4% United States
Environmental Protection
^1 *mAgency
GREENING AMERICA'S COMMUNITIES:
OKLAHOMA CITY
CENTRAL NEIGHBORHOODS: PASEO, CENTRAL PARK, JEFFERSON
PARK, AND EDGEMERE PARK HISTORIC DISTRICT
OKLAHOMA CITY, OKLAHOMA
Smart Growth
Office of Sustainable Communities
Smart Growth Program
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Greening America's Communities
Greening America's Communities is an EPA program to help cities and towns
develop an implementable vision of environmentally friendly neighborhoods
that incorporate innovative green infrastructure and other sustainable design
strategies. EPA provides design assistance to help support sustainable
communities that protect the environment, economy, and public health and to
inspire local and state leaders to expand this work elsewhere.
Greening America's Communities will help communities consider ways to
incorporate sustainable design strategies into their planning and development
policies in order to create and enhance interesting and distinctive neighborhoods
that have multiple social, economic, and environmental benefits.
Oklahoma City was chosen in 2016 as one of six communities to receive this
assistance along with Brownsville, Texas; Columbia, South Carolina; Honolulu,
Hawaii; Multnomah County, Oregon; and Muscatine, Iowa.
More information is available at
https://www.epa.gov/smartgrowth/greening-americas-communities
Smart Growth
GREENING AMERICA'S
COMMUNITIES
www.epa.gov/smartgrowth
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Acknowledgments
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
Margot Brown, Office of Sustainable Communities
Clark Wilson, Office of Sustainable Communities
Karen Peycke, Region 6, Land Revitalization Coordinator
Suzanna Perea, Region 6, Water Quality Protection Division
Oklahoma City Planning Department
T. 0. Bowman, LEED Green Associate, Sustainability Manager, Office of Sustainability, Oklahoma City Planning Department
Ryan Baker, Associate Planner, Office of Sustainability, Oklahoma City Planning Department
Design Team
Miranda Maupin, Program Manager, Skeo Solutions
Alisa Hefner, Senior Associate, Skeo Solutions
Catherine Brown, Associate, Skeo Solutions
John Slack, LEED AP, Associate Principal, Perkins+Will Landscape Architecture
Ben Sporer, LEED AP BD+C, Senior Associate, Perkins+Will Landscape Architecture
Luke Murphree, PLA, LEED AP, Perkins+Will Landscape Architecture
Mo Convery, Perkins+Will Landscape Architecture
Credits: Unless otherwise noted, Skeo Solutions and Perkins+Will prepared all photos, graphics and renderings.
in
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GREENING AMERICA'S COMMUNITIES OKLAHOMA CITY
Central Neighborhoods:
Paseo, Central Park, Jefferson Park, and Edgemere Park Historic District
Table of Contents
Executive Summary
V
Introduction
1
Workshop Summary
3
Existing Conditions
5
Design Options
10
Next Steps
35
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Executive Summary
In 2016, Oklahoma City applied to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
(EPA) for technical assistance under its Greening America's Communities program
to address flooding and connectivity issues for five key locations within the Paseo
Arts District, Central Park, Jefferson Park, and Edgemere Park neighborhoods. The
city also wanted to pilot new opportunities for integrating stormwater management
with street and public space improvements. EPA brought together a team of
federal agency staff and design professionals to help the city create community-
supported design solutions.
This report outlines the public engagement process, conditions analysis, and
design tasks undertaken to prioritize and address key neighborhood challenges
using a sustainable approach to flood mitigation and safe passage. The report
includes a set of recommendations specific to each of the five locations with
detailed illustrations to help community members, city staff and potential
developers envision the functional, aesthetic and experiential qualities of the
proposed designs. The design options propose improved amenities for pedestrians
and cyclists and provide a range of green infrastructure approaches to address
stormwater and floodwater issues including an infiltration roundabout, increased
tree canopy, a detention amphitheater, stream restoration and a multipurpose trail
with infiltration. The report concludes with next steps and potential partnerships
to support and fund implementation.
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Figures 1 and 2. Images provided by
Oklahoma City show flooding in project
area neighborhoods.
Figure 3. Wide streets and large corner
storm drains on Walker Avenue.
Introduction
Oklahoma City, settled in 1889, grew along a similar timeline
to that of the automobile industry. This parallel growth
is evident in the city's auto-centric infrastructure, which
favors wide streets and spread-out neighborhoods. The
development pattern led to two key issues that this project
seeks to address: flooding caused by excessive pavement,
and poor connectivity for walking and biking (see Figures
1-3).
PlanOKC, Oklahoma City's first comprehensive plan since
1977, proposes maximizing green infrastructure and on-
site stormwater management to address flooding and
water quality issues. Additionally, the plan outlines the
goal of incorporating multi-modal corridors and improving
connectivity between neighborhoods.
The project area is two miles north of downtown Oklahoma
City (see Figure 4) and includes four historic neighborhoods:
Jefferson Park, Edgemere Park, Central Park and the
Paseo Arts District. The area is bordered by three arterial
streets and an Interstate Highway. The study area includes
two schools, a large park, and a historic commercial/arts
district, all of which experience widespread flooding during
rain events. Within this study area are the five project areas
identified by the city: Paseo, Harding School, Guy James
Creek, Shartel Avenue and Walker Avenue (see Figure 5).
Between 2010 and 2016, two historic floods highlighted the
inability of the existing storm sewers to handle stormwater
in these neighborhoods. Flooding causes repeated damage
to vehicles, homes, schools and parks across these
neighborhoods, as well as safety risks and inconvenience
traveling by car, foot or bike. Additionally, infrastructure
for walking and biking throughout the neighborhoods,
particularly along school routes and through the arts
district, is discontinuous and poses significant risks for
pedestrians and bicyclists. Sidewalks are in disrepair or non-
existent in some areas; large storm drains and curb drains
present accessibility issues and significant fall hazards;
and wide streets encourage high speed traffic through
the neighborhoods. Continued erosion along the creek in
Edgemere Park poses significant danger for visitors walking
along the steep banks.
The project team reviewed existing documents and plans1,
conducted an initial site visit with community stakeholders,
documented baseline conditions, and developed initial
design ideas for each site location. The designs explored
a range of green infrastructure strategies to absorb the
rain, reduce flooding and filter the runoff of pollutants.
Strategies include: pervious pavers, bioretention planters,
riparian restoration and bioswales that can be integrated
into attractive neighborhood features such as traffic-calming
circles, bike paths and even an outdoor classroom for
the Harding Schools. (Note: there are two schools in one
building: Harding Fine Arts Academy and Harding Center
Preparatory School).
The team then held a charrette (a design workshop) to gather
input from the community members on the initial designs,
and met directly with stakeholders, including business
owners, city staff, and administrators from the Harding Fine
Arts Academy and Harding Charter Preparatory High School.
Following the charrette, the design team refined the design
options to incorporate feedback and developed illustrations
and the final report to support the city's efforts to identify
funding sources for implementation.
1 Information from the following resources contributed to the planning and design options developed for Greening Central Neighborhoods: Historic Edgemere
Park Appeal for a Comprehensive Master Park Plan; OKC Water Survey Drainage Basin 1348 Assessment; Paseo Accessibility and Walkability Blueprint,
University of Oklahoma Institute for Quality Communities, 2014; and PlanOKC, Comprehensive Plan for Oklahoma City, 2015.
1
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Figure 4. Location of project area in context of Oklahoma City.
NW 36TH ST
NW 23RD S
Figure 5. Greening Central Neighborhoods' five key project sites
2
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Workshop Summary
The team facilitated a three-day community charrette starting September 26,
2017 to gather input from residents on initial design options, and prioritize
strategies and goals for the options at a more detailed scale. Members of all four
neighborhoods and area business owners were invited to attend. Approximately
50 residents participated in the charrette, which included an overview of the
baseline conditions and a presentation of the initial designs. An open house
session fostered one-on-one discussions to gather feedback and capture additional
information about challenges and ideas for each specific project location. Input
was also gathered using an online survey and through individual stakeholder
meetings.
Community members identified the following goals for the project area:
• Repair and install continuous and consistent sidewalks.
• Create safe, accessible street crossings and intersections.
• Reduce vehicular speed on Shartel and Walker, the
arterial streets that connect the neighborhoods.
• Use roundabouts and school drop-off zones to allow both
traffic and cyclist to keep moving, but also to be safe.
• Add bike lanes.
• Consider proposed park connections that extend through the project area.
• Develop green infrastructure solutions that reduce the load on existing
gray infrastructure by increasing infiltration areas and temporarily
holding water to prevent flooding, overflow and erosion.
• Improve appearance of streetscapes while reinforcing existing historic character.
• Use low-maintenance, drought-resistant, and attractive plantings.
• Sensitively incorporate any new parking in the Paseo neighborhood.
Figure 6. During stakeholder meetings, groups with specific
interests in the project areas provided input on the designs.
Figure 7. A community charrette provided an overview of
design concepts followed by one-on-one discussions for
community members to share input on designs.
3
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Existing Conditions
Community members, city staff and the consultant team identified the following
existing conditions in the study area as needing to be addressed:
• Sidewalks across the neighborhoods are broken or end abruptly. Many
are impassable due to obstacles (cars, dumpsters. overgrowth).
• There are no dedicated bike lanes.
• Many intersections have steep, unsafe curb drops created by large street
inlets and drainage channels. Some lack crosswalks and signs.
• Major streets like Shartel and Walker are wide with
little or no traffic-calming elements.
Flooding was identified by the community as a significant concern. Understanding
the factors that contribute to flooding is critical for developing designs that can
mitigate flooding and increase flood resilience. Identifying the volume and flow
of stormwater across the project neighborhoods revealed key locations where
stormwater can be intercepted to reduce the amount and slow the flow toward
areas that flood regularly.
Figure 8. This map approximates the drainage sub-basins in the project area using
a recent study, OKC Water Survey Drainage Basin 1348 Assessment, and contours.
Most stormwater from the project area and a large area south of the project area
flows into Guy James Creek, where severe flooding and erosion occurs during rain
events.
EUBANKS
32ND
Blue arrows indicate
surface stormwater
flow direction
James Creek
Shartel Avenue
Walker Avenue
Sub basin
Creek
Project areas
Park
Flood zone
Structure
Paved surface
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Existing Conditions
Figure 9. Large drainage channels
increase the speed of water along Paseo
and create trip hazards for pedestrians.
1/Paseo
The historic Paseo Arts District,
situated along the two-block Paseo
Drive, includes galleries, restaurants
and small boutiques with local
flavor. The district is also host to an
annual outdoor arts festival during
the Memorial Day weekend. Sizeable
development is underway along Paseo,
most notably, an increase of restaurant
and retail businesses.
On-street parking along Paseo is
limited during events and weekends,
and parking is likely to become more
difficult with increased commercial and
mixed use development.
Pedestrian access from surrounding
neighborhoods and through Paseo
is challenged by a lack of sidewalks
and crosswalks, as well as deep curb
channels. The Paseo Accessibility
and Walkability Blueprint documents
the obstacles to accessibility and
walkability in the Paseo District.
During rain events, significant flooding
occurs, particularly at these major
intersections in the district: Paseo
Drive, Dewey Avenue and NW 29th
Street.
STORMWATER
WALKABILITY
.> 30TH
!'W ¦
lib uJ':
«-
250'
f
in the Paseo area.
'"It
¦III
1III
>*¦ ¦ I ^
Storm inlet
s Storm pipe b
Stormwater flow
¦ Drainage channel
Frequent flooding
I Flood hazard area
Paved surface
Building
lilt***
..." 1 >
». _¦
Figure 10. Arrows show the direction of stormwater flow
UL-U-JUf
0 Sidewalk hazard
Sidewalk
Impaired sidewalk
On-street parking
On-street planters | r"*V" N
Overflow parking
0 New development
© Overflow parking j o' 250
Figure 11. Map highlighting features that affect walkability through Paseo district.
5
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Existing Conditions
Figure 12. Rainwater from the school
roof flows into the paved courtyard
and contributes to flooding inside and
outside the building.
2/Harding
Two schools, Harding Fine Arts
Academy and Harding Charter
Preparatory High School, with students
in grades 9-12, operate on the property
bordered by Shartel Avenue, Olie
Avenue, Hill Street and NW 33rd
Street. All students are either dropped
off or drive to school. Oklahoma
City Public Schools owns the school
property and leases it to the two non-
profit schools operating on site.
Flooding is the most significant issue
for the schools, followed by a lack of
parking. Parking lots on the north and
south sides of the school exacerbate
heat island effects and increase
stormwater runoff. In severe storms,
runoff extends from the intersection
of Hill and Olie toward the school and
residential streets, damaging homes
and forcing vehicles out of street
parking spaces. Runoff from the south
parking lot and the rooftop cause
regular flooding in the school cafeteria.
On the north side of the school, runoff
flows down NW 33rd Street and into
classrooms on the lower level of the
school through windows and crevices in
the brick. During school hours, parking
is scarce. Students occupy much of
the on-street parking in the adjacent
residential streets, which causes
conflict with the neighbors.
mm I _•
. 33RD
...> 33RD .
>a»*r
•*Sbi
1- *
$ Storm inlet
Storm pipe
¦ Stormwater flow
Frequent flooding
Paved surface
Building
III
na
4-*-
• IH
HARDII
HARDING FINE ARTS ACADEMY
HARDING CHARTER PREPARATORY HS
IfT^
HILL
inMir*
ill llflilllllpl
¦
iliMi
Figure 13. Arrows show direction of stormwater flow around Harding.
a
HARDING CHARTER PREPARATORY HS
2ClfiK
r
f School entry
Sidewalk
ntermittent bike
Traffic disruption area
School parking lots
Figure 14. Map highlighting pedestrian, parking and bike infrastructure.
6
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Existing Conditions
3/Guy James Creek
Edgemere Park Historic District, one of
the first planned communities west of
the Mississippi River, is characterized
by mid-sized to large, well-maintained
homes looking out toward Edgemere
Park and Guy James Creek, a tributary
of the Deep Fork River.
The grass is mowed close to the
banks of the creek, reducing the water
filtration benefits of riparian vegetation.
Several culverts carrying runoff from
surrounding streets empty into the
creek. In other areas, shallow drainage
swales move across the grass toward
the tributary. A large sub-basin that
includes the project area and additional
neighborhoods extending south to NW
10th Street, empties into the creek.
Stream banks are highly eroded in
some areas and the stream is deeply
incised, creating steep drops from the
surrounding park lawn. According to
the Historic Edgemere Park Appeal for
a Comprehensive Master Park Plan, ice
storms have thinned the canopy of trees
that once shaded the park.
The design challenge is to modify and
repair the stream channel to handle
runoff from heavy storm events to
prevent erosion and improve water
quality, while restoring the aesthetic
character of the stream in this historic
neighborhood.
Figure 15. The sides of Guy James Creek have eroded, forming steep banks.
STORMWATER + WALKABILITY
> 35TH. ¦
3 3RD
•"h*V
III flKIl)
u m m
i
i
Storm inlet
~ Storm pipe
Stormwaterflow
Eroded channel
¦ Sidewalk
Paved surface
Building
Flood zone
Figure 16. Map highlighting stormwater flow and sidewalks.
7
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Figure 17. View of Shartel Avenue along
Fairlawn Cemetery. Bike lane markings
and sidewalks on Shartel Avenue are
intermittent.
Existing Conditions
4/Shartel Avenue
This busy corridor extends north from
the commercial area at NW 23rd Street
along a cemetery and residences to
NW 36th Street. The road expands at
Harding School properties to include a
center median from NW 30th Street to
NW 36th Street.
The center median is considered
park property, but the Central Park
Neighborhood Association has an
agreement with the city's Parks and
Recreation Department to maintain
the six-block planted median, which
ranges from wildflowers and small tree
plantings to a mowed lawn at NW 36th
Street. Shartel Avenue extends along
a ridge, and both the north and south
lanes slope away from the planted
median between the lanes.
Bicyclists would like to use Shartel for
commuting, but the stopped traffic at
the school during peak hours, the high
speed of moving traffic, and the lack
of bike lanes present significant safety
issues.
Pedestrian activity is limited along
Shartel because of discontinuous
sidewalks. Shartel Avenue narrows
along Fairlawn Cemetery and an
intermittent sidewalk runs only on the
east side of the street.
Additionally, many area residents
complain about the lack of maintenance
of the median plantings, and suggest
alternative uses for the medians as a
walk/bike path, or for low- maintenance
plantings with more aesthetic appeal.
The wide street provides opportunities
for considering green infrastructure
strategies that separate lanes and/
or integrate active transportation
infrastructure along the median.
PR ?WCI§_
GUERN
FRANCIS
HARDING
Fairlawn Cemetery
rm
mz*zm. m | —Lai ^ mm ' i IK. I I ¦
f *+ ¦ ¦¦¦ ft ¦ is ittiini*1 MAUJbiAf "
p. a mm » B B« a « * ft n flja.F SftH.lt ¦ ftn%*ftftftftftftftl ..i it II ft ¦ I «
¦¦ --
FRAN
FINE ARTS ACADEMY
:ATORY
arts ac;
HARDING CHARTER PREPARATORY HS
• Sidewalk
Intermittent bike lane
I Traffic disturbance area
Planted medians
I
oHrkTEl
dew!
Figure 18. Sidewalk and bike infrastructure on Shartel Avenue.
8
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Existing Conditions
Figure 19. Large storm drains on
Walker Avenue create safety hazards.
5/Walker Avenue
The Walker Avenue study area extends
north from a commercial intersection
at NW 23rd Street through Paseo Drive
to the busy NW 36th Street corridor,
passing through a neighborhood, an
elementary school and Edgemere Park.
Walker Avenue is a key route to the
park, school and commercial district,
so pedestrian and bicycle safety is very
important.
Severe flooding occurs at the
intersection of Walker and NW 28th
near the Paseo district entrance and
the drainage system is not large enough
to handle heavy rains. Sidewalks are
intermittent or uneven, and curbs at
some intersections present up to a one-
foot drop or more for pedestrians due to
large street drains at each corner.
Addressing walkabiiity issues, creating
safe intersections and street crossings,
and reducing flooding are the primary
goals for green infrastructure strategies
along Walker Avenue.
«*!£ • ¦:
III y Mil *
« > DEWEY
Storm inlet
Storm pipe
Stor m water flow
Frequent flooding
Flood hazard area
Paved surface
Building
EDGEMEREES
Figure 20. Stormwater flow on Walker Avenue. A large volume of runoff from outside the project area enters the drainage network south of Edgemere Elementary School
WALKABILITY
DEWEY
OWWER
nr
EDGEMERE ES
HUD30IM
O Sidewalk hazard
Sidewalk
Figure 21. Intermittent sidewalks and large
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Design Options
GREEN INFRASTRUCTURE TOOLKIT
The design options presented in this section address
challenges specific to each project area by integrating
green infrastructure tools to address stormwater runoff
with amenities to improve public spaces and biking and
walking safety.
Each design option integrates one or more of the green
infrastructure tools described on this page to help
manage the volume, flow and/or treatment of stormwater.
Infiltration systems are designed
to infiltrate stormwater into the
existing subgrade at a controlled
rate.
03.
INFILTRATION
o
01.
CAPTURE
04.
DISCONNECTION
Capture systems collect and store
stormwater for specific purposes,
such as irrigation, and often can
hold water for a significant period
of time.
Detention/slow-release systems are
designed to capture, detain, and
treat stormwater and slowly release
it at a controlled rate.
Flow control systems slow, divert,
or otherwise control the movement
of the water to mitigate erosion or
standing water conditions.
<§
05.
FLOW CONTROL
Disconnection is designed to divert
(or remove) impervious areas from
the stormwater collection system.
10
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Design Options
1/Paseo
This design option reduces stormwater
flooding and improves pedestrian
infrastructure along the corridor while
maintaining the historic character
and vehicular capacity of the historic
district that residents said they
wanted.
To reduce flooding potential, the design
increases areas for infiltration by
adding rain gardens, tree canopy and
permeable pavements in parking areas.
Additional bump-out planting areas will
control, slow and detain stormwater
along the street.
Reorganization of the public right-
of-way allows for the development
of a continuous, wide sidewalk on
both sides of the street. Protected
pedestrian crossings that also act as
infiltration areas are integrated at
highly trafficked intersections to create
safe and pleasant crossings. Dedicated
bike lanes address cyclist safety
concerns.
A central recessed planting roundabout
at the intersection of Walker Avenue
and Paseo Drive/NW 29th Street
acts as a gateway to the district and
creates a large area for detention and
infiltration.
k-;'
y-'-rt:,
Figure 22. Sketch of Paseo design option.
11
-------
Design Options "O ® ® <£> (|j)
1 /Pacpn 01. 02. 03. 04. 05.
J. / I Uv)V>U CAPTURE DETENTION INFILTRATION DISCONNECTION FLOW CONTROL
INFILTRATION BUMP OUTS-
iMPROVED PEDESTRIAN
CROSSWALKS
GATEWAY
O'
Figure 23. Design option for increasing infiltration and adding pedestrian crosswalks along Paseo and at the three key intersections in the district.
NW 30TH
NW 29TH
INCREASED TREE CANOPY
JS PAVING ST
<8>©
PERVIOUS PAVING STREET-SIDE PARKING
RECESSED PLANTING AREAS
-INFILTRATION ROUNDABOUT WITH
RECESSED PLANTING AREAS
12
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Design Options
1/Paseo (before)
Figure 24. Intersection of Paseo, Walker Avenue and NW 28th Street. This wide intersection, an important entry into the Paseo District, frequently floods, and
facilitates speeding north-south on Walker Avenue. The intersection lacks pedestrian crossings, and the sidewalks are in disrepair.
-------
Design Options
1/Paseo (after)
J IPT T T
Figure 25. A recessed roundabout slows vehicles moving through the intersection and captures stormwater during rain events. New sidewalks and street markings
improve pedestrian safety, dedicated bike lane address cyclist safety, and planted bump-outs collect and infiltrate additional street runoff.
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Design Options
2/Harding
This design reduces stormwater
flooding, improves vehicular circulation,
and supports school programming —
goals that school staff, students and
parents raised concerns about.
In this design, stormwater flows from
the adjacent neighborhood are directed
into two high capacity infiltration areas
on the school grounds: underground
storage cells on the western edge and
a constructed wetland area adjacent to
the school building.
The flow of water along the streets
is controlled through the selective
placement of bump-out rain gardens.
Additional street parking along the
western edge of the campus and front
drop-off plaza area alleviate vehicular
congestion during school hours.
Permeable pavements in these areas
allow for infiltration.
A recessed amphitheater acts as a
detention basin to capture the flow of
water from the building and serves as
an outdoor classroom and performance
space. A similar amphitheater built
at Manassas Park Elementary School
has been successful in detaining
stormwater and providing a unique
learning environment (see page 33 for
more information).
Figure 26. Sketch of proposed amphitheater in Harding design option
15
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Design Options
2/Harding
© © ® 'S1 (2D
01. 02.
CAPTURE DETENTION
03. 04. 05.
INFILTRATION DISCONNECTION FLOW CONTROL
CORNER INFILTRATION BUMP OUTS
(UD©iS
DETENTION AMPHITHEATE
PERVIOUS PAVED PARKING AREA
UNDERGROUND STORAGE CELLS
©o
SCHOOL VEGETABLE GARDEN &
GREENHOUSE
TREETRENCHES
PERVIOUS PAVED PARKING AREA
CENTRAL WATER GUTTER
\W 33RD
PERVIOUS PAVED IMPROVED DROP-OFF
©
OBSERVATION DECK/OUTDOOR GATHERING SPACE
WETLANDS
DRAINAGE TRENCH
PERVIOUS PAVED PARKING AREA
200'
Figure 27. The design option for Harding integrates outdoor learning areas with stormwater management infrastructure, and introduces pervious paving to parking areas.
The Edison Green Campus pervious parking lot image on page 33 illustrates a similar green infrastructure design for student and faculty parking lots.
16
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Design Options
2/Harding
STORMWATER
lilijiiiii;
INFILTRATION AREAS
SURFACE FLOW
DRAINAGE TRENCH
200'
Figure 28. Diagram of how the Harding design option addresses stormwater flow and provides infiltration areas.
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Design Options
2/Harding (before)
Figure 29. A view of Harding from the athletic field. The large impervious footprint of the school and adjacent parking structures, as well as the steep grade changes
of surrounding blocks, creates more stormwater runoff than the current drainage infrastructure can handle. The volume causes flooding inside the school and on
surrounding streets.
-------
Design Options
2/Harding (after)
¦mm
Figure 30. The design option includes a recessed amphitheater to capture and detain water from the building and parking areas, and constructed wetlands to collect
and infiltrate stormwater from adjacent streets.
-------
Design Options
3/Guy James Creek
This design develops the park as a
functional floodplain and stormwater
collector to reduce flooding in adjacent
neighborhood areas while expanding
the recreational and opportunities of
the park that neighborhood residents
said they wanted.
Widening the creek channel increases
the overall stormwater holding capacity,
and along with adding plants to the
banks, reduces erosion. Outfalls control
the flow of water and act as a beautiful
feature of the park. New pathways
allow increased access to the creek and
create a beautiful trail loop.
Figure 31. Sketch of outfall and enlarged creek footprint in Guy James Creek design
-------
Design Options
3/Guy James Creek
^ @ @ (HD
01. 02.
CAPTURE DETENTION
03. 04. 05.
INFILTRATION DISCONNECTION FLOW CONTROL
EXPANDED CREEK
i M i
BRIDGE
OUTFALL
~3r\ r
¦PROPOSED INLET
LOCATION
EXISTING INLET
LOCATION
250
¦ -
Figure 32. The design option for Guy James Creek extends and widens the creek channel to increase water holding capacity.
21
-------
Design Options
3/Guy James Creek (before)
Figure 33. This image of Guy James Creek shows the severe erosion caused by high flow during rain events. The steep banks create safety hazards for park visitors.
22
-------
Design Options
3/Guy James Creek (after)
Figure 34. The design option for Guy James Creek increases the size of the creek to hold more stormwater, and stabilizes the banks with plantings to reduce erosion;
two outfalls shown in this illustration control water flow and a path connects visitors to the creek edge.
-------
Design Options
4/Shartel Avenue
This design captures the ideas of
residents wanted to see more use
made of the existing central median. .
The design includes a multipurpose
trail for pedestrians; planted bioswales
to increase infiltration within the
median; and protected bike lanes
added to both sides of the median.
Locating the bike lanes adjacent to the
median rather than along the outside
curbs reduces conflicts between
cyclists and parked cars in front of the
school which was brought up several
times by workshop participants as a
hazard.
Speed tables (wider, flat-topped
speed bumps) along the median
at intersections slows the traffic
and provides a safer crossing for
pedestrians and cyclists using the path
and bike lanes. The long, flat design of
speed tables allows cars to pass more
smoothly than traditional speed bumps.
The use of planted linear swales as
streetscape improvements and green
infrastructure is highlighted in the
Indianapolis Cultural Trail example on
page 33.
ji _ 4-.
V r
T^ S
r AH
1 1
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Design Options
4/Shartel Avenue
"O ® ® <*» ©
01. 02. 03. 04. 05.
CAPTURE DETENTION INFILTRATION DISCONNECTION FLOW CONTROL
Figure 36. The design option for Shartel Avenue focuses on using the central median to create safe sidewalks and bike lanes.
IMPROVED PEDESTRIAN CROSSWALKS
PROTECTED BIKE LANES
TREE CANOI
SHARTEL
SECTION VIEW
INTERSECTION TABLE
PERVIOUS MULTIPURPOSE TRAIL
CURB CUT INLETS
INFILTRATION SWALES
25
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Design Options
4/Shartel Avenue
SECTION B
iCHOOL)
SECTION A (TYPICAL STREET)
SECTION VIEW A (TYPICAL STREET)
Figure 37. Section A illustrates sidewalk, bike path, street and median treatments for most blocks between
NW 30th Street and NW 36th Street,
SECTION VIEW B (SCHOOL)
Figure 38. Section B illustrates the conditions for the block of Shartel Avenue in front of Harding Fine Arts
Academy and Harding Charter Preparatory High School and provides a wider sidewalk in front of the schools.
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Design Options
4/Shartel Avenue (before)
;
Figure 39. View of Shartel Avenue and the two Harding schools. Improved street markings and designated lanes for bicyclists and pedestrians are needed to improve
safety. Cars blocking the bike lane in front of the school during drop off hours make the morning commute difficult for bicyclists.
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Design Options
4/Shartel Avenue (after)
Figure 40. A speed table and well-marked crosswalks slow traffic at the intersection of Hiil and Shartei Avenue. A path through the medians provides a continuous route
for pedestrians, and separated bike lanes improve safety for bicyclists. „„
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Design Options
5/Walker Avenue
This design reimagines the intersection
at Walker Avenue and NW 28th Street
to improve stormwater drainage and
walkability.
Residents complained that curbs were
too high, which makes crossing the
streets difficult especially for those
with mobility impairments. Rain
garden bump-outs allow for increased
stormwater detention and infiltration
while also allowing ADA accessible
ramps to be incorporated.
-r.JJ, 1 f ~
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T "\\i
Figure 41. Sketch of rain garden bump-outs integrated into new street design at Walker Avenue intersection.
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Design Options "O ® ® <£> (|j)
^/Walker Avprup 01- 02- 03- °4- °5-
VVUir\UI r^VOMUVv^ CAPTURE detention infiltration disconnection flow control
CORNER INFILTRATION BUMP OUTS WITH RECESSED
PLANTING AREAS
©O© I
IMPROVED PEDESTRIAN CROSSWALKS
Figure 43. This section illustrates how stormwater is
infiltrated in vegetated bioswales between the street and
sidewalk.
Figure 42. Design option for Walker Avenue showing infiltration areas and safe crosswalks.
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Design Options
5/Walker Avenue (before)
Figure 44. The large storm drains at the intersection of Walker Avenue and NW 28th Street create dangerous drops for pedestrians
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Design Options
5/Walker Avenue (after)
Figure 45. Rain garden bump-outs slow traffic and infiltrate stormwater. Continuous sidewalks and well marked crosswalks improve walkability and pedestrian safety.
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Design Options
Examples
Figure 46. Indianapolis Cultural Trail.
Indianapolis Cultural Trail
The Cultural Trail benefits the city of Indianapolis
beyond providing a new transportation option.
With an estimated 25,000 square feet of
stormwater landscaping, the trail doubles as a
streetscape beautification project. This network
of green stormwater infrastructure helps divert
approximately four million gallons of rainwater
per year.
Source: Rundell Ernstberger Associates
Figure 47. Manassas Park Elementary School
Amphitheater.
Manassas Park Elementary School Amphitheater
The stormwater amphitheater integrates natural
drainage into an educational environment.
Amphitheater seating surrounds a wooden stage
sourced from local timber and is situated above a
stormwater bioretention area planted with native
plants. The outdoor learning environment is close
to the school building for ease of access and to
connect natural learning environments with the
indoor classroom.
Source: SiteWorks
http://www.siteworks-studio.com/manassas-park/
Edison Green Campus
The Edison Green Campus is a model for
sustainable neighborhoods located in northeast
Minneapolis. The area, made up of Jackson
Square Park, Thomas A. Edison High School,
adjacent single family homes and a flood
mitigation basin, is managed by three different
government entities with little collaboration. The
overall scope of the project was to assist the city
and neighborhood with the creation of a blueprint
to incorporate sustainable design practices
into the fabric of the neighborhood. This
image highlights Phase One, which addresses
stormwater capture and monitoring in a parking
lot area that includes five best management
practice features for managing stormwater.
Figure 48. Pervious parking lot at Edison Green
Campus.
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Next Steps
Greening Central Neighborhoods provides a vision for enhancing the connectivity,
beauty, sustainability and safety of five key areas in Oklahoma City's historic
neighborhoods. The project also outlines a community engagement process and
provides planning tools and techniques for managing stormwater and improving
pedestrian and bicycle safety. While the five design strategies respond to
challenges in specific locations, the benefits of this design approach can be
extended to other areas of the city by adopting a systematic program of standards,
policy and regulation, including:
• Street design standards that promote complete and green street
principles to serve all modes of transportation safely and effectively,
including vehicles, pedestrians, cyclists and public transportation.
• Stormwater management approaches that consider green infrastructure and
natural drainage strategies in addition to gray infrastructure approaches.
• Park maintenance strategies that incorporate best management
practices for stormwater management and water quality.
• Shared learning among city departments related to
innovative and best management approaches for stormwater
management, resiliency and sustainability.
• Integrated planning and cross-department coordination to ensure capital
investments promote sustainable approaches while meeting multiple goals.
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Figure 49. Community Charrette. Input
captured during the charrette ensured
the design strategies responded to
community goals and preferences.
Next Steps
Moving Forward
Implementation planning for the proposed Greening Central
Neighborhoods design strategies will likely include a
combination of actions to help frame specific needs and
requests for funding:
• Evaluate and prioritize which projects to initiate first.
• Identify project lead(s) and partners needed
to implement and maintain the project.
• Conduct design and engineering studies.
• Continue to engage the public on design
development design decisions.
• Assemble funding, which may come
from a variety of sources.
• Remain flexible and creative to respond
to new opportunities as they arise.
Building Partnerships and Support
During the charrette, the project team discussed a range of
potential funding sources, programs and partnerships that
may be able to support the Greening Central Neighborhoods
design strategies. The city staff will continue to cross-
departmental collaboration with external partners to identify
funding sources and near-term actions.
Addressing Water Quality and Environmental Issues
EPA offers a range of funding sources that could be pursued
depending on local watershed needs.
• EPA's Clean Water Act Section 319 Grants are directed
to projects that reduce nonpoint source pollution,
can only be used for items not required under a
stormwater program, and are subject to state priorities.
Green infrastructure elements may be eligible for
funding through this program. See https://www.epa.
gov/nps/319-grant-program-states-and-territories
• EPA's Office of Water has grants and other funding
programs, including the Section 106 Water
Pollution Control (to establish ongoing water
pollution control programs). See https://www.epa.
gov/water-pollution-control-section-106-grants
• EPA's Clean Water State Revolving Fund is a water quality
financing source that helps communities meet the goals
of the Clean Water Act. Nonpoint source pollution control
and green infrastructure may be eligible for funding
through this program. See https://www.epa.gov/cwsrf
The city may also consider pursuing targeted brownfields
funding for the former gas station at the intersection of
Paseo and Walker.
• EPA's brownfields grants and technical assistance
provides resources to communities to assess and
clean up properties where actual or potential presence
of a hazardous substance could complicate reuse.
Grants can also be used for green infrastructure
planning. See http://www.epa.gov/brownfields
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Next Steps
Promoting Community and Cultural Benefits
• The National Park Service Rivers, Trails, and Conservation Assistance
(RTCA) program provides technical assistance to design trails and parks,
conserves and improves access to rivers, protect special places, and
creates recreation opportunities. This may be best suited for Guy James
Creek trail connections. See https://www.nps.gov/orgs/rtca/index.htm
• U.S. Economic Development Administration (EDA) provides
grants to promote economic growth and may have programs
that align with Paseo opportunities. See https://eda.gov
• National Endowment for the Arts "Our Town Program" supports creative
place-making projects that help to transform communities into lively, beautiful
and resilient places with the arts at their core. See https://www.arts.gov
• Trust for Public Land may have resources and technical assistance
available related to creative placemaking and green stormwater
infrastructure on public lands. See https://www.tpl.org
• National banks with offices in Oklahoma City may have programs
and funding opportunities that can support specific strategies.
• Community Reinvestment Act is intended to encourage depository
institutions to help meet the credit needs of the communities in which
they operate. Some banks have an arts and education focus and may
be a good fit for the Harding Schools, especially if the project can
be tied to learning objectives. See https://www.ffiec.gov/cra/
• The Oklahoma City Community Foundation has a dedicated
program for park space and a full-time landscape architect
on staff. The Kirkpatrick Foundation may also have funding to
support recreation, arts, culture and community health.
Leveraging Capital Investments
• Explore capital investment opportunities via the 2017 Bond
Package and MAPS via the sales tax increase:
• Bicycle infrastructure funding might support Shartel Avenue improvements.
• Funding may also support trail connections to Guy James Creek Park,
Paseo Street enhancements and school capital improvements.
• Monitor annual capital investment project budgets to leverage opportunities.
• Explore Oklahoma Department of Transportation funding opportunities
for parking or road improvements around Harding Schools.
• Coordinate with Association of Central Oklahoma Governments
on transportation funding opportunities.
Oklahoma City has demonstrated a commitment
to implementing sustainable solutions that improve
quality of life and enhance environmental health.
By continuing to explore and leverage resources at
local, state and federal levels, as well as identifying
new partnerships and funding programs aligned with
specific design strategies and challenges identified
by Greening Central Neighborhoods, Oklahoma City
will be able to move implementation forward and
provide a strong model for cities across the United
States.
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Environmental Protection
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