Universally accessible cast bronze topo map of the Redwood Creek Watershed
This project is to model, mold, cast, and install a cast bronze three dimensional model of the Redwood Creek Watershed from the peaks of Mount Tamalpais to it¿s outlet into the Pacific Ocean at Muir Beach. This sculpture will be installed at the entry to Muir Beach as part of a 4 year restoration of the creek flood plain, and extensive habitat restoration. The new visitor amenities will open in November 2013, and include interpretive exhibits, bathrooms, picnic areas, upgraded trails, and parking. The Golden Gate National Parks Conservancy (GGNPC) and the Golden Gate National Recreation Area (GGNRA) have been collaborating on this project since at least 2002. The Redwood Creek project will restore a natural creek and wetland system, enhance habitat for federally listed salmonid and frog species, restore native plant communities, reduce flooding, and provide visitor access that is compatible with natural resource function. This Universally Accessible tactile topographic model is a key element in a new Interpretive Plan for the Muir Beach Site, and all of the Redwood Creek Watershed. STATEMENT OF JOINT OBJECTIVES/PROJECT MANAGEMENT PLAN GGNRA identified the Redwood Creek restoration project as a partnership project from its inception, and it includes a partnership with the Marin County Dept. of Public Works as well as the Parks Conservancy and other funders. GGNRA and the Parks Conservancy have a history of collaboration on this project. Both parties collaborated to prepare conceptual designs for this project through a $425,000 grant awarded to the Parks Conservancy from the California Dept. of Fish and Game (CDFG). Both parties have collaborated to plan stewardship and native plant restoration, coordinate trail plans in the region, and design visitor access amenities. The Parks Conservancy is continuing to raise funds for this project. This component in particular will: Provide a Universally Accessible tactile sculpture at a focus of visitor site entry. Orient visitors to the Muir Beach site, with a ¿You are here¿ reference point, trails, parking, overlook areas, and available visitor services. Indicate trail locations and level of accessibility. Add a sculptural element to the new visitor amenities at Muir Beach. Provide a hydrologically accurate teaching tool. Present a map usable by all visitors, regardless of literacy, language skills, age, level of disability, or cognitive function. RECIPIENT INVOLVEMENT The GGNPC will work with the NPS to develop, design, approve, contract, and supervise the fabrication and installation of this sculptural cast bronze tactile topographic map. Specifically, the GGNPC, will: Submit planning, design, and construction documents if necessary to the park¿s Accessibility and Media Specialist for technical, content, accessibility and environmental review, and Superintendent¿s approval. In cooperation with the NPS Accessibility and Media Specialist, manage the design, construction, fabrication, and installation of the exhibits and associated site improvements. Complete the project and expend all monies by December 31, 2013. NATIONAL PARK SERVICE INVOLVEMENT Substantial involvement on the part of the National Park Service is anticipated for the successful completion of the objectives to be funded by this award. In particular, the National Park Service will be responsible for the following: Provide NPS Project Manager (Accessibility and Media Specialist) to ensure the project meets National Park Service standards for procedures, accessibility and Interpretative goals. The Project Manager will assist the Conservancy in obtaining approvals by designated park staff and the Superintendent. Conduct studio visits with the sculptors, metal fabricator, concrete casting shop, and bronze foundry to assess progress, and approve scheduled progress payments. Undergo a daylong formative evaluation at the clay model stage in conjunction with the sculptors and San Francisco Lighthouse for the Blind. Make modifications to the models, and re-evaluate if needed. Provide feedback, reviews and approvals by park staff, through the NPS Project Manager, in a timely manner to allow the Conservancy to complete the project within the proposed schedule. Provide the Conservancy with ongoing guidance in development of interpretive media and with technical issues such as accessibility, safety, and engineering, as necessary. Supervise installation of sculptural exhibits. Conduct a summative evaluation with visitors and staff, including timing and tracking monitoring and visitor surveys. Document user input, and monitor for maintenance issues.
Office: National Park Service
kristina_bliss@nps.gov
