Elevating the ballpark & central ninth communities (BPC9) with Urban design and greenspace strategies

Collected neighborhood-level data around greenspace and safety to inform potential future strategies involving green space amenities and overall improvements to the pedestrian experience in the Ballpark and Central Ninth Communities.

ELEVATING THE BALLPARK & CENTRAL NINTH COMMUNITIES (BPC9) WITH URBAN DESIGN AND GREENSPACE STRATEGIES Student: Connor Stone | Faculty Advisor: Aujean Lee, PhD TABLE OF CONTENTS AREA BACKGROUND .................................................... 1 INTRODUCTION .......................................................... 3 OBSERVATIONS & FINDINGS ...................................... 6 Parks and Greenspace ................................................................ 7 Urban Heat Island Effect............................................................. 9 Tree Equity .............................................................................. 9 Safety ................................................................................... 13 POTENTIAL STRATEGIES ........................................... 14 (1) Initiate a Community Greenspace Coalition ............................. 15 (2) Coordinate with Existing Commercial Property Owners .............. 15 (3) Coordinate with Future Development and Redevelopment ......... 15 (4) Alternative Community Greenspace Strategies ................... 16-18 APPENDIX ................................................................. 19 October Ballpark CC Meeting Mapping Exercise Results ............ 20-28 October Ballpark CC Meeting Survey Results .......................... 29-32 2023 Race and Ethnicity Tables ................................................. 32 Report Sources ....................................................................... 33 AREA BACKGROUND COMMUNITY PROFILE In Salt Lake City, Utah, the Ballpark Community has an estimated population of 4,689 residents, and the Central 9th Community has approximately 1,722 residents in 2023, per Census Bureau data accessed through Esri ArcGIS software. Within these neighborhoods, there are currently two small public parks: Jefferson Park spans 2.84 acres, and the Ballpark Playground covers 0.38 acres. In terms of socioeconomic indicators, the estimated Median Household Income for 2023 in the Ballpark Community stands at $47,655, whereas in the Central 9th Community is $39,057. Both neighborhoods exhibit lower median household incomes compared to the citywide median of $66,840, reflecting relative economic disparity within both communities. In terms of Race and Ethnicity, 2023 demographic estimates show the neighborhoods are both considerably less White than the city at large. Ballpark is 18% less White, and Central Ninth, is about 10% less. Both neighborhoods have Hispanic populations of around 28%. Planning efforts such as the Ballpark Station Area Plan (SAP) establish much of the policy direction and principles for how the area’s future land use is likely to play out. The SAP was created when the Salt Lake Bees baseball team was the neighborhood’s primary draw for residents from throughout the Wasatch Front. Speaking to the need of community gathering opportunities in the neighborhood, the SAP envisioned elements such as a festival street to further activate the neighborhood on not baseball gamedays, but year-round by setting the framework for a lively and safe atmosphere. Although the Salt Lake Bees baseball team will be departing for another site, the vision and goals of the community and neighborhood stakeholders remain. The roughly 8.5-acre ballpark site at 1300 South and West Temple is owned by Salt Lake City and provides a new opportunity for a reimagined center of gravity within the community, improving its overall livability and contribution to the fabric of the community. Other roadway redesign projects such as 300 West and 900 South in the Central Ninth Community have contributed new street trees and shrubbery, welcome improvements for the previously barren streetscapes. These improved streetscape designs are intended to provide more space for pedestrians and slow vehicle traffic down by adding visual friction in the form of street-lined trees and landscaping. Considering it can take several years before the trees and vegetation mature and make a meaningful contribution to a desirable pedestrian experience, it is likely too early to determine the success of the new pedestrian and cyclist infrastructure improvements. As such, this report explores potential methods of providing the benefits of green space through urban design strategies. Naturally, both neighborhoods are experiencing a long-term transition as many former industrial sites are being revitalized as a blend of new residential, commercial, and/or recreational land uses. As the communities continue their growth and development trajectory, it is imperative to ensure existing greenspace and vegetation are retained and expanded upon through new development opportunities. Current greenspace and environmental planning efforts are essential to shape the future trajectory of the area and enhance its livability for future generations. 2 INTRODUCTION Green space offers a multitude of benefits to a community, ranging from healthcare savings and enhanced mental well-being to increased personal safety. Research from the National Institute of Health indicates that activated green spaces, by attracting more people and fostering community interaction, effectively enhance safety by increasing surveillance and deterring crimes of opportunity. Especially in urban settings, trees, and publicly accessible greenspaces not only help cool the environment but provide residents with immense relief from the intense sunshine. Limited public park space and a low percentage of tree canopy cover lead to undesirable walking and community gathering spaces. Evidenced by public discussion at BPC9 community meetings and community engagement events, concern for personal safety is ongoing in the neighborhoods. A report is delivered during each community council meeting by the Salt Lake Police Department Community Liaison to inform attendees of any ongoing situations and safety concerns in the community. Reimagine Nature, Salt Lake City’s Public Lands Master Plan, identified both Ballpark and Central 9th Communities as having the highest equity priority considering factors such as gaps in park access, age and income. The neighborhoods are likely to receive much of the city’s future growth yet have the lowest level of service for parks in the city. A park walkshed map 3 completed by a 2020 University of Utah city planning class shows that significant gaps exist in the western portions of the neighborhoods where no parks exist within a half-mile walk. *People Freeway Park is now called Ballpark Playground. Figure 1: 2020 Ballpark Masterplan – University of Utah CMP 6160 Students 4 Insights into the overarching socioeconomic context of the neighborhoods, coupled with the diverse sentiments voiced by residents during community engagement events, unveil numerous avenues to explore for enhancing the area's quality of life through the lenses of greenspace and safety. For example, the Ballpark NEXT planning effort to identify the community’s vision for the future of the existing ballpark site found the guiding principles of the community to be: - Neighborhood safety and activation Connectivity/Interwoven Natural Geography/Be Green Community Centered/A Space for Every Face Wellness/Culture of Health Acknowledge the Past/Honor the Neighborhood’s History As such, the community not only desires more places to visit and gather with their family, friends, and neighbors, but they also would like to see an increase in the overall amount of pedestrian activity in the area. The principle known as increasing “eyes on the street” can go a long way in creating more comfortable urban environments in the neighborhoods. Most people feel safer when other people are present and act as a natural form of community surveillance. Occurrences of crime tend to happen in open areas without a lot of people to see. Through intentional urban design and appropriate development patterns, improvements can be made to the overall feeling of security and wellbeing that residents feel while navigating the neighborhood as pedestrians. 5 OBSERVATIONS & FINDINGS Figure 2: BPC9 Green Space and Infrared Imagery Map 6 Parks and Greenspace Urban Tree Inventory Figure 2 includes the Salt Lake City Urban Tree Inventory as of 2022. In total, the BPC9 area has 2,273 trees within the city’s inventory. It is important to note that the recent 300 West corridor improvement project added 202 trees, an 8 percent increase to the neighborhood’s total amount of urban trees. This project also added over 2,000 new shrubs, an improvement to the previously barren streetscape. The area that is predominantly single-family within the Ballpark Neighborhood has the strongest collection of urban trees within the neighborhoods. A clear gap can be seen west of the TRAX line where many of the area’s big-box retailers and large parking lots exist. This gap in tree coverage can be seen on the map and continues west of the neighborhoods into a highly industrialized portion of the city. Parks The BPC9 area has two parks, Jefferson Park and the Ballpark Playground, providing a collective 3.22 acres of park space. A common metric for how much park space an area provides is the Level of Service (LOS) and is measured by park acreage per 1,000 people. The BPC9 area has a park space LOS of 0.5 acres per 1,000 residents, whereas the citywide figure is 8.6 acres per 1,000 people. As the Ballpark and Central Ninth neighborhoods continue to add new residents, the 0.5 acre per 1,000 people figure will fall even lower if no new park space is added. The area would need an additional 50 acres of park space to reach the citywide figure of 8.6 acres per 1,000 people. Future Park and Greenspace Opportunity Areas: 1. Ballpark NEXT site 2. 900 S. / West Temple Underpass 3. Fleet Block 4. Proposed future TRAX with Adjacent Trail, Ballpark SAP 7 1 2 3 8 Urban Heat Island Effect and Tree Equity Figure 3: Tree Equity Score (0-100) The Tree Equity Score, administered by the organization American Forests, offers valuable insights into tree canopy coverage at the Census Block level, providing a score ranging from 0 to 100. This tool facilitates a straightforward comparison of the Ballpark and Central Ninth area with other neighborhoods. According to the tree equity analysis, the BPC9 area has approximately 8.5% tree canopy coverage and experiences a heat disparity ranging from 4.5 degrees to 6.3 degrees warmer than the urban area average. These measures indicate the area should be considered a high priority for increased tree canopy, especially the Central 9 th and census blocks in the northern half of the Ballpark Community. The USDA Forest Service suggests at least a 15% area-wide tree canopy as a minimum benchmark for urban areas to aim for. Further, the TreeUtah Executive Director suggests that urban tree canopies need to be at least 30% 9 for the communities to fully realize their benefits. Statistics for the area indicate a notable discrepancy from the citywide averages. Salt Lake City, on average, boasts a 21.5% tree canopy coverage, with the only area showing a more significant heat disparity than BPC9 being the Salt Lake International Airport due to the high prevalence of concrete surface and a lesser priority placed on tree planting in that area. Figure 4: Percent of Census Blocks by Tree Equity Score The report found that 77% of Census Blocks in Salt Lake City boast a tree equity score of 100. All four Census Blocks in the BPC9 area fall within the Moderate to High priority range on this chart. 10 Figure 5: Salt Lake City - Tree Canopy Percentage in Communities of Color Furthermore, the report highlights a trend of declining tree canopy coverage in areas with higher concentrations of people of color. This disparity underscores broader issues of environmental justice and underscores the need for equitable landscape planning and tree-planting initiatives. Factors such as historical redlining and other discriminatory land use policies have perpetuated the current environmental inequities for marginalized communities. Given that the Ballpark and Central Ninth Communities have a higher proportion of residents from non-white racial and ethnic backgrounds than Salt Lake City, it is important to emphasize a prioritization of inclusive and community-driven approaches that address environmental disparities and ensure equitable access to green spaces for residents of all racial and ethnic backgrounds. 11 Community boundary SLC Urban Tree Inventory Vacant Parcels Parking Lots Building Footprints Figure 6: Parking Lots and Vacant Parcels Figure 6 is a representation of the area’s largest parking lot areas and vacant parcels classified by the Salt Lake County Assessor’s parcel database. Most of the area’s largest parking lots and vacant parcels exist along the 300 West corridor. The high prevalence of paved surfaces and a limited number of trees and vegetative surfaces in this part of the neighborhood noticeably increase the ambient temperature of the surrounding area. Furthermore, parking lots and vacant parcels act as voids in the fabric of the community 12 that provide potential spaces for criminal activity such as theft and vandalism. Safety Identified in plans such as the Ballpark SAP and Ballpark NEXT, safety is a priority in the community, and occurrences of criminal activity have been a cause for concern at various locations throughout both neighborhoods. An analysis of Salt Lake Police Department data for the three years from 20202023 shows that occurrences of crime are notably higher on a per capita basis in the Ballpark and Central Ninth communities than in Salt Lake City as a whole. The analysis showed a high occurrence of larceny and theft in the Ballpark Community. The concentration of several regional-scale retail outlets along 300 West in the Ballpark Neighborhood may contribute to a higher prevalence of theftrelated crimes. Large-scale retailers often report losses due to theft in the billions on an annual basis. Average 2020-2023 OFFENSE Criminal Homicide Rape Robbery - Business Robbery - All Other Aggravated Assault - Family Aggravated Assault – NonFamily Violent Crime Total Burglary Residential Burglary - All Other Larceny - Vehicle Burg Larceny/Theft - Multi SALT LAKE CITY BALLPARK CENTRAL 9TH Per capita rate (per 100,000) Per capita rate (per 100,000) Per capita rate (per 100,000) 9 133 64 586 29 305 51 162 363 970 145 595 148 613 334 339 1,951 973 842 4,548 2,381 299 412 1,013 1,786 682 1,321 2,353 2,911 6,910 28,748 6,054 7,143 Motor Vehicle Theft Property Crime Total 908 3,290 2,860 6,871 42,418 18,060 GRANDTOTAL 7,713 46,966 20,441 Table 1: Per Capita Crime Rate Average for the years 2020-2023 13 POTENTIAL STRATEGIES Recent planning efforts such as the Ballpark Station Area Plan, have identified a couple of sites suitable for a potential community green space in the future. Additionally, the future of the current Smiths Ballpark site, with guiding principles developed by the Ballpark NEXT Community Engagement process, represents the largest land area opportunity for increasing greenspace in the BPC9 area. Moreover, upcoming enhancements to existing greenspace such as Jefferson Park and potentially acquiring space underneath the West Temple Freeway Access Ramp point to two notable opportunities for revitalization and community activation. As other city-owned land uses such as the Public Utilities site look to expand or upgrade their facilities, new opportunities for community greenspace arise. Leveraging these opportunities for greenspace expansion and enhancement in the area breathes life into the communities. Improved greenspace accessibility fosters a more connected urban environment and increases opportunities for social connection. This can have a profoundly positive impact on the mental well-being of residents and the overall fabric of the community. Upcoming Opportunity Areas 14 - Jefferson Park Planned enhancements in 2024: New playground, lighting, walking path Ballpark NEXT Site 9+ acres of city-owned property West Temple Freeway Access Ramp Coordination with UDOT to secure space for community activation Public Utilities Location 10+ acres. If or when this site is no longer suitable for the city’s needs, it can potentially be evaluated for a future community greenspace Considering these opportunities, several possible strategies for increasing greenspace and improving the overall sense of safety in the Ballpark and Central Ninth communities emerge: Initiate a Community Greenspace Coalition By bringing together stakeholders from diverse sectors, a community-level greenspace coalition can coordinate their efforts to advocate for greenspace expansion, pool funding resources, and engage the community to increase the number of trees and vegetative surfaces in the neighborhoods. An example of this may include incentivizing residential, commercial, and industrial property owners to rethink their landscaping practices and identify areas where it is practical to plant additional trees. Potential partners in this effort may include the Jordan Valley Water Conservancy District’s Localscapes program and the Salt Lake City Urban Forestry Department. Coordinate with Existing Commercial Property Owners Through collaboration with the city’s Urban Forestry Department and a Community Greenspace Coalition, identify an approach to having conversations with commercial property owners in the neighborhoods and having conversations on the topic. Adding green space and improvements to the pedestrian environment around their properties can increase the amount of revenue the property owner can generate. There is an opportunity to emphasize the mutually beneficial outcomes of integrating green elements into underutilized spaces and parking surfaces. Coordinate with Future Development and Redevelopment Projects Proactive planning and engagement with developers is critical to ensuring new developments incorporate green and pedestrian-friendly elements into their developments. To ensure that new projects positively contribute to the 15 pedestrian experience in the neighborhoods, initiate conversations with the city about a potential “Tree Planting Priority” overlay in the zoning code that requires developers to include a specific number of trees and greenspace elements on their properties. Identify Alternative Strategies for Providing the Benefits of Community Greenspace Salt Lake City’s arid climate and variable soil compositions present challenges to the effectiveness of traditional tree-planting initiatives. While trees are among the most desirable solutions for increasing greenspace and cooling the surface temperature, exploring innovative approaches is essential in overcoming the limitations of increasing greenspace. These alternative strategies can include temporary pop-up green spaces with programming, temporary shade structures, or even, permanent shading structures. Shading structures, whether collapsible canopies or more permanent fixtures integrated into site design offer a multitude of benefits beyond just providing relief from the sun’s glare. By effectively shading the environment, these structures enhance the overall pedestrian experience, creating more comfortable and inviting spaces for people to gather and interact. Moreover, when thoughtfully executed, shading structures can serve as focal points for community activation, fostering a sense of identity and pride among residents. For instance, the shade structure in Ryde, Australia (see below) serves as a striking piece of public art that enhances the appeal of the area. Its unique design and functionality make it a recognizable landmark and art piece in the community, attracting residents and visitors. Incorporating these types of structures into site design can contribute to community placemaking and activation efforts through the creation of vibrant public spaces that promote social engagement and cultural presence. In essence, shading structures and urban design features can represent more than functional elements. They can be the catalysts for community building, expression of culture, and strengthening of the urban environment. Leveraging the potential of these kinds of strategies can significantly contribute to creating inclusive, accessible, and visually attractive environments for all residents to engage in. 16 Alternative Examples Pop-up Park, Downtown SLC ASU Campus, Tempe, AZ 17 All Abilities Playground, Riverton, UT. Shade Structure, Ryde, Australia - (Right Image is Plan View) 18 APPENDIX 19 October Ballpark Community Council Meeting Mapping and Survey Results Prompt: What do you consider to be your immediate neighborhood? 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 October Ballpark Community Council Meeting Survey Results 29 30 31 Race and Ethnicity Tables Ballpark White Alone Black Alone American Indian Alone Asian Alone Pacific Islander Alone Some Other Race Alone Two or More Races Hispanic Origin Non-Hispanic Origin Central Ninth White Alone Black Alone American Indian Alone Asian Alone Pacific Islander Alone Some Other Race Alone Two or More Races Hispanic Origin Non-Hispanic Origin 32 Percent 52% 11% 3% 5% 2% 13% 14% 28% 81% Percent 63% 5% 2% 5% 2% 9% 13% 21% 79% Sources Shepley M, Sachs N, Sadatsafavi H, Fournier C, Peditto K. The Impact of Green Space on Violent Crime in Urban Environments: An Evidence Synthesis. Int J Environ Res Public Health. 2019 Dec 14;16(24):5119. doi: 10.3390/ijerph16245119. PMID: 31847399; PMCID: PMC6950486. Demographic reports and data: ESRI ArcGIS Online Tools and databases. Based on American Community Survey 5-year estimates https://www.sltrib.com/news/2022/06/27/slc-ramps-up-its-push-get/ Example Images: Pop up park SLC: SL Tribune, photo by Trent Nelson ASU Campus Shade Structure: Studio Ma https://studioma.com/projects/drawing-students-outdoors/ Ryde, Australia Shade Structure: Steven Brown Photography https://tilt-industrialdesign.com/projects/west-ryde-plaza-artistic-shadestructure/ 33 All Abilities Playground, Riverton, UT. GSBS Architects Google Maps 34