LAKE LEATHERWOOD CITY PARK MASTER PLAN NOVEMBER, 2013

MORE THAN A PLAN, FOR MORE THAN A PARK

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Special thanks to the Lake Leatherwood City Park Committee

Mayor Morris R. Pate

Bill Featherstone Steven Foster David Renko

Diane Wilkerson J. Pat Valentik Myrna Thaxton

Will LaPage Bruce Levine

The Eureka Springs Parks and Recreation Commission

Chairman Bill Featherstone Daniel Jackson Draxie Rogers Jay Fitsimmons

Ruth Hager Myrna Thaxton

Ferguson Stewart

Eureka Springs Parks and Recreation Commission

532 Spring Street Eureka Springs, Arkansas, 72632

Office: 479-253-2866 Fax: 479-253-2155 E-mail: esparks@arkansas.net

Website: eurekaparks.com

Cover photo by: Steven White

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TABLE OF CONTENTS

Cover Page ……………………….………………………………………………………………1

Contributors..…………………………………………………………………………………….2

Table of Contents………………………………………………………………………………..3

Executive Summary…………………………………………………………………………….4

Introduction………………………………………………………………………………………5

Mission Statement………………………………………………………………………………6

Plan Concepts…………………………………………………………………………………….7

Lake Leatherwood Location Map……………………………………………………………8

Plan Concept 1: Interpretive and Educational Emphasis………………………….9-11

Plan Concept 2: Unified Design Scheme……………………………………………….. 12

Plan Concept 3: Gateway Features…………………………………………………….13-14

Plan Concept 4: Trails………………………………………………………………………….15

Site Plan………………………………………………………………………………………16-17

Lake leatherwood Trails Map………………………………………………………………..18

Plan Concept 5: Low Impact Social Recreation…………………………………….19-21

Plan Concept6: Lake Leatherwood…………………………………………………………22

Plan Concept 7: Bath House and Surrounding Area……………………………………23

Plan Concept 8: Cabins and Camping……………………………………………………..24

Plan Concept 9: New Facilities and Infrastructure………………………………..25-26

APPENDICES

Appendix A: Birds sighted at Lake Leatherwood City Park………………………27-28

Appendix B: Priority Recommendations of LLCP Committee, 7-22-13………..….29

Appendix C: Rendering of New ADA Pavilion/Playground……………………………30

Appendix D: Rendering of New ADA Bath House……………………………………….32

Back Cover: Photo of Great Blue Heron and Ringed-Neck Collared Lizard

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EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

This is not one of those master plans that will sit on the shelf! It is intended to be a ready reference guide for management, cooperators, and all employees. And, it's intended to be flexible enough to change with the times. It will, therefore, be reviewed and updated annually by the commission. Some of this document is created in broad strokes; some of this document has detail. Overall it is intended to create a Lake Leatherwood philosophy. That philosophy is grounded in the following six truths: 1. Lake Leatherwood City Park is currently not contributing anything close to its potential as a community asset, a source of park funds, a learning center, or a tourism attraction. 2. Few communities have the equivalent of a Lake Leatherwood City Park, in terms of natural assets, variety of recreational opportunities, and an Ozark legacy setting. 3. Except for the ball fields, there has been no significant investment in the park's infrastructure since Roosevelt’s Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) built it in the late 1930's. 4. Parks, and park users, have changed dramatically since the CCC days. Today's visitors expect more, and are willing to pay more for a high quality experience. 5. To be competitive, today's parks must provide education, interpretation, instruction, and special events. 6. Unless Lake Leatherwood City Park and its community are prepared to provide a 21st Century park experience, the park will not survive. This Master Plan is Step One to an Exciting Future!

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INTRODUCTION

At 1620 acres, Lake Leatherwood City Park (LLCP) is one of the largest municipally owned parks in the

nation. It was built in the late 1930’s as part of the Civilian Conservation Corp(CCC) projects. One of the

nation’s largest hand-cut limestone dams impounds the 80-acre Lake Leatherwood. West Leatherwood

Creek and Lake Leatherwood bisect the park north to south. The undeveloped portions of the park are

typical Ozark Highland forest consisting of mixed hardwoods and pine. There are many beautiful Ozark

vistas, bluffs and rock formations. Left over from the CCC is a cooking pavilion, diving platform and a

bathhouse. More recent additions are a small bait shop, a marina, 6 rental cabins, 5 RV sites and 20

camping areas. There are also approximately 25 miles of hiking and biking trails. At the south end of the

park, by the entrance, is the Leatherwood Fields Municipal Ball Park. The Fields consist of one lighted full-

size baseball field and one lighted full-size soccer field. There is an additional small soccer practice field

and a concession stand.

The primary impetus of this plan is to create the infrastructure and programming necessary to provide

an outdoor classroom in this extraordinary resource entrusted to the City of Eureka Springs. We hope to

provide our children with a special place where they can develop a love and respect of nature. The love

and respect of nature engendered in a child is a lifelong, bountiful gift and the highest achievement a Park

can attain. This is the legacy we wish to impart through this Master Plan, which is a living, breathing and

dynamic document, much like the park it wishes to shape for the future. It is laid out in the following

pages, a plan for emphasizing interpretive programming. The paradigm of visitor inclusion heightens the

awareness of users and imparts to them the message that this is a special place and should be treated

accordingly. There is no better way to inspire trust and loyalty, than to provide a community with a clean,

well-kept and diverse park. This Master Plan epitomizes the community’s belief that parks, especially Lake

Leatherwood City Park, are vital to our well being as individuals and as a community. Our belief in parks

reveal to us that nature and parks are essential nesting places for beauty, for music, for laughter and for

dreams. Our belief in parks transports us to a simpler time, where a walk, a swim, a boat ride or a game of

horseshoes was all there was and we did not want for more. Our belief in parks drives us to our stated

goals of preservation, enhancement and protection.

A park cannot exist without friends and supporters. A park can also not exist without sound planning,

management and stewardship. The sustainability of Lake Leatherwood City Park depends upon reaching

financial stability independent of subsidization from the General Fund. Through the advent of the

programming and the capital expenditures outlined in the following pages, we sincerely believe that Lake

Leatherwood City Park can maintain its native charm while at the same time be financially independent.

The steps outlined in the Master Plan will allow for the remodel of existing structures and facilities to meet

this century’s recreational and spiritual needs. A parks’ best protection lies in its ability to be self-sufficient

and by virtue of self-sufficiency, it will be available for generations to enjoy!

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MISSION STATEMENT – LAKE LEATHERWOOD CITY PARK

Lake Leatherwood City Park is a Eureka Springs treasure and, like any treasure, it needs to be appreciated if it is to be preserved. Building appreciation of Lake Leatherwood City Park is management’s mission, specifically but not exclusively, among:

Visitors; for its diverse and high quality recreation opportunities as a center for sports, hiking, camping, boating, and fishing.

The area’s educational institutions; for its potential as an outdoor learning laboratory, and for natural science studies;

The arts community; for its inspirational settings and unique exhibition and performance venues.

The area’s corporate and business communities; for its potential for tourism promotion, product demonstrations, and environmental management partnerships;

Legislative, judicial, and executive members of local and state government; for its value as an environmental resource and as an incubator of community pride for future generations.

“ Without knowledge there’s no appreciation.

Without appreciation, there is no preservation.”

The most important goal of this Master Plan is to provide an educational setting for our community and especially our youth; a

place where our youth can learn to love and appreciate the outdoors. This alone would insure the generational endurance, the

legacy, of our plan.

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PLAN CONCEPTS

The key elements of the Lake Leatherwood City Park Master Plan include:

1) Interpretive and Education Emphasis for a Nature Based Retreat Lake Leatherwood City Park should offer sanctuary and retreat from the everyday pressures of life. The Plan seeks to ensure park visitors will sense the presence of a very special nature area and landscape from the moment they enter the park. The emphasis on interpretation and education and the addition of a resident naturalist program will highlight and preserve that sense.

2) Unified Design Schemes Design guidelines in this Plan emphasize nature based themes and historical architectural patterns from the Civilian Conservation Corps era.

3) Gateway Features Extensive landscaping for sign at entrance. Adding an interpretive kiosk at entry to the main park area.

4) Trails Renovate sections of existing trails through reroutes. Build a bridge at the south end of the lake to facilitate crossing West Leatherwood Creek.

5) Low Impact Social Recreation To include activities such as badminton, professional size croquet court, bocce ball, horseshoes, beach volleyball, disc golf and a playground.

6) Lake Leatherwood Commission a study on general health of the lake, especially the south end, which has become heavily silted in. Corrective measures will be taken based on those recommendations.

7) Bath House and Adjoining Area Build new bathhouse. Renovate the buildings and grounds around the bath house including deteriorating stone steps, picnic pavilion and relocating inappropriately placed camping areas. Re-purpose the CCC-era bathhouse to provide for visitor center and meeting rooms.

8) Cabins and Camping Remodel existing cabins and upgrade campsites to include ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) compliant facilities.

9) New Facilities and Infrastructure Road, bridges, well, septic and electric are just a few of the many infrastructure needs of the Park.

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Plan Concept 1: Interpretive and Educational Emphasis for a Nature Based Retreat Assure Lake Leatherwood City Park will be a nature based retreat, major open space feature and interpretive and educational center. As one of the largest parks in Northwest Arkansas, Lake Leatherwood City Park allows visitors to feel a sense of solitude in nature. Visitors to the park can wander for hours on more than 25 miles of trails within this forest setting. There is a golden opportunity to partner with nearby Hobbs State Park to provide interpretive and educational programs for not only our local school curriculums, but for the whole of Northwest Arkansas and beyond. Recommendations:

Identify endangered and protected species

A primary focus of the naturalists program would be to identify all endangered and protected flora and fauna in the park.

Emphasize protection and preservation of the park’s natural features Lake Leatherwood City Park’s natural features include but are not limited to:

Micro-organisms Little known, but of extreme importance, are the microscopic water mites of Lake Leatherwood. These organisms are the all-important low end of the complex food chain of a lake. Their diversity is an indicator of water quality

Birds

Lake Leatherwood City Park has over 150 different species of birds sighted annually, primarily at the south end of the lake. In total, over 200 species have been sighted. A strategically located bird blind

affords the casual and professional watcher to observe in relative comfort.

Reptiles At the quarry, east of the dam, lies the home of the Ring-necked Collared Lizard, locally known as the Mountain Boomer. There are few areas of the state that have any significant population of these reptiles. They live almost exclusively in Ozark glade areas and abandoned rock quarries. Measures to protect their habitat would include education and the removal of the cedar trees encroaching on

their habitat. In addition most common Ozark species of snakes and lizards are found.

Fish Lake Leatherwood City Park is home to many species of fish. Catfish, Black Bass, Crappie, and Redear are the prime recreational species. Many different kinds of minnows contribute to the ecosystem of the lake.

Mammals Prominently seen species are deer, red and grey squirrels; less observed are fox, opossum, coyote, feral hogs, armadillo, mink, beaver, bear, and bobcat.

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Plants

As part of the educational aspect of this plan, an extensive catalog of the many varied plant life will be published. This will be included as an appendix to the Master Plan.

Trees Suffice to say; at this time the wooded area of Lake Leatherwood City Park contains all trees commonly found in this area of the State. A tree inventory, with an eye towards identifying Champion Trees, could be part of an intern forestry student’s Masters Program.

Flora and Fauna General As studies of the flora and fauna are completed, the results will be used in educational programming and published as addendums to this plan.

Education through interpretive programming The adoption of a resident naturalist program is a positive measure in keeping with the present economic times and focused on the fundamental natural values of this park. If approached as a multi-year experiment, it demonstrates, at a minimum, Eureka Springs’ recognition of, and commitment to, finding ways to achieve the full potential of this magnificent community resource. Adopt a Naturalist Program:

A more informed basis for managing the park’s natural resources, drawing upon the library of studies done at Leatherwood and the network of resident alumni.

A broad recognition of Leatherwood as an attractive place for natural resource studies.

A camping clientele, as well as local supporters, interested in the quality of nature talks and walks at Leatherwood.

A true ecotourism market for Leatherwood, including a variety of habitat projects involving campers, giving them a feeling of ownership in the park.

An expanded public perception of Leatherwood as something more than a recreation area, strengthening its linkage to the community.

A strong “Friends of Leatherwood” group, dedicated to preserving its natural assets and improving its quality of use.

A point of pride for Eureka Springs resulting from a growing, widely popular, recognition of Leatherwood as a special place.

Focus on Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) history The CCC was a program vital to the recuperation of the nations’ economy after the depression. Many parks and other public works project were accomplished during this period. The Lake Leatherwood Dam is perhaps the finest example of the work done under this program.

Invest in capital improvements for education programming

Redesign bathhouse interior to accommodate meeting rooms and nature center. Build a pavilion for educational and music venues. Build/purchase clear-bottom ADA compliant pier or barge for educational tours.

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Tour b0at in the 50’s on Lake Leatherwood. A proposed clear bottom boat would likely be very popular for both recreation and education. PHOTO COURTESY OF RANDY FREEMAN COLLECTION

Birder Extraordinaire, J. Pat Valentik, points to some of the over 150 species of birds he sees annually at Lake Leatherwood in his decades of viewing and cataloging.

Leatherwood is rich in history. The Lake Leatherwood dam is one of the largest, hand-cut limestone dams in the nation. It was built as a Civilian Conservation Corp projects in the late 1930’s. PHOTO COURTESY OF RANDY FREEMAN COLLECTION

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Plan Concept 2: Unified Design Scheme Insure that all improvements are consistent with the design features of the original Civilian Conservation Corps structures, which are characterized by rustic stonework and large, rough-cut timbers. Recommendations:

Design all new structures and accessories as much as possible to blend with the existing architecture. Utilize as much on-site material as available for new construction, as was done in the building of the Park in the late 30’s. Clear all modifications of existing structures and all new structures with the State Historic Preservation Office so as not to compromise the existing historical register status.

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Plan Concept 3: Gateway Features Provide a gateway into the park that subliminally signals that you are entering a special place. There is a host of subliminal messages that are sent by a park entrance, none of which presently exist at Lake Leatherwood City Park. The first is: “YOU ARE ENTERING A SPECIAL PLACE!” That is, we, the owners, think it is special; and so should you, the visitor. So, start becoming more alert and make sure that you have a special experience. The second, flows from the first, and is: “WE EXPECT YOU TO RESPECT THIS SPECIAL PLACE!” That is, the norms of acceptable visitor behavior have changed once you enter this gate. Be respectful! The third, though subtler, is: “YOU ARE PROBABLY BEING WATCHED!” Obviously, if it is special and cared for, somebody must be keeping an eye on things, even if there is no one presently staffing the gate. The fourth is: “WE ARE GOING TO TELL YOU HOW AND WHY IT IS SPECIAL.” For management, this means an unfailing obligation to provide not just information but interpretation. If the entrance message is not followed up with appropriate signage throughout the park, with interpretive panels that tell the visitor about the park’s history and legacy, and with written material that the visitor can take home and pass along, then the visitor is rightfully confused. If it’s so special, how come you didn’t tell me why?

Recommendations:

Modify sign at the front entrance

The sign at the front entrance should be modified to present a lower profile. The electric pole should be removed. The stop sign and directional sign should be removed or relocated to give an unobstructed view of the sign. A two-foot high stone wall around the sign will provide an area for the planting of shrubs and flowers. Landscape up lighting will highlight both the sign and the plantings.

Provide signage along the entrance road

The road to the main park area is approximately 1.2 miles from the entrance. It would be advisable to have at least a ½ way sign to help identify the distance yet to travel. More prominent and interpretive signs at the three trailheads, two at Miners’ Rock Trail and one at Mulladay Hollow Trail. Pullouts should be provided at these areas. The two stone bridges are also of interest and signage will be placed there.

Reduce the speed limit The speed limit, now 35, should be reduced to 25.

Build kiosk at entrance to the main park

The kiosk at the main entrance to the developed area of the park provides the visitor a point to get their bearings and get informed on the history of the park, the natural features of the park and general activities that are available at the park. This is a vital feature that allows the visitor to visually see the prominent activity area of the park and then have the entire layout of the park as a whole explained through maps and pictures. Rather than providing rules, we intend to assist visitors in learning how to treat this place as special i.e. hours of operation, pack in pack out, do not pick wildflowers etc.

Enlist volunteers to staff the information center

The cabin at the beginning of the developed area of the park is an ideally situated visitors/welcome center that could be staffed on weekends by volunteers.

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Plan Concept 4: Trails Capitalize on the popularity of hiking and biking trails by continuing to invest in the LLCP trail system. The trail system in the city of Eureka Springs is arguably the most significantly owned and operated city recreational resource to be created since the development of LLCP itself. Trails are the major attraction at LLCP year-round and one of the major attractions of our Eureka Springs parks system as a whole. With 25 miles of hiking and biking trails, the LLCP Trail system is already nationally known amongst mountain bike enthusiasts. Due heavily on the strength of the LLCP trails, Eureka Springs has more trail mileage per capita than any other city in the nation. The natural surface trails at Lake Leatherwood are the most cost-effective asset in the Park. Recommendations:

Build a bridge at the south end of the lake to facilitate crossing West Leatherwood Creek

For several weeks after storm events, Beacham Trail is difficult to cross and is a safety issue.

Reroute some trails to minimize future maintenance

Increase signage at key intersections

Implement a marking system to assist search and rescue teams in the event of injury on the trails

Install interpretive signage along the trails to assist hikers in their

enjoyment of the park’s flora and fauna

Create rest areas with comfortable benches

Explore new trail routes that complement the existing trails

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Plan Concept 5: Low Impact Social Recreation Provide location for lawn and beach type sports. Meadows, cabin common area and beach can provide opportunities for low impact social sports and many do not require great physical skills making them ideal for the very young and the elderly. Recommendations:

Design space and purchase equipment necessary to offer as many low-impact social recreation opportunities as resources and will permit

Possibilities include: Full size croquet court Tournament size court is 105’ X 84’. Croquet is a very relaxing game for

up to 6 players. Court can be downsized for everyday play, allowing room for a compatible sport to be played in the same area.

Bocce Ball Played on a long narrow court, 13’ X 90’, could be mated next to a croquet court.

Horseshoes Properly constructed horseshoe courts should be 6’ wide by 48’ long. The area should

have backboards to prevent bouncing shoes from leaving the court area. They may be constructed adjacent to each other in order to maximize space.

Badminton The history of badminton is thought to go back to as far as ancient Egyptian and

Grecian civilizations. Overall badminton court dimensions are 44’ X 20’, with a net across the center width.

Beach Volleyball A very popular sport. Would fit well by the beach area of the park. For play with teams of three, four or six players, the area is 46’ X 79’.

Disc Golf A relatively new sport. Object of the game is to throw Frisbees into baskets. Can be

played 9 or 18 holes. Area at the head of the park has been identified as a prime location.

Playground Some basic apparatus such as swings, teeter-totter, merry-go-round and spinning devices have proved to be the most popular items at our Harmon Park playground.

Archery An archery range could be set up against a bluff area. For safety reasons only longbows would be allowed. No crossbows or compound bows.

Water Features Inspired by the water features once prominent at Lake Lucerne, Lake Leatherwood could become again a popular swimming destination.

Fishing Pier A unique type of fishing pier is being proposed. This pier would be ADA compliant. It would be equipped with lights and possibly be enclosed with a heater for winter fishing. This pier could possibly have limited access to the handicapped and children.

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Plan Concept 6: Lake Leatherwood Commission study on the general health of Lake Leatherwood and take corrective measures based on study recommendations to extend the Lake’s life expectancy. The centerpiece of Lake Leatherwood City Park is the 80 acre Lake Leatherwood; as such, its health is of primary importance. The aging of a lake is the result of a natural succession called eutrophication. Defined as the increase in the concentration of chemical nutrients in the water. This process is, in it of itself, a natural cycle. Lakes begin as clear, nutrient deprived, bodies of water, and as they mature they will accumulate nutrients. If left alone, all bodies of water would ultimately fill in and become wetland-like. Unfortunately, human activities greatly accelerate this process. Lakes would naturally take hundreds of year to become eutrophic. A lake's life generally extends over several hundreds or thousands of years under natural conditions. It can, however, be significantly shortened by human activity. As erosion increases in the watershed, quantities of sediment transported to the lake also increase. Consequently, the lake fills in faster and its life expectancy is reduced. The rate at which the process occurs varies with the size, shape, and flushing rate of the lake. These activities boost the continuing production of organisms that contribute to the filling of the lake as they die and become part of the organic sediment that favors plant growth. Recommendation:

Proceed to seek expert advice on overall lake health and build action plan according to those recommendations

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Plan Concept 7: Bath House and Surrounding Area Adapt the 1940s style bathhouse and surrounding area to accommodate present needs. The 70-year-old bathhouse was once a shower, changing room, restroom and concession that serviced the swimming area at the lake. Due to changing recreational trends, this is an outdated function. Recommendations:

Build New Bathhouse A new ADA compliant bathhouse is necessary to accommodate modern usage.

Repurpose CCC-era bathhouse

The use of the bath house as a changing area and concession stand to service the lake needs to be updated to provide a space for educational and interpretive uses. The interior of the building should be redesigned to provide extensive natural light and views of the lake.

Repair staircase to the bathhouse A once grand staircase comes up from the lake as two paths. It then merges into one wide path. The rockwork is in great disrepair and are presently a safety hazard.

Repair the cooking pavilion The cooking pavilion is an outstanding example of CCC architecture. The structure is too small for

group use. The horizontal beams that protrude past the rake of the roof are deteriorating.

Relocate campsites from around the bathhouse Relocate campsites that block views of the lake.

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Plan Concept 8: Cabins and Camping Remodel existing cabins and upgrade campsites to include ADA compliant facilities. Most of the revenue presently generated at the park comes from cabin and camping rental fees. The cabins at LLCP are utilitarian at best. They were built in the late 50’s. They are concrete block and sturdy. Wiring and plumbing are antiquated. RV sites are close in around the bathhouse and camping sites are haphazardly scattered on the upper and lower areas in proximity. Recommendations:

Remodel or replace existing cabins

As anyone knows remodeling can be a very expensive proposition. The 4 standard cabins are 400 square feet. They are open floor plan with stocked kitchenettes. An architect should be consulted as to the most cost-effective means of upgrading; be it remodel or tear down/start over. The plumbing is galvanized and is in the pad where it is only a matter of time before it deteriorates. The wiring is inadequate. Both these issues could be solved by creating a false wall on the interior to act as a plumbing and electrical chase. The interior could have a wood wainscot and sheetrock. The exterior could have stonework partway up the side and be sided similar to the bathhouse. Again, professional assistance should be sought for these decisions.

Relocate and improve recreational vehicle sites Recreational vehicles comprise 10% of the income at LLCP. Even with the high gas prices, RV and campers continue to look for campgrounds. LLCP is a prime area with shaded areas, lake views and many amenities. If we move the RV sites, extensive work will need to be done for water and electric, the basic necessities of RV. Recently, there has been a movement towards off-site dump stations, which eliminate the necessity of providing sewer. Sewer is a necessary item, which, on an economy of scale, if you provide one, provides all. Possibly a relocation area could be along the Fuller Trail by the power line cut, out of view of the public, but affording views of the lake for the campers.

Remove campsites from the main park proper

Camping should be removed from the main park proper. Some sites could be relocated to trailheads. New sites could be located in the meadows. A special island camp could be placed on the island in the lake, accessable by boat or canoe.

Create prime & ADA compliant campsites Run new electric to create a top tier of camping that provides this amenity. At least two or more of the sites should cater to people with disabilities. Develop remote-type campsites at the point, the island and on trails.

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Plan Concept 9: New Facilities and Infrastructure Build a new building and new infrastructure to help LLCP meet the demands of the 21st century. Many capital upgrades will be required to restore Lake Leatherwood City Park to a viable facility. Fifty years of deferred maintenance has taken its toll on the park. Some of the items below have been previously described in other sections. This list is not prioritized, however many feel the road is the first project that should be undertaken.

Resurface entry road The present road is a 20-year-old chip and seal. Inspection shows that much of the road was not properly prepared prior to the chip and seal. The road is severely deteriorated. Most road builders highly recommend asphalt. The Arkansas Game and Fish Commission has 50/50 matching funds available.

Build picnic pavilion There have been many requests for a covered area that would provide shelter for large groups such as reunions, educational seminars and weddings. This would be an open-air structure, with a large chimney designed in the CCC tradition. Most building material would be provided from the park.

New playground Existing playground presently consists of a swing-set and monkey bars and is not ADA compliant.

Repair cooking shelter The CCC picnic shelter has design flaws that have allowed water to deteriorate the main ridge beam that protrudes past the rake of the roof. Entire replacement of that beam may not be necessary, however careful splicing of the large timbers of the rotted portion protruding past the roof and copper flashing may suffice. A re-roof of the wood shake roof may also be in order.

Repurpose bathhouse The main function of the historic bathhouse in the past was as a restroom, changing rooms and concession stand. Recreational profiles have changed in the 60 years hence and this Master Plan suggests a movement towards education and interpretation. We recommend revamping the interior to accommodate meeting rooms and a nature center. Modifications should be made to accommodate natural light. Presently, the building must be closed seasonally and winterized due to the seasonal design.

Build new restrooms and showers Turning over the bathhouse to educational purposes will require a new building to house shower and restrooms. Laundry facilities for cabin maintenance will also need to be included. This new building could be made more compact and energy efficient with the potential to be open year round.

Build new bridge at south end of the lake Beacham trail, at the South end of the lake, is impassable during and after storm events. A bridge exists at one fork of Leatherwood Creek. Another bridge of the same design should be placed at the other fork to accommodate all weather travel.

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Add a new bird blind An additional bird blind could be sited to observe the species not normally seen from the existing blind.

Assess health of Lake Leatherwood As previously stated, Lake Leatherwood, like all bodies of water, will undergo the process of eutrophication. Whether or not any action needs to be taken, will have to be the outcome of professional study.

Invest in a mid-sized tractor and equipment With 1600 acres, a mid-sized tractor with a back-hoe, rotary cutter and winch, would better enable staff to maintain the park. It would also allow for resource harvesting of building materials.

Consider drilling a new well The present well has been reliable over the years. It is fairly shallow at approximately 250ft. The water is pumped up to a 5,000 gallon holding tank and then is distributed throughout the park on a gravity flow. This arrangement results in several hundred feet of pipe that require ongoing maintenance. A new well drilled to the aquifer should be considered.

Consider a new septic system Little is known about the septic system. There is no indication that it has any impact on the lake. It has served the park admirably, however, any expansion of services would likely require a new system.

Install electrical services for camping and RV sites Any expansion of camping, and especially RV, will require an upgrade in service.

Replace the bridge over Leatherwood Creek arm that separates the two lower fields

Between the two fields, there is a branch of Leatherwood Creek that occasionally floods and moves the small wooden pedestrian bridge. A well-constructed bridge that is ADA compliant would improve all-weather trail access and serve as an all-weather access to the bird blind

Provide handicapped access path, parking pad and campsite in lower field to access bird blind

Build a handicapped accessable path from a concrete parking and ADA camping pad, to the new bridge described above. From that bridge, another ADA path would lead to the bird blind.

Install rain gardens at key spots to help control erosion Rain gardens are effective, inexpensive and aesthetically pleasing solution to storm water issues.

Build a beach pavilion A beach pavilion would provide shade and could serve as a concession area.

Off-Leash Dog Area Since the Park has a leash policy, it would be a service to residents and guests to have an area where dogs could run.

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APPENDIX A: BIRDS SIGHTED AT LAKE LEATHERWOOD CITY PARK

Lake Leatherwood bird-list, 199 species seen, including 49 accidentals.

__ Pied-billed Grebe __ Red-bellied Woodpecker * __ Red-eyed Vireo *

__ Horned Grebe __ Yellow-bellied Sapsucker __ Purple Finch

__ Double-crested Cormorant __ Downy Woodpecker * __ House Finch *

__ Great Blue Heron * __ Hairy Woodpecker * __ American Goldfinch *

__ Great Egret __ Northern Flicker __ Blue-winged Warbler *

__ Little Blue Heron __ Pileated Woodpecker * __ Tennessee Warbler

__ Green Heron __ Eastern Wood-Pewee __ Orange-crowned Warbler

__ Yellow-crowned Night-Heron __ Acadian Flycatcher * __ Nashville Warbler

__ Snow Goose __ Willow Flycatcher __ Northern Parula *

__ Ross's Goose __ Least Flycatcher __ American White Pelican

__ Canada Goose * __ Eastern Phoebe * __ Yellow Warbler

__ Wood Duck * __ Great Crested Flycatcher * __ Tricolored Heron

__ Gadwall __ Eastern Kingbird * __ Chestnut-sided Warbler ___Snowy Egret

__ Green-winged Teal __ Purple Martin ___Snowy Egret

__ Mallard * __ Tree Swallow __ Magnolia Warbler

__ Northern Pintail __ Northern Rough-winged Swallow __ Yellow-rumped Warbler

__ Blue-winged Teal __ Cliff Swallow __ Rough-legged Hawk

__ Northern Shoveler __ Barn Swallow * __ Black-throated Green Warbler

__ Redhead __ American Pipit __ Sora

__ Ring-necked Duck __ Golden-crowned Kinglet __ Yellow-throated Warbler

__ Lesser Scaup __ Ruby-crowned Kinglet __ Wilson's Snipe

__ Bufflehead __ Cedar Waxwing __ Pine Warbler *

__ Ruddy Duck __ Carolina Wren * __ Willet

__ Black Vulture __ Bewick's Wren __ Prairie Warbler *

__ Turkey Vulture __ Winter Wren __ Semipalmated Sandpiper

__ Osprey __ House Wren __ Black-and-white Warbler *

__ Bald Eagle __ Gray Catbird * __ Least Sandpiper

__ Sharp-shinned Hawk __ Northern Mockingbird * __ American Redstart

__ Cooper's Hawk __ Brown Thrasher * __ Magnolia Warbler

__ Red-shouldered Hawk __ Eastern Bluebird * __ Yellow-rumped Warbler

__ Broad-winged Hawk __ Swainson's Thrush __ Rough-legged Hawk

__ Red-tailed Hawk __ Hermit Thrush __ Black-throated Green Warbler

__ Golden Eagle __ Wood Thrush * __ Sora

__ Wild Turkey * __ American Robin * __ Yellow-throated Warbler

__ American Coot __ Carolina Chickadee * __ Wilson's Snipe

__ Killdeer __ Tufted Titmouse * __ Pine Warbler *

__ American Woodcock __ White-breasted Nuthatch * __ Willet

__ Lesser Yellowlegs __ Brown Creeper __ Prairie Warbler *

__ Solitary Sandpiper __ Blue Jay * __ Semipalmated Sandpiper

__ Spotted Sandpiper __ American Crow * __ Black-and-white Warbler *

__ Mourning Dove __ Fish Crow * __ Least Sandpiper

__ Eastern Screech-Owl __ European Starling __ American Redstart

__ Great Horned Owl __ White-eyed Vireo * __ Pectoral Sandpiper

__ Barred Owl __ Yellow-throated Vireo * __ Prothonotary Warbler

__ Chimney Swift __ Blue-headed Vireo __ Ring-billed Gull

__ Ruby-throated Hummingbird __ Warbling Vireo __ Worm-eating Warbler

__ Belted Kingfisher __ Philadelphia Vireo __ Franklin's Gull

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__ Ovenbird __ Eastern Towhee __ White-crowned Sparrow

__ Rock Pigeon __ Gray-cheeked Thrush ___Vesper Sparrow

__ Northern Waterthrush __ American Tree Sparrow __ White-throated Sparrow

__ Chuck-will's-widow __ Bell's Vireo __ Grasshopper Sparrow

__ Louisiana Waterthrush * \__ Chipping Sparrow * __ Dark-eyed Junco

__ Whip-poor-will __ Blackburnian Warbler __ Lazuli Bunting

__ Kentucky Warbler * __ Field Sparrow * __ Northern Cardinal

_Red-headed Woodpecker __ Palm Warbler __ Eastern Meadowlark

__ Mourning Warbler __ Lark Sparrow __ Rose-breasted Grosbeak

__ Olive-sided Flycatcher __ Bay-breasted Warbler __ Western Meadowlark

__ Common Yellowthroat * __ Savannah Sparrow __ Blue Grosbeak

__ Yellow-bellied Flycatcher __ Blackpoll Warbler __ Indigo Bunting

__ Wilson's Warbler __ Fox Sparrow __ Red-winged Blackbird

__Bank Swallow __ Cerulean Warbler __ Common Grackle

__ Canada Warbler __ Song Sparrow __ Great-tailed Grackle

__ Sedge Wren _ _Swainson's Warbler __ Brown-headed Cowbird

__ Yellow-breasted Chat * __ Lincoln's Sparrow __ Baltimore Oriole

__ Marsh Wren __ Hooded Warbler __ Orchard Oriole

__ Summer Tanager * __ Swamp Sparrow __ Scarlet Tanager

__ Veery

Accidental - one or two records, few night sessions, 49 species

__ Greater White-fronted Goose

__ Cackling Goosesurveys

__ American Wigeon

__ Canvasback

__ Greater Scaup

__ Common Goldeneye

__ Hooded Merganser

__ Red-breasted Merganser

__ Common Merganser

__ Trumpeter Swan

__ Common Loon

Compiled by J.Pat Valentik

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APPENDIX B:

PROPOSED PRIORITIES ESTABLISHED BY THE LAKE LEATHERWOOD COMMITTEE ON JULY 22, 2013

1) Repair and resurface main park road. Completed- November 3, 2013. 2) Build pavilion suitable for group events. 3) New playground. 4) Improve overall access for people with disabilities. 5) Build new restroom, showers, laundry and storage facility close to existing bathhouse. 6) Emphasis on interpretative and educational programs. 7) Improve existing campsites, refurbish for people with disabilities and create new. 8) Enhance existing trails, build trail bridges and create special purpose nature trails. 9) Engage in a professional lake study and execute recommendations. 10) Attend to infrastructure in improved area of the Park. 11) Repurpose existing bathhouse for educational and interpretive programming. 12) Purchase mid-sized tractor with appropriate equipment. 13) Build professional quality low-impact sports courts. 14) Modify entrance sign and build new information kiosk at beginning of improved area of the Park. 15) Identify and build pocket parking and festival parking areas. 16) Off-leash dog area. 17) Expand inventory at bait shop and refresh marine inventory.

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Appendix C: NEW PAVILION AND PLAYGROUND

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APPENDIX D: NEW BATHHOUSE

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Ring-Necked Collared Lizard. Common Name-Mountain Boomer (Crotaphytus collaris)

Great Blue Heron (Ardea herodias)