Rockport SRA DNR-MSU Project Summary 2016 1of2.pdf

ROCKPORT STATE

RECREATION AREA

Michigan Department of Natural Resources

Michigan State University Partnership

LA 447-Professor Karen Russcher

Summary compiled by Arianna Zannetti, LA 447 student

Table of Contents

Project Intent 3

Trails 4

Biking Trails 5

Camping 7

Signage 10

Water Recreation 11

Building Styles 13

Attractions 14

Materials 17

Visual Elements 19

Summary 21

Project Intent The focus of the partnership between the Department of Natural Resources

(DNR) and Michigan State University (MSU) is to draw on the creative ideas of students to shape the world around them. The Rockport project specifi-cally utilized knowledge and ideas from students in imagining the currently undeveloped Rockport State Recreation Area into a regional recreation hub for Northeast Michigan. Students worked with various community members local to Rockport, and professionals in the field to develop their vision for the beautiful park. In offering so many unique solutions for the recreation area, the intent of the project is to allow the DNR to further explore the various possibilities that are suitable for the site. Students began working as a group to understand the current conditions on site and general land use possibilities. Students then broke off into four groups to each create a unique master plan for the park. Using those plans as a starting point, students then explored their interests and created individual designs for a more focused area of the park. The three part process generated a myriad of ideas to imple-ment all throughout the park. The following information is extracted from the overall group work and individual ideas of students from the class.

Trails

Students proposed the use of crushed limestone trails which would connect with vernacular materials of the site. It is also a cheaper alternative to paved asphalt trails while maintaining safety and being ADA compliant.

Providing rest areas along trails and boardwalks gives users the opportunity to take in the space. It also offers an opportunity for interpretive and educational signage along the trail where people can stop to learn.

The students proposed a system that would rank the trails by difficulty. This is especially helpful in differentiating the mountain biking trails for various experience levels. The system follows a similar one to ski hills color/shape trail identification.

Biking Trails

The mountain biking trails could use a variety of techniques to add interesting obstacles for riders. The examples shown here include using the natural topography of the land, or digging ruts from the land, that bikers can use to experience different levels of thrill. There are also various obstacles that can be built from wood to allow a more controlled path.

The built obstacles also allow more thrill levels to be built into the environment than what the natural terrain can allow.

The students also proposed a variety of biker amenities including a tire filling station and a washing station. Having filling stations along the trails would be beneficial in such a large park in case someone pops a tire while riding. They will be able to temporarily fill it up and get back to their car safely. Wash stations are beneficial due to the rustic nature of mountain biking. Offering a way to clean mud and dirt off of bikes before putting them in cars is convenient. It can also prevent the spread of invasive species.

Trails Image Map

Camping Area Using an are that was determined to be suitable for a campground, one student chose to design the campground as their individual study. The campground designed includes 45 modern RV camping sites with water and electric hookup, 12 modern sites with additional boat parking, 12 rustic campsites, and 7 permanent structures. It also includes community space for gatherings within the campground including a community fire pit/amphitheater, sport courts, community kitchen, and overlook area.

A few examples of rustic materials used for fire pits are shown below. As well as a layout for an amphitheater and fire pit area.

Camping Area (Cont.)

Aside from traditional rustic and

RV camping spaces, providing rental shelters can be beneficial for year-round revenue. A couple of the options discussed were tiny houses and yurts. Tiny houses provide living space in a small footprint, promoting sustainable living. These houses can be designed in a variety of styles and could be permanent or haulable. They could also provide an educational opportunity on sustainable living. Yurts are a kind of semi-permanent tent structure. The permanence comes from a frame, usually built of wood, and an insulated canvas exterior.

These can be built on decks to protect them from the elements.

Camping Image Map

Signage

There were many great examples of signage that the students found including educational signage and wayfinding. One unique aspect of educational signage that is often overlook is ecological and maintenance education. As shown in the “Prescribed burning” sign to the right, this would allow guests to be more aware of the processes that keep the space healthy. Other signage examples featured natural materials to connect with the space and give it a more rustic feel. Totem signage is a great alternative for wayfinding, as it would reduce the possibility of people using signs as targets.

Water Recreation

One of the biggest draws to Rockport is the deep water pier that people want to jump off of and swim. This can be done by providing safe access to the water through a waterslide within the riparian wall as pictured above, or through a floating dock with proper ladders as pictured below. This would allow visitors to take advantage of the water while minimizing risk.

In addition to the current boat launch, an accessible kayak launch focuses on personal, non-motorized watercraft.

Rockport has a great potential to connect to the regional Blue Water Trail along Lake Huron. This launch pictured above allows kayakers of all skill levels to safely enter the water by gradually lowering into the open water similar to a beach shore. The curved design also helps to minimized large waves from entering the launch area.