Subject:
Title
Maud Robinson Property Case Study - Directional Feedback on Future Park Development
Body
Purpose:
The purpose of this work session is to present the Maud Robinson Property Case Study and obtain directional feedback from Town Council regarding the potential development of the approximately 0.75-acre property as a neighborhood-serving park.
Staff is seeking Council acknowledgement to proceed with additional planning, including refinement of the park concept, evaluation of rezoning the property to Parks and Recreational (PR), additional community engagement, and development of a potential Capital Improvement Program (CIP) funding strategy.
Key QUESTIONS:
Staff are seeking directional feedback from Town Council on the following questions:
1. Does Town Council support staff initiating the process to rezone the Maud Robinson Property from its current residential zoning designation to the Parks and Recreational (PR) zoning district?
2. Is Town Council supportive of developing a park concept that provides a balance of approximately one-half passive and one-half active recreation, including an ADA-accessible playground?
3. Is Town Council supportive of staff moving forward with a revised conceptual design and developing a funding strategy for potential inclusion of the project in the Capital Improvement Program (CIP)?
BACKGROUND SUMMARY:
A) Property Overview
The Maud Robinson Property is an approximately 0.75-acre Town-owned property located at 124 Courthouse Road SW. The property is currently zoned for residential use and is not currently developed as a public park.
The property was evaluated as part of the Town's Parks & Recreation Master Plan, Our Plan to Play, which was adopted by Town Council in July 2025. The Master Plan provides a long-term framework for the Town's parks, facilities, programs, and recreational services and identifies opportunities to address current and future community needs.
As part of the Master Plan process, the Maud Robinson Property was evaluated as a potential neighborhood-serving park. The Case Study identified the opportunity to provide a combination of active and passive recreation on the site while recognizing the property's relatively small size and residential setting.
The Master Plan identifies the Robinson Property as an opportunity for a small-scale neighborhood park and recommends that the Town undertake additional planning and community engagement as the project advances.
B) Community Need
The development of the Robinson Property is being considered in the context of needs identified through Our Plan to Play. The Master Plan's community engagement process identified continued demand for accessible recreational opportunities, neighborhood-based amenities, playground opportunities, and additional ways for residents to enjoy parks and open space close to home. The Robinson Property provides an opportunity to address some of these needs through a neighborhood-scale park.
Staff Impressions - Given the size and location of the property, staff believe that the future design should focus on quality rather than quantity of amenities, with an emphasis on accessibility, neighborhood compatibility, natural features, and opportunities for both active recreation and passive enjoyment.
C) Potential Park Concept
The preliminary concept for the property would provide a balance of approximately 50 percent passive and 50 percent active recreation.
Potential elements for consideration include:
• ADA-accessible playground equipment;
• Accessible pedestrian circulation;
• Passive open space;
• Seating and small gathering areas;
• Shade and tree canopy;
• Landscaping and natural areas;
• Small-scale active recreation opportunities;
• Sustainable stormwater and landscape features; and
• Other amenities identified through community engagement and site analysis.
The 50/50 passive and active designation is intended as a planning framework rather than a final site allocation. The final configuration would be determined through a more detailed design process that considers the property's size, topography, existing trees, stormwater, accessibility requirements, surrounding residences, maintenance needs, and other site constraints.
Staff Impressions - Staff is not requesting approval of a final park design at this time.
D) Zoning Considerations
The property is currently zoned for residential use. The Town's Zoning and Subdivision Code establishes the Parks and Recreational (PR) zoning district for public recreational uses.
Rezoning the property to PR would establish a zoning designation that is consistent with its potential long-term use as a public park. The PR district establishes development standards for public recreational properties, including requirements related to open space and permitted recreational amenities.
Rezoning the property would not constitute approval to construct a specific park design. Subsequent steps would be required for design development, community engagement, site review, permitting, funding, procurement, and construction.
Staff Impressions - Staff recommend that the zoning question be considered early in the planning process so that future design work can be undertaken within an appropriate land-use framework.
E) Fiscal Impact
There is no immediate fiscal impact associated with providing directional feedback.
If Council supports moving forward, staff will identify the resources necessary to complete the next phase of planning and develop a preliminary project cost estimate. Future costs associated with professional design services, site improvements, playground equipment, engineering, construction, and ongoing maintenance would be identified as the project advances.
Any future appropriation or expenditure requiring Council approval would be presented through the appropriate budget or CIP process.
RECOMMENDATION:
The Parks & Recreation Department recommends that Town Council provide directional feedback supporting continued planning for the Maud Robinson Property as a potential neighborhood-serving park.
Specifically, staff recommends that Council provide feedback regarding:
1. Pursuing rezoning of the property to the Parks and Recreational (PR) zoning district;
2. Continuing to develop a park concept that balances passive and active recreation, including an ADA-accessible playground; and
3. Moving forward with a revised conceptual design, community engagement, preliminary cost estimating, and development of a potential CIP funding strategy.
Staff will return to Council at appropriate points in the process for formal consideration of the rezoning request, future design, and funding.
ATTACHMENTS:
1. Parks Master Plan - Maud Robinson Case Study
2. Robinson Property Case Study - Future Park Development Proposed Process
3. Robinson Conceptual Site Plans - Active and Passive Parks