of Heritage Markham be addressed in the final design, and;
That additional community input be received in the development of a final site plan for the parkette.

Staff also recommend that a landscape architect be retained to provide design services for the preparation of a master site plan for Fred Varley Parkette (which includes a community input component), as well as, prepare contract documents and provide contract administration for a play facility within the park. The work includes receipt of both TRCA and Heritage Markham permits.

For continuity purposes and because of their familiarity with this project, staff recommend that MBTW, who are the designers of the landscaping around the Millennium Bandstand be retained for this work. A proposal will be received from The MBTW Group, and a fixed fee will be negotiated based on the work outlined in an amount not to exceed $10,000. Additional funds, not to exceed $2,500.00 may be required for surveying and soil testing work.

FINANCIAL CONSIDERATIONS:

Funding for this project is from 2003 Unionville Parkette and Playground Capital Account 81-5350-5314-005 comprising 50% from Development Charges and 50% from community fundraising. Should the net proceeds from community fund-raising efforts be more successful and exceed 50% of the project costs, the balance will be funded from Capital Account 81-5350-5314-005.

ENVIRONMENTAL CONSIDERATIONS:

This project will be required to meet TRCA conditions and receive a TRCA permit.

ACCESSIBILITY CONSIDERATIONS:

This project will be required to meet Town of Markham Accessibility guidelines.

BUSINESS UNITS CONSULTED AND AFFECTED:

Planning and Urban Design Department is the lead department. Community Services staff will be consulted in the design process.

ATTACHMENTS:

Figure 1: Five Site Location Options

Figure 2: TRCA constraints at Fred Varley Parkette

Valerie Shuttleworth, M.C.I.P., R.P.P.

Director Planning and Urban Design

Jim Baird, M.C.I.P., R.P.P.

Commissioner of Development Services

Q:\Development\Design\linda\Parks\Unionville Playground 2004.doc

		DEVELOPMENT SERVICES COMMITTEE


	TO:	Mayor and Members of Council

	FROM:	Jim Baird, Commissioner of Development Services

	PREPARED BY:	Linda Irvine, Manager, Parks and Open Space Development

	DATE OF MEETING:	2004-Feb-03

	SUBJECT:	Unionville Playground and Parkette