The Plaza is expected to follow the grade of the existing sidewalks and allow for at-grade pedestrian access. The goal of the Plaza is to make it a usable urban park that can be both visually and physically accessed from the road and sidewalk.
c. The Plaza should have public internet/Wi-Fi.
d. The Plaza must have adequate lighting to have a safe environment at night.
f. The Project must include sidewalks on all four sides where at a minimum there would be an unobstructed 8-foot wide pathway for ease of pedestrian traffic. The sidewalks must include the 8-foot wide clear pathway and the required streetlights, street trees and other amenities.
i. Within the next three years, KCATA intends to install a bus stop along 12th Street.
4) Event Plaza. The Event Plaza should be a flexible space composed primarily of durable hardscape materials and some minimal landscape features that do not limit its overall use. The Event Plaza will be the site for large events, such as festivals, corporate events and performances. It may also be the site for any large-scale temporary installations, such as Public Art or an ice rink. The Event Plaza should be load-bearing and accessible by vehicles for load-in and load-out. The site should be able to accommodate tents, temporary stages and barriers. The Event Plaza should have nearby access to event power (225 amps), duplex receptacles, and hose bibs for power washing. Nearby staging areas for food trucks and/or kiosks should have access to power. The Event Plaza would preferably be in direct proximity to the Event Lawn. Storm drainage must stay above the Roof/\Lid, and not penetrate the Roof/Lid.
5) Program Spaces. Program Spaces will be activated by the Plaza operator with games and social events. The area should accommodate considered uses - such as bocce, ping pong, foosball, chess/checkers, or a reading cart – as well as spontaneous uses, like picnics. The area may incorporate hard or softscape ground materials that are durable yet decorative, such as artificial turf, pavers, crushed granite (stone dust) and decorative concrete. Program Spaces should have access to duplex 20amp receptacles, water fountains and ample seating. Storm drainage must stay above the roof/lid, and not penetrate the roof/lid.
(2) Play Space. Successful and popular play structures today offer a level of adventure and managed risk for children. Within the parameters of safety codes for surfaces, fall zones, etc., elements such as climbing walls, slides, interactive water features, elevated walkways, and other play structures will be a significant draw for families to the Plaza and help make it a destination park. The play structures should appeal to youth from toddler-age up to middle grades. Depending on the type of structures, the Play Space does not necessarily need to be in an enclosed area. The Play Space will be an enclosed area with one entrance (two maximum). Artificial turf and padded surfaces enhance both safety and aesthetics. With water features, care should be taken to avoid surfaces that can become very hot in the sun, as many children will have bare feet. The Play Space should be in close proximity to or include a family restroom. It should include areas of shade, access to duplex 20amp receptacles, and ample built-in and movable seating for both adults and kids.
4) Food & Beverage Facility. A full-service restaurant is not intended for the Plaza, though the Plaza will be equipped to offer a modest food and beverage program, i.e. a coffee, café or grab-and-go kiosk. The facility should meet the minimum requirements to be granted a liquor license, establishing the full Plaza as a liquor premise for larger events. The food and beverage facility may also be developed to accommodate the preparation and staging of catered events within the Plaza by in-house or external entities. The facility should be positioned near the right of way to service passersby as well as park patrons.
Concepts: