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Phase 2: Park Capital Improvements: Wapato is a family oriented resort style park reminiscent of its founding back in the late 1800's. This project will implement the first phase of improvements under the Master Plan for Wapato Park adopted by the Park Board of Commissioners January 2005. View brochure.
Concept 2
Pathway & Shoreline Area - paved pathway should be located so that impact to lake shore is minimized. At the southwest shore, the existing gravel path may need to be replaced with a new path set back further from the shoreline. As funding allows, the existing semi-circular asphalt pathway at the south end of the park should be removed and replaced with new accessible pathways.
Off Leash Area - will be designed to include the loop drive and parking area. The existing north parking lot near the lake shore will be removed and the area planted to improve the lakeshore environment and prevent further water quality degradation. The old paved roadway will be reduced in width so it can serve as a pedestrian and maintenance path. The fenced dog park area should be expanded into the forested area to the east of the exisitng play field, significantly expanding the fenced area available to off-leash dogs. (A total area of 5 to 10 acres is desired.)
Utility Improvements - including the new fire protection-water line service to the Bathhouse and the sanitary sewer connection to the north picnic shelter (requires lift station). MPT is encouraged to research and identify less expensive ways to handle sink sewage disposal from the sink in the existing picnic shelter.
Irrigation System Enhancements
Parking and Vehicle Circulation - As funding allows, the existing parking lot will be repaired and overlaid. Some modification to the extent of pavements may be made to improve parking efficience, and the lots will be re-striped. We will explore the potential to modify drives near the Police Substation. As part of parking area improvements, corresponding surface water handling/treatment should be provided to filter surface water before it enters the Lake.
South Restroom Area Renovation
A third phase of development will be necessary, and the funding required for it will need to be raised from sources than those currently available. Improvements should include sprayground, playground, new picnic area and shelter, improvements to South Parking lots and drives, improvements on the West Side of the Park and South Park enhancements.
Project Budget:
Park Bond funds for Wapato Park - $928,792 + $400,000 added 08/09/10
Park Bond funds for Environmental Greenspace & Natural Area Enhancement - $175,000
Park Bond funds for Off-Leash Dog Park - $175,000
Mitigation Funds - $8,050
Park Bond funds released at Wapato Bathouse Completion - $13,503
Park Bond funds released at Wapato Shoreline Planting Completion - $43,315
Park Bond funds released at Miranda Land Acquisition Completion - $4,244
Insurance funds released at Wapato Bathhuse Completion - $43,784
Anticipated RCO Grant - Land Acquisition Reimbursement - $212,878
(for purchase of one home at the Southeast shore of the lake)
RCO Grant - Wapato Park Shoreline Access - $500,000
Total capital funds assigned to this project - $2,502,566
Project Status:
08/20/10 The project budget was increased by $400,000 to $2.5 million, which will include improvements to the Sheridan Street entry drive; a fire sprinkler system for the Bathhouse; pavement overlays in the parking lots; and expanded drainage facilities at the off-leash park, entry drive and central parking lot. Land use permits have been secured including the permit from Washington Fish & Wildlife. Building permits remain to be applied for in October. The project should go to bid in November with bids received in December. We would authorize the contractor to begin work in the early spring with constructin to occur during the dry weather this coming summer. The project should be complete by September of 2011.
06/25/10 A proposal for supplemental funding is pending. A board resolution amending the A&E Agreement is also pending. The project was reviewed with the CIC on 06/16/10. Several scope adjustments are being discussed.
05/28/10 Staff is recommending the addition of $400K to the project budget from the Bond 'unallocated' fund so that parking lot paving, entry drive improvements and the south restroom renovation can all become part of the base bid. The scope of the off-leash park would be reduced by $100,000 which means that at a minimum, the upper hillside fenced area and trails and one of the shelters would be eliminated. Given permitting, design and funding questions still outstanding - and the lake shore conditions and wet soils in the off-leash park area - it will be more prudent for us to plan to do the most weather-sensitive work next spring/summer. It is likely we'll bid the project in the fall of this year.
05/20/10 A Washington Fish & Wildlife Hydraulics Project Approval application was made on 05/18/10. The city Shoreline/Conditional Use permit process is still pending. The bathhouse fire sprinkler feasibility and costs are not yet established. Budget concerns have been the subject of CPG and Executive Cabinet discussion.
05/14/10 Site workshop is currently configuring the documents to include general park improvements, water access and shoreline work, off-leash park and City-required off-site improvements in the base bid. The fire sprinklers, south restroom improvements, main parking lot paving overlay, site lighting and improvements to the Sheridan entry are all shown as additive alternates.
05/07/10 Additional soil testing in the off-leash park area has proven that there is a much higher seasonal ground water table than previously assumed which would cause it to be muddy in winter. As a result, changes have been proposed for surface water treatment, detention and disposal. Parking lot water would be collected down the center line of the lot. A storm water filter would be installed to treat surface water from the parking lot. Surface water would be detained in the basins previously assumed to be 'rain garden' infiltration. From those locations, a controlled outfall would send water slowly to a 'dispersal Trench.' The Dispersal Trench area would in turn overflow into a series of 'low points' which would also be collecting overland flow from the dog-park itself. all would ultimately either infiltrate or overflow into the wetland to the north.
04/23/10 The design team continues to develop construction documents. The scope is also being modified due to schedule and budget changes. We are waiting for a decision letter from COT on land use permits. A field meeting was held 04/13 with Washington Fish & Wildlife and DOE to discuss proposed shoreline improvements and a requested Hydraulics Project Approval. We are studying strategies for tree retention at Alaska Street where COT is planning improvements. Their project is likely to require dedication of a slope easement and removal of some trees on Park property. That work will probably take place after the park improvements have been made.We are getting ready to do preliminary brush and debris clearing at the Off-Leash area. We expect to submit a building permit after obtaining our Land Use approvals.
02/19/10 There appear to be a number of issues related to site drainage. There are low, wet areas and drainage problems in the dog park. Staff is looking into adding fire sprinklers ($35,000) to the project scope.
02/05/10 Documents should be done in May, it should go out to bid in the summer and construction should start in the fall. The city is widening Alaska Street. In order to rent out the Boathouse we need to put in water for fire sprinklers - this will be bid as an alternate. The sewer line by the Wapato shops is not functioning and is probably crushed. This is probably contributing to the water problem in the lake and will need to be fixed.
01/29/10 Land use permit documents were submitted on Jan. 14. Construction documents phase work has been authorized and is underway with a 50% review submittal scheduled for early February. COT is developing plans for Alaska Street improvements that could impact the park design.
12/11/09 Construction documents phase work has been authorized and is underway. COT has contacted MPT with requests regarding proposed improvements to Alaska Street.
10/21/09 Design Development phase work is now complete. Land use permit documents are being prepared. Construction documents phase work will be authorized this month.
10/02/09 The small plant bed in the center of the oval east of the bathhouse and the small east-west running path south of the bathhouse can be removed. There should be at least one 'Spine Trail' thru the forested dog park that is approximately 8 feet wide and accessible by gator or small pickup. The other trails could be approximately 5 feet wide. Some level of concrete paving is needed at the Dog Park entries. Some grading in the larger Dog Park field is desirable. Widening of the drive near the police substation should be done in Phase 2 to allow two way traffic thru the park.
09/25/09 The design team has had several meeting swith COT to discuss the application for land use approvals which are complicated since there are both Shoreline and Non-Shoreline Conditional Use Permits as well as Wetland/Critical Areas permits required. Some lever of State Dept. of Fish & Wildlife and possibly US Army Corps of Engineers permitting may also be required. At meetings with South Tacoma and South End Neighborhood Councils attendees were largely in support of the project with no objectins. Community members expressed continuing concern for water quality but are beginning to understand the complex conditions surrounding the issue. There has been a good deal of interest in the dog park element. COT, UW and others are doing work in teh watershed now aimed at addressing the long term water quality issues in the lake. This is likely to result in the definition of a substantial Phase 4 project sometime in the coming two years.
09/18/09 A meeting is scheduled for next Monday with COT to work on the wetland mitigation/land use permit. There are some concerns that the off-leash dog park area is low and wet and could become nearly un-usable in winter weather. Staff is looking into gravel aprons and ways to provide some kind of positive drainage. Currently un-funded Phase Three improvements would include the playground/sprayground, picnic shelter and changes to the south drives and parking. We are targeting completion of contract documents and bidding by February. This will allow a summer construction season which will be desirable particularly for work in the wetter parts of te site.
09/11/09 Design Development phase plans, outline specifications, and cost estimates were submitted to MPT and a design development presentation was held at Wapato Bathhouse yesterday. It was an informal setting in which the landscape architects could discuss the proposed plans with park users and members fo the public. We plan to start organizing a pet owner's group to help with dog park management while the facility is still in design. Staff will be reviewing the designwith the Korean Women's Association and also with the South Tacoma Neighborhood Council Sept. 16 and the South End Neighborhood Council Sept. 21.
08/28/09 The land use permit pre-application meeting with the City of Tacoma was held this week. A report from the City is expected within a week. Wetland buffers have already been maped and confirmed. Impacts from park development will be assessed and mitigation measures proposed. Much of the project involves removal of impervious surfaces and improvements to the shoreline that can be considered mitigation. There are significant requests from COT Public Works that the project provide street improvements on both Alaska Street and Sheridan Street. COT Dept. of Environmental Services has now smoke tested the sanitary sewers and drainage systems within the park (at not cost to MPT). A report is forthcoming that identifies a number of problems and locates drain lines we had no record of. We expect COT to continue to work with us on these utility issues - such as plugging old municipal sewer pipes within the park. SiteWorkshop presented 70% design drawings which included the following. Upgrades to the pedestrian pathway system including completion of the concrete pathway all of the way around the lake and narrowing of the existing northern roadway tomake it a ten foot wide pathway. Additional shoreline plantings will be established. Parking area improvements, overlays and re-striping will include storm water upgrades. Our engineers are considering the use of rain gardens and bio-swales to provide water treatment. ADA parking provisions will beimproved at all three parkign locations. Utility improvements will include a new water main to serve the bathhouse.
07/24/09 The Design Development phase is planned to be complete for a presentation to the public on Sept. 10. Another Steering Committee meeting is planned for Aug. 25. CIC and Park Board reviews will occur following the public meeting. The State RCO has notified us that the Water Access grant will be fully funded at $500K. The $500K is to be used for water access improvements and must be matched with an equal amount of funding from other MPT sources. The main pathway around the lake will be continued as a concrete walk identical to the current path so a paved walkway extends around the lake. Other pathways are are planned to be compacted gravel, similar to those provided at Wright Park. The semi-circular asphalt pathway that follows the row of oak trees at the south end will be replaced with compacted gravel and realigned to avoid conflicts with the roots of the oak trees. Large stones will be used to harden the lake edge at places where it will be desirable to provide access and preserve views. Recent results from the COT study monitoring wells show that there is very little ground water to replenish the water in the lake - evaporation results in significant draw down with no way to supplement with new water. Management practices will be necessary to discourage use of the lake and park by geese. Ideas are being reviewed to improve parkign lot paving and establish new surface water detention and treatment facilities that will place an emphasis on bio swales and rain gardens that provide infiltration. Staff is looking at removing the north parking lot and narrowing the existing north roadway which will be converted to a pedestrian pathway. The existing south driveway could be converted to a two way street, requiring some widening of the paved surface. The North picnic shelter is proposed to be moved closer to the water when the north parking lot is demolished along the lakeshore pathway. The off-leash area is proposed to have three separate fenced areas for dog and owners - general use, small & shy dogs, and a forest hillside with trails. There are a number of old, unhealthy and inappropriate trees that should be removed - this project will install significantly more trees and shrubs than it removes.
07/17/09 On-site meetings with park staff and contacts with COT regulators are begining this month. A Steering Committee meeting is scheduled for 07/21/09. New funding info from RCO will result in a change in the MACC.
06/05/09 The design team has been authorized to begin Design Development work following modification of the project scope and budget. The project will be reviewed at a 'Wake Up for Wapato' event on 06/13/09 and a Steering Committee meeting is scheduled for 06/23/09.
05/15/09 Site Workshop has been directed to proceed into the Design Development Phase of the project on the basis of a modified version of Concept 2.
05/08/09 Decisions are being made regarding an amended project scope. The project was reviewed by the Executive Cabinet May 5 and is to be reviewed with the CIC on 05/13/09 and the South End Neighborhood Council on May 18. There is a strong desire to renovate or replace the existing south restroom and repair the paving in the south parking lot. Following approval the design firm will be asked to begin Design Development work.
05/01/09 RCO Grant was confirmed. Recent approval of an additional $231,125 brings total funding to $1,812,225. There is new money for shoreline improvements. It requires that a matching amount be provided from MPT funds.
04/10/09 95% Construction Documents have been completed. Building and Health Dept. permits remain to be submitted. The project is waiting on confirmation of funding.
02/27/09 Priority areas include completing the trail around the south end of the lake, providing a dog park and improving the lake shore in general. The sprayground is a necessary part of the project as described in the bond program. It should be south of the bathhouse - a larger facility (an additional $200K) and reticulating mechanical system (an additional $100K) is desired but significantly beyond the currently available funding. Two other items that are desireable but outside current funding are a parking lot to serve the dog park and removal of the existing north parking lot.
02/20/09 Two Design Concepts are being reviewed. Concept 1 includes a sprayground but eliminates parking revisions in the north part of the park and sewer connections to the existing picnic shelter. Concept 2 includes parking revisions at the north end of the park, serving the Off-leash area and removal of the existing north parking lot. Sewer service to the north picnic shelter is provided. Both concepts represent a scope of work that can be accomplished within the existing MACC of $888K.
Send comments to: the project manager: Doug Fraser at dougf@tacomaparks.com or 253-305-1019. TTY 253-759-9286
 
02/13/09 The Wapato Park steering committee met 02/10/09. Two options for use of bond funds were reviewed with the primary issue being whether or not to build a sprayground as described in the bond brochure. All agreed it's important to build facilities described at time of the public vote. The wetland delineation confirmation has been completed - all major buffers around the lake are to be the full 300 feet as called for in the COT Critical Areas ordinance. Both concepts include pathway improvements at the south end of the lake, conversin of the ball field to an off-leash dog park, planting and shoreline improvements at the lake edge, stream channel enhancements at the old bridge on the north end of the site, and a major new domestic water main extended into the site to provide fire protection at the Bathhouse (necessary to allow use of the upper level of the building).
01/23/09 Site Workshop has completed a proposed Schematic Design and cost estimate and is working with MPT to make choices regarding the scope of improvements to be constructed. Based on our understanding of State RCO funding, MPT is considering adding funds to the budget and raising the MACC.
12/12/08 City comments on our wetland deliniation have been received and meetings with COT staff are scheduled to discuss permittiing requirements.
11/07/08 Removal of the north lot parking may be a low priority because of the cost and difficulty in funding. The decking and railing on the existing docks are becoming structurally unsound. We may receive 2 RCO grants - one is for $200,000 for reimbursement for the cost of the last house acquisition and the second is for $500,000 as a matching grant associated with shoreline and trail improvements. Other projects higher on the State's list may use up some of the money allocated and reduce the second grant to $200,000. The sprayground should be near the playground and picnic area. The existing gravel walkway at the southwest shore of the lake will need to be relocated up the hill to the upper terrace. After considering the options, we don't want to remove the restroom near 72nd street - we might renovate it. A single concept plan should be ready by the end of December or beginning of January.
10/31/08 Design work is delayed pending receipt of findings from the City on delineated wetlands. A determination of wetland conditions is likely to have a significant effect on what will be possible.
10/24/08 Allise Shingle of Site Workshop presented two conceptual site plan option. - these have already been reviewed with the project Steering Committee and the public. Alternative Plan #1 significantly revised the parking and drives at the south end of the park. the south restroom building is proposed to be removed and the off-leash area is proposed to be located on the former sports field to the north. The Sprayground/Playground is shown located north of the bathhouse in a similar location to the present play area. Alternative Plan #2 retains the layout of the south parking areas and retains the south restroom building. The off-leash area is proposed to be located more centrally, in the clearing east of the bathhouse. Both plans propose enhancements to the pathway around the lake and elimination of the north parking lot. Both plans provide additional parking through the center of the site offsetting the loss of parking at the north lot. The City anticipates improving the right of way of Alaska Street so that curbs, gutter and sidewalk would be provided along the park.
 
10/09/08 A meeting was held to discuss and prioritize 2005 Park Improvement Bond Funds to begin carrying forward the Master Plan for Wapato Park. These are the two design alternatives under consideration. Click on either image to see larger view. We are interested in your feedback - contact Doug Fraser.
09/19/08 The proposed A&E Agreement with SiteWorkshop was presented to the Park Board on 08/25/08. Staff will schedule initial Steering Committee and public meetings for October 9.
08/22/08 The proposed A&E Agreement with SiteWorkshop was reviewed with the CIC on 07/30/08 and will be presented to the Park Board on 08/25/08. Staff will be meeting with the A&E to conclude the agreement and schedule initial Steering Committee and public meetings.
07/11/08 Consultant selection interviews were completed on June 30. Site Workshop was selected and we have begun contract negotiations for A&E services.
05/30/08 A steering committee has been formed and two meetings have been held. A scope definition was completed on May 8. An RFQ for design services has been advertised and a consultant selection committee is being assembled.
03/28/08 Cost estimates for park access on Alaska Street, signage, furniture, irrigation and pathways is $130,000+. A steering committee is being established to help MPT decide how to best use available capital funds for both phase 1 and phase 2. We cannot lower the level of the lake because of downstream flooding hazards that could result. Completing the path around the lake to facilitate easy pedestrian walks is probably one of our highest priorities. Pedestrian access to Alaska Street is not desirable at this time because there is no sidewalk there. COT has proposed an arterial upgrade with sidewalks.
02/20/08 The scope definition is being revised to reflect reduced funding resulting from the Miranda property purchase. The project will be made into two separate projects: one to be carried out in 2008 using State grant funding (see Phase 1b) and a second involving additional improvements paid for with bond funds as well as other sources.
02/01/08 There will be two construction contracts - one for shoreline plantings in 2008 and the other for the balance of improvements to be completed in 2010.
12/14/07 We have an extension on the planting grant to December 2008. To retain that funding it may be necessary to carry out two separate construction contracts and implement the State grant work this year.
12/07/07 A grant extension has been applied for from the Dept. of Ecology.
10/05/07 A budget and schedule revision will be brought to the CPG in the coming months.
07/20/07 Site survey and wetland deliniation services have been completed. Next steps are pending resolution of water quality studies.
Project Schedule - Wapato Park Improvements
• Approval of Project Scope Definition - May 2008
• Initiation of Professional Services Agreement - June2008
- Site Workshop
• Schematic Design Phase Presentations & Reviews - February 2009
• Presentation of Design Development Phase - September 2009
• Completion of Design Documents and Submittal for Approval - May 2010
• Estimated date for securing of all permits - January 2010
• Anticipated bid advertisement date - December 2010
• Begin Construction - February 2011
• Construction Substantially Complete - September 2011
Steering Committee: MPT staff as well as representatives from adjoining neighbors, Tacoma Police Department and the South End Neighborhood Council will be represented.
Public Meetings:
• There will be two community meetings for review during the Schematic Design Phase and the Design Development Phase.
- The first public meeting held on October 9, 2008 featured discussion and prioritization of 2005 Park Improvement Bond Funds to begin carrying forward the Master Plan for Wapato Park. View Flyer
• Opening ceremonies will be held at project completion.
Sustainability and 'Green Practices': Measures most likely to be included are
- Use of permeable paving surfaces
- Energy efficient lighting fixtures
- Bio-swales for storm water run-off treatment
- Native plantscaping throughout the park and especially around the perimeter of the lake.
Maintenance & Operations Impact Forecast:
- Regular scheduled maintenance will remain fairly constant in that no new areas will be added to the currently developed site.
- The budget for periodic capital maintenance/preventative maintenance will need to be increased primarily as it relates to the proposed new sprayground facility.
- Program staff costs and associated overhead are likely to increase with the upgrade of the Bathhouse to a rentable facility, new picnic areas, and the proposed inclusion of a sprayground as part of the play area.
Project Manager: Dick Ramsey, 253-305-1056. TTY 253-759-9286 |
