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College Park Master Plan

Community Survey

The draft master plan for College Park is designed to enhance passive recreation opportunities, such as walking and outdoor gatherings for residents of surrounding neighborhoods. The design also proposes diversifying the landscape—adding shade trees and native plants—and improving the stormwater pond system to reduce flooding and support water quality. The plan offers an opportunity to showcase the natural beauty of a working, sustainable landscape in an urban area.

Thanks for completing the survey. Your input will help the City refine the design to meet community needs.
1.How supportive are you of the proposed updates to College Park?
2.Which features are you most excited about? 
Least Excited
Somewhat Excited
Very Excited
Walking loop
Nature path/boardwalk
Natural play area
Gathering and picnic spaces
Observation areas and overlooks
Outdoor learning opportunities 
Stormwater pond restoration
Trees and plantings
3.How important are the following amenities in the park?
Least Important
Somewhat Important
Very Important
Shade (shade structure such as canopy or pavilion)
Picnic table
Outdoor grill
Benches
Lighting
Hammock area (ready to hang on posts)
Waste/recycling/pet waste
Interpretive signage (about ecology, water flow)
Wayfinding signage (such as mile markers)
Water quality and flooding. The College Park master plan integrates recreation with a carefully designed system of connected ponds that detain water temporarily in large storms to prevent flooding and clean stormwater before it enters Blackwater Creek (and ultimately, the Chesapeake Bay). NOTE: The flow rate is designed to clear the ponds rapidly to prevent mosquito breeding and other issues associated with still water.
4.How supportive are you of expanding the ponds in the park to better handle stormwater runoff during rain events?
5.How important do you think it is to provide outdoor education about local water systems and ecology through interpretive signs and outdoor programs at the park?
Landscape. The concept design proposes restoring the large canopy of trees that have been lost in recent years, as well as new plantings of native shrubs, perennials and grasses that can provide habitat value, stabilize the steep banks in the park, and slow water flow.
6.How supportive are you of the proposed groundcover, which includes mowed lawn areas for gathering and walking and maintained meadow conditions (less frequent mowing, approx. 12”-18” tall grass) on hillsides?
Community connectivity. The draft master plan proposes features to improve pedestrian safety and access to the park from surrounding neighborhoods.
7.How important are the proposed pedestrian safety features, such as crosswalks, sidewalks and curb extensions?
Least Important
Somewhat Important
Very Important
Sidewalk along Breckenbridge Street
Sidewalk along Richmond Street
Crosswalks at adjacent intersections
Traffic-slowing features on Richmond Street near park
Traffic-slowing features on Breckenbridge Street near park
Traffic-slowing features on College Drive near park
Traffic-slowing features at intersection of College Drive and Bell Street
8.What suggestions, comments or concerns do you have about the proposed park features, stormwater management, pedestrian connections, or landscape in the park?
About you. This is a neighborhood park. Your answers can help us determine how this park can meet the needs of surrounding community members.
9.How far do you live from College Park?
10.How often do you currently visit the park?
11.Are the proposed changes for the park likely to change how often you use College Park: