MY LOUISVILLE Tuesday May. 13, 2008
Find City Services Near You
 
|
Master Plan
Executive Summary: Otter Creek Park Master Plan (2001)
Quick Links:
NOTE: Throughout the document, comments have been added in red to reflect progress in implementing this plan. Background
 The land that is Otter Creek Park was given to the City of Louisville by the federal government in the 1940's. Over the years, the park suffered from a lack of investment and an overall vision to help realize its full potential for the community. Amid questions and concerns about the park’s physical and financial condition, a Task Force was established in February 2000 to work with Metro Parks to assess the park’s strengths and weaknesses, and use this information to create a vision for the park. After four months of study, the Task Force adopted the following vision statement for the park:
To position Otter Creek Park as a premier resource for the rustic, natural, outdoor experience in the Metro Louisville region.
In the fall of 2000, the consultant team of Vivian Llambi & Associates, Inc. was hired to develop a long-range Master Plan that focused on this vision.
The recommendations developed in the report identify future developments and establish a critical path for capital development, program implementation, and marketing. The plan was developed with input from: The Otter Creek Park Task Force, Metro Parks staff, City and County government officials, Otter Creek Park staff, a Customer Satisfaction Survey, a Target Market Study, an Infrastructure and Building Analysis report, and the 1995 Strategic Evaluation report. Additional information such as natural resources, historical and cultural influences, and a careful evaluation of the site and existing conditions were also taken into account.
Vehicular Circulation
The primary goals concerning vehicular circulation are to have a single point of entry into the park; to have all the facilities accessible from one internal road system; and to simplify the vehicular circulation system. The main drive off of Highway 1638 should become the only public entry into the park. The connections to the Garnettsville Picnic Area, Darnall Avenue, Otter Creek River Road, and Camp Sky Hi Road should be closed and rerouted to link to the internal roadways. A gatehouse can be added at the entry to serve as a gateway into the park. An attendant can be stationed at the gatehouse to greet guests. The entry drive should bypass the existing maintenance facility and lead to a new Information Center and park offices. This provides a place for first-time visitors to obtain information about the park prior to reaching Camp Tall Trees Road, or the main loop. The loop road should be routed to the edge of the ridge above the Ohio River where dramatic views to the river below can be enjoyed. This will allow the everyday visitor to experience one of the best features of the site.
NOTE: The primary goals described above have been implemented.
Existing Camps
Camp Piomingo: The camp should remain in its current location. Otter Creek Park and the YMCA need to establish a cooperative agreement that addresses the use of current and future facilities. This arrangement should carefully consider each entity’s offerings in order to minimize competition for the same public.
Twin Ridges Girl Scout Camp: The direct link to the camp from Otter Creek Park will be cut off due to the proposed circulation strategy. This camp is well suited for its current use. However, due to its location, it is recommended that it be independently operated.
Campgrounds: The existing campgrounds should remain in place. The pool and parking lot should be demolished when a new pool and aquatic playground are installed. The bathhouse should be renovated and all facilities should be upgraded to comply with ADA requirements.
NOTE: Old pool was removed and a new aquatic playground was constructed in 2007. The campgrounds continue to be one of the park's most popular destinations.
Camp Tecumseh: The existing buildings should be phased out and demolished due to their poor condition. New buildings should be phased in to replace the existing structures. Given that the location of the camp is near the proposed main entry, and that it has access to existing infrastructure, this camp could easily be expanded with various lodging opportunities based on future demand.
NOTE: New group cabins are now available in this camp.
Camp Tall Trees: This camp should be phased out and returned to natural woods. The condition of the existing facilities, the intended uses of this area of the park, and the topography suggest that future development should occur elsewhere in the park.
NOTE: The organized summer camp that operated in this location no longer exists. The former dinning hall has been converted to a rustic bunk house suitable for small group camping. The former recreation hall has been converted into a picnic area pavilion. These changes are a more appropriate use of this area of the park.
Camp Sky Hi: The existing facilities should be demolished because of their very poor condition, and the camp should be rebuilt. Camp Sky Hi is ideal as a remote woodland retreat for larger groups, including corporate, institutional, and public entities and a potential revenue source for the park.
NOTE: All buildings except the main dining hall have been removed. Three miles of new hiking trails (the Boone Hallow Trail) have been added around the former camp, with a connection to the park's other trails.
Proposed Amenities
“Green Architecture and Engineering” principles should be used in all applicable developments throughout the park. Primary building materials should be wood and glass. These materials will blend well with the intended rustic and natural theme.
Information Center / Administrative Offices: The building is intended to have a lobby with an attendant available to furnish information about the park; to provide check-in services to overnight guests; and to see that special needs are addressed. The new facility will also provide space for park administrative functions.
Nature Center: The nature center is intended to be used 12 months a year and act as the center for educational programs and displays. The building should be located on the western ridge above the Otter Creek and act as a trailhead for hiking and nature walks.
Lodge and Conference Center: The new lodge and conference center should be located in the same site as the existing buildings. The infrastructure and dramatic view to the Ohio River are already in place. The new facility should eventually be a single building that serves for both as a conference center and for overnight accommodations. The expanded facility will better serve the demand and potential expanded market for weddings, meeting space, corporate retreats, and overnight lodging.
NOTE: The old lodge, which had deteriorated, has been demolished. The conference center is in good condition.
Tree Houses: Tree houses should be clustered in “villages” east of the family cabins near the ridge overlooking the Ohio River. Various sizes should be offered.
NOTE: The proposed tree house concept was not feasible. However, new family cabins are now available for rental, accomplishing the goal of phasing out some of the park's less desirable cabins.
Pool and Aquatic Playground: A pool and unique aquatic playground can serve as a regional draw for park guests. The aquatic playground should consist of rustic structures with spray nozzles and water drops, playful native animal figurines, and various fountain jet effects. The facility should be located near the lodge, cabins, tree houses, and campgrounds as a convenience for overnight guests.
NOTE: A new aquatic playground was constructed in 2007 near the campgrounds.
Outdoor Assembly Pavilion: The pavilion should be located in the woods southwest of the lodge and conference center. The open-air structure is meant as a place for formal and informal gathering. It could be reserved for weddings or group gatherings where a natural environment “in the woods” is desired.
NOTE: A structure at Camp Tall Trees has been converted into a new picnic pavilion.
Funding Possibilities
Otter Creek Park has the potential for generating the necessary revenue to cover a significant percentage of its yearly operating expenses. Many of the fees can be charged immediately, while other fees and charges must wait for capital improvements to be implemented. Nonetheless, the strategy is to approach charges and fees in a variety of ways that will not burden or target any particular group. Potential sources of revenue include:
Service Fees: This could include an admission fees for the park, nature center, and pool / aquatic playground as well as rental fees for canoes, tubes and bicycles. Expanding existing income-generating programs is also an option, especially as the number of park users increase. Additional service fees can include Camp Sky Hi team building / ropes course, and Nightmare Forest.
Retail: Concessions, vending, and souvenirs can be provided at all major venues. The park store should include groceries & sundries so weekly guests would not have to leave the park.
Lodging: Various options for overnight lodging should be available. This will include rooms in the lodge, cabins, group cabins, tree houses, teepees, and the campground.
Camps: Lease and rental fees should be charged for the use of all camps in the park.
Function Space Rental: Space should be available for groups in the conference center / lodge, nature center, outdoor assembly pavilion, Camp Sky Hi corporate retreat, pool / aquatic playground, and all picnic areas.
Corporate Lease: Otter Creek Park may wish to consider a partnership with a major lodging development and management company to develop and/or manage some or all of the overnight guest accommodations and meeting facilities. A similar arrangement could be developed for the pool / aquatic playground and for Camp Sky Hi.
Corporate Sponsorships: The nature center and its elements, pool and aquatic playground, and Camp Sky Hi are prime possibilities for corporate sponsorship in exchange for limited corporate marketing opportunities.
Community Partnerships: Some partnerships with various community groups are a logical means to inject capital and operational know how. The relationships could provide the value-added benefits of cross promotion and provide additional expertise in development of the park.
Grants / Public Funding: Revenue sources and governmental agencies should be investigated to determine criteria for grant or demonstration project funding, as well as participation in the park development. This will include exploring opportunities with local, Commonwealth, and federal agencies.
All revenues and funding must include a percentage that is set aside for on-going maintenance. Endowments devoted to park maintenance should be investigated. If the funding to develop the park is obtained without an adequate on-going maintenance provision, the success of the park and the excitement generated will likely be short-lived.
Implementation
Development of Otter Creek Park should be phased over a number of years. A long-term commitment will be needed to provide exciting, high quality amenities that will entice guests to visit the park time and time again. An initial investment in the infrastructure will be needed prior to developing the majority of the suggested amenities. Income-generating facilities should be integrated into each step of development. As each significant amenity is completed, an effort should be undertaken to highly publicize the event. It is vital keep Otter Creek Park in the minds of potential customers while helping to support the excitement that will follow as the park develops.
The implementation of the Master Plan will help achieve the mission statement established by the Task Force “to position Otter Creek Park as a premier resource for the rustic, natural outdoor experience in the Metro Louisville region.” The existing beauty of the 2,600-acre site; the park’s location close to the City; the inevitable growth in Louisville and the region; the increasing demand for outdoor recreational opportunities; and the unique amenities envisioned in the Master Plan; make Otter Creek Park exceptionally well suited to become a financially secure source of pride for the City of Louisville.
|