HomeMy WebLinkAboutReferral commentsFrom:April Long
To:Amy Simon; David Radeck
Cc:Matt Kuhn; Michael Tunte; Hailey Guglielmo
Subject:RE: Herron Park Improvements
Date:Wednesday, September 8, 2021 3:32:46 PM
Attachments:image001.png
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Hi Amy –
If it’s alright, I’ll simply add to the statements provided in this email string? If needed, I can put this
into a more formal document.
I approve of the planting plan as proposed by the Parks Department. The proposed plan increases
the riparian area and improves the native riparian vegetation between the playground and the river,
which is required by the Stream Margin Setback code, will result in an overall improvement to river
and riparian health, and is in alignment with the Aspen Riparian Area Assessment and Plan. While
turf grass is typically not approved for riparian areas, I agree with Parks’ Department approach for
the turf grass portion of this park – this area is not being redesigned or reconstructed as part of this
project and would require community direction for changes. Therefore adopting riparian-sensitive
management of this turf and park is the recommended course.
Please let me know if you need anything else from me. I’m happy to help!
April
From: Amy Simon <amy.simon@cityofaspen.com>
Sent: Tuesday, September 7, 2021 5:24 PM
To: David Radeck <david.radeck@cityofaspen.com>
Cc: Matt Kuhn <matt.kuhn@cityofaspen.com>; Michael Tunte <michael.tunte@cityofaspen.com>;
April Long <April.Long@cityofaspen.com>
Subject: RE: Herron Park Improvements
Thank you. I am still looking for comments from Engineering, whether these are written separately,
or build on the response below. April, from my previous email, here are the criteria. Thank you!
There is no development other than approved native vegetation planting taking place
below the top of slope or within fifteen (15) feet of the top of slope or the high
waterline, whichever is most restrictive. This is an effort to protect the existing riparian
vegetation and bank stability. New plantings (including trees, shrubs, flowers and
grasses) outside of the designated building envelope on the river side shall be native
riparian vegetation as approved by the City. A landscape plan will be submitted with
all development applications. The top of slope and 100-year flood plain elevation of
the Roaring Fork River shall be determined by the Stream Margin Map located in the
Community Development Department and filed at the City Engineering Department
From: David Radeck <david.radeck@cityofaspen.com>
Sent: Thursday, September 2, 2021 4:54 PM
To: Amy Simon <amy.simon@cityofaspen.com>
Cc: Matt Kuhn <matt.kuhn@cityofaspen.com>; Michael Tunte <michael.tunte@cityofaspen.com>
Subject: Herron Park Improvements
Hi Amy,
I have been asked to supply you with comments regarding the Herron Park improvements that are
occurring this year. Parks main goal was to remove the ageing infrastructure that has been requiring
more and more maintenance every year. While we could have just replaced the playground area and
left it at that, we chose to take advantage of this opportunity to improve this community asset.
The proposed planting plan is consistent with existing planting and park design for Herron Park. In
general, it is in the community’s interest to continue to maintain Herron Park to the general design
and character of the park. With the relocation of the playground away from the river, the landscape
design depicts an increase of riparian vegetation that is appropriate for the area, especially noted in
the area between the play structures and the existing fence to the north and west.
The lawn area of Herron Park is a beloved community asset, and this planting plan maintains the
general turf area, while slight reductions in turf due to the slight shift of the play structures away
from the river edge. There are not suitable riparian-specific turf options for this space that can
accommodate the concentrated public use of the space. The ‘turf beach’ area is a unique element
of Herron Park, and presents a deviation from traditional riparian and native planting. In this case,
the Parks and Open Space Department believes that it is in the communities interest to maintain the
character of the lawn beach.
The Aspen Parks Department has constituted a specialized turf maintenance plan for Herron Park
due to its location on the banks of the Roaring Fork River . Each season the turf health is assessed to
determine the need for supplemental fertilizer. When needed, a natural organic fertilizer (SP
EcoGreen 5-3-2 most recently 2019) is applied in the Spring and/or Fall. The Parks department did
not apply fertilizer in 2020. An additional buffer area of 20 feet is observed between the water’s
edge and fertilizer will not be applied within this area. Annual turf maintenance at Herron Park
includes aerification of turf once a month with height of mow at 2.5 inches. Turf area is irrigated 3
times weekly with run times adjusted to current weather factors. Moisture and rain sensors are
being implemented to allow an absorption threshold for large rain events and runoff.
The planting plan also depicts an area of native or adapted ornamental plantings in the vicinity of the
south-eastern edge of park that buffers the parking area and Neale Ave from the park proper. This
area has seen similar planting occur historically, and is a continuation of that approach. This area is
adjacent to parking and pedestrian hardscape, and the planting design will soften the view of this
hardscape from the street view.
There are no tree removals noted in the landscape and planting plan.
David Radeck
Permit Coordinator | Parks and Open Space
(O): 970.429.2025 | (C): 970.274.2175
E: david.radeck@cityofaspen.com
www.cityofaspen.com
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