ALL-PERSONSTRAIL TOWARD TOWERHILL PARKINGLOT

The parkway is shifted back from the lake by 5’ and regraded away from the waterfront. The existing vegetated buffer along the water’s edge is extended, stablizing soils and providing habitat for aquatic animals.

A wide path branches off the main pedestrian path, winding around large, colorful pollinator garden beds towards the edge of the amphitheater.

The water feature is now surrounded by 4-6’ tall fences to deter visitors from climbing down into the spillway.

A bridge now connects both sides of the amphitheater and a deck juts out over an existing paved slab, creating spots to pause for photos or cast a line into the lake.

The existing, small parking area is expanded to accommodate 8 vehicles, and provide access to the waterfront for emergency vehicles.

A new pebble beach with picnic tables creates a comfortable, shady rest area away from the spillway. Flat, wide boulders and vegetation discourage pedestrians from entering the water without impeding emergency boat access.

The pedestrian path continues east, separated from the road by a wide vegetated strip with new, shade tolerant trees in the understory of the existing forest.

Strengths

• Bridge and deck features support the activities people already enjoy at this feature, with new safety measures

• Sun-blasted benches replaced with a shady, comfortable gathering away from the water feature

Potential Drawbacks

• Parking capacity is limited

• Adding structural features around the dam may be high cost in terms of time, permitting, materials

• Discouraging swimming must be balanced with need for boat access for fire department at the beach