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HomeMy WebLinkAboutLR Jean and John Starkwater Shoreline Park - Interpretive Signage Master Plan - February 2007Jean and John Starkweather Shoreline Park A� �'Oka. IL Interpretive Signage Master Plan Marin Conservation League (2/20/2007) Table of Contents 1. Overview 5 2. Project Objectives 6 3. Planning Process 7 4. Interpretive Strategy 8 5. Outline of Signs & Interpretive Features 9 6. Plan of Sign Locations 10 7. Sign Content & Design Prototype 18 8. Costs and Maintenance 23 9. Funding and Implementation 25 Appendix a. Credits & Participants b. Design Criteria c. Text for Sign Prototype d. Cost Estimate e. Outreach Mailer & Powerpoint Presentation 3 Overview Jean and John Starkweather Shoreline Park is a community asset of great value to San Rafael. As a recreational resource, the park provides two -and -a -half -miles of public pathway for walking, running, bicycling, birding, fishing, sitting, socializing and contemplation. Although only 100 feet wide in most places, the park's value as open space is greatly multiplied by the expansive openness of San Francisco Bay. As a natural resource, the park embraces both the open water and mudflat habitats of the Bay and a mosaic of adjacent wetland and other environments, many of them recently restored or improved. Resting almost entirely on artificial fill, the park also represents a provocative history of human activity, currently fronting the entire range of local land uses from residential to commercial to industrial. The recreational, natural and historic values inherent in Shoreline Park form a varied interpretive resource that can be developed to enhance and enrich the experience of all those who enjoy the park. That enhancement of the experience of Shoreline Park is the overall goal of this Interpretive Signage Master Plan. The plan provides a framework for the content, design and placement of a comprehensive series of signs in the park, and suggests steps necessary for funding and implementation. With such an interpretive program, Shoreline Park can become an expression of San Rafael's renewed relationship not only with its waterfront, but also with its larger natural environment and historical heritage. 5 Project Objectives Starkweather Shoreline Park combines rich natural habitats with diverse human activities. The many visitors here represent a wide range of cultural and economic backgrounds, ages and interests, and they come to the park for a wide range of reasons. The overall goal of interpretive signage at the park is to engage these varied visitors, enriching their experience of the special qualities of the place. To achieve that goal, the Interpretive Signage Plan addresses the following key objectives: • Provide a comprehensive framework for the development of provocative signage educating visitors about the history, natural history, natural resources and processes, economic and ecological values, and on-going stewardship of the Shoreline Park environment. + Propose the number and location of interpretive signs, together with supporting orientation and regulatory signs. • Recommend coherent and compelling sign content, demonstrating stylistic and message consistency. • Recommend criteria for attractive, consistent and code -compliant graphic design, and provide a prototypical sign design demonstrating the criteria. + Establish an estimate for implementing the Interpretive Signage Plan, including construction documentation, construction and maintenance costs. + Provide MCL, City staff and others with a strategy for Plan implementation. ■ Provide an effective fundraising tool to marshal resources for Plan implementation. • Involve the diverse users of Shoreline Park and build community cooperation and partnerships for this and future efforts. C8l Planning Process To meet these objectives, the Interpretive Signage Plan was developed through the following basic steps: Site assessment. The process began with a site visit and exploration of interpretive possibilities. What exists in the park and who visits it were both noted—the species and processes in the environment, and the demographics and activities of users. Preliminary possibilities for signs and related interpretive features were also noted. Many additional site visits followed as the Plan developed. Stakeholder interviews. Guided by the project's advisory committee, the consultant then conducted individual or small group interviews with a range of people interested in the park to familiarize them with the project and gather ideas for possible learning objectives and content. The basic questions posed were, "What do you experience here and what would you like to know about the place? What information would enhance your experience?" The answers became the building blocks for the Plan. (See appendix for lists of those interviewed and the MCL advisory committee.) Draft schematic plan. Based on the information derived from the site and stakeholders, a schematic plan of sign locations and basic content was drafted, together with design criteria for the signs' physical expression. In this process, interpretive features were carefully integrated into the park design. Through a process of review with the advisory committee, this information was refined to form the core of the Master Plan. (See appendix for Design Criteria.) Prototypical sign design and estimate. The signage design criteria provided the basis for a prototypical sign design of a typical interpretive sign panel and support structure. From these and the schematic plan, an estimate was developed, including costs for sign design development and construction documentation, as well as fabrication and installation. In recommending the number, sizes, materials and design of signs, an effort was made to balance considerations of initial cost, durability and maintenance costs, and project quality. This material was again reviewed with the advisory committee, refined and incorporated into the Master Plan. (See appendix for Estimate.) Public outreach mailing and meeting. A simple mailing was distilled from the Plan to inform the public about the project, elicit comments by email or phone, and invite people to learn more and comment on the Plan at a meeting of the San Rafael Park and Recreation Commission. The mailing included addresses within 300 feet of the park, nearby homeowner and neighborhood associations, and other interested members of the public. (See appendix for mailing material and Powerpoint presentation slides.) Final interpretive Signage Plan. The final Master Plan was prepared, incorporating public, advisory committee and Park and Recreation Commission comments. 7 Interpretive Strategy What people carry in their minds greatly affects how they experience a place. The strategy of the proposed signage at Shoreline Park is to increase and sharpen the perceptual tools that people bring with them to the site, and thereby to expand their experience, enjoyment and appreciation of the place. Integration with environment. To do so, the signs work in close concert with other features of the site. They are located where the content they present can be directly experienced, blending information and environment. They also are designed to integrate both with the overall shoreline environment and with other design elements of the park. Diverse content. Like the environment itself, the content of the signs is characterized by great diversity, engaging people with the wide range of information presented. Topics span from the identification of particular species to the place -making decisions of individual landowners; from ecological dynamics to historical events; from tidal pulls, to food chains to the political process. This diversity of subject matter is emphasized and made accessible by breaking the information into discrete pieces, with quite different pieces often placed next to each other, enlivening both. Unifying themes. Also like the environment, overall themes emerge from and bring together the diverse content of the signs into a comprehensible whole. Perhaps the strongest theme in the Shoreline Park signage is the interaction of natural history and human history to form the place that we experience today. A related theme is the creativity of both people and nature in shaping the environment over time and into the future. Another is the theme of community, again both human and natural. Such themes help make sense of the range of information given, and help make the place meaningful to people. Range of learning styles. The signs and other interpretive features are designed to engage the variety of ways in which people learn. They address a range of interests in a range of ways. Scientific facts, first -person quotes, narrative descriptions and other styles of information each may spark the attention of different readers. Lively language is integrated with compelling visual material, again in a range of expressions from historical documents, to photographs to drawings. In addition to sight, the text and titles also invoke other senses, including sound, smell, taste and texture. For those who learn best by doing, or through social interaction, or kinetically, special interpretive features reinforce three key themes. Basic orientation. "Where am I7 is the first thing that most visitors want to know about a place, and is the first step to building environmental awareness. The Shoreline Park signage will address this basic need with orientation signs at the major park entries and will also include a small orientation map on each interpretive sign. Starkweather Shoreline Park Interpretive Signa e_Plan (Revised 2/20/07) OUTLINE OF SIGNS & INTERPRETIVE FEATURES Information is divided into three complementary types of interpretive features: 1) Orientation signs at main entry points. 2) Content signs interpreting particular sites, species, experiences & processes, while continuing to orient people along the path. 3) Thematic features reinforcing key themes within the content. Sign numbers (# column) are keyed to the Plan of Sign Locations. The sequences of signs suggested below move from north to south, although they might be experienced from either end, or from intermediate entries—only rarely will they be experienced in totality and in sequence. Therefore, they are designed to work both independently and in sequence, reinforcing content without redundancy. I. Orientation Signs The basic logistical and orientation information needed to experience the park. # Description Content all Distinctive monument sign Park name and logo to establish park identity. incorporating both Welcome text with invitation to enjoy particular permanent information and a park uses (walking, biking, fishing, etc.), including means of accessing changing the interpretive information. Basic introduction to notices & postings. Design ecology & history of park. Synopsis of park rules, as variation of Content Sign including the rationale behind them. Invitation to prototype, sized for greater volunteer to assist in park upkeep & improvements. amount of information and Where to obtain additional information about the for visibility of Park name. park, including sign translations, brochures of sign content and changing postings (city web site, Located at major park Pickleweed Community Center, etc.). Links to entries. information about other hiking, bicycling & interpretive trails, including the Bay Trail; also to relevant organizations. Acknowledgment of those responsible for creating and maintaining park. Logos of partnership groups. Donor recognition, as needed. Graphics: Orientation map of entire park. Possibly maps showin linkage to other trails & sites. i. North entry. ii. Bellam Boulevard entry. iii. Shoreline Parkway entry. iv. Pelican Way entry. v. South Pond entry. vi. Bay Park entry. G Jean and John Starkweather Shoreline Park Interpretive Signage Master Plan Plan of Sign Locations Keyed to "Outline of Signs & Interpretive Features" ,Can&aipt Associates 12/20/06 Base map from San Rafael Shoreline Park Master Plan, MPA Design 10 II. Content Signs The core interpretive signs describing basic aspects of the site's history, natural history and ecological processes to enhance visitor enjoyment and understanding of the park. # Description Topics all Simple, durable elements in [See below for specific content possibilities.] keeping with the shoreline All signs include park name, City logo, web environment. Designed to avoid site link & hard copy source of sign disrupting views & openness of translations in Spanish & Vietnamese. shoreline, while easily legible. Placed at edge of path, with half the Graphics signs on the water side and half on Accommodate full color. Incorporate color the inland side. Precise locations to band or other device for consistency. Small consider relation to content and orientation "you are here" diagram on each overall rhythm created by the signs. sign, with mileage to either end of park. 1. What happened to San Rafael's salt (Tiscornia Marsh.) As remnant of the once marsh? extensive salt marsh. Importance of salt marsh ecosystem to Bay ecology. Subtext box or captions: Relation of shoreline to downtown and to Bay. Highlight historical Mission and commercial developments. Salt marsh preservation. Graphics: Original shoreline and marsh overlaid on current development (aerial). Historic maps & photos. Cordgrass. 2. Can you connect the dots? (Marin Islands.) Note the `dots' of nesting egrets, herons & gulls on the islands, during spring and early summer. Later, the feeding young and adults in the shoreline wetlands. Life cycle ties to seasons. Subtext: Evidence of native American use of Marin Islands (?). Their use of the Bay. Were the islands a refuge for Chief Marin? Ownership history of the islands. Subtext: When the first native Americans arrived, the islands were hills, connected to 11 12 the mainland. The size & shoreline of the Bay has changed with changing sea levels during the recent Pleistocene. Mudflats and shallows still extend to the islands. Graphics: Drawings or photos of nesting egrets & gulls. Diagrams of Pleistocene shoreline changes. Miwoks in tule canoes. Heron & egret i.d.; gull i.d. (most common gulls only). 3. Fresh water, or salt? (Spinnaker Wetlands and Lagoon.) (in) Emphasize different species & adaptations in different habitats—deep and shallow water, fresh water, brackish and salt water habitats. Black -necked stilts, nesting & chick raising. Diving and dabbling ducks. Subtext: Smell the salt? Sources of salt in seawater. Seasonal changes in salinity. Land life evolving from oceans, carrying ocean chemistry with them. Anaerobic bacteria. Subtext: Residential land use. Graphics: Brochure photos of early houses. Pond ducks, stilt, avocet i.d. 4. When did you arrive on the island? (Murphy Rock.) The extensiveness and history of fill. The entire trail from any entry to this one spot is fill. You would be walking on water. Subtext: Waves in water, waves in land. Listening to waves on the beach. Generation of waves. Sound waves. Seismic waves. Filled land prone to liquefaction. Graphics: Aerial photos of levees first reaching Rock (along current Bellam entry path). Diagrams of storm -generated waves & of seismic epicenter. 5. Where do all the ducks go? Seasonal migrations. Importance of Bay for stopovers, wintering and breeding. Ties to seasonal food sources. 12 13 Subtext: Feel the wind. The Bay's seasonal weather patterns. Winter storms and summer fogs. Relate wind direction to spiral form of winter storms or pull of sea air inland from summer heat. Connection of climate and weather to specific place and global forces. Graphics: Flyway maps. Aerial photos of winter storm & summer fog. Bay ducks i. d. 6. What's a hill doing here? [Inner path loop.] (San Quentin landfill.) (in) History of the landfill. What archeologists might find. Methane release. Global climate change could leave this high point barely above sea level. The global impact of human actions. Subtext: Reference Miwok shell mounds,. Reference Marin's current landfill filling wetland. Reducing waste. Subtext: Observable peaks and ridges, shaping the Bay. Why Mt. Tamalpais appears out of alignment. Continents adrift. Tectonic plates & movements. Graphics: Cross-section showing debris. Photo of dump burning. Miwoks at a midden. Local peaks and ridges identified. Pangaea breaking up. 7. Why plant natives? (MMWD Pond.) 2001 wetland restoration. (in) Native plants as adaptive expressions of place. Native animals and insects adapted to native plants. Life as an expression of change. Planting natives as a way for people to root into a place. Subtext: Wildlife corridor planting at Shoreline Green. Importance of adjacent upland habitat to wetland ecology. Subtext: Care and watering needed to establish natives. Planting from seeds or containers. Adaptations to drought. 13 14 Subtext: Water management & conservation. Graphics: Native plants i.d. (& insects). 8. How's the Bay taste? Species caught here. Seasonal migrations and life cycles. Threatened & healthy fisheries. Subtexts: Health hazards from contaminated fish. Mercury in Bay from gold rush. Subtext: Exotic species in the Bay. Subtext: Miwok fishing techniques. Graphics: Diagram of exotics & displaced natives. Bay fish, crustaceans, etc., i.d. 9. Are we turning history's tide? (Bayview Marsh.) 1987 wetland restoration. (in) Early milestone project in restoring Shoreline habitat. Tie to Bay -wide restoration ethic and efforts. Who helped save the Bay? BCDC, Save the Bay, etc. Subtext: Daily tidal rhythms, flooding marsh, exposing mudflats. Mixing of salinities by tides. Bay salinities relative to organisms. Adaptations to salinity. Subtext: Watching moonrise over the Bay, a tidal `moon gauge'. Concept of a liquid planet, geologically & biologically fluid. Graphics: Comparative photos of Bayview Marsh—before & after. Photos of people. Salt marsh plants i.d. 10. How many miles per gram? (South Pond.) 2005 wetland restoration. (in) Shorebird seasonal refueling stop on mudflats. The huge distances traveled. The importance of refueling stops like the Bay. Mudflat ecology. Subtext: Hear the freeway? Note Richmond - San Rafael Bridge. Impact of it and Golden 14 POSSIBLE FUTURE SIGN AT CANALWAYS: 12. Wetland, or dry? Sources of seasonal wetlands and their (in) importance to a diversity of organisms. Adaptations to seasonal change. Subtext: Importance of seasonal rainfall to Bay area. Importance of water to life. Connection of rainwater to sea water. Origins of water in early planetary consolidation and bombardment. Subtext: The Bay's fall colors, golden cordgrass and red pickleweed. Graphics: Diagram of water cycle. Raptors & prey i. d. (mammals, lizards, insects, etc.). 15 Gate Bridge on Marin development. Daily commutes. Human migrations. A mobile species. Energy, air & land use impacts and choices. Note tankers to and from visible Point Richmond oil tanks. Graphics: Mudflat food chain drawing. Shorebird i.d. 11. Why is this shoreline straight? History of dikes and filling, including those involved in development of shoreline. Extent of original open water and salt marsh. Commercial/industrial land uses. Subtext: Original hydrology & ecology of Bay. Original inhabitants. Original inland riparian wetlands and flood plains. Subtext: Continuing connection of Bay to inland rivers and to ocean. Shipping of California agricultural produce and import of international produce. Graphics: Aerial photos of the early levees straight across water. Dredges in operation.. San Francisco Bay watershed, including Central Valley & Sierra, showing original shoreline & extent of subsequent fill. POSSIBLE FUTURE SIGN AT CANALWAYS: 12. Wetland, or dry? Sources of seasonal wetlands and their (in) importance to a diversity of organisms. Adaptations to seasonal change. Subtext: Importance of seasonal rainfall to Bay area. Importance of water to life. Connection of rainwater to sea water. Origins of water in early planetary consolidation and bombardment. Subtext: The Bay's fall colors, golden cordgrass and red pickleweed. Graphics: Diagram of water cycle. Raptors & prey i. d. (mammals, lizards, insects, etc.). 15 III. Thematic Features These three features combine language and environment to enable visitors to experience the primary interpretive themes of the park. Since these are not actual "signs," it is recommended that they be considered for inclusion in future amendments to the overall Shoreline Park Master Plan. # Description Content all Each is a unique environmental [See conceptual descriptions below and feature integrated into the park conceptual designs in Appendix E.] These design. They occur at the north end, features provide a kinetic or spatial learning center, and south end of the park, experience, complementing the text -based establishing a thematic framework and visually -based Content signs. They for the interpretive experience. invite active participation by individuals or Materials are kept simple, groups, accommodating those who learn best consistent and compatible with park by `doing' (activities) or `sharing' (social design and experience. interactions). A. Community Circle A circle of stones or pavers set close enough for conversation across the circle. Each is embossed with a name & pictograph Theme: The land is a community of representing a significant species or element which we are apart. of the shoreline community. The floor of the circle could be comprised of crushed oyster shells (connoting Miwok use of the shoreline) seeded into concrete and contain arrows (perhaps in stone or metal) showing the web of energy exchanges linking each element to the others. A flat circular sign panel set at seat height within the east side of the circle contains text over -viewing the experience, including suggestions for role- playing the various members of the natural community. It might begin, "Welcome to the neighborhood ...." B. Land Puzzle A large-scale diagrammatic map integrated into the existing paved pathway, showing the main properties fronting Shoreline Park, Theme: The land is the subject of based on the park master plan. Properties human creativity and disruption, could be seeded concrete panels delineated ultimately of human responsibility. by scored or metal edges. Metal text panels We exercise that responsibility or lettering could be set flush within each through public processes. panel giving significant information about 16 17 the parcel, such as when it was filled, when developed, use, size, etc. A vertical sign panel, set just outside the path of travel, contains text about the history of fill and land use along the shoreline, as well as suggestions for role-playing the various human decisions that have created (and are creating) the shoreline. It might begin, "The central question of the shoreline is what we want to do here as a community ...." C. Sun Spot A slightly raised, slightly convex overlook of the Bay, embossed with a spiral that forms a timeline of the 13.7 billion year history of the Theme: Our daily experiences and cosmos, marking events of significance to actions take place within the larger the particular experience of Shoreline Park. contexts of environment, earth, For instance, the creation of the hydrogen in universe and time. the Bay's water (within a second of the Big Bang), the gold in California's hills (supernovas), the birth of the sun (4.5 billion years ago), the consolidation of the earth (4.2 billion), the advent of life, the freeing of oxygen by photosynthesis, plants coming ashore, animals learning to breathe, sequestration of carbon, appearance of fish (crustaceans, amphibians, reptiles, dinosaurs, birds, mammals), start of human technology, start of symbolic thought. A line intersecting the spiral aligns with sunrise on the spring and fall equinox. Curved seat walls create a simple viewing and sunning spot. A vertical sign panel at the outer end of the spiral extends the timeline upward (in greater detail for the more recent past) and contains text introducing the theme. It might start, "Let us begin with a day, one rotation of the earth around its poles ... " 17 Sign Content and Design Prototype The attached prototype of Content Sign #1, `What happened to San Rafael's salt marsh?' demonstrates how the proposed sign content and design criteria would be developed into finished signage. It is also a good demonstration of the interplay of natural history and human history that runs throughout the signs, and in fact the site. The sign panel is designed as a 20 -inch by 20 -inch square sheet of carefully composed text and graphics, digitally reproduced and adapted for outdoor installation by a process known as `Porcelain Enamel.' The sign tells its story through a diversity of primary text, sub -text, titles and captions, complemented by a similar range of graphics, including line drawings, historical documents, photographs and diagrams. Unifying elements to be included on all the signs include a color band with the park's name and the City's logo, an orientation and mileage schematic, and where to find translations of the sign. The prototype design shows the sign at a reduced size, followed by a portion of the sign enlarged to full size to show actual type sizes. Actual scale prints of the full sign panel prototype were provided to the City. The sign support design proposes a simple sheet of steel, galvanized for outdoor durability, rising to a curved profile that supports the sign panel at a height and angle suitable for ease of viewing, either standing or from a wheelchair. The panel is attached securely to the angled surface, and the structure is bolted into a concrete footing below grade. The sign's simple, curved lines and durable materials fit well with other elements of the park and with the overall shoreline environment. The attached drawing shows the proposed sign support design in both front elevation and side section. Photomontages show the sign design in context with its setting alongside Tiscornia Marsh and the Shoreline Park pathway. V. Tiscotnia Marsh khat happened to San Rafael's salt marsh? 1817-1848 Cvnarcred to the Bay ' t3fyes nnlgale Sa¢Rnrael Creel �'.r�Y - , ettargh ran mae4h n fr. n C Snel, wmr'g nggili� wme Afeafano nu�pr � =_��. 1 ae Afi�ien time Rutay An:hareba4 � i + 1 1892 Uwtcrwrter Subd vibIlnn ranee a hareecl� or �5mer:con tmorplr+e. nlneJ.11-1v k. Gall toad$ eri5aagta ule M—k frti d=W fill. Ilnlenaur IWa in p[mled rm fin A the way m Ihr M -m dfand�. 1948 Polite! rar Development Tvarma Al—Ii r..U.11i"I ,hlrahre a timer kA rereg —d L. w b0urW laufh wisu dnh.4—r—h ollhe RSI lal.i "I, ersao Rafx1 Creekend Cra64 ne.Tarr n sari Re-] h Inlhediv.eoe. This remnant salt marsh is among the most productive lands in San Rafael. These 10 acres of pickleweed and cordgrass convert up to 80 tons of carbon dioxide into plant tissue each year. That's 8 times more productive than wheat. When the plants die back in autumn, they release a rich soup of nutrients into the Bay, feeding millions of small creatures—plankton, mussels, crabs, clams, shrimp and fish. These in tum feed predators of all sizes, from snails to sturgeon to seals — including a flood of nesting, wintering and migrating birds. The natural community of San Francisco Bay depends on the productivity of salt marshes. But Tiscomia Marsh is among the last of over 1,000 acres of marsh that once stretched from here to downtown San Rafael. 1965 g �� Drawing the Line Nhh rbc C Iden fink Rridre 5-4mt M 1037 and VMih1 Wv 11 r in 1445. Ikl'a3m mmg per... rrinr Hd 11R nrielnoining -.erupt Aad adpcm ulvk'n W f kq fn 1W. the Ay Cera Im. elnl rkreh"'rr ew"+'r C,rm twlrm matte m hall till In the fl+rrCnl yhn<clice, "*Kwind+y tihmclinr Pub Ikatrn [o remnnrcc the Cily In Ilk Ray. Sall hlarrh P'rmivatton WDC aadwhr. puupr Mork IrRiYnr1F!• aria really In pacseevc the 443.000 Irrrc+i-n. iMB in the 8oy, nwl ro i^zw..amn arihn 150,000 — tried prior CO 1965 ILL: «err.... Sign Panel Prototype (Shown at reduced size) Original Open Water 0-- Shoreline Park City of San Rafael 1Var 11 over in 1945, i I<nd adjacent 7 Inent Commission � �•' reline Park K -�serve .0 l` Pacific Cordgrass liner = Spar[ina foliose 20 Detail of Sign Panel (Shown at full size) 22" N N Plan from Above - Sign Face Front Section In Face Had 3/8" .el Plate :h Welded se Plate - dn Support ilvanized er brication. 21 Sign Face F Equal Radii .--i Concrete Footing Side Section Sign Support Design Views of Sign Design in Park i T..r W,, r MN -AO Viewed frontally as one pauses to read, the signs have the visual weight to hold their own in the expansive shoreline environment (while the galvanized steel surface picks up the mottled hues of water and sky). "yrr su'wi .F, 74-1 Viewed from the side as one walks along the shoreline, the signs' thin profile recedes from view (while their curved shape echoes the linearity of the walk and the energy of waves and wind). 22 Costs and Maintenance The anticipated cost of implementing the Signage Master Plan consists of several components, which are discussed below and detailed in Appendix D, the Preliminary Cost Estimate. Estimated costs are based on the sign prototypes included in the Master Plan, which were reviewed by experienced sign and steel contractors. Further refinements during design development, as well as bidding climate, could affect estimated costs. Hard construction costs include the production of the sign panel itself, fabrication of the sign support system and installation of the sign. The recommended production process for the sign panels is `Porcelain Enamel,' which is generally considered to be the most durable full-color outdoor sign system and is the one with the longest track record. Colored glass is fused to a steel substrate to yield a permanent image, which manufacturers guarantee for 25 years against fading in outdoor conditions. Galvanized steel, the recommended support system for the signs, also has a very long history of use for signs and many other applications in tough outdoor settings, including marine environments. The steel supports would be bolted to below -ground concrete footings, a standard installation detail that allows the entire sign and support to be removed for maintenance or repair. Stainless steel anchor hardware is recommended to avoid `spalling' of the concrete. The size of the footings can be adjusted to fit with the rip -rap underlying the site. Costs of research and writing, Graphic design, and construction documents. Like any information system, a significant portion of the cost of interpretive signs lies in developing the information itself (research and writing) and delivering that information to the viewer (graphic design). In addition, costs include the normal professional fees of preparing accurate construction drawings for contractors to bid and construct. Other costs. The costs include an allowance for the purchase of any rights associated with particular images or artwork incorporated into the signs, as well as for illustrators to develop custom artwork for the signs. Spanish and Vietnamese translations of the signs, available both on-line and at the nearby community center, would be provided by the City. A contingency addresses unforeseen design and construction costs. Maintenance costs have been an important consideration in the recommendation of sign materials and design. In addition to being highly resistant to fading, the Porcelain Enamel sign panels are graffiti resistant; markers or paint are removable with non-abrasive cleaners or solvents. The signs also have very good resistance to impacts, although once cracked or chipped they may be ruined by rusting. For that reason, the attached estimate indicates a potential life -cycle cost for replacing about 20% of the signs over a projected 25 -year life. It is recommended that replacement signs be `High Pressure Laminate' (HPL) or `Fiberglass Embedment,' both of which carry a 10 -year guarantee at about a fourth the cost of the more durable Porcelain Enamel. These lower cost options could also be used to extend the life of the project in 10 -year increments beyond the initial 25 years. Digital artwork of the signs should be archived for use if replacements are needed. 23 Galvanized steel is among the most durable of outdoor materials, with generally low maintenance costs. Should a sign structure be seriously damaged, the attachment detail allows replacement using the same footing (or in severe cases, new anchor bolts could be set). Although the galvanized finish is expected to protect the steel through the projected 25 -year service life, the estimate indicates a potential life -cycle cost for priming and painting the steel at year 18, in the event that rust or pitting develops. Painting at 5-6 year intervals thereafter could extend the life of the steel beyond the initial 25 years. Bottom line. The Content and Orientation signs, including research, design, fabrication and installation, are estimated at $110,830. In rounded figures, the 12 Content signs cost $5,135 each, and the 6 Orientation signs cost $8,200 each. The 3 Thematic features are estimated at $45,500 or approximately $15,165 each. Although challenging, this budget seems achievable through targeted funding as outlined below. 24 Funding and Implementation Implementation of the Interpretive Signage Master Plan offers Marin, the City of San Rafael and the new Shoreline residential and commercial community a rare opportunity to showcase this emerging neighborhood, giving contemporary expression to its history, natural history and future promise. The project could signal the wider community's commitment to establishing a strong relationship to the Bay, drawing new visitors, enriching their experience and stimulating further open space improvements connecting people to the shoreline. The key to funding the implementation of the Plan is marshalling participation from a wide range of the community—including the Shoreline community, the city as a whole, and regional funding sources—by breaking down the fundraising objectives into achievable amounts that result in tangible improvements appealing to the interests of potential donors. Core grants. The support of regional and local foundations, agencies, corporations and major individual donors will be key to implementing the project. These include contributors that have previously participated in the development of Shoreline Park, appealing to the further public benefit that the signage will provide. New potential donors, especially those with particular mandates in the environment, education, community development and design innovation, would also be approached. Community benefits funding. The City could leverage its requirement that developers fund community benefits as part of its land use approval process to provide a significant funding source for installation of the signs. There are three such developments currently pending immediately adjacent to Shoreline Park, fronting on the locations of approximately half of the proposed signs. Among these developers are companies capable of funding signage throughout the park. Further developments are likely in the wider area between Shoreline Park and East Francisco Boulevard. City participation. Support from the City of San Rafael in the form of project management, contract administration and web site support will make a significant contribution to completing the project. Direct funding of some capital improvements or soft costs is also possible, especially for work that might catalyze additional support and/or be recouped through future community benefits funding. Other contributions. Fundraising from existing area businesses that benefit from the park and its improvement could secure additional support. The residential homeowners associations could also be approached to help fund signs, especially along the northern reach of the shoreline that many homeowners use on a daily basis. Finally, smaller grants from foundations, corporations or individuals could be sought for discrete elements of the interpretive program, such as the three Thematic Features. Catalyst funding in the form of foundation and community benefits support may already be in the offing. MCL has requested modest additional assistance from the Marin 25 Community Foundation, which funded the Signage Master Plan, to help bridge the planning process into implementation. These funds could be used to complete the research and content development for the Content Signs (one of which was already completed as the prototype design for the Master Plan). Having tangible content in hand would further energize other fundraising. In addition, the pending Bay Park storage development at the south end of the park has already committed to contributing to the signage program as part of its improvements. The completion and installation of the signs in that vicinity would further add to the momentum of the overall project. Donor recognition as an incentive for contributions is inherent in the signage project. Provision would be made on the Orientation Signs at each park entry to attractively list the names (or small logos) of contributing organizations and individuals. Next steps. With the Signage Master Plan in place, several interconnected actions would get implementation underway: • Continue to build the partnership between MCL and the City of San Rafael to oversee implementation of the new signage. • Designate an MCL coordinator to work with the City and continue to build community support for the project. • Form a City project management team to be responsible for all public aspects of the project, including budgeting, grants and other fundraising efforts, coordinating with the community benefits and development approval process, web site support, contracting professional services, bidding and construction monitoring. ■ Continue the involvement of key stakeholders, including community organizations, homeowner associations and area businesses and property owners. ■ Establish an implementation schedule through project completion. • Fund and initiate catalyst efforts to help build project momentum. • Review the project with potential core supporters, including foundation, agency, corporate and major individual donors, and prepare targeted grants in accordance with their criteria, grant -making cycles and deadlines. • Plan a public launch of Interpretive Signage funding and implementation, perhaps in conjunction with formally dedicating the South Pond portion of Shoreline Park. • As resources become available, continue development of sign content and design. 26 Appendix 27 Credits & Participants Sponsor Marin Conservation League Fundin Marin Community Foundation AdvisoLy Committee J. Scott Feierabend MCL Executive Director Jean M. Starkweather Former Member of MCL Board of Directors Carlene McCart San Rafael Director of Community Services Stakeholders Interviewed Margi Bonner Shoreline Park Bird Census Group Cory Bytof City of San Rafael Anthony Copioli Marin Conservation Corps Andy Easterlin Bay Point Homeowners Association Fred Grange Grange Debris Box & Wrecking Co. Len Nibbi Bay Park office complex Pickleweed Advisory Committee (Group interview) •5 Appendix A George Salvaggio WRA, Inc. John Tune San Rafael Parks Superintendent Dorothy Veskey Chair, Pickleweed Advisory Committee Jody Wheeler Spinnaker Point Homeowners Association Tom Wilson Canal Community Alliance Consultants William Carney, ASLA Landscript Associates Laura Hogan Laura Hogan Design Special Thanks Marin History Museum California Room, Marin County Library California Coastal Conservancy General Graphics Exhibits Weiss Welding Pickleweed Community Center Golden Gate National Recreational Area Note: The text and artwork herein are provided solely for use in this Master Plan. 30 Appendix B Starkweather Shoreline Park Interpretive Signage Plan Sign Design Criteria 1. Materials for Graphic Panels a. Allow for high resolution and bright colors. b. Durable in outdoor marine environment. c. Graffiti resistant. d. Vandal resistant. e. Initial expense and life expectancy. f. Expense/ease of replacement if damaged or at end of life cycle. g. Cost/ease of routine maintenance. [Example: Porcelain Enamel] 2. Construction Materials a. Same criteria as for #1 above, except (a). b. Character in keeping with outdoor marine environment. c. Compatible with other park materials. [Example: Galvanized steel.] 3. Form a. Fit character of shoreline. b. Minimize obstruction of views. c. Simple design aesthetic. [Examples: Vertical pillars or podiums creating regular rhythm, with minimal impact on view.] 4. Size a. Allow for ample information (text & graphic). b. Enough room for text translations (also see 8.e. below). [Example: pillar format at 20 x 20 ".] 5. Placement a. Avoid encroachment on main path and running path. b. Avoid interference with existing park uses and functions. c. Place signs where topics being discussed are observable. d. Place signs relating to adjacent land uses inland from path. e. Sequence signs for both variety and continuity of topics. f. Space Content signs along the same path at least 100 yards apart. 31 g. Relate to other park design features. h. Maintain sense of park openness. i. Keep turn -around spots for maintenance crews. j. Consider ease of maintenance in planted areas. [Example: Group some signs with other elements like benches, while placing some signs far from other elements to avoid a sense of crowding.] 6. Accessibility a. Adhere to ADA and local accessibility codes. b. Low enough for easy reading from wheelchairs. c. Place sign structures to avoid tripping hazards for visually impaired. 7. Detailing a. Embed or otherwise protect edges of graphic panels. b. Angle signs to minimize sun exposure. c. Detail footing attachment to facilitate placement & replacement. Graphic Design a. Elements sized and styled for legibility. b. Pleasing integration of text and graphic material. c. Consistency & variety of presentation, including color. d. Graphic style consistent with overall design. e. Each sign to include an invitation (in Spanish & Vietnamese) to visit the City's web site for a translation of the text or to pick up a hard copy at the Pickleweed Community Center. f. Incorporate consistent Shoreline Park banner and City logo. g. Incorporate small, schematic `mile -marker' trail diagram at each sign. h. Provide for acknowledgement of donors of individual signs (while encouraging aggregation of donor recognition at the entry signs). 9. Hierarchy of Sign Types a. Clearly distinguish types of signs to assist visitor comprehension. b. Use similar family of materials and styles for all sign types. c. Coordinate key themes and elements among signs to mutually reinforce and enrich the overall experience and avoid redundancy. 32 Appendix C Starkweather Shoreline Park Interpretive Signage Plan Text for Sign Prototype (Content Sign #1) Primary text: Tiscornia Marsh What happened to San Rafael's salt marsh? This remnant salt marsh is among the most productive lands in San Rafael. These 10 acres of pickleweed and cordgrass convert up to 80 tons of carbon dioxide into plant tissue each year. That's 8 times more productive than wheat. When the plants die back in autumn, they release a rich soup of nutrients into the Bay, feeding millions of small creatures—plankton, mussels, crabs, clams, shrimp and fish. These in turn feed predators of all sizes, from snails to sturgeon to seals—including a flood of nesting, wintering and migrating birds. The natural community of San Francisco Bay depends on the productivity of salt marshes. But Tiscornia Marsh is among the last of over 1,000 acres of marsh that once stretched from here to downtown San Rafael. Captions: Pacific Cordgrass Spartina foliosa [Line drawing or photo of plant.] 1817-1848: Connected to the Bay [Plat of downtown San Rafael.] Boats navigate San Rafael Creek through salt marsh as far as C Street, carrying hay and other supplies to the Mexican village at Mission San Rafael Archangel. 1892: Underwater subdivision [County map.] After a half century of American enterprise, raised railroad tracks and roads crisscross the marsh, facilitating fill. Underwater lots are platted for fill all the way to the Marin Islands. 33 1940: Poised for development [Oblique aerial] Tiscornia Marsh marks original shoreline in lower left foreground. Levee behind marsh assists drainage of much of the flat land south of San Rafael Creek and Canal. Downtown San Rafael is in the distance. 1965: Drawing the line [Aerial with former marsh & shoreline traced in.] With the Golden Gate Bridge finished in 1937 and World War II over in 1945, development pressure spurs rapid fill of remaining marsh and adjacent underwater lots. In 1965, the Bay Conservation and Development Commission moves to halt fill at the current shoreline, where today Shoreline Park begins to reconnect the city to the Bay. Subtext: Salt Marsh Preservation BCDC and other groups work regionally and locally to preserve the 40,000 acres of salt marsh remaining in the Bay, and to restore some of the 150,000 acres filled prior to 1965. Other elements: • Photo credits • Jean and John Starkweather Shoreline Park [Banner on all signs] ■ City of San Rafael logo [Mission bell] • Shoreline Park orientation map [Small schematic with mileage & sign location] ■ Invitation (in Spanish & Vietnamese) to visit Pickleweed Community Center or City web site for translations of this sign. • Space for sponsorship credit line, if needed [Typically at Orientation Signs only] 34 Appendix D Starkweather Shoreline Park Interpretive Signage Plan Preliminary Cost Estimate (Revised 12/20/06) 35 Unit Life - Item Quantity Cost Subtotals Initial cost cycle Content Signs Panels (Porcelain Enamel) 12 $1,350 $16,200 Content Signs Support 12 $970 $11,640 Content Signs Installation 12 $320 $3,840 Research, content, coordination $6,000 Graphic design & documentation $12,000 Total for 12 Content Signs: $49,680 Orientation Signs Panels 6 $4,000 $24,000 Orientation Signs Support 6 $1,500 $9,000 Orientation Signs Installation 6 $450 $2,700 Research, content, coordination $1,500 Graphic design & documentation $2,500 Total for 6 Orientation Signs: $39,700 Illustrations & rights $7,000 Translation (City will provide) $0 Total other costs: $7,000 Subtotal: $96,380 Contingency (15%): $14,450 Initial Cost for Signs: $110,830 Major potential life -cycle costs (25 years) Replace damaged panels (with 'HPL') 4 $600 $2,400 Prime & paint supports year 18 18 $250 $4,500 Life -cycle cost for signs ('07 $$s) $6,900 Thematic Features Construction 3 $7,000 $21,000 Thematic Features vertical sign elements 3 $2,640 $7,920 Research, design, documentation $9,000 Contingency (20%) $7,580 Initial Cost for Thematic Features: $45,500 Life -cycle cost for thematic features: 3 $850 $2,550 Total Initial Costs: $156,330 Total major life -cycle costs: $9,450 Initial costs pro -rated by type: 35 Content Signs Orientation Signs Thematic Features 12 $5,136 $61,632 6 $8,204 $49,224 3 $15,167 $45,501 Note: Assumes content & design per Master Plan, and construction bids by 12/07. All costs are estimates, pending negotiation of fees and bidding of construction. 36 Marin Conservation League 1623A Fifth Avenue San Rafael, CA 94901 You're Invited! The San Rafael Park & Recreation Commission will review the proposed new Jean and John Starkweather Shoreline Park Interpretive Signage Master Plan Calendared for 8:00 p.m. Thursday, November 16, 2006 San Rafael Community Center 618 B Street, San Rafael Public comment is welcome. Please plan to attend. The Interpretive Signage Master Plan includes: Appendix E • Interpretive Signs covering the wide range of history and natural history that can be experienced along the San Rafael shoreline. (See example on the reverse side of this flyer.) • Orientation Signs at major park entries, with maps and guidelines for enjoying the park. • Thematic Features reinforcing key themes and designed to engage the variety of ways in which people learn about and experience the environment. • Projected costs and strategies for implementing the interpretive signage program. Come to the meeting and share your thoughts about this exciting community improvement. 22' lixem: What happened to San Rafael's salt marsh" 1817-1848 cmeesl,d ,e lka et :�. ` �•wt aa�M �a� 1�, 1892 j x L'rLmnrrt.YlN,io •' ratue<fix Vw.an 4n ..puJan anYu.r.n. ' 1940 Pu`ed k��elopmr., - oma P,wiw 1rar�w Ihm --sill mash is among Inc own pro.fucove lands in SenR Fcl ihse l0 arca orpkklcr d Wcordg—con,m up ,o ge Inns of carlwn dioxide I.. plan, ibL— —h y., Thais Ili— In lime m,,,e pmduclne Ihan venal, lyses, llw plans dw bxk m oaoma dny rchase a rich suup ulnuo-icw 010 dw gay, fsedinp millions ofsmdl crcoNres- pUnkwn- mussels. mbs, d— shrimp and fi,h. Theo in lam fed prcdnlen ofell sizes, frons snails to ..,—n deluding a R,od.1--iry wine I, and mignling bird, The --I uummnily ofSan fluneisca Bey dspauh In the pr h 1nw of.1,—M. BW F—in nlanh is anmg the 1. olorcr Lees sass of mush Ihal — nrcwlled fmn here to dowmuwn Son IUIM mm� 1965 uuw.�ws.M1e; iae -f ��... �z.ff•�`M1_ — ,.wN—om.,.. _hr.n� r.ar n we . ' ' Fbergless Sign Face Plan from Above FibergWss Syn Face Rolletl 3/B' Sl Pla e Wish Welded Base Plate - Sign Support • Ga all Nanizetl r ey Fahriradon l Front Section Jean and John Starkweather Shoreline Park Interpretive Signage Master Plan Fiberglass Sign Face Ewa Radf1 —• I 1 Bseak-Away I Removable �4 Concrete Foaling Side Section The sign shown here is one of 20 interpretive signs outlined in the new Signage Master Plan. The signs would grace the two and a half miles of paths through Shoreline Park. Sign topics range from the identification of particular species to broader ecological dynamics, and from particular land use decisions to larger historical events. The unifying theme is the interaction of natural history and human history to form the place that we experience today—helping to create a renewed connection to both the Bay and the larger environment. For more information and discussion, please attend the November 16 meeting of the San Rafael Park & Recreation Commission or contact Landscript Associates: (41 S) 302-0110 or williamcarney@comcast.net 2 Jean and John Starkweather Shoreline Park Interpretive Signage Master Plan Marin Conservation League SLark weather ShoreIine Park Sigriaee Master Plan Objectives: • Enrich the experience of the park • Identify sign locations • Outline compelling sign content • Demonstrate graphic design • Estimate costs • Outline funding & implementation • Involve the public 1 S[arkweather Shareli a Park 5i na a Master Plan Process: • Site assessment • Stakeholder interviews • Draft schematic Plan • Develop prototype & estimate • Public outreach & review • Finalize Plan 5 arkweather ii cline Pant 5i na e M ste Plan Interpretive Strategy: • Work with the environment • Work like the environment (diverse topics & coherent themes) • Engage varied learning styles • Provide basic orientation 2 Starke t hcr Shoreline Park SignnPe Master Plan 1. Orientation Signs • Establish park identity • Welcome people to park • Park map • Park rules (with rationale) • Invitation to volunteer • Links to more information, including sign translations • Links to other trails & parks • Donor & partner recognition Starkwcaiher Shoreline Park Signage Master Plan 11. Content Signs • Core interpretive signs • Natural history • History • Ecological & historical processes 'Cl Sart-cmk,LSborsl ti LIA Signasc Master Plan r,�nmlP nlaM Maw 6OPF~'d 10 wR Refhtll. gilt lmmp' _ ..a..—�..--'..,.,.I..aY — 1g.rtimM �dawmu..my ... %�. - • 1f..ti. ref... M.m l'Ir'.Pima r+. w.`w- Yb ��+. (�1d Ymr.4y rtla.e•rii e�Nis�r • .i r fdi��illlrbdlcma.+ M+P•.1..f4 n.> eYq J.wnP d Fit TYv. � low �V++•. M II .W. Rin 1bmPrb W-YaW1 ✓rq_•+t+A d� Wh A,.rNµr.lh mem Mf,rF•b•.lipoli4.1p -. MNY r�•f d r.fm I.pR i� .wArY tl� � YrtrelW Fi.vvoe b m.ne.• ]� IYfH lSw.w.eaw•r ��wy� � '. a ♦.- - Wti1b..Yr.n 1R v - . �..mMf•ii w� � � � Stark%4milier.5h=life Park $ignagc M;lc�r flan zz r _. rtaire� Plan from Above Sign Face PRolle0a� SIeN laten, Eppel n WeIeflab I Base Pcile- ISign SWWn lleyInvanize0 a FaMcalwn. ' ...— Carrcrele Foaling Frain Section Side Section Sign Prototype (Content Sign 1) Sign Support Prototype 11 5 und wcalhcr Shoreline Park Signa�c Mosler ['Ian 4: Y Front View of Sign in Park I Stirkwmaicr Shoreline Park Sigmac %Iastcr Pian Side View of Sign in Park 5 Starkweathar S homIine Park Signage Master Plan mw - Content Sion 2. Maria Islands Can you connect the dots? Slark weal her Shoreline Park Signage Master Nan Content Sign 4. Murphy's Rock When did you arrive on the island? 9 SlaTkweather S h rcli pe Park Si ena ec Master Plan Content Sign 6. San Quentin Landfill What's a hill doing here? S[arkweadnr ShomIine Park Signage Pv mocr Plan . ;1.1 ,i I. Ak Content Sian 8: How's the Bay taste? 7 5tarkweather Shnreline Park Signage Master PIui Content Sign 9: Bayview Marsh Are we turning history's tide? 51ar wcmher Shnrelinc Parte Signage Master Plan Content Sign 10., South Park How many miles per gram? 5larkweal her Shoreline Park Sieriace Masler Plan Content Sign 11: Why is this shoreline straight? Starkwenlhcr Shorcline Perk Sienaes M1steir Plan •A circle of stones forms an outdoor classroom. •A graphic icon of a common Shoreline species is mounted on each stone. -Metal arrows embedded in seeded aggregate concrete show their ecological relationships. -For instance, "a" is hawk, fed by "n" shorebird, which depends on "h" clams, which filters "I" plankton, etc, •A sign on the central stone explains this connectedness, beginning "Welcome to the neighborhood .. _" Thematic Feature A: LEGEND: a raptor b mouse c skipper d egret a loyon I harbor Community Circle seal g lish h clam I plankton j ghost shrimp k bacteria I shark m cordgrass n avocet o person p fence lizard Starkweather Shoreline -Park Signaw Master Plan •A large scale flat concrete map embedded in existing I !: 111 asphalt pathway. :. -Metal borders define the major properties filled to I create the Shoreline area. �� f •Words embedded in each property give the date filled, l date developed, name of P \ I : f development & land use. I} •A vertical metal sign in the form of a north arrow explains the map. Thematic Feature B: Land Puzzle Starkweathcr Shor<:line Park Sivginaga Master Man •A seeded aggregate sitting area embossed with a metal spiral timeline of the universe. -Signs embedded along the spiral give dates for the evolution of major elements and species found along the Shoreline. -For example, the creation of the hydrogen and oxygen that comprise the water in the Bay ("a" & "c"), and the emergence of life from ocean to land ("m"), •A vertical metal sign at the entry to the circle explains the timeline and completes its last 200 million years. (The sign aligns with sunrise & sunset at spring & autumn equinox.) Thematic Feature C: LEGEND: a hydrogen (big bang) b slars c supernovas (all other Sun Spot elements) d sun a earth f moon g ocean (rain) h lile I photo- synthesis j respiralion (oxygen crisis) kclams (Cambrian explosion) I fish (vertebrates) m land life (plants & insecls) n land vertebrates (repliles, amphibians) o dinosaurs 10 Starkweather Sh Signapm Maiwr Compara oreline Park Plan ble Signage 4 F7 Tim Crissy Field Fourth Street Rosie the Riveter South Beach 11 v A, .a f Plan of Sign Locations 6 Orientation Signs `=^ 12 Content Signs 3 Thematic Features 11 Starkweal her Shoreline Park Signage Maser Plan Cost Considerations: • Durability ('Porcelain Enamel'sign panels) (Galvanized steel supports) • Quality (Research, writing, graphic design, construction documents) • Other costs (Rights, contingency) • Maintenance Stark weather Shorefirne_Park Signpage_Master Plan Cost Summary: 6 Orientation signs $49,200 ($8,200 each) 12 Content signs $61,600 ($5,135 each) Cost for signs: $110,800 3 Thematic features $45,500 ($15,165 each) 12 Starkweather Shoreline Park SiPnaee Master Plan Funding Strategy: • Core grants • Community benefits funding • City participation • Other contributions • Catalyst funding • Donor recognition Stark weather 5horeIine Park Signage Master Plan Next I.1.- Steps: • Form MCL/City management team • Set implementation schedule • Fund catalyst signs • Prepare targeted grant proposals • Launch funding campaign • Continue sign content & design 13 Slaricweather Shoreline Part: 5ignaec Masla Plan A Rare Opportunity: To renew San Rafael's relationship with its waterfront and its larger natural & historical heritage 14 Landscript Associates 166 Greenwood Avenue, San Rafael CA 94901 415.302.0110 I rt-