• Site Context Plan (The site context plan shows the relationship between the school and park to the other types of property around them.)

Current Status
Construction of the combined school and park project began in summer 2007. Construction is scheduled to be complete in fall 2008.

Vancouver City Council approved the park master plan along with an interlocal agreement with Evergreen School District to make construction and long term maintenance of this future park possible. Additionally, the Vancouver City Council approved an separate interlocal agreement with the Vancouver Housing Authority (VHA) that addresses how the adjacent VHA residential complex will interface with the park through pedestrian connections.

The park will feature diverse play experiences intended to compliment the ones provided at the school. A tot lot for ages 2 to 5 will provide opportunities for movement, climbing and exploring. A play area for ages 5 to 12 will encourage dynamic and imaginative play and beginning skateboarding.

Approved Master Plan
What is a Master Plan?

It's important to note that a master plan is not a construction blueprint. What is actually built during the first phase of construction depends on the amount of money available for construction, and the results of the construction contract bidding process. However, any features not constructed in the first phase can be built later when additional funding is obtained.

Quick Facts
Size of the entire joint school / park site..........12.5 acres
Acres owned by the Evergreen School District...............9.5
Acres owned by Vancouver-Clark Parks and Recreation.......3
Size of the park portion of the property................5 acres

Public Outreach and Involvement
Public involvement is an important part of planning and developing a neighborhood park. Public feedback helps identify what is most important to the neighborhood and other park users. The information gathered from the public then helps project staff create a park master plan in accordance with adopted park development standards. Several public meetings were held as part of the master planning process for the park portion of the project.

The first public meeting as part of the master planning process for this park occurred on August 3, 2006. At the meeting, project staff members presented two conceptual master plan drawings for review and feedback.

At the second meeting, on August 30, residents and their children shared their preferences on playground equipment.

• Site Analysis Diagram (638 kb PDF)

Newsletters

• August 2006 Newsletter
• September 2006 Newsletter

Guiding Principles for Joint School-Park Planning Area

• Work collaboratively with the Evergreen Public Schools to master plan the southern 5 acres of the project site as a unified campus.
• Provide for physical education activities that respond to Evergreen Public Schools' development and maintenance standards.
• Provide a balance of passive and active park uses for all ages in the community paying particular attention to including seniors living within walking distance.
• Develop a master plan that provides for both youth and adult environmental educational opportunities.
• Support design concepts that expand our community's green infrastructure. Capture the cost and environmental advantages of selecting materials and construction methods that reflect principles of sustainability.
• Address access, security and adjacent uses.
• Develop a master plan that is financially responsible and viable for the long term.
• Establish visual interest throughout the park.

Environmental Benefits
Currently, the park site is an open field. The park development portion of the project will enhance the natural environment within the park by planting additional native trees and plants where there were none before. This will provide shade and additional habitat for animals. Increasing the number of trees in the park will have a variety of positive environmental effects:

• One mature tree will absorb an average of 760 gallons of rainfall a year, reducing flooding and pollution from runoff while fostering groundwater recharge.
• Trees cool the pavement through shading which in turn cools the water (organisms and animals need cool water) before entering a stormwater facility or stream.
• Trees stabilize soils, which reduces erosion.
• Two mature trees produce also enough oxygen for one person.
• Trees clean the air by removing dust and other particles, and absorbing pollutants such as ozone, carbon monoxide and sulfur dioxide.
• Find out more by visiting the "Benefits of Trees" Web page.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What level of development will the new park on Four Seasons Lane receive?
A: This unique project is made possible thanks to a cooperative effort between Evergreen Public Schools and Vancouver-Clark Parks and Recreation. The level of development for this project will most closely resemble a neighborhood park as described in the Vancouver-Clark Parks and Recreation adopted comprehensive plan. Neighborhood parks typically include:

• Walking trails
• Children's play area
• Small sports court or skateboarding spot
• Irrigated and non-irrigated open lawn play areas
• Picnic tables, benches and other seating areas
• Landscaping
• Required utilities and other infrastructure

Q: Why is creating a master plan for this park site a priority for Vancouver-Clark Parks and Recreation?
A: Vancouver-Clark Parks and Recreation owns a total of 18 undeveloped park sites in the city of Vancouver, including several near the property on Four Seasons Lane. In order to develop these parks, city funding for maintenance must first be obtained. This funding is often not readily available due to budget constraints. As a result, Vancouver-Clark Parks and Recreation must look for new and innovative ways to move projects forward using the limited funding available.

The new park site is moving forward in large part because of the partnership with Evergreen Public Schools. As a result of this relationship, this property can be developed and maintained at a lower cost to both agencies, and allow them to get the most bang for their buck.

Contact Information
Alex Schwartz, Project Manager, 360-619-1104