El Portal: Rethinking the Gateway of Yosemite

EL PORTAL Rethinking the Gateway of Yosemite

Lindsay Kageyama Senior Studio Project Professors David Watts & César Torres-Bustamante

EL PORTAL

Rethinking the Gateway of Yosemite

California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo Landscape Architecture Department June 2018

“

Traffic jams are choking one of our most cherished natural wonders.

Maybe it’s time for a federal court judge to decide whether Yosemite is violating its own management plan.

—John Buckley, executive director of Central Sierra Nevada Environmental Resource Center

”

Table of Contents

Program

Introduction Mission Infographic Theory Goals & Objectives Matrix Diagrams User Profiles

06

Context Location Map Site Images Historic Tourism & Congestion Demographics Diagramming Site Inventory Maps Climate

24

Site Inventory & Analysis

Case Studies

Zion National Park Grand Canyon National Park Zumsteins Picnic Ground Mackenzie Falls Gorge Trail

Conceptual Planning & Design Design Elements Site Analysis Diagrams Conceptual Design 1 Conceptual Design 2 Conceptual Design 3

48 56

Schematic Planning & Design Schematic Design 1 Schematic Design 2 Schematic Design 3 Schematic Evaluation Schematic Design Solution

68

Design Solution

Site Programming User Group Programming Occupancy & Seasonality Master Plan El Portal Shuttle System Transit Center Campground Visitor Center Trail Classifications

80 5

Photo: Dick and Jackie Driver

Program

Introduction Mission Infographic Theory Goals & Objectives Matrix Diagrams User Profiles

7

Introduction Yosemite National Park, the third most-visited national park in the country, has long been a popular destination, but it has a problem.

In recent decades, visitation to the park has skyrocketed and exceeded 5 million visitors annually, exacerbating the issues of congestion, overcrowding, and degradation of natural and historic resources. Often this negatively impacts user experience in the park and leaves many visitors disillusioned by the stunning images they see prior to visiting the park.

I was inspired to take on a project relating to decongestion of Yosemite since I frequently visit national parks and have witnessed the hourslong battles for parking in Yosemite. I wanted to use my senior project as an opportunity to better the experiences in such a beautiful place while also relieving pressures on the natural environment. Comparing the congestion in Yosemite to the streamlined shuttle system in Zion National Park further peaked my interest in using public transportation in the park and surrounding gateway communities.

Incorporating mass public transportation in Yosemite is not a new idea—the park management has been trying to solve the issue of traffic in Yosemite since the 1950s when visitation and tourism first began to rise. There have been proposals to eliminate motor vehicles from Yosemite Valley entirely and proposals to incorporate a park-and-ride transit system. None of these ideas have come

to fruition though at backlash from the public, and the park has only put forth minimal efforts to relieve congestion. This project takes the idea of a shuttle system one step further by providing design solutions to visualize how a mass shuttle system would take effect.

After reading the 1980 Yosemite General Management Plan, I was inspired to focus on development in the small community of El Portal, the site for this project. Although never fully implemented, it spelled out a plan to construct a staging area for private vehicles in El Portal and a day-use shuttle system to transport people to Yosemite Valley. Some 38 years after the management plan was released, the ideas and concerns within the plan are still valid, if not more than ever.

El Portal is a small community adjacent to the western boundary of Yosemite National Park. It is the closest gateway community to Yosemite Valley, which sees 90% of the visitors to the park and is the heart of Yosemite’s traffic problem. Currently, El Portal is the location of the park headquarters, employee housing, several nonprofit organizations, and visitor accommodations, but has much room for development as a gateway community and as a destination. Through this project proposal, El Portal would become a “transit hub” for the park and would alleviate the issues of parking, lodging, and congestion in highly visited Yosemite National Park.

Mission Using models set forth by other popular national parks, this project seeks to enhance El Portal as a gateway community for Yosemite National Park. Implementing a shuttle system to Yosemite Valley and increased lodging and recreational opportunities outside of the park will alleviate pressures on the park while ensuring that the park be preserved for enjoyment by future generations.

Program

9

We’re Loving Yosemite to Death

With increased visitation in recent years, Yosemite’s natural and cultural landscapes have become increasingly vulnerable to human impact and led the park to outgrow its infrastructure. Traffic jams causing increased carbon emissions, the creation of illegal trails, and human disturbance of the river bank and archaeological sites show how human presence can degrade the integrity of the very environment visitors come to experience.

TOURISM

SAFETY

The area of Yosemite Valley makes up only

0.5% of the entire national park, yet it sees

90%

of the visitors.

$490

Median group expenditure in the park and surrounding Yosemite area

Safety in Yosemite has decreased as visitation has increased. In the last 5 years alone, there has been a...

244 179 PERCENT

Increase in bears hit by motor vehicles

TRAFFIC Yosemite management warns visitors to expect 2-3 hours of delays in Yosemite Valley and 1 hour or more at entrance stations.

84.2%

15.8%

of visitors arrive by car

of visitors arrive by bus

PERCENT

Increase in search and rescue operations

126 119 PERCENT

Increase in motor vehicle accidents

PERCENT

Increase in medical assists

VISITORS Visitors to Yosemite come from diverse backgrounds, but most visit the park from the same reason.

93 PERCENT

Visitors come to Yosemite to “view scenery”

83

25%

INTERNATIONAL

HOURS

Average length of visits to the Yosemite area

UK

49%

CALIFORNIA RESIDENT

29%

OTHER U.S. RESIDENT

The largest amount of international visitors are from the United Kingdom (14%)

Program

11

Theory Transportation as Recreation

One of the main theories behind this project is seeing transportation as recreation and how transportation influences the quality of recreation. In American National Parks, the main recreation activities that take place are transportation—hiking, bicycling, walking, running—and the only way to get to these recreation activities is again by transportation— driving, bicycling, riding a bus, etc. At this point, Yosemite’s current transportation system is failing, and not allowing people to recreate the way that the park is intended. Looking at other transportation options to solve this problem—and potentially become their own form of recreation is paramount in this project.

Understanding that transportation is indeed recreation for visitors in parks and that transportation systems influence recreation use enables park managers to employ transportation planning and operations as recreation management tools.

Systems Thinking

Natural systems, ecological systems, transportation systems, infrastructure systems As a large-scale master planning project, systems thinking is applied to find the bestsuited uses for each area and design element.

Systems taken into account with this project are the natural systems in the Sierra Nevada’s western slope, transportation systems, and the infrastructure systems that serve the community of El Portal and Yosemite National Park.

Integrating Planning and Design

Two major aspects of this project are environmental planning and landscape architecture. This is based on the theory that the two should be integrated. This is idea is applied in the project by using environmental issues such as erosion hazards and flood potential to inform and facilitate the decision making about the design. This approach is becoming more common way to set the framework of a project, rather than seeing the architecture as the building blocks of the project. Further writing on this topic has been published by Chris Reed of STOSS Landscape Urbanism.

Partnering Gateway Community and Park

This project is modeled after that theory of partnership between our national parks and their gateway communities. Fostering a partnership between the two is a great way to keep both entities on the same page, avoid conflict, and creating benefits for both parties. A good example of such a partnership is Zion National Park and Springdale in Utah. The park and the town previously had a conflicting relationship, but after the development of a shuttle system, they are now in good standing with each other.

Since El Portal is already owned by the National Park Service, there should not be as much conflict as there was between Zion National Park and Springdale.

8,200 Cars enter Yosemite Valley

during the peak summer season and on holidays, yet there are only

6,500 Parking Spaces in Yosemite Valley.

Program

13

Goals & Objectives

Decrease the number of motor vehicles contributing Enhance visitor resources to make El Portal a to congestion in Yosemite National Park. sustainable gateway community for Yosemite National Park.

• Design a shuttle bus transit center that can transport 2000 visitors daily to Yosemite Valley free of personal motor vehicles.

• Design a prototype for the bus shelters that is appropriate for year-round use, to create consistency for the YARTS service.

• Design a 1,000-car parking lot to provide remote staging for visitors arriving to El Portal by car.

• Design a transit center with a 2500 square foot sheltered waiting area to provide a year-round waiting area for visitors.

• Provide bathrooms at every bus stop to minimize human impact on the environment.

• Provide a bus-only turn-around for up to 3 buses at once for visitor staging to avoid congestion on the streets of El Portal.

• Site a visitor center plaza that is 1000 square foot to educate visitors prior to entering the park.

• Promote the natural environment by designing half of all exhibits, amenities, and gathering spaces to be outdoors.

• Connect visitors of diverse backgrounds to the place they have come to visit by providing interactive kiosks in English and Spanish, with other language options available on digital signage.

• Design 15’ wide pedestrian spines extending from the shuttle staging area to the visitor center and parking to guide people to the area.

• Develop the Commercial Services area specified in the 1979 Yosemite General Management Plan as a suitable “main street” experience in El Portal with 10’ pedestrian walkways.

Provide recreation opportunities in El Portal to Provide varying accommodations to cater to park disperse environmental impact outside of park visitors of different backgrounds and interests. boundaries.

• Create an ADA interpretive path, with slopes not exceeding 5% where there are no handrails, along the route of the historic Yosemite Valley Railroad to provide recreational access for all.

• Create river overlooks with seating every 200 feet along the Merced River path to promote mindfulness while walking in the area.

• Provide recreation for children by providing a 200 square foot nature play area at the main shuttle stop.

• Provide interpretive signage every 50 feet along the interpretive path to address historic, natural, and cultural features in the area.

• Provide opportunities for bicycling along the Yosemite Valley Railroad path by designing it as a Class 2 bike path.

• Provide a designated river input area capable of accommodating 6 rafts at once to create improved water access on the Merced River.

• Site an area for a low-impact campground with 150 campsites oriented toward scenic views to increase the amount of low-budget accommodations near Yosemite Valley.

• Site an area for a luxury campground (yurts, cabins, tent cabins) with 50 sites to increase upscale yearround accommodations for park goers.

• Design a 200 square foot outdoor lounge area at the luxury campground for visitors to gather after day trips into Yosemite National Park.

• Provide shuttle access within a 0.25 mile radius of all existing and proposed accommodations to minimize the use of personal vehicles.

• Plant native trees at each campsite to alleviate intense solar radiation during the summer months.

• Site an area for 20 housing units near the existing residential zones in El Portal to provide increased employee housing.

Program

15

Goals & Objectives

Use the fundamentals of ecological design to restore and maintain the natural ecosystem, so it can operate unimpaired for future generations.

• Design pedestrian pathways within the Merced River floodplain to be elevated a minimum of 6 inches to be resilient to flood events.

• Install lighting along pedestrian pathways so all lights are aimed toward the ground plane to minimize light pollution.

• Provide vegetative restoration in areas being developed within 500 feet of a wildfire burn area to prevent future erosion.

• Avoid new development of any area within the boundary of the Merced River floodplain that would pose a potential safety threat to users.

• Limit development to a minimum of 50 feet from the Merced River to maintain the river’s natural, undisturbed flow.

Establish a design aesthetic that is specific to the climate and culture of El Portal.

• Design all design elements and buildings to be consistent with the NPS rustic style and stick style architecture to harmonize with the existing buildings and the surrounding landscape.

• Design all shade structures with local stone and wood materials to preserve the identity of El Portal.

• Use a native planting palette in all planting areas that is consistent with plants found in the foothill woodland - chaparral habitat of the Sierra Nevada’s western slope.

• Orient all buildings and campsites on a northsouth axis to maximize winter solar light gain and decrease electricity use.

• Develop a prototype for wayfinding signage using wood and stone to be installed throughout El Portal to decrease reliance on GPS wayfinding.

Tourism by Entrance

Yosemite National Park

181,377 VISITORS

Hetch Hetchy

San Francisco

Tioga Road

23,974

Big Oak Flat

412,740

VISITORS

Eastern Sierra & Nevada

VISITORS

4,501,752 (90%)

OF THOSE VISITORS WENT TO YOSEMITE VALLEY

Arch Rock

562,150 VISITORS

Central Valley

South

488,373 VISITORS

Los Angeles

Program

17

Matrix Diagram Site Inventory : Design Elements Overview

Through this exercise, I analyzed the site inventory elements in relation to the proposed design elements.

Each relationship was ranked in terms of little to no relation or a very high relation. For example, the existing topography in the Merced River canyon will greatly influence the ADA trail along it and the suitable areas to build a campground.

Analysis

This exercise was helpful in understanding how the proposed design solution is related to the existing site inventory. It also was helpful in seeing how the site inventory can influence and inform my design.

Direct Relation

No Relation

History Cultural Resources Demographics Visitorship Circulation YARTS Stops Lodgings Recreation Topography Wildfires Soils Sun / Shade Hydrology Climate Vegetation Wildlife

Program 19

Public park

Detached homes

Apartments

Yurts

Tent cabins

Public showers

Campsites

Yosemite Valley RR exhibit

Shopping / markets

Picnicking area

Outdoor exhibits

Visitor center

Fishing / Rafting facilities

Merced River access

Raised pathway

Pedestrian connection

ADA pathway

Merced River trail

Signage

All-season shelters

Restrooms

Parking areas

Transit center

Regional YARTS stops

Shuttle stops

Matrix Diagram Design Elements : Design Elements Overview

This matrix shows the relationships between each of the proposed design elements. The listed elements are generally ordered by design area: transit center, visitor center and main street, Merced River Trail, campground, luxury campground, and employee housing.

Analysis

From this exercise, I was able to see the relationship between each area of the project. It was helpful to see the over-arching importance of transportation in this project, whether it be for shuttles, pedestrians, hikers, or bicyclists. This reaffirmed my initial reason for taking on this project.

Direct Relation

No Relation

Public park

Apartments

Yurts

Tent cabins

Public showers

Campsites

Yosemite Valley RR exhibit

Shopping / markets

Picnicking area

Outdoor exhibits

Visitor center

Fishing / Rafting facilities

Merced River access

Raised pathway

Pedestrian connection

ADA pathway

Merced River trail

Signage

All-season shelters

Restrooms

Parking areas

Transit center

Regional YARTS stops

Shuttle stops

Detached homes

Shuttle stops Regional YARTS stops Transit center Parking areas Restrooms All-season shelters Signage Merced River trail ADA pathway Pedestrian connection Raised pathway Merced River access Fishing / Rafting facilities Visitor center Outdoor exhibits Picnicking area Shopping / markets Yosemite Valley RR exhibit Campsites Public showers Tent cabins Yurts Apartments Detached homes Public park Program

21

User Profiles

Analyzing intended user groups for design criteria YU YAN HUANG

MELANIE HULBERT

ELDERLY, INTERNATIONAL TOURIST

LOCAL, OUTDOOR ENTHUSIAST

AGE 76 GENDER Female OCCUPATION Retired EDUCATION High School RELIGION None ETHNICITY Chinese INCOME Retired

SOCIAL CLASS / Working class PERSONALITY / Patient, shy, persistent, practical, humorous BELIEFS / Has wanted to see Half Dome for 40 years, has a problem with taking too many pictures while traveling LIFESTYLE / Lives a very practical lifestyle, but visiting the US is been a dream of hers INTERESTS / Shopping, reading, walking, cooking, watching television USAGE GOAL / Yu Yan has been saving up for a trip of America for a long time, so she wants to live it up while in Yosemite. She will be taking a tour to the Valley and hopes that El Portal have accommodations for her and information that she can understand.

EMOTIONAL GOALS / Hopes to be delighted and inspired by Yosemite area since she has never been to the wilderness before; hopes to experience the landscape as part of a large commercial group (this is helpful for her because she does not know how to drive)

“It has been my dream to visit Yosemite for a long time. I want to spend as much time in Yosemite Valley as possible while not having to think about my transportation and lodging.”

AGE 33 GENDER Female OCCUPATION NPS Ranger EDUCATION College Degree ETHNICITY Caucasian INCOME $55,000

SOCIAL CLASS / Middle class PERSONALITY / Methodical, calm, determined, ambitious, frugal, spiritual BELIEFS / Is a steward of the outdoors, which is why she works for the NPS and calls El Portal home, doesn’t understand people who don’t see eye to eye with her LIFESTYLE / Enjoys the outdoors, loves educating others on the natural environment INTERESTS / Running, drawing, backpacking, hiking, yoga USAGE GOAL / As a local of El Portal, Alexandra hopes that the community remains intact as it exists today­—not overly bougie and developed. Alexandra despises the crowds of people who visit Yosemite Valley and dislikes how they can misbehave in the park.

EMOTIONAL GOALS / Hopes that enhancing El Portal as a gateway community will create a better experience for those visiting Yosemite Valley; looks forward to more frequent transportation to and from her work in Yosemite Valley.

“I hope to see El Portal preserved as a small, tight-knit community, while seeing the original 1980 ideas for the town finally put into action.”

AGE 27 GENDER Male OCCUPATION Unemployed, but works mobile odd jobs EDUCATION College Degree ETHNICITY Caucasian INCOME $40,000

BEN CANNON

THE MCCONNELLS

CLIMBER, MILLENNIAL

FAMILY, VACATIONERS

SOCIAL CLASS / Lower middle class PERSONALITY / Extroverted, whimsical, adventurous, uncompromising BELIEFS / Values the outdoors, cares highly of what other people think of him LIFESTYLE / Wade has lived a minimal lifestyle after quitting his desk job and beginning traveling full time instead INTERESTS / Climbing, social media, photography/videography, music, alcohol USAGE GOAL / Wade has embraced the trend of #vanlife and has been traveling the world to see what it has to offer. One of the reasons he enjoys traveling is for the numerous Instagram likes he receives.

EMOTIONAL GOALS / Hopes that El Portal is maintained as a romanticized wilderness place; Wade is a tourist himself but sees himself as much more respectful than a lot of the other visitors in Yosemite.

“There’s no place quite like Yosemite, but the traffic is so bad that I avoid the Valley when possible.”

AGE Father (F)44; Mother (M) 42; Children 9, 6, & 4 GENDER 3 Male, 2 Female OCCUPATION Architect (F), Doctor (M) EDUCATION Master’s Degree (F), PhD (M) ETHNICITY Hispanic + Caucasian INCOME $220,000

SOCIAL CLASS / Upper class PERSONALITY / Love to vacation together, very intellectual, supportive of each other BELIEFS / Heavy believers in education and getting to know the history of a place LIFESTYLE / Although well to do, the Andres are conscientious spenders INTERESTS / Traveling, sports, television, dancing, camping USAGE GOAL / The Andres would love to see an expanded gateway community near Yosemite. They take annual vacations to Yosemite and are tired of the crowds and battling for parking and lodgings. A shuttle system to the Valley would greatly ease their stress and allow the parents to better share the experience with their children.

EMOTIONAL GOALS / Hope to spend quality time with their family, whether it is in Yosemite Valley or a lesser known area; hope to raise their children with an appreciation for the outdoors through means such as camping and easy hikes that they can enjoy

“Our family took a trip to Zion and it was so stress-free. The kids thought it was fun to ride in a bus and we enjoyed not having to multi-task watching the kids while driving.”

Program

23

Site Inventory & Analysis Context Location Map Site Images Historic Tourism & Congestion Demographics Diagramming Transportation & Visitorship Site Inventory Maps Climate

25

Context

Stockton

Sonora

Modesto

Hi

gh

wa

y5

y9

wa

gh Hi 9

Merced

Hetch Hetchy

Yosemite National Park

Tuolumne Meadows

Hi wa gh

Highway 120

y3 95

Yosemite Valley

El Portal

41 way High

Hi

gh w

ay

14

0

Wawona

0

35,000

70,000’

Scale: 1” = 70,000’-0”

Site Inventory & Analysis

27

Location Map

El Portal

2100’

3.5

11.5

Miles from Yosemite’s Arch Rock Entrance

Miles from Yosemite Valley

Hi wa

gh 20

y1

Yosemite National Park Boundary

Elevation

41 way

El Portal

High

Arch Rock Entrance Station

Hig

hw ay

14

0

Foresta

Yosemite Valley

Glacier Point Road

0’

4,000’

8,000’

Scale: 1” = 8,000’-0”

Site Inventory & Analysis

29

Site Images

Photo: Tsinoul

Photo: YosemiteHikes.com

Photo: Diin Sumathi

Photo: Tanya Carroll

Site Inventory & Analysis

31

Historic Tourism & Congestion Tourism & Mining

Railroad Transportation

In 1850, Hite’s Cove Mine area was discovered in El Portal and the mining and logging industries took off.

Yosemite then became a national park, including El Portal area in 1890. In 1907, the first tourist accommodations opened at the El Portal Inn, marking the beginning of tourism to Yosemite area.

In 1902, the Yosemite Valley Railroad opened to provide quick transport from the San Joaquin Valley to Yosemite Valley. Railroad transportation quickly became the easiest and most popular way to travel to Yosemite.

All-Year Highway 140

Vehicle Congestion

Beginning in 1913, automobiles were permitted to enter Yosemite National Park via the southern and northern entrances. In 1926, All-Year-Highway 140 opened, providing the most direct automobile access to Yosemite and running through El Portal. In 1945, the Yosemite Valley Railroad was abandoned after decades of decline following the opening of Highway 140.

Annual visitorship to Yosemite has steadily increased since the opening of Highway 140, and the congestion in Yosemite has been marked as a problem since the 1950s. In 2016, Yosemite annual visitorship surpassed 5 million, exacerbating problems of congestion, degradation of the natural environment, and decreased user experience in the park.

Site Inventory & Analysis

33

Demographics Top Industries

19%

Accommodation and Food Services

19%

Other services, except Public Administration

17% 14% 11%

Public Administration Arts, Entertainment, and Recreation Information

Race Distribution in El Portal

Hispanic - 5.9% Two or more races - 3.8% American Indian alone - 1.5% Asian alone - 1.1% Black alone - 0.2% White alone 87.6%

2010 Census Data gathered from city-data.com

35.3

$52,321

474

0.0%

1.3:1.0

60:40

4.9%

$292,590

17.4%

$1,142

Median age

Population

Male:Female gender wage disparity

Unemployment rate

Percent of households with children under 18

Median household income

Poverty rate

Male:Female population ratio

Median property value

Median gross rent

2010 Census Data gathered from American FactFinder

Site Inventory & Analysis

35

Diagramming

Visitor recommendations vs. Yosemite budget

Add ranger-led programs Improve the park website Provide more education about animals Improve reservation system for park lodging Add podcasts/i-Pod tours Create suggested itineraries Build more tent cabins Educate about environmental impacts Provide more information about shuttle system Expand youth programs Install maps at viewpoints Limit number of cars in the park Limit number of visitors each day

Interpretive Services

Expand the shuttle system Improve restrooms Educate people on wilderness camping Limit commercial development

Facilities & Maintenance Policies & Management Concessions

Advertise the park more Improve campground reservation system Provide more parking Add campgrounds/campsites Provide more signs (distance/direction) on trails Add showers in campgrounds Have all vehicles shuttle in only Improve the roads Add picnic areas Improve food and food services Need more parking outside of park Improve access for people with disabilities Provide better spacing of campsites Provide information in other languages Need more lodging inside the park Need more affordable lodging options Create a bike lane separate from walking paths Add restaurants/grocery stores Teach younger generation to protect the park

ger-led programs

ve the park website

vide more education about animals

mprove reservation system for park lodging Add podcasts/i-Pod tours Create suggested itineraries Build more tent cabins Educate about environmental impacts Provide more information about shuttle system Expand youth programs Install maps at viewpoints Limit number of cars in the park Limit number of visitors each day Expand the shuttle system Improve restrooms Educate people on wilderness camping Limit commercial development Advertise the park more Improve campground reservation system Provide more parking Add campgrounds/campsites

$27 MILLION $27 MILL

2017 Yosemite 2017 Yosem Operating Budget Operating Bu

Provide more signs (distance/direction) on trails Add showers in campgrounds Have all vehicles shuttle in only Improve the roads Add picnic areas Improve food and food services Need more parking outside of park Improve access for people with disabilities Provide better spacing of campsites Provide information in other languages Need more lodging inside the park Need more affordable lodging options

reate a bike lane separate from walking paths restaurants/grocery stores

younger generation to protect the park

Site Inventory & Analysis

37

Transportation & Visitorship Visitor Entry by Park Entrance and Mode of Transportation

Yosemite Annual Visitor Entry 6 million people

5

4

3

2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 Year

Site Inventory & Analysis

39

1980 Development Concept

Shown is the development concept for El Portal that was published in the 1980 Yosemite General Management Plan. While the plan contained many great ideas for El Portal, including relocating the park headquarters to El Portal, not all of the concepts were implemented. The experimental day parking for Yosemite Valley was never instituted and some three decades later, this still remains a good idea.

Flood Potential & Flowlines

None None

Flooding potential is determined based on soil type and slope. Areas along the Merced River are more susceptible to flooding and areas higher along the canyon walls.

Very Rare

Occasional Merced River

None Rare

None

None

Very Rare

None = Nearly 0% chance annually Very Rare = <1% chance annually Rare = 1-5% chance annually Occasional = 5-50% annually

Topography

El Portal lies in a steep and narrow canyon carved by the Merced River. The challenging topography surrounding the town has largely confined any development to along the banks of the river.

Mission 66 Residential District

Old El Portal Residential District

Yosemite View Lodge Merced River

Old El Portal Trailer Court

NPS Administration & Wastewater Treatment

Historic Murchison House

Slope

El Portal lies in a steep and narrow canyon carved by the Merced River. The challenging topography surrounding the town has largely confined any development to along the banks of the river.

Development should be limited to slopes of less than 30%, which is primarily the areas shown in green.

Mission 66 Residential District

NPS Administration & Wastewater Treatment

Trailer Court

Old El Portal Residential District

Yosemite View Lodge Merced River

Old El Portal

Historic Murchison House 0’

750’ 1500’

3000’

Scale: 1” = 3000’-0”

Site Inventory & Analysis

41

El Portal lies along a steep canyon created by the Merced River and is surrounded by national forest landâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;the Stanislaus National Forest to the north and the Sierra National Forest to the south. Much of the land in El Portal is under the administration of the federal government, as it has been the location of the Yosemite National Park headquarters since 1960.

Stanislaus National Forest

El Portal Administrative Site (National Park Service ownership)

Sierra National Forest

Vegetation Zones

El Portal lies in Yosemiteâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s foothill-woodland zone, which is the lowest elevations found in Yosemite, at approximately 1,000 to 3,500 feet. This area is hot and dry in the summer with very little or no snow in the winter. Plants within this zone include chamise, ceanothus, manzanita, blue oak, interior live oak, and gray pine. Plants within this zone have adapted to droughts and frequent fires.

Yosemite National Park

Jurisdiction

Fire History

The foothills of the Sierra Nevada are particularly prone to wildfires and much of the area surrounding El Portal has burned at some point in the past 30 years. Wildfires are necessary for the ecology of the area and many of the native plants in the region have adapted to such natural processes. 5 wildfires 2014 have occurred in and near El Portal in the last 18 years, Woodlot two of which burned and/or threatened structures.

2014 El Portal

2003 Woodlot

2009 Big Meadow

1990 Arch Rock 2013 Cable 1988 El Portal

Woodland Land Cover

This map shows existing areas of undisturbed forest land cover. This site inventory element is important in order to minimize the development of existing undisturbed land areas.

0’

375’ 750’

1500’

Scale: 1” = 1500’-0”

Site Inventory & Analysis

43

Soils

174

The soils map is a useful resource for siting building locations and informing the plant palette for planting design. It predicts other hazards such as erosion and flood potential.

174 316yp

322yp

190

324

324yp

322

275yp

316

316

322yp

275

323yp 323 324

278 321

325

323 322

322

278

321yp 322yp

324

322yp

321yp

278yp

324yp

Transit Stops

Yosemite Area Regional Transit System (YARTS) services El Portal along the Highway 140 line which goes from Merced to Yosemite Valley. The YARTS Highway 140 line is the only YARTS route that provides year-round service.

Due to its location as the closest gateway community to Yosemite Valley, El Portal has potential to also provide year-round day use shuttle service to the Yosemite Valley.

Yosemite View Lodge

El Portal Post Office

Barium Mine Road NPS Maintenance

Where Highway 140 YARTS Visitors are From 40% International

39% California

21% Other US State

YARTS Bus Stop 0.25 mile walkability buffer

Not Rated

Erosion Hazard

Erosion and rockfall are issues in El Portal since the due to the steep topography in the area.

The erosion hazard potential is determined by the erodibility of each soil type, the slope of the area, and the content of rock fragments.

Not Rated

Severe

Not Rated

Slight Severe

Not Rated

0’

375’ 750’

1500’

Scale: 1” = 1500’-0”

Site Inventory & Analysis

45

Climate Average Temperatures

Average Temperature (Fahrenheit)

100

80

60

Avg

h

Hig

40 Avg Low

20

Jan

Feb

March

April

May

June

July

Month

Aug

Sept

Oct

Nov

Dec

Average Precipitation 8

Average Precipitation (Inches)

7

6

5

4

3

2

1

0

Jan

Feb

March

April

May

June

July

Aug

Sept

Oct

Nov

Dec

Month

Site Inventory & Analysis

47

Photo: Michael Quinn

Case Studies

Zion National Park Grand Canyon National Park Zumsteins Picnic Ground Mackenzie Falls Gorge Trail

49

Zion National Park

Improved pedestrian entry experience Location

Springdale, Utah

Firm

DHM Design

Client

National Park Service

Year

Present

Overview

DHM worked with the National Park Service to plan improvements for the congested south entrance to Zion National Park. New fee stations, relocated entry monument, improved pedestrian connections and expanded parking and wayfinding were planned and implemented. At the Visitor Center, the plaza is extended out through the parking area to create pedestrian spines to help guide visitors to the main building.

DHM has also been involved with the latest design for the newly constructed Watchman Campground improvements and redesign of the Zion Shuttle Transit Stop, Weeping Rock and Emerald Pools parking areas.

Trees and vegetation will be preserved to help screen the parking area.

Reflection

This project has influenced the user facilities I will incorporate into my plan, by seeing what facilities are successfully used in Zion National Park. This case study is particularly inspirational for my project because it demonstrates the best case scenario for implementing a visitor shuttle system through a popular national park.

Photo: Lana Law

Photo: Ron Niebrugge

Photo: Charles Pannell

Case Studies

51

Grand Canyon National Park Canyon View Information Plaza and Mather Point Location

Grand Canyon National Park, Arizona

Firm

DHM Design

Client

National Park Service

Year 2012

Overview

DHM worked with the National Park Service to help improve the experience for park visitors through an expanded parking area at the Visitor Center, redesign of the Mather Point overlook, and design of a bus shuttle transit center.

The Mather Point area previously had a parking lot adjacent to the canyon edge that impeded the visitor experience with the Grand Canyon. The new design by DHM relocated the parking lot away from the canyon rim, so visitors approach the overlook by foot, bicycle, or bus shuttle. The design of the visitor center promotes 24-hour access to interpretive materials, calls to the cultural history of the area, and restores the natural resources that had been jeopardized by the original design.

Reflection

The new design for Mather Point is inspiring for my project because it shows a successful example of improved pedestrian experience at the park entryway.

The design of the transit hubs that DHM did are also notable for my project.

Photo: Michael Quinn

Photo: DHM Design

Photo: DHM Design

Case Studies

53

Zumsteins Picnic Ground & Mackenzie Falls Gorge Trail A resilient trail in a post-disaster floodplain Location

Zumsteins, Victoria, Australia

Firm

Hansen Partnership

Client

Parks Victoria

Year 2013

Awards • • • • • • •

2017 IFLA Asia-Pac Landscape Architecture Awards 2016 AILA National Award 2015 Premier’s Design Award 2015 World Architecture News Awards 2015 Good Design Awards 2014 AILA Victoria Awards 2014 AILA Victoria Awards

Overview

The damaged Zumsteins site and Mackenzie Falls Trail needed a flood recovery program to re-invigorate the area as a means to restore it to its former glory.

The Zumsteins Picnic Ground new design features a large expanse of grass for picnics and ball games, new gravel path alignments, new picnic settings, new exotic tree avenues and native plantings, a new boardwalk and decking systems and new wayfinding signage.

A new car park alignment increases usable and functional space and takes a sensitive route to ensure the retention of the important culturally valued and historic Monterey Pine.

Both areas are designed with a natural emphasis. The Mackenzie Falls Trail in particular is designed to blend with the landscape in both form and color, in a way that mimics the surrounding landscape.

Reflection

The Mackenzie Falls Trail and Zumsteins Picnic Ground are influential for my project by showing successful examples of how trail design can mimic nature and aesthetically fit a site, given constraints in site analysis. Recreational opportunities such as these have potential to be designed along the Merced River, which is similarly prone to flooding. Additionally, these projects create a pedestrian connection between two areas that were previously severed, which is something that can also be used in El Portal.

All Photos: Andrew Lloyd

Case Studies

55

Conceptual Design Design Elements Site Analysis Diagrams Conceptual Design 1 Conceptual Design 2 Conceptual Design 3

57

Design Elements

Shuttle Bus Transit Center • • • • • • •

Parking areas Shuttle pick up area All-season shelter Restrooms Wayfinding signage Lighting Connection to Merced River Trial

Visitor Center • • • • • • • • • • •

Outdoor exhibits / kiosks Visitor plaza Restrooms Trash facilities Lighting Pedestrian connections Picnicking area Shopping / market Yosemite Valley Railroad exhibit Trash cans Connection to Merced River Trial

Merced River Trail • • • • • • • • • • • •

ADA pathway Elevated path in floodplain River access areas River overlook / rest areas Interpretive signage Wayfinding devices Bike racks Restrooms Trash cans Lighting Rafting launch area Connections to accommodations, visitor center, and transit center

Campground • Campsites • Visitor amenities: fire pits, car parking spaces, tent area, picnic table • Vegetative screening • Trash cans • Shower and dish-washing facilities • Lighting • Connection to Merced River Trial

Luxury Campground • Tent cabins • Yurts • Visitor amenities: fire pit, Adirondack chairs, seating, space heaters • Vegetative screening • Common space with fire rings and seating • Trash cans • Lighting • Connection to Merced River Trial

Employee Housing • • • •

Apartments Detached homes Public park Connection to Merced River Trial

Conceptual Design

59

Site Analysis Diagrams

Identifying Opportunity Areas for Design Elements Ch

ose

Tra

no

nsi

ppo

rtu

t St

ops

Visitor Center For finding potential sites for the visitor center, I used the overlay method to look at the flood potential, proximity to existing transit stops, and the 1980 design concept for the town. After analyzing all of these layers, I selected areas that would be appropriate for a visitor center. The chosen opportunity area is selected because of its central location and it aligns with the 1980 vision for the town.

19

80

Flo

od

Co

Po

nce

ten

pt

tial

nity

are

a

Ch

ose

no

ppo

rtu

nity

are

W La oodla nd Co nd ver

a

Transit Center The overlay method was used with the previous GIS analysis to find suitable sites for the transit center. Requirements for this design element were that it be in a central location that is as free from hazards as possible, particularly erosion.

Land cover is important so the design does not interfere with undisturbed land.

Ero

sio

To

nH

pog

aza

rd

rap

hy

Conceptual Design

61

Conceptual Design 1

Cultural Resource Focus â&#x20AC;&#x201D; Design Informed by History Overview

This design takes direct influence from the existing cultural resources within El Portal. Many of the structures and land areas are on the National Register of Historic Places. This design takes influence from the historic districts and leaves them intact, while creating opportunities for visitor activities.

Reflection

This concept excels at preserving the historic and cultural elements throughout El Portal, while using the existing resources for interpretive and educational visitor uses.

Relationship Diagram Picnic area

Restrooms Parking areas

Showers Campground

Transit center

Luxury campground

Raised path

Fishing & rafting

Outdoor exhibits

Pedestrian connection & Merced River Trail

River access

ADA Path

Shuttle stops

Visitor Center

Regional YARTS stops Employee housing

Shops & market

Public park

0

750

1,500’

Scale: 1” = 1,500’-0”

Conceptual Design

63

Conceptual Design 2

Transportation Focus — Leave the Car at the Entrance Overview

Conceptual Design 2 takes a more aggressive approach at limiting the number of cars within El Portal and thus entering Yosemite National Park. A transit center is proposed on the site of the existing NPS Headquarters and wastewater treatment facilities. The frontage road along Highway 140 is converted into a bus only access road, and all other vehicular traffic is rerouted to the highway. This would enhance the “main street” experience of El Portal and the overall user experience within the town.

Reflection

This design concept would be the ideal for creating a transportation oriented experience for Yosemite, beginning in El Portal. The limiting factor it that all vehicles must be left at the existing NPS Administration and Wastewater Treatment facilities, then people are bussed to the other end of town to their accommodations.

Relationship Diagram Fishing & rafting Restrooms Pedestrian connection

Parking areas

Outdoor exhibits

River access

Transit center Railroad exhibit

Visitor center

Public park

Shops & markets

YARTS & Shuttle stops

Campground

Employee housing

Restrooms

Luxury campground Showers Communal area

0

750

1,500’

Scale: 1” = 1,500’-0”

Conceptual Design

65

Conceptual Design 3

Town Development Focus — Create a Central Main Street Overview

Taking the “main street” experience one step further, the transit center is relocated in this design concept to the town center to create a centralized pedestrian experience. Aligning with the 1980 General Management Plan, the NPS Administration Facilities are also relocated to this area. The frontage road remains accessible only for bus and resident traffic, while all other vehicular traffic is required to stay on Highway 140. A trail network connects the different zones of El Portal creating options for more recreation within the town.

Reflection

This is the strongest design concept as it is the most connected and shows the direct relationships between each of the design elements. The transit center is centrally located with the visitor resources and within reasonable distance of visitor accommodations.

Relationship Diagram Campground All-season shelters

Shuttle stops

Picnic area

Restrooms

Cabins Showers

Regional YARTS stops

Yurts

Pedestrian connection & Merced River Trail

Transit center

Luxury campground Tent cabins

Raised path Shops & market

ADA path

Parking areas Signage

Employee housing

Fishing & rafting

Apts

Visitor Center

Public park River access

Detached homes

Outdoor exhibits

0

750

1,500’

Scale: 1” = 1,500’-0” Railroad exhibit

Conceptual Design

67

Schematic Design Schematic Design 1 Schematic Design 2 Schematic Design 3 Schematic Evaluation Schematic Design Solution

69

Schematic Design 1

Cultural Resource Focus â&#x20AC;&#x201D; Design Informed by History Overview

This design translate Concept 1 into a schematic design, with more detailed and defined areas and specific site locations.

Reflection

This design was strong because the location of the transit center is central to the proposed lodgings. The incorporation of increased recreation opportunities and cultural resources is also an important aspect of this concept. The amount of employee housing is lacking, though.

0

750

1,500’

Scale: 1” = 1,500’-0”

Schematic Design

71

Schematic Design 2

Transportation Focus â&#x20AC;&#x201D; Leave the Car at the Entrance Overview

This design creates a schematic design for Concept 2, which is heavily focused on transportation and begins a car-free experience for Yosemite in El Portal.

Reflection

This design is successful at creating a car-free experience throughout El Portal. Proximity-wise, the transit center may be too far from the rest of the town and the lodgings. Employee housing could also be further expanded for what is currently proposed.

0

750

1,500’

Scale: 1” = 1,500’-0”

Schematic Design

73

Schematic Design 3

Town Development Focus â&#x20AC;&#x201D; Create a Central Main Street Overview

This design creates a schematic design for Concept 3, which was focused on centralized development around the main street of El Portal.

Reflection

This schematic is strong because the transit center is central to the other town services. This area is smaller and probably would not accommodate enough parking, so a secondary parking area was necessary at the west end of the town. I also liked the idea of having the walk-in campsites completely separate from the other campgrounds, to create more of a backpacking experience.

0

750

1,500’

Scale: 1” = 1,500’-0”

Schematic Design

75

Schematic Evaluation Overview

With this matrix, the three schematic designs are analyzed against the initial goals and objectives for the project. The intention for this is to discern which design, or which elements of each design, are the strongest.

Reflection

Schematic 1 is the strongest in incorporating recreation throughout El Portal. Schematic 2 is the most successful in incorporating a new and streamlined transportation system throughout the town and Yosemite. Schematic 3 is the most successful in creating a main street experience in El Portal. All three of these successful elements are combined to create the final master plan.

Schematic 1 2 3

2000 person shuttle bus transit center

Decrease the number of motor vehicles contributing to congestion in Yosemite National Park.

Enhance visitor resources to make El Portal a sustainable gateway community for Yosemite National Park.

Provide recreation opportunities in El Portal to disperse environmental impact outside of park boundaries.

Bus shelter prototype for year-round use 600-car parking lot for provide remote staging 2500 sf sheltered waiting area at transit center Bathrooms at every bus stop Bus-only turn-around for up to 3 buses 1000 sf visitor center plaza Half of all exhibits/amenities are outdoors Interactive kiosks in English and other languages 15’ pedestrian spines from shuttle area 10’ wide walkways along El Portal’s “main street” ADA path along route of the historic railroad River overlooks w/ seating every 200’ along river path 200 sf nature play area at the main transit center Interpretive signage every 50’ along interpretive path Yosemite Valley Railroad path as a Class 2 bike path 6 raft input and water access area

Direct Relation

No Relation

Schematic 1 2 3 150 campsite low-impact campground

Provide varying accommodations to cater to park visitors of different backgrounds and interests.

50 site luxury campground

Use the fundamentals of ecological design to restore and maintain the natural ecosystem, so it can operate unimpaired.

Pathways within the river floodplain elevated 6+ inches

Establish a design aesthetic that is specific to the climate and culture of El Portal.

200 sf outdoor lounge area at the luxury campground Shuttle access within a 0.25 mile radius of accommodations Native trees at each campsite 20 housing units near the existing residential zones

Lighting aimed toward groundplane along pathways Vegetative restoration within 500 feet of a wildfire area Avoid new development within the boundary of floodplain Development a minimum of 50 feet from the Merced River NPS rustic style and stick style architecture All shade structures with local stone and wood materials Native planting palette in all planting areas Orient all buildings and campsites on a north-south axis Prototype for wayfinding signage using wood and stone

Schematic Design

77

Schematic Design Solution Overview

The final design solution is generated based on the evaluation of the three previous schematic designs. This design is then further developed in the following Design Solution section.

A B C D E F G H I J K L M

Shuttle Bus Transfer Area Restrooms (E) Wastewater Treatment 1450Car Parking Area River Input with Parking Merced River Trail Connection Trailhead Detached Homes Apartments Transit Stop Riverbank Restoration Vegetative Buffer Historic Murchison House

N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z

Historic Orchards 150-Site Campground Footbridge Trail Overlook Visitor Center NPS Admin. Headquarters Historic Railroad Exhibit Employee Parking Hike-In Campsite Parking Hike-In Campsites Luxury Campground Picnic Area Nonprofits & Businesses Design Solution

79

Design Solution Site Programming User Group Programming Occupancy & Seasonality Master Plan El Portal Shuttle System Transit Center Campground Visitor Center Trail Classifications

81

Site Programming

Trails & Recreation

Overlook Wilderness Trail

• Merced River Trail (5.0 miles long) • El Portal Overlook Trail (5.4 miles long) • Developed trailheads with parking • Expanded trailhead at the Brown Peak trailhead

Merced River ADA Trail

Brown Peak Wilderness Trail

Public Transportation

Stop 1 & Visitor Parking

Stop 2

Stop 3

Stop 4

Residential District

NPS Maintenance & Wastewater Treatment

Market & Gas Station

Trailer Court

Residential District

Yosemite View Lodge

• Frontage road converted for bus and residential access only; public traffic stays on Hwy 140 • Proposed transit center with 1450-car day-use parking lot • 4 shuttle stops throughout the town; all built elements within walkable distance (0.25 miles) of shuttle stops • Phase I Parking: all day users take transit (965 parking spaces) • Phase II Parking: all park users take transit (500 parking spaces) • 11’ bus only lane added for traffic entering the park

Existing Conditions • Few visitor services than market and gas station • Developed land utilized as trailer court, NPS maintenance, and wastewater treatment plant • Recreation opportunities not evident for visitors

Visitor Services & Information

Historic Mine

Bookstore & Exhibits

Stores & Visitor Center

Historic House Town Entry Information

Detached Homes

Historic Orchard

Creek Overlook

• Visitor Center in town center, adjacent to shuttle stop, businesses, and exhibits • Historic sites developed for visitor experience (picnic area, trail overlooks, orchards) • Interpretive signage along pathways educating about history, culture, and natural processes • Visitor orienteering station at town entry

Employee Housing

Residential District

• Housing infill to existing residential district (2 apartment buildings, 10 homes) • Proposed residential district in suitable area above the town center (40 homes)

Apartments

Lodgings & Accommodations Campground

Luxury Campground

Backpacking Campsites

Yosemite View Lodge

• Proposed luxury campground • Proposed backpacking campsites (1.5 mile hike) • Trailer park is re-purposed as a 150-site campground • Existing Yosemite View Lodge

Design Solution

83

Existing Condition

dg e Lo

Ho

us in

g

Intended user groups are analyzed against the proposed and existing programs in El Portal.

Proposed Condition Built Environment

El Portal Residents

Proposed Existing

Day-Use Visitors

Proposed Existing

Overnight Visitors

Proposed Existing

Lu xu ry Ca mp Te gr ou nt nd Ca mp in g Vi sit or Ce nt er Tr an sit C

User Group Programming

Natural Environment

Design Solution 85

ls

ild lif

eV

g

ag

Si gn

iew

ng

g

in

Fi sh in ck pa ck i

&

Pa th

g

in

ng

fti

Tr ai

W

Ba

Ra

ke

Bi

ick

Pi cn

In ter pr eti

ve

St op s

ng

Pa rk i

Sh ut tle

ter

Ce n

e

Occupancy

Occupancy analysis shows the quantity of people the project would be able to accommodate daily.

x 85

x4

Campgrounds

+

x 300

+

2-4 Tent Campsites

6-10 Group Campsites

x 25

+

2-3 Walk-In Tent Campsites

2-4 Luxury Campsites

= 414 sites (or 1,380 people nightly)

x 950

x 500

Shuttle System

+ 2-5 Phase I Parking

x 15

+ 2-5 Phase II Parking

= 1,465 parking spaces (or 8,150 people daily)

30-60 Tour Bus Parking

Seasonality

Visitorship to Yosemite fluctuates seasonally, and so does the capacity of the El Portal Shuttle System and visitor accommodations.

Spring 60% occupied

Summer 100% occupied

Autumn 70% occupied

Winter 25% occupied

Design Solution

87

El Portal Shuttle System

The proposed shuttle system would provide yearround service between El Portal and Yosemite Valley, saving visitors approximately 3 hours during peak season of waiting in traffic and looking for parking.

Highway 120 YARTS Bus (summer only)

Yosemite National Park

Stanislaus National Forest

Bus Only Lane (11â&#x20AC;&#x2122;) Added

Hi El P ghwa orta y 14 l Sh 0 uttl e

Foresta

Highway 140 YARTS Bus 1

4 2

3

El Portal Sierra National Forest

Arch Rock Entrance

Highway 41 YARTS Bus (summer only)

Yosemite Valley

7

5

9

Tunnel View

Yo sem ite

Va

lle

yS hu

ttl

e

8

6

Glacier Point

Shuttle System Route 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9

Transit Center Campground Visitor Center Yosemite View Lodge Curry Village Ahwahnee Hotel Yosemite Village Yosemite Valley Lodge Intersection Design Solution

0:00 0:04 0:07 0:10 0:42 0:48 0:53 0:57 1:04 89

Master Plan

Residential District & Overlook Trailhead El Portal Shuttle Transit Center

Moss

Overlook Trail

Historic Barium Mine Site

Overlook Trail Trailhead

Creek

Mine Overlook

Pedestr Bicycle ian & Only T rail

Employee Apartments

River Input

Employee Detached House

s

Picnic Area & River Access

River Input

Highway 140

Merced Rive

Redbud Picnic Area Pigeon Gulch Town Entry & Brown Peak Trailhead

Tr Resi af de fic nt On ly

Historic Murchison House

Campground

Town Center

Foresta Falls & Foresta Residential Community

Luxury Campground & Yosemite View Lodge

Cra C ne

tional Park

k ree

Existing Residential Community

Visitor Center & Yosemite Valley Railroad Exhibit

Resident Traffic Only

40 Proposed Employee Housing Units

Yosemite Na

Community Center

Legend

Highway 140

Creek Overlook

Ind

Merced River

ian

er

Residential District

Rock Outcropping (view)

Cre ek

He

nn

ess

Cr

eek

Merced River Trail

Backpacker Campground & Johnny Wilsonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Historic Orchard

Housing

Picnicking

Lodge

Bike Path

Luxury Campground Rafting & Fishing Tent Camping

Backpacking

Visitor Center

Wildlife Viewing

Transit Center

Trails

Shuttle Stops

Historic District

Parking

Trail Circulation

Interpretive Signage

Transit Center

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14

The designed transit center is at the site of the existing wastewater treatment plant and the NPS administration offices (which are relocated to the town center). In two phases, the parking areas would accommodate 1450 vehicles daily, and an additional 15 spaces for tour buses. Forested pedestrian pathways radiate from the central transit pick-up area to begin the natural experience before visitors enter the park. Buses leaving every 6 minutes cut down on private vehicles entering the park, which contributes to lack of parking, exhaust emissions, and impaired visitor experience.

0

Transit Center Plaza Transit Center Pavilion Bookstore Restrooms Interpretive Exhibits Pedestrian Pathways Rafting & Fishing Parking River Rafting Input Parking Areas Tour Bus Parking River Overlook Vegetative Buffer Shuttle Bus Parking Shuttle Bus Transfer Area 150

300’

Scale: 1” = 300’-0”

0

75’

South-Facing Annual Grassland Slope

Meadow Overflow Parking (Phase II)

Pedestrian Trails

Parking Areas (Phase I)

Transit Pavilion

Spu Veh r Road icle ( Meadow Overfl ow Acc Service Park ess i ng Onl /P y) has e II Pa rki ng Ex pa

13

n io ns

7

9

1

4

8

P

14

12

3 10

Mer

ced

12

Rive

ail â&#x20AC;&#x201D;

Mer

ced

High

way

Shuttle Bus Roundabout

Vegetated Buffer

5

r Tr

Foresta Road

ADA

Rive

r

Acc

essi

140

Merced River Trail

ble

11

Merced River

12

Existing Water Treatment Plant

Resid Vehi ent & Se r cle A ccess vice Only

Highway 140

North-Facing Oak Forest Slope

Design Solution

93

Transit pavilion provides year-round shade and shelter

Pedestrian paths to 950 parking spaces

Trail connection to Merced River Trail

El Portal Bookstore & Gift Store

Shuttle bus transfer area accommodates 4 buses

Design Solution

95

Campground

Inspired by the vegetation zones found in the El Portal area, the loops within the campground similarly take on a finger-like form. The campground is designed with 389 sites, each designed for maximum privacy from neighboring campsites. At the center of the campground is a transit stop—a walkable distance form all campsites.

Users can also access the ADA Merced River Trail for hiking of bicycling throughout El Portal.

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

Tent Campsites Platform Tent Campsites Group Campsites Walk-In Campsites Shuttle Stop Oak Woodland Buffer Orchard & Picnic Area Camp Headquarters & Store Bike Path Restrooms, Typical

0 150 Scale: 1” = 300’-0”

Schematic Design

300’

8

Me rc

6

R ed

Merced River

Boardwalk & River Input

Trail iver

P

Footbridge to Town Center 2

1 1

11 3

1

5 9

4

6

7

40

ay 1

hw Hig

Design Solution

97

Situated in the Merced River floodplain, the campgroundâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s primarily nonpermanent development minimizes losses during seasonal floods events.

Design Solution

99

Visitor Center Sunken Planting Area

Service Entrance

Glass Atrium

ws

Vie

Visitor Center & Yosemite Administrative Offices

in

te N

emi

os to Y

Train Turntable Bridge Entry

ark

al P

n atio

Perspective View

Historic Train Caboose

Amphitheater

Historic Train Steam Engine Path to Merced River Trail

El Portal Road

El Portal Shuttle Stop

Schematic Design

Design Solution

101

Planting Design The planting design uses a naturalistic style to portray the railroad through drifts of native perennials and grasses. Orange flowering perennials are used to delineate the meandering “railroad tracks” throughout the plaza, while reminiscent of the blooming hillsides during spring in the area.

Woodland & Shrubland

Symbol Botanical Name QD AP CL LA AM AQ EU EC FR HM HB MC MR PH SM SI ZC LM

Oak Forest

Quercus douglasii Arctostaphylos patula Ceanothus leucodermis Lupinus albifrons Achillea millefolium Aquilegia formosa Eriogonum umbellatum Eschscholzia californica Festuca rubra Heuchera micrantha Hordeum brachyantherum Mimulus cardinalis Muhlenbergia rigens Penstemon heterophyllus Sidalcea malviflora Sisyrinchium idahoense bellum Zauschneria californicum Lupinus microcarpus densiflorus

Pine Forest

Common Name

Blue Oak Greenleaf Manzanita Chaparral Whitethorn Silvery Lupine Common Yarrow Western Columbine Sulphur Buckwheat California Poppy Red Fescue Island Alum Root California Meadow Barley Scarlet Monkeyflower Deer Grass Foothill Penstemon Checkerbloom Blue-Eyed Grass California Fuchsia Dense Flowered Platycarpos

Annual Grassland & Herbland

Quantity Size 9 8 17 8 559 34 12 47 220 47 186 48 24 33 117 290 30 59

24” box 5 gal 5 gal 5 gal 1 gal flat 1 gal 6 pack 1 gal 1 gal 1 gal 1 gal 1 gal 1 gal flat flat 1 gal flat

Seasonally Flooded Meadow

Adenostoma fasciculatum

Quercus wislizenii

Quercus douglasii

Quercus chrysolepis

Pinus sabiniana

Mimulus cardinalis

Lupinus microcarpus densiflorus

Festuca rubra

Nassella pulchra

Muhlenbergia rigens

Eriogonum umbellatum

Ceanothus leucodermis

Arctostaphylos spp.

Heteromeles arbutifolia

Frangula californica

Penstemon heterophyllus

Zauschneria californica

Achillea millefolium

Sisyrinchium idahoense bellum

Hordeum brachyantherum ssp. californicum

Aquilegia formosa

Eschscholzia californica

Ceanothus cuneatus

Design Solution

103

The visitor center and historic railroad exhibit inform visitors prior to entering the national park and houses the Yosemite administration headquarters.

Design Solution

105

Trail Classifications

Proposed trail types accommodate different user groups, and increase outdoor recreation in El Portal.

Wilderness Trail

Wilderness â&#x20AC;&#x201D; Overlook Trail

A 5.4 mile long, strenuous hiking trail on the northern ridge overlooking El Portal. The trail lies on land owned by the National Park Service and Forest Service.

Historic Barium Mine Site

ADA Bicycle Path â&#x20AC;&#x201D; Merced River Trail

A 5.0 mile long path that runs throughout El Portal along the banks of the Merced River to provide a pedestrian connection throughout the linear town. Activities along include walking/running, river access, commuting, bicycling, fishing, and interpretive education at various historic sites along the trail.

Campground

Vegetated Buffer

Merced River

River Boardwalk & Water Access

Merced River Trail

Design Solution

107

Acknowledgments Thank you to Cal Poly Landscape Architecture professors David Watts, CĂŠsar Torres-Bustamante, Joseph Ragsdale, Miran Day, and Christy Oâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;Hara in their guidance for this project; Yosemite National Park Landscape Architect and El Portal resident, Brad Lewis, for his input during the beginning phases of the project; and lastly my parents, Georgina Dannatt and Wynn Kageyama, for always letting me pursue my passions.

Image Credits All photographs and graphics

by Lindsay Kageyama unless otherwise noted.

Lindsay Kageyama Senior Studio Project June 2018