S S

S

COMMUNITY FACILITIES Chapter 3 Contents • Introduction • Parks and Recreation - Existing Parks and Recreation Matrix - Existing Parks and Recreation Map - Pool Facilities - Community Parks - Pocket Parks - Proposed Pocket Parks - Private Facilities - BCA Marina • Civic - Brandermill Community Association (BCA) Offices - BCA Storage (Boat and Trailer Storage) - Schools - The Brandermill Church, Post Office, Fire Stations, Cemeteries - County Pump Stations

79 80 80 81 82 98 128 148 164 170 175 176 178 180 182 184

BRANDERMILL M A S T E R

P L A N

Chesterfield County, Virginia

77

COMMUNITY FACILITIES INTRODUCTION

Community Facilities - Introduction: Brandermill is home to a wide array of community facilities, from parks and recreational to civic facilities. One of the original design goals of the community was to offer “a resort-style atmosphere with world-class amenities.” This goal was accomplished and can be seen today throughout Brandermill’s community facilities: playgrounds, swim facilities, The Sailing Center, The Brandermill Country Club Golf Course, The Midlothian Tennis Club, and the civic facilities. This chapter of the Master Plan analyzes each of Brandermill’s community facilities to determine how well they are serving the varied population of Brandermill residents. It offers recommendations for expansion and renovation of existing facilities and identifies needs and opportunities for future facilities within the community that were brought to light by participants in the Master Plan process.

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P L A N

Chesterfield County, Virginia

79

COMMUNITY FACILITIES PARKS and RECREATION: EXISTING PARKS AND RECREATION MATRIX

Existing Parks and Recreation Matrix: The matrix below is an inventory of the existing parks and recreation program elements within the Brandermill community. This serves as a reference chart for the community to identify which community spaces include specific program elements and uses.

COMMUNITY SPACE

A B

Harbour Pointe **

C D

St. Ledger’s **

E

Heritage Farms

F

Nuttree Park

G

Sailing Center

H I

Sunday Park

J

Birnam Woods Park

K L

Five Springs Park

North Beach **

e e e

Millcrest Park

e

M Sagewood Circle Park N O

Sagewood Green Park

P

Sterling Barnes Park

Q R

The Point

S T

Country Club *

Spinnaker Park

e

e e e e e e

e e e e e e e e e e e e e e e e e e e e

e e e e e e e e e e e e e e e e e e e e e e e e e e e e e e

M A S T E R

P L A N

Chesterfield County, Virginia

Locked Storage w/ Gate

Golf Views

Meditation Deck

Garden Plots

Water Views

e

e

e

e e e

e

e e

e

e e e e e

e e e e e e e

Grills

e e e e e e e e e

e e e e

e e

Fireplace

Parking

Shelter/Shade Structure

Boating/Water Access

Grass Field

Picnic Tables

Benches

Fitness Equipment

Snack Bar

Trail Access

Restrooms

Golf Course

Tennis Courts

Trails

e e e e

e e e e

e

e

e

The Brandermill Country Club is private and not open to the general population of Brandermill without a membership this includes tennis, golf, swimming pool and fitness facilities. These pool facilities are open to the general population of Brandermill with the purchase of an annual swim membership. The Midlothian Tennis Club is private and not open to the general population of Brandermill without a membership. The BCA Marina is accessible to the public only with an annual fee.

BRANDERMILL 80

e e

ee

U BCA Marina **** * ** *** ****

Baseball/Softball Field

e e e

Waterside Park

Tennis Club ***

Basketball Court

e e e

e e e

Commodore Pointe

Woodbriar Park

Playground

Beach Volleyball

Swimming Pool

PROGRAM ELEMENTS

e

COMMUNITY FACILITIES PARKS and RECREATION: EXISTING PARKS and RECREATION MAP Health Care Center at Brandermill Woods

Colony Crossing

Brandermill Woods

Existing Parks and Recreation Map:

Powhite Parkway

Old Hundred Road

C St. Ledger’s Pool Swift Creek Elementary School Br

an d

erm

The Village at Waterford

ill Parkway

J Birnam Woods Park L Millcrest Park

BCA Offices

Genito R

oad

This map shows the existing parks and recreation community facilities within Brandermill. Refer to the chart on the opposite page for facility information. Letters in red squares represent each individual facility.

BCA Storage (Boat and Trailer Storage)

5 6

Route 288

d Ol

I Waterside Park

4

7

R red

nd

Hu

Nuttree F Park

oad

3

8

M Sagegrove Circle Park 9

B North Beach Pool

Bra

Sagewood N Green Park

nd

er

m

il

Pa

Midlothian Tennis T Club S Brandermill Country Club

l

P

2

Sterling Barnes Park

rk

way

Swift Creek Middle School

1 10

18

11

D Commodore Pointe (The Landing) Q The Point

Sw

if

17

County Pump Station

t

ee

k

16

e

E Heritage Farms

12

se

k ar eP

R

Millridg

Cr

wa

rv

y

oi r

13

15

Market Square

14

K Five Springs Park Brandermill Church The Boathouse G Sailing Center

Woodlake

H Sunday Park

R Woodbriar Park

O Spinnaker Park A Harbour Pointe

U BCA Marina Brandermill Inn County Pump Station

Water Treatment Plant

Harbour Poi n

te

Road

ll

Hu 0

300

600

1,200

Base information obtained from Chesterfield County GIS, October 2008. Designforum assumes no responsibility for its accuracy.

WWW.DESIGNFORUMINC.COM

Harbour Pointe Shopping Center

Clover Hill High School

d

oa

tR

ee Str

Trails Green Space Golf Course Parks & Recreation BCA Pools Schools

COMMUNITY SPACE BRANDERMILL M A S T E R

P L A N

Chesterfield County, Virginia

81

COMMUNITY FACILITIES PARKS and RECREATION: POOL FACILITIES Health Care Center at Brandermill Woods

Colony Crossing

Brandermill Woods

Powhite Parkway

Old Hundred Road

C St. Ledger’s Pool Swift Creek Elementary School Br

an d

erm

The Village at Waterford

ill Parkway

J Birnam Woods Park L Millcrest Park

BCA Offices

Genito R

oad

BCA Storage (Boat and Trailer Storage)

5 6

Route 288

d Ol

I Waterside Park

4

7

R red

nd

Hu

Nuttree F Park

oad

3

8

M Sagegrove Circle Park 9

B North Beach Pool

Bra

Sagewood N Green Park

nd

er

m

il

Pa

Midlothian Tennis T Club S Brandermill Country Club

l

P

2

Sterling Barnes Park

rk

way

Swift Creek Middle School

1 10

18

11

D Commodore Pointe (The Landing) Q The Point

Sw

if

17

County Pump Station

t

ee

k

16

e

12

E Heritage Farms

se

k ar eP

R

Millridg

Cr

wa

rv

y

oi r

13

15

Market Square

14

K Five Springs Park Brandermill Church The Boathouse G Sailing Center

Woodlake

H Sunday Park

R Woodbriar Park

O Spinnaker Park A Harbour Pointe

U BCA Marina Brandermill Inn County Pump Station

Water Treatment Plant

Harbour Poi n

te

Road

ll

Hu 0

300

600

1,200

Harbour Pointe Shopping Center

Base information obtained from Chesterfield County GIS, October 2008. Designforum assumes no responsibility for its accuracy.

Clover Hill High School

WWW.DESIGNFORUMINC.COM

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d

oa

tR

ee Str

Trails Green Space Golf Course Parks & Recreation BCA Pools Schools

COM M U N I T Y S P A C E

COMMUNITY FACILITIES PARKS and RECREATION: POOL FACILITIES

Pool Facilities - Introduction: see map on previous page for pool facility locations: A B C Brandermill currently has three BCA owned swimming pool facilities, Harbour Pointe, North Beach and St. Ledgers. An additional pool is located at The Brandermill Country Club, but its use is limited to club members. The swimming pool facilities in Brandermill will all be approaching the end of their life cycles within the next ten to fifteen years. The typical life cycle for a modern pool facility (building and pool shell), meaning one built in the last fifteen to twenty years, is estimated to be around sixty years. However, swimming pool facilities (building and pool shell) built in the 1960’s and 1970’s are only expected to have life cycles of around forty years and that is only if they have been regularly updated and refurbished along with proper maintenance. Different components of a swimming pool facility have different life spans. The building structure and the swimming pool shell have one life cycle as compared to that of pumps, motors, filters, piping, etc. While the building and pool shell may have a life cycle of forty years, the mechanical systems have on average a twenty year life cycle, and the finishes and fixtures typically last ten years. A facilities audit of each of Brandermill’s pools, by an outside aquatics consultant would provide an accurate representation of where each one is in its life cycle. This information can be used to more accurately budget and phase in capital improvements. Based on the general and specific pool related comments received from residents, stakeholders, and the BCA Board, a list of strategic goals has been formulated that will guide the design and renovation of the existing pools and any future pool facilities. The following sections of this chapter propose conceptual ideas for how these goals can be achieved at each of Brandermill’s three pool facilities. Pool Facilities - Strategic Design Goals: 1) Provide a variety of state-of-the-art aquatic features at all swimming pools that serve users of all ages and demographics. 2) Treat pool facilities as community parks that include year-round, non-swimming activities for use by all residents of Brandermill. 3) Use high-quality, sustainable materials and details at pool facilities to create a “wow” factor that has marketing value and a resort feel. 4) Incorporate LID techniques to manage runoff and protect the natural environment around the swim facilities, as well as provide interpretive opportunities. 5) Provide an indoor or covered pool for use in the winter in at least one location. 6) Make all pool facilities handicap accessible. Pool Facilities - Strategic Planning Goals: 1) Investigate joint ventures for a new indoor pool and fitness facility in conjunction with Brandermill Woods, the YMCA, and other community or corporate entities. 2) Explore options for packaging pool memberships along with other private amenities such as the Brandermill Country Club and Midlothian Tennis Center to increase appeal to residents and maintain low membership costs. 3) Implement Universal Pool Access for Brandermill residents. Use the intended broad appeal of the new design goals to increase interest in pool membership and create support for UPA.

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COMMUNITY FACILITIES PARKS and RECREATION: POOL FACILITIES

Universal Pool Access (UPA): The Brandermill Board of Directors calls the concept of all BCA members automatically having full swimming pool facility access included in their HOA fees (versus paying a separate membership fee each season, as is currently the case): Universal Pool Access. In the beginning stages of the Master Plan process we were told by the BCA Board to expect discussion of this topic at our workshops due to the fact that it was something they had recently been considering implementing. Surprisingly, the topic of Universal Pool Access was only raised once in our workshops by a individual resident as a pressing issue, instead, the workshops tended to focus more on covenant enforcement, new facilities, trails, and commercial redevelopment among other things. However, the topic of UPA did show up in many of the resident surveys we reviewed (after our workshops) with the majority of respondents favoring its implementation. Although this topic isn’t directly related to the master plan process (due to it being a policy and to the fact that it was not a major concern expressed by residents attending our workshops) we felt the need to address it based on the Board’s request that we include it in the Master Plan and provide them a recommendation concerning its implementation. We are recommending that the Board begin the process to implement Universal Pool Access. This recommendation is based on many things including: our collective experience with master planned communities, current trends in HOA amenity packages, the financial history of Brandermill’s pools, the values of Brandermill’s residents (as defined in this Master Plan, see Chapter One), and information provided to us by the Board including an article from November 13, 2006 that was written by Jason Livingston (approved by the Board of Directors) and published in Brandermill’s Village Mill. The vast majority of new communities in the area (and elsewhere in the country) are following a model of universal access for their community pools. It is extremely rare for pool access not to be included in HOA fees. For Brandermill to be competitve with these communities they need to organize their amenity package in a more current manner, one that homebuyers are expecting to find and can understand and compare as they make home-buying decisions. Many of these communities also have much higher HOA fees than what Brandermill’s is estimated to become with the implementation of Universal Pool Access, the last estimate given to us was an increase of eighty dollars per year which would bring Brandermill’s HOA fees to approximately $487 per year. The following are some examples of other communities HOA fees: Brandermill – The current HOA fee is $407 per year with an option to pay an additional $435 (for the summer season) for pool membership. Lake Chesdin – The current HOA fee is $1340 per year which includes trash pickup and pool membership. Hampton Park – The current HOA fee is $810 per year which includes pool membership. Woodlake – The current HOA fee is $440 per year with an option to pay an additional $120 each month for pool membership. Windsor Park – The current HOA fee is $925 per year and includes pool membership. Historically, the entire community of Brandermill paid for the acquisition of the swimming pools and they continue to pay for them through annual reserve funding requirements. It seems that the Universal Pool Access would provide value to individual property owners as well as to the community as a whole; in our opinion there are no apparent negative aspects to implementing Universal Pool Access, it’s a policy long overdue. The swimming pool facilities in Brandermill will all be approaching the end of their life cycles within the next ten to fifteen years. The Master Plan proposes ways to plan for the necessary improvement and renovation of these facilities. The design goals for Brandermill pool facilities include the ideas of: providing a variety of state-of-the-art aquatic features at all swimming pools that serve users of all ages and demographics and to treat pool facilities as community parks that include year-round, non-swimming activities for use by all residents of Brandermill. If these two goals are met in the new pool designs then the concept of Universal Pool Access becomes even more important because the facilities will be used by more residents at more times throughout the year than they are currently being utilized.

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Chesterfield County, Virginia

COMMUNITY FACILITIES PARKS and RECREATION: POOL FACILITIES

existing Harbour Pointe Pool facility

existing North Beach Pool facility

existing St. Ledger’s Pool facility

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COMMUNITY FACILITIES PARKS and RECREATION: POOL FACILITIES

A

POOL FACILITIES - HARBOUR POINTE

Harbour Pointe - Existing Conditions: Harbour Pointe (pool and grounds approximately 3.4 acres) is located along the reservior within the Harbour Pointe section of Brandermill. The Harbour Pointe pool consists of a clubhouse with minimal views of the lake, meeting room space, a kitchen, and restrooms. There are two pools: a larger pool and a kiddie pool on the lower level. The pool deck includes a shaded trellis, a landscaped seating area with large trees, and a fireplace. The parking lot is divided with several grassed berms that help to screen the parking from the pool. Harbour Pointe Pool is primarily used by adults and families that live in the neighborhoods directly adjacent to it. There is a community park directly along the lake edge below the pool area that includes a board walk, canoe/kayak t-racks, picnic shelter, wooden hillside seating, a large boulder, and a trail connection.

existing pool deck

existing view of the boardwalk, picnic shelter, t-racks, hillside seating, and large boulder

existing birds eye view of Harbour Pointe

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COMMUNITY FACILITIES PARKS and RECREATION: POOL FACILITIES

Harbour Pointe - Concerns: • The entire pool facility is outdated. • The pool coping and pool deck are in very poor condition. • There is a steep dropoff beside the outdoor fireplace that is dangerous and a liability issue. • The pool clubhouse has termite damage and is outdated. • There are limited views to the reservoir from the pool and clubhouse areas. • The bank along the pool deck has an erosion problem. Stormwater runoff from the bank is causing silt and gravel to collect on the boardwalk and picnic shelter along the lake. • Erosion is occurring along the reservoir shoreline at several locations. • Entry signage is limited and outdated. • Light fixtures in the parking area/drop-off are outdated, crooked, and several do not work. existing shoreline boat slips • The area is underutilized. • There is very little landscaping throughout the park. • The boardwalk along the reservoir at several spots is in poor condition. • The boat storage and t-racks take up a majority of the waterfront park space (poorly organized). • There is limited (comfortable) seating along reservoir. • The vehicular drop-off is poorly designed. • The adjacent property’s play structure and fence is too visible and blocks views of the reservoir. Harbour Pointe - Opportunities: • Completely redesign and modernize the pool facility and clubhouse. • Provide more programmed activities within the clubhouse such as: a fitness center, larger meeting rooms, a modern snack shop. • Focus the pool facility’s amenities more towards adults. existing clubhouse and pool deck • Reorient the pool and clubhouse to maximize views and access to the reservoir. • Add a hot tub to the pool facility. • Design restrooms to be accessible all year. • Build a new outdoor fireplace or fire pit. • Incorporate a small amphitheater. • Use natural methods to deal with bank and shoreline erosion. • Terrace the bank leading to the reservoir with native vegetation. • Provide a sand “beach” area along reservoir. • Add a playground (build slide into the hillside). • Provide paddle boat rentals. • Update the picnic shelter, picnic tables, and grills. • Provide benches and trellis swings along board walk. • Screen neighboring homes with vegetation. • Investigate buying the neighboring basketball court from the owner and update, or change to another use, such as tennis. • Provide updated entry signage. • Provide updated lighting. • Add landscaping to the parking area and update/add landscaping throughout the park and pool facility. • Reorganize the t-racks and beach slips to allow more waterfront activities. • Expand the waterfront park to include boat slips (mini-marina). • Make Harbour Pointe a destination for all of Brandermill, not just for the Harbour Pointe residents. • Maximize the parking area to accommodate more users.

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COMMUNITY FACILITIES PARKS and RECREATION: POOL FACILITIES

Harbour Pointe - Initial Improvement Projects:

Harbour Pointe - Long-Range Design Projects:

The following ideas could be implemented in the short term while long range design plans are being finalized by design professionals and the community. These projects are mostly aesthetic improvements and would be complimentary to any of the long range design projects.

The following ideas could potentially be incorporated into Harbour Pointe once a master plan has been completed by design professionals and the community and approved by the ARB (Architecture Review Board) .

• Provide additional seating options along the reservoir. • Fix liability issues such as the drop-off beside the outdoor fireplace. • Ensure accessibility for all. • Implement natural methods to alleviate bank and shoreline erosion (see page 68 for more information). • Add more landscaping to the entry and parking areas. • Replace outdoor lighting in parking and drop off areas. • Screen the adjacent residence with vegetation. • Add bike racks. • Begin investigation of the option to purchase the adjacent property including the basketball court area. • Purchase upgraded pool furniture. • Install the LID and boardwalks along water’s edge. • Add a floating kayak/canoe launch at end of boardwalk.

• Demolish and redesign the pool facility to create a state of the art clubhouse and pool that has great views to the reservoir. • Focus on adult-oriented pool amenities. • Incorporate a new outdoor fireplace, cabanas, fog misters, a swim spa, tv’s, a hot tub area, a variety of seating options, towel service, and landscaping into the pool area. • Incorporate a sauna, larger meeting rooms, a fitness area, an updated snack shop, a larger bath house, Wi-Fi, and bar into the clubhouse. • Add large stone and grass terraces stepping down to the lake front boardwalk from the pool deck area. • Provide a new picnic shelter with picnic tables and grills. • Redesign, and construct an updated boardwalk with new seating (benches and trellis swings), stationary binoculars, a paddle boat rental area, boat slips, a gazebo, and additional programmed elements. • Provide a sand beach area behind a constructed bulkhead. • Build a nature-theme playground.

pool and natural stone pool deck

hot tub area

pool cabana

fire pit seating area with Adirondack chairs

stone terraces

waterfront indoor / outdoor picnic pavilion

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Chesterfield County, Virginia

COMMUNITY FACILITIES PARKS and RECREATION: POOL FACILITIES Harbour Pointe - Master Plan Theme: H a rb o u r P o i n t e R d

H a rb o u r R

i d ge R d

Entry Feature

LID Parking Lot • Permeable pavement • Rain gardens in medians

Drop Off Clubhouse

R

d y tor on m o Pr

in Po

te

The master plan for the Harbor Pointe pool takes advantage of its waterfront location and small size to create an upscale destination pool facility that will be a showcase for Brandermill. As the existing pool facility is in poor physical condition (compared to the other two pools in Brandermill), the plan features some major changes. A new, larger clubhouse, swimming pool, and hot tub are proposed to capitalize on views of the lake. The design of the pool area is intended to create an intimate resort feel that may be more attractive to adults. Since Harbor Pointe is the smallest pool site and is somewhat isolated from most of Brandermill, the pool needs to be special enough to attract residents from all of Brandermill, but cannot accommodate a lot of large active pool amenities tailored towards teens and children (these will be found at the other two pools). The area around the pool, including the waterfront, is intended to be a waterfront park that can be used year-round by all residents of Brandermill and includes a fire pit, playground, grass terraces, trails, a boardwalk, canoe/kayak racks, boat slips, and a picnic pavilion.

Promont

Formal Event Lawn

o ry P l

Nature-Theme Playground

LID (Rain Garden) • Large rocks • Interpretive signage • Nature path

Hot Tub/Swim Spa • Garden trellis • Large rocks

Swimming Pool and Pool Deck • Pool fountains • Large rocks • Shallow lounge area • Fog Misters Existing Adjacent Basketball Court

Swift Creek Reservoir

Native Shoreline Plantings (Typ.) “Living Shoreline”

Fire Pit • Trellis seating area • Adirondack chairs for seating around fire pit Stone Terraces • Stone retaining walls that incorporate steps and seating areas • Large rocks incorporated into the terrace • LID (rain garden) runs through a portion of the terrace

Kayak and Canoe Storage Area Boardwalk • Varing widths • Seating areas • Low lighting

Boardwalk Overlook • Retain large rock • Trellis Swings Picnic Pavilion • Covered (indoor) picnic area for year-round use with mini kitchen • Outdoor seating area with movable chairs and tables.

Mini Marina • Locked entry gate • 18 slips • 8 canoe / paddle boat slips

Floating Canoe Launch

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COMMUNITY FACILITIES PARKS and RECREATION: POOL FACILITIES

B

POOL FACILITIES - NORTH BEACH POOL

North Beach Pool - Existing Conditions: North Beach Pool (pool and grounds approximately 6.2 acres) is located directly on the reservoir. The pool building includes a snack shop, covered outdoor seating area, and restrooms. There are three pool areas; a larger pool that is also used for the Brandermill Swim Team, a deeper pool area with diving boards, and a kiddie pool. The two larger pools are connected at a narrow point that is spanned by a small wooden bridge. The kiddie pool is located adjacent to the main pools in an elevated fenced in area. Wooden bleachers exist along one side of the larger pool. There is a beach volleyball court on the lake-side of the pool, within the pool fence. North Beach Pool is primarily used by adults and families with children that participate in swim team activities. There are two trail connections from different neighborhoods that lead to the pool entry. The pool has a gated entry drive that connects to the parking areas and is only open by vehicle during the spring and summer months. There is currently no access to the reservoir from the pool area.

existing pool deck

existing pool building entry

existing pool building

existing birds eye view of North Beach

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COMMUNITY FACILITIES PARKS and RECREATION: POOL FACILITIES

North Beach Pool - Concerns: • The pool building is outdated and in poor condition. • The pool coping and pool deck is in poor condition. • The materials used throughout are inconsistent and outdated. • The wood benches do not provide comfortable seating and are splintering. • There are limited views to the reservoir from the pool area. • There is no access to the reservoir from the pool area. • There is no trail access along the waterfront. • Entry signage is limited and outdated. • Light fixtures in the parking area / drop off are outdated and several do not work. • There is very little landscaping within the parking and entry areas. • The sand volleyball court is in poor condition. • The fence surrounding the kiddie pool is low and unstable. • The pool deck area lacks comfortable areas to relax and there is no shade structure. • The fencing around the pool area is unattractive. • There are limited programmed activities (aside from swimming). • The park area is not utilized during the fall and winter months. • Security and vandalism have been problems. • There have been several attempts to improve accessibility, however, many of the attempts are not adequate.

existing trail connection

North Beach Pool - Opportunities: • Modernize the entire pool facility. • Provide more programmed activity space, both indoor and outdoor. • Provide a trail along the North Beach shoreline that connects to the existing trails and to the pool area. • Reorient the pool and pool building to maximize views and access to the reservoir. • Add a splash area to the kiddie pool. • Build a new waterfront park area with new activities that can be utilized year-round including: boat slips, a fire pit, and a sand beach. • Provide a more consistent materials pallet. • Add / update plant material along entry drive, parking areas, and throughout park. • Provide improved security features. • Provide updated bleachers and a facility for the swim team. • Provide updated entry signage. • Provide updated lighting. • Provide restrooms that are accessible year-round. • Maximize the parking area.

existing sand volleyball court

existing parking area

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COMMUNITY FACILITIES PARKS and RECREATION: POOL FACILITIES

North Beach - Initial Improvement Projects:

North Beach - Long-Range Design Projects:

The following ideas could be implemented in the short term while long range design plans are being finalized by design professionals and the community. These projects are mostly aesthetic and would be complimentary to any of the long range design projects.

The following ideas could potentially be incorporated into North Beach Pool once a master plan has been completed by design professionals and the community and approved by the ARB (Architecture Review Board) .

• Provide a trail connection along the reservoir to the pool. • Upgrade the sand volleyball court. • Add more landscaping to the entry and parking areas • Replace outdoor lighting in the parking area. • Implement security measures, such as surveillance cameras. • Add bike racks. • Reorganize the fencing/gate to provide activities outside of the pool fence for year round use (i.e. move volleyball outside of fence). • Provide more water activities in the pool such as; basketball, volleyball, rock climbing, and a water trampoline. • Build a playground and court games area. • Incorporate LID areas on each side of the waterfront portion of the site.

• Provide a total redesign of the pool area to create a state-of-the-art pool facility with an athletic, competitive swim theme. • Incorporate into the pool area: more seating options, a zero entry, landscaping, a splash deck, and a new bleacher area for swim team meets with partial roof structure. • Incorporate more activities into the new pool building: pool tables, ping pong, foosball, a TV lounge, a meeting room for swim team, and lockers. • Design the pool building to provide the opportunity to cover the swim lane pool for year-round swimming. • Create a waterside park with year-round access. The park could include: a waterfront overlook, a fire pit, a boardwalk, boat slips, a kayak/paddle boat launch, a sand beach, sand volleyball courts, a boathouse, and trellis swings.

pool shade structure

pool cover over competition swimming pool

beach seating area

pool seating area

activities in pool building

waterfront overlook

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COMMUNITY FACILITIES PARKS and RECREATION: POOL FACILITIES

North Beach Pool - Master Plan Theme:

Entry Feature

N o rt h

B ea c h

Rd

LID Parking Lot • Permeable pavement • Rain gardens in medians

The master plan for the North Beach pool takes advantage of its waterfront location, as well its current use by the Brandermill swim team, to create a sports-theme water recreation complex. The building is proposed to be expanded to house lockers, fitness equipment, meeting space, and other indoor activities. The swimming pool is proposed to be rebuilt into two separate pools so that the competition pool can be covered in the winter for year-round swimming. The family pool will feature amenities that will appeal to families and adults.

Re ga t

ta

Po

in

te

Rd

The area around the pool (including the waterfront), is intended to be a waterfront park that can be used year-round by all residents of Brandermill and includes a fire pit, playground, trails, boardwalk, canoe/ kayak racks, boat slips, sand volleyball, shuffleboard and a picnic pavilion.

a Sh

Park Structure

an dL for w o ll

d in g

Terrace

Sports-Theme Playground

4 Shuffle Board Courts Swimming Pool Shade / Bleacher Structure

New Pool Building • Snack-bar • Locker rooms • Activities/games • Meeting Space

Competition Swimming Pool • Swim lanes • New bleachers with overhead structure • Capability to be covered in winter Seating Area

Outdoor Eating Area Kiddie Pool Splash Area LID (Rain Garden) • Large rocks • Interpretive signage • Nature path

Swimming Pool and pool deck • Diving area • Rock climbing wall • Shallow lounge area/ beach entry

Canoe & Kayak Storage Area 2 Sand Volleyball Courts Trellis Seating Area

Hot Tub/Spa

Boardwalk

Trail Connection

Beach Seating Area • Movable chairs and umbrellas • Fire pit

Picnic Tables Waterfront Overlook

Swift Creek Reservoir

Mini Marina • Locked entry gate • 16 slips • 8 canoe / paddle boat slips

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93

COMMUNITY FACILITIES PARKS and RECREATION: POOL FACILITIES

C

POOL FACILITIES - ST. LEDGER’S POOL

St. Ledger’s Pool - Existing Conditions: St. Ledger’s Pool (pool & grounds approximately 5.1 acres) is located in the northern portion of Brandermill. The pool building includes a snack shop, rest rooms, and a covered seating area. There is a formal elevated grass lawn that overlooks the pool with concrete seating stairs leading to the main pool deck. There are three pool areas: a large pool with swim lanes, a deeper area with diving boards, and a large shallow pool. Also, within the fenced in pool area, is a beach volleyball court. Outside of the pool area are a drainage area, a trail connection, and a playground. St. Ledger’s Pool is primarily used by families with children, however, the pool does attract the widest variety of users of all the pools within Brandermill. The pool has a parking areas that is half paved and half gravel. A trail leads from the parking lot to the playground.

existing pool building and pool

existing birds eye view of St. Ledger’s

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existing pool and pool deck

COMMUNITY FACILITIES PARKS and RECREATION: POOL FACILITIES

St. Ledger’s Pool - Concerns: • The pool building is outdated. • The pool buildings architecture does not fit into its surroundings. • There is a drainage issue under the entry boardwalk and near the sand volleyball court. • There is a large amount of under utilized space between the large pool and the sand volleyball court. • The pool deck surface is in poor condition. • Entry signage is limited and outdated. • There is little landscaping within the parking and entry areas. • Landscaping within pool area is minimal and needs updating. • The sand volleyball court is in poor condition. • There are not enough programmed activities. • There is a large amount of underutilized space in front of the parking lot and pool building.. • The boardwalk from the parking area to the pool house is outdated. • Lights within the pool area are outdated and unattractive.

existing playground

existing drainage area

St. Ledger’s Pool - Opportunities: • Modernize the pool and pool house. • Expand the pool area. • Incorporate a teen center into pool building. • Provide a kids splash area, lazy river, and more water slides. • Provide more activities adjacent to the pool that can be utilized year-round: a climbing wall, an updated volleyball court, horse shoes, tetherball, shuffle board, bocce ball. • Treat drainage problems with LID methods (i.e. rain gardens) • Expand the existing playground area, or add additional kid oriented activities. • Update the sand volleyball court. • Provide a more consistent material pallet. • Add/update the plant material along the entry drive, parking areas, and within the pool area. • Provide updated entry signage. • Provide updated lighting. • Add bike racks.

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P L A N

Chesterfield County, Virginia

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COMMUNITY FACILITIES PARKS and RECREATION: POOL FACILITIES

St. Ledger’s - Initial Improvement Projects:

St. Ledger’s - Long-Range Design Projects:

The following ideas could be implemented in the short term while long range design plans are being finalized by design professionals and the community. These projects are mostly aesthetic and would be complimentary to any of the long-range design projects.

The following ideas could potentially be incorporated into St. Ledger’s Pool once a master plan has been completed by design professionals and the community and approved by the ARB (Architecture Review Board). .

• Update the entry boardwalk. • Build a new sand volleyball courts and add bocce courts. • Update, or add landscaping within the pool area, parking, and entry. • Replace all lighting. • Add bike racks. • Open selected activities that are currently within the pool fence for year round use (i.e. volleyball) and relocate the fence. • Treat drainage issues with a large LID area. • Add more teen activities to the pool like aqua-climb walls. • Expand the existing playground area with older kid activities such as climbing walls. • Provide cosmetic improvements to the pool building. • Add picnic areas in front of pool building. • Add a large chess/checker board to lawn terrace area.

• Expand the pool complex to include a lazy river component and a splash play children’s area with a nature theme. • Implement additional new year-round activities such as; playground climbing features, court games, and nature walk. • Renovate the pool building to incorporate teen and fitness center. • Build an expansive boardwalk system through a nature park and LID area. • Construct a drop-off and redesign the parking lot. • Upgrade the pool coping and pool deck surfacing.

pool climbing wall

boardwalk

kids splash area with nature theme

lazy river

sand volleyball

nature playground

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Chesterfield County, Virginia

COMMUNITY FACILITIES PARKS and RECREATION: POOL FACILITIES

St. Ledger’s Pool - Master Plan Theme: The master plan for the St. Ledger’s pool takes advantage of its current popularity among kids and teens and expands on amenities for that demographic, while incorporating a nature and outdoors theme. The pool building is proposed to be expanded to include meeting space and indoor activities. The pool area is proposed to incorporate a lazy river and splash deck. As the St. Ledger’s pool itself is in fairly good condition, the new amenities can be constructed as add-ons and will not require major renovation of the existing pool. Outside of the pool area several new recreational activities are proposed including volleyball, bocce, a climbing playground, trails and picnic areas. The addition of these activities will help create year-round use options for St. Ledgers. Tying it all together is a linear nature park and boardwalk designed to follow an existing drainage way that is proposed to be converted into an LID natural area.

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LID Parking Lot • Permeable pavement • Rain gardens in medians

Nature Park / LID (i.e. Rain Garden) • LID runs along the exisitng drainage swale • Large rocks • Interpretive signage • Nature path • Native Plants Picnic Area Updated Pool Building

Dropoff

Formal Lawn • Large chess board • Movable chairs and tables

Boardwalk • Varing widths • Seating areas • Low lighting

Drop-off

Bocce Ball Courts Picnic Area

Splash Deck with Trellis Seating Area

2 Sand Volleyball Courts

Expanded Playground w/ Climbing Features

Trellis Equipment Storage Building (for inter tubes and lazy river mechanical) Lazy River Swimming Pool and Pool Deck • Diving area • Aqua rock climbing wall • Shallow lounge area

Lazy River “Island” • Bridge connects main pool deck to lazy river island • Seating areas with lounge chairs, tables, and umbrellas • Landscaped areas and small sand beach

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COMMUNITY FACILITIES PARKS and RECREATION: COMMUNITY PARKS Health Care Center at Brandermill Woods

Colony Crossing

Brandermill Woods

Powhite Parkway

Old Hundred Road

C St. Ledger’s Pool Swift Creek Elementary School Br

an d

erm

The Village at Waterford

ill Parkway

J Birnam Woods Park L Millcrest Park

BCA Offices

Genito R

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BCA Storage (Boat and Trailer Storage)

5 6

Route 288

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I Waterside Park

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7

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Nuttree F Park

oad

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M Sagegrove Circle Park 9

B North Beach Pool

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Sagewood N Green Park

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Midlothian Tennis T Club S Brandermill Country Club

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2

Sterling Barnes Park

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way

Swift Creek Middle School

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D Commodore Pointe (The Landing) Q The Point

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County Pump Station

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12

E Heritage Farms

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Millridg

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13

15

Market Square

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K Five Springs Park Brandermill Church The Boathouse G Sailing Center

Woodlake

H Sunday Park

R Woodbriar Park

O Spinnaker Park A Harbour Pointe

U BCA Marina Brandermill Inn County Pump Station

Water Treatment Plant

Harbour Poi n

te

Road

ll

Hu 0

300

600

1,200

Harbour Pointe Shopping Center

Base information obtained from Chesterfield County GIS, October 2008. Designforum assumes no responsibility for its accuracy.

Clover Hill High School

WWW.DESIGNFORUMINC.COM

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Trails Green Space Golf Course Parks & Recreation BCA Pools Schools

COM M U N I T Y S P A C E

COMMUNITY FACILITIES PARKS and RECREATION: COMMUNITY PARKS

Community Parks - Introduction : see map on previous page for community park locations through D

I

Brandermill currently has six BCA owned community parks: Commodore Pointe, Heritage Farms, Nuttree Park, The Sailing Center, Sunday Park, and Waterside Park. For the purpose of this master plan community parks are considered as larger parks in Brandermill that are already developed with features and programs that serve the whole community of Brandermill. Within each of these parks there is the potential for expansion, renovation, or improvement based on the input received from the community and through analysis. Based on the general and specific community park related comments received from residents, stakeholders, and the BCA Board, in addition to the design teams observations, a list of strategic goals has been formulated that will be used to guide the design of the existing parks and any future park facilities. The following sections of this chapter demonstrate conceptual ideas for how these goals can be achieved at each of Brandermill’s six community parks. Community Parks - Strategic Design Goals: 1) Provide a variety of new state-of-the-art features at all of the community parks that serve users of all ages and demographics. 2) Create more trail connections, better wayfinding, and parking options into each community park where feasible. 3) Provide more lake access, boat and kayak storage, seating, and water oriented activities at each of the four waterfront parks. 3) Use high-quality, sustainable materials and details at all of the community parks to create a “wow” factor that has marketing value and a resort feel. 4) Incorporate LID techniques to manage runoff and protect the natural environment in and around the community parks, while also providing interpretive opportunities. 5) Provide new opportunities for socialization, artistic expression, community interaction, and education at each community park. 6) Make all community parks handicap accessible. Community Parks - Strategic Planning Goals: 1) Explore options for joint park projects and programs with the local schools. 2) Inventory surrounding recreational facilities that can be used by the public and provide the residents of Brandermill information on access and hours. 3) Investigate the feasibility of spreading out community gardens into the community parks and pocket parks within Brandermill and evaluate the Heritage Farms site for residential/commercial/golf-related uses.

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COMMUNITY FACILITIES PARKS and RECREATION: COMMUNITY PARKS

D

COMMUNITY PARKS - COMMODORE POINTE

Commodore Pointe - Existing Conditions: Commodore Pointe is Brandermill’s largest boat storage area (approximately 3.7 acres). There is a large open gravel parking lot with boats on trailers parked around the edges, kayak/canoe t-racks, and numbered shoreline spots with beached boats. There is also a concrete boat ramp, a bathroom building, a signage kiosk, benches and trail connections. The water access is located in a large protected cove of shallow and somewhat still water. Commodore Pointe has 66 shoreline slips (of these, 10 are determined to be unusable due to erosion), 111 trailer spaces (wait list of 8), and 191 t-racks. There are additional shoreline slips and dry boat storage areas throughout Brandermill (see page 178 for more information on BCA storage areas).

existing boat ramp

existing view of the rip rap shorline, trail, information kiosk, t-rack, and boat parking lot

existing birds eye view of a portion of Commodore Pointe

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COMMUNITY FACILITIES PARKS and RECREATION: COMMUNITY PARKS

Commodore Pointe - Concerns: • The boat storage is poorly organized, particularly the boats within the parking area. • There is an erosion problem along the shoreline, particularly where the shoreline boat slips are located. • There seems to be a lack of park maintenance and covenant enforcement. Many of the boats appear to be abandoned and unmaintained. • The existing seating options are limited and outdated. • The park entry signage and wayfinding is limited and outdated. • The area is not very well lit.

existing boat storage area

existing bench along the reservior

existing overlook at The Pointe

Commodore Pointe - Opportunities: • • • •

Provide better organization and consolidate the boat storage areas. Provide additional amenities to take advantage of the waterfront views and access. Provide better maintenance of shoreline slips and encourage residents to maintain boats. Use more attractive and natural methods for controlling erosion, instead of rip-rap (see page 68 for more information).

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COMMUNITY FACILITIES PARKS and RECREATION: COMMUNITY PARKS

Commodore Pointe - Initial Improvement Projects:

Commodore Pointe - Long Range Design Projects:

The following ideas could be implemented in the short term while long-range design plans are being finalized by design professionals and the community. These projects are mostly aesthetic and would be complimentary to any of the long range design projects.

The following ideas could potentially be incorporated into Commodore Pointe once a master plan has been completed by design professionals and the community and approved by the ARB (Architecture Review Board).

• Consolidate and re-organize boat storage to provide more area for additional amenities. • Provide new seating areas (i.e. picnic tables and trellis swings) and update the existing benches. • Redesign and organize the shoreline boat slips to provide a more defined edge between storage areas. • Begin to treat shoreline erosion problems with natural methods. • Provide a more prominent display of boat storage rules and maintenance regulations. Construct a new, or update the existing information kiosk. • Provide more lighting.

• Redesign the entire site to consolidate boat storage and provide expanded and additional uses on site. • Provide a locked marina that includes 48 open air slips and 8 covered slips. Incorporate a park structure into the marina that has an open second floor public area that can be used as an overlook and picnic area. • Incorporate a boat house that includes rest rooms, fish cleaning area, ice box, and information kiosk. • Incorporate a boardwalk that begins at the boat house and goes to the playground area. The boardwalk should have varying widths with seating areas and an overlook area with a fire pit and seating. • Provide a playground space with a nautical theme playground. • Incorporate The Pointe pocket park (see page 144) into the overall design of Commodore Pointe.

boat house

boardwalk

marina picnic shelter

overlook fire pit

fitness trail station

nautical theme playground

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Chesterfield County, Virginia

COMMUNITY FACILITIES PARKS and RECREATION: COMMUNITY PARKS

Commodore Pointe - Master Plan Theme: The recommended improvements to Commodore Pointe make it a marina destination while organizing boat storage, and providing both passive and active recreation opportunities.

Fitness Trail • 12 Fitness stations • Continue trail and provide a parking area near the pump station

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Boardwalk Overlook • Large rocks used for seating • Fire pit

Nautical Theme Playground Shoreline Slips

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The Pointe Overlook • Rebuild overlook deck with trellis • New benches, trellis swings, stationary binoculars, and picnic tables

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Natural Planted Shoreline ve

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T-Rack Storage Area

Boardwalk • Varying widths • Seating areas (benches, bench swings) • Low lighting

Entry Feature

Commodore Pointe R

Marina and Park Structure • 48 Open air slips and 8 covered slips • Locked gated marina slips • Locked storage area • fish cleaning area • Open second floor public area with picnic tables and small kitchen / grill area.

d

Boat House • Restrooms • Ice box • Information kiosk

Boat Storage / Parking Area • Pervious parking stalls

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P L A N

Chesterfield County, Virginia

103

COMMUNITY FACILITIES PARKS and RECREATION: COMMUNITY PARKS

E

COMMUNITY PARKS - HERITAGE FARMS

Heritage Farms - Existing Conditions: Heritage Farms is a medium sized traditional community garden with individual homeowner plots. It is located on the west side of Old Hundred Road adjacent to the golf course hole number twelve. The area has views of the golf course and is surrounded by grass berms. The garden seems to be popular and most of the plots are well-tended.

existing garden split rail fence

existing sign

existing view into the golf course hole number twelve

existing birds eye view of a portion of Heritage Farms

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M A S T E R

P L A N

Chesterfield County, Virginia

COMMUNITY FACILITIES PARKS and RECREATION: COMMUNITY PARKS

Heritage Farms - Concerns: • The gardens are not conveniently located to a majority of the Brandermill neighborhoods. • There is no garden storage shed on site. • There is no compost, or garden waste area on site. • There are fields and gravel parking areas to either side of the garden that seem to be “wasted” space. • There is no internal trail, or vehicular connections from Brandermill. • The gardens are located on valuable real estate.

existing parking area

existing garden view

Heritage Farms - Opportunities: • • • • •

Provide better organization of the garden plots and the parking area. Relocate the garden to a more central location within Brandermill and provide a different use at the current site. Implement methods to encourage more community use of the gardens. Implement additional amenities to make the gardens feel more like a community park. Expand the garden to include Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) where property owners share the garden harvests.

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P L A N

Chesterfield County, Virginia

105

COMMUNITY FACILITIES PARKS and RECREATION: COMMUNITY PARKS

Heritage Farms - Initial Improvement Projects: The following ideas could be implemented in the short term while long range design plans are being finalized by design professionals and the community. These projects are mostly aesthetic and would be complimentary to any of the long range design projects. • Expand garden and add garden plots to the adjacent open field. • Provide benches and a garden trellis to encourage residents to use the gardens not only for harvesting, but also as a community park. • Provide an organized area for compost and garden waste (include interpretive signage). • Provide a garden shed for residents to store or share garden equipment. Provide security measures (i.e. fence) to help prevent theft and vandalism.. • Provide educational classes and programs relating to gardening. • Incorporate a bee farm into the gardens. garden storage shed

children’s garden entry and interpretive sign

children’s garden

Heritage Farms - Long-Range Design Projects: The following ideas could potentially be incorporated into Heritage Farms once a master plan has been completed by design professionals and the community and approved by the ARB (Architecture Review Board). • Redesign and organize the entire garden layout and modernize all elements. • Add a garden structure (i.e. gazebo, picnic shelter) to facilitate garden parties or educational programs. • Relocate the garden to a more central location within Brandermill and rezone the current parcel to incorporate a higher density use. • Incorporate a children’s garden. • Incorporate a garden sculpture. • Incorporate a community garden bulletin board. • Incorporate garden sculpture. • Introduce Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) by including large agriculture beds for community harvest, rather than for individual use.

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Chesterfield County, Virginia

garden trellis and seating area

COMMUNITY FACILITIES PARKS and RECREATION: COMMUNITY PARKS

organized compost bins

interpretive signage

garden education classes

picnic / meeting area

garden sculpture

community garden bulletin board

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Chesterfield County, Virginia

107

COMMUNITY FACILITIES PARKS and RECREATION: COMMUNITY PARKS

F

COMMUNITY PARKS - NUTTREE PARK

Nuttree Park - Existing Conditions: Nuttree Park is a small community park (approximately 3.7 acres) centrally located within Brandermill. It is bisected by Overcreek Lane. One side of the park contains a small baseball diamond and field, suitable for children to practice. On the other side is a small basketball court and a playground surrounded by grass berms and a few benches. There is a trail connection on the playground side of the park that leads to a natural area around Nuttree Creek and eventually terminates at Muirfield Green Drive. existing play equipment with mulch surfacing

existing small basketball court with backstop fence

existing birds eye view of Nuttree Park

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Chesterfield County, Virginia

existing small ball field and lawn area

COMMUNITY FACILITIES PARKS and RECREATION: COMMUNITY PARKS

Nuttree Park - Concerns: • Seating options are limited to a few benches. • There is no shade provided (trees or structures) for parents or others who might be watching activities. • There is no formalized parking. • The park is under utilized by residents. • The playground is very small. • Nuttree Creek is not identified or taken advantage of in the park’s design. • There is very little landscaping throughout the park. • There is no water fountain. • There is no restroom facility. • There are no pedestrian crossings delineated across Overcreek Lane. • There is no traffic calming, or warning signs at either end of the park for pedestrian safety. • There is no park identification signage.

existing bench seating in full sun

Existing Nuttree Creek natural area to the southeast of the park

Nuttree Park - Opportunitie: • Provide more seating options. • Provide shade trees and a picnic shelter. • Add grills and a fire pit area. • Add court games such as volleyball, bocce, and horseshoes. • Create parallel or angled parking spaces along Overcreek Lane. • Focus on Nuttree Creek and create a nature theme park. • Focus the park around teenager and children’s activities. • Add a climbing wall/ropes course activities. • Focus on incorporating the area’s history into the park (i.e. Native Americans, railroad, mining, etc.). • Provide streetscape landscaping through the middle of the park along Overcreek Lane. • Provide restrooms and a water fountain. • Create a community gardening space in the park. • Where needed, screen neighboring homes with vegetation. • Incorporate specialty paving along Overcreek Lane with crosswalks and signage. • Expand and upgrade the playground. • Build a fenced in dog park. • Add bike racks. • Expand the park to include a natural area to the southeast along Nuttree Creek. • Fitness trail stations could be added along the existing trail.

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Chesterfield County, Virginia

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COMMUNITY FACILITIES PARKS and RECREATION: COMMUNITY PARKS

Nuttree Park - Initial Improvement Projects:

Nuttree Park - Long-Range Design Projects:

The following ideas could be implemented in the short term while long range design plans are being finalized by design professionals and the community. These projects are mostly aesthetic and would be complimentary to any of the long range design projects.

The following ideas could potentially be incorporated into Nuttree Park once a master plan has been completed by design professionals and the community and approved by the ARB (Architecture Review Board).

• Provide more seating options throughout the park. • Provide shade trees throughout the park. • Add stationary park grills and a fireplace area. • Create parallel or angled parking spaces along Overcreek Lane. • Provide streetscape landscaping through the middle of the park along Overcreek Lane (i.e. street trees). • Screen neighboring homes with vegetation. • Provide specialty paving along Overcreek Lane with crosswalks and signage. • Add bike racks. • Expand the park to include the natural area to the southeast along Nuttree Creek. • Clean up the natural areas around the park.

picnic shelter with grills and indoor/outdoor fireplace

community garden

bocce courts

frisbee golf course

M A S T E R

outdoor fireplace with movable seating

P L A N

Chesterfield County, Virginia

paver crosswalks, parking, and street trees

fenced dog park

climbing wall facility

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• Provide a picnic shelter with picnic tables, grills, an indoor/outdoor fireplace, and an outdoor patio with movable chairs. • Introduce new park amenities such as; a fenced dog park, a community garden, bocce ball courts, and tetherball. • Incorporate a new interactive playground that incorporates the history of the area. • Focus on Nuttree Creek and create a nature theme park. • Encourage stream restoration along Nuttree Creek and partner with The Brandermill Country Club Golf Course (see page 61 for more information on stream restoration). • Focus the park around teenager and children’s activities. • Add a climbing wall/ropes course activities. • Focus on incorporating the area’s history into the park (i.e. Native Americans, railroad, mining, etc.) • Provide rest rooms and a water fountain. • Expand the park to include a frisbee golf course and a nature trail within the area to the south of the existing park space.

Native American history activities

COMMUNITY FACILITIES PARKS and RECREATION: COMMUNITY PARKS Nuttree Park - Master Plan Theme:

New Trail Connection

Restored stream, community garden, and dog park highlight the improvements to Nuttree that will make it a true year-round destination.

Dog Park (Large Dogs) • Agility course • Shade trellis structure

Golf Course Pond

Dog Park (Small Dogs) • Shade trellis structure Dog Park Structure Open Lawn Nu

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Two Bocce Ball Courts ree k

Picnic Shelter • Double sided fireplace • Outdoor patio • Restrooms • Garden storage area

Interactive Playground Community Garden Plots

Two Tetherball Courts

Stream Restoration • Clean up stream and stream banks • Plant native plants where needed

Two Basketball Courts Park Kiosk Seating Area and Start of Frisbee Golf Course Frisbee Golf Course End

Decorative Pavers and Expanded Parking Area

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Rock Climbing Wall

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#3 Nature Trail • Interpretive signage • Seating areas along trail

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Golf Course Pond

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Chesterfield County, Virginia

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COMMUNITY FACILITIES PARKS and RECREATION: COMMUNITY PARKS

G

COMMUNITY FACILITIES - THE SAILING CENTER

The Sailing Center - Existing Conditions: The Sailing Center is a small building located on the reservoir with a dock where residents can rent boats and kayaks. There are boats stored all along the lake edge to either side of The Sailing Center. Many kayak/canoe t-racks are located nearby. Feeding the ducks and geese is a popular activity in this location. Trails and boardwalks from the Sailing Center tie into Sunday Park. Both Sunday Park and The Sailing Center utilize the parking lots located around the The Boathouse Restaurant. Additionally, some parking is available (with permits) in the neighboring church parking lot.

existing Sailing Center building and overlook deck

existing trail connection and t-rack storage area

existing birds eye view of The Sailing Center

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M A S T E R

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Chesterfield County, Virginia

existing shoreline boat slips

COMMUNITY FACILITIES PARKS and RECREATION: COMMUNITY PARKS

The Sailing Center - Concerns: • There is a problem with public feeding of the water fowl around the sailing center. The docks and trails are always covered in bird waste. • Boat storage around the Sailing Center is poorly organized. • There are limited hours for rentals.

existing water fowl feeding area

existing boardwalk / boat dock

existing picnic area

The Sailing Center - Opportunities: • Provide better organized parking areas. • Provide better enforcement to discourage the feeding of water fowl directly adjacent to the Sailing Center (see page 70 for information on water fowl control). • Provide an alternative, controlled location for water fowl feeding. • Introduce methods to encourage an increase in membership and use of The Sailing Center.

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COMMUNITY FACILITIES PARKS and RECREATION: COMMUNITY PARKS

The Sailing Center - Initial Improvement Projects: The following ideas could be implemented in the short term while long-range design plans are being finalized by design professionals and the community. These projects are mostly aesthetic and would be complimentary to any of the long range design projects. • Provide more seating options around The Sailing Center. • Advertise to increase sailing club membership. • Provide stationary binoculars for people to view sail boats. • Enforce the no feeding waterfowl rule. • Introduce windsurfing classes and races to the community.

windsurfing classes and races

movable waterfront seating options

stationary binoculars

The Sailing Center - Long-Range Design Projects: The following ideas could potentially be incorporated into The Sailing Center once a master plan has been completed by design professionals and the community and approved by the ARB (Architecture Review Board). • Provide community education programs relating to sailing (i.e. partner with local schools to start a sailing club/classes). • Provide and sponsor children’s activities such as a yearly model sail boat race. • Advertise to try and get sailing club membership to increase. • Provide a state of the art Sailing Center building by redesigning, or adding an addition to the existing Sailing Center building. Incorporate meeting rooms/classrooms, sailing museum/display case, office, and a sailing shop. • Organize boat storage and provide an enclosed storage space that includes a boat maintenance area.

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no feeding waterfowl sign

COMMUNITY FACILITIES PARKS and RECREATION: COMMUNITY PARKS

kids sailing club

kids sailing classes

classroom space for sailing seminars

kids model sail boat race

organized covered racks for kayaks and canoes

indoor boat maintenance / cleaning and storage area

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COMMUNITY FACILITIES PARKS and RECREATION: COMMUNITY PARKS

H

COMMUNITY PARKS - SUNDAY PARK

Sunday Park - Existing Conditions: Sunday Park is the largest (approximately 15 acres) and most popular community park space in Brandermill. It is located on a waterfront peninsula next to The Sailing Center, The Boathouse Restaurant, and The Brandermill Church. It is heavily used during the week primarily by Brandermill residents. On the weekend, the park attracts additional visitors from outside of the community. It is a passive park, includes great views, paved trails, boardwalks, various picnic and seating areas, a restroom facility, and two playgrounds. Sunday Park is also the staging area for the annual 4th of July Fireworks.

existing boardwalk

existing picnic shelter

existing fishing dock

existing birds eye view of Sunday Park

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Chesterfield County, Virginia

COMMUNITY FACILITIES PARKS and RECREATION: COMMUNITY PARKS

Sunday Park - Concerns: • The park has seen a decline in appearance caused by overuse, poor design, and improper maintenance. • The park maintenance is not proactive. Re-design when spaces are failing instead of continuing to maintain and not improve. • Brandermill does not have a vibrant, updated waterfront park for people to enjoy (Woodlake has Legacy Park, which is very popular). Sunday Park is a great park, but lacks the wow factor and does not take enough advantage of its water front location. • Seating options are limited to a few benches (there only a few areas to sit and view the lake). • There are parking conflicts when each facility near Sunday Park has a special event, and on the weekends in the summer. • There are too many geese near The Sailing Center causing a health concern. This should not be an area where feeding the geese should be encouraged. • The rip rap along the shoreline is unattractive, particularly the smaller rip rap. • There are several areas where shoreline and bank erosion is a problem (many of these areas are bare dirt). • The playground equipment beside the picnic shelter needs to be updated. • Sand from the playground adjacent to the picnic shelter is eroding. • The materials used throughout the park are inconsistent. • There is no overlook and there are only a few benches at the tip of Sunday Park. • The existing native plants garden needs updating. • The entry signage and trail wayfinding is limited and outdated.

existing playground

Sunday Park - Opportunities: • Design park structures using consistent materials. existing trail • Provide better organized parking areas. • Provide more seating options, particularly along the waterfront. • Expand and update the playgrounds (particularly the playground beside the picnic shelter). • Add court games like, bocce, horseshoes, and shuffle board. • Emphasize the natural aspects of Sunday Park. • Provide activities for all age groups. • Provide a “special place” at the end of the Sunday Park peninsula. • Incorporate the area’s history into the park (Native Americans, railroad, mining, etc.) • Provide updated landscaping throughout the park. • Update and modernize the existing picnic and park structures. • Provide staging areas for public art. • Provide improved trail wayfinding signs and maps. • Provide lighting on a section of the walking trail. • Add bike racks to several of the higher use areas within Sunday Park. • Provide new state of the art facilities so that Sunday Park remains the showcase and “central park” of Brandermill.

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Sunday Park - Initial Improvement Projects: The following ideas could be implemented in the short term while long range design plans are being finalized by design professionals and the community. These projects are mostly aesthetic and would be complimentary to any of the long range design projects. • Provide more seating options (i.e. benches, trellis swings) along the water front. • Update the existing native plants garden by planting additional native plants and improving plant identification tags. • Use natural vegetation methods to alleviate erosion within the park (see pages 61 and 69 for erosion control methods). • Implement recycling receptacles and updated trash receptacles, particularly around the picnic shelters. • Provide updated wayfinding signs and community kiosk. • Provide bike racks in selective areas. bench swing

new waterfront bench

wooded seating area near waterfront

wayfinding sign

community kiosk with trail maps

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recycling receptacles

bike racks

wildlife interpretive signage

native plant garden with plant id tags

new birdhouses

natural vegetation along lake edge to alleviate erosion

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Concept One Sunday Park - Long-Range Design Projects: The following ideas could potentially be incorporated into Sunday Park once a master plan has been completed by design professionals and the community and approved by the ARB (Architecture Review Board). • Add a new picnic pavilion along the waterfront near The Brandermill Church. • Build a covered boardwalk picnic area over the existing small dock. • Build a new boardwalk along a portion of the north shoreline connecting the new picnic pavilion to the covered boardwalk picnic area. Incorporate seating areas and low lighting along the boardwalk. • Provide a year round central gathering space that is anchored by a state of the art community and environmental education center (have an architecture competition to design new community and environmental education center). The community center includes: a fitness room, bicycle rentals, meeting rooms, a teen center, an indoor playground, and a park visitor center. The environmental education center will include: a green roof, classrooms, offer sustainable classes for all ages (partner with schools), and a native plant garden. • Implement a year round activity zone within the central gathering space. In the summer the area includes a splash deck, large chess boards, fire pit and movable tables / chairs. In the winter the activity zone provides an area for a community Christmas tree, fire pit, and an ice skating rink. • Provide an open lawn area adjacent to the activity zone. This area can be used as a passive recreation area, or a staging area for outdoor movies, and other various community events. • Provide a trellis / sculpture throughout the park (see the concept plan on next page for more detail). • Implement an Environmental Art Walk (art walk incorporated into Sunday Park concepts one and two: see page 122 for a more detailed description). • Add a programmed lake viewing area to the end of the Sunday Park Peninsula that includes: stationary binoculars, benches, and trellis swings. • Provided an updated playground area with a nautical theme.

nautical playground

boardwalk seating area

fire pit area

community christmas tree

concert in activity zone

activity zone ice skating ring (winter)

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environmental education center

trellis sculpture

kids at evironmental education center

activity zone splash deck (summer)

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COMMUNITY FACILITIES PARKS and RECREATION: COMMUNITY PARKS Sunday Park - Master Plan Theme: Sunday Park is Brandermill’s showcase community facility. There are many general improvements that can be made to Sunday Park to make it even more popular with residents of Brandermill. The main goal of these improvements should be to provide more waterfront access, more programmable spaces for activities, additional parking and pedestrian connections, and to improve the overall aesthetic of the park. Mi

llri

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The long-term goal for Sunday Park should be to turn it into more of a true waterfront park, a civic space that is modern yet retains the naturalistic qualities of Brandermill. Incorporating quality civic facilities such as a community clubhouse or nature center and a waterfront boardwalk will help further define Sunday Park as the heart of Brandermill. The following pages show two different long-term concepts for Sunday Park, the primary difference between the two plans is the addition of a marina and associated parking.

kw

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Brandermill Church

Picnic Pavilion

Shoreline Boat Slips

Boardwalk (Typ.) • Varying widths • Seating areas (benches, bench swings) • Low lighting

Year-Round Activity Zone • In the summer splash deck area with movable tables and chairs • In the winter ice skating rink and fire pit area

The Boathouse

The Gardens

Community Christmas Tree

2

Environmental Education Center

Expanded Parking Area

Open Lawn Area • Seating area for community events • Large rocks spread throughout for seating • Passive play area

Community Center

1

3

The Sailing Center Trellis / Sculpture • “Weaves” throughout the park at four locations and is representative of the wakes in the lake. (The following numbers are keyed on the plan and dictate the functionality of each trellis/sculpture.) 1.) Serves as a shade structure over expanded dock. Dock to have bench swings. 2.) Serves as a trellis over a central courtyard that connects the community center with the environmental education center. 3.) Serves as a backdrop and stage structure for community events on the lawn. Also incorporated into the structure is a map of the sculpture garden and an explanation of the sculpture. 4.) Serves as a trellis over a fishing dock and overlook.

Native Plant Garden • Seating areas • Plant identification tags • Sun and shade gardens

4 Nautical-Theme Playground

Covered Boardwalk Picnic Area Kids Fishing Area

Kids Play Area Open Seating Area • Fireworks launch area • Trellis swings

Updated Park Structure Environmental Art Walk • Environmental art along trail • Opportunity to have temporary art exhibits • 10 sculpture areas Overlook Area (treehouse-theme) • Park structure • Trellis swings • Stationary binoculars

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Concept Two Sunday Park - Long-Range Design Projects: The following ideas could potentially be incorporated into Sunday Park once a master plan has been completed by design professionals and the community and approved by the ARB (Architecture Review Board). • Add a new picnic pavilion along the waterfront near The Brandermill Church. • Build a new boardwalk along a portion of the north shoreline from the new picnic pavilion to the environmental education overlook. Design seating areas and low lighting along the boardwalk. • Provide a community center that includes: a fitness center, meeting rooms, a ballroom, a visitors center, a wrap around porch with rocking chairs, teen activities, an indoor playground, a green roof, and an outdoor patio. • Add court games such as bocce, horse shoes, and large chess boards adjacent to the community center. • Provide a new playground with more swings and incorporate a boat theme into the design . • Provide a meditation labyrinth and human sun clock. • Provide a covered overlook built onto the existing boardwalk near the sailing center that includes: stationary binoculars, benches, and bench swings. • Add a programmed lake viewing area to the end of Sunday Park that includes: stationary binoculars, benches, and trellis swings. • Provide better organization of shoreline boat slips and t-racks to maximize waterfront use. • Incorporate an environmental education garden and overlook into the park. Include; plant identification tags, garden path and research areas. • Provide an Environmental Art Walk with several staging areas where the art installations can be permanent or temporary. Provide an art walk kiosk with a map and description of the walk. Encourage a partnership with regional art clubs and schools. • Provide a marina on the south side of Sunday Park with 48 boat slips. Incorporate a marina boathouse with locked storage areas and locked entry to the marina on the first floor and a public overlook/picnic area on the second floor. • Expand the parking area in a sustainable manor to alleviate the parking needs of adding new elements to the park.

native plant garden

research at evironmental education center

kids play area

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covered overlook with bench swings and picnic tables

waterfront boardwalk

overlook area

marina

map of environmental art walk

indoor playground

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community center

sample of environmental art installation

shuffleboard court

COMMUNITY FACILITIES PARKS and RECREATION: COMMUNITY PARKS Sunday Park - Master Plan Theme: Sunday Park is Brandermill’s showcase community facility. There are many general improvements that can be made to Sunday Park to make it even more popular with residents of Brandermill. The main goal of these improvements should be to provide more waterfront access, more programmable spaces for activities, additional parking and pedestrian connections, and to improve the overall aesthetic of the park.

Mi

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The long-term goal for Sunday Park should be to turn it into more of a true waterfront park, a civic space that is modern yet retains the naturalistic qualities of Brandermill. Incorporating quality civic facilities such as a community clubhouse or nature center and a waterfront boardwalk will help further define Sunday Park as the heart of Brandermill. The following pages show two different long-term concepts for Sunday Park, the primary difference between the two plans is the addition of a marina and associated parking.

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Brandermill Church

Picnic Pavilion

Expanded Parking Area

Shoreline Boat Slips

Drop-off Area with Specialty Pavers Marina and Park Structure • 48 Open air slips • Locked gated marina slips • Locked storage area • fish cleaning area

The Boathouse The Gardens

Boardwalk • Varying widths • Seating areas (benches, bench swings) • Low lighting Bocce Ball & Shuffleboard Courts

Community Center Covered Overlook • Bench swings • Stationary Binoculars

Nautical-Theme Playground Large Human Sunclock

Sailing Center

Labyrinth

Environmental Education Garden • Seating areas for • Plant identification tags • Sun and shade gardens

Environmental Education Overlook

Kids Play Area

Open Seating Area • Fireworks launch area • Trellis Swings

Updated Park Structure Environmental Art Walk • Environmental art along trail • Opportunity to have temporary art exhibits • 10 sculpture areas Overlook Area (treehouse-theme) • Park structure • Trellis swings • Stationary binoculars

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COMMUNITY PARKS - WATERSIDE PARK

Waterside Park - Existing Conditions: Waterside Park is a medium sized park (approximately 4 acres) located in the northeastern corner of the reservoir. It is accessible only by trails and from the back of houses. Elements existing on site include: kayak/canoe t-racks, an older playground, a waterfront picnic shelter, a memorial garden, a small open grass field, and a small triangular waterfront boardwalk/overlook

existing park pavilion and overlook

existing boardwalk and lake view

existing memorial plaque

existing birds eye view of Waterside Park

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Waterside Park - Concerns: • Vandalism, particularly graffiti has been a problem at Waterside Park. • The park is “isolated” and only accessible by trail. • Safety issues are a concern because of the park’s isolated location. • The park is not very welcoming and is underutilized. • Many residents do not even know the park exists. • A majority of the parks structural elements are outdated, including: the playground, benches, park structures, picnic tables, and boardwalk/overlook. • The play structures are unsafe. • There is little or no signage along the trail to let people know where the park is located. • There is no parking or vehicular access to the park. • The t-rack storage area could be better organized. • Litter collects along the reservoir shoreline near the boardwalk/ overlook.

existing trail connection

existing bench and t-rack storage

existing playground

Waterside Park - Opportunities: • Provide better organization of the t-racks. • Provide better safety measures to make the park safer and feel more welcoming. • Provide better signage in order to let trail users know where and how to get to the park. • Update all outdated structural elements (playground, benches, the park structures, picnic tables, and the boardwalk/overlook). • Provide on street parking space signage near spots where the trail connects to the adjacent neighborhoods. • Expand the park across the reservoir to the adjacent natural area (see adjacent locator map). • Provide improved shoreline maintenance to reduce shoreline litter (see page 74 for more information).

Possible Expanded Park Area

Waterside Park expansion area - locator map

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Waterside Park - Initial Improvement Projects: The following ideas could be implemented in the short term while long range design plans are being finalized by design professionals and the community. These projects are mostly aesthetic and would be complimentary to any of the long range design projects. • Provide security measures (i.e. surveillance cameras, increase neighborhood/police watch). • Update and provide more benches. • Provide additional wayfinding signs to provide more awareness of the park.

new overlook area with interpretive signage, benches, and stationary binoculars

memorial meditation labyrinth

canoe/kayak storage

Waterside Park - Long-Range Design Projects: The following ideas could potentially be incorporated into Waterside Park once a master plan has been completed by design professionals and the community and approved by the ARB (Architecture Review Board). • Redesign the entire park layout and modernize all elements (playground, benches, park structure, picnic tables, and boardwalk). • Provide a new overlook with interpretive signage, benches, and stationary binoculars. • Provide a self-pull water raft (taxi) across the narrow part of reservoir to an adjacent point of land (see map on previous page for expanded park location). Expand the park to this area and provide a native plants arboretum with walking trails and informative signage. Also, incorporate a small “camp-like” fire pit area for clubs (boy scouts, church youth groups) to meet in a more natural setting. Incorporate security measures such as surveillance cameras to discourage negative activity. If possible connect the nature trail to the existing Millcrest trail. • Provide additional amenities to the park: trellis swings, small court games, and stationary binoculars. • Provide a theme for the park (example: wildlife theme) and use this throughout entire park. • Begin the process of providing a few on street parking spaces near trail connections to adjacent neighborhoods. • Expand the memorial area to add a meditation labyrinth in the open area.

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park kiosk and seating area

COMMUNITY FACILITIES PARKS and RECREATION: COMMUNITY PARKS

playground

waterfront bench swings

fire pit area

swings

picnic shelter with stationary grills and picnic tables

self-pull water raft (taxi) to cross to get to nature park area

native plants arboretum

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COMMUNITY FACILITIES: PARKS and RECREATION: POCKET PARKS Health Care Center at Brandermill Woods

Colony Crossing

Brandermill Woods

Powhite Parkway

Old Hundred Road

C St. Ledger’s Pool Swift Creek Elementary School Br

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The Village at Waterford

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J Birnam Woods Park L Millcrest Park

BCA Offices

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BCA Storage (Boat and Trailer Storage)

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Route 288

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I Waterside Park

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Nuttree F Park

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M Sagegrove Circle Park 9

B North Beach Pool

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Sagewood N Green Park

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Midlothian Tennis T Club S Brandermill Country Club

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Sterling Barnes Park

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Swift Creek Middle School

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D Commodore Pointe (The Landing) Q The Point

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if

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County Pump Station

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ee

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E Heritage Farms

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k ar eP

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Millridg

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Market Square

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K Five Springs Park Brandermill Church The Boathouse G Sailing Center

Woodlake

H Sunday Park

R Woodbriar Park

O Spinnaker Park A Harbour Pointe

U BCA Marina Brandermill Inn County Pump Station

Water Treatment Plant

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te

Road

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Harbour Pointe Shopping Center

Base information obtained from Chesterfield County GIS, October 2008. Designforum assumes no responsibility for its accuracy.

Clover Hill High School

WWW.DESIGNFORUMINC.COM

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oa

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Trails Green Space Golf Course Parks & Recreation BCA Pools Schools

COM M U N I T Y S P A C E

COMMUNITY FACILITIES PARKS and RECREATION: POCKET PARKS

Pocket Parks - Introduction: see map on previous page for pocket parks locations through J

R

Brandermill currently has nine BCA owned pocket parks, Birnam Woods Park, Five Springs Park, Millcrest Park, Sagegrove Circle Park, Sagewood Green Park, Spinnaker Park, Sterling Barnes Park, The Point, and Woodbriar Park. For the purposed of this master plan pocket parks are considered as the smaller neighborhood parks in Brandermill that are developed with features or programs that serve the neighborhood that they are located in, rather than the whole community of Brandermill. Within each of these parks there is potential for expansion, renovation, or improvement based on the input received from the community and the design team analysis. Also identified are twenty-eight potential sites for new pocket parks within Brandermill. These locations are identified and described in this section of the master plan. Based on the general and specific pocket park related comments received from residents, stakeholders, and the BCA Board, a list of strategic goals has been formulated that will be used to guide the design of the existing pocket parks and any future pocket park facilities. The following sections of this chapter show conceptual ideas for how these goals can be achieved at each of Brandermill’s new and proposed pocket parks. Pocket Parks - Strategic Design Goals: 1) Upgrade features at each pocket park on a case-by-case basis, based on input given from the surrounding neighborhoods. 2) Create more trail connections to each pocket park where feasible. 3) Incorporate LID techniques to manage runoff and protect the natural environment in and around the pocket parks, while also providing interpretive opportunities. 4) Provide new opportunities for socialization, artistic expression, community interaction, and education at each pocket park. 5) Make all pocket parks handicap accessible. Pocket Parks - Strategic Planning Goals: 1) Program and develop proposed pocket parks by soliciting input from the surrounding neighborhoods as to the most desired uses. 2) Attempt to evenly spread out playgrounds within Brandermill and create a new playground in at least one pocket park in Harbour Pointe. 3) Create Adopt-A-Park programs within the surrounding neighborhoods to allow residents to help maintain their parks and increase their sense of ownership and neighborhood pride.

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POCKET PARKS - BIRNAM WOODS PARK

Birnam Woods Park - Existing Conditions Location: Birnam Woods Birnam Woods Park is very large open field bordered by the backs of houses on one side and by a natural area with a stream on the other side. The park currently has rail fencing, a trail connection, and trash receptacles with dog waste bags.

existing birds eye view of Birnam Woods Park

existing trail and view into park

existing trash receptacle with dog waste bags

existing large open field

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Birnam Woods Park - Concerns:

Birnam Woods Park - Initial Improvement Projects:

• The park is underutilized and many residents are unaware it exists. • There is no trail access from Brandermill Woods to the park.

The following ideas could be implemented in the short term while long-range design plans are being finalized by design professionals and the community. These projects are mostly aesthetic and would be complimentary to any of the long range design projects • Provide an organized fenced in area for a dog park. • Provide a theme playground (i.e. garden/insect theme) with swings.

Birnam Woods Park - Opportunities:

Birnam Woods Park - Long-Range Design Projects:

• Provide a site design for the park space to incorporate programmed elements. • Receive additional feedback from neighborhood residents on what they would like to see incorporated into the park. • Expand the park into the adjacent wooded (RPA) area.

The following ideas could potentially be incorporated into Birnam Woods Park once a master plan has been completed by design professionals and the community and approved by the ARB (Architecture Review Board).

fenced in dog park

• Implement a new theme/design to the park (i.e. garden/ insect theme). • Provide a design for the entire park that includes a variety of amenities. • Provide a dog park that includes separate areas for large and small dogs, a watering area, doggie bags, and an agility course. • Provide a trail connection that connects to Brandermill Woods (see page 205 for more information). • Provide swings and a modern playground design that has a garden insect theme.

dog agility course

water fountain

doggie bag dispenser

garden insect theme playground

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POCKET PARKS - FIVE SPRINGS PARK

Five Springs Park - Existing Conditions: Location: Five Springs Road Five Springs park is a medium sized cul-de-sac pocket park with trees, an existing wood deck with benches, birdfeeders, and a trail connection. The park is fronted by homes and located near Sunday Park.

existing birds eye view of Five Springs Park

existing meditation deck

existing view into park

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Five Springs Park - Concerns: • The park deck structure is outdated and the benches are uncomfortable. • The park is underutilized and unattractive. • The park landscaping needs to be updated and cleaned up (particularly the grass around the edge of the park).

Five Springs Park - Improvement Projects: The following ideas could be implemented in the short term while long range design plans are being finalized by design professionals and the community. These projects are mostly aesthetic and would be complimentary to any of the long range design projects • Provide updated seating with new comfortable benches. • Clean up existing landscaping and re-seed grass around the edge, or plant an evergreen ground cover.

Five Springs Park - Opportunities:

Five Springs Park - Long-Range Design Projects:

• Provide a well designed and updated seating area. • Update the landscaping to create a more attractive space. • Retain the larger existing hard wood trees and incorporate additional native plants. • Receive additional feed back from neighborhood residents on what they would like to see incorporated into the park.

The following ideas could potentially be incorporated into Five Springs Park once a master plan has been completed by design professionals and the community and approved by the ARB (Architecture Review Board). • Implement a new theme/design to the park. • Re-design entire park space (retain existing large trees). • Provide a picnic shelter with picnic table, stationary, grill, and trash/recycling receptacles. • Plant native evergreen ground covers to replace the “patchy” grass areas.

picnic shelter

stationary grill

native evergreen ground cover

seating area

trash / recycling receptacles

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POCKET PARKS - MILLCREST PARK

Millcrest Park - Existing Conditions: Location: Millcrest Millcrest Park is situated on a wooded hillside and backs onto a natural area. The park has a newly installed playground, seating, and trail connection.

existing birds eye view of Millcrest Park

existing bridge along trail connection to Millcrest

existing trail and playground

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existing boardwalk along the trail leading to Millcrest

COMMUNITY FACILITIES PARKS and RECREATION: POCKET PARKS

Millcrest Park - Concerns:

Millcrest Park - Improvement Projects:

• The playground lacks a theme and the playground equipment is not very “impressive”. • There is no wayfinding signage along the trail to let users know that the park exists. • The wooden bridge crossing the stream to get to Millcrest Park is too narrow and unattractive.

The following ideas could be implemented in the short term while long-range design plans are being finalized by design professionals and the community. These projects are mostly aesthetic and would be complimentary to any of the long range design projects • Provide wayfinding signage along the trail leading to park. • Expand the playground to provide a tire swing.

Millcrest Park - Opportunities:

Millcrest Park - Long-Range Design Projects:

• Expand the park to include more of the adjacent natural area and add a few additional programmed activities. • Provide wayfinding signs to direct trail users to the pocket park and throughout the natural area.

The following ideas could potentially be incorporated into Millcrest Park once a master plan has been completed by design professionals and the community and approved by the ARB (Architecture Review Board). • Expand the park area to include a picnic shelter and a portion of the adjacent natural area. • Provide a kids tree house/overlook area in the adjacent natural area. • Provide a new, wider bridge. • Incorporate mountain bike trails within the natural area (see page 217 for more information).

picnic shelter and trail kiosk

trail bridge

treehouse

tire swing

trail wayfinding sign

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POCKET PARKS - SAGEGROVE CIRCLE PARK

Sagegrove Circle Park - Existing Conditions Location: Sagegrove Circle off of Sagegrove Road Sagegrove Circle park is located in a large cul-de-sac fronted by housing. The park includes: hardwood trees, a wooden playground, benches, a trail connection, rail fencing, trashcans, and a drainage ditch.

existing birds eye view of Sagegrove Circle Park

existing playground

existing split rail fence

existing view into park

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Sagegrove Circle Park - Concerns:

Sagegrove Circle Park - Initial Improvement Projects:

• The park elements (playground, benches, trash cans, rail fencing and drainage ditch) are not maintained well, unattractive, and outdated. • The parks understory landscaping is minimal and unattractive (lots of areas with bare dirt).

The following ideas could be implemented in the short term while long-range design plans are being finalized by design professionals and the community. These projects are mostly aesthetic and would be complimentary to any of the long range design projects • Update the existing playground and add an area with swings. • Provide updated benches and trash can/recycling receptacles. • Implement LID practices (i.e. rain gardens) along the storm drain. • Update the areas that are currently bare dirt by using native shade tolerant grasses, or evergreen ground covers.

Sagegrove Circle Park - Opportunities:

Sagegrove Circle Park - Long-Range Design Projects:

• Provide a well designed pocket park with updated and new park elements. • Update the landscaping to create a more attractive space. • Retain the larger existing hard wood trees and incorporate additional native understory vegetation. • Implement more sustainable practices (LID’s) to deal with storm water runoff. • Receive additional feed back from neighborhood residents on what they would like to see incorporated into the park.

The following ideas could potentially be incorporated into Sagegrove Circle Park once a master plan has been completed by design professionals and the community and approved by the ARB (Architecture Review Board).

swings

rain garden (LID) along storm drain

butterfly garden

• Implement a new theme/design to the park (woodland theme). • Re-design the entire park space (retain existing large trees). • Provide a new playground with an expanded area to include swings, a tree house, a small rock climbing wall, and safer playground surfacing. • Construct a new more attractive rail fence around the park. • Implement bird boxes and butterfly plants throughout the park.

woodland-theme playground with tree house

butterfly identification sign

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POCKET PARKS - SAGEWOOD GREEN PARK

Sagewood Green Park - Existing Conditions: Location: At the end of Sagebrook Road off of Sagewood Road Sagewood Green Park is located in a very large cul-de-sac. Within the park there is a large grass lawn with a few ornamental trees, a trail connection, and is fronted by housing.

existing birds eye view of Sagewood Green Park

existing trail connection

existing large open area

existing view into park

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Chesterfield County, Virginia

COMMUNITY FACILITIES PARKS and RECREATION: POCKET PARKS

Sagewood Green Park - Concerns:

Sagewood Green Park - Initial Improvement Projects:

• The park is underutilized and lacks any programmed activities. • The park landscaping is very minimal and unattractive.

The following ideas could be implemented in the short term while long-range design plans are being finalized by design professionals and the community. These projects are mostly aesthetic and would be complimentary to any of the long range design projects • Provide a community garden space that includes organized garden plots, benches, shade structure, and garden shed. • Provide a playground area and informal lawn area.

Sagewood Green Park - Opportunities:

Sagewood Green Park - Long-Range Design Projects:

• Provide a site design for the park space to incorporate programmed elements. • Update and provide additional landscaping to create a more attractive space. • Receive additional feed back from neighborhood residents on what they would like to see incorporated into the park.

The following ideas could potentially be incorporated into Sagewood Green Park once a master plan has been completed by design professionals and the community and approved by the ARB (Architecture Review Board).

informal lawn (sun bathing)

garden-theme playground

• Re-design the entire park space. • Implement a new theme/design to the park (garden theme). • Provide a modern playground, a fountain feature, a picnic pavilion, a sundial, a bird/butterfly habitat, an organized community garden, and a open lawn area for informal field games. • Extend the adjacent trail into the park.

informal lawn (neighborhood football game)

garden fountain

picnic shelter

community garden

community garden entry gate

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P L A N

Chesterfield County, Virginia

139

COMMUNITY FACILITIES PARKS and RECREATION: POCKET PARKS

O

POCKET PARKS - SPINNAKER PARK

Spinnaker Park - Existing Conditions: Location: Near Spinnaker Cove in Harbour Pointe. Spinnaker Park has stairs leading down to a wooden deck over the water, benches, a trash can, and a trail connection. The park has views of the reservoir and the BCA Marina (see page 172) and the Brandermill Inn (see page 196).

existing birds eye view of Spinnaker Park

existing trail and stairs down to overlook

existing overlook

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M A S T E R

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Chesterfield County, Virginia

existing lake view

COMMUNITY FACILITIES PARKS and RECREATION: POCKET PARKS

Spinnaker Park Concerns:

Spinnaker Park - Initial Improvement Projects:

• The park overlook, benches, and trash cans are outdated. • The overlook lacks comfortable places to sit and view the reservoir. • The materials used throughout are inconsistent and unattractive. • There is no landscaping within the park.

The following ideas could be implemented in the short term while long-range design plans are being finalized by design professionals and the community. These projects are mostly aesthetic and would be complimentary to any of the long range design projects • Update the seating areas to include more comfortable places to sit. • Provide additional amenities around the overlook deck.

Spinnaker Park Opportunities:

Spinnaker Park - Long-Range Design Projects:

• Redesign the overlook to provide maximum views of the reservoir. • Provide additional amenities. • Update the materials used in the park. • Receive additional feed back from neighborhood residents on what they would like to see incorporated into the park.

The following ideas could potentially be incorporated into Spinnaker Park once a master plan has been completed by design professionals and the community and approved by the ARB (Architecture Review Board).

fire pit and seating area

aquatic wildlife interpretive signage

• Re-design the overlook to provide a modern, handicap accessible design that includes: updated seating, stationary binoculars, a fishing area, and a covered seating area. • Provide interpretive signage explaining the aquatic wildlife living in the reservoir. • Design a bird and wildlife habitat on the land leading to the overlook. • Provide a fire pit with a seating area adjacent to the overlook.

waterfront overlook

fishing area

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P L A N

Chesterfield County, Virginia

141

COMMUNITY FACILITIES PARKS and RECREATION: POCKET PARKS

P

POCKET PARKS - STERLING BARNES PARK

Sterling Barnes Park - Existing Conditions: Location: Between Sterling Road and Barnes Spring Road Sterling Barnes Park has a very large open grass field that steps down in elevation to create two level grass fields. Existing on site is a small basketball court, bench, and a trail connection at one end. The park is surrounded by the backs of houses and wooded vegetation.

existing birds eye view of Sterling Barnes Park

existing large open area

existing elevation change in open field

existing half basketball court and bench

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Chesterfield County, Virginia

COMMUNITY FACILITIES PARKS and RECREATION: POCKET PARKS

Sterling Barnes Park - Concerns:

Sterling Barnes Park - Initial Improvement Projects:

• The park lacks visibility and is underutilized (a lot of residents are not aware that it even exist). • The half basketball court on site is small and unmaintained. • There is only one bench (which is outdated) on the entire site.

The following ideas could be implemented in the short term while long-range design plans are being finalized by design professionals and the community. These projects are mostly aesthetic and would be complimentary to any of the long range design projects. • Expand the basketball court area and add updated benches. • Add the park to the BCA trails map so residents are more aware that it exist. • Provide the equipment for various activities that require minimal changes to the existing conditions (i.e. add mini soccer goals and a croquet court).

Sterling Barnes Park - Opportunities:

Sterling Barnes Park - Long-Range Design Projects:

• Convert this area into a well designed neighborhood park that provides programmed elements that are needed, or are new to Brandermill. • Update the basketball court and provide a larger court area. • Retain the large existing hard wood trees around the perimeter and incorporate additional native plants. • Provide more comfortable and updated seating throughout the park space. • Receive additional feed back from neighboring residents on what they would like to see incorporated into the park.

The following ideas could potentially be incorporated into Sterling Barnes Park once a master plan has been completed by design professionals and the community and approved by the ARB (Architecture Review Board).

bench swings

woodland theme playground

community garden

tire swings

• Re-design the entire site. • Design the park to incorporate new activities to the site, while utilizing the existing topography that currently steps down in the middle (ideas for activities: climbing wall, volleyball, playground, tire swings, public art, bird/ butterfly habitat, community garden, mini soccer/ recreation field, and new basketball court). • Plant native plants around the perimeter and add interpretive signage and bench swings to create a nature loop trail around the outside.

informal soccer/ recreation field

slide built into topography change

BRANDERMILL M A S T E R

P L A N

Chesterfield County, Virginia

143

COMMUNITY FACILITIES PARKS and RECREATION: POCKET PARKS

Q

POCKET PARKS - THE POINT

The Point - Existing Conditions: The Point is a small pocket park located near Commodore Pointe (see page 100) that is accessed only by trail and the back of houses. The park is a small point of land with picnic tables and a wood deck overlooking the reservoir. The views of the reservoir are great and the location is easily accessible from Commodore Pointe and the surrounding neighborhoods.

existing birds eye view of The Point

existing view from distance

existing overlook with picnic table

existing reservoir view

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Chesterfield County, Virginia

COMMUNITY FACILITIES PARKS and RECREATION: POCKET PARKS

The Point - Concerns:

The Point - Initial Improvement Projects:

• The park is outdated and designed in a haphazard manor. • The park is under utilized, especially for a park on the waterfront with great views of the reservoir. • Currently the park is only a stop along the trail and lacks a strong program, or theme. • The park is located adjacent to an existing waterfront trail, however, there is no signage along the trail leading to the park that mentions that the park is there (many people do not even know it exist). • There is a lot of “wasted” space within the park and it contains limited activities (waterfront overlook, one picnic table). • There is no vehicular access to the park. • The park lacks a comfortable place to sit and view the lake.

The following ideas could be implemented in the short term while long-range design plans are being finalized by design professionals and the community. These projects are mostly aesthetic and would be complimentary to any of the long range design projects.

The Point - Opportunities:

The Point - Long-Range Design Projects:

• Provide a well designed and programmed waterfront pocket park that is a destination along the existing trail network. • Introduce a theme and program to the park. • Provide wayfinding signage along the trails leading to the park that direct users to the park. • Improve the maintenance of the park. • Focus the park design towards the spectacular views of the reservoir. • Provide program activities for various age groups to attract a variety of user groups. • Utilized more of the park space that is currently “wasted” space. • Provide additional places for people to sit and comfortably enjoy the views. • Receive additional feed back from neighboring residents on what they would like to see incorporated into the park.

The following ideas could potentially be incorporated into The Point once a master plan has been completed by design professionals and the community and approved by the ARB (Architecture Review Board).

• Provide wayfinding signs along the trails leading to the park. • Add the park to the BCA trails map so residents are more aware that it exists. • Add additional picnic tables and benches to the waterfront overlook. • Improve the maintenance to the park.

• Redesign the entire site with a theme that works with the overall Commodore Point design (see page 103 for more information). • Design the park to have an updated waterfront overlook with various seating options and programmed elements (i.e. trellis swings, benches, picnic tables, stationary binoculars, and game tables). • Implement additional amenities around the overlook area such as; an animal theme playground, a native plant garden, and fitness stations. • Provide an area that is designated for waterfowl feeding and include interpretive signage.

Animal Theme Playground

pergola overlook Fitness Trail Station (Typ.)

overlook area

waterfowl interpretive signage & feeding area

To Commodore Point

conceptual plan (see page ...)

fitness station

pergola overlook

animal-theme playground

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Chesterfield County, Virginia

145

COMMUNITY FACILITIES PARKS and RECREATION: POCKET PARKS

R

POCKET PARKS - WOODBRIAR PARK

Woodbriar Park - Existing Conditions: Location: Woodbriar (Condominiums) Woodbriar Park is a large and triangular shaped. The park is wooded, has no underbrush, and has a wood “meditation” deck with stairs.

existing birds eye view of Woodbriar Park

existing view of the meditation deck

existing view into park

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Chesterfield County, Virginia

existing view of the meditation deck

COMMUNITY FACILITIES PARKS and RECREATION: POCKET PARKS

Woodbriar Park - Concerns:

Woodbriar Park - Initial Improvement Projects:

• The park is underutilized and unattractive. • The park meditation deck is outdated and underutilized. • The park landscaping is very minimal and unattractive.

The following ideas could be implemented in the short term while long-range design plans are being finalized by design professionals and the community. These projects are mostly aesthetic and would be complimentary to any of the long range design projects • Update the existing meditation deck. • Implement and upgrade existing landscaping.

Woodbriar Park - Opportunities:

Woodbriar Park - Long-Range Design Projects:

• Provide a site design for the park space to incorporate updated and new programmed elements (update and rebuild meditation deck). • Update and provide additional landscaping to create a more attractive space. • Receive additional feed back from the neighborhood residents as to what they would like to see incorporated into the park.

meditation fountain

sensory garden interpretive signage

The following ideas could potentially be incorporated into Woodbriar Park once a master plan has been completed by design professionals and the community and approved by the ARB (Architecture Review Board). • Implement a new theme/design to the park (relaxing/ meditation). • Redesign the park to include elements that calm all of the senses (i.e. fountain, sensory garden, garden wind chimes). • Provide a modern meditation deck surrounded by new native landscaping.

meditation seating area

sensory garden (smell)

garden wind chimes

sensory garden (touch)

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147

COMMUNITY FACILITIES PARKS and RECREATION: PROPOSED POCKET PARKS Health Care Center at Brandermill Woods

Colony Crossing

Brandermill Woods

Proposed Pocket Parks Map:

Powhite Parkway

Old Hundred Road

St. Ledger’s Pool Swift Creek Elementary School

E

Br

an

de

Millcrest Park C

B

rmill Parkway

Birnam Woods Park

The Village at Waterford

A

This map displays all the proposed pocket parks. The pocket parks are keyed on the map with a letter and orange circle.

G F

BCA Offices H

D

Genito R

oad

I

5

Waterside Park

6

J

K

7

oad

3

L

N

dR dre un

Nuttree Park

M

Route 288

dH Ol

4

8

Sagegrove Circle Park North Beach Pool

9

O Bra

Sagewood Green Park

P

2

nd

er

m

Pa

l

il

Midlothian Tennis Club Brandermill Country Club

Sterling Barnes Park

rk

way

Swift Creek Middle School

1

Commodore Pointe (The Landing)

11

Q

17

The Point

Sw

if

R

10

18

County Pump Station

t

ee

k

16

e

Heritage Farms

12

oi

ay

rv

kw

se

ar eP

R

Millridg

Cr

r

S T

15

13

Market Square

14

Five Springs Park Brandermill Church The Boathouse Sailing Center

Woodlake

U

V Sunday Park W Spinnaker Park Harbour Pointe

Woodbriar Park

Y

Z BCA Marina Brandermill Inn

County Pump Station

Water Treatment Plant

X

Harbour Poi n AA BB

Clover Hill High School

te

Road

ll Hu

Harbour Pointe Shopping Center

ee

Str

ad

o tR

Trails Common Open Space Golf Course Parks & Recreation Facilities Pocket Park Opportunities

POCKET PARK O P P O R TU N I TI E S BRANDERMILL 148

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Chesterfield County, Virginia

COMMUNITY FACILITIES PARKS and RECREATION: PROPOSED POCKET PARKS

Proposed Pocket Parks - Introduction: see map on previous page for proposed pocket park locations through BB A Twenty-eight potential sites for new pocket parks within Brandermill are identified and described in this section of the master plan. Based on the general and specific pocket park related comments received from residents, stakeholders, and the BCA Board, a list of strategic goals has been formulated that will be used to guide the design of any future pocket park facilities. The following sections of this chapter show conceptual ideas for how these goals can be achieved at each of Brandermill’s proposed pocket parks. Proposed Pocket Parks - Strategic Design Goals: 1) Upgrade features at each pocket park on a case by case basis, based on input given from the surrounding neighborhoods. 2) Create more trail connections to each pocket park where feasible. 3) Incorporate LID techniques to manage runoff and protect the natural environment in and around the pocket parks, while also providing interpretive opportunities. 4) Provide new opportunities for socialization, artistic expression, community interaction, and education at each pocket park. 5) Make all pocket parks handicap accessible. Proposed Pocket Parks - Strategic Planning Goals: 1) Program and develop proposed pocket parks by soliciting input from the surrounding neighborhoods as to the most desired uses. 2) Try to evenly spread out playgrounds within Brandermill and create a new playground in at least one pocket park in Harbour Pointe. 3) Create Adopt-A-Park programs within the surrounding neighborhoods to allow residents to help maintain their parks and increase their sense of ownership and neighborhood pride.

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COMMUNITY FACILITIES PARKS and RECREATION: PROPOSED POCKET PARKS

A

PROPOSED POCKET PARKS - WHISPERING OAKS

Pocket Park A - Whispering Oaks - Existing Conditions: Location: The potential pocket park is located in a medium sized cul-de-sac at the end of Whispering Oaks Road. Description: • The center is heavily wooded, predominately with hardwood trees. • There are several areas of turf around the edges. • The topography is rolling. • There is a no parking sign on the perimeter.

existing view

Pocket Park A - Whispering Oaks - Program Ideas: • Provide a passive seating area that includes benches and trellis swings (provide seating areas in the sun and shade). • Provide a staging area for public art displays (i.e. sculpture). • Provide a trail connection. • Provide a small picnic shelter. • Include a shade garden with native plants and a garden path. • Introduce bird houses and bird loving plants to help create a diverse bird habitat. shade garden with garden path

B

PROPOSED POCKET PARKS - CHIMNEY HOUSE

Pocket Park B: Chimney House - Existing Conditions: Location: The potential pocket park is located in a medium sized cul-de-sac at the end of Chimney House Road. Description: • There are two existing Bradford Pear trees. • There is an outdated wooden planter box. • At one end there is a slight slope to the topography. • There is an existing trail connection. • There are two existing wooden benches. existing view

Pocket Park B - Chimney House - Program Ideas: • Provide a passive park. • Provide updated benches. • Re-design planter box and update plants to provide seasonal interest (incorporate benches into planter boxes). • Improve landscaping with native plants.

bench with seasonal planter boxes

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COMMUNITY FACILITIES PARKS and RECREATION: PROPOSED POCKET PARKS

C

PROPOSED POCKET PARKS - CHIMNEY HOUSE WOODS

Pocket Park C - Chimney House Woods - Existing Conditions: Location: The potential pocket park is located along the edge of a cul-de-sac at the end of Chimney House Court. Description: • The area is heavily wooded with evergreens, hardwoods, and underbrush. • There is a small patch of turf at one edge of the park. • The area is within a drainage easement. • The area is fronted by homes. existing view

Pocket Park C - Chimney House Woods - Program Ideas: • Provide a passive seating area with benches in the sun and shaded areas. • Provide a trail connection through the park. • Provide a native plant garden with interpretive signage. • Introduce LID methods (i.e. rain garden) along the drainage area and provide interpretive signage.

LID interpretive signage

D

PROPOSED POCKET PARKS - WALNUT CREEK

Pocket Park D - Walnut Creek - Existing Conditions: Location: The potential pocket park is located within a large “eyebrow” that is bordered by Walnut Creek Road and Walnut Creek Circle. Description: • The area is densely wooded with hardwoods and scrubby underbrush. • There is a clear area with patchy grass. • Homes front onto the park. • There is no paved trail connection, however, there is an unpaved path through the center. existing view

Pocket Park D - Walnut Creek - Program Ideas: • Provide a more defined path with natural materials (i.e. mulch, pea gravel). • Retain a majority of the hardwood vegetation and selectively clear the underbrush. • Re-seed the patchy grass areas or plant them with a native groundcover. • Create a sculpture garden along the path with a nature or garden theme. • Provide a small picnic shelter in the center of the park. • Provide benches along the path and near the sculptures. sculpture garden

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Chesterfield County, Virginia

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COMMUNITY FACILITIES PARKS and RECREATION: PROPOSED POCKET PARKS

E

PROPOSED POCKET PARKS - ARROWWOOD

Pocket Park E - Arrowwood Existing - Conditions: Location: The potential pocket park is located in a large cul-de-sac at the end of Arrow Wood Road. Description: • The area is heavily wooded with mature hardwoods, with little understory vegetation. • The topography is flat. • The area is fronted by homes. • There are patchy grass areas around the perimeter. • There is an existing trail connection to the cul-de-sac, but it does not run through the park area. existing view

Pocket Park E - Arrowwood - Program Ideas: • Provide a passive park with areas to relax and enjoy nature. • Retain all of the existing hardwoods and plant native understory plants in selective areas. • Re-seed areas around perimeter with native wildflower mix. • Provide benches and trellis swings throughout the park. • Incorporate elements to foster a bird habitat and include interpretive signage. • Provide a trail connection through the park.

native wildflower garden

F

PROPOSED POCKET PARKS - SUTTERS MILL

Pocket Park F - Sutters Mill - Existing Conditions: Location: This potential pocket park is located at the end of Sutter’s Mill road in a medium size cul-de-sac. Description: • The site is located in close proximity to Swift Creek Elementary School. • The only park element existing on site is a dented trash receptacle. • The area is wooded with large hardwoods and no underbrush. • There are patchy grass areas around the edge (predominately bare with dirt). • There is no trail connection. • The area is fronted by homes.

existing view

Pocket Park F - Sutters Mill - Program Ideas: • Provide a trail connection through the park and to the adjacent elementary school. • Provide a playground area that incorporates play equipment not found at the elementary school. • Provide a picnic area with benches, picnic tables, and stationary grills. • Re-seed the grass area around the edge with a shade tolerant mix, or native ground cover.

playground with benches and picnic tables

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COMMUNITY FACILITIES PARKS and RECREATION: PROPOSED POCKET PARKS

G

PROPOSED POCKET PARKS - CROSS TIMBERS

Pocket Park G - Cross Timbers - Existing Conditions: Location: The potential pocket park is located is a medium size cul-de-sac at the end of Cross Timbers Court. Description: • There is an existing trail connection, but it does not run through the park space. • There is an existing picnic table that is unmaintained and deteriorating. • The topography of the site is flat. • There are a few large hardwood trees, but no understory plants. • There are large open dirt areas around the trees (lots of “wasted” space). • The ground plan is predominately dirt with a few patchy areas of grass (looks unattractive and unmaintained).

existing view

Pocket Park G - Cross Timbers - Program Ideas: • Retain the existing large hardwood trees. • Plant additional native trees and shrubs in selective areas. • Provide additional picnic tables. • Include a fireplace with a seating area. • Provide a trail connection through the park. • Provide a small playground area with swings.

fireplace with seating area

H

PROPOSED POCKET PARKS - WATKINS GLEN

Pocket Park H - Watkins Glen - Existing Conditions: Location: The potential pocket park is located in a large cul-de-sac at the end of Watkins Glen Road. Description: • The park is divided by an existing paved trail. • One side of the park is heavily wooded with mature hardwoods. • The other side of the park is an open lawn area with patchy grass. • The topography on the site is flat. • The park is fronted by homes. existing view

Pocket Park H - Watkins Glen - Program Ideas: • Provide passive seating areas within the wooded and grass areas. • Re-seed the lawn area with a native, shade tolerant grass mix. • Incorporate a sunken lawn area with the ability to contain picnic tables and movable chairs, and play bocce ball. • Provide a small playground with swings.

sunken lawn area (showing bocce ball)

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Chesterfield County, Virginia

153

COMMUNITY FACILITIES PARKS and RECREATION: PROPOSED POCKET PARKS

I

PROPOSED POCKET PARKS - FOX CHASE

Pocket Park I - Fox Chase - Existing Conditions: Location: The potential pocket park is located within a small cul-de-sac at the end of Fox Chase Drive. Description: • The site is sparsely wooded with a few hardwood trees and scrubby underbrush. • The park is fronted by homes. • There is no existing trail connection.

existing view

Pocket Park I - Fox Chase - Program Ideas: • Thin out the existing scrubby underbrush and replace with a native plant mix. • Include a butterfly garden with benches (butterfly bench) and interpretive signage. • Provide a picnic table and stationary grills.

butterfly garden

J

PROPOSED POCKET PARKS - THREE BRIDGES

Pocket Park J - Three Bridges - Existing Conditions: Location: The proposed pocket park is located in a medium sized cul-de-sac at the end of Three Bridges Road. Description: • There are a few large hardwood trees located in the center of the site. • There is patchy grass around the perimeter. • There is an existing tree swing on site (needs to be replaced or updated). • The topography slightly mounds in the center. • The park is fronted by homes. existing view

Pocket Park J - Three Bridges - Program Ideas: • Re-seed the lawn area or plant with a native groundcover. • Update and provide additional tree swings (i.e. tire swings). • Provide benches, picnic table, and stationary grill.

tree swings

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COMMUNITY FACILITIES PARKS and RECREATION: PROPOSED POCKET PARKS

K

PROPOSED POCKET PARKS - THREE BRIDGES WOODS

Pocket Park K - Three Bridges Woods - Existing Conditions: Location: The proposed pocket park is located in a large natural area between Sagebrook Road and Three Bridges Road. Description: • There is an existing trail that runs through the site that connects Sage Wood Green Park (see page ?) and Three Bridges Road. • There is a narrow wooden bridge that crosses Nuttree Creek. • The water is stagnant around the bridge (appears to be clogged) and there seems to be a lack of maintenance. • A majority of the area is heavily wooded with evergreens, hardwoods, and thick underbrush. • There are views into the golf course at each end of the wooded natural areas. • There are patchy areas of grass and dirt along the trail.

existing view

Pocket Park K - Three Bridges Woods - Program Ideas: • Create a nature park with natural paths through the wooded areas. Include: benches, picnic tables, and park structures. • Include interpretive signage throughout the park explaining the wildlife and plants. • Widen and update the existing bridge. • Retain a majority of the existing vegetation and plant native ground covers along the existing trail. • Introduce native vegetation along the stream bank to encourage stream restoration (see page 61).

L

natural walking path and interpretive signage

PROPOSED POCKET PARKS - NORTH BEACH / BRANDERMILL

Pocket Park L - North Beach / Brandermill - Existing Conditions: Location: The proposed pocket park is located in a large linear natural area between North Beach Road and Brandermill Parkway. Description: • There is an existing paved trail that runs through the area. • A majority of the site is heavily wooded with hardwood trees and understory shrubs. • There is a medium sized, open grass area adjacent to Brandermill Parkway. • Homes back up to the park.

existing view

Pocket Park L - North Beach / Brandermill - Program Ideas: • Provide resting areas along the trail (i.e. benches, bench swings, and picnic tables). • Provide bird houses and bird attracting plants throughout the park to create a bird habitat. • Provide interpretive signage explaining the bird habitats. • Provide fitness trail stations along the trail.

bird watching

fitness trail stations

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Chesterfield County, Virginia

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COMMUNITY FACILITIES PARKS and RECREATION: PROPOSED POCKET PARKS

M

PROPOSED POCKET PARKS - REGATTA KNOLL

Pocket Park M - Regatta Knoll - Existing Conditions: Location: The proposed pocket park is located in a large culde-sac at the end of Regatta Pointe Road. Description: • Half of the park area is wooded (evergreens, hardwoods, and underbrush) and half is open lawn area. • There is a rolling grass berm on the site. • From the top of the berm you can catch a glimpse of the reservoir. • The park is fronted by homes. • There is no trail connection. existing view

Pocket Park M - Regatta Knoll - Program Ideas: • Provide a sun and shade garden. • Incorporate a sundial into the sun garden. • Provide benches and trellis swings in each garden. • Provide a two level park structure with a second story reservoir overlook that includes: picnic tables and binoculars. • Provide a trail connection through the park.

sun garden (sundial) and park overlook structure

N

PROPOSED POCKET PARKS - REGATTA POINTE

Pocket Park N - Regatta Pointe - Existing Conditions: Location: The proposed pocket park is located in a large cul-de-sac at the end of Regatta Pointe Court. Description: • A majority of the site is heavily wooded with hardwoods and underbrush. • There is patchy grass around the perimeter of the park. • The topography is mounded with a flat top towards the center. • The park is fronted by homes. • There is an existing trail connection. existing view

Pocket Park N - Regatta Pointe - Program Ideas: • Selectively clear the underbrush, but retain a majority of the hardwood trees. • Re-seed, or plant a native evergreen groundcover around the perimeter. • Provide several benches in the park. • Provide a bird garden with bird houses, bird bath, and interpretive signage.

bird houses

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COMMUNITY FACILITIES PARKS and RECREATION: PROPOSED POCKET PARKS

O

PROPOSED POCKET PARKS - SHALLOWFORD

Pocket Park O - Shallowford - Existing Conditions: Location: The proposed pocket park is located in a large cul-de-sac at the end of Shallowford Trace Road. Description: • The area is heavily wooded in the center with a mix of evergreens, hardwoods, and understory plants. • There is a ring of patchy grass around the perimeter. • The topography is predominately flat. • The park is fronted by homes. • There are several benches and flower pots located at one end of the park. existing view

Pocket Park O - Shallowford - Program Ideas: • Selectively clear some of the plant material. • Incorporate a natural path through the park that leads to a shade garden in the center with benches and plant identification tags. • Provide an updated seating area with a planted trellis, new benches, and planters located at the open end of the park.

garden trellis with benches and planters

P

PROPOSED POCKET PARKS - MURFIELD

Pocket Park P - Murfield - Existing Conditions: Location: The proposed pocket park is located in a medium sized cul-de-sac at the end of Murfield Green Place and off of Murfield Green Drive. Description: • The park has several large hardwoods and shrubs. • There are areas of patchy grass around the perimeter. • The topography is slightly sloped to one side. • The park is fronted by homes. existing view

Pocket Park P - Murfield - Program Ideas: • Retain a majority of the existing plant material. • Re-seed grassed areas with a shade tolerant seed mix. • Provide bench swings, a picnic table, and a stationary grill.

picnic area with picnic tables and a park grill

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Q

PROPOSED POCKET PARKS - MCTYRES

Pocket Park Q - McTyres - Existing Conditions: Location: The proposed pocket park is located in a large eyebrow shaped cul-de-sac that is bordered by McTyres Cove Road and McTyres Cove Terrace. Description: • The park is heavily wooded with both hardwoods and understory shrubs. • The park is fronted by homes. • The topography is predominately flat. • There is no trail connection to the park. existing view

Pocket Park Q - McTyres - Program Ideas: • Selectively clear the understory shrubs. • Provide a nature path with benches and interpretive signage. • Provide bird houses. • Provide a trail connection through the park.

nature trail with bench

R

PROPOSED POCKET PARKS - PEBBLE CREEK

Pocket Park R - Pebble Creek - Existing Conditions: Location: The proposed pocket park is located in a large cul-de-sac at the end of Pebble Creek Road. Description: • The park is wooded with hardwoods and underbrush. • The topography has a slight mound and is flat on top. • There is a drainage ditch around the perimeter with patches of grass. • The park is fronted by homes.

existing view

Pocket Park R - Pebble Creek - Program Ideas: • Replace the patchy grass areas around the perimeter with native ground covers. • Provide steps up to the flat area and a nature trail through the park. • Selectively clear some of the vegetation and use the wood to construct a small wooden picnic shelter near the center of the park. Structure to include: built in grills, picnic tables, and trash/recycling receptacles.

picnic shelter

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S

PROPOSED POCKET PARKS - NORTHWICH

Pocket Park S - Northwich - Existing Conditions: Location: The proposed pocket park is located in a large wooded cul-de-sac at the end of Northwich Drive. Description: • The park is heavily wooded with hardwood trees. • There is a slight slope to one side of the park. • The park is fronted by homes. • There is an existing bench located in the open area to one end. • There is no direct trail access. existing view

Pocket Park S - Northwich - Program Ideas: • Retain a majority of the existing vegetation. • Provide additional benches in the open area. • Provide a seating area with a fire pit, and a gazebo. • Provide a trail connection through the park.

seating area with fire pit, seating area, and gazebo

T

PROPOSED POCKET PARKS - HEATHBROOK

Pocket Park T - Heathbrook - Existing Conditions: Location: The proposed pocket park is located in a large cul-de-sac that is bordered by Heathbrook Road and Heathbrook Terrace. Description: • The area is wooded with hardwoods and very little underbrush. • The topography is predominantly flat. • Several mailboxes are located on the park side of the street. • There is an existing wood shed near the center of the park. • The park is fronted by homes and parking courts. • There is no trail connection.

existing view

Pocket Park T - Heathbrook - Program Ideas: • Selectively clear some of the scrubby underbrush and replace with native plants. • Provide a park structure that incorporates the existing shed into the design. Park structure to include: a garden trellis, bench swings, picnic tables, grills, and a fireplace. • Provide a space for horseshoes, bocce ball, and shuffle board. • Provide a trail connection through the park.

horseshoes

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U

PROPOSED POCKET PARKS - PLANTERS WOOD

Pocket Park U - Planters Wood - Existing Conditions: Location: The proposed pocket park is a large linear area that is bordered by Planters Wood Road and Millridge Parkway. Description: • Several homes back onto the park. • There is an existing drainage swale that runs through the site. • There are several benches on the edges of the park. • There is no trail connection through the park. • The area is heavily wooded with evergreens, hardwoods, and underbrush.

existing view

Pocket Park U - Planters Wood - Program Ideas: • Develop the space into a nature park. • Provide a trail connection through the park. • Provide a boardwalk along portions of the trail with interpretive signage. • Incorporate LIDs (i.e. rain gardens) along the drainage swale and include interpretive signage explaining the LID’s. • Provide seating areas along the trail. • Provide bird houses and other methods to foster additional wildlife habitat. Include interpretive signage throughout the park explaining the wildlife. nature trail with wildlife habitat

V

PROPOSED POCKET PARKS - FIVE SPRINGS OVAL

Pocket Park V - Five Springs Oval - Existing Conditions: Location: The proposed pocket park is located in a medium sized, narrow, oval cul-de-sac at the end Five Springs Ct. Description: • The park is wooded in the center with hardwoods. • The park has a long liner mound running through the center. • There are several existing decorative boulders. • Areas along the mound seem to be having minor erosion problems. • The grass along the park perimeter is patchy. • There are several mailboxes around the perimeter.

existing view

Pocket Park V - Five Springs Oval - Program Ideas: • Stabilize the slopes on the site with native vegetation. • Provide a seating area on top of the mound with large boulders (used for seating) and a fire pit. • Provide stairs up to the seating area. • Re-seed the grass area with shade tolerant seed mix.

fire pit with large boulders for seating

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W PROPOSED POCKET PARKS - LONGSHADOW Pocket Park W - Longshadow - Existing Conditions: Location: The proposed pocket park is located in a medium size triangular shaped open space bordered on three sides by Longshadow Dive. Description: • The topography has a gentle slope to the one side. • The area is heavily wooded with hardwoods and underbrush. • There is an area of patchy grass adjacent to Londshadow Drive. • The park is fronted by homes and parking courts on three sides. • There is no existing trail connection.

existing view

Pocket Park W - Longshadow - Program Ideas: • Selectively clear vegetation where needed. • Provide a flower garden in the open area along Londshadow Drive. Include: benches, a garden trellis, a small garden fountain, a gazing ball, and plant identification tags. • Provide a trail connection that leads through the park.

flower garden with small water feature.

X

PROPOSED POCKET PARKS - HARBOUR HILL

Pocket Park X - Harbour Hill - Existing Conditions: Location: The proposed pocket park is located in a large cul-de-sac at the end of Harbour Hill Place. Description: • The area is heavily wooded with large hardwoods and underbrush. • There are patchy areas of grass around the perimeter. • The topography on site is mostly flat. • The park is fronted by homes. • There is an existing trail connection existing view

Pocket Park X - Harbour Hill - Program Ideas: • Provide a nature trail through the park. • Re-seed the patchy grass around the perimeter, or plant with a native groundcover. • Provide a seating area with bench swings.

bench swing

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Chesterfield County, Virginia

161

COMMUNITY FACILITIES PARKS and RECREATION: PROPOSED POCKET PARKS

Y

PROPOSED POCKET PARKS - PROMONTORY POINTE

Pocket Park Y - Promontory Pointe Waterfront - Existing Conditions: Location: The proposed pocket park is a small peninsula along the reservoir that is located below the Promontory Pointe cul-de-sac. Description: • The area is heavily wooded with evergreens, hardwoods, and underbrush. • There is no existing trail access. • The park has direct access to the waterfront. existing view

Pocket Park Y - Promontory Pointe Waterfront - Program Ideas: • Provide selective clearing to allow for water views from the park. • Provide selective clearing to allow for a waterfront access trail. • Provide a small fishing dock with movable chairs. • Provide a trail connection.

fishing pier and movable chairs

Z

PROPOSED POCKET PARKS - PROMONTORY POINTE

Pocket Park Z - Promontory Pointe - Existing Conditions: Location: The proposed pocket park is located in a large cul-de-sac at the end of Promontory Pointe Road. Description: • The area is heavily wooded with large hardwoods and underbrush. • The park has an inward slope (bowl shape). • There is an existing drainage swale on site. • The park is fronted by homes. • There is no existing trail connection. existing view

Pocket Park Z - Promontory Pointe - Program Ideas: • Provide a trail connection to and through the park. • Implement LIDs along the drainage swale (i.e. rain gardens). • Provide selective clearing to create a functional rain garden and seating areas. • Provide several seating areas with views into the rain gardens. • Provide nature-themed sculpture throughout park.

rain garden and sculpture

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AA PROPOSED POCKET PARKS - WATCH HARBOUR Pocket Park AA - Watch Harbour - Existing Conditions: Location: The proposed pocket park is located within half of a large loop road at the end of Watch Harbour Road. Description: • An existing trail runs through the center of the loop road and divides the two houses (within the loop) from the park. • The park is heavily wooded with hardwoods and underbrush. • The topography of the site is mostly flat.

existing view

Pocket Park AA - Watch Harbour - Program Ideas: • Provide a resting area along the trail with benches. • Provide a small playground are with a fitness theme. • Provide outdoor fitness equipment for kids and adults. • Provide selective clearing to allow for proposed programmed activities.

outdoor exercise equipment for all age groups

BB PROPOSED POCKET PARKS - EAST BLUFF Pocket Park BB - East Bluff - Existing Conditions: Location: The proposed pocket park is located within a long linear cleared easement along East Bluff Road. Description: • The site is bordered by East Bluff Road, the backs of houses, and Clover Hill High School. • The area has both open grassy areas and wooded areas. • There is a gentle slope towards East Bluff Road. • An existing drainage swale (rock lined) runs through the site to a culvert and under East Bluff Road. • There is no existing trail connection.

existing view

Pocket Park BB - East Bluff - Program Ideas: • Provide a trail connection through the park to Clover Hill High School. • Implement LIDs along the drainage swale (i.e. rain gardens). • Provide seating areas along the trail and rain garden. • Provide interpretive signage for the rain garden along the trail.

rain garden and interpretive signage

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COMMUNITY FACILITIES PARKS & RECREATION: PRIVATE FACILITIES Health Care Center at Brandermill Woods

Colony Crossing

Brandermill Woods

Powhite Parkway

Old Hundred Road

C St. Ledger’s Pool Swift Creek Elementary School Br

an d

erm

The Village at Waterford

ill Parkway

J Birnam Woods Park L Millcrest Park

BCA Offices

Genito R

oad

BCA Storage (Boat and Trailer Storage)

5 6

Route 288

d Ol

I Waterside Park

4

7

R red

nd

Hu

Nuttree F Park

oad

3

8

M Sagegrove Circle Park 9

B North Beach Pool

Bra

Sagewood N Green Park

nd

er

m

il

Pa

Midlothian Tennis T Club S Brandermill Country Club

l

P

2

Sterling Barnes Park

rk

way

Swift Creek Middle School

1 10

18

11

D Commodore Pointe (The Landing) Q The Point

Sw

if

17

County Pump Station

t

ee

k

16

e

12

E Heritage Farms

se

k ar eP

R

Millridg

Cr

wa

rv

y

oi r

13

15

Market Square

14

K Five Springs Park Brandermill Church The Boathouse G Sailing Center

Woodlake

H Sunday Park

R Woodbriar Park

O Spinnaker Park A Harbour Pointe

U BCA Marina Brandermill Inn County Pump Station

Water Treatment Plant

Harbour Poi n

te

Road

ll

Hu 0

300

600

1,200

Harbour Pointe Shopping Center

Base information obtained from Chesterfield County GIS, October 2008. Designforum assumes no responsibility for its accuracy.

Clover Hill High School

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Trails Green Space Golf Course Parks & Recreation BCA Pools Schools

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COMMUNITY FACILITIES PARKS & RECREATION: PRIVATE FACILITIES

Private Facilities - Introduction: see map on previous page for private facilities locations and S

T

Brandermill currently has two private facilities, The Brandermill County Club and The Midlothian Tennis Club. The Brandermill County Club and The Midlothian Tennis Club are privately owned and are closed to non-members. Both of these clubs accept memberships for residents that live in, as well as outside of Brandermill. Both Clubs are centrally located in the community (next door to one another). Parking is available and both facilities are assessable by trail. The Country Club has just come to be under new ownership and management. The community’s comments listed in this section were prior to the transition. The Tennis club recently completed an improvement project that enclosed four courts for indoor use and added a strength and conditioning facility. Both Clubs add valuable recreation outlets for the community and all residents view them as assets, whether they play the respective sports or not.

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PRIVATE FACILITIES - BRANDERMILL COUNTRY CLUB

Brandermill Country Club - Existing Conditions: The Brandermill Country Club is home to an 18-hole championship golf course (designed by Gary Player), a swimming pool, and a clubhouse. It is located adjacent to the Midlothian Tennis Club and Greenwood School on Brandermill Parkway. There are approximately 350 homes located along the golf course. Approximately 15% of these homes are homes of members. Currently, the Club has 400 members and has capacity for 100-150 more members. The golf course has an extensive paved path for golf carts (as do most courses). For the safety of the community, walkers and bikers are prohibited from using the path system. In some locations, the cart path intersects with the bike/walking trails.

existing birds eye of the clubhouse and putting green

Other facilities and features include: • #14 and #15 take advantage of Swift Creek Reservoir views. • Membership: it is a private club with no residency requirements. • Practice facilities include a driving range, and chipping and putting greens • A fully stocked golf shop. • The club restaurant, known as ‘The Grille’, offers formal and casual dining. • The fitness center provides members a facility for strength conditioning. Personal training sessions are available. • The club frequently hosts banquets and receptions of all types. • A partnership with the Midlothian Tennis Club.

existing view of the club house and putting green

In early 2009 the club came under new ownership with management that brings a positive new philosophy and approach to the Brandermill Country Club: • Foster a positive working relationship with the community and BCA. Work together to strengthen the common assets of the course and community. • The Country Club is an unique asset to the community and provides not only a source of recreation, but also aesthetic beauty, serving as open space and providing value to the surrounding real estate. • The success of the Country Club is critical to the success of Brandermill and vice versa. It is a unique situation in which both serve to benefit greatly from the other or suffer greatly without a common vision and strong communication. • Example: If the golf course appears unkempt and membership is low then the surrounding homes and real estate suffer. If the homes along the golf course appear unkempt and fall into disrepair or vacancy, then the golf course will suffer. Of course, the opposite is true if the golf course and the homes appearances are at their best, the club will be rewarded with increased play and membership and the home owners will be benefited with higher real estate values and low vacancy.

existing view of the golf course hole # ?

existing view of the club house

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COMMUNITY FACILITIES PARKS & RECREATION: PRIVATE FACILITIES

Throughout the public workshop process and stakeholder interviews a few concerns were expressed relative to the golf course, as well as some opportunities and ideas for improvements:

Brandermill Country Club - Concerns: • Management of the Club is poor and doesn’t have a positive working relationship with the BCA Board of Directors (this concern may already be resolved by the new ownership of the Club). • The Clubhouse facilities and pool are outdated. • The lagoons and creeks along the golf course are stagnant and unattractive.

Brandermill Country Club - Opportunities: • Partner with the BCA for stronger covenant enforcement for homes along the golf course. • Increase the family-oriented approach to the Club. Provide amenities and events to attract more than golfers. • Provide community play days to allow non-members living within the community to experience the club. • Nuttree Creek Stream Restoration – create a joint project with the BCA and others to improve water quality in irrigation ponds and improve the appearance of the golf course. • Modernize the pool facility and clubhouse. • Explore packaging membership with Brandermill amenities (such as pools, tennis, sailing, etc.) and link websites for cross marketing. • Pursue more “green” golf course maintenance techniques. Partner with Heritage Gardens for composting and fertilizer. Research Audobon Society International designations for golf course sustainability. Goals: • Strengthen Membership – the success of the Country Club has a direct effect on the success of Brandermill (and vice versa). • Improve course sustainability and appearance – maintain and improve the health and appearance of both the natural and built environs on and surrounding the golf course. • Establish and strengthen positive communication between the BCA and the Country Club for mutually beneficial initiatives.

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COMMUNITY FACILITIES PARKS and RECREATION: PRIVATE FACILITIES

T

PRIVATE FACILITIES - MIDLOTHIAN TENNIS CLUB

Midlothian Tennis Club - Existing Conditions: The Midlothian Tennis Club is a private club adjacent to the Brandermill Country Club. The tennis club includes four indoor clay courts, twelve outdoor clay courts (four are lighted), four outdoor hard courts, and one practice wall. There is also a Pro Shop with apparel and racquets. Membership to the club is private, however, you do not have to be a Brandermill resident to be a member. Other features include: • • • • •

A ball machine Tennis lesson programs Year round tournaments Social events Stringing services

existing birds eye view of the Midlothian Tennis Club

existing entry into indoor tennis courts

existing outdoor clay tennis courts

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existing outdoor clay tennis courts

COMMUNITY FACILITIES PARKS and RECREATION: PRIVATE FACILITIES

Midlothian Tennis Club - Concerns: • • • •

Membership is low for a facility of its size. There are few comfortable areas to watch a tennis match. There is poor marketing of the club. There is no comfortable area for members to congregate outdoors.

Midlothian Tennis Club - Opportunities: • • • •

Provide a grass and wood tennis viewing area. Provide an outdoor eating area for tennis members close to the Brandermill Country Club restaurant. Update the landscaping around tennis club. Develop a better marketing plan to attract new members.

• Provide more tennis camps and lessons for kids.

grass and wood viewing area

outdoor eating area

shaded viewing deck

kids tennis lessons

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COMMUNITY FACILITIES PARKS and RECREATION: BCA MARINA Health Care Center at Brandermill Woods

Colony Crossing

Brandermill Woods

Powhite Parkway

Old Hundred Road

C St. Ledger’s Pool Swift Creek Elementary School Br

an d

erm

The Village at Waterford

ill Parkway

J Birnam Woods Park L Millcrest Park

BCA Offices

Genito R

oad

BCA Storage (Boat and Trailer Storage)

5 6

Route 288

d Ol

I Waterside Park

4

7

R red

nd

Hu

Nuttree F Park

oad

3

8

M Sagegrove Circle Park 9

B North Beach Pool

Bra

Sagewood N Green Park

nd

er

m

il

Pa

Midlothian Tennis T Club S Brandermill Country Club

l

P

2

Sterling Barnes Park

rk

way

Swift Creek Middle School

1 10

18

11

D Commodore Pointe (The Landing) Q The Point

Sw

if

17

County Pump Station

t

ee

k

16

e

12

E Heritage Farms

se

k ar eP

R

Millridg

Cr

wa

rv

y

oi r

13

15

Market Square

14

K Five Springs Park Brandermill Church The Boathouse G Sailing Center

Woodlake

H Sunday Park

R Woodbriar Park

O Spinnaker Park A Harbour Pointe

U BCA Marina Brandermill Inn County Pump Station

Water Treatment Plant

Harbour Poi n

te

Road

ll

Hu 0

300

600

1,200

Harbour Pointe Shopping Center

Base information obtained from Chesterfield County GIS, October 2008. Designforum assumes no responsibility for its accuracy.

Clover Hill High School

WWW.DESIGNFORUMINC.COM

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COM M U N I T Y S P A C E

COMMUNITY FACILITIES PARKS and RECREATION: BCA MARINA

BCA Marina - Introduction: see map on previous page for the BCA Marina location U The BCA Marina is managed by the BCA. Only Brandermill residents who pay a required annual fee to the BCA are allowed to dock a boat and access the Marina. There is currently a waiting list for residents wishing to obtain a marina slip. The BCA Marina has the potential for expansion, renovation, and/or improvement based on the input received from residents, stakeholders, the BCA Board, and the design teams observations. The following pages highlight the existing conditions, the concerns, and the opportunities for the marina.

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COMMUNITY FACILITIES PARKS & RECREATION: BCA MARINA

U

BCA MARINA

BCA Marina - Existing Conditions: The BCA Marina is located in the Harbour Pointe section of Brandermill below the Brandermill Inn. The marina currently has 44 slips and a waiting list of around 80 people. The marina has electrical hook ups and a locked entry.

existing birds eye view of the BCA Marina

existing view of the BCA Marina from the Brandermill Inn

existing view of the locked gate into the BCA Marina

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existing view of the steep hill leading up to The Brandermill Inn

COMMUNITY FACILITIES PARKS and RECREATION: BCA MARINA

BCA Marina - Concerns: • • • • •

There is no clear path down the steep hill to the marina. The access and location to the marina is undesirable. The adjacent Brandermill Inn is vacant causing a safety issue. Parking is shared with the Brandermill Inn site. The area has poor lighting and feels unsafe after dark.

BCA Marina - Opportunities: • Provide a safe and clear path and stairs down to the marina. • Provide additional lighting and security measures (i.e. neighborhood/police watch, surveillance camera, emergency call box). • Clean up the area around the marina and provide an overlook area with seating. • Begin the process of relocating the marina to another part of Brandermill, and/or provide mini marinas throughout Brandermill (see the following pages for possible marina locations - Harbour Pointe: page 89, North Beach Pool: page 93, Commodore Pointe: page 103, and Sunday Park: page 123). • When the Brandermill Inn site is redeveloped the current marina should be updated and used by the new development owners.

stairs down to Marina

seating / overlook area

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COMMUNITY FACILITIES CIVIC FACILITIES

Civic Facilities - Introduction: Brandermill was created with great civic awareness and attention. The original concept of Brandermill aimed to establish “programs for the fulfillment of social needs” and “design for the community which sets the stage for that fulfillment.” This section features recommendations for civic facility improvements and development, with the goal to achieve fulfillment of social needs. The civic improvements shall establish awareness of surroundings, address different user groups, and garner value for all who experience and use the facilities.

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175

COMMUNITY FACILITIES CIVIC FACILITIES: BRANDERMILL COMMUNITY ASSOCIATION (BCA) OFFICE

Brandermill Community Association (BCA) Office - Existing Conditions: The Brandermill BCA office is located in the Brandermill Business Park. The Village Mill offices and maintenance headquarters are also located here.

existing birds eye view of the BCA office

existing view of the BCA office

existing view of the Village Mill Office

existing view of the the front of the BCA and Village Mill office

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COMMUNITY FACILITIES CIVIC FACILITIES: BRANDERMILL COMMUNITY ASSOCIATION (BCA) OFFICE

Brandermill Community Association (BCA) Office - Concerns: • The BCA office is in a poor location and is not convenient for many Brandermill residents. • The BCA office is outdated and unattractive. The current location is not a good marketing tool for potential Brandermill residents.

Brandermill Community Association (BCA) Office - Opportunities: • Incorporate the BCA office into a prominent location within the new design of Market Square (see pages 192). The BCA office should be the “Town Hall” of Brandermill. • Incorporate into the new BCA office: large meeting rooms (for community meetings, parties, and wedding receptions), BCA staff offices, Village Mill offices, a community visitors center, community museum, ballroom, and an outdoor gathering space (porch/ deck). • The architecture of the new BCA office should fit in with the Brandermill architectural style. • Keep the maintenance headquarters at its current location and expand, or redesign the entire site and provide a higher density use that addresses Genito Road.

town hall overlooking “central green”

town hall with clock tower

large meeting room for community meetings

ballroom for parties and wedding receptions

outdoor gathering space with rocking chairs

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COMMUNITY FACILITIES CIVIC FACILITIES: BCA STORAGE (BOAT and TRAILER STORAGE)

BCA Storage (Boat and Trailer Storage) - Existing Conditions: In addition to the BCA Marina (see page 172), Brandermill has several boat and trailer storage areas that are located throughout the community. Brandermill has a total of 147 shoreline slips, including: 70 at Sunday Park (of these, 18 have been determined to be unusable due to erosion), 66 at Commodore Pointe (of these, 10 have been determined to be unusable due to erosion), and 11 at Harbour Pointe. Brandermill has 19 mooring buoys, 395 t-racks: 123 at Sunday Park, 191 at Commodore Pointe, 39 at Harbour Pointe, and 42 at Waterside Park. The BCA also owns a locked storage facility off of Old Hundred Road that has 126 spaces (wait list of 16). This area is used for large items such as boats, campers, and trailers.

existing shoreline slips at Sunday Park

existing storage facility off of Old Hundred Road

existing mooring buoys near Sunday Park

existing boat ramp and boat storage at Commodore Pointe

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COMMUNITY FACILITIES CIVIC FACILITIES: BCA STORAGE (BOAT and TRAILER STORAGE)

BCA Storage (Boat and Trailer Storage) - Concerns: • There is a demand for additional storage options and many storage areas have a long waiting list. • There is a lack of BCA enforcement to keep the storage areas nicely maintained. There are a lot of poorly maintained boats and shoreline slips.

BCA Storage (Boat and Trailer Storage) - Opportunities: • • • • • •

Improve the maintenance and appearance of storage areas. Increase the BCA enforcement of the storage areas. Consolidate and organize shoreline boat slips to provide additional space and improve the shoreline appearance. Reorganize and expand (if possible) the locked storage area to include covered storage areas for boats and trailers. Buy or lease new land for storage. Provide additional kayak storage.

covered boat storage

kayak storage

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COMMUNITY FACILITIES CIVIC FACILITIES: SCHOOLS

Schools - Swift Creek Elementary School, Swift Creek Middle School, Clover Hill High School, Private Day Cares - Existing Conditions: The four county schools that currently serve the Brandermill community are: Swift Creek Elementary, Clover Hill Elementary, Swift Creek Middle, and Clover Hill High. All of these schools are located in Brandermill except Clover Hill Elementary. Within Brandermill there are also several private day care schools including the Greenwood School. existing birds eye view of Swift Creek Middle School To alleviate some of the overcrowding in these schools a new high school is under construction to the east of Brandermill along Genito Road. The current Clover Hill High School is scheduled to become a middle school once the new high school opens. The schools within Brandermill offer the community a range of recreational opportunities. Swift Creek Elementary has several playgrounds, a basketball court, and a baseball field. Swift Creek Middle has a track, a football/soccer field, tennis courts, a baseball field, a softball field, and basketball courts. The high school has track, a football field with bleachers, a softball field, and a baseball existing birds eye view of Swift Creek field. The private day care facilities are a vital Elementary School asset for young families and many also offer after school programs. In addition, all of the schools within Brandermill are connected to the community with trials..

existing playground at Swift Creek Elementary

existing recreation field (soccer, football, track) at Swift Creek Middle School

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existing birds eye view of Clover Hill High School

existing sports fields at Clover Hill High School

COMMUNITY FACILITIES CIVIC FACILITIES: SCHOOLS

Schools - Swift Creek Elementary School, Swift Creek Middle School, Clover Hill High School - Concerns: • The safety of kids riding bikes, or walking to school. • There are no emergency call boxes along the trails. • The Chesterfield County Schools currently have no partnerships with Brandermill. • There is a wasted environmental resource (Swift Creek Reservoir) at the “back door” of the schools.

Schools - Swift Creek Elementary School, Swift Creek Middle School, Clover Hill High School - Opportunities: • Provide safer and more direct trail connections to the schools (provide emergency call boxes along trails). • Provide a sidewalk or trail connection to the new high school. • Provide new bike racks at all the schools. • Encourage a partnership between the schools and Brandermill to develop an environmental education center either on school property or within the Brandermill community (see Sunday Park pages 120 - 123). • Promote a partnership between the schools and Brandermill to encourage more active recreation: provide more fitness trails, encourage students to walk or ride their bikes to school in groups (start a bike and walk to school club), provide sailing lessons to students (start a student sailing club in partnership with The Brandermill Sailing Center: see page 112), partner with community gardens (see Heritage Farms page 104).

kids sailing club / lessons

environmental education center

emergency call box along trail

kids biking to school (bike to school club)

covered bike racks

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COMMUNITY FACILITIES CIVIC FACILITIES: THE BRANDERMILL CHURCH, POST OFFICE, FIRE STATIONS, and CEMETERIES

The Brandermill Church - Existing Conditions: The Brandermill Church is located along Millridge Parkway and adjacent to Sunday Park and The Boathouse Restaurant. The church plays an active role in the community and many community meetings and events are held there. The church also has a preschool.

existing birds eye view of the Brandermill Church

The Brandermill Church - Concerns: • Parking conflicts with Sunday Park and the waterfront commercial area (particularly during the spring and summer months). The Brandermill Church - Opportunities: • The Brandermill Church could partner with the BCA to provide a picnic pavilion along the waterfront to the east of Sunday Park (see Sunday Park concept drawings on pages 121 and 123 for proposed location). This pavilion could be used for church picnics, meetings, and Brandermill residents. • Resolve parking issues in a diplomatic way (add more parking spaces, or develop an agreement with the surrounding uses). picnic pavilion

Post Office - Existing Conditions: There is one post office located within Brandermill in the Market Square Shopping Center. The post office is one of the most frequented tenants in Market Square.

existing post office at Market Square

Post Office - Concerns: • The post office is located in an outdated and unattractive building. Post Office - Opportunities: • Incorporate the post office into a new design of Market Square. • Design the post office to fit with the architecture of Brandermill and to have a more prominent presence within Market Square (prominent piece of civic architecture). post office

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COMMUNITY FACILITIES CIVIC FACILITIES: THE BRANDERMILL CHURCH, POST OFFICE, FIRE STATIONS, and CEMETERIES

Fire Stations - Existing Conditions: There are two fire stations within Brandermill; one located adjacent to Food Lion in The Village at Waterford Shopping Center, and the other adjacent to Clover Hill High School along Hull Street Road (Route 360).

existing fire station along Genito Road

Fire Stations - Concerns: • The fire station architecture is outdated and lacks the “Brandermill” style. Fire Stations - Opportunities: • When a new fire station, or remodeling is needed, the architecture should match the architecture guidelines for Brandermill. • The fire station should be a prominent piece of civic architecture. fire station

Cemeteries - Existing Conditions: There are several cemeteries throughout Brandermill. The most visible is the cemetery located in front of the CVS at the intersection of Genito Road and Old Hundred Road. A rusty chain link fence borders the cemetery and several large oak trees are inside the cemetery fence.

existing cemetery at the intersection of Genito and Old Hundred Road

Cemeteries - Concerns: • Many of the cemeteries are unmarked and lack an attractive sign, or fence (particularly the cemetery at the intersection of Genito Road and Old Hundred Road). • The cemeteries are poorly maintained and unattractive. Cemeteries - Opportunities: • Provide an attractive sign and fence around the cemeteries. • Work with The Historical Society to map the cemeteries within Brandermill.

cemetery fence and sign

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COMMUNITY FACILITIES CIVIC FACILITIES: COUNTY PUMP STATIONS

County Pump Stations - Existing Conditions: Chesterfield County has three pump stations located throughout Brandermill. These stations are fenced and alarmed. The existing utilities such as water and sewer within Brandermill are fully developed and the county has no significant replacement projects in the works.

existing pump station field (located off of McTyres Cove Road)

existing pump station (located off of McTyres Cove Road)

existing pump station located off of McTyres Cove Road.

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existing trail adjacent to pump station (located off of McTyres Cove Road)

COMMUNITY FACILITIES CIVIC FACILITIES: COUNTY PUMP STATIONS

County Pump Stations - Concerns: • The foul odors from the pump stations are affecting neighboring residents. • There is inadequate screening of the pump stations. • The pump stations are unattractive.

County Pump Stations - Opportunities: • Provide additional vegetative screening to help alleviate the foul odors and for aesthetic purposes. • Install Odor Control Biofilters at all of the pump stations to help control the foul odors. • Install environmentally friendly odor control misters (deodorizers).

odor control misters

odor control biofilters

vegetative screening

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