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HomeMy WebLinkAboutR-73-0494RESOLUTION NO. 73-494 A RESOLUTION GRANTING FREE USE OF A SLIP AT WATSON ISLAND MARINA FOR A 42 FOOT SAILBOAT BY THE SOUTH FLORIDA COUNCIL, BOY SCOUTS OF AMERICA BE IT RESOLVED BY THE COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF MIAMI, FLORIDA: That free use of a slip at Watson Island Marina is hereby granted for a 42 foot sailboat by the South Florida Coun couts of America. PASSED ADC7P ED this 28th day of June, 1973. L /G WATSON ISLA11� RECREATION PROGRAM A Working Report Edward D.5tonE,Jr. and Associates, P.R. Site Planners and Landscape flrchitEct5 2400 E.Onkland Pk. Blud. Ft. LauderdnlE,IIa. 33306 Edward D Stone Jr Edward T Alevander Dawd S Armbruster \(Villam Eoza5 David Leon PeteSon M.chael E P,nch Lawrenca? W Watqost Jr June 18, 1973 Members, City of Miami Commission Miami Florida Honorable Members of the Commission: Edward D. Stone, Jr. and Associates, P.A. Planners Landscape Architects 2400 East Oakland Park Boulevard Fcrt Lauderdale Honda .33306 (305)566 544t The following report is submitted as a result of our study of Watson Island. Our purpose was to develop a recreation program for the park which would allow the Miami community to take maximum advantage of this resource. Watson Island, we feel, affords tremendous recreational opportunities, and we are most happy to have been able to participate in the process which will make these opportunities a reality. Very truly ou.11) Edward D. Stone, Jr. EDS,Jr:gm INT RODUCTION 1 REGIONAL CONTEHT 2 SITE CONDITIONS 3 RECREATION PRoGRnm 4 DESIGN CONCEPT CONTENTG INTRODUCTION It3/414 'ry4,14 i ....N..,...»,..»«ww.«.w.«....«....«««. 111.11.4•14•44.4 ,...N«ww.«..w...•.•ww.w•ww .I.••.•••..M •.«NM•..••w.•.«.•..«www..M •41 . iLS•ISSOS#SRt•w.«....w«..«.«r The special quality of an island is created by the water around it. The exceptional quality of Watson Island is created by the views around it: the views to downta,+n Miami, to the New Port of Miami, to Government Cut, to the Venetian Islands, to Biscayne Bay. Recognizing these qualities in develop- ment, can make Watson Island a unique park for the Miami community. 01100.0. +� AL1SL10 ONNHNNNNIINNNM • • • • �. I* *6 `' LielAo1LLLs111=*BMW W. .LNL)L1.__L' -. REGIONAL 11 CONTEHT I Watson Island's very location makes it a park with regional implications. There- fore, it is important to understand how Watson Island can serve the Miami community and fit into the larger recreational realm of the Miami -Miami Beach area. LOCATION AND ACCESS Watson Island is located in Biscayne Bay at a pivotal point with Miami Beach to the east, Miami to the west, the LOCATION AIRPORT EXPWY. Venetian Islands to the north, and Dodge Island to the south. The island is bisected by MacArthur Causeway which links Miami to Miami Beach - thus provid'ng convenient access for the residents and visitors of both areas. MacArthur Cause- way joins the'l-395 Expressway which exits at Miami Inter- national Airport. 1-395 joins the 1-95 Expressway which connects to Broward County and Fort Lauderdale. MacArthur Causeway, in addition to supplying access for the automobile, serves as a mass transit route between Miami and Mia.T i beach. Further- more, proposals for rapid transit in Dade County indicate ghat ore route will travel via the causeway. The shoreline of Watson Island borders Governrdent Cut ergo the Intracoastal Waterway, making approaches to the island by the traffic on these water- ways quite simple. There are also a seaplane base and a heliport presently on the island. As well as being physical- ly accessible by numerous means of transportation, Watson Island is visually accessible to the cruise traffic of the Mew fort of Miami on Dodge Island and the airline traffic which flies directly over Watson Island to and from Miami International Airport. HISTORY Watson Island, as many of the islands in Biscayne Bay, is the result of the various _ deepenings and widenings of the ship channel. Unlike the neigh- boring islands, Watson was never intended for residential development. It was officially deeded to the City in 1919 and the deed specified that it be used for municipal purposes only. The island was named after John W. Watson, a prominent, early citizen of Miami who served as its mayor and as a representative of Dade County in Dade County Causeway Watson Island Fill the State Legislature. Originally, the Venetian Causeway Company owned the only highway between Miami and Miami Beach. A toll was charged, as it is today, for crossing this causeway. In 1916, the Commissioners of Dade County decided to use the spoils on the north side of the ship channel for a toll -free road to connect Miami and the Beach. The Dade County Cause- way was opened to traffic in 1920. The causeway was approxi- mately three miles long and 100 feet wide, with two lanes for traffic and a railway track down the center. At the first bend in the causeway there was docking space for five large yachts. The project cost one million dollars. Over the years Watson Island developed relatively little. In 1935, a campaign was led to turn Watson Island into a Pan-American Merchandise Mart with a large exhibition hall and auditorium, but the plans fell through. However, other activities on the island have become an integral part of Miami's history. •In 1919, Arthur Burns "Pappy" Chalk opened a seaplane base on the edge of the County Causeway, where Chalk's Inter- national Airline is located today. Chalk's planes were first located by the docks of the Royal Paln, Hotel at the foot of Flagler Street. His first plane was an aero- 3. b • marine 39-B. If, as Pappy Chalk remembers, he began in the summer of 1919, Chalk's could be the oldest airline in the world. KLM, the Royal Dutch Airline, was chartered on October 7, 1919, and is gener- ally acknowledged to be the oldest. Chalk learned to fly from Tony Janus, a daredevil flyer who ran the world's first scheduled air service between Tampa and St. Petersburg in 1914, and as an aviator in the marine corps. Out of the possibly more than one million pilots' licenses issued, Chalk's license was #708. When Chalk stopped flying at the age of 75, he had logged some 16,800 hours. Among Chalk's adventures was a highly -publicized flight from Miami to Seattle in 42 hours in 1921. During prohi- bition Chalk's business concen- trated on running bootleggers to Bimini and the revenuers after them. Chalk's base is the smallest port of entry in the United States. A coral rock structure built in 1936 by Pappy Chalk is still used as the terminal on Watson Island, but two small additions have been made to the original building, and the fleet of planes has expanded to seven Grumman Mallards. •The Goodyear Blimp has been flying over Miami since 1929, except a four-year period during World War II. For years its arrival in Miami announced the beginning of the winter tourist season. As well as tours up and down the Gold Coast, the airship was chartered for real estate and traffic surveys and used to train other Goodyear Blimp pilots. There are four blimps operating in the world today; the other three are based in Los Angeles, Houston, and Rome, Italy. The "Mayflower" is the sixth blimp to be based in Miami. The blimp is an envelope of neoprene -coated Dacron filled with 147,000 cubic feet of helium. A small gondola carries six passengers and the pilot. On the sides of the blimp are 3,080 red, blue, green, and yellow lights used to relay public relations messages. •The San -Ai -An Japanese Garden was donated to the City of Miami by the late Mr. Kiyoshi lchimura of Tokyo. The dedi- cation of the garden took place on October 19, 1961. Mr. lchimura, one of Japan's foremost industrialists, visited Miami in 1955, after which he expressed a desire to create an authentic Japanese Garden in Miami. His initial gift included 500 orchid trees, a 300-year old stone lantern, and a granite statue of Hotel, the god of prosperity. The statue is eight feet tall and weighs eight tons. In 1961, Mr. Ichimura ship- ped additional materials; a teahouse, an arbor, three bridges, and seven more stone lanterns to complete the garden. Ichimura also sent a landscape architect, three gardeners, and six carpenters from Japan to assist the City Parks Department in building the garden. The garden is surrounded by 500 pines and contains some 500 trees and shrubs. A sign hanging on the arch of the teahouse gives the garden its name, San-Ai-An,which means the abode of three loves; of country, of fellowman, and of work. RECREATION The 1968 Dade County Parks and Recreation Cepart- ment's survey of existing parks and facilities classified Watson Island as a metropolitan park. There are fifteen metro- politan parks in Dade County. Metropolitan parks are intended to serve all Dade Countians as well as tourists. They should be readily accessi- ble to the urban population, ideally within a thirty -minute drive of the area served. Parks which can be reached by mass transit are particularly im- 4. portant for people with low incomes or children or for the elderly. The survey found that the majority of Dade Countians will not drive more than seven to nine miles to reach a metro- politan park unless it has an unique facility such as Crandon Park's Zoo. The survey also discovered that water -oriented activities are engaged in most frequently by the largest number of people. Some 67% of all activity - occasions measured were spent in swimming, fishing, or boating. Additional boat launch and beach facilities are greatly needed in the Miami area. MAJOR DEVELOPMENT FACTORS As previously indicated, the 1-95 and 1-395 expressways provide major regional links to Watson Island, and MacArthur Causeway provides direct access to the park from both Miami and Miami Beach. The accessibility of Watson Island may be further enhanced by the proposed rapid transit route. The "voter -approved" route for rapid transit between Miami and Miami Beach is along MacArthur Causeway. At this time there is no information to indicate what number of people or amount of activity on Watson Island would be necessary to generate a station there. There may also be technical compli- cations since the transit will have to cross MacArthur's lift bridge at a fairly high ele- vation. The elevation may affect the distance at which the next stop can be located. Nevertheless, there is a dis- tinct possibility that a transit station could be located on the island, and any development plans for the park should explore this possibility. Another future transpor- portation possibility is the hydrofoil which is presently scheduled to stop at Miamarina. Of course, the total expanding and regenerating Miami Central Business District should have a major impact upon the potential users of the 5. island. As the business, government, and commercial centers develop downtown, demand for recreational activi- ties close to that area will increase. Significant within this context is Miami Bayfront Park and its proposed expansion. Bayfront Park is across the water from Watson Island and can be clearly seen from the west shoreline. The park is planned as a major recreational center and will include a waterfront promenade,viewing plaza, open- air amphitheatre, recreation lagoon, and sports core. Proposals for Watson Island should not unnecessarily dupli- cate activities which will occur in Bayfront Park. However, advantage should be taken of the parks' proximity to each other. It is possible that a boat could be run between the two parks which would allow visitors to use recreational facilities in both areas as well as providing an additional pleasant activity. Also, improving the visual quality of either park will automatically enhance the environment of the other. The islands(the Venetian Islands, Palm and Hibiscus Islands, and Dodge Island) around Watson Island are im- portant because they are clear- ly visible from Watson. Their land uses can be assumed to be permanent. The Venetian Islands and Palm and Hibiscus Islands are resi- dential areas which afford attractive views for the north and east sides of Watson Island. To the south, Dodge Island, where the New Port of Miami is located, offers even more exciting views because of the freight and cruise traffic to and from the port. In addition, the number of travelers who use Dodge Island may prove a source of visitors for Watson Island Park. 11 ee4; dark' al 14 cr+d4 ./ �a/,�./ Jtiwk; a IwL�r N! Iwl4N0 --�} ( YRN MiNCQ YWIV.IN LwLwlWtV I \ 11.1.RN0 i+r►ioM+ 01.er0.9d MFG ♦wrMuw care 4ronr PO& •I•CAYN■ •AY eroposa Dead 4/1 ero?o ed ear id 1-covu Q4w$a.. MAJOR DEVELOPMENT FACTORS CONCLUSIONS 1. Watson Island is readily accessible on a regional scale, making it an important recreational resource for residents and tourists. 2. Watson Island',s excellent visual accessibility makes the visual presentation of the island extremely important. 3. Chalk's International Airline, the Goodyear Blimp, and the Japanese Garden have historical significance for both Watson Island and the Miami community. 4 The proposed rapid transit route along MacArthur Causeway and the possibility of a station ur Watson Island should be a major consideration in proposals for the island's development. 5. A visual and physical link between Miami Bayfront Park and Watson Island would create a major recreational complex in Miami and would reinforce the growing Miami C.B.D. 6. w r SITE CONDITIONS r After placing the project in a regional context, it is important to look at the site as it exists and to evaluate the, potent"lal and limitations which occur within its boundaries. Watson Island Park contains 65 acres and has approximately 8,100 lineal feet of shoreline. CIRCULATION Circulation on Watson Island is dominated by the six - lane MacArthur•Causeway which a.c.Gr4ALAr CIRCULATION 7. bisects the park. Movement to and from the park is hindered by the continual flow of traffic generated on the cause- way. Since traffic is not stoplighted on the island, and since vehicles coming from the bridge tend to accelerate rapid- ly,entry and exit into the traffic flow is hazardous - particularly if a vehicle wishes to enter the causeway in the direction opposite to that of the adjacent traffic lanes. Crossing from one side of the island to the other is extremely dangerous for both pedestrians and vehicles. B18CAYNE BAY Secondary circulation on the island consists of a two- lane road on the east side and a four -lane road on the west side. However, traffic is not regulated on the west side. Presently, the amount of space allotted for secondary vehicular circulation is far greater than necessary. Parking on the island is principally soft - surface. The helicopter and blimp circulation have a major effect upon the park. Since both air- ships are dependent upon the direction of the wind for their take -offs and landings, it is difficult to place restrictions upon their circulation patterns. The helicopters require a mini- mum 300-foot unobstructed radius for their circulation. The Blimp requires a minimum three acres but uses its full seven acres to ensure safety. Chalk's Flying Service is another circulation factor. However, since most of Chalk's circulation actually occurs on the water rather than on'the island, it has a minimal effect upon other activities. Boat and ship traffic in Biscayne Bay comprise a final aspect of circulation at Watson Island. All ship traffic for the New Port of Miami sails through Government Cut to the south of Watson Island. Much of the ships' turning activities occur adjacent to the island's shoreline. In addition there is the small boat traffic which uses the various docks located on the island. EXISTING LAND USE AND FACILITIES Land uses on Watson Island are a mixture of public and private. Several areas are leased from the City for a dollar a year. The primary land uses are: I. City of Miami Boat Slips: The City owns 40 slips on the west side of the island. Originally, these slips were to be a tempo- rary measure while Miamarina was being built. Although the City charges a minimal fee, it provides only docking space and no 8. maintenance or protection of the area. 2. Phillips Petroleum Services (leasehold; approximately one acre): The Phillips concession which supplies bait, tackle, fuel, and food was originally located at Miamarina. It is the only boat fueling concession in the immediate area and is estimated to serve as many as 200 people in a day. The concession area in- cludes a small building and a dock with six pumps. 3. Chalk's International Air- line (leasehold; approxi- mately two acres): The seaplane base for Chalk's International Airline is a licensed government inter- national port of entry. Therefore, the base is open to all travelling seaplanes, and a customs officer remains on the island during the daylight hours. Chalk's Airline runs eight daily flights to and from Bimini and Nassau and charter flights to other destinations in the Bahamas and elsewhere in the Carribean. The airline presently employs some 25 people and owns seven Grumman Mallards. The planes carry ten to twelve passengers and a single pilot. As well as transporting passengers, Chalk's carries large quantities of cargo to the islands and acts as a mail courier. Chalk's keeps its mainte- nance equipment as well as its seaplanes on Watson Island. A small structure houses the airline's office, its passenger and cargo terminal, and the customs center. The base includes a concrete ramp extending into the water some 35-40 feet. The ramp is necessary for the planes to reach water where they can draw a minimum six feet for their take -offs. 4. The Goodyear Blimp (approxi- rnately seven acres) : As previously mentioned, the blimp base in Miami is one MAC Aq T" mun 1 irs DO V440 4ti ev • EXISTING LAND USE AND FACILITIES of four bases in the world. The blimp is used primarily for public relations. The blimp is based in Miami from November to May. It takes three to twelve trips on week -days (except Mon- days) and three to sixteen trips on Saturday and Sunday. The trips last approximately one-half hour over Miami and Miami Beach. The blimp has an eighteen - man crew, including twelve groundcrewrien. Facilities on the island include a building to house mainte- nance equipment and the ticket office. 5 The Heliport (approximately two acres): While the heli- port is open to all heli- copters cn a transient basis, •I•CAYNIk •AY four helicopter companies have the richt to base one hel icoptcr eacl- at the hel i- port . The four companies are Skylark Helicopters, Miami Helicopters, Tropical Helicopters (owned by Miami Helicopters) and Crescent Airways. Miami Helicopters has its main base at Opa Locka, and Crescent Airways, its main base at Perry. both of these companies largely do charter business and use the Watson Heliport as a convenient pick-up point. The four companies share a single small building and take turns giving rides. It is difficult to ascertain the number of trips made, but it appears there is not enough business to sustain more helicopters. 6. Maintenance Area: There is a small maintenance area located on the northwest side of the island next to MacArthur Causeway. This area is separated from the rest of the park by a chain link fence and includes one small structure. 7. San -Ai -An Japanese Garden (approximately one acre): The Japanese Garden, as previously mentioned, was donated to the City of Miami, The garden with its lavish planting is quite pleasant and well - maintained. However, the garden is not related to the rest of the park and is, in fact, separated from it by a chain link fence. The small teahouse serves only as a picturesque focal point for the garden. 8. The Garden of the Americas (approximately ten acres): The purpose of the Garden of the Americas is to provide a setting for ex- amples of vegetation from various countries on the American continents. Al- though land has been set aside and score vegetation has been planted, the garden has not really been developed into an asset for the park. One major problem with its present location is the exposure to the northeastern winds which can be harmful to the plant material. 9. Miami Yacht Club (leasehold; approximately seven acres): The Miami Yacht Club is a private club with 250-300 members. The Yacht Club first leased its space on Watson Island in 1947. In addition to sponsoring several regattas throughout the year, including the famous Miami -Nassau Boat Race, the Yacht Club's activities iinclude sailing classes for children and adults. The classes are open to the public, and the lessons for youngsters are free. The four club boats and the club facilities, are used for these classes. A clubhouse with an up- stairs apartment, a pram shed, two docks, and two 10. hoists comprise the club's facilities. There is wet storage for 14 boats and additional dry storage for both sail and power boats. A full-time steward lives on the property. 10. Boat Launch A concrete ramp for boat launching is located on the east side of Watson Island. The ramp is heavily used on week -ends and holidays, but only unregulated, soft - surface parking is provided. There are no additional facilities such as water fountains, and the area receives no shade. The three small finger piers are occasionally used by fishermen. 11. Miami Outboard Association (leasehold; approximately three acres): The Miami Outboard Association is also a private club which has leased its site on Watson Island since the early 1950's. It was the original site of the Orange Bowl Regatta. The club now has some 300 members, and its facilities include a clubhouse and caretaker's house. There is wet storage for 29 boats and dry storage for 25 boats. The club's two hoists are open 24 hours a day for boat launching. Like the Yacht Club, the Outboard Association makes available its facilities for various public activities. VEGETATION The general quality of vegetation on Watson Island is only fair. Most significant are areas of Australian Pines, Coconuts, and Bauhinias. The Australian Pines which line the revetment on the south side of the island provide a much needed source of shade and are extremely picturesque. The coconut palms are also an asset to the island. The existing coconuts can be easily relocated, but additional future use of coconuts will have to be explored with reference to Lethal Yellowing Disease. MAC A ATMUA CAUSINUAV Co aufahoSlicel iPIva, osuL Call QAid o a 9cft. °oV 4ti Metir 1 CLA/?fr'o.Qr c.4'� knf/J 9orAdin .f Grher;c.r► BI CAYNE BAY 3glenets. cfgh.dist% c«.oruAs 9u� CoconJ$ 0Vr VEGETATION Some planting of sabal palmettos and seagrapes occurs in the MacArthur Causeway median. This planting should be expanded the length of the island and hopefully should become a part of a larger planting concept for I-395. The vegetation in the Japanese Garden is extremely good and well -maintained. The vegetation in the Garden of the Americas is of less consequence and as mentioned, is suffering from exposure to the wind. Watson Island severly needs more vegetation, particularly shade trees to help protect its visitors from the sun. New vegetation should be carefully selected to withstand wind, climate, and pollution con- ditions on the island. NOISE AND AIR POLLUTION The major source of noise on the island comes from the airplane traffic generated by Miami International Airport. Both arriving and departing planes fly continually over the island. This source of noise can be expected to remain and should be considered restrictive of certain activities and facilities. The second major source of noise is the traffic on MacArthur Causeway. As far as possible this noise should be buffered from the park by berms and vegetation. 11. MAC AATMUA CAUSEWAY SA,,• cts)cif qe qv. NOISE AND Ally POLLUTION The other principal sources of noise are the heliport, the blimp base, and Chalk's Inter- national Airline. The heli- copters are extremely noisy and disrupt all activity near the heliport. Both the blimp and the seaplanes contribute some noise but it is less severe than that of the heli- copters. The blimp and the helicopters also create winds which limit activity near them. 12. BIBCAYNE BAY • AO; pow 4444(er.eni- cuA. (it J o 1.3 There is some noise gener- ated by the ship and boat traffic around the island; this noise is greater on the south and west sides. However, many of these sounds are pleasant and do not interfere with the park. • WATER QUALITY Biscayne Bay was originally a clear body of water with an uninterrupted north -south flow and sufficient flushing action with the Atlantic Ocean. The Dade County Causeway, created with solid fill, successfully prevented flushing of the waters north of the causeway except at either ends and thus began the deterioration of the northern waters. Through the years the ` Sim � �t•`s.�� ! MAC ARTHUR CAUSEWAY vr ei *pAi• itbk etakk co.ti '4.1 •••I 404,1* •• 41. • cvr WATER QUALITY • addition of islands to the bay and the construction of Miamarina further impeded the flow of water, and thus the cleansing action. The areas of fill in the bay create a definite problem for Watson Island. Since approximately equal amounts of water pass through the MacArthur Causeway and the Venetian Causeway, they tend to counter- act one another and produce little flushing. The cul-de-sac 7;41 BISCAYNE BAY between Watson island and Palm and Hibiscus Islands is particu- larly stagnant. In addition to the re- stricted water action, there is the problem of pollution. Much of the pollution in the bay comes from the Miami River and may be distributed one to two. miles north of the river mouth. This means that river pollution affects areas as far north as the Venetian Causeway or the vicinity of Watson Island. Other sources of pollution are the Port of Miami and the numerous boats in the bay. Consequently, the waters around Watson Island have an extremely poor benthic life and contain practically no fish. The high turbidity of the waters also prevent the growth of attached algae or sea grasses. Pollution in Biscayne Bay is diminishing, but there is a long way to go before these waters will again be conducive to many water activities. One step which would greatly help the Watson Island area would be to pierce MacArthur Causeway at the east end of the island, permitting a free water flow from Government Cut to the area north of the causeway. The shoreline of Watson Island is presently in poor condition. On the south side is a concrete revetment which could be replaced with large riprap extending 6-10 feet below the mean low water level. This would provide refuge for invertebrates such as crabs and shrimp and would thus encourage a resident population of fish. Wakes from the ship traffic in Government Cut create a strong chop which could be ameliorated not only by the riprap but also by creating an irregular shore- line. The west side of the island is bulkheaded and has a water depth of approximately twenty feet. The condition of the shoreline in this area is satisfactory. A natural shoreline should be maintained on the north and northeast sides of the island. This can be accomplished by bulkheading with riprap from the ground level to the bottom of 14. the bay, which is here quite shallow. The northwest corner of the island which is below the ground level of the rest of the island could be raised with fill at the same time the riprap is being installed. The wakes from the ship traffic in Government Cut and the Turning Basin necessitate some protection for small boats. Only large boats can lie comfortably on the western side of the island. Small boat traffic should dock only tempo- rarily (for the embarkation of passengers) on the west side of the island and should confine all other docking to the east side. VISUAL QUALITY One of the most important aspects of Watson Island is the visual quality, both on and off the island. The views of the park from airplanes, ships, and motor vehicles make the total visual presentation of the island extremely im- portant. Views from the island to surrounding areas are very good. Particularly outstanding are the views to the Miami C.B.D., Miami Beach, and Govern- ment Cut. The views to the residential islands surrounding the north and east sides are also pleasant. The views to the Old Port are quite poor, but the development of Bayfront Park can be expected to improve this area. Two excellent panoramas can be had on the north and south points of the island, but these sites are presently occupied by Chalks International Airline and the Miami Yacht Club. Views on the island are largely oriented inward since the shoreline is obscured by so many activities. Another major visual problem is MacArthur Causeway which creates an effective visual barrier between the two sides of the island. Another source of visual pollution on the island is the poor aesthetic condition of the majority of the facilities. Particular eyesores are the r P r r r r r r P P w v p MAC ARTMU CAUSEWAY • Maaonl8wn CaAAw&Al 4 1 • Lical4. &IAA -ion . • *moo, Power lsi VISUAL. QUALITY City's boat slips, Chalk's maintenance area, the heliport terminal, the dry boat storage of the Miami Yacht Club and the Miami Outboard Association, and the boat launch. The separation 3.4" to,60, Co.Yr. leo BISCAYNE E? CV� of activities by chain link fences, and the general lack of landscaping also contribute to the island's somewhat derelict appearance. 15. SITE CONCLUSIONS 1. MacArthur Causeway is a major physical and visual barrier. It creates enormous circulation problems and successfully divides the site into two sections. It also creates a continual source of noise. 2. The east and west sides of the site presently have two different characters due to the land uses on and surrounding the island. The west side is very intense with use; the east side less intense. However, the island as a whole does not suggest that a pastoral park could be developed successfully. 3. The major asset of the island is the shoreline, but minimum advantage is being taken of this asset. Access to the shore- line is obstructed by numerous activities. Upgrading of the shoreline and uninterrupted circulation along it should be a major goal in development. 4. The two outstanding areas of the island - the northern and southern points - are presently occupied by private uses and therefore are not used to maximum advantage. 5. The Japanese Garden should remain on the island but should become a more integral part of the park. Chalks International Airline and the Goodyear Blimp are unique activities which can be accommodated within the park. However, these activities should possibly be relocated, and their facilities should definitely be upgraded. Other current leasehold properties on the island must be care- fully evaluated to see if the benefits they produce for the island at least balance the restrictions and limitations they may create upon the park's space and activities. It ray he particularly difficult to accommodate private use areas within the concept of a public park. Any leasehold activities which either remain or are introduced onto the island must be com- patible with the concept of the park as a whole and must main- tain high -quality facilities. 6. Views are a major asset for the island. A vertical element which could permit visitors to take advantage of a 360° panorama would provide a unique focal point for the park. 7 Visual improvements necessary for MacArthur Causeway should be extended along the 1-395 Expressway into both Miami and Miami Beach. r r r r Pr r • • . SITE CONCLUSIONS 17. BIBCAYNE BAY RECREATION__ PROGRAM The following major concepts are proposed for the development of Watson Island: 1. Improvement of vehicular access from MacArthur Causeway. 2. A vertical element which would take advantage of the views of surrounding activi- ties. 3. Interesting and unique activity centers which iNe) • e. ee-cAzai-onalt lacA-Litu2,3 io aarlec . SThAvt.art MAC ARTMUIA __CAUSEWAY i:.i..Ni.rswa 1■■rrr owrr .fir%ging1111a1r81ii6 irCw■111111i1■■ai• �1�1�■faarw■r■r�o .rwra■tllaww1.r■Irr 111■w■al■wa■■.■..■.• »:•aiii iii•itsunimalisomismsenumai� 1' ■war.■■a■■f11■rna,a 1100• 1 11M11111111=:ft11r \1as1---- wral1t111/1i1 �ala1�i11lIa �: vI.4..UlIP•� ii,5A Gum. ni:16.11111111. -4 _.1lesasw► -�■sr�� •m■►: a.aaa� ,� �I1i�a11as •-� ,. .•a/.stfl1a41* '. '141ai1111f1211% cCe- Ond. Pi'ont.eloxt.a. Qom ihal�na, oo F ;. will generate use of the park by residents and tourists and will be compatible with the park setting. 4. A major marine - oriented facility. 5. Improvement of the shoreline to create better land -water relationships and environmental quality. 6. Strong land- scaping to create a park setting evr cam. CWI as l.1;r ,4C41,.,4, °p•r tALL. �. in %JAICAA , a,'on ay.p Pa 0 LAND USE CONCEPT BISCAYNE BAY 18. and to screen undesirable ele- ments. These concepts are reflected in the recreation program which is recommended for the park. The program is expressed below according to its various use areas and the features which are suggested to accomplish the program. SPECIAL USE AREAS Entrance Plaza Purpose: To provide a gateway to the park with a strong vertical element as a major landmark. Features: 1. Landscaped vehi- cular and pedestrian plaza for access to the water- front promenade. The plaza will permit drcp-off space for cars and buses. Pave- ment of varying textures and colors, as well as sig- nificant planting and at- tractive street furniture, will set the area apart. 2. Viewing tower with- in the plaza. The tower should be designed as a sculptural element of the park and should be well - illuminated at night to achieve prominence in the city's nightscape. The tower will: a. Provide a focus for the park entrance. b. Allow a 360° panorama of the Bay area including Miami Beach, the residential islands, Government Cut, Dodge Island, Key Biscayne, the Miami C.B.D., and Bayfront Park. It will also permit views of the ship and boat traffic in the Bay. 3. Attractive sitting areas, fountains, and sculpture. 19. iltammari IIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIINI .WI III 111 • Commercial Waterfront Village Purpose: To depict part of Miami's past in an inti- mate and exciting village w ithin the park. Features: 1. One or two restaurants (approximately o` 10,000 square feet each) w ith a special theme such as native seafood. The restaurants will take ad- vantage of their setting w ith outdoor dining ter- races and cafes facing the waterfront and/or the park. 2. A marketplace formed by small shops and galleries with balconies overlooking small court- yards and narrow alleys and planted with lavish tropi- cal vegetation. 3. Pedestrian prome- nade with attractive paving, street furniture, graphics, lighting, and planting to complement the architecture of the commercial facilities. 4. Information center to include ticket office and any necessary support office space for Chalk's International Airline, the Goodyear Blimp, and sight- seeing boats as well as visitor information. 5. Parking (as re- quired by city standards). a. Hard -surface for required parking. b. Soft -surface overflow (during week- ends or holidays) parking. Providing overflow parking in grassed areas is neces- sary to reduce asphalt areas and thus main- . tain the natural quali- ty of the park. Note: The commercial water- front village could be built as a concession by leasing property from the City, with design standards for achieving the quality and theme of the village subject to approval by the City. All facilities r n{1 !�tfl1tit snt • • • 20. should be for public use and enjoyment. Waterfront Promenade Purpose: To provide pedestrian access to the water, a setting for the commercial village, and temporary docking for large yachts, both commercial and private. Features: 1. Attractive pav- ing, street furniture, graphics, lighting, and planting, coordinated with the waterfront village. 2. Docking space which will permit visitor access to ships with sightseeing value, provide an embarkation point for commercial boats, and allow temporary docking for large private yachts (80 feet or more in length). Open -Air Activities Area Purpose: To provide a large open area for numerous outdoor activities such as: 1. Winter landing space for the Goodyear Blimp. 2. Music festivals. 3. shows. Boat and auto 4. Model airplane and kite contests. 5. Jamborees 6. Overflow park- ing. This area would act as a supportive element for the waterfront village since its special functions would also draw people to the commercial facilities. Features: 1. Large, open meadow surrounded by shade trees. 21. �YV T Y Marine Recreational Facilities Purpose: To provide a full range of marine -oriented activities and amenities for local boat owners and fishermen while also pro- viding a point of interest for other park visitors. Features: 1. Boat slips for boats, 25-40 feet in length, with full support services. 2. Marine Recreation Center to accommodate: a. Dockmaster's office. b. Concession for fuel, bait, tackle, and staples. c. Marine supply store. d. Large meeting room for classes and lectures. e. Chart room. f. Trophy room. 9. Maritime museum (depicting Miami's boat- ing history). h. Indoor/outdoor dining. i. Bar 1,„omenot_i_j„ hmcm j. Landscaped terraces and promenade. tim 3. Parking tgliP Park Marina Purpose: To provide temporary docking for small boats within a park setting. Temporary, in this instance, is suggested to mean daily, overnight, or for short, limited periods of time such as week -ends or holi- day periods. Features: 1. Generous docking space which would avoid the overcrowded feeling of most marinas. 22. 2. Landscaped picnic areas. 3. Landscaped waterfront walk to allow visitors pleasant pedestrian access to the water's edge, the boat docks, and the park proper. This area should be well -illuminated for nighttime use. 4. Showers and rest rooms. 5. Overflow soft - surface parking located 300-400 feet away from the docks. Other parking for this facility will occur in the hard -surface lots provided at the Marine Center and the Boat Launch. Boat Launching Facilities Purpose: To provide attractive ramp and parking facilities for boat launching. Features: 1. Six ramps (with future expansion to eight) with docks. 2. Parking and trailers. for cars 3. Showers and rest rooms. 4. Shorelines for beaching boats to allow access to picnic and open activity areas. Swim- ming could occur along these beaches when the water quality becomes ac- ceptable. '5. Extensive plant- ing to provide shade for parking as well as boat launching areas. Japanese Garden and the Garden of the Americas Purpose: To maintain the exist- ing gardens while providing better interaction with the total park. Features: 1. Continuance of the Japanese Garden is the focal point of a larger garden area. 23. 2. Plant material or indigenous to the American continents and chosen ac- cording to their ability to thrive in the island's environment and their value, in terms of shade, color, form, etc. The palette of I' plant material selected for the garden should be carried throughout the ,r surrounding picnic and operr activity areas. vr- 3. Creative and functional labeling of plant material for the park visitors. 4. Pleasant system of walks and sitting areas. ALTERNATIVE SPECIAL USE AREAS' Chalk's International Airline Purpose: r-- To provide a base for Chalk's International Air- line which would fit into the fabric of the commercial waterfront, would provide a unique point of interest for the park, and would maintain a facet of Miami's heritage. Miami is one of the few cities in the United States with a sea- plane base close to the downtown area. Chalk's trades in an unusual form of travel to remote and scenic locations with a somewhat picturesque and 0- personal approach. In addition to its scheduled flights to Nassau and Bimini, Chalk's can provide service to such places as Key West, Dry Tortugas, other Bahamian Islands, and other South Florida cities adjacent to waters suitable for sea- plane landings. Customs Center araix,4.. Purpose: To provide a customs facility for both Chalk's international flights and for international small boat traffic. 24. CIRCULATION Vehicular Circulation Purpose: To provide vehicular access and service for park activities and to provide a safe link across MacArthur Causeway between the two sides of the park. Features: 1. Overpass across MacArthur Causeway supple- mented with mounding and significant planting. The landscaped banks, which would act as a base for the overpass, should feather out along the causeway, buffering the noise and visual con- gestion of its traffic. 2. Entrance areas off MacArthur Causeway to permit safe and easy access to various park activities. Adequate signing must be developed to assure proper identification and di- rection to park activities. 3. Parking for Special Use Areas as required by the City Off -Street Park- ing Requirements. Overflow parking will occur on grassed surfaces which will not detract from the ap- pearance of the park when not in use. 4. Future rapid transit terminal. If a rapid transit terminal should prove feasible, it could be integrated within the park's circulation system. Major circulation (vehicular, mass, and rapid transit) could be concen- trated in the center al cow- ing uninterrupted pedestri- an circulation throughout the park. 5. Overlooks for temporary viewing of Government Cut and the Intracoastal Waterway. ck '�rc.- r rxa.ieo. 'pe :to.) Ow. C.rewo.-t Rp-opkb hco✓er Note: Another solution to the problem of linking the two sides of the park would be to create a loop road which would go under the lift bridge at the west end of the island. 25. • • k.. This would avoid the use of overpasses or signal- ization on MacArthur Cause- way. The major entrance to the park will be on the lower half of the island since the greater amount of visitor traffic comes from Miami. While an almost equal flow of traffic oc- curs on the eastbound (to Miami Beach) and westbound (to Miami) lanes of MacArthur Causeway, a disproportionate segment of the traffic to Watson Island comes from Miami. On a recorded weekday, for example, 72% of the traffic turns into Watson Island Park came from Miami while 28% came from the Miami Beach direction. On a holiday week -end these figures become even more dramatic: approximately 90% of the visitors arrive from Miami while only 15% come from the Miami Beach area. Therefore, greater provisions must be made on the lower side of the island for easy, uninter- rupted access into the park and dispersal to the various activities. Waterborne Circulation Purpose: To provide access for various means of water travel. Features: 1. Docking facilities for commercial vessels a. Sight-seeing boats. b. Shuttle launches from Bayfront Park. c. Launches from cruise ships. d. Private boats and yachts. Pedestrian Circulation Purpose: To provide landscaped pedestrian walks and bicycle paths linking Special Use Areas and connecting to the Una', Fo.Ns Wet- .XtL and. • 44.4.4.141 ''141ur'4kn. , ‘.14n5 ,'n'p6 - e6And F.,t kiorki leeAco, R .ndl �ln1r9 eiparfl• eo.nd ttot,d (��v►lr5on 14.1cndl .la t44 •••e good" i"ht.k.ttli.L. InoSetG 26. waterfront. Features: 1. Waterfront plazas and promenades. The plazas and promenades should be primarily open and sunny w ith intermittent areas of shade along the shoreline. A parallel system will run w ithin the park and will be heavily shaded. This parallel system will also provide views to the water and its activities. The two systems will permit year- round pedestrian use of the park: the open waterfront system w i l l allow strolling in the sun during winter months; and the interior system w ill allow strolling in the cooler, shaded areas during summer. 2. Lighting which w ill visually enhance the park and will satisfy safety and technical re- quirements. Details for lighting, pavement, street furniture, and graphics should be carried through- out the park to maintain design continuity. WATER USE AREAS Purpose: To improve the environ- mental quality and use of the water areas surrounding the park. Features: 1. Improvement of the north shoreline to accommodate various boat- ing activities such as the beaching of boats for water access to the park. 2. Improvement of the east shoreline for intense boating activity by using a natural, soft -shoulder shoreline with riprap edging wherever possible. The riprap will reduce turbidity and wave action and stimulate marine growth. 3. A cut at the southeast end of the island through MacArthur Causeway to provide flush- ing of the eastern waters. The exact location of the 27. cut will have to be care- fully determined, but it will have to be far enough away from the boat launch so as not to interfere with that activity. 4. Improvement of the south shoreline with a strong seawall of large rock riprap to minimize the turbulence created by boat traffic in the inlet and waterway. 5. Upgrading of the west shoreline's vertical concrete seawall to allow large boats to temporarily dock and to permit pedestri- an access to the water. MAINTENANCE AREA Purpose: To provide a major maintenance area in order to assure proper control and service for all park activity areas. Features:. 1. A center to store and service maintenance ve- hicles and to house mainten- ance and security personnel. 28. DESIGI1 ji CONCEPT RIF 141 on The Illustrative Recreational Use Plan is intended to suggest how tie recreation program can be physically accomplished on the island and to depict an approximate but realistic accounting of space necessary for various activities. TECHNICAL DATA Special Use Areas 1. Entrance Plaza 1 Acre a. Tower, viewing platforms. 2. Commercial Waterfront Village 5 Acres a. Restaurant: 20,000 sq. ft. b. Shops: 30,000 (expandable to 40,000) sq. ft. c. Landscaped open space 3. Open-air Activity Area 9 Acres 4. Waterfront Promenade 5 Acres 5. Japanese Garden 1 Acre 6. Park Gardens 6.5 Acres 7. Marine Recreational Facilities 2.5 Acres a. Marine recreation center: 15,000 sq. ft. b. Service center 5,000 sq. ft. c. Landscaped open space d. Docking for 70 Boats 8. Park Marina: docking for 68 boats .3 Acres 9. Boat Launching Facilities 3.5 Acres a. 3 Ramps: 2 launching areas per ramp. Landscaped Open Areas and Buffers 15.5 Acres Circulation (Vehicular) al 1. Roads 4 Acres 2. Hard -surface parking 9 Acres 3. Launching ramps and IF Parking: 2.5 Acres TOTAL 65 Acres OMR Parking Number of cars shown: 840 Hard -surface* 100 for cars with boat trailers. 180 Overflow (grass areas) Water Frontage 1. Bulkhead a. Existing b. Proposed 2. Natural or riprap 29. 1600 800 6800 L.F. L.F. L.F. 1 1 t TO SPAN; OVERLOOK ^ .;) 4 WATERFRONT ARLENE A AIR ACTIVITIES 3 a UP 3 COMMERCIAL WATERFRONT VILLAGE TURNING BASIN ENTRANCE PLAZA 001313E ISLAND BEACH OVERLOOK MAINTENA A 0 100 JAPANESE GARDEN ANO THE GARDEN OF THE AMERICAS OCKMASTEFI ANO BAIT FUEL SUPPLY CONCESSION CNIC AREAS 4011P•RAP PARK MARINA PARK GARDENS BOAT LAUNCHING, FACILITIES • IppS m 11�0 Edward D. Stone Jr. i biocides, P.R. litt t+I.mufrt NMI tu.ltaP ■rultuttt 74118 1.0100110.1101., IL ItW'ir.I . MN a OPEN - AIR ACTIVITIES AREA JAPANESE GARDEN ANO THE GARDEN OF THE AMERICAS COMMERCIAL WATERFRONT ENTRANCE PLAZA VILLAGE AERIAL PERSPECTIVE WATSON ISLAN JAPANESE GARDEN AND THE GARDEN OF THE AMERICAS BIBLIOGRAPHY Bedwell, Don and Dorschner,John, "Is This Any Way to Run'the World's Oldest Airline?", Miami Herald, Miami, Flor- ida, February 7, 1972). Chaney, Charles A., Marinas: Recommendations for Design, Construction and Mainten- ance, (New York, 1961) . City of Miami, "Off -Street Park- ing and Landscaping Require- ments" (Miami, 1972). City of Miami Department of Plan- ning, Comprehensive Zoning and Subdivision Atlas of Miami, Florida (Miami,1970). City of Miami Publicity Depart- ment, "The City of Miami Japanese Garden" (Miami) . Edward D. Stone,Jr. & Associates, P.A., "Miami Bayfront Park Recreation Program" (Miami, September, 1972) . Goodyear Tire and Rubber Company, The, 'Aerial Ambassadors". Metropolitan Dade County Plan- ning Department and Metro- politan Dade County Parks and Recreation Department, Open Space and Recreation (Miami, 1969) . Muir, Helen, Miami, U.S.A. (Coco- nut Grove, Florida, 1963). Simpson and Curtin, "Interim Re- port 4: Transit Routes 1985" (Miami, February, 1971) . Stott, Charles, C., "Evaluating Water Based Recreation Fa- cilities and Areas" (Wash- ington, D.C., 1967). Voss, Dr. Gilbert L., "An Envi- ronmental Impact Study of Watson Island, Miami, Flor- ida" (Miami, 1973). ANN 4- 0.00