SHLT_Meadowbrook Master Plan

MEADOWBROOK MASTER PLAN RESOURCE. CONNECT. COMMUNITY. MISSION. RESPONSIBILITY. PREPARED FOR THE

SHIRLEY HEINZE LAND TRUST AUTUMN 2019 SHIRLEY HEINZE LAND TRUST MEADOWBROOK MASTER PLAN

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ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS SHIRLEY HEINZE LAND TRUST Kristopher Krouse, Executive Director, and Staff Board of Directors Kelly Carmichael, President Meadowbrook Ad-hoc Committee Larry Stanton, Board Secretary and Chair

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TABLE OF CONTENTS INTRODUCTION

INTRODUCTION PROJECT OVERVIEW MEADOWBROOK PROPERTY

ENGAGEMENT

INTERNAL STAKEHOLDER MEETING EXTERNAL STAKEHOLDER MEETING STRENGTHS, WEAKNESSES, OPPORTUNITIES, THREATS STAKEHOLDER PROCESS CONCLUSIONS

MASTER PLAN APPROACH

CAMPUS RECOMMENDATIONS REGIONAL CONNECTIONS MAIN CAMPUS SITE PLAN DEER MEADOW CABIN RECOMMENDATIONS NORTHERN LITES LODGE RECOMMENDATIONS STAND ALONE RESTROOM PARKING AND PAVING ENTRY SIGNS AND TRAIL HEADS ADDITIONAL RENDERINGS

INVENTORY AND ANALYSIS

SITE ANALYSIS: SITE LOCATION AND OVERVIEW DEVELOPABLE AREA ANALYSIS EXISTING UTILITIES EXISTING STRUCTURES ANALYSIS: MAIN OFFICE SILO MAINTENANCE BARN PROGRAM BARN NORTHERN LITES CABIN DEER MEADOW CABIN

APPENDIX

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MORAINE: Any glacially formed accumulation of unconsolidated glacial debris (regolith and rock) that occurs in both currently and formerly glaciated regions on Earth, through geomorphological processes.

Moraines are formed from debris previously carried along by a glacier, and normally consist of somewhat rounded particles ranging in size from large boulders to minute glacial flour. Lateral moraines are formed at the side of the ice flow and terminal moraines at the foot, marking the maximum advance of the glacier.

Other types of moraine include ground moraines (till-covered areas with irregular topography) and medial moraines (moraines formed where two glaciers meet).

INTRODUCTION “Three small streams meander through heavily wooded deep ravines on this newly acquired property. Spring wildflowers thrive on the steep ravine slopes.

The preserve provides good habitat for birds and woodland wildlife and excellent recreational opportunities.�

- Anonymous statement about the acquisition of the Meadowbrook Property

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INTRODUCTION Meadowbrook Nature Preserve will be top of mind for regional residents and partners as a community hub for outreach and environmental education programming, indoor and outdoor events and meetings (both internal and external), service projects, recreation and personal connection to nature.

The execution of the master plan will result in lodge enhancement for programs, outreach and fundraising events, partner and corporate events and meetings; office optimization to include a better defined entranceway, visitor reception area, and ADA accessible conference room and bathrooms; better parking lot flow and ADA parking area; trail improvements to include a welcome/restroom facility, ADA accessible trail, and improved signage at the street and throughout the preserve; and a better defined stewardship workspace.

SHIRLEY HEINZE LAND TRUST Shirley Heinze Land Trust has been preserving natural places and inspiring people to appreciate and enjoy nature in Northwestern Indiana since 1981.

More than 2,400 acres in Lake, Porter, LaPorte, and St. Joseph Counties have been preserved for the public’s benefit. Shirley Heinze nature preserves feature significant scenic and ecological value, and most are open to the public for hiking and enjoying nature.

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PROJECT OVERVIEW The purpose of these plans is for not only the benefit of the Porter County community experiencing nature and gaining an understanding of glacial morraine ecosystems and their distinct impact on the Northern Indiana landscape, but conservation of those landscape and habitats. This master plan looks to identify, analyze and devise a strategy to develop these ideas in a concise manner that demonstrates a deeper understanding of our environment.

The master planning process for Meadowbrook involved a thorough Inventory and Analysis process that included a review of relevant and available aerial photography, existing GIS information, and other maps as well as several visits to the site to analyze the existing conditions, providing field notes and photography. This also involved an architectural, structural and systems analysis of all existing structures, including the Meadowbrook Conservation Center, both lodges, and garages for structural soundness, condition of materials, energy use, and options for renovation and re-use.

An important component to the contextual understanding of Meadowbrook was meeting with internal and external stakeholders. Between guided discussions and both literal (map based) 6

and abstact (concept based) planning exercises to leverage the latent expertise of the two groups.

After conducting the background studies, the planning team articulated a general strategy and comprehensive vision for the Meadowbrook Conservation Center and Nature Preserve. This direction was guided by stakeholder and public feedback and addresses the following components: • Explore implementation of technology components, sustainability and resiliency features (such as permeable parking areas and renewable energy opportunities), agricultural protection programming (such as farm-to-table), and story-telling components of the campus (such as history with Girl Scouts or features like the silo).

• Overall master plan for development of the site, as well as potential enlarged plans for key areas, based on our analysis and discussions with your project committee.

• ADA analysis and recommendations for both facility and site

MEADOWBROOK PROPERTY Meadowbrook Nature Preserve, a former girl scout camp near Valparaiso, offers numerous recreational opportunities in a lovely moraine forest. A major reforestation project is underway to return former agricultural fields to a high quality forest that will provide critical habitat for nesting and migratory birds.

The main offices and headquarters of Shirley Heinze Land Trust (SHLT) are housed here in what is now known as Meadowbrook Conservation Center.

The Friends of Shirley Heinze has established a native plant garden in front of the offices. Come by in the summer and fall to see beautiful blooming plants and the butterflies, bees and birds that visit them.

Girl Scouts History The Master Plan of Meadowbrook represents an important opportunity to reinforce the mission of SHLT: educate, inspire and invite the public to experience the natural wonders of this region of the country. This mission is similar to the Girl Scouts organization and with the shared history at Meadowbrook, an opportunity to reinforce those overlaps.

In 1912, in the midst of the Progressive Era—and at a time when women in the United States couldn’t yet

vote—Juliette Gordon Low, a nearly deaf 51-year-old sparked a worldwide movement inspiring girls to embrace, together, their individuality, strength, and intellect. Her goal was to share what she had learned abroad about a new outdoor and educational program for youth, and with this, the Girl Scout Movement was born. Along with Juliette, these first Girl Scouts blazed trails and redefined what was possible for themselves and for girls everywhere.

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ENGAGEMENT “Three small streams meander through heavily wooded deep ravines on this newly acquired property. Spring wildflowers thrive on the steep ravine slopes.

The preserve provides good habitat for birds and woodland wildlife and excellent recreational opportunities.�

- Anonymous statement about the acquisition of the Meadowbrook Property

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TOP LEFT: Stakeholders review enlarged campus and building plans to identify areas of concern, opportunities, and important locations around Meadowbrook.

TOP RIGHT: Stakeholders rotated stations that included abstract concept boards and literal maps.

MID LEFT: Stakeholders used the push pins to identify key areas around the main campus area.

MID RIGHT: Groupings of the colored push pins showed priority locations for the stakeholders.

BOTTOM RIGHT: Sticky notes provided the participants the opportunity to share feedback on different topics that were geared toward improving each component of Meadowbrook operations and facilities.

PROCESS Kicking off in April 2019 and building off of the Strategic Plan for Meadowbrook, this planning process featured internal and external stakeholder meetings to gain insght to physical and social contexts. Combined with feedback from the staff, participating organizations, board members, and key stakeholders, an initial inventory of physical conditions and features, as well as the social context provided a baseline understanding of assets and liabilities of the neighborhood.

An exercise to engage the staff members was used to prompt feedback regarding a handful of key lenses. Featuring several stations with project boards that had the prompts clearly labeled, attendees rotated to each station and used “sticky notes” to record information within each category on the boards. That individual feedback was compiled and inventoried (refer to appendix).

The following lenses were utilized, broken down further into more specific prompts to provide the necessary background information needed to provide direction to the participants. The prompts were developed prior to the meeting with the project team. Each was determined to be an important area, with some overlaps that ensured full coverage of the project goals. The boards for each station included the following information: • Natural Resources: Protect, Enhance, Promote • Programs and Events • Meadowbrook Facilities: Property, Buildings, Amenities, Infrast.

• People: Culture, Community, & Diversity • Administration: Staff, Operations, Funding, Partnerships INTERNAL STAKEHOLDER MEETING Both the feedback gathered from the sticky note exercise and the conversation that followed, centered around improvements to the existing facilities. The concensus top priority was the main office facility itself and improvements that SHIRLEY HEINZE LAND TRUST MEADOWBROOK MASTER PLAN

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would enhance public perception, accessibility, and overall function of the office. Other important feedback frequently included the need for parking lot improvements, public restrooms, and improvements to the frontage along CR700.

Making the Deer Meadow Lodge more functional, especially ADA accessible, was also a top priority of the group.

In addition to those aspects, reinforcing the history of the Girl Scouts, utilizing the silo to be a more prominent feature in the landscape, and connecting to external natural amenties were also discussed.

EXTERNAL STAKEHOLDER MEETING After going through similar exercises as the previous meeting, the group of external stakeholders dialogue almost exclusively addressed opportunities and constraints outside the property boundaries. These included physical connection opportunities, but the overwhelming consensus from this meeting was the need to improve public awareness of both SHLT and Meadowbrook. Marketing and other programmatic offerings, such as role within the community, were identified as potential gaps and also the possibility diverting from the mission. Physical improvement recommendations maintained that focus, which related to the group’s familiarity with the property.

The improvements that were recommend onsite involved public use of the site, including trail maintenance, self guided tours, and reinforcing the brand of SHLT through projects like green infrastructure.

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PICTURES: The external stakeholders respond to the different prompts provided during the exercise, which featured more group dialogue than the previous meeting.

Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, and Threats (SWOT Analysis) A SWOT analysis of the study area was developed using the feedback from the internal and external stakeholder meetings, as well as through background inventory and analysis. The points listed in each category represent those with the highest frequency discovered during the analysis portion of the process.

Strengths • Proximity (to similar County amenities) • Girl Scout History • Dedicated community of stakeholders Weaknesses • Physical Condition of the facilities • Physical Barriers and Boundaries of the property • Perception of the property • Visibility and Accessibility • Missing Amenities Opportunities • Acquisition of adjacent parcels • Potential connections to adjacent amenities • Unique programming within the similar amenities Threats • Overcoming Perception • Vandalism • Deferred Maintenance

Stakeholder Process Conclusions Each of these aspects served as the backdrop to the master plan, with considerations, priorities, and goals arising from the feedback. Throughout the process, the staff provided their deep understanding of the campus and operations to assist in the complete understanding of the Meadowbrook property.

Coupled with GIS data available from Porter County, campus macro context understanding and micro project opportunities came into focus.

In addition to the background information and analysis, additional thought was given to the following project considerations and priorities: Key Considerations • Strengthen existing amenities • Build new amenities with common lexicon of materials • Engage potential users, such as school groups andvisitors to adjacent parks Priorities and Objectives • Dovetail direction of the Strategic Plan • Improve Visibility and Connectivity • Add additional amenities to develop a more self sufficient site, such as restrooms • Improve function of Main Office • Improve use of outlying facilities PICTURES: The Meadowbrook campus provides public education opportunities, with environmental immersion tours for various groups.

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MASTER PLAN RECOMMENDATIONS CAMPUS RECOMMENDATIONS REGIONAL CONNECTIONS MAIN CAMPUS SITE PLAN DEER MEADOW CABIN RECOMMENDATIONS NORTHERN LITES LODGE RECOMMENDATIONS STAND ALONE RESTROOM PARKING AND PAVING ENTRY SIGNS AND TRAIL HEADS ADDITIONAL RENDERINGS

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CAMPUS RECOMMENDATIONS After diverging on each of the important contextual issues and opportunities, the inventory and analysis process converged on the following focus areas: Establish a bold vision • Utilize existing infrastructure to create distictive landmarks Create a community conversation • Improve visibility and awareness of the campus through physical and programmatic components • Create new opportunities through physical infrastructure connections such as trails and trailheads Reinforce Social / Cultural Context • Highlight connections to Girl Scout camp • Highlight Passive Recreation opportunities Flexible and Adaptable • Create improvements that allow for a diversity of uses that reinforce the mission of SHLT Support Maintenance Needs • Address deferred maintenance • Address ADA deficiencies • Address long term maintenance items • Improve energy / sustainability opportunties Based on the vision outlined above and the site / facility analysis as well as feedback from the staff and stakeholders, several site plans were developed for each of the key locations around the Meadowbrook Campus. Those options were then evaluated for their long term feasibility, sustainability components, and their costs.

At the campus scale, the project recommendations primarily centered on establishing greater external physical connections, including improving campus visibility and trail links. From there the Master Plan was broken down into three (3) primary projects which were all aimed at utilizing existing resources more effectively. Each of the buildings numbered on the plan correspond to the project analysis and the primary projects were lettered to identify them in the final recommendations.

IMPROVE CONNECTIONS Potential to connect future entrance up to Highway 6 IMPROVE CONNECTIONS Continue gravel trail to future CR750 Trailhead

CONNECT TO CR750 N Create bicycle/ pedestrian trailhead with signage to Meadowbrook.

IMPROVE CONNECTIONS Using utility easement, connect to additional County Park amenities

IMPROVE CONNECTIONS Reinforce pathways to existing amenities by using sturdy pathway materials, such as gravel, to highlight those amenities.

IMPROVE DRAINAGE Add culverts at key locations to improve routing of stormwater to Salt Creek. Adding a “French Drain” along roadway with stormwater pipe may also help divert water and reduce maintenance needs of gravel road.

REFER TO NORTHERN LITES LODGE ENLARGED PLANS “C”

C B A

IMPROVE VISIBILITY Open tree canopy along CR700 to improve visibility to the campus.

CR 700

REFER TO DEER MEADOW LODGE ENLARGED PLANS “B”

REFER TO DEER MAIN OFFICE AREA ENLARGED PLANS “A”

EXISTING MEADOWBROOK PROPERTY SHIRLEY HEINZE LAND TRUST MEADOWBROOK MASTER PLAN

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W US HYW 6

W US HYW 6

IMPROVE CONNECTIONS Potential to connect future entrance up to Highway 6

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CLASS B2

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MEADOWBROOK N 75 W

CLASS B1

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IMPROVE CONNECTIONS Shortest connection point to the existing trail No. 1 is at CR 750N and then to CR N50W Alternate route could follow the utility easement all the way to the park, taking care to avoid existing natural features.

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IMPROVE CONNECTIONS Using utility Right-ofWay as a trail location would tie the existing trail No.1 to CR175 and onto Froberg Rd. and planned County Trail System

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CLASS C 14

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COFFEE CREEK PRESERVE 0

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CAR-FRE Suitable of all lev Separate from mo

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SANDHILL FARM MEADOWBROOK

CLASS C

DNR PRESERVE

EXCELLE Suitable all levels surface bikeway, bike rou conditio lane ridi

GOOD Suitable and som bicyclists riding su connecti moderat and ridin

FAIR Best ava the vicin advance caution.

SUNSET HILL FARM COUNTY PARK

SAFET and b route poten of the respo

IMPROVE CONNECTIONS Sunset Hill Farm County Park connection can be made from along existing utility easement corridor to the South End of the park

MORAINE CONSERVATION ACTION PLAN FOCUS AREA (ABOVE) - with Bike Routes Overlay

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Call N basis.

Doma

The graphic above shows the natural systems that Meadowbrook connects to regionally.

Through physical trails and multi-use pathways, highlighting these systems and features provide an excellent opportunity to broadly improve public environmental education and create unique amenities that amplify the value of both the Meadowbrook property as well as other County and State owned recreation and protected landscapes.

CLASS C

TRAIL CONNECTIONS AND IMPROVEMENTS

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In looking to provide accessible trail amenities at Meadowbrook surface type, potential route alterations, impact to surrounding natural features, and cost must all be determined. While Trail No. 1 provides several opportunities BUFFER CLASS C to make external connections and has less grading challenges, itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s 1/8MI TO 1/4MI overall length may require a phased approach to creating an accessible route.

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CLASS B1 W 700 N

A number of potential external connections are shown and may include hardscape options, such as concrete and/or gravel. Concrete cost is anticipated to be $7.00 per square foot ($60 per square yard) or $70 per linear foot for a 10 ft wide trail that is 4 inches thick. Gravel cost is anticipated to be $1.50 to $2.00 per square foot ($90 per ton) or $20 per linear foot of trail at 4 inches thick.

SHIRLEY HEINZE LAND TRUST Refer to the NIRPC and other regional Trail/Bike/Ped. MASTER PLAN Maps on page 32 for moreMEADOWBROOK information.

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MAIN BUILDING CAMPUS SITE PLAN RECOMMENDED PLAN This final option modified the existing infrastructure, maintaining vehicular patterns, while including the key components of entry updates, parking improvements, maintenance yard enclosure, restroom facility, and main office improvements. Throughout the process, higher priority projects were emphasized through the lens of cost feasibility.

PROJECT RECOMMENDATIONS 1. ENTRANCE DRIVE IMPROVEMENTS: Includes new monument signage and landscaping as well as CR700 frontage improvements 2. ENTRY COURT: Includes plaza drop-off area for the main building.

3. PAVILION PLAZA AREA: Involves plaza paving, landscaping, and lighting around the pavilion.

4. EXISTING PARKING LOT IMPROVEMENTS: Involves sustainable surface materials for the parking and adjacent rain garden for the lawn area between the parking lot and service drive. Includes adding accessible parking off of the main drive adjacent to the building.

5. OFFICE EXPANSION PHASE ONE: Includes main entrance foyer, first floor reception area, ADA publicly accessible restrooms, and external facade changes.

6. OFFICE EXPANSION PHASE TWO: Includes full build-out of additional office space and recommended maintenance improvements 7. MAINTENANCE YARD IMPROVEMENTS: Involves creating a physical buffer - both fencing and landscaping - between the maintenance barns and the public facing parts of the main office campus.

8. OTHER SITE IMPROVEMENTS: Includes additional native planting around the main office building, a new trailhead/path, and kiosk.

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Existing Pavilion 3

Connect to Existing Trail Network

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Potential Trailhead/Kiosk

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Existing Maintenance Yard 8 7 Maintenance Gate

Overflow Parking

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ANTICIPATED PROJECT COSTS Each project is broken down into component costs.

For unit pricing and low/high estimates refer to the appendix.

1. ENTRANCE DRIVE IMPROVEMENTS: $25,930 • • • • • •

Monument Signage: $10,000 Utility Conduit: $3,150 Landscape Improvements: $2,500 Drive Entryway / Approach Improvements: $7,280 Topsoil/Seeding: $1,500 Design/Construction Engineering: $1,500

2. ENTRY COURT: $19,200 • • •

Plaza Hardscape: $15,000 Landscape Improvements: $2,500 Design/Engineering: $1,700

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• • • •

OTHER SITE IMPROVEMENTS: $28,000 Native Planting: $7,000 Trees: $7,000 Pathways Around Main Office: $2,200 Trailhead/Kiosk: $3,500

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Design/Engineering: $1,300

• • •

Silo Signage: $2,500 Gravel Yard Around Silo: $2,500 Campus Drainage (Culverts/French Drain): $2000

Project Subtotal $563,800 Contingency (20%): $112,760 MAIN CAMPUS TOTAL: $676,560

3. PAVILION PLAZA AREA: $62,160 • • • •

Pavers: $51,667 Lighting: $2,000 Landscape Improvements: $3,888 Design/Construction Engineering: $4,604

4. EXISTING PARKING LOT IMPROVEMENTS: $50,879 • • • • •

Parking Lot (Asphalt Replacement): $17,850 Aggregate Base: $8,050 Landscaping: $19,445 Accessible Parking Improvements $1000 Design/Engineering: $4,535

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• • • • • 6.

• • • • 7.

• • • •

OFFICE EXPANSION PHASE ONE: $196,668 Building Expansion: $131,750 Renovation: $9,000 Facade Improvements: $15,000 Grading / Drainage: $26,350 Design / Engineering: $14,568 OFFICE EXPANSION PHASE TWO: $159,408 Building Expansion: $93,000 Renovation: $36,000 Grading / Drainage: $18,600 Design / Engineering: $11,808 MAINTENANCE YARD IMPROVEMENTS: $21,555 Enclosure - Fence: $5,000 Gravel Area: $2888 Curbing: $7,000 Landscape Improvements: $6,667

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DEER MEADOW CABIN RECOMMENDATIONS

1 Lawn Parking Area

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RECOMMENDED PLAN Making this facility ADA accessible is the primary way to increase its use. Accessibility improvements include adding parking, updating walkways, and renovating the restrooms so that each meet current regulations. A couple of different parking layouts were explored and while each met routing requirements, ultimately clarity in function and mobility are recommended over lower quantities of asphalt. The location of the parking and the native planting/labrynth area, adds value to the lodge, while also protecting the existing septic field.

PROJECT RECOMMENDATIONS 1. ACCESSIBLE PARKING AREA: Includes asphalt parking, accessible sidewalks, and entrance improvements.

2. OUTDOOR SEATING AREA: Includes seatwalls, paving, and landscaping 3. BUILDING RENOVATIONS: Including restroom renovations, roof replacement, facade improvements, and other maintenance improvements.

4. OTHER SITE IMPROVEMENTS: Includes native planting, rain gardens and drainage improvements, landscaping, and additional site pathways.

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Existing Septic Field 4

ANTICIPATED PROJECT COSTS Each project is broken down into component costs.

For unit pricing and low/high estimates refer to the appendix.

1. ACCESSIBLE PARKING AREA: $13,000 • Asphalt parking: $6,500 • Base Material: $1,500 • Concrete sidewalks: $3,500 • Entry improvements: $1,500 2. OUTDOOR SEATING AREA: $38,500 • Seatwalls: $15,000 • Paving: $20,000 • Landscaping: $3,500 3. BUILDING RENOVATIONS: $127,500 • Restroom renovations: $77,500 • Roof replacement: $15,000 • Facade improvements: $15,000 • Maintenance improvements: $20,000 4. OTHER SITE IMPROVEMENTS: $26,500 • Native planting: $15,000 • Rain gardens + drainage improvements: $5,500 • Landscaping: $2,500 • Site pathways: $3,500 Project Subtotal $205,500 Contingency (20%): $41,100 DEER MEADOW CABIN TOTAL: $246,600

Deer Meadow Cabin Rendering The cabin is in good structural condition and requires a few ADA and maintence updates internally. Otherwise, many of the recommended improvements include updating the perception of the space cosmetically with siding changes, a new metal roof, parking updates, and additional outdoor spaces. These changes avoid the septic system, while leveraging the components of the facility that are working well (such as the grill area).

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Silo Rendering

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Ampitheater Rendering Improving the existing ampitheater to make more of an attraction involves creating a stronger connection from the main drive, connecting power/electricity from nearby sources, improving seating up the hill, renovating the stage area, and clearing the scrub undergrowth, replacing it with native flowers and other planting.

ANTICIPATED PROJECT COSTS 1.

2.

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4.

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CANOPY FEATURE: $15,000 NEW STAGE: $5,000 NEW SEATING: $1,500 GRAVEL (Paths and Seating Areas): $10,000 ELECTRICAL CONNECTION (350â&#x20AC;&#x2122;): $3,500

ANTICIPATED PROJECT COSTS Project Subtotal $35,000 Contingency (20%): $7,000 AMPITHEATER TOTAL: $42,000

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NORTHERN LITES LODGE RECOMMENDATIONS RECOMMENDED PLAN Building envelop improvements are needed to ensure the long-term viability of the Northern Lites Lodge. While none of the needed improvements are of a critical nature, addressing them before they become critical ensures the buildingâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s survival. Internal improvements and overhead garage door increase the functionality of the lodge.

PROJECT RECOMMENDATIONS 1. BUILDING ENVELOP IMPROVEMENTS: Includes new roof and ventilation improvements 2. BUILDING ENVELOP IMPROVEMENTS: Includes structural recommendations, siding improvements 3. BUILDING INTERNAL RENOVATIONS: Includes walls to section off long term storage areas and workshop 4. OVERHEAD DOOR: Includes garage door access for large items 5. SITE IMPROVEMENTS: Includes concrete access sidewalk and enlarged concrete pad for loading at the garage door.

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ANTICIPATED PROJECT COSTS Each project is broken down into component costs.

For unit pricing and low/high estimates refer to the appendix.

1. BUILDING ENVELOP IMPROVEMENTS: $15,000 2. BUILDING ENVELOP PHASE 2 IMPROVEMENTS: $20,000 • Structural improvements: $5,000 • Siding improvements: $15,000 3. BUILDING INTERNAL RENOVATIONS: $50,000 4. OVERHEAD DOOR: $2,000 5. SITE IMPROVEMENTS: $1,500 Project Subtotal $88,500 Contingency (20%): $17,700 DEER MEADOW CABIN TOTAL: $106,200

Silo Rendering Given the structural integrity of the silo and its prominence on the property, utilizing its size and position as a landmark helps to orient visitors to the site. Several options explore creating a plaza area around the silo, reinforcing its heirarchy through background planting and lighting, as well as using the structure as signage.

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ENTRY SIGNS & TRAILHEADS

Entry Sign The visibility and perception from CR700 was a critical item of concern identified by both groups of stakeholders. To improve that connection and awareness of the facilities (and entire property), a number of projects are recommended including a more prominent monument/entry sign along CR700. Without updating the entryway, including signage, any improvements done to the buildings and the site may go unnoticed by the public. Along with updating the main office, Deer Meadow Cabin/ Lodge, and a stand alone restroom facility, the entry sign should be one of the top priorities.

The entry sign should be located near the entrance drive, just outside of the right of way. The sign can serve as a maker to the entrance drive, a component of a median, or as a gateway-style arch or columns, but the scale should be enough to distinguish the campus from adjacent park or residential properties.

A similar system of materials, across all of the SHLT properties would lend some continuity across the region, assisting in brand recognition. Signage should also tie together the individual campus signage (similar to the National Park Signage shown to the left). Like Lydick Bog, materials should be mostly natural, such as stone and wood with concrete or metal accents. A stone masonry sign with a concrete footing can be expensive, but the entry sign may be a good improvement to spend some extra money to make an impact. The cost of an entry sign could range from $5,000 to $15,000 depending on the size and materials.

Trailhead Signage

TOP LEFT: TOP RIGHT: BOTTOM LEFT: BOTTOM RIGHT: 24

One opportunity to incorporate the Girl Scouts history with Meadowbrook may be through icons on the signage. These could resemble existing merit badge icons or be developed with similar graphics.

The green color of the Girl Scouts represents another way to reinforce the tie between SHLT and the Girl Scouts organization.

CR 700 Frontage Rendering The perception from CR700 was a repeated comment from the internal and especially, the external stakeholders. Here an option is shown with a new monument sign that creates a more formal entrance.

Also shown in this concept are updates to the facade and entrance of the building as well as more robust

native planting. Each of the various plan options explored increasing the visual impact at the entrance, which can be done in a number of different ways, the median entry sign being one.

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PAVING AND PARKING MATERIALS/OPTIONS

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Paving and Parking Materials Several paving options are available for each of the various vehicular traffic areas - parking, driveway lanes, and trails. Since each option has its pros and cons, most likely a combination of paving materials will be used on site depending on the intensity and frequency of use as well as available funding. Each of the paving materials range in cost, installation time, permeability, maintenance, and environmental friendliness.

The entrance drive and main parking areas are currently paved with asphalt that shows signs of aging, such as fatigue cracking and edge deterioration. Since the drives will continue to receive the most traffic and should be a durable and cost effective material such as asphalt. Gravel can be used for some parking areas and continue to be used for the access drive to the lodges, since it is less expensive that asphalt. Any of the accessible parking spaces should be paved to meet ADA requirements, specifically slopes, surface types, and routing.

Bus parking is anticipated and planned to accommodate one or two buses at a time. This can be a gravel parking area to save cost. Currently, grass areas are used for overflow parking for large events and will continue to function in that capacity at both the main office and the lodges.

There are also several sustainable pavement options that are more environmentally friendly and help reduce storm water runoff. Permeable pavers allow infiltration of the storm water, and can store storm water in the stone base below the pavers. Different colors and styles of pavers are available that can give an aesthetic benefit to the site as well. Pavers also last longer than asphalt or gravel. However, permeable pavers have a much higher cost than asphalt, concrete, or gravel.

Trail paving also varies with long term considerations such as on-going maintenance and available funding. While several state options exist for funding, maintenance and use potential should be the key drivers in deciding what paving material to use for trails. Environmental considerations, from local impacts (such as stormwater runoff, heat island effect, and petroleum based contamination) to global impacts (such as material sourcing) are important.

Silo Rendering

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INVENTORY AND ANALYSIS SITE ANALYSIS • SITE LOCATION AND OVERVIEW • CAMPUS REIVEW EXISTING STRUCTURES ANALYSIS • MAIN OFFICE BUILDING • PROGRAM BARN • MAINTENANCE BARN • NORTHERN LITES CABIN • DEER MEADOW CABIN

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SITE LOCATION + OVERVIEW 1. The main design constraint of the site exists with the preservation of the glacial morraine. Providing access to the natural areas while maximizing stewardship should be a major focus of the property.

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2. Salt Creek and its watershed play an important role in the hydrology of the site and surrounding areas. It connects to the Calumet River and then to Lake Michigan

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3. Agricultural land surrounds the property in different configurations and represents opportunities to create better external connections to other nearby amenities

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4. Woodlands make up a significant portion the entire site. Design elements will mostly take place in sections that have been previously developed because of the conservation safegaurding of other features on site.

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5. The parcels outside of the main conservation easement, located along CR 700, struggle with with visibility. Design and development considerations should have a strong push in a welcoming and informative center.

Existing Overhead Lines

SITE ANALYSIS

Electricity discharge from the OHE High Voltage Lines causes a distinct audible noise, which increases with inclement weather

Drainage issues

Stormwater flow over the roadway causes deep rutting, which makes the road impassable at times

FUNCTION AND PURPOSE Amenities such as the lodges, pavilions, and ampitheater all struggle with appropriate use and roles within the campus

5 CONSERVATION EASEMENT

A Power invested in a qualified private land conservation organization to constrain, as to a specified land area, the exercise of rights otherwise held by a landowner so as to achieve certain conservation purposes VISIBILITY Trailhead/Roadway and pavilion at the back of the property aren’t immediately obvious

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BACK OF HOUSE

Challenges with perception of Main entrance from parking area

3 MAINTENANCE AREA Conflict between public/ private nature of work-inprogress

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PHOTOS: Throughout the Master Plan process, several site visits were conducted, guided by the staff and on an individual basis.

Existing 30’ Right-of-Way along CR700 Existing Setback 50’ SHIRLEY HEINZE LAND TRUST MEADOWBROOK MASTER PLAN

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receives from its member counties. NIRPC genuinely thanks all sponsors for their local match financial assistance in making this mapping document free of charge to the public.

dents of NW Indiana ed or designated bike YEARS should be aware that nt the safety or fitness his map bears the full

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Merrillville

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GAN Miles 0.5

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About Our Bicycle Route Rating System CAR-FREE ROUTES (TRAILS) Suitable for bicyclists of all levels and ages.

Separated and protected from motor vehicle traffic.

Schererville

EXCELLENT Suitable for bicyclists of all levels. Smooth riding surface with a marked bikeway, a designated bike route, or preferable conditions for shared lane riding.

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GOOD Suitable for advanced and some intermediate bicyclists. Smooth riding surface and good connection. Requires moderate traffic tolerance and riding skills.

FAIR Best available route in the vicinity. Suitable for advanced cyclists. Use caution.

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SAFETY NOTE/DISCLAIMER: The Northwestern Indiana Regional Planning Commission (NIRPC) has published this map to help residents of NW Indiana and beyond enjoy our region by non-motorized travel options. Regarding bicycles, while most of the routes on this map are not signed or designated bike routes, Indiana law allows bicyclists on all roads except limited access highways and roads marked as prohibited. Users of this map should be aware that potential hazards and obstructions may exist on the routes shown and that NIRPC and Active Transportation Alliance in no way warrant the safety or fitness of the suggested routes. This map does not expand the liability of NIRPC to bicyclists and paddlers beyond existing law. The user of this map bears the full responsibility for his or her safety.

Call NIRPC at 219-763-6060 to request a copy of this map or other free publications, or visit www.nirpc.org. This map will be updated and reprinted on a regular basis. Suggestions to improve the map and accompanying information are always welcome! Produced by Active Transportation Alliance and NIRPC Staff.Public Domain Document 2018 by NIRPC.

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Merrillville

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Analysis: Utilities Septic System: The system was tested in September 2017. The test results are shown to the right. The system passed most of the items but failed because the septic tank is losing water.

This may have been due to the fact that water ran through the system too quickly since there was not adequate time to consistently prime the system prior to testing. The system should be re-tested and repaired if necessary.

Well: The water source is a well and the well head is located near the southwest corner of the existing house. The water was tested and passed for E Coli levels. The new building and maintenance garage can be connected to the well. A pressure test should be completed to verify the available water pressure to see if a pump will be needed to satisfy the load requirements for proposed use.

Electric: It appears the electric line at one point entered via overhead lines to a utility pole near the garage and then connected to the house.

It also appears electrical lines go underground at the pole in the right of way. Further analysis shall be performed on the electric supply prior to demolition of the house and any electric utilities.

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ANALYSIS OF EXISTING STRUCTURES This Study includes Building Assessments for the structures at the Shirley Heinze Land Trust Meadowbrook Nature Preserve Conservation Center.

Main Office: Two story house converted into office and conference space. Entrance to Main Level from south, and entrance to the Lower Level from the north. Interior stair at south entry connects two floors. Main Level has offices, conference space, kitchen / break room, and restroom. The Lower Level has open offices, kitchenette, (2) restrooms.

Maintenance Barn: Pre-engineered wood building with east side containing maintenance office and storage (heated with concrete floor). West side has gravel floor with no heat and is used for general and vehicle storage.

Program Barn: Premanufactured steel building with gravel floor and no heat. Used for general storage.

Silo: Concrete Silo, no current use.

Northern Lites Cabin: One story cabin, now used for storage. Cabin is heated and finished on interior. Roof extends over covered patio.

Deer Meadow Cabin: One story cabin, used as event space. Contains kitchen, restrooms with showers, and storage. Rood extends over covered patio.

The study consists of the following tasks: Structural Building Assessment: Documentation of field verification of existing observable conditions assessing the integrity of the structure and systems.

Architectural Building Assessment: Field verification of existing observable conditions to assess the physical facilities. Document building elements which require repair, replacement or upgrading.

This process also involved an Architectural components review and report including the following components: • Exterior envelope including walls, openings and roofing • Interior framing system(s)

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Floors and roof deck ADA Accessibility of Structures Building Systems Analysis: Field verification of existing observable Mechanical, Electrical and Plumbing systems. Document building elements which require repair, replacement or upgrading.

Photographic Documentation

Site Location Plan A detailed code analysis is excluded from this study as it is assumed that the building is legal non-compliant with present day codes, and only future renovations altering life safety aspects of the building will be required to comply with current codes.

This study also does not recommend floor plan changes to improve or alter present functional uses, but focuses on improvements for continued general viability.

Testing for hazardous materials such as asbestos, mold, lead paint and radon are not part of this study, and it is recommended that testing for these materials be performed by a qualified testing company, along with addressing any found hazardous materials.

TOP: The Deer Meadow Cabin sits neatly tucked into an opening in the landscape just north of the Main Office Building.

BOTTOM: The Northern Lites Lodge, currently used as a workshop and storage, has opportunity to serve as a unique work space within the campus.

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STRUCTURAL BUILDING ASSESSMENT The following represents the results of a general structural assessment at the above referenced structures, and the scope of work was limited to performing a visual review of accessible components at the facility prior to preparing the report. This report includes: • Documentation of the conditions observed and the state of the conditions • No destructive or non-destructive testing was performed during our observations.

Conclusions and recommendationsbare based on review of the enclosed information, and our field observations. Should any information become available which materially affects the validity of the aforementioned information, we reserve the right to modify this report accordingly.

Project Background There are (5) buildings at the Meadowbrook Nature Preserve and an existing grain silo. The main office is an old farm house with an addition built with traditional wood framing, offices, break

rooms and conference rooms are located in this building. The Maintenance Barn is a pre-engineered wood pole barn by Burns Buildings. It stores the large equipment for the site and has employee lockers and break room. The Program Barn is a steel premanufactured building and is only used for storing kayaks and other miscellaneous items. The two cabins are further back on the property and do not appear to be in use currently. These are standard wood framed walls with single span wood trusses.

The existing silo is a concrete structure that is not being used for anything.

Visual Observations All structures were generally reviewed for signs of obvious original construction defects, distress, and any structural unsound conditions. Original design and construction documents were not reviewed.

Approximately 3 hours was spent reviewing the building at this site, where access was readily available and safe.

Spaces labeled per OHSA requirements as “Confined Spaces” were not entered. Climbing or fall-arrest equipment was not used for access. The exterior

was reviewed from the ground or adjacent elevated positions; the interior was reviewed from available vantage points. Records of our observations were recorded with handwritten field notes, and photographs.

A scale of Excellent to Poor is used to describe the general condition of the structural elements. These descriptions, as used in this report, are defined as follows: • Excellent: The structural components are in a “like new” condition, and are performing as intended.

• Good: The structural components show minor but structurally insignificant deterioration, and are performing as intended.

• Fair: The structural components exhibit some deterioration distress, but appear to be performing adequately although not as originally intended.

• Poor: The structural components are significantly deteriorated, and are not performing as intended.

ARCHITECTURAL BUILDING ASSESSMENT The following represents the results of a general architectural assessment at the above referenced structures, and the scope of work was limited to performing a visual review of accessible components at the facility prior to preparing the report. This report includes: â&#x20AC;˘ Documentation of the conditions observed and the state of the conditions No destructive or nondestructive testing was performed during our observations. Conclusions and recommendations are based on review of the enclosed information, and our field observations. Should any information become available which materially affects the validity of the aforementioned information, we reserve the right to modify this report accordingly.

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ANALYSIS: MAIN OFFICE Structural Area Reviews : Good TOP LEVEL AND ATTIC The top level of the space consists of offices in the original house and conference spaces in the addition.

A ceiling hatch is located in the main hallway. The roof is built with wood trusses and bearing on wood stud walls. The floor construction was not visible but is assumed to be wood joists. The roof and ceiling were visible and were wood joist and wood decking construction.

Service induced distress: · Drywall damage in Utility Closet Comments: • The door to the exterior on the southeast of the building is not weather tight.

• Majority of all structure was covered with drywall

TOP : The facade of the Main Office Building looks more residential/private than the public facility that it is.

MID LEFT: The entrances from the South side (front) of the office are both non-compliant for ADA accessibility.

MID RIGHT: Offices on the second floor take full advantage of natural daylight.

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BOTTOM: Repairs to the envelop of the building are needed both for maintenance and aesthetic improvement.

LOWER LEVEL • The lower level floor of the space consists a storage space in the original house and offices and conference spaces in the addition. The walls on the south and west side west of the building are CMU walls extending up to the upper level.

It is assumed the east wall is also a CMU wall, but it was not visible. It is assumed that the north walls are wood studs. It is unclear if the floor has a crawl space underneath as the basement has floor vents. No hatch was observed.

Service induced distress: • Damaged Fascia boards at the south covered porch • Siding is damaged on the north west porch • Damaged drywall in the ceiling in the utility closet Comments: • It is unclear if the slab in the addition is a crawl space, but no access point was observed.

• Slabs were in good condition • Storage space was slightly damp • Majority of all structure was covered with drywall

ANALYSIS: MAIN OFFICE Architectural Area Reviews : LOWER LEVEL Open Office Southeast: • Door hardware is not accessible (multiple locations) • Smoke detector housing is present, detector is missing • Moisture damage at windows Kitchenette: • Counter height is not accessible • Cabinet hardware is not installed and not accessible • Trim missing (multiple locations) • Flooring in need of repair Mechanical Room East: • Damage to walls and floor, appears to be water or rodent Open Office Northeast: • Door hardware is not accessible (multiple locations) • Flooring in need of repair Restroom East: • Exhaust vent loose • Restroom size does not meet current accessibility codes • No grab bars installed • Door hardware is not accessible Bird Viewing Room: • Window opener missing (multiple locations) • • • •

Interior PVC drain being collected in bucket Water damage (wall and ceiling) visible at PVC drain line Door hardware is not accessible (multiple locations) Door thresholds do not meet current accessibility codes

Open Office West: • Cracked drywall at ceiling • Door hardware is not accessible (multiple locations) Restroom/Shower West: • Restroom size does not meet current accessibility codes • No grab bars installed • Door hardware is not accessible • Door size does not meet current accessibility codes • Door in need of repair Storage Room West: • Water damage at utility sink • Non-GFI outlet at utility sink • Door hardware is not accessible (multiple locations) MAIN LEVEL: The main floor of the building does not have an accessible means of entry. The main floor of the building is only accessible by stairs.

East Stair: • Drywall in need of repair • Door thresholds do not meet current accessibility codes • Finished flooring at landing is not installed • Door hardware is not accessible (multiple locations) • Hand rails not installed Conference Room: • Phone outlet loose • Door hardware is not accessible (multiple locations) • Thermostat is not mounted at accessible height East Office: • Window glass seal appears to be broken, creating moisture between glass • Door hardware is not accessible (multiple

TOP: The floor plans of the Main Office Building highligtht spatial constraints and flow issues of the facility.

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locations) • Flooring and door threshold in need of repair in office closet Office (South by Stair): • Door hardware is not accessible (multiple locations) • Drywall in need of repair (multiple locations) Hall: • Flooring transitions heights do not meet current accessibility codes • Door hardware is not accessible (multiple locations) Copy Room / IT Closet: • · Drywall Ceiling in need of repair • · Door hardware is not accessible (multiple locations) Kitchen: • Counter height is not accessible • Cabinet hardware is not installed and not accessible • Door size does not meet current accessibility codes • Window opener missing (multiple locations) South Stair: • Riser and treads do not meet current code • Hand rail does not meet current accessibility codes • Light fixture at lower level is exposed Restroom West: • Restroom size does not meet current accessibility codes • Grab bars installed are not compliant with current accessibility codes • Door hardware is not accessible • Door size does not meet current accessibility codes Office Northwest: • Door hardware is not accessible

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Door size does not meet current accessibility codes Office Southwest: • Door hardware is not accessible • Door size does not meet current accessibility codes • Window sealant cracked Main Office Exterior: • Threshold at main door to high, does not meet current accessibility codes • Fascia trim cracked (multiple locations) • Siding damage (multiple locations)

TOP LEFT: View from the trail head looking toward the Main Office Building.

TOP RIGHT: The patio space at the Deer Meadow Cabin needs some structural repairs to the roof support columns.

MID RIGHT: The Northern Lites Lodge are located behind several small shelters, which house various equipement.

BOTTOM LEFT: Looking south toward the Main Office Building, Maintenance Barn, and parking area.

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ANALYSIS: MAINTENANCE BARN

TOP: The Maintenance Barn garage doors face the primary entrance for the Main Office building and the parking area.

MID LEFT: The floor plan of the Maintenance Barn shows some opportunity to section off portions of the structure to provide more suitable work areas.

MID RIGHT: The garage space houses equipment and vehicles.

BOTTOM LEFT: Some storage and spatial operations issues in the back portion of the barn.

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Structural Area Reviews : Good The building is a pre-manufactured building by Burns Buildings and is a pole barn construction. It has wood posts with beams at the top supporting wood trusses.

Service induced distress: • Wood at the base of the building on the south and west is wet and bowing outward.

• Damaged siding on the south side • In the main garage area, it is unclear how the trusses are tied down to the wood beams • Several locations wood beams are attached to columns with 4 nails only.

• Ladder to loft is not anchored down at top or bottom.

Comments: • All trusses must be tied down to the beams below due to wind uplift loads. We recommend this be verified. Additionally, nails do not have significant load capacity, verify existing nailing patterns are acceptable for the applied loads.

• Foundations were not visible and were not inspected. Existing concrete slab was in good condition.

Architectural Area Reviews : Good East Side (Office): · Door hardware is not accessible (multiple locations) · Drywall damage · Overhead door damage West Side (Garage): · No rail installed at stair from east to west side · Overhead door damage · Door hardware is not accessible (multiple locations) Exterior: · Service induced distress; general maintenance needed · Seal not installed at man doors · Bowing at wood base board (multiple locations)

ANALYSIS: PROGRAM BARN

ANALYSIS: SILO

Structural Area Reviews : Poor The building is a 1200 square foot pre-fabricated steel shed. It consists of steel panel walls on the perimeter and a beam and column system at the center at the ridge of the roof.

Service induced distress: • Damaged siding on the north side and south east corner • Column supporting roof has been removed.

Comments: • The building appears to have 1 major structural system. It has a large beam and columns that drop down on either end. However, on the east side a door has been installed and the column has been cut. The roof beam is now being supported by the header of the door. We highly recommend this be evaluated as the building loads are not being transferred as designed.

This could be a life safety issue.

Architectural Area Reviews : Poor East Side (Office): • Door hardware is not accessible (multiple locations) • Threshold at man door does not meet current accessibility codes Exterior: • Service induced distress; general maintenance needed • Clear vines and plants from building to reduce risk of damage

Exterior: • Service induced distress; general maintenance needed • Clear vines and plants from building to reduce risk of damage

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ANALYSIS: NORTHERN LITES CABIN Structural Area Reviews : Good to Fair The existing building is a wood building constructed with exterior wood bearing walls and single span wood roof trusses. At one end of the building the roof extends over a porch area and has wood beams and columns supporting it at the corners.

Service induced distress: • Some of the siding on the north side is damaged • Paint is peeling on much of the structure • Columns at the porch area are showing minor signs of deterioration Comments: • Most of the structural elements are covered by walls and ceiling. The visible structure appeared to be in good condition. The outside of the building needs some basic maintenance with painting. The columns at the corners of the porch area should be evaluated to see how much rot is at the bottom and whether new anchors need to be attached.

Architectural Area Reviews : Open Storage West: · West Doors are damage and screwed shut · Exit signs missing · General repair and maintenance needed at west window wall TOP : The Northern Lights Lodge north facade MID LEFT: Some structural repairs are needed, including the column supports for the roof overhang, which have separated from the concrete foundation.

MID RIGHT: The siding of the lodge has water damage and is in need of replacement.

· Door hardware is not accessible (multiple locations) · Ceiling needs repair, appears to have water damage (multiple locations) Storage East: · Door hardware is not accessible (multiple locations) · Ceiling damage, appears to be rodent damage Exterior:

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· Siding, trim, soffits, fascia, and roof are all in need of replacement.

ANALYSIS: DEER MEADOW CABIN Structural Area Reviews : Good to Fair The existing building is a wood building constructed with exterior wood bearing walls and single span wood roof trusses. At one end of the building the roof extends over a porch area and has wood beams and columns supporting it at the corners. The building additionally has a full kitchen and a group bathroom with multiple showers and toilets.

Service induced distress: • The siding on the west side has many wood pecker holes • Some of the ceiling is detaching towards the porch area • Columns at the porch area are showing minor signs of deterioration • Attachment of columns to ground appear to be minimal or missing.

• Kitchen cabinets are coming off the wall in one location • Drywall damage in the bathroom area/utility room Comments: • Most of the structural elements are covered by walls and ceiling. The visible structure appeared to be in good condition. The outside of the building needs some basic maintenance with painting. The columns at the corners of the porch area should be evaluated to see how much rot is at the bottom and whether new anchors need to be attached. If anchors are not attached, they need to be re-attached or a new anchor system installed.

Architectural Area Reviews : Open Storage West: • West Doors are damage and screwed shut • Exit signs missing • General repair and maintenance needed at west window wall • Door hardware is not accessible (multiple

locations) • Ceiling needs repair, appears to have water damage (multiple locations) Storage East: • Door hardware is not accessible (multiple locations) • Ceiling damage, appears to be rodent damage Exterior: • Siding, trim, soffits, fascia, and roof are all in need of replacement.

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STRUCTURAL ASSESSMENT CONCLUSION: The structures reviewed at the Meadowbrook Nature Preserve were mostly in good condition. The main building, maintenance barn and program barn all appeared to be daily to weekly use. The silo, and two cabins look to be rarely used. The buildings are all very basic construction and other than the program barn using wood walls and wood trusses.

• The Main Office Building was in good condition and had no major structural concerns. There were some minor maintenance issues to clean up, but nothing that stood out as a safety concern.

• The Maintenance Barn was in good condition. The only issue to check would be the attachment of the wood trusses to the beams, and the beams to the columns. The loads on this building are not extreme, but it would be worth checking these connections. Everything else is minor.

• The Program Barn is the metal Pre-Manufactured building. An overhead door has been installed in a location where it cuts right through one of the two support columns. Currently the half of the roof load is being transferred to the door lintel.

This IS a safety concern and should be looked at immediately.

• The Silo is a concrete structure that appears in good condition. As this silo is not being used for anything, there are no concerns. The concrete and steel reinforcing all appear in good condition.

• The Northern Lites Cabin was in good condition and had only minor concerns. The wood posts at the corners of the covered porch should be looked at and repaired or replaced if rot is significant.

• The Deer Meadow Cabin was in good condition and had only minor concerns. The wood posts at the corners of the covered porch should be looked at and repaired or replaced if rot is significant.

In conclusion, we feel that all the structures other than the Program Barn are in good working condition and do not need any major structural remediations. We do recommend that the lintel in the Program Barn be evaluated to verify that it has been designed to hold the steel beam it is currently supporting.

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ARCHITECTURAL ASSESSMENT CONCLUSION: The structures reviewed at the Meadowbrook Nature Preserve were mostly in good to fair condition. The main building, maintenance barn and program barn all appeared to be daily to weekly use. The silo, and two cabins look to be rarely used. All the buildings had accessibility issues that prevent them from being used by everyone. All the buildings are also in need for regular maintenance and upkeep.

• The Main Office Building was in good condition. There were some minor maintenance issues to clean up, but nothing that stood out as a safety concern. The biggest concern is the accessibility of the space, the main level is not accessible, and none of the restrooms are compliant with current ADA guidelines. Door hardware would also need to be upgraded to be accessibly compliant.

• The Maintenance Barn was in good condition.

There were some minor maintenance issues to clean up, and accessibility issues with the doors and door hardware.

• The Program Barn was in poor condition. There were some minor maintenance issues to clean up, and accessibility issues with the doors and door hardware. The major concern is an overhead door has been installed in a location where it cuts right through one of the two support columns. Currently the half of the roof load is being transferred to the door lintel. This IS a safety concern and should be looked at immediately.

• The Silo is a concrete structure that appears in good condition, and general maintenance would be recommended to prevent potential damage.

• The Northern Lites Cabin was in fair condition. The interior is need of clean-up and maintenance, but nothing major was noted. The exterior needs replacement of all siding, trim, soffits, fascia, and roof. There are also accessibility issues with doors and door hardware.

â&#x20AC;˘

The Deer Meadow Cabin was in fair condition.

The exterior needs repair of all siding, trim, soffits, fascia, and roof. There are also accessibility issues with doors and door hardware. The interior needs regular maintenance and cleanup to the event space. The restrooms and kitchen are in poor conditions and need to be reconfigured and replaced.

TOP LEFT: The open floor plan of the lodge can be used for a variety of events.

TOP RIGHT: Several pavilions are situated around the lodges and are often used to store equipment.

MID: The Tent pads are a fun tie to the Girl Scouts History at Meadowbrook BOTTOM LEFT: The patio space at the Deer Meadow Lodge provides an immersive view of the woods

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APPENDIX BUILDING SYSTEMS ANALYSIS ENGAGEMENT ADDITIONAL PHOTOGRAPHS MAIN CAMPUS BUDGET ANALYSIS

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BUILDING SYSTEMS ANALYSIS MAIN OFFICE: Fire Protection Sprinkler Systems: • The facility does not have a fire protection sprinkler system.

Plumbing: • Water Service and back flow prevention: • A 1” water service enters the facility on the south side of the basement. Domestic water is provided by well system. Water is stored in a holding tank and then distributed through a water softener.

• Piping is copper and appears to be in good condition, no leaks were visible.

• Recommendation: • Confirm water quality and verify that filtration system is not required.

Water heaters: • A Richmond # 6G50-3851 domestic water heater, 50 gallons storage and 38,000 BTU input is in the boiler room.

• The water heater was manufactured in 2012 and appears to be in good condition.

• The water heater does not have a thermal expansion tank.

• This water heating system does not have a tempered water mixing valve.

• There does not appear to be any hot water return piping for the water heater system.

• Recommendation: • Provide a thermal expansion tank on the cold-water inlet for the domestic water heater.

• Provide a tempered water mixing valve at water heater to provided tempered water throughout the facility to prevent scalding.

Water piping distribution: • The domestic water piping at the water service was observed to be copper and no leaks were visible.

• The domestic water piping does not have fiberglass piping insulation.

• Recommendation: • Provide fiberglass insulation where accessible.

Sanitary and Storm: • The overall condition of the sanitary and storm piping was not evident at the facility.

Plumbing Fixtures: • The toilet rooms have not been remodeled and have two (2) pushbutton water flow flush valve.

• The plumbing fixtures appear original, show their age, and are in working order.

• Recommendation: • Plan for upgrading existing plumbing faucets in the future.

Gas Service: • The 1” gas service enters the facility on the west wall of the basement storage room. The gas meter and • gas regulator are located outside at grade that serves the facility.

• Gas piping is routed basement.

• The gas piping distribution appears in good condition.

Mechanical Systems: • Heating Ventilating and Air Conditioning (HVAC) Systems: • There three (3) nominal 4- ton gas heating/ DX cooling furnace systems serving the facility. The age of the systems could not be verified, but they appear to be 10-15 years old. Furnace systems have an operational life expectancy of 15-20 years.

• A programmable thermostat is provided for each of the furnaces for temperature control.

The thermostat for the first floor office area is located in the 2nd floor office space.

• Ductwork distribution appears to be in good working condition. No defects were noted.

• The HVAC system does not have outside air (ventilation air) connection. The amount of windows should be able to provide code required ventilation air for office building.

• Recommendations: • Plan for the replacement of the furnace systems within the next 5 years.

• Consider providing code required ventilation air to the furnaces.

• Consider adding an averaging sensor to provide additional control for the 1st floor and 2nd floor office areas.

Exhaust systems: • · There is a kitchen does not have an exhaust fan.

• · There are exhaust fans in the toilet rooms in the facility and appear to be in working condition.

• · Recommendation:

• Add exhaust fan for the kitchen area.

Electrical Systems: • Electrical Services: • The main electrical service switch gear is a 200-amp 120/240-volt 1 phase 3 wire main • distribution panel located in the utility area.

The service conductors are routed overhead from utility poles with pole mounted transformers. The main service appears to have been installed in the last 20 years and is in good condition. The main service appears to be adequately sized for the facility. MEG will need to analyze existing historical utility bills to determine exact loading on the service.

• Subpanel A and B have been installed in the last 10 years and are in good condition.

• Residential grade panels have a life span of approximately 30 years. The electrical panels should provide an additional 10 years of service.

• Electrical devices and switches appeared to be in fair condition and should provide another 10 years of service.

• Recommendations: None.

Fire Alarm Systems: • The building does not have a central fire alarm system.

• The building is protected by spot type smoke detection. The building is only partially covered by • the detectors. A few of the detectors appear old and have outlived their life cycle requiring • replacement.

• Recommendations: • It is recommended to provide additional spot detectors for complete coverage of the building. Additionally, inoperable detectors should be removed and replaced with new units.

• As an enhancement, a small fire alarm system should be provided for the building. This system would offer annunciation capability as well as monitoring and reporting of alarms off hours when the building is unoccupied.

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Telephone/Data: • There is a small low voltage/telephone service located in the upper floor closet.

• CAT6 cable is used for wired ports and the data system appears in good condition and should • provide another 5 years of service.

• A small intercom/phone system is used to call outside the building and to page other handsets in the building. The system is in good condition and should provide another 5 years of service.

• Recommendations: None.

Lighting, Emergency Light and Exit Signs: • The lighting in the building mainly consists or recessed and surface mounted residential and light commercial fixtures. Interior fixtures utilized fluorescent and CFL lamping. The fixtures were primarily in fair to good condition and should provide another 5-10 years of service.

• Lenses were dirty and should be cleaned to improve lighting levels.

• Emergency light fixtures with battery packs are located throughout the building. There is a mix of older and newer emergency light fixtures.

The newer LED emergency fixtures should provide an additional 10 years of service. The older emergency lighting is past it’s life cycle and should be replaced.

• Several areas have inadequate or missing emergency lighting coverage. The building exterior does not have emergency lighting coverage above the exit doors.

• Exit signs with battery packs are located throughout the building. Several were inoperable and past their life cycle. Some doors are missing exit signs.

• There is only a single HID flood light illuminating the site. It is in fair condition and should provide another 5 years of service.

• The building entrances are lit with incandescent, CFL and HID fixtures that have outlived their life cycle.

• The exterior lighting is controlled by wall switches and integral fixture photocells.

• Recommendations: • It is recommended that fixture lenses be cleaned for better lighting levels.

• It is recommended that additional exit signs be provided for proper coverage of the entire building. Further, inoperable

exit signs should be replaced with new units.

• It is recommended that additional LED emergency lights be provided for proper coverage of the entire building. Further, inoperable emergency lights should be replaced with new units.

• It is recommended that the HID flood light be replaced with a new LED unit, which will provide higher light quality with less energy usage.

• It is recommended that the exterior fixtures be replaced with new LED units, which will provide higher light quality with less energy usage.

• It is recommended that exterior egress doors be provided with exterior emergency lighting.

Security System/Card Access • The building security system is no longer operational, and the maintenance contract is expired.

• The building does not have a card access system.

• Recommendations: • It is recommended that a small burglar alarm system be provided to notify the Owner and local authorities of unauthorized access during unoccupied off hours.

• It is recommended a small card access system be provided to furnish access to authorized individuals after hours.

MAINTENANCE BARN: Fire Protection Sprinkler Systems: • The facility does not have a fire protection sprinkler system.

Plumbing: • Water Service Sanitary: The facility does not have domestic water sanitary drainage systems.

Gas Service: • The building has a propane tank installed on the southwest side of the building. However, the tank has not been used in several years and operation of the system is in question.

• Piping is routed from the propane tank to a gas unit heater located in the maintenance area and a wall mounted heater in the office.

• The gas piping distribution appears in good

condition.

Recommendations: Contact a propane vendor and have the existing tank certified for use.

Mechanical Systems: • Heating System: • One (1) propane unit heater installed in 2002 serves the maintenance area. Unit heater appears to be in good condition, but operation of the unit could not be verified.

• One (1) wall mounted heater is installed in the office. Unit appears to be over 20 years old and is past the operational life expectancy.

• Recommendation: • Contract a mechanical contractor to verify operation of the unit heater.

• Replace office heating unit with an electric cabinet heater.

Air Conditioning Systems:The facility does not have an air conditioning system.

Exhaust systems: The facility does not have an exhaust system.

• Recommendation: Provide exhaust system to provide air movement during summer operation.

Electrical Systems: • Electrical Services: • The main electrical service switch gear is a 100-amp 120/240-volt 1 phase 3 wire main panel located near the door. The service conductors are routed below grade from utility poles. The main service appears to have been installed in the last 20 years and is in good condition. The main service appears to be adequately sized for the facility. MEG will need to analyze existing historical utility bills to determine exact loading on the service.

• Residential grade panels have a life span of approximately 30 years. The electrical panel should provide an additional 10 years of service.

• Electrical devices and switches appeared to be in fair condition and should provide another 10 years of service.

• Recommendations: None.

Fire Alarm Systems: • The building does not have a central fire alarm system.

• The building is protected by spot type smoke •

detection. The building is only partially covered by the detectors.

• Recommendations: • It is recommended to provide additional spot detectors for complete coverage of the building. Additionally, inoperable detectors should be removed and replaced with new units.

• As an enhancement, a small fire alarm system should be provided for the building. This system would offer annunciation capability as well as monitoring and reporting of alarms off hours when the building is unoccupied.

• Telephone/Data: • There are telephone jacks located in the building, however the Owner is not sure of the conditionof these or if they are operational.

• There is no data service to the building.

• Recommendations: None.

Lighting, Emergency Light and Exit Signs: • The lighting in the building mainly consists or surface mounted linear fluorescent fixtures and screw in sockets with LED lamps. The fixtures were primarily in fair to good condition and should provide • another 5 years of service.

• o One small office had water damage on the ceiling, resulting in damaged, corroded fixtures.

These • fixtures should be replaced.

• o The building interior does not have proper exit and emergency lighting coverage.

• o The building exterior does not have emergency lighting coverage above the exit doors.

• o The building entrances are lit with an HID fixture in fair condition. The fixture should provide • another 5 years of service. Lighting coverage is inadequate/missing over some exterior doors.

• o The exterior lighting is controlled by integral fixture photocells.

• Recommendations: • It is recommended that the damaged fixtures in the office area be replaced with new fixtures.

• It is recommended that complete exit and emergency lighting coverage be provided for the building interior • It is recommended that exterior

emergency lighting be provided for the exit doors.

• It is recommended that the exterior lighting be replaced with new LED fixtures, which will provide better light quality at less energy usage. Additionally, LED fixtures should be added over exterior doors for complete coverage of the building.

Security System/Card Access: • The building security system is no longer operational, and the maintenance contract is expired.

• The building does not have a card access system.

• o Recommendation: • It is recommended that a small burglar alarm system be provided to notify the Owner and local authorities of unauthorized access during unoccupied off hours.

PROGRAM BARN: Fire Protection Sprinkler Systems: The facility does not have a fire protection sprinkler system.

Plumbing: The facility does not have a plumbing system.

Mechanical Systems: The facility does not have mechanical systems.

Electrical Services: • The main electrical service switch gear is a 100amp 120/240-volt 1 phase 3 wire main panel located near the door. The service conductors are routed below grade from utility poles. The main service appears to have been installed in the last 20 years and is in good condition. The main service appears to be adequately sized for the facility. MEG will need to analyze existing historical utility bills to determine exact loading on the service.

• Residential grade panels have a life span of approximately 30 years. The electrical panel should provide an additional 5-10 years of service.

• Electrical devices and switches appeared to be in fair condition and should provide another 5-10 years of service.

• Recommendations: None.

Fire Alarm Systems: The building does not have a SHIRLEY HEINZE LAND TRUST MEADOWBROOK MASTER PLAN

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central fire alarm system.

• The building did not appear to be protected by spot type detectors.

• Recommendations: • It is recommended to provide spot detectors for complete coverage of the building.

• As an enhancement, a small fire alarm system should be provided for the building. This system would offer annunciation capability as well as monitoring and reporting of alarms off hours whenthe building is unoccupied.

Telephone/Data: • The building did not appear to have telephone service.

• There is no data service to the building.

• Recommendations: None.

Lighting, Emergency Light and Exit Signs: • The lighting in the building consists of surface mounted fixtures. The fixtures were primarily in fair condition and should provide another 5 years of service.

• The building interior does not have proper exit and emergency lighting coverage.

• The building exterior does not have emergency lighting coverage above the exit doors.

• The building entrances are lit with HID fixtures.

The fixtures appear to be inoperable and past their life cycle and should be replaced.

• The exterior lighting is controlled by integral fixture photocells.

• Recommendations: • t is recommended that complete exit and emergency lighting coverage be provided for the building interior • It is recommended that exterior emergency lighting be provided for the exit doors.

• It is recommended that the exterior lighting be replaced with new LED fixtures, which will provide better light quality at less energy usage. Additionally, LED fixtures should be added over exterior doors for complete coverage of the building.

Security System/Card Access: • The building does not have a card access system or a security system.

•

Recommendation: • It is recommended that a small burglar alarm system be provided to notify the Owner and local authorities of unauthorized access during unoccupied off hours.

NORTHERN LITES CABIN: Fire Protection Sprinkler Systems: The facility does not have a fire protection sprinkler system.

Plumbing: • Water Service Sanitary: The facility does not have domestic water sanitary drainage systems Gas Service: • Propane tanks are located outside of the cabins.

Operation of the tanks could not be verified.

• Recommendations: • Contact a propane vendor and have the existing tank certified for use.

Mechanical Systems: • Heating and Ventilating: • One (1) gas heating furnace system serves the cabin. Model number of the furnace was not visible and could not be verified. Furnace system appears to be more than 20 years old and is past the operational life expectancy.

• Temperature is controlled by a wall mounted thermostat.

• Recommendations: • Replace furnace system with a new high efficient unit.

• Air Conditioning: The facility does not have air conditioning.

• Exhaust systems: The facility does not have exhaust systems.

Electrical Systems: • Electrical Services: • The main electrical service switch gear is a 60amp 120/240-volt 1 phase 3 wire main panel located near the door. The service conductors are routed below grade from utility poles. The main service is past it’s life cycle and requires replacement. Further, the panel does not have sufficient space or capacity for current or future planning.

• The Owner appears to have used a residential generator to power the building under emergency conditions without the use of a

transfer switch, which is a code violation.

Electrical devices and switches appeared to be in fair condition and should provide another 5-10 years of service.

• Recommendations: • It is recommended that the building service to be upgraded to a 200A 120/240V, 1 phase, 3 wire service in order to provide adequate capacity for future use.

• It is recommended that the owner provide a permanently installed transfer switch to allow either a portable or permanent generator connection.

Fire Alarm Systems: • · The building does not have a central fire alarm system.

• · The building was protected by spot type detection. However, coverage is inadequate and some detectors • appear to be inoperable or past their life cycle.

• Recommendations: • It is recommended to provide additional spot detectors for complete coverage of the building.

• Additionally, inoperable detectors should be removed and replaced with new units.

• As an enhancement, a small fire alarm system should be provided for the building. This system would offer annunciation capability as well as monitoring and reporting of alarms off hours when the building is unoccupied.

Telephone/Data: • There are telephone jacks located in the building, however the Owner is not sure of the condition of these or if they are operational.

• There is no data service to the building.

• Recommendations: • It is recommended that the phone system should be tested for proper operation and repaired as necessary for proper connectivity.

• It is recommended that a long distance wifi network should be provided from the main building to provide wifi capability at the cabin.

Lighting, Emergency Light and Exit Signs: • The lighting in the building consists of surface •

mounted fixtures. The fixtures were primarily in fair condition and should provide another 10 years of service.

• Interior fixture lenses were dirty and should be cleaned to improve lighting levels.

• The building interior does not have proper exit and emergency lighting coverage. The existing fixtures appear to be inoperable or past their life cycle.

• The building exterior does not have emergency lighting coverage above the exit doors.

• The building entrances are lit with CFL fixtures.

The fixtures appear to be past their life cycle and should be replaced.

• Recommendations: • It is recommended that fixture lenses be cleaned for better lighting levels.

• It is recommended that inoperable exit signs should be replaced with new units.

• It is recommended that additional LED emergency lights be provided for proper coverage of the entire building. Further, inoperable emergency lights should be replaced with new units.

• It is recommended that the exterior fixtures be replaced with new LED units, which will provide higher light quality with less energy usage.

• It is recommended that exterior egress doors be provided with exterior emergency lighting.

Security System/Card Access: • · The building does not have a card access system or a security system.

• · Recommendations: • o It is recommended that a small burglar alarm system be provided to notify the Owner and local • authorities of unauthorized access during unoccupied off hours.

DEER MEADOW CABIN: Fire Protection Sprinkler Systems: The facility does not have a fire protection sprinkler system.

Plumbing: • Water Service and back flow prevention: • o A 1 ½”” water service enters the facility in the mechanical room. Domestic water is provided by well system. Water is stored in a SHIRLEY HEINZE LAND TRUST MEADOWBROOK MASTER PLAN

53

54

holding tank and then distributed through a water softener.

• Piping is copper and appears to be in good condition, no leaks were visible.

• Recommendation: • Confirm water quality, verify operation of water softener and that a filtration system is not required.

Water heaters: • A model 6G40-32PF3 domestic water heater, 40 gallons storage and 32,000 BTU input is in the mechanical room.

• The water heater was installed in 2016, and it is in good condition.

• This water heating system has a tempered water mixing valve.

• There does not appear to be any hot water return piping for the water heater system.

• Recommendation: • Provide a thermal expansion tank on the cold-water inlet for the domestic water heater.

Water piping distribution: • The domestic water piping at the water service was observed to be copper piping.

• The domestic water piping does not have fiberglass piping insulation.

• Recommendation: • Insulate exposed domestic water piping.

• Conceal new piping where possible in new plumbing chases.

Sanitary and Storm: The overall condition of the sanitary and storm piping was not evident at the facility.

Plumbing Fixtures: • The toilet rooms have not been remodeled and appear to have older 3 gallons per flush water closets. Fixture do not appear to have been used for several years.

• The tree (3) compartment sink in the kitchen does not have a grease trap installed on the discharge of the sink.

• Recommendation: • Replace the existing toilet fixture with 1.6 GPF water closets to meet current plumbing code water consumption.

• Replace lavatory faucets with new low flow faucets.

•

Add grease trap in counter below 3-compartment sink.

Gas Service: • Propane tanks are located outside of the cabins.

Operation of the tanks could not be verified.

• Recommendations: • Contact a propane vendor and have the existing tank certified for use.

Mechanical Systems: • Heating and Ventilating: • One (1) gas heating furnace system serves the cabin. Model number of the furnace was not visible and could not be verified. Furnace system appears to be more than 20 years old and is past the operational life expectancy.

• Temperature is controlled by a wall mounted thermostat.

• Recommendations: • Replace furnace system with a new high efficient unit.

Air Conditioning: The facility does not have air conditioning.

Exhaust systems: • There is a kitchen exhaust hood above the gas range. The hood does not have a fire suppression • system.

• There are exhaust fans in the toilet rooms in the facility. The exhaust fans did not appear to be • operational.

• Recommendation: • If kitchen is going to be used in a commercial application, provide kitchen exhaust hood, • exhaust fan and fire suppression system.

• Replace existing toilet room exhaust fans.

Electrical Systems: • Electrical Services: • The main electrical service switch gear is a 100-amp 120/240-volt 1 phase 3 wire main panel located near the door. This main panel feeds a smaller subpanel at the back of the building. The service conductors are routed below grade from utility poles. The main service and subpanel are corroded and are past their life cycle and require replacement.

Further, the panel does not have sufficient space or capacity for current or future planning.

•

The Owner appears to have used a residential generator to power the building under emergency conditions without the use of a transfer switch, which is a code violation.

• Electrical devices and switches appeared to be in fair condition and should provide another 5-10 years of service.

• Recommendations: • It is recommended that the building service to be upgraded to a 200A 120/240V, 1 phase, 3 wire service in order to provide adequate capacity for future use.

• It is recommended that the owner provide a permanently installed transfer switch to allow either a portable or permanent generator connection.

Fire Alarm Systems: • The building does not have a central fire alarm system.

• The building was protected by spot type detection. However, coverage is inadequate and some detectors appear to be inoperable or past their life cycle.

• Recommendations: • It is recommended to provide additional spot detectors for complete coverage of the building. Additionally, inoperable detectors should be removed and replaced with new units.

• As an enhancement, a small fire alarm system should be provided for the building. This system would offer annunciation capability as well as monitoring and reporting of alarms off hours when the building is unoccupied.

Telephone/Data: • There are telephone jacks located in the building, however the Owner is not sure of the condition of these or if they are operational.

• There is no data service to the building.

• Recommendations: • It is recommended that the phone system should be tested for proper operation and • repaired as necessary for proper connectivity.

• It is recommended that a long distance wifi network should be provided from the main building to provide wifi capability at the

cabin.

Lighting, Emergency Light and Exit Signs: • The lighting in the building consists of surface mounted fixtures. Rusted and damaged fixtures were observed which will require repair or replacement.

• The building interior does not have proper exit and emergency lighting coverage. The existing fixtures appear to be inoperable or past their life cycle.

• The building exterior does not have emergency lighting coverage above the exit doors.

• The building entrances are lit with CFL fixtures.

The fixtures appear to be past their life cycle and should be replaced.

• Recommendations: • It is recommended that damaged fixtures be replaced with new LED light fixtures.

• It is recommended that inoperable exit signs should be replaced with new units.

• It is recommended that additional LED emergency lights be provided for proper coverage of the entire building. Further, inoperable emergency lights should be replaced with new units.

• It is recommended that the exterior fixtures be replaced with new LED units, which will provide higher light quality with less energy usage.

• It is recommended that exterior egress doors be provided with exterior emergency lighting.

Security System/Card Access: • The building does not have a card access system or a security system.

• Recommendations: • It is recommended that a small burglar alarm system be provided to notify the Owner and local authorities of unauthorized access during unoccupied off hours.

SHIRLEY HEINZE LAND TRUST MEADOWBROOK MASTER PLAN

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56

INTERNAL STAKEHOLDER MEETING NOTES

•

EXISTING CONDITIONS • Utilization of space not catered to “walk in” visitors • There is no real reception; separate public, private space • Make stairs functional and extend sidewalk (basement) • More windows • Porch railings falling apart • Entryway great for bird feeders • Better bathroom on first floor • Utility- mice, dust holes, dirty • Conference space with optimal outside use • Improve utility space; more offices • Connect outside to inside • Outdoor meeting space • More office spaces • Improve bathroom and office space; open concept (first floor) • Improve bathrooms including smell; too many stairs • Open up the house to provide more flexible open space • Larger group space with universal access; potential single strong addition • ADA access • Bathrooms too small • Larger conference space • More connection between indoor and outdoors • Additional outdoor storage • Stewardship office space • Resources (fuel tanks, water, etc.)

• Assume we have some storage space at ???

• Storage?

• Electricity, seating, facilities, ADA?

•

FACILITIES • Make more welcoming and obvious where visitors can and can’t go • ADA access to all the facilities inside and out • Connecting indoors to outdoors • More educational information for visitors – what is land conservation and why is it important?

• Would love camping opportunities • Public accessible restrooms for hikers • Bathrooms for hikers

• • • • • • • • • •

Shelters and tent pads inviting spaces for visitors, groups, rentals Parking at lodge; road improvement; bathrooms for hikers Minimal maintenance yard; potential for educational space around office -- gardens, meditation space, story telling ADA restrooms; pavilion for events Power to amphitheater for small events/concerts; improved seating ADA trail that allows visitors to see the best parts of the preserve New parking lot; more inviting entrance into building Bus parking out of the way of stewardship operations Wayfinding Entrance: bus turn around, welcoming covered space, restrooms Make amphitheater usable at dusk – some lighting?

X Country ski trails that are covered enough to be worthwhile

PEOPLE • Active groups utilizing the space (yoga, art, crafts, academics, scouts) • More resources for people (water, play space, tables/chairs, firepit, etc.)

• SHLT signature property – provide info on other properties • More welcoming, interesting, unique, art, color, fun! Memorable!

• Remember to keep balance between art and decoration and uninterrupted wild spaces • Service project opportunities for groups • Welcoming and accessible • Connect Meadowbrook to trail on Froberg Rd in partnership with city of Valpo and PCP • Social events – to encourage enjoyment and not just education/services • Parking lot that accommodates buses for better engagement; better signage and interpretive signs • Connect Meadowbrook to Sunset via utility corridor

• • • • • • • • • • • • • • •

How cool would it be to hear a bluegrass band act at the amphitheater? Proceeds go to SHLT! More power to amphitheater Marketing, hashtags; landmarks for photos Regional resources Educational programs Lodges as vehicle to bring community onto property who might not otherwise visit incorporate volunteer opportunities incorporate hikes safe, comfortable feeling for folks who don’t spend must time in nature nature experience for urban children personal events – weddings, etc. family friendly environment and experiences unique, beautiful space that people want to use and will remember events/rental opportunities rental use plan for outside events

NATURAL RESOURCES • highest quality hiking trails and wayfinding signage • models best green practices and systems • small tree and plant tags for interpretation • bioswales and drainage • feature a variety of landscapes • currently little to no lawn or field for activities • slightly more formal and designed near buildings • much restoration, landscaping, and beautification around facilities • incorporate land conservation and planning – potential to triple size of preserve • water quality demonstration area with programming (VU and local schools) • making a priority to preserve as much as possible • more natural and undeveloped on back acres • reforestation as model for region and local approach to improve air quality and climate change impacts • streams- water quality, agricultural runoff • recognize the multiple types of landscapes • regional conservation center- used by variety of groups • highlight unique attributes of the site (natural) • Zen garden • how to invite and reach visitors who may not be hikers- tell story of our mission

• • • • • • •

enough ADA accessible trails to provide some access to multiple landscapes its important to keep in mind maintaining the quality of the various habitats – we have a lot of diverse wildlife!

Connect with other natural resources/ parks Opportunity to be forward thinking Geology, hydrology programming Examples to the community of sustainable practices Every visit to a SHLT property is an opportunity to promote what is land conservation and why it is important. What does SHLT do to promote land conservation and how individuals can support SHLT.

• •

community networking with people Some staff need office space Place where visitors can see who are out partners and signage

ADMINISTRATION • Stewardship building- expanding and enhancing • BMPs for herbicide/chemicals • Storage space, office space, private “employees only” spaces • Hands on activities, community garden, nature center; more touch, see, sense • Separation of public and workspaces • Universal access to buildings • Green technology: solar, wind, compost, etc.

• Ability to accommodate temporary housing for Americorp and canoe mobile requests • Stewardship building improvements • Space available to public (service clubs, partnerships, etc.)

• Program supply storage separate from stewardship • Outdoor event/meeting space • Lodge meeting space – Wi-Fi, phone; multiple meeting spaces for concurrent events • Consider role of MB for an organization that may have an east, west, and central hub for stewardship. Everything need not be at MB • Create more flexible space in the house – workstation and meeting space • Provide for growth in operations • Develop partnerships in Valpo area • Making office space house as conducive to staff and community meetings and programs • Connecting this property to other sites in SHIRLEY HEINZE LAND TRUST MEADOWBROOK MASTER PLAN

57

EXTERNAL STAKEHOLDER MEETING NOTES Administration • Partnering with municipality(ies) to increase eligibility for funding opportunities • Income: summer and seasonal camps • Outstanding staff/great history & knowledge • Expand paid education staff • Examples of green tech • Offer students (VU, VHS) club space • Funding via ECHOA? (????? funding?)

• Find the girls scouts that came here and do a tour/fundraisers • Training opportunities for novice naturalists • Huge marker tree needs a sign • Sign honoring G.S. legacy • Need signage along trail to educate • We <3 SHLT • Partner w/ corporate sponsors • Increase education/outreach staff • Draw on surrounding natural areas and connectivity of habitat • The house isn’t set up/designed to function as an office/mtg area • Work collaborative w/ NIRPC in one county-wide Next Level Trail application • I didn’t know how to enter this building

58

Existing Conditions • Make office a green building, solar power, stormwater mgmt., etc.

• I didn’t know you had bathrooms on site • Nature hunt 2 paneples on dunpeay???

• Looks like private property from the street • Bathrooms desired • Didn’t use a portion of the property during deer hunting season • Property under water • Hand out available also details available for learning I.D.’s • Connect current site/property to other SHLT owned properties somehow (maybe through signage?)

• Outside to inside • Signage needed on access roads • Welcoming presence cacking • Another path to front door • If you do this ^ please use newer tech like

• • • • • • • •

permeable concreate so water doesn’t run off or use bioswales w/ signage ADA? Classes available for public and groups Native plant sales “Public” meeting space inaccessible – stairs Interpretive signage – maybe interactive?

Technology and/or meeting/conference space available to partners Parking lot needs added paving?

Dirty, unkept areas

Natural Resources • Water quality from (prom?) w/ County Dept. Dev. and stormwater • Adventive programs; Advertise for Val???

• Examples of buffers along wetlands waterways for Green corridors and wildlife • Work w/ private groups education on maintenance of O.S. • Example of restoring and maintaining open space • Interpretive/Guided hikes; educational opportunities • Stormwater management installations with interpretive signage where needed • Connectivity to existing trails/trail systems • ADA/ABA accessible trails and/or amenities • School-aged programming • More professional meeting space • Native American stories on interp panels and other history • Programming for families • Availability of materials for distrib. w/ partners • Nature hiking • Guided (docent) led tours • Improved trail signage and more in depth interpretation • Campfire opportunity • Keep programs about stewardship true to mission • Accessible trails; larger parking • Programs weekly or bi-weekly • Continue building partnerships with other programs to use facility

Existing Conditions: • What do you like?

• I like the info signage around the property • I like the trails • I like the S.H. helpful people • Butternut Springs has lots of Indian (Indiana?) lore – Meadowbrook must have some also • Multiple kinds of habitat in one spot • Birdwatching • What needs attention?

• Parking lot surface • Bathroom * • Trails underwater • Signage getting here is too small • Old lodge (hopefully to be renovated!)

• Canteen – revenue generator, sell branded stuff, bug spray, etc.

• I’d like to attend programming here • Encourage corporate volunteerism/partners • Master directional signage and historic Girl Scout info • Unkept parts of the buildings and grounds • Signage at entrance • Entrance visibility • What do you use the most?

• Monthly open house events • Trails/Pathways People • Do not use the space for yoga! Etc. Stay true to mission • Community events • Signage to let people know where you are • Celebrate what’s unique – don’t try to be everything to everyone • Connectivity to existing trails/resources in the area • Technology/meeting space available to partners • Need programming to increase utilization • Greater promotion of facility as a whole. Better known to community at large.

• Involve community in lodge renovation • Trails too wet and muddy • Connect to Beauty Creek Subdivision • Incorporate Art/Sculptures • Minority outreach – BI-lingual signage • Overnite?

Facilities • (concerns about conservation) climate is effecting each site-erosion, loss of diversity, etc.

• No concerts; stay true to mission • +1 from JRA • The house is less professional then a designed building for your purposes • Trail seating; silo upgrade; primitive camping • Connecting the meadowbrook site to other SHLT sites/branding • Art on the house, out buildings (murals) • Signage • If parking show natural alternatives. Do not make a lot • (for all signs) All/most of what I’ve seen and been hearing about is the future. I’m just as interested in the past.

• Building and outbuilding improvements • Clearer signage at entrance to building and grounds • Phone tours? As NPS has @ Great Marsh • Entrance to building confusing • Bird/wildlife viewing areas • Map/Brochure highlighting amenities • Camping • Not for SHLT members only • Decluttering is cheap • Interp on Directional signage • Interpretive signage more I.D. plants and trees

SHIRLEY HEINZE LAND TRUST MEADOWBROOK MASTER PLAN

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60

SHIRLEY HEINZE LAND TRUST MEADOWBROOK MASTER PLAN 61

SYS LS SYS LS

TON TON LS LS LS

Pavers Lighting Landscape Improvements Design/Construction Engineering Silo Plaza Area Subtotal Parking Lot - 4.5" Asphalt Parking Lot - Compacted Aggregate Base Landscape Improvements Accessible Parking Improvements Design/Engineering Existing Parking Lot Improvement Subtotal

Grand Total

Native Planting Trees Pathways Around Main Office Trail Head / Kiosk Silo Signage Gravel Yard Around Silo Campus Drainage Design Other Site Improvements Subtotal Project Subtotal Contingency (20%)

8. Other Site Improvements

Enclosure - Fence Gravel Area Curbing Landscape Improvements Maintenance Yard Subtotal

7. Maintenance Yard Improvements

Building Expansion Renovation Grading/Drainage Design/Engineering Office Expansion P2 Subtotal

6. Office Expansion Phase 2

Building Expansion Renovation Faรงade Improvements Grading/Drainage Design/Engineering Office Expansion P1 Subtotal

5. Office Expansion Phase 1

4. Existing Parking Lot Improvements

3. Pavilion Plaza Area

AC EA SYS LS LS TON LS LS

LF TON LF SYS

SF SF LS LS

SF SF LS LS LS

LS LS LS

Plaza Landscape Improvements Design/Engineering Entry Court Subtotal

2. Entry Court

LS LF LS SYS SYS LS

UNIT

Monument Signage Utility Conduit Landscape Improvements Concrete Approach Topsoil/Seeding Design/Construction Engineering Entrance Drive Subtotal

1. Entrance Improvements

DESCRIPTION

$ $ $ $ $ $ $ $

$ $ $ $

$ $ $ $

$ $ $ $ $

$ $ $ $ $

$ $ $ $

$ $ $

$ $ $ $ $ $

3,500.00 350.00 60.00 3,500.00 2,500.00 50.00 2,000.00 1,300.00

20.00 55.00 35.00 50.00

155.00 45.00 18,600.00 11,808.00

155.00 45.00 15,000.00 26,350.00 14,568.00

75.00 50.00 35.00 1,000.00 4,534.44

150.00 2,000.00 35.00 4,604.44

15,000.00 2,500.00 1,700.00

10,000.00 25.00 2,500.00 60.00 25.00 1,500.00

LOW UNIT COST

$ $ $ $ $ $ $ $

$ $ $ $

$ $ $ $

$ $ $ $ $

$ $ $ $ $

$ $ $ $

$ $ $

$ $ $ $ $ $

5,000.00 550.00 90.00 3,500.00 5,000.00 90.00 2,000.00 1,458.00

30.00 90.00 45.00 75.00

190.00 55.00 22,800.00 13,284.00

190.00 55.00 20,000.00 32,300.00 16,389.00

90.00 90.00 55.00 1,000.00 6,801.67

200.00 3,500.00 55.00 5,180.00

40,000.00 5,000.00 2,500.00

20,000.00 100.00 5,000.00 75.00 55.00 2,500.00

HIGH UNIT COST

MEADOWBROOK NATURE PRESERVE Main Building Campus Estimate of Costs

2 20 37 1 1 50 1 1

250 53 200 133

600 800 1 1

850 200 1 1 1

238 161 556 1 1

344 1 111 1

1 1 1

1 126 1 63 200 1

QTY

7,000.00 7,000.00 2,200.00 3,500.00 2,500.00 2,500.00 2,000.00 1,300.00 28,000.00 563,799.06 112,759.81

5,000.00 2,887.50 7,000.00 6,666.67 21,554.17

93,000.00 36,000.00 18,600.00 11,808.00 159,408.00

131,750.00 9,000.00 15,000.00 26,350.00 14,568.00 196,668.00

17,850.00 8,050.00 19,444.44 1,000.00 4,534.44 50,878.89

51,666.67 2,000.00 3,888.89 4,604.44 62,160.00

15,000.00 2,500.00 1,700.00 19,200.00

10,000.00 3,150.00 2,500.00 3,780.00 5,000.00 1,500.00 25,930.00

$ 676,558.87

$ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $

$ $ $ $ $

$ $ $ $ $

$ $ $ $ $ $

$ $ $ $ $ $

$ $ $ $ $

$ $ $ $

$ $ $ $ $ $ $

Sept 2019

TOTAL COST

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