SR 05:301 (2) - Laserfiche WebLink

Figure 4-1 will ultimately form the meadow landscapes. The woods and meadows will take a somewhat linear shape, tending in generally a north-south direction, following the natural historical watershed patterns. This transformation of the Phase II Bernal Property open space into a mature outdoor arboretum will take many years. Therefore, the planting of many trees as early as practical is emphasized. The woodland landscapes will be composed of valley woodland, valley forest, and valley foothill riparian habitats. The meadow landscapes will be cultivated as valley grasslands and oak savannah. Since most of these habitats do not presently exist at the site, the means of creating habitats will be a process of cultivation, as opposed to restoration or preservation. The recreation of a predominately woodland setting composed of habitats that are found on similar sites in the region is the primary objective. Associated with the establishment of plant communities is to be a subtle topographic design that creates positive drainage swales and mounds. The swale system will facilitate drainage and improve the quality of surface water runoff. The mounding will additionally allow sub-surface water to flow towards the swales. In effect, this constructed topography will define the limits of the evolving natural setting since volunteer plant species seek optimum growing conditions; some plants seek wetter conditions and some seek dryer soils. Thus the cultivation of various woodlands and forests in the open space will take place in harmony with the landform and swale system. Each of the five plant communities will be planted in micro-climates that have unique solar orientation and water requirements similar to their natural settings. Each community will be assigned to zones that are suitable for cultivation, having a particular exposure to the sun, and surface and sub-surface hydrology. This wood and meadow composition will be complemented by the existing and planned future riparian and wetland habitats, each composed of unique plant and animal species. These wetland habitats will also serve to reduce flooding and to improve water quality through natural filtration of storm water run-off. The open space will create the general character and specific sites for parks, gardens, trail corridors and other community facilities. This framework will identify settings, within which the Grand Park objectives, policies and guidelines can be implemented, resulting in the ultimate landscape framework. This landscape framework will accommodate settings for a wide variety of gardens, play areas, rest areas and gathering places. Public facilities are generally to be located within the meadow landscapes. Buildings are to be carefully integrated at edges between woods and meadows, providing an arboreal context within which the architecture should emerge. Public access will be provided throughout the woodland settings, although restricted to dedicated trails within the most natural and sensitive habitat conditions. In order for the sense of open space to be preserved and enhanced, constructed landscapes will need to be carefully designed. Large parking areas are to be avoided and all parking is to be Administrative Draft, Bernal Property Phase II Specific Plan, October 25, 2005 Page 26