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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1977 Final Report on Community Center Project4:10011111W•— March 7, 1977 MEMORANDUM TO: FROM: REF: CITY OF COLLEGE STATION POST O F F I C E BOX 9 9 6 0 1 1 01 TEXAS A V E N U E COLLEGE S TAT ION , TEXAS 7 7 8 4 0 Community Center Committee Albert Pedulla, Committee Chairman Final Report Enclosed is a copy of the finalized report for your review. Please advise me of any changes at your earliest convenience so that we may meet our 15 March deadline. A presentation will be made to the City Council on Wednesday, 9 March at 3:30 P.M. Please try to attend. I CITY OF COLLEGE STATION POST OFFICE BOX 9960 1101 TEXAS AVENUE COLLEGE STATION, TEXAS 77840 March 15, 1977 Councilman Lane B. Stephenson College Station City Hall College Station, Texas 77840 Dear Councilman Stephenson: The Community Center Committee hereby submits its final report containing its recommendations for a proposed Community and Visitor's Information Center for the City of College Station. It is the Committee's hope that these recommendations will assist the City Council in its decision - making process that will ultimately lead to the provision of a much needed facility. I wish to express great appreciation to each member of the committee who contributed his time and talents to this effort and especially to Jane Hughey and Andy Anderson who did such an able job of chairing our sub - committees. The committee would like to thank the TAMU Department of Urban and Regional Planning and the graduate studnets of Lab 602 (Fall, 1976) for the population projections and land use maps they provided for the site selection study. In addition I would like to recognize the efforts of former Councilman Bob Bell under who's aegis the committee was originally formulated. I also wish to express special appreciation to you for your continued support and assistance throughout the committee's existence. Respectfully submitted, Albert Pedulla, Chairman Community Center Committee FA;ii�1 Final Report and Recommendations to the College Station City Council for a Proposed Community and Visitors Information Center for the City of College Station SUBMITTED BY: Community Center Committee 15 March 1977 CITE' OF COLLEGE STATION POST O F F I C E BOX 9 9 6 0 1 1 0 1 TEXAS A V E N U E COLLEGE S TAT ION , TEXAS 7 7 8 4 0 FINAL REPORT OF THE COMMUNITY CENTER COMMITTEE Overview The Community Center Committee is composed of citizens of College Station of varying vocational and professional backgrounds appointed by the City Council to develop criteria for a proposed Community Center building. The Committee consisted of the following individuals: D. A. Anderson, Building Subcommittee Chairman Robert Cornish Phyllis Dozier Inger Garrison Jane Hughey, Site Joseph Natowitz Subcommittee Chairman Albert Pedulla, Committee Chairman Judy Phillips Manuel Pina Lou Ellen Ruesink Ann Sackett* Benton Storey *Original participant who moved from College Station While originally named the "Civic Center Site Selection Committee ", it was felt that the mere selection of a specific site to locate a proposed civic center was only part of the Committee's perceived responsibilities. Subsequent clarification by the City Council supported the Committee's feeling that recommendations with respect to all facets dealing with the programming, proposed location as well as other aspects related to such a facility, should be addressed. It subsequently became obvious that the title "Civic Center Committee" was not an appropriate one. This title, it was found, connoted to many people a facility far different from that which the Committee felt should be provided. Feedback from city residents strongly suggested that College Station did not need a civic facility such as currently exists in Bryan. As a result, it was unanimously agreed to rename the Committee the "Community Center Committee ". In order to collect meaningful data to permit the planning of a facility that would meet community needs as well as serve as a visitors information center, a questionnaire was formulated and sent to various social, civic and other community groups who were deemed to be potential users. The results were quantified and used as the basis for further analysis (See Appendix A) 1 FINAL REPORT, Community Center Committee Page 3 3. Whatever the ultimate decision the Council renders with respect to the site selected for the Community Center, the committee recognizes the need to select a location as convenient as possible to the majority of the population and to effect safe access to that site. Safety and convenience of access are felt to be key factors in establishing a viable community center. 3 Recommendations In trod uc tic) Q The Cor = unity Center concept as conceived for the City of College Station, is one that offers facilities to local citizens of all ages to permit the enjoyment of leisure hours through participation in activities of a social, creative, cultural, educational or physical nature. In addition the center should also serve as an information center for visitors. The facility should be designed from a functional viewpoint that permits a variety of programs and activities to be conducted simultaneously, if necessary. Therefore, multi -use type rooms should be provided. In order to function as a "community center ", the facility should be generally centrally located or at least easily accessible to the various age groups and user types for which it is designed. Special consideration should be given to accessibility by pedestrians and the handicapped of all ages as well as to bicycles. Barriers which may mitigate free acess.should be eliminated_ The consideration of any site that presents serious obstacles to inhibit such free access should be disregarded or modified to remove such obstacles. Since a number of outdoor recreational type activities should be considered an integral part of a community center, consideration should be given to planning the center to utilize recreational facilities operated by the School District as well as the City in order to avoid duplication_ The possible selection of a site that satisfies physical and access require- ments that is located near a school or park having recreational and /or other physical facilities that may be mutually shared should be critically evaluated. Objectives The Community Center Committee has established general objectives as f allows: -to recommend the construction of a multi. -use conmiuni,ty facility that will serve the needs and interests of all citizens as well as serve as a visitors information center. -to recommend the construction of a community facility that will provide physical facilities to accommodate the various social, civic and cultural activities engaged in by residents of the City. -to reco=erd the selection of a suitable location for the proposed community center that meets previously delineated criteria, is generally centrally located and that utilizes the natural characteristics of the land to maximum advantage. 4 Adequate lighting for various uses • Located near kitchen Window darkeners Easily maintained floor • Ability to be used for stage plays possible stage area behind wall? Room divider (stage lighting, proscenium), (sound proofing problem) Multipurpose Room: to accommodate 100 (dividable into two 50's) 1500 sq. ft. - Dining -Dancing - Parties -Luncheons -Meetings -Room divider 'Portable lectern -Roll-up projection screen (built -in) -Blackboards (portable) Conference /`leeting Rooms'. (4) - to accommodate 25 each - 400 sq.ft.. each - Srsall conferences /meetings 'One room with permanent conference table an� chairs - Tack board 'Four rooms in close proximity 'Away from kitchen 'High windows (if any) to allow maximum wall space for furniture) Kitchen: serving type - 350 sq. ft. - [Warming /serving foods (no - major meal preparation) - Coffee urn - Small freezer _ 'Range . .'Oven - Refrigerator 'Sinks Lockable cabinets keyed individually for rental -Kitchen to be designed to conform to code & health requirements Arts & Crafts Rooms: (3) @ 400 sq. ft. each - Painting - Macrame - Drawing -Small crafts projects - Cutting /pasting projects 6 Recommendations Introduction The Cor�.munity Center concept as conceived for the City of College Station, is one that offers facilities to local citizens of all ages to permit the enjoyment of leisure hours through participation in activities of a social, creative, cultural, educational or physical nature. In addition the center should also serve as an information center for visitors. The facility should be designed from a functional viewpoint that permits a variety of programs and activities to be conducted simultaneously, if necessary_ Therefore, mu lti-use type rooms should be provided. In order to function as a "community center ", the facility should be generally centrally located or at least easily accessible to the various age groups and user types for which it is designed. Special consideration should be given to accessibility by pedestrians and the handicapped of all ages as well as to bicycles. Barriers which may mitigate free acess.should be eliminated. The consideration of any site that presents serious obstacles to inhibit such free access should be disregarded or modified to remove such obstacles. Since a number of outdoor recreational type activities should be considered an integral part of a community center, consideration should be given to planning the center to utilize recreational facilities operated by the School District as well as the City in order to avoid duplication_ The possible selection of a site that satisfies physical and access require- ments that is located near a school or park having recreational and /or other physical facilities that may be mutually shared should be critically evaluated. Objectives The Comuaity Center Committee has established general objectives as follows: -to recommend the construction of a multi -use community facility that will serve the needs and interests of all citizens as well as serve as a visitors information center. *to recommend the construction of a community facility that will provide physical facilities to accommodate the various social, civic and cultural activities engaged in by residents of the City. -to recommend the selection of a suitable location for the proposed community center that meets previously delineated criteria, is generally centrally located and that utilizes the natural characteristics of the land to maximum advantage. 4 -to recommend a building program, for further development by an architect in conjunction with a selected building committee; that identifies the spatial requirements and related facilities that reflect needs with respect to the construction of a cor = unity center building. 'to recommend the construction of a community facility that is functional, flexible and takes into consideration future growth- 'to recommend the design of a building that permits easy access, internal circulation, safety and usability by all members of the Community. 'to recommend the construction of a building to accommodate various community needs that: 1) ,considers climatic factors in the design stage; 2) is designed so as to conform to the characteristics of the selected site; 3) considers life cycle costs, i.e. - takes into account construction and operating costs relative to the life expectancy of the building. 'to recommend the employment of a full -time _program director to supervise and coordinate all activities and scheduling of events to take place in the center as well as to recommend the employment of additional supervisory personnel to permit the scheduling of eventing and weekend use of the bolding. -to recommend the creation of a "Building Use Committee" to establish rules, regulations, fee schedules (where required) and other policies related to building use and to periodically review such rules, regulations and policies as necessary_ Program Progra Recommendations Multipurpose Room: to accommodate 200 (dividable into two - I00 3000 sq. ft.; minimum width = 40'; clg_ ht_ = 16' 'Dining Dancing - Parties , Luncheons Meetings - Platform large enough for playa, musical" groups ( demountable) - Roll -up projection screen - (built -in) - Lectern - P. A. System . Acoustical control - Storage space - Serving counter (demountable) - Projector 5 Adequate lighting for various uses Located near kitchen • Window darkeners Easily maintained floor Ability to be used for stage plays (stage lighting, proscenium }, possible stage area behind wall? (sound proofing problem) Room divider Iiultipurpose Room: to accommodate 100 (dividable into two 50`s) 1500 sq. ft. - Dining -Dancing . - Parties .Luncheons - 1-leetings -Room divider - Portable lectern - Roll -up projection screen (built -in) -Blackboards (portable) Conference/Meeting Rooms: (4) - to accommodate 25 each -- 400 sq.ft. each -Small conferences /meetings - One room with permanent conference table an� chairs -Tack board -Four rooms in close proximity 'Away from kitchen - High windows (if any) to allow maximum wall space for furniture) Kitchen: serving type - 350 sq. ft. - Warming /serving foods (no major meal preparation). -Coffee urn -Small freezer . Range ..Oven - Refrigerator Sinks Lockable cabinets keyed individually. for rental -Kitchen to be designed to conform to code & health requirements Arts & Crafts Rooms: (3) @ 400 sq. ft. each - Painting e - Macrame - Drawing -Small crafts projects •Cutting /pasting projects 6 -Sinks (w /clay trap) -Base cabinets •220 outlet for heavier equipment - Adequate lighting Party Lounge /Social Room: to accommodate 50 -800 sq. ft- -Comfortably furnished w /carpeting Library: 800 sq. ft. (provide for expansion) 'Stack areas - Reading area Lobby: 800 sq. ft. Reception space w /reception desk /lockable files Displays /Exhibits /Tack surfaces (provide exhibit: cases) Visitors infor- oration area Activity /Game room: (off lobby adjacent to vending machines) 1800 sq-ft. (for use by all age groups) -Pin, pond -Pool Coin operated - Foosball -Juke Boy, -) - Tables /chairs - Acoustical control -Storage area -Supervisory personnel - Good wearing /easily cleanable floor surface *Appropriate materials to resist wear throughout. _ - High windows (if any) Miscellaneous: - Custodial areas (indoor /outdoor cleaning supplies, mop sink, etc.) - Vending machine area - off lobby - Telephone booths 'Storage for chairs /tables adjacent to meeting room areas 'Rental storage - approx. 3'x3'x3' - individually keyed 'Toilet facilities - off lobby - as vandalproof as is possible - Drinking fountains - children's /adults'; foot/hand operated - Tables, chairs, and projectors, public address system and other furniture as deemed necessary - Amphitheater (outdoor) -Tot lot w /swings /climbing bars (fenced -in area) - Shuffleboard - Volleyball 7 - Nature trails - Garden plots - Parkir -g /service access - Bicycle racks General: Facility to be designed to accommodate elderly, the handicapped, small children Buildings should be designed to eliminate susmer heat gaiB and take advantage of winter sun wise use of glass throughout ° (safety) P.A. equip., etc_ ro ectors, screens, g P -� Lockable storage for P reens J u ores Director's office w /good view for supervisory P Area Analysis: Multi- purpose room Multi- purpose room Conference/ Meeting rooms 4 @ 400 sq.ft. Kitchen Arts /Crafts rooms 3 @ 400 sq.ft. Party/Social room Library Lobby Activity room Corridors, storage areas, toilet facilities, etc. @ 35% Preliminary Cost Analysis: X000 sq_ ft: 1500 sq'. ft: 1600 sq. ft_ 350 sq- ft- 1200 sq. ft- 800 sq- ft- 800 sq- ft- 800 sq. ft- 1800 sq- ft- 11850 4148 15998 = 16,000 sq- ft. 16,000 sq. ft. x $35 /sq. ft. = $560,000 - plus equipment /outdoor facilities /sitework /fees Site Selection. Recommendations Size of Site: It is recommended that sufficient land be acq w ith provision the facility delineate d under "Building Pro rotth over a 20 year to accommodate expanded service needs and g period. A minimum of 10 acres is recommended. Site Location: The site should be generally enerall centrally located to the majority of the community's population. *See Appendix B for supportinn information. Combined Use: Preference should be given to a site location that takes advantage of existing facilities such as schools, parks and other recreational facilities. Visibility of Site: The site should have high visibility to make the community center a rallying point and source of community pride_ The site should be well landscaped. Accessibility to the Site: The site should: 1) be on or near a major thoroughfare and be reached from an access road to avoid excessive traffic flow at the site; 2) provide convenient parking; 3) be on a public transit route and; 4) provide safe access routes for pedestraans and bicycles through controlled traffic crossings, bike paths and walkways. Pedestrian routes should be separated from vehicular routes. Essential Physical Characteristics of the Site: Soil and Subsoil must be suitable for excavation, site preparation grading and planting and have access to utility connections - should afford suitable bearing capacity for construction of proposed building Ground ?Dater and Drainage -water table should be low enough to protect against flooding or interference with sewerage Flooding -site should be free from surface flooding from streams, lakes or storm drains Topography site contours should be suitable for access and circulation by vehicles and pedestrians to and within the developed area -site should be suitable for development of open areas, if available 9 -site should be free of topographic hazards which might •cause accidents -- bluffs, open pits, hazardous shore lines, etc. Site Security -full time site supervision should be provided Recommended Sites (See map on page 11) The committee recommends the selection of one centrally located site which would serve as a cohesion point for the City. In selecting the site, consideration should be given to future growth and expansion needs of the City. Several alternative sites of currently generalized vacant land have been evaluated according to the aforementioned criteria. This evaluation is reflected in the matrix table below. Site __Size _ Location. Combined ._.Nisi " Accessi— Hazards Use bility bility 1 2 ? * * * 3 * * ? 4 5 6 ? ? * * 7 *indicates the site meets the standard at a minimum level or better. Site locations are indicated on the Accompanying map. Sites 1,2,5,6 and 7 appear to be the most desirable for such a center since they meet the criteria most completely. Several of the proposed locations, however, would require the installation of controlled traffic crossings while some are not highly visible Site 4 appears to be less desirable because it is not centrally located. Site 3 appears less desirable because it is not easily accessible to either pedestrians or bicycles and automobiles can gain access only from a heavily trafficked artery. This site also contains potential natural hazards Of all sites evaluated, the site that is deemed to most fully satisfy the established criteria is Site 1. it is recommended therefore that the City investigate the possible acquisition of this site for the proposed community.center. 1 f� Recommended Sites PREPARED IN COOP T11JUIO 11 WITH THE PLANNING AND ZONING COMMISSION BY GRADUATE LAB 802 DEPARTMENT OF URBAN SAND REGIONAL PLANNING k, TAMU FALL 1.978 VACANT LAND - -1976.. �s COLLEGE STATION •'199th A PLAN REVIEW FIG 7 11 Appendix A COMPILATION OF DATA FORM CIVIC CENTER QUESTIONNAIRE Facility Needs 1. Meeting room to accommodate 15 -200 people. a. Frequency of meetings ❑ Daily: - hours ❑ Weekly : 1.25- 2 hours ❑Xonthly:_ hours ❑ Other: (describe) 1 -4 times per year, bi- monthly b. Storage needs: 9 -18 square feet (describe) file cabinets, visual aides materials, projection equipment - tables 2. Game or Recreation Room: 50 X 70 square feet (or size) 15 -200 people a. Types of games or recreational activities: volley ball, basketball, gymnastics, games party, square dance, songs, cards, nursing, foos ball., air hockey, shuffle board, pool, ping pong, t.v., board games b. Frequency of ruse: ❑ Daily: 8 hours ❑ Weekly: 1 1/2-2 hours ❑ Monthly: 5 hours ❑ Other: (describe) 1 -2 times /,Par C. Storage needs: 8 -225 square feet (describe) athlet e_qu;nmen records, specimens, projection equipment, coffee Pot 3. Party Room: 384 -5000 square feet (or size) 35 -200 people a. Specific type activity (banquet, dance, etc.) dish meals, banquet, officer installation, re cepti on- luDci�on meeting dinner meeting A -1 b. Frequency of use: ❑ Daily: 8 hours Q [deekly : - hours ❑ Mon thly: 1/2 -5 hours ❑ Other: (describe) 1 -5 times per year C. Storage needs: 75 -80 cubicfeet (describe) 4. Auditorium to accommodate 00� -1000 people. a. Specific use(s): _shows, party convention- arts pro ram, presentatl 9 _statewide convention ceremonies b. Frequency of use: ❑ Daily: hours ❑ Weekly: - hours ❑ Monthly: 2 -4 hours ❑ Other: (describe) 1 -2 times /year c. Storage needs: - square feet (describe) built -in multi media communications system 5. Exhibition space: 250 -4000 square feet (or size) a. Type of exhibit (s): envir. education, dental exhibit, girl scout troop projects, science fair proiects, flower shows, arts /crafts b. Frequency of use: ❑ Daily: s hours []Weekly: - hours ❑ Monthly: 6 hours ❑ Other: (describe) 1 -2 t;m % TP ar C. Storage needs: R00 square feet (describe) s vPr 1 panP1 Posters, duplicating machinery, shelving, cabinets and kitchenette 6. Pfusic /Stage Performance Room to accommodate 50 -300 people. a. Type(s) of performance music, dance dr ama , spgcja1 n rformanr•Pq - A -2 b. Frequency of use: ❑ Daily: - hours ❑weekly: - hours ❑Monthly: 1 _ hours ❑ Other: (describe) -- C. Size of stage required: d. Storage needs: - square feet (or size) 20 X 30 square feet (describe) 7. Arts and Crafts Room: 400 -8000 (25)* square feet (or size) 15 -50 people a. Specific use(s): arts, crafts, sewing, grooming classes, daily classes /demonstrations /workshops for arts and crafts b. Frequency of use: ❑ Daily: 8 hours ❑ Weekly: 3 hours ❑ Monthly: - hours ❑ Other: (describe) 3 -5 afternoons for 2 hours C. Storage needs: 15- 2000(25)* square feet (describe) supplies, cupboar drawer 8. Kitchen Facility a. Type: 10 -Cooking kitchen (fully equipped): 80 -144 square feet (or size) 10 - Serving kitchen: 48 -200 square feet (or size). serve 50 -200 people b. Storage needs: 8 -24 square feet (describe) pantry, party supplies, small storage, supplies 9. Outdoor Space(s) a. Activities Exhibits: 16 square feet (or size) 3 acres Play area: 20,000 square feet (or size) 1 acre *Types of activities (list) : swing set outdoor play equipm_ent,va ball, basketball, baseball, demonstration gardening, ar appreciaffon outdoor free play area, to show specimens *Refer to list of groups responding for source of request. A -3 Garden plots: 600 Sitting area: - square feet (or size) 1 acre square feet (or size) 400 people Other (list): picnic area, outdoor sculpture, fountains, parking for 5000 people (25)* loading vamps, bicycle racks b. Storage needs: 90 -400 square feet (or size) Enclosed Q ' Fenced in 9 Other (explain) : working class tools (12) *, workshop area for outdoor pottery sculpture 10. Other facility needs (please list and describe) projection equipment and screens; office (1) *; several smal ler rooms to hold committee meetings; staff offices. work room, dressing area accessible to gym, lounge area for t.v., library/classroom S4) *• nice size room with po exhibit table, screen for projection; chairs tables and storage for these, good lighting /sound equipment, serving area for catered luncheons (11) *; chairs, tables, screens and projector, audio system (15) *; chairs, tables, dividers, and electrical power for 150 science fair projects (19) *; skylights and track lighting in exhibit and workshop areas, heavy duty electrical outlets ( *• *Refer to list of groups responding for source of request. .. 1. A -4 GROUPS RESPONDING 1. Environmental Action Council of Brazos Valley 2. Brazos County Democratic Party 3. LaVillita Chapter, DAR 4. Girls' Club of Brazos County 5. Campus Study Club 6. B /CS Business & Professional Women's Club 7. Bryan Bass Club 8. Robert Henry Chapter DRT 9. Boys' Club of Bryan 10. Brazos Valley Dental Association 11. Brazos Valley City Panhellenic 12. Brazos Valley Gem & Mineral Society 13. Arts Council of Brazos Valley 14. The Reading Club 15. TAMU Newcomers Club 16. Brazos Chapter, Texas Society of Professional Engineers 17. Bluebonnet Girl Scout Council 18. Brazos Valley Singles Club 19. Brazos Valley Science & Engineering Fair 20. League of Women Voters of Brazos Valley 21. Brazos Valley Home Economics Association 22. Kiwanis Club of College Station 23. A &M Garden Club 24. Central Brazos Valley Mental Health Center 25. Brazos Valley Art League 26. Extension Service Club A -5 Appendix B - Site Selection /Planning Supporting Information Sources: pp. B -1 - B -2 "College Lab 602, Department of pp. B -3 - B -7 "Plannin Association, 1960; pp. Criteria ", De Chiara & GOALS AND OBJECTIVES Station 1990/A Plan Review ", Urban and Regional Planning, the Neighborhood ", American B -7 - B -13 "Manual of Planni Koppelman, 1975. Graduate Planning TAMU, Fall 1976; Public Health ig and Design A review of goals and objectives of the existing comprehensive plan has shown certain objectives no longer realistic. At the time the initial goals program was undertaken, College Station was approximately one half of its present size. This, in addition to the rapid increase in Texas A &M University's enrollment has led to a change in the overall city character. This change in character necessitates a complete and comprehensive review of the community's goals and objectives. This review should redefine the goals and objectives for College Station and continue as an ongoing avenue of citizen involvement in future community direction. POPULATION PROJECTION It can readily be seen that the population of College Station is in- creasing at a rate greater than that projected by the existing compre- hensive plan (Figure 2). This rapid growth,is directly attributable to the increased growth of T.A.M.U. within the city. These include: This has led to several problems • shortage of housing ® increase in residential densities • monetary outlay for the expansion of city services and facilities • increased traffic congestion • shortage of parks and recreational facilities Realizing the importance of accurate population projections in the planning process, a revised population projection has been made (Table 3) for the five, ten, and fifteen year periods. I 1 B -1 fr O 0 c r C v C O O CL LOW P P 10 P 15 MEDIUM P P 10 P 15 HIGH P P 10 P 15 TABLE 3 REVISED POPULATION PROJECTIONS 42,650 49,800 56,500 44,060 51,900 59,050 45,400 , 53,800 61,200 . 2 ' � MEDIUM ' APR °'jE�'T pN ' op i OR / op . -�i - - ' I ' ' 1 i 'i i i '60 , B-2 em f i '60 , B-2 em 3 3. ESSENTIAL PHYSICAL CHARACTERISTICS OF THE SITE The following conditions for healthful development and maintenance must be borne in mind in the selec- tion of a site. More detailed discussion of these prob- lems will be found in Chapters II -V. .SOIL AND SUESOIL CONDITIONS Soil and subsoil conditions must be suitable for ex- cavation and site preparation, location of utility con- nections and for grading and planting. Subsoil conditions should afford suitable bearing capacity for economical construction of buildings of the types contemplated. Bearing capacity will be ad- versely affected if the site contains muck, peat, poorly compacted fill, shifting sand or quicksand. Test borings will normally be needed as a check on these and other characteristics discussed in this chapter. For economical construction subsoil should contain no ledge hardpan or other obstruction to efficient ex- cavation for necessary utilities, foundations or base- ments. GROUND WATER AND DRAINAGE Essential factors in site selection include a water ta- ble low enough to protect against basement flooding and interference with sewerage, the absence of swamps or marshes, andsuflicient slope to permit surface drain - age of normal rainfall and free flow of sanitary sewers. Periodic flooding due to high ground water table should disqualify a site unless preventive measures can be applied. If dwelling basements are contemplated, the ground water table should be below basement floors. Even where basements are not used, high ground water may cause dampness in crawl- spaces beneath the build - ings. Such dampness has caused serious problems and expense in many recent housing developments. Flooding due to ground water may occur not only through conditions on the site itself, but also from present or future drainage onto the site from adjacent areas. Ground water observation may be needed in sev- eral seasons (or testimony of those familiar with the site throughout the year should be sought), and pos- sible future developments in adjoining areas should be taken into account. FREEDOM FROM SURFACE FLOODS The development area should be free from danger of surface flooding by streams, lakes or tidal waters. Significant floods are those which inundate buildings, make them unusable bydrowning utilities or impede cir- culation within (or to and from) the development area. Ideally, no land should be included in a develop- ment area which has been flooded at any time of rec- ord, unless flood control measures have subsequently removed the danger. As a practical matter, locally varying compromises may be made below this stand- ard. It would seem reasonable to insist, however, j that land be excluded from development areas if it shows a history of flooding at intervals of less than 25 years unless the source of flood has subsequently been controlled. - .SUITABILITY FOR SITING OF PROJECTED BUILDINGS Land should not be too steep for satisfactory grad- ing in relation to dwelling construction. Building sites should not have elevations above those. at which nor- mal water pressure for domestic use and fire fighting can be obtained. The orientation of slopes may affect the possibility of good development. Southerly slopes will favor ex- posure of dwellings to the winter sun (steep northerly slopes may be undesirable on this count alone). SUITABILITY FOR ACCESS AND CIRCULATION Topography should permit adequate vehicular and ! pedestrian access to, and circulation within, the de- j velopment area. It should permit grading so that streets and walks conform to grade standards given in I Chapter V. SUITABILITY FOR DEVELOPMENT OF OPEN AREAS Land to be reserved for private yards or gardens, playlots, playgrounds and neighborhood parks should permit grading and development in conformance with specifications given in Chapters III and IV. FREEDOM FROM ToPoGR4xkuc . ACCIDENT HAZARDS The development area should be free from —or the plan should assure correction of— topographic con- ditions which might be a serious cause of bodily acci- dents. Under this heading would come bluffs or preci- pices, open pits and hazardous shore lines. If there is reasonable expectancy of a major earth movement which may cause loss of life or serious dam- age to structures or utilities, every attempt should be made to avoid sites within the area affected. If this is impossible, special consideration should be given to placing and constructing the buildings so as to reduce . the hazard to a minimum. Hazards of this type include landslides, earth settlement above disused mine work- ings and earthquake slippage along known geological fault lines. 6. ACCESS TO COMMUNITY FACILMES OUTSIDE THE NEIGHBORHOOD" B -3 The usual residential neighborhood will not contac certain of the facilities regularly needed byits resident. These include centers of employment, high school. major shopping centers, specialized health ser«ces an.' similar features to be found in the larger dis -n or city. From the standpoint of site selection, a gnt- tract of land may be definitely unsuitable for reside tial development if travel to these facilities could en- tail excessive time, cost or fatigue. Availability of transportation and standards of ac- cess to extraneighborhood facilities are considers immediately below; the desirable range of 'these ot:- side facilities is reviewed in Section 7. AUTOMOBILE TRANSPORTATION All residents of the neighborhood developMe. should have access to an improved high„•av systec including all - weather roads to outside centers of z: tivity. In evaluating the role of automobile trarsportatio". convenience and safety should be considered. Thf�' depend on such factors as availability of hi,h sptt: roads, avoidance of heavy traffic, minimuin nuint of traffic lights and intersections, directness of roc: and ease of parking at the destination. The full cost of automobile travel, excluding pjt" in- or toll charges, is ordinarily at least Y cents to cents per mile. Driving any considerable dista"ce :. work may therefore be prohibitive for the low income worker except on a share -the -ride basis. PTTBLIC TRANSIT All residents of the development area should have access to adequate public transportation to central business areas and places of employment, where these are not within easy walking distance. It is desirable that the farthest dwelling be no more than /- to 31 mile walking distance from the nearest stop of the transit system over well- maintained, lighted all -wea- ther walks. Steep hills or extremes in climate may call for a reduction of ,calking distance. The standards given above should be followed in all developments housing low and medium groups, unless places of work are within walking distance and relatively complete neighborhood shopping facilities tend to ob,- frequent shopping at downtown cen- ters. In this case public transit within ; , to Y mile may be acceptable. Among the factors to be considered in evaluating public transit facilities are discomfort, inability to get a seat, time lost by frequent stops or transfers, risk of contagion in crowds and nervous strain caused by noise. For medium- and low- income families, a 10 -cent fare per trip is considered a normal maximum. High transportation costs can be justified only if the site location permits compensatory lower costs on other normal budget items. If no public transit exists within the required dis- tance, assurance should be sought that service will be given upon completion of the new development. New or extended service will of course be supplied by com- mon carriers only for a substantial number of patrons, but numerous developers have solved this problem by shuttle buses of their own. PEDESTRIAN AND BICYCLE WAYS Safe routes should exist (or be possible to provide) between the neighborhood and outside community facilities within walking distance. Pedestrians need all- weather walks separated from streets or roads. These should be lighted and should have protection at major traffic crossings as specified in Chapter V. Paved streets other than major traffic routes are needed by cyclists. STANDARDS of ACCESSIBILITY As a general guide in site selection, standards for access to the major community facilities are suggested in Table 2. Standards of distance for the facilities to be reached by public transit or automobile are pre- sented in terms of travel time, although as stated above there are related factors such as cost, convenience, fatigue and safety. Travel time specified in all cases is the total elapsed time. For public transit the total elapsed time is counted as: a) walking time from house to transit stop; b) waiting time at stop; c) time spent in vehicle; d) time spent in transferring, including waiting time if transfer is necessary; e) walking time from transit stop to destination. TABLE 2. ACCESS STANDARDS FOR COMMUNITY FACILITIES OUTSIDE THE NEIGHBORHOOD DISTRICT OR MAXIMUM DESIRABLE DISTANCE OR TIME ONE WAY) CITY FACILITY FROM FARTHEST DWELLING A B Walking: Total Automobile and Public Distance Transit: Total Elapsed Time Secondary School junior High ...................... Y4 to 1 mile,' or 15 to 25 minutes by public Or special transit, without cost to pupils Senior High ..... ............ .... . 1 to _ L 34 miles,` or 20 to 30 minutes with 10¢ District Center: Shopping, Culture, -- Religious Worship, Recreation...... 1 to 13, miles, or 20 to 30 minutes with 10� maximum trio fare Employment Centers ................... No standard: B governs 20 to 30 minutes Urban Center: Commerce, Culture, Go vernment ..................... No standard: B governs 30 to 45 minutes Outdoor Recreation M ajor Park ...................... No standard: B governs 30 to 60 minutes Athletic Playfield ................. 1 to 1', miles No standard: A governsb Health Services ....... ................ Should be available in district or urban center B -4 5 19. FACTORS OF NEED, SELECTION AND ACCESSIBILITY NEED FOR 1 \EIGHBORHOOD CO3Mti1UNITY FACILITIES Family needs cannot be sealed off into unrelated compartments. Yet frequently the woman for whom a kitchen is scientifically planned to the last detail must travel on a crowded bus to. buy a loaf of bread because insufficient thought was given to activities beyond the lot line. Those basic services which cannot be supplied by or to the individual family in its own dwelling should be considered for inclusion among the neighborhood community facilities. Some of these are a direct ex- tension of the dwelling and its yard. Playgrounds, for example, serve those children who are old enough to need more space and equipment for exercise than that obtainable on a small lot. TYPES INCLUDED Neighborhood community facilities should nor- mally include: Educational elementary school kindergarten nursery school adult education Outdoor recreational playground park Indoor social and cultural church library assembly and recreation space Neighborhood shopping food and drug stores miscellaneous services Health service access to medical and dental service participation in official and voluntary health ser- vices Facilities for secondary education, special or infre- quent shopping, organized sports and employment will usually serve more than one neighborhood and are discussed in Chapter I, Section 7. NATURE OF THE STANDARDS In order to insure adequate space for all neighbor- hood community facilities, the designer must deal with various fields in which he is not an expert. For in- stance, standards for size and population load of schools are set by educational authorities; shopping center size is essentially a problem in the economics of retail merchandising. It would be unrealistic to attempt a full discussion of such problems in a report which deals primarily with housing rather than with education, commerce or community organization. However, since the al- loc.11i0n of areas and as;i-nment of population loads frr Eli se facilities is a mart of environmental planning, some ;aide to size and capacity is necessary. The as- sumcd sizes and population loads of all neighborhood community facilities given in this chapter (and used in Chapter VI as a basis for neighborhood density cal- culations) are based on published standards and on conferences with specialists in the various fields con- cerned. The location and servicing of sites for community facilities should conform in general to standards given in other chapters with respect to utilities, drainage, freedom from nuisance, safety of circulation and other safety or sanitary factors. FACTORS INFLUENCING TYPE AND CAPACITY OF FACILITIES The number of facilities and services used in common is constantly increasing: because of the development of new techniques which can be used most effectively on a shared basis; because of the growing complexity of urban life; and because responsibilities of the com- munity are increasingly recognized. Determination of needed neighborhood facilities will be affected both by these broad trends and by local factors which gov- ern the services required by a given population. To a limited extent, the type of facility to be pro- vided will depend on the degree to which needs may be met in the dwellings or by private facilities. For instance, in suburban neighborhoods where living space within the dwelling, is ample, there is little need for small community recreation rooms. On the other hand, in low- income, high - density areas where living space within the dwelling is at a premium, such com- munity rooms become extremely important. Cultural background, age composition and eco- nomic status of families housed will condition their needs for adult education, church facilities and rec- reation. Even climate will play a part, affecting the relation of indoor to outdoor facilities. In consistently warm climates, an open air theater or roofed pavilion may appropriately serve as the neighborhood auditorium. In very cold climates, children's play equipment may need to be brought indoors or considerably modified to provide year -round active recreation. In short, the living habits of the locality should be carefully studied to determine whether modification of the usual standards is desirable. Facilities have too often been wasted because local customs and prefer- ences were not given sufficient consideration. RESPONSIBILITY FOR PROVISION OF FACILITIES Most neighborhood community facilities except shopping will normally be provided and operated by the local government. Of$cial agencies are therefore faced with the problem of coordinating their activities with a new housing development. This raises a number B -5 I of problems such as: acquisition of enouglh l ; ind ir: the right place for the maximum nci,ghborhoo<1 dry :r,p- l ment; coordination of land acquisition and oper::tion of services by various official agencies such as the park department, the recreation department, the school board or the health department. SAFE AND CONVENIENT ACCESS Standards for accessibility are based on avoidance of fatigue, protection from traffic and other accident hazards, and positive encouragement to use of the fa- cilities. In low- or medium- income urban neighborhoods, community facilities should be within walking dis- tance. Even with widespread car ownership, driving cannot be considered a substitute, for in many cases the family car must be used by employed members of the household, and is not available for daily shopping or to take children to school. The necessity of taking a bus or trolley to the neighborhood grocery or the park will inhibit the use of such facilities. Therefore, rec- ommendations for accessibility to community facili- ties are generally based on walking. Access is consid- ered tolerable under certain, circumstances if public transportation is available or, in the case of schools, if special. transportation is provided. Obviously, acces- sibility standards will not apply to low- density, high - income suburban communities where families own more than one car. Children going to school or playground should not be required to cross any major traffic street. If cross- ings are unavoidable, they should be patrolled during all hours when the school or playground is normally used. It is desirable that access to a park require no pedestrian crossing of streets except residential service streets. In Table 5, access standards are given separately for each type of facility, ranging from Y4 to Y, mile. The latter is generally accepted as the maximum suit- able walking distance, for numerous studies have in- dicated that people tend to use vehicles if they must go further. A playground in a high- density area, with consider- able traffic hazards, should normally be within mile of all dwellings, but Y2 mile may be acceptable if the playground is next to the elementary school and if there is pleasant and safe pedestrian access.' Decisions as to grouping Of facilities must be made locally. In densely populated areas all facilities can easily be located within t4 mile or less of all dwellings. In sparsely populated areas it may be more desirable to group all facilities as far as / mile from all dwell- in than to separate the various facilities. to study of attendance at playgrounds in five selected cities (Minneapolis, St. Paul, Milwaukee, Detroit and Washing tan) has shown that less than 36 per cent of the children traveled more than % mile tc a playground, and nearly h tlf (46 per cent) traveled less than % mile, This suggests that if the distance to a playground is much more than ? i mile, its use is for all prac- tical purpt ses denied to a large proportion of the children. 22. INDOOR SOCIAL AND CULTURAL FACILITIES TYPES OF SERVICES AND FACILITIES Indoor social, cultural and recreational facilities supplement dwelling facilities and provide opportuni- ties for normal group activity. Services and organ- izations for which space may be required in a neigh- borhood include: Social Service: vocational and employment guidance; child guidance, family and marriage problems, girl scouts, boy scouts, consumer groups, parent- teacher association, Community Chest organization. Religion: adult worship and religious training of youth, with provision for the major faiths or de- nominations represented in the neighborhood pop- ulation. Literature and the Arts: library, art exhibits, lectures, noncommercial movies, musical programs, groups or classes for participation in the arts. Recreation: dances and parties given by neighbor- hood organizations; indoor sports and games. In order to meet the space requirements for the social and cultural activities listed above, most of the follow- ing types of general facilities will usually be desirable: a) small rooms for meetings and classes b) assembly room with stage for large meetings, movies, theatrical. and musical performances and indoor recreation such as dances c) small game room, including equipment for in- door games such as pines pong, chess, checkers, card games, etc. d) reading and exhibit room e) kitchen for preparation of refreshments and for cooking classes f) workshop for classes in arts and crafts, particu- larly in connection with household furnishings g) office and storage space for organizations partici- pating in activities METHODS OF PROVIDING FACILITIES Requirements listed above may be met by a sepa- rate community building for each neighborhood, in new or existing buildings such as churches, YMCXs, etc., or by the elementary school if permitted by its design and operation. Use of the school building assures the economy of multiple use. Provision of a separate community build- ing gives greater flexibility and makes it easier for organizations with daytime activities to operate with- out interference. The choice will depend on the follow- ing local conditions: a) whether school authorities are able and willing to provide the additional facilities necessary for a "community school" and to permit the regular use of parts of the school building at all times; Fliff-i b) whether other appropriate buildings are avail- able to all residents; c) whether there are existing or potential organ- izations within the community which signify their willinamess and ability to operate in the community building and to pay rent which will cover the construction and maintenance costs; d) whether the financial structure of the proposed development makes the construction and opera. tion of a community building practicable as a part of the development itself. One means of avoiding duplication of facilities •I would be to combine the school and a small community building into a single community center. School au- j ditoria, playrooms and classrooms can then be used, SP�OUPING while ofEce and storage space and special facilities such as a reading room, game room, kitchen and work- shop can be provided within the community building. In this case, the nursery school and health center may well become a part of the community center. Neighborhood area allowances for indoor social and cultural facilities are given in Table 11 under "acres in general community facilities." These area requirements should be considered as a general guide only. The figures must be adjusted in each case to lo- 17 The reading room can often be supplied with books and exhibit material by arrangement with the city library, museum or other organizations. Many large cities have mobile library units manned by professional librarians, which can service this type of library station. Arrangrments for library service and recommrndations as to the amount of space and type of equip- j ment should be obtained from the local public library. l #'Ie facilities should, if possible, be grouped together in the direction of the major traffic flow from the development area to the outside, accessible 3y direct pedestrian and automobile routes. Such grouping will encourage ;he use of all facilities. The existence of a physical center of the neighborhood stimulates the growth of community relationships and the acceptance of community re- >ponsibilities by the residents. As most community facilities require comparatively flat land, topography Nil[, to some extent, govern their grouping and location. Special situations may occur in which such grouping will not be advisable, especially where existing facilities must be taken into account. Within the group, the various community facilities should be physically separated from each other to prevent conflict of circulation. It is especially ,mportant that pedestrian access to the school be separate from all vehicu- ar access to other facilities. TOTAL LAND REQUIREMENTS For many neighborhood planning purposes, it is desirable to know com- munity facility land requirements as a whole. Therefore, is a summation of :hose requirements. It should be noted that this table combines recommend - :d and assumed areas; the values given are therefore not to be considered mandatory standards. 1SE OF EXISTING FACILITIES Before final decisions are n;ade in regard to the provision of neighbor - ;ood community facilities, the area should be examined for available 1xisting facilities. Special care must be taken to check the capacity as well .s the location of such facilities. There may be city -wide or district acilities that can also be used by the neighborhood and that will in reality e so used if they provide good service and are readily accessible. The possibility of usinL these facilities should be investigated if any of hem exist within accepta5le distance from the development. B -7 GENERAL SITE REQUIREMENTS D Easily Accessible D Preferably on main thoroughfare D Located in a subshopping area D Located near a neighborhood center Ease of parking is advantageous, but not so important as to justify an otherwise undesirable location. A park - -often suggested— usually has little to recommend it D A minimum of 20 years expansion of service & community growth should be possible TYPES AND CHARACTERISTICS Type Area Served Population Served Miscellaneous CENTRAL or MAIN Whole City or Municipality No Limit & Varies Should be within a block or two of main business & shopping area & convenient to main traffic & trans- portation arteries. BRANCH 1 to 1 1 /2 miles Minimum Is from 25,000 to 55,000 People Should be easily accessible. These requirement are for cities of 100,000 people or more. SUB - BRANCH Detached Areas & Smaller Cities Varies Frequently not open every day or housed in a library -owned building. Can be in community buildings or schools or rented quarters. THE MINIMUM BOOK STOCK OF ANY LIBRARY, AS AN INDEPENDENT UNIT, SHOULD BE 6,000 VOLUMES REGARDLESS OF POPULATION SERVED. POPULATION OF LIBRARY AREA Volumes per Capita Up to Volumes Minimum Maximum 6,000 10,000 3.0 25,000 10,000 35,000 2.5 70,000 35,000 100,000 2.0 175,000 100,000 200,000 1.75 300,000. 200,000 1,000,000 1.5 1,000,000 Over 1,000,000 1.0 I TABLE 1 Experience Formulas for Library Size and Costs Under MCCO 3 S -5 10 Oeshable, Book No of 10,000- 35,000 first stock- seats Circulation- Total floor, Population volumes per 1,000 volumes so 11 sq N size oaf capita population pet capita per capita per c3pda Under MCCO 3 S -5 10 10 0.7 -0.8 0.5 -0.7 10,000- 35,000 2/ -3 5 9.5 0 6 -0.65 0.4 -0.45 35.000 - 100,000 2/ -2,c 3 9 0 5 -0 6 0 25 -0.3 100,000- 200,000 1 y, -2 2 8 0.4 -05 0.15 -01 200.000 - 500,000 1 X -1 h 1 'A 7 0 35 -0.4 0.1 -0 125 500,000 and up 1-IA 1 6 5 03 0 06 -0 08 SOURCE: Joseph L Wheeler and Herbert Goldhor, Practical Administration of Public Libraries IHew York. Harper and Row 19621 P. 554. TABLE 2 Guidelines for Determining Minimum Space Requirements Shelving Space SOURCE. American library Association, Subcommittee on Standards for Small libraries. Pubic L.brary Association, Interim Standards lot Small Public Lrbtarres Guidelines Toward Achieving the Goals of Public Library Service IChrcago, The Association, 19621, o 15. This brief 16 -page region is based on slandards set lonh in ALA s. Public Lrbrary Service, 4 Guide to Evaluation with Minimum Standards. It is intended to provide Interim slandards for libraues serving populations of less than 50.000 until these libraries can meet the standards of ALA's PubIK Library Service. 'Libraries in systems need only to provide shelving to basic collection plus number of books on loan from resource center at any one time e A slendard library shelf equals 3 Im h. V Spare for circulation desk, heating and cooling equipment, multipurpose loom, stairways. 3ulip4s, toilets, etc., as required by community needs and the Wogtam of hbvey seryKN. Ewe Estimated Size of Amount of additional Total brick Linear floor Staff work space floor Population collection, feet of space, Reader space, space, needed, space, served volumes shelving+ so ft so It sq It sq ft. sq It Under 2,499 10,000 1,300 1,000 61m. 400 300 300 2,000 for 13 seats, at 30 sq If per reader space 2,500 -4,999 10,000. 1,300. 1,000 6Ln 500 300 700 2,500, plus 3 Add I It Add 1 far 15 seats or 0 7 per capita of shelving so It A[d 5 seats pet ice If per for pop for every 8 for every 1.000 over 3,500 capita, which - over vols. over 10 vols over cop served, at ever is 3,500 10.000 10,000 30 so It per greater reader space 5,000 -9,999 15,000, 1,875. 1,500. 61n. 700 500. 1,000 3.500, plus 2 Add 1 IT Add 1 for 23 seats. Add 150 for 0.7 per capita of shelving sq It Add 4 seats per so fr for each sq IT per for pop. for every 8 for every 1,000 over 5,000 full-time capita, which- over vols. over 10 vols. over poD. served, at slam mem- ever is 5,000 15,000 15,000 33 so It per ber over 3 greater reader space 10,000- 24,999 20,000, 2,500. 2,000. bin. 1,200 1,000. 1.800 7,000, plus 2 Add 1 It Add 1 for 40 seats. Add 150 or 0.7 per capita of shelving so It ;,Id 4 seats Der so It for each sq It pet for pop. lot every 8 for every 1,COO over 10,000 full-time capita, whch• over vols. over 10 vols over Poo served, at staff mem. ever is 10,000 20,000 20,000 30 so It Der ber over 7 greater reader space 25,000- 49,999 50,000 6,300 5,000. Min. 2,250 1,500. 5,250 15,000, plus 2. Add 1 It Add I ( for 75 seats- Add 150 or 0.8 per capita of shelving sq It Add 3 seats Der scl If for each so It Des for pop. lot every 8 for every 1,000 over 25,000 full time ° capita, which. over vols. over 10 vols. over No served, at staff mem• ever is 25,000 50,000 50,000 30 sq If per ber over 13 greater reader space SOURCE. American library Association, Subcommittee on Standards for Small libraries. Pubic L.brary Association, Interim Standards lot Small Public Lrbtarres Guidelines Toward Achieving the Goals of Public Library Service IChrcago, The Association, 19621, o 15. This brief 16 -page region is based on slandards set lonh in ALA s. Public Lrbrary Service, 4 Guide to Evaluation with Minimum Standards. It is intended to provide Interim slandards for libraues serving populations of less than 50.000 until these libraries can meet the standards of ALA's PubIK Library Service. 'Libraries in systems need only to provide shelving to basic collection plus number of books on loan from resource center at any one time e A slendard library shelf equals 3 Im h. V Spare for circulation desk, heating and cooling equipment, multipurpose loom, stairways. 3ulip4s, toilets, etc., as required by community needs and the Wogtam of hbvey seryKN. Ewe 10 1 HORIZONTAL CURVE r in ,omum passi 85th s,yht distance percentile spety t d- s�t,a,snce \ pass•n i^� spy bl into BSih f� Pang t� / Lines of sight �- ' pass, s o ° / ' n all '9 tpn t L'?� ecr o' ycA � edl / no-passi^g l one b, b' End — f: .. mg zone Sig` +1 d. +:ante, measured ai" S,ght el,swce again exceeds (:enter I,ne for r.91 hand lane hne minimum on three lane rosll peeomes less than mm"um — Note: No pass�rg +oars in oPPo +ale duet dons may or may not pverlap, depending on ah9nment. Method of locating and defermining the limifs of no- possing zones of vertical and horizontal curves, VERTICAL CURVE I l 3.75' y 'h 6a`+ • � 1 ( pa >e, in o, y \� 3.75' 375'1 �' °n � a \. -. I I I I I I I i I 1 I I Begin no-passing zone b, W En no-passing zone S.ght d.9ance becomes less than minimum Sight distance again exceeds minimum meawred be;. een points 3.75 feet above pavemem Note: No-passing zones in opposite directions may or may not overlap. depending on alignmem- B-10 MINIMUM VERTICAL AND HORIZONTAL SIGHT DISTANCES DESIGNED PASSING— PROVIDE AS OFTEN AS PRACTICABLE NON- PASSING provide at all 2 lane highway 3 lane highway points on all speed desirable absolute desirable absolute highways 30 mph 600' 500' 200' 40 50 1100 1600 900 1400 1100' 900' 275 350 60 2300 2100 1500 1300 475 70 3200 2900 2000 1800 7050 80 950 1200 i 100 B-10 11 BIKEWAYS The term "Bikeway" is used to define all facilities that explicitly provide for bicycle travel. Bikeways, then, can be anything from fully grade- separated facilities to simple signed streets. The following three classes of bikeway are defined: Class 1: A completely separated right -of -way designated for the exclusive use of bicycles. Crossflows by pedestrians and motorists are minimized. Class II: A restricted right -of -way designated for the exclusive or semi - exclusive use of bicycles. Through - travel by motor vehicles or pedestrians is not allowed, however vehicle parking may be allowed. Cross -flows by motorists, for example to gain access to driveways or parking facilities, is allowed; pedestrian cross - flows, for example to gain access to parking facilities or associated land use, is allowed. Class III: A shared right -of -way designated as such by signs placed on vertical posts or stencilled on the pavement. Any bikeway which shares its through - traffic right -of -way with either or both moving (not parking) motor vehicles and pedes- trians is considered a Class III bikeway. Class I bikeways typically may be found in parks, recreation areas, rural areas, and new developments where the routes are so laid out as to be completely separate from both roadways and pedestrian paths. In existing built -up urban areas provision of Class I bikeways might be infeasible when considered in light of the available right -of -way, the associated land use, and cost. In such cases it is appropriate to consider feasibility in terms of a set of Class II bikeway alternatives. Class III bikeways, as often found in this country, achieve only symbolic separation of the travel modes; as such they may be feasible only under the most ideal situations. Several characteristics of the bikeway must be specified if it is to be rationally -� designed. These include the design speed of the facility, the space required by the 1 bicycle and cyclist, minimum widths and clearances, grade, radius of curvature, I bikeway surface, and drainage. In the following portions of this section each of these characteristics shall be discussed and, where appropriate, design recom- mendations shall be given. BIKEWAY DESIGN SPEED The speed that a cyclist travels is dependent upon several factors which include the type of bicycle and gearing, grade, surface, the direction and magnitude of the wind, air resistance, and the physical condition of the bicyclist. Although bike riders have been clocked at speeds in excess of 30 mph, most persons ride at less than half this rate. For bikeway design purposes a speed of 10 mph is a conservative value to use in setting criteria for minimum widths and radii of curvature on level bikeways. BIKEWAY WIDTH AND CLEARANCES The width required for a bikeway is one of the primary considerations in bikeway design. Since the cost and feasibility of providing the bikeway varies with its width, I it is necessary to determine minimum specifications subject to the space rgquired for the cyclist, allowance for lateral movement between cyclists, allowance for lateral clearance to obstructions, and allowance for clearance to other hazards. B -11 12 Virtually all countries in which bikeways are provided specify suggested minimum specifications. Most of these are identical to or slightly vary from specifications used in German bikeway design. Owing to the wide acceptance of the German standards it is suggested that at the present they be used to set minimums for the widths of Class I and Class II bikeways in the United States. However, it is recommended that more liberal standards based upon a "comfortable" maneuvering allowance, be employed wherever the available space and costs allow. GERMAN SPECIFICATIONS The width requirements and horizontal and vertical clearances for a single -lane bikeway are shown schematically in Fig. 1. Minimum width consists of a 1.96 foot lateral cyclist space and a 0.66 foot maneuvering allowance on each side of the cyclist. Minimum recommended horizontal clearance to obstructions is 0.25 meters (0.82 feet). Curbing on a bikeway in- excess of two inches in height is considered a vertical obstruction. A vertical clearance allowance to overhead obstruction of 0.8 feet is recom- mended. In terms of the static vertical space requirement (7.4 feet), overhead obstructions should be no less than 8.2 feet from the surface of the bikeway. Minimum width recommendations for multiple lane bikeways, are shown in Fig. 2. These minimums for multiple lane bikeways are based on provision of a maneuvering allowance only between pairs of cyclists; no maneuvering allowance is provided between the cyclist and the edge of the bikeway as in the one -lane case. VERTICAL CLEARANCE TO STATIC OVERHEAD OBSTRUCTIONS ------ - - - - -- o.a• I 1 1 1 I I I I I I I 1 I I 1 I I I I ' 1 1 I I Br 1 I I I I TV ' I MANEUVERING ALLOWANCE I I I �--HANOLEBAR SEPARATION+ -t I I 1 I 0.66' t 82' �— \I 3 z \ it METER) BIKEWAY LATERAL CLEARANCE TO STATIC OBSTRUCTIONS Figure 1. Single Lane Bikeway: Minimum Effective Width, Horizontal and Vertical Clearance to Static Ob- structions. (Based on German Specification) INTERIOR MANEUVERING ALLOWANCE 11.32 FEET -0.60 +0.661 I 1 I 1 I 1 I 1 I 1 1 1 I I I 1 I 1 1 1 1 F S.2s' n.anrl I I I 1 1 I 1 I I I I I 1 I I I I I i I I 1 1 I I I I I I I I 1 1 I I 1 I 1 1 I I I �asr 12.6.w) � Figure 2. Minimum Effective Width for Two and Three Lane Bikeways Based on German Specifications (Clearances not Shown) SOURCE: RrAewvq 14unnirr,g Crirrria h Guidelines. Cnin•rsin- of Califurnitt. 1971. B -12 13 l In terms of the minimum desirable number of lanes, a single lane on a Class I i bikeway is not particularly effective since it doesn't allow passing without leaving the bikeway. As a recommended minimum on Class I bikeways, two lanes should 1 thus be provided to allow a passing lane capability. On Class II bikeways the minimum number of lanes that should be provided depends upon where on the street the bikeway is incorporated. In Class II bikeways additional clearance should be allowed for "dynamic" ob- structions. The most obvious example of this is when the bikeway is located adjacent to a parking lane. Since opening doors constitute a dynamic hazard to cyclists, an additional clearance for the car door should be allowed if adequate clearance is not provided in the parking lane and high parking density and turnover exist. Similarly the proximity of the bikeway to traffic lanes (and the speed, volume and mix of passing traffic) may require additional clearance if barriers are not provided and if the traffic lane is not wide enough to provide the necessary spatial separation. GRADE Cyclist characteristics (age, weight, conditioning, oxygen uptake, etc.), bicycle characteristics (gear ratios, type of cycle, tires, weight, etc.), wind velocity, air resistance, and road surface are major determinants of maximum acceptable bikeway grades and the length such grades should be in effect. Source (1) recommends a 4 -5% grade for one -speed cycles with a 9 -10% maximum on "short" runs. VOLUME CRITERIA FOR SEPARATED BIKEWAYS Internationally, separated bikeways (Class I, II) have generally been recom- mended where: 1. Significant regular bicycle traffic exists, and /or 2. Significant future bicycle traffic is forecast, and /or 3. Significant motor vehicle traffic is present on the roadway- TABLE 1 Minimum Effective Width for Class 1 and Class II Bikeways as a Function of Number of Bikeway Lanes Mr I.' UNT EFFECTIVE WIDTH (FT) Number Modified German Specifications of Based upon a Comfortable Lanes Maneuvering Allowance at a (One Way) German Specifications 10 mph Design Speed 1 3. 3 (lm) 3.3 2 5. 3 (1. 6m) 6.4 3 8. 5 (2.6m) 10.9 4 11.8 (3. 6m) 15.3 B -13