Design Workshop Images

I thought I would put some commentary to the images from the design workshop to help those that were unable to participate understand some of what is presented. We knew our primary focus would be to enhance the community in support of the work already being done through the Mainstreet Iowa program. This program focuses on Walker Street and economic vitality for Woodbine as a whole.

The intersection of Walker and 6th Street provides an opportunity to create a focal point at the north end of down town. This intersection is also a focal point for 6th Street as you look east from the water tower park. The top image is 6th Street from the water tower park to Walker. The width of 6th provides ample opportunity to create a boulevard. This boulevard will enhance the aesthetic and create a pedestrian connection from the park to downtown. There are also many opportunities to introduce enhanced stormwater management practices.

We had a lot of input on the area adjacent to the school. One idea was that the elementary children needed a bit better play area. The asphalt parking lot works, but a grassy playground area would be better. The chain link fence provides protection, but does nothing to enhance the experience. Different gate ideas were discussed.

The image in the top right corner is walker from 6th to just past the eye brow gas station. The drawing shows some landscape enhancements and corner treatments. At the south end of the street we have shown a potential amphitheatre area adjacent to the eye brow gas station and a skate park across the street.

The skate park was an idea that takes advantage of a hard to use triangular piece of land. The adjacency to the rail tracks brings challenges and opportunities. This would be a good idea to explore in connection w/ the amphitheatre. The amphitheatre is a combination of ideas brought forth by the high school students and others at the workshop. The concept is to provide a fire pit/stage that is two sided so it can be used in multiple settings. It provides a gathering location adjacent to the community information building that would be visible from the highway. The opposite side would be a screen over the stage for movies or other projection. The fireplace/fire pit would be incorporated so smaller groups could gather. The site has a natural slope that works for the amphitheatre w/ some grading.

Below the 6th Street image are two old postcards. (2) An idea was brought up to create highway signs reminiscent of the old Burma Shave signs. This could even be a scout project.

The bottom of the page has 12 images in two rows. Left to right, top to bottom they are:
Sections, elevations, and details: Water tower park section, intersection plan detail, amphitheatre section looking north, fire pit concept elevation, and 6th street section
North Woodbine entrance plan
South woodbine entrance plan
Gate concepts for the park adjacent to the school
Walker and 6th focal point concepts.
Walker and 6th focal point concepts.
Walker and 6th focal point concepts.
Elevator concept and water tower image
Elevator concepts
Elevator concepts
Elevator concepts
Elevator concepts

The elevator as icon is a concept that has been in Woodbine for some time. It has great opportunity to celebrate the agricultural history while projecting aspirations for the future.

These are the ideas that will be explored along w/ some additional development that incorporates a community master plan. We will try to make this a process that identifies the decision making process used as we progress and allows for feedback. Please let me know your thoughts and impressions.