11Page 31

MEDIANENHANCEMENT

GUIDELINES

City of Gainesville

Prepared for The City Beautification Board

September 15, 2003 Revised June 21, 2004

Larry Teague Landscape Architecture3459 NW 13th Avenue

Gainesville, Florida 32605 352-335-9191

MEDIAN ENHANCEMENT GUIDELINES TABLE OF CONTENTS Page Executive Summary .............................................................................................................3

Introduction..........................................................................................................................4

Design, Safety, Maintenance ...............................................................................................5

Corridor and Design Continuity...........................................................................................5

Median Classifications.........................................................................................................7

General Design...................................................................................................................11

Planting Design..................................................................................................................16

Plants..................................................................................................................................22

Lists of Plants.....................................................................................................................27

Preparation and Establishment...........................................................................................29

Maintenance.......................................................................................................................33

Median Signs .....................................................................................................................36

The Next Steps...................................................................................................................42

References..........................................................................................................................42

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EXECUTIVE SUMMARY This document has been prepared at the request of the Gainesville City Beautification Board. The objective is to improve the appearance of the medians within the City of Gainesville by creating guidelines that will strengthen the Adopt-A-Median program. While the guidelines are applicable to any sponsorship programs, they have been written to address all medians and the corresponding roadway corridors within the city. The medians of Gainesville are within the right-of-ways of city, county, and state owned roadways. Along with the varied ownerships come different approaches to design, maintenance, and sponsorship of the medians. The purpose of this document is to facilitate a consistent approach to median enhancement by providing design guidelines that all entities can adhere to. There are two consistent themes throughout this document. One is that medians are just one element within the overall context of a roadway corridor. Continuity of design is achieved when medians are designed simply and consistently within a given stretch of roadway. The second theme is that trees have by far the greatest impact. Trees should always be given the first consideration when planning and designing medians within the city. The median guidelines cover a variety of categories. The general design guidelines discuss the opportunities for medians in specific overlay districts, the use of hardscape, and the landscape setback requirements for utilities. Planting design guidelines discuss the importance of plant size, vertical clear zones for visual access, and horizontal clear zones for user safety. The benefits of massing plant material and the use of xeriscape principles are also covered here. Guidelines for specific plant material include discussions on the benefits of using natives, the aesthetic and environmental benefits provided by trees, the appropriate uses for shrubs and ground covers, and a discussion of various turf grasses. A comprehensive plant list is also provided as a recommendation. Another category of the guidelines covers preparation and establishment. These guidelines include discussions on soils, recommendations for irrigation, and direction on the installation and replenishment of mulches. There are specific maintenance guidelines that focus primarily on frequency of service. However all guidelines have been developed with the reduction of maintenance as a significant consideration. Good design will result in attractive and safe medians over time by accounting for the maintenance issues. An acknowledgement sign is an integral part of the median sponsorship programs. Sign guidelines address size, color, materials, and content. The objective here is to recognize the sponsors for their contribution to city beautification without the sign detracting from the landscaping or becoming “mini-billboards”. The implementation of these guidelines is the next step. Discussions are needed to decide the best way to coordinate the efforts of all the entities involved. This would include designers, planners, and public works departments associated with the City of Gainesville, Alachua County, and the Florida Department of Transportation.

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INTRODUCTION The medians of Gainesville are within the right-of-ways of city, county, and state owned roadways. Along with the varied ownerships come different approaches to design, maintenance, and sponsorship of the medians. The purpose of this document is to facilitate a consistent approach to median enhancement by providing design guidelines to which all entities can adhere. This document is a follow up to the “Gateway Corridor Design Workshop for The City of Gainesville,” 1998, by Buford Davis and Associates. This was a study to establish conceptual design standards for the landscape and hardscape improvements to the City of Gainesville gateway corridors. The information presented is intended to provide detailed design guidelines and specifications for the implementation of median enhancements within the city of Gainesville. While aesthetics are a primary goal, safety must always be a consideration when evaluating a proposed plan or program. These guidelines have been developed to facilitate median enhancements that are safe, easy to maintain, and contribute to the overall appeal of Gainesville. The majority of guidelines included in this report are derived from existing standards and operating procedures currently in use by departments within the City of Gainesville, Alachua County, or FDOT. In some cases, standards are not consistent between entities or may not be consistent with some of the design goals of the City of Gainesville. In these situations, guidelines have been written to best address the interests of Gainesville, while always considering issues of safety and maintenance. Guidelines pertaining to planting and soils are derived from construction specifications utilized by landscape professionals. The format of this document provides graphic and written justifications prior to each guideline. At the end of the document, all the guidelines are presented again as an independent listing. Guideline Categories included in the Document

General Design – Overlay District, Utility Setbacks Planting Design - Clear Zones, and Tree Spacing Plants – Trees, Shrubs and Ground Covers, Turf Grass Preparation and Establishment – Soil, Irrigation, Mulch Maintenance Signs

Related Areas Outside of the Scope of The Document Engineering Design – median width, radii, median cut locations, etc. Lighting - highway and landscape Stormwater Management - grading and stormwater structures

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DESIGN, SAFETY, MAINTENANCE AND SUSTAINABILITY Everything is affected by design. In addition to aesthetics, issues of safety and maintenance are all directly connected to each design decision. As well, safety and maintenance guidelines affect the final design. It is important to understand that each set of median guidelines was developed with consideration for its impact on overall design, citizen safety, and efficiency of maintenance. CORRIDORS AND DESIGN CONTINUITY This document focuses on medians, but the real goal is to strengthen the appeal of our roadway corridors, of which medians are just one part. When driving down a roadway, the median, roadside, and private buffer plantings, all contribute to the overall impression. There is continuity to the nicer corridors in town, usually derived from a strong repetitive element that ties a section of the corridor together. Many of the design principles to be discussed can be applied to the entire roadway corridor. Some examples of continuity are: The bald cypress on NW 8th Avenue between 34th Street and 43rd Street, the date palms on NE 1st Street north of University Avenue (figure 1), the canopy on SE 2nd Avenue east of 4th Street (figure 2), and the elms on NE 8th Avenue around 9th Street. Another design strategy that works well is installing the same trees in both the median and the right of way where possible. Some examples of this are the use of white crape myrtles along the 500 block of NE 1st Street (figure 3) and the use of sabal palms on North Waldo road around the 2700 block (figure 4). Figure 1 Figure 2 Repetition of Palms on NE 1st Street Oak Canopy on SE 2nd Avenue

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Figure 3 Figure 4 Crape Myrtles both sides of NE 1st Street Sabal Palms also in ROW of Waldo Road It is the trees in these examples that make the greatest statement. This is almost always the case, as trees have the ability to change the scale of the spaces they occupy. However, the shrubs and groundcovers also contribute to the appeal in a subtle but important way, by acting as a unifying element. There may also be an opportunity to take the ground covers and shrubs from the median into the right of way since their installation would not be affected by the utilities. This makes an even stronger impact when using native grasses or other less common planting materials. Coordination with the private owners along the corridors can potentially create a stronger and more unified overall design. Since there is often no room for trees in the right of way, this may be the only opportunity in many cases. An example is the white crape myrtles along SW 16th Avenue (figure 5) that appear to belong to the private apartment complex.

Figure 5 White crape myrtles planted in an apartment complex buffer to match the white crape myrtles in the median.

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MEDIAN CLASSIFICATIONS There are various scenarios when it comes to medians. These may range from high traffic multi-lane arterials through busy commercial settings, to low volume two-lane residential streets, to high-speed highways bridging cities across rural landscapes. Prior to developing a design, every median must be evaluated on a case by case basis. The guidelines presented here are to be applied with an understanding of the type of median being considered. The type of landscaping and the level of maintenance may vary significantly based on variables surrounding a specific median. In this document, medians will be classified based on aesthetic or design potential, and referred to as High, Medium and Low Design Medians. The aesthetic potential of a median is a function of how it is viewed by the public. The primary factors involved are:

1. Design Speed – Higher speed means less time to view the median from a vehicle. 2. Adjacency to an intersection - Signals allow for views while traffic is stopped. 3. Number of lanes – More lanes create greater separation from pedestrians and buildings. 4. Presence of buildings – Views from buildings close to the roadway are better than those

from buildings separated by parking lots. 5. Presence of sidewalks and crosswalks – Walks provide greater pedestrian interaction.

Table 1 is an example of how medians could be scored to ensure consistency and objectivity. Because of the specific variables, it is the individual median that must be classified, not the street. Table 1 - Point Values for Five Median Variables Variable Parameter Points Parameter Points Parameter Points Design Speed (mph)

Under 25

2

25–40

1

Over 40

0

Intersection Adjacent

Yes

2

No

0

Number of Lanes

Two-lane

2

Four-lane

1

Six and up

0

Building Present

Yes, w/ no separation

2

Yes, with separation

1

No Buildings

0

Walks (SW / CW)

Sidewalks Crosswalks

2

Sidewalks only

1

No walks

0

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High Design Medians (7 – 10 pts) These medians represent only about five to ten percent of the city’s medians, but have the greatest amount of visibility and therefore the greatest potential for individual impact. The typical high design median is downtown with low speed two-lane streets, buildings overlooking the streets, and high pedestrian activity. A more detailed planting plan, sculptural elements, interesting hardscape at crossings, and rotated annuals for color, may all be appropriate here. Medians in this classification may warrant irrigation and a higher level of maintenance than typical medians in the city (see figures 6 and 7 for examples). Table 2 shows the scoring for the medians in figures 6 and 7. The total point values determine a designation of “high design median” would be appropriate.

Figure 6 Figure 7 300 Block of SE 2nd Avenue 400 Block of NE 1st Street Table 2 - Median Point Values For High Design Medians Median Speed Intersection Lanes Buildings SW / CW Spd Pts Y/N Pts Num Pts Y/N Pts Y/N Pts Total SE 2 Av 25 2 Y 2 2 2 Y 2 Y/Y 2 10 NE 1 St. 25 2 N 0 2 2 Y 2 Y/N 1 7

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Medium Design Medians (3 – 6 pts) This classification represents the majority of the medians (approximately 80 percent). They are typically on a four-lane collector road, with a 40 mile per hour speed limit, and with sidewalks and buildings separated from the road by parking. Although these are defined as being only medium design medians, their treatment has the greatest overall impact on the city’s corridors. Four-lane roads bordered by parking lots are in significant need of trees to create scale and plants to provide interest. These corridors are generally quite long. This presents an opportunity for the coordination of the medians, where each is a single element contributing to an overall corridor design. Design standards will provide the greatest benefit in this situation (see figures 8 and 9 for examples). Table 3 shows the scoring for the medians in figures 8 and 9. The total point values determine a designation of “medium design median” would be appropriate.

Figure 8 Figure 9 3400 Block of North Main Street 4000 Block of NW 13th Street Table 3 - Median Point Values for Medium Design Medians Median Speed Intersection Lanes Buildings SW / CW Spd Pts Y/N Pts Num Pts Y/N Pts Y/N Pts Total Main St. 45 0 N 0 4 1 Y(S) 1 Y/N 1 3 NW13th St 45 0 Y 2 4 1 Y(S) 1 Y/N 1 5

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Low Design Medians (0 – 2 pts) These medians are typically high speed four to six lane arterials, heading out of town with no sidewalks and few homes or businesses along the right of way. They only make up 10 to 20 percent of the medians, but as these roads head into town, they are important gateways into Gainesville. From a design standpoint, where low design medians are also gateways, the median’s impact must work almost exclusively for high speed vehicular traffic. Where low design medians are not gateways, the reality is the potential for landscape sponsorship is minimal. These are medians that are almost all currently of turf grass. The greatest benefit here may be in finding planting strategies that lessen maintenance costs: examples would be wildflowers or new low maintenance groundcovers (see figures 10 and 11 for examples). Table 4 shows the scoring for the medians in figures 10 and 11. The total point values determine a designation of “low design median” would be appropriate.

igure 10 Figure 11 th of Gainesville

able 4 - Median Point Values Low Design Medians Buildings SW / CW

F441 South of Gainesville Waldo Road Nor TMedian Speed Intersection Lanes Sp Nu Y Y To ld Pts Y/N Pts m Pts /N Pts /N Pts ta S. 441 5 /N 5 0 N 0 4 1 N 0 N 0 0Waldo 55 0 N 0 4 1 N 0 N/N 0 0

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GENERAL DESIGN Design Development Medians within the project area are currently designed by a number of entities, primarily the public agencies that have ownership. State Roads - The Florida Department of Transportation, FDOT, has specific guidelines for the planting of medians. Local landscape contractor, West Farms, currently administers the “Adopt-a-Median” program with FDOT. Typical median designs have been developed for West Farms by a landscape architect and have been approved by FDOT. The use of pre-approved plans facilitates the process for this program. Medians on state roads that are not part of the Adopt-a-Median program are typically planted in turf grasses. Safety and ease of maintenance are the primary drivers for FDOT designs. County Roads – The medians on county roads are typically designed by the county horticulturalist. The biggest design consideration for Alachua County is safety, as they tend to follow FDOT guidelines for the majority of their medians. Drought tolerance and the reduction of mowing requirements are also major considerations. City Roads – The City Recreation and Parks Department develops the majority of the median designs for city roads. Landscape architects, in conjunction with commercial development, beautification grants, etc. also design city medians. Right of Way Plantings and Sidewalks Right of Way (ROW) plantings have many of the same considerations as median plantings, especially in the areas of maintenance, vertical clear zones within vision triangles, and plant species selection. The difference is that in the ROW there is a greater degree of conflict with utilities, a stronger relationship with pedestrians, and greater storm water considerations with roadside swales. Overlay District Considerations Part of evaluating each median on a case by case basis may be the consideration of its inclusion in an Overlay District, as referenced in the Gainesville Land Development Code. For example, if a road traverses or borders an area designated for historical preservation, research could be performed to determine if a special or unique median landscape treatment is appropriate. In this case, a median design may benefit from a review by the Historic Preservation Board for their knowledge and insights into the area.

OVERLAY DISTRICT GUIDELINE

When designing a median, check with the Gainesville Planning Department to see if the median falls within a designated Overlay District. Some Overlay Districts, i.e., Historic Preservation, may dictate special design considerations.

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Hardscape There are a significant number of medians and partial medians in the city that have no plantings at all. Most of these are where the median narrows down to accommodate a turn lane or is narrow simply due to right of way constraints. Many are solid gray concrete (figure 12), but most new construction utilizes a colored stamped concrete for any hardscape area inside of the curb (figure 13). This solution provides more visual interest than regular gray concrete. However, the use of actual bricks on sand is a more appealing treatment that would also be slightly more pervious to stormwater. Southwest 13th Street adjacent to the University of Florida has an example of the brick treatment (figure 14). Acknowledging that there is a higher cost for brick, selected streets should be considered for this treatment, e.g., University Avenue, the downtown commercial district, historic districts, etc.

igure 12 Figure 13 olid Gray Concrete on NW 39th Avenue Stamped Concrete on NE 8th Avenue

igure 14 rick Pavers on University Avenue

dians that are planted with shrubs or ground covers figures 15 and 16). Aesthetically, this is the preferable option. The entity responsible for the adway (city, county, or FDOT) must weigh the greater appeal of planting these areas against

the safety concerns of maintaining them.

FS

FB

There are also examples of narrow me(ro

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16 Narrow Median on NE 8th Avenue

dians with a combination of hardscape and street trees uced for scale and interest, while maintenance is minimized.

his can be especially appropriate for areas like University Avenue adjacent the University of lorida where heavy pedestrian traffic crosses the medians.

Figure 17 Figure Crape Myrtles in Hardscape (Ocala) Medians provide an important safety zone for peoffers an opportunity for design detail, even if it Any crossing through a median should be at grade to comDisabilities Act (ADA) and Florida Building C20).

Figure 15 Figure Narrow Median on Newberry Road A third option is one of treating narrow me(figures 17 and 18). Trees are introdTF

18 Elm in Hardscape on SE 3rd Street

destrians crossing a street. This crossing area is nothing more than brick or concrete pavers.

ply with appropriate Americans with ode accessibility requirements (figures 19 and

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igure 19 Figure 20 rade Crosswalk on NE 1st Street Hardscape Detail in Ocala

Stamped Concrete at the intersection of Williston Road and SW 34

FG It is understood that the use of hardscape, in place of plant material, is a low maintenance option. However the example in figures 21 and 22 defy explanation.

Figure 21 Figure 22

th Street

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Utilities Both above and below ground utilities must be considered when planting any median. Fortunately, most utilities are located between the edge of pavement and the right of way line on each side of the road. The document, “Gainesville Regional Utilities Vegetation Management – Tree Planting Guidelines,” provides background information for the recommended setbacks shown in the following utility guidelines. These setback guidelines should be evaluated to determine the impact on future tree-planting efforts.

GENERAL DESIGN GUIDELINES

All medians over 5 foot wide, curb fa Canopy trees, with hardscape betwareas. The use of structural soils should be utilized to prareas. Pedestrian crossing areas through medians Florida Building Codes and the Ameri Hardscape in narrow medians should be some other contrasting material for inter

ce to curb face, should be landscaped.

een, are recommended in high pedestrian or supported reinforced concrete panels

omote a healthy root structure under the hardscape

should be at grade to comply with cans With Disabilities Act (ADA).

colored stamped concrete, pavers, or est.

UTILITY GUIDELINES – LANDSCAPE SETBACKS Refer to “Gainesville Regional Utilities Vegetation Management – Tree Planting Guidelines” for additional information.

Overhead Electric - 10’, 15’ depending on tree height Sanitary Sewer Main - 15’ all tree species Water Main - 10’ depending on tree size Fire Hydrant - 5’ all landscaping, 10’ all trees Water Meter - 5’ all landscaping, 10’ all trees Gas Lines -10’ depending on tree size Underground Electric - 5’ depending on tree size Street Lights - 10’ all trees Electric Transformers - 10’ front access, 5’ other sides - all landscaping Switch Cabinet - 10’ front and back access, 5’ other sides – all

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PLANTING DESIGN

e and Maintenance he mat ns of a articula site (sustainability) are the key considerations for planting design. Visual clearance quirem st be eared sts. For fety re own in gures 2 .

ertical clearance is necessary to provide visibility of on-coming traffic across medians. In DOT guidelines, this applies to the entire length of the median. Vertical clearance standards

y vary by municipality, but most are some variation of FDOT design guidelines. Alachua

SizT ure size of a plant and its ability to thrive under the given environmental conditiop r re ents dictate the maximum height of the plant material. Planting shrubs that mu

to maintain the height requirement unnecessarily increases maintenance coasons, it is better not to depend on maintenance to maintain a specific height as sh3 and 24

shsafi

Figure 23 Figure 24 Overgrown Junipers on Newberry Road Pittosporum gets too large if not pruned Vertical Clear Zone VFmaCounty follows FDOT Guidelines for vertical clearance.

VERTICAL CLEAR ZONE GUIDELINES

adway at each is dimensioned cessitate lower

ertic ined the entire length

The vertical clear zone is defined as between 2 feet and 8.5 feet above the roadway, based on a sight datum line 3.5 feet above the rovehicle. See the illustrations below. Note that the datum linefrom the asphalt. Curbed medians or medians with berms ne

s. plant height

ds, the ust be maintaFor FDOT roa v al clear zone mof the median. For lower speed urban medians, exceptions to this guideline may be made on a case-by-case basis.

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pe Guide to match the 2002 FDOT Roadway

VerticalIllustrationThe dimen ation have been altered to match the 2002 FDOT Roadway Design Stand

Vertical Clearance Illustration from the 1995 Florida Highway LandscaThe dimensions of this illustration have been alteredDesign Standards, Index 546.

Clearance from the 1995 Florida Highway Landscape Guide ions of this illustrs

ards, Index 546.

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Horizontal Clear Zone The horizontal clear zone provides a safe zone for vehicles that curb used on a median has an affect on the width of the clear zone. The use of non-mcurbs significantly reduces the required width of the horizontal Gainesville follows Local Governments Manual of Uniform MinimConstruction and Maintenance for StreetFlorida Statues, published in 1998.

Trees are the biggest issue for Gainesville when it comes to mebest to balance the many advantages of trees and a healthy urban fore

run onto a median. The type of ountable

clearance zone. The City of um Standards for Design,

s and Highways, Sec. 334.0-441(10) A and 336.045

dian design and guidelines. How t with the utility and safety

constraints present in a roadway corridor is the major question. With the majority of utilities in the right of ways, the larger issue is the safety concern large trees present to cars that lose control and run onto medians.

here is an on-going debate on roadside trees and safety. One view is that they are a hazard to affic while the other view is that they are successful at traffic calming (slowing). The multiple enefits of pollution filtering, oxygen generation, urban heat reduction, sound buffering, and

ust also be acknowledged.

ed trees varies in the he Local Governments Manual of Uniform Minimum Standards for

esign, Construction and Maintenance of Streets and Highways, Sec. 334.0441(10) A and 36.045 Florida Statues. If the curb is non-mountable, the clearance zone is 2.5’ for roads with

the curb is mountable, these ountable curbs and lower speed

Figure 26 Mountable Curb

s

Ttrbaesthetic character m The mandated size of the separation between the road edge and plantegulations specified in tr

D3speed limits of 25 mph or less and 6’ for greater speed limits. Ifdistances increase to 6’ and 10’ respectively. Therefore, non-mlimits are preferred.

Figure 25 Crape Myrtles and Mountable Curb Large Oak and Non

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HORIZONTAL CLEAR ZONE GUIDELINES

The standard clear zones adopted by the government agency responsible for the road will be followed. Roadways with a design speed of 40 mph or greater and with medians having no curb or mountable curbs (type A or type E), shall maintain a 30 foot median clear zone from both pavement edges. Roadways with a design speed of 40 mph or greater and with medians having non-mountable curbs, shall maintain a 4 foot median clear zone from curb face. Roadways with a design speed less than 40 mph shall maintain a 4-foot median clear zone from curb face or pavement edge if no curb.

Horizontal Clear Zone Illustration from the 1995 Florida Highway Land

scape Guide

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TREE

pecies should determine the

ate roads, the Florida Department of Transportation requires 40’ by s 30’

ree Spacing

in angles (foreshortened perspective), tree cing i reated

e same The ngth of these guidelines is also a function of design speed.

esthetic Considerations Massing versus Composition Planting

T Be

acause multiple tree trunks can hamper vision at certa

sp s dictated by FDOT within the vision triangle of an intersection (median cuts are t as intersections). The spacing is a factor of trunk diameter and design speed.median section affected by

thle

SPACING GUIDELINES

esired aesthetic effect and growth pattern of sDspacing of trees. Environmental conditions determine how quickly tress will grow, and this too should be a factor in determining spacing.

n StObetween trees, regardless of their size at maturity. On roads maintainedthe City and County, large shade trees should be 40’ apart, medium treeand small 25’.

A

– This is one of the design areas that should be influenced by the median classification. High design medians, with slow traffic and close proximity to pedestrians can be enhanced by greater plant composition (figure 27). The additional maintenance required with the use of accent plants, defined bed lines, color and texture contrasts, etc. may be worthwhile in this context. As the traffic speed and separation of pedestrians increases, the benefit of a composition planting decreases. At high speeds, the composition planting is less appealing than the massing of a single ground cover. Single plant massings support the median as an individual element in the larger scale of a corridor design (figure 28).

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Figure 2Compos rne Road Contrast

7 Figure 28 ition Planting on SE 1st Ave Massing of Muhly Grass on Hawtho

- Contrast is one of the strongest tools in planting design. It is the reason one omposition is appealing, and another composition (with the same number and size of ground overs and shrubs) is not. Contrast can be through shade (light and dark greens), color (flowers r foliage), texture (large coarse leaves next to many tiny leaves), or form (a vertical element out

g). The use of contrast is only applicable for the occasional high e medium or low design and should incorporate

Figure 29 Crinum Lillies provide contrast in texture and form in a bed of Indian Hawthorne

ccoof a low horizontal massin

esign median as the majority of medians ardmassing only. See figure 29 for an example.

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Design Lifespan

present. Medians must be reviewed from time totypical in maintenance mode. What is the overall weaknesses in the trees, is everything being pruned to keep the with utilities, is the original design recognizable?action is to start over. Xeriscape (Right Plant Right Place) Xeriscape techniques and methods Management Districts, and the American Societ With the harsh conditions presented by the typical msuccessful median planting.

iscap landsc

Every landscape should be reviewed periodically to ensure the original characteristics are still time as a whole, instead of plant by plant as is health of the plant material, are there structural

size down, are there conflicts There comes a time when the best course of

are encouraged by Florida Statutes, FDOT Rules, State Water y of Landscape Architects, to mention a few.

edian, these techniques are necessary for a

Summary of the seven principles of xer e aping are as follows:

1. Plan and Design – Make a plan based on site’s natural conditions. Be sure to consider elements of growth, time, and change in the plan.

if necessary. Group plants based on their water needs and utilize the right system and components for each area.

6. Use Mulches – Mulches help hold moisture in the soil, moderate temperature, release

ts healthy by not over-watering or over-e a major problem.

xeriscape principles, see Waterwise Florida Landscapes, nagement districts.

aterial. As a general rule, natives are better adapted to the climate, are more pest sistant, and often have lower nutrient requirements than non-native plants. There are, however,

everal non native plants that have proven to be consistent performers in the harsh conditions of arking lots and medians. These include Parsons Juniper, Indian Hawthorn, and Evergreen

Giant. Utilizing natives in public situations helps to educate the public about other plant options that are better suited for the conditions and wildlife in their yards. Planting natives also helps to show the beauty and uniqueness of north-central Florida.

2. Obtain a Soil Analysis – Determine the soil’s composition and test for the soil’s pH as an aid in plant selection. Amend soils as needed prior to planting.

3. Choose Proper Plants – Select plants which are suited to the growing conditions, drought tolerant, resistant to disease and pests, and whose mature size is appropriate.

4. Use Turf Wisely – Minimize turf grasses to those areas where it serves a specific function. Use drought tolerant species.

5. Irrigation Efficiently – Irrigate only

nutrients, reduce weed growth, and slow erosion. 7. Perform Proper Maintenance – Keep plan

fertilizing. Attend to weeds and pests before they becom For a more in-depth discussion ofpublished jointly by the five regional water ma PLANTS Florida Natives Plant species native to north-central Florida should be given extra consideration when selecting plant mresp

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Trees Trees should be given top priority when planning a median. No other landscape element has a greater impact on the overall appearance of a corridor. Trees provide scale to the roadway and a host of environmental benefits as mentioned previously in the discussion on horizontal clear zones. Because of these benefits, trees should always be the first consideration when funding

ecomes available for median enhancements. This would include the installation of curbing here this is none) before any planting is approved. As discussed in the section on horizontal

approved when protected by non-mountable curbs.

, storm breakage, leaf and fruit drop, evergreen or deciduous, single r multi trunk, and color.

b(wclear zones, trees are more likely to be There are many variables to consider when selecting tree species. Characteristics to consider are: mature size, branching habit, root system characteristics, culture requirements, cold hardiness, water requiremento

T

all flowering trees, i.e., crape myrtles, shall have a minimum height of 6 at the time of installation.

REE GUIDELINES

Trees are to be given first priority over other plantings if limited funding is available. All trees installed should be graded Florida No. 1 or better (see Grades and Standards for Nursery Plants, Part 1 and II). Tree species shall be selected from the Gainesville Tree List, Section 30 – 269 of the Gainesville Land Development Code Tree. Tree species native to North-Central Florida shall comprise at least 75% of the canopy trees within a roadway corridor. Canopy trees shall have a minimum height of 8 feet and minimum caliper of 2 inches at the time of installation.

Smfeet

All trees less than 3 inches in caliper shall be container grown. Trees 3 inch or greater in caliper may be field grown, following industry standards for transplanting from nursery to project site. Palms shall have a minimum 8 feet of clear trunk at the time of installation.

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Shrubs and Ground Covers

harsh onditions of a road corridor, but no plant list should be static. Continual research and

, Sensitive Plant, and Gopher Apple.

urf Graecause rasses a s. But for typical narrow medians, both the county and ity prom aining edians e task. ny stra igh con

e basiel medians, the function is more aesthetic. Small sections of turf however, are maintenance

tensive in time and fuel, may require the application of toxic pesticides and fertilizers, and are angerous to mow.

As discussed in the earlier section on design, drought tolerance and mature size are the two most important considerations for most median designs. While it is possible to keep shrubs at the required height through shearing or pruning, it is not a recommended practice. Maintenance resources are much better utilized elsewhere, and if the proper attention is not given for a period of time, a safety issue may develop. There are a number of tried and true plants, native and exotic, that perform well in thecexperimentation will result in the identification of promising new species ideal for median plantings. This is especially true for ground covers. Functional and attractive turf grass alternatives are always in demand. Examples of plants that may have merit as median ground covers are Perennial Peanut

SHRUB AND GROUNDCOVER GUIDELINES

Standards for Nursery Plants, Part 1 and II).

he

Ground Covers – 1 gallon

ll plant material shall be spaced to obtain a solid massing in 18 months.

All plant material installed should be graded Florida No. 1 or better (see Grades and No plant shall be permitted from the invasive species list, Section 30-251 of tGainesville Land Development Code. All plant material shall be installed in the following minimum container sizes: Shrubs - 3 gallon

Wildflowers and Annuals – 4-inch pots A

T sses of their ease of establishment, low initial cost, and erosion control capability, turf

e a popular choice for large areaBg rc ote the use of ground covers over turf grass. Anytime employees are maint

they are at risk, and mowing turf grass requires the most time of any maintenanctegy that results in the reduction of mowing in the middle of a roadway should be given

deration.

mAh si Th

vc function of turf grasses along highways is soil stabilization, especially on slopes. In

leind

24

The basic types of turf grass used in this area are common bermuda, bahia, and St. Augustine.

esticides, etc. to maintain their dense, lush appearance.

acola’ bahia. t. Augustine, Stenotaphrum secundatum, is a darker green, has wider blades, and is the most

visually appealing of the three. FDOT refers to St. Augustine as a lawn grass and Bermuda and B turf grass of choice in high visibility areas a uch less drought tolerant, has greater n trition ultivars of St. Augu ing blade lengths, FDOT is ses, especiall t commercially available yet, some have shown promise.

Common Bermuda, Cynodon dactylon, is preferred by FDOT for roadside establishment. It is drought tolerant, can be easily established with seed or sod, provides excellent cover with its ability to spread, and is relatively low growing. While this is the same species of grass that is used for athletic fields and golf course greens, those are all improved hybrids that require substantially more water, fertilizer, p Bahia, Paspalum notatum, is a drought tolerant, deep rooting grass, that can also be easily established with seed or sod. Bahia, preferred by the Alachua County, does not spread quickly like Bermuda, which has its advantages and disadvantages. Any bare spots that may develop will best be remedied by over seeding, but the frequency required for edging at bedlines and along curbs is much less than with Bermuda. ‘Argentine’ bahia is the cultivar of choice, due to its wider blades and less prolific seed heads, over the widely planted ‘PensS

ahia as utility grasses. St. Augustine is typically thecessed by pedestrians. However, St. Augustine is mc

u al needs, and is more susceptible to pests than the others. There are many cstine available that offer shade tolerance, pest and disease tolerances, varyc. et

performing and sponsoring on-going research into the use of various native turf gras in high salt regions. While they are noy

TURF GRAS

The choice of turf grass should be based on the species’ drought tolerance, low fertilization and pesticide needs and infrequency of edging. Different

onments-soil characteristics, exposure to light, and wind current

gh sponsorship potential for these medians should allow for funding of all plant material designs. Decorative hardscape should be

S GUIDELINES

Turf grass shall be installed as solid sod in all areas.

envirgenerated by high traffic speeds-will require different species. Also to be considered is whether the presence of seed heads (as occur on Bahia during midsummer) will be considered aesthetically unacceptable. Turf grass is not recommended for high design medians. The typically small size and hi

incorporated if large numbers of people are expected to walk through these medians.

25

Wildflowers

the awthorne Road corridor east of town and Waldo Road north of town.

FDOT has established wildflower plantings along roadsides throughout the state for years. This can be a good strategy to provide visual interest, lower maintenance cost, and safe clear zones. From a design standpoint, wildflowers are much more effective in large areas viewed at a distance. Typically the most successful plantings are in a rural context. Locally, wildflowers have long been a part of 441 on the way to Micanopy. Wildflowers are also a part ofH Wildflowers are not part of the following plant listing. A successful program requires thorough research to match plant species with the existing growing conditions. Wildflower programs are typically established by seed and require the expertise of a contractor experienced in wildflower establishment.

26

PLANT LISTS

restrictions create a significant limitation to the number of plants available for

nly those plants that are itable for north central Florida (zone 8B) have been listed.

ape Guide, The Gainesville Tree List, and Waterwise Florida Landscapes by the Florida Regional Water Management Districts. There are also several good native plant books that specialize in Florida natives. The availability of Florida native plants continues to improve. Many native nurseries are developing new cultivars, which keep the advantages of native adaptation while enhancing characteristics like color, size, and form. RECOMMENDED PLANT LIST FOR MEDIANS

Native = Native to North Central Florida Leaves = Deciduous, Evergreen, Perennial Gateway = Recommended in the Gateway Corridor Design Workshop document Soil Preference = Dry (D), Moist (W, only use in irrigated medians), Medium (M)

Shrub height design. Drought tolerance and hardiness requirements also limit the number of plants. The following is a list of recommended trees, shrubs, and ground covers. The shrubs are categorized as low massing shrubs that are appropriate everywhere and accent shrubs. The accent shrubs exceed the height requirement for FDOT medians but may be considered for high design medians on city and county roads. There is also a section for plants that appear to have good potential for median planting but have been used sparingly to date. Osu For additional resources on these and other plants, consult the city or county horticulturalist, County Extension Service, “Recommended Highway Plant Materials” in the FDOT Florida Highway Landsc

Botanical Name Common Name Native Leaves Gate-way

Soils

Small Trees with Narrow Crowns Prunus umbellate Flatwoods Plum Yes D Y D Lagerstroemia indica* Crape Myrtle No D Y D

*Recommended cultivars: Natchez, Muskogee, Tuskegee Cercis Canadensis Redbud Yes D Y M Pyrus calleryana CV. Aristocrat Bradford Pear No D Y M Viburnum obovatum Walter’s Viburnum Yes D N M

Small to Medium Trees with Small to Medium Crowns

Ulmus parvifolia CV. Drake Drake Elm No D Y M Ilex X attenuata CV. East Palatka

East Palatka Holly No E Y M

Ilex vomitoria Yaupon Holly Yes E Y D Betual nigra River Burch Yes D Y W Ostraya virginiana Hop-Hornbeam Yes D Y D Juniperus virginiana E. Red Cedar Yes E N D Pinus glabra Spruce Pine Yes E Y M

27

Medium Trees (under median conditions), Narrow Crowns Acer barbatum Florida Sugar Maple Yes D Y M Taxodium distichum Bald Cypress Yes D Y W Diospyros virginiana Persimmon Yes D N M Magnolia grandiflora Southern Magnolia Yes E Y W Tilia caroliniana Basswood Yes D N W Pinus palustris Longleaf Pine Yes E N M Pinus elliottii Slash Pine Yes E N M Ulmus crassifolia Cedar Elm Yes D N W Fraxinus pennsylvanica Green Ash Yes D N W Fraxinus americana White Ash Yes D Y M

Large Trees with Large Crowns Quercus virginiana Live Oak Yes E Y DMW Ulmus alata Winged Elm Yes D Y M Ulmus floridana Florida Elm Yes D N M Quercus falcate Southern Red Oak Yes D N D Quercus shumardii Shumard Oak Yes D Y W Quercus geminata Sand Live Oak Yes E N D

Palms Phoeni ate Palm No E N M x canariensis Canary Island DPhoenior CV.

D x Dactylifera CV. Mejool Date Palm No E N Zahedii

Sabal Palmetto Cabbage Palm Yes E N DMW Washing Washtonia filifera ington Palm No E N D

Accent Shrubs and Small Palms Chamaerops humilis E uropean Fan Palm No E N Cycas revolute King Sago No E Y Duranta repens Golden Dewdrop No P N Erythrina herbacea Coral Bean Yes P N Hamelia patens Firebush Yes P N Malvaviscus arboreus Turks Cap No P N Loropetalum chinensis ‘Rubrum’

Loropetalum No E N

Sabal minor Dwarf Palmetto Yes E N Serenoa repens Saw Palmetto Yes E N Spartina bakeri Sand Cord Grass Yes E N Trachycarpus fortunei Windmill Palm No E N Yucca filamentosa A dam’s Needle Yes E N

Low Massing Shrubs Ilex cornuta ‘rotunda’ Dwarf Chinese Holly No E Y Ilex vometoria ‘Nana Dwarf Yaupon Holly Yes E Y

28

Juniperus parson N ii Parsons Juniper No E Rhaphiolepis indica Indian Hawthorn No E N Zamia floridana Coontie Yes E Y

Ground Covers Hemerocallis spp. Daylilly No E N Juniperus conferta Shore Juniper No E N Liriope muscari ‘Evergreen Evergreen Giant Liriopi Giant’

No E Y

Muhlenbergia capallaris Muhly Grass Yes P N Trachelospermum asiaticum Dwarf Asian Jasmine No E Y Plants to Experiment With Arachis glabrata l Peanut Perennia - P

l turf replaceme lific Potentia nt, pro yellow flowers Eriogrostis spectabilis rass Yes Purple Love G P

nch grass, 2 ½ purp all plu s Native bu feet, le f meHypericum reductum Wort Yes St. John’s E

Low growing native shrub, yellow flowers Licania Michauxii Gopher apple Yes E gro cover Low growing native und Mimosa strigillosa Sensitive Plant Yes P/E? Low growing native ground cover, pink flowers Spartina patens Saltmeadow Cord Grass Yes P

n of Spart akeri Smaller versio ina b Vaccinium Darrowii Evergreen Blueberry Yes E Low growing evergreen blueberry, needs acidic soil PREPARATION AND ESTABLI

ment is exceed as it is designed ve w r away d exhib ts uildup from ment. It is typically dry from no irrigation and o poor drai following section with ose ele

urely func ically unseen. heir contribution is obvious h and vigor of the plant material.

SHMENT The median environ ingly harsh to mo ate an iextreme temperature bsometimes floods due t

the pavenage. The deals th ments of the

median design that are pto the healt

tional and typ But t

29

igure 30

FT

re 31 he above pictures show the same plant (dwarf asian jasmine) planted at the same time and on

Yet the jasmine is thriving on one median (figure er (figure

Soil ble. The ptable water holdi ubsurface draina d nutr

Figu

the same street on medians next to each other. 30) and quite sparse on the oth 31). Something about the preparation or the establishment of the plant fell through for the median on the right. Soils

s may have more bearing on the success of a median planting than any other variasoil must provide acce ng capabilities, s ge, an ient levels.

Moisture - The intense heat that builds i to the surrounding alt and typical imal level, per FDOT

ility to retain 10 – ailable water. T an be ac d by

sometimes been used e wate ining c soils.

n medians due asph thelack of irrigation, make adequate water holding capabilities crucial. An optguidelines, is the ab 15 percent of av his c hieveensuring the topsoil composition includes adequate organics. Water retaining polymers, e.g., Terra Sorb, have successfully to enhance th r reta apability of

Drainage - Due to compaction during road construction, inadequate subdrainage is a problem in

any medians during heavy rains. Infiltration or percolation of one inch per hour is optimal DOT). This can be achieved by the removal of any impervious or hardpan layer 30-48 inches

soils, amendments of compost and/or mineral soils

m(Fbelow grade. If the problem is caused by clay can be utilized to separate the clay soil particles and improve drainage. Where soils are highly compacted, each hole in which a tree will be planted should have six channels or mini-trenches extending out. These should be filled with friable organic soil mixed with existing material. Roots will grow out into these trenches giving the trees greater stability. Nutrients - Proper nutrient levels and an acceptable pH range are a third concern in evaluating

ils. A soil test through the University of Florida’s Soil Testing Lab is highly recommended. ased on the soil test, a determination can be made whether to amend the existing soil or to xcavate the poor urban soil and replace it with quality topsoil. Excavation and import of topsoil an added expense, but it is a one-time expense will pay dividends over the life of the planting.

soBeis

30

Current Practices – Alachua County and the City of Gainesville typically excavate and incorporate 6-8 inches of topsoil prior to planting. Mixing improved soil with existing soil in thmedians is important because plant roots don’t cross extreme disjunct soil interfaces. By mthe improved growing medium with what exists, roots are better able to grow from the enhanced soil into the poorer existing soil, providing better anchoring.

e ixing

a higher percentage of lants surviving dry periods.

omponent is clogged or broken until the plant material declines. Gator bags have proven ccessful in providing a slow application of water to hand watered trees. The use of reclaimed ater where available is another acceptable irrigation option.

SOIL GUIDELINES

Test existing soil at the University of Florida Soil Testing Lab.

cs.

Add topsoil amendments – Organics (compost, peat moss, wood chips, sewage udge and manure) and slow-release fertilizer (50% non soluble nitrogen) at

Add inorganic or mineral elements as needed (sand, fly ash, gravel, expanded

Excavate a minimum 12 inches of unsuitable soils. Excavate all compacted or hardpan sub-soil to a min. depth of 36”. Replacement with clean deep fill loam, pH 5.5 to 7, minimum 4% organi

slquantities and compositions recommended by soil test.

shales) for separating soil particles if clay soils present. Adjust soil pH with recommended amounts of agricultural grade sulphur or lime as recommended by soil test.

Irrigation Within the city, the majority of medians do not currently have irrigation. Other than the medians classified as High Design, irrigation with potable water should not be a permanent part of most medians. There is sufficient rainfall in North Central Florida to sustain drought tolerant plantings after establishment. Establishment of plantings by a water truck is the most viable means for medians. The added cost of a watering truck is necessary for the plants to establish an adequate root structure. A more developed root structure will result inp If irrigation is provided to a median, a low flow system should be designed utilizing the latest irrigation technology. Drip irrigation components and sub-grade systems can provide the most efficient application of water with the least waste. The biggest drawback is the need for a higher level of observation by maintenance personnel. It is not always readily apparent when acsuw

31

IRRIGATION GUIDELINES

Establishment – Provide supplemental watering for 90 days for shrubs and ground covers. Provide supplemental watering for 6 months for trees. The City of Gainesville provides water to trees for three years after planting, but

d and third year, only during droughts.

P sign Medians or special situations only. Water conservation efforts shall be supported on the m Permanent Irrigation w

Mulch Mulch is oso l, mode

during the secon

ermanent Irrigation with potable water to be used with High De

ajority of medians within the City of Gainesville.

ith reclaimed water acceptable based on availability.

ne of the important principles of Xeriscaping. It helps hold moisture in therates soil temperature, reduces weed growth, and slows erosion. Populai r

choices are d products. The City of Gam intenane ples are chi Maintainin

pine bark, pine straw (needles), and shredded or chipped wooinesville produces good quality mulch by chipping trees and branches from itsce operations. More recycled products are also becoming available. Two such

pped pallets and dyed shredded tires. a

xam

g proper mulch coverage is a challenge. Mulch has a tendency to wash out ofplant beds in a hea t medians be graded a minimum of threeinches below the top of curb and not crowned. An annual replenishment of most mulcha as is recommended due to natural degrading, wash outs, and other disturbances (seee ures 32 and 33). This is an area that needs improvement; note the currentfr remulching in the “Current Frequency of Maintenance Tasks” table tha

vy storm. It is imperative tha

rexamples in figequency for t

fo

Figure 32 Figure 33 Median graded too high on 43 rd Street Mulch in need of replenishment on 13th St.

llows under “Maintenance.”

32

fety hazards by

ent, lier,

e and

MAINTENANCE Maintenance is a major contributor to a successful and attractive median program. It is required to ensure the medians remain attractive and do not become sabecoming overgrown. The primary functions with medians are mowing, weed control, edging, pruning, mulching, applying fertilizers and pesticides, providing water for plant establishmmaintaining irrigation systems where present, and litter collection. As mentioned earthrough the replacement of turf grass with ground covers and proper plant selection, the timresources devoted to maintenance can be significantly reduced. See figure 34.

Replacing this 24 inch strip of grass with ground covers and shrubs would reduce maintenance time in the areas of edging, weed eating, hand mowing, fertilizing, and spraying. Figure 34 200 Block of NE 2nd Avenue

MULCH GUIDELI

ubsequent re-

inner layer of pine straw is

Use recycled wood mulch from city chipper operations when available. Use pine bark mulch as alternative or to top dress high design medians where

NES

The finished grade of all medians must be a minimum 5” below the top of curb prior to the installation of mulch. Finished grades that are less deep lead too quickly to overflow of mulch into road during smulching. Install mulch in all plant beds to a depth of 3 inches. An exception is provided for large wildflower plantings, where a thmore appropriate.

desired.

33

Below is a table of the general maintenance frequencies currently provided by the City of ainesville on city roads, Alachua County on county roads, and West Farms on state road dians participating in the Adopt-A-Median program. Recommended frequencies are given in

llow.

urrent

ainten nce Item City of Gainesville (a)

Alachua County

West Farms for FDOT (b)

Gmethe Maintenance Guidelines to fo C Frequency of Maintenance Tasks M aMowing 1 wk (high maint.

medians) goal of 3 mos 2 wks

Weed Co Round Up)

1 mos (Round Up) 2 wks (hand weed) 3 mos (Round Up)

ntrol 2 mos (

Pre-emererbicid

gent yes yes no H esEdging 2 wks 1 mos 3 mos Pruning, Trimming

6 mos 1 mos 3 mos

Remulching No Schedule No Schedule 2 yrs (chipped wood) (chipped wood) (pine nuggets)

Fertilization

6 mos As needed 4 mos

Pesticides

As needed As needed As needed

(a) City Landscape Sponsors are under contract to collect litter and remove weeds monthly.

) Adopt-A-Median Sponsors pay a fee to West Farms to provide all required maintenance. (b

34

Even under ideal conditions it is common to have to replace a small percentage of plants in most landscape installations. With median plantings, plant mortality is significantly higher due to the harsh conditions and the loss of plants from wayward vehicles. The budget for median landscape designs should include a contingency for the future replacement of plant material. Maintenance is often blamed for the poor aesthetics of a median when often it is due to holes in the design from lost plants.

MAINTENANCE GUIDELINES – RECOMMENDED FREQUENCIES

Proper service levels have a significant impact on the success and attractiveness of any median program. Frequencies are the key to ensuring that proper service levels are maintained.

epending on season

r for ns al

se pre-emergent herbicide prior to spring

Edging: 1 month for high design medians 2 months all others

Pruning, Trimming: 6 months

g 1 year or as , whichever so

ilization nths

icides: As needed

tter Collec eek for high design medians 2 weeks all others

Mowing: 2 to 4 weeks, d al growing patterns Weed Cont ol: 1 month

2 monthsU

high design media l others

Remulchin : needed oner

Fert : 6 mo

Pest

Li tion: 1 w

Plant Replacement

PLANT REPLACEMENT GUIDELINE

Median sponsors must provide funding for replacement plant material for as long as the sponsorship exists.

35

MEDIAN SIGNS

acknowledgement sign is an integral part of the median sponsorship programs. There are two rimary sponsors for their ontribu second bjective e, consistent throughout the city, and does ot detra from the landscaping.

ver the ears, signs of all sorts have appeared in these medians. The variability in color and ontent h esville’s medians. The sign uidelines have been develope ecifications that will insure safety, promote ood design, and eliminate “mi

ign Spe s he major considerations f t ze, shape, color, and material. While these re all a thetic issues, the size and height of the sign also has the potential for creating safety sues. place for sponsorship signing in a median. These uideline have been developed to ensure clear views of traffic, signs and signals. Incorporating DOT g fac ita ity.

ize

Anp objectives concerning signs. One objective is to recognize and credit

tion to city beautification, without the sign becoming an advertising vehicle. The is to develop a sign program that is attractiv

con ct O yc as detracted from the programs intended to enhance Gaing d to dictate certain spg ni-billboards.” S cificationT or he sign program are sia esis FDOT has specific guidelines in g sF uidelines would il te consistency in signage throughout the c S - Th l size of 24 inches wide by 18 inches high. This is

e size o the signs currently in place throughout the city. It is recommended that the bottom of e sign wer than many signs currently in place.

hape

e basic guideline is a maximum paneth fth be 12 inches above the ground, which is lo S - n in the drawing below, should ontinue be the standard r such a time as an alternative is adopted.

The shape of the sig s currently being used, as shown c to fo all median signs until

ME BYDIAN

36

Color - FDOT standards call for sponsorship signs to be brown with white lettering. Unless an xception can be negotiated for Gainesville, all median sponsorships on state owned roads would

mbination may remain in place until wear dictates their placement. However, multi-colored signs should be replaced immediately.

ssues of color, text, and graphics. A consistent o-color scheme would keep the sign subtle as desired. Text should be limited to the name of

umbers and slogans, for example are not appropriate. Graphics (logos) will

edisplay brown and white signs. For the objective of city-wide consistency, brown and white is an acceptable solution. Brown and white may not be an original combination but it is a “natural” color that works with planting material, and displays high contrast for legibility. Previous median programs called for green and beige or white signs that still exist in some locations. Signs in this color core Sign Content Another objective is to acknowledge the sponsor without allowing advertising that may detract from the landscape. This objective involves itwthe sponsor. Phone nnot be permitted. Materials Sign Foam - Materials used for signage in the median programs have evolved over time. High-

ensity urethane sign foam (HDU) was favored for a while, with many such signs still in use. dSign foam is usually sand blasted to give a deep reveal and then painted. The foam is resistant to UV, weather, and insects, but is fragile to impact and must be backed with a more structural material. HDU is a relatively high cost alternative. Wood - Marine quality plywood (MDO) is the material of choice currently. It is sealed and painted, then vinyl letters or graphics are applied. This is an inexpensive alternative that lasts pproximately 3 to 5 years before showing wear. A number of these signs are starting to show

their age. Festival Signs currently manufactures most of the signs for the Adopt-A-Median

a

program.

Recycled Plastic - There are recycled plastic materials thPolyethylene (HDPE) can be recycled from #2 plastics (mproducing a laminate product that has one core color sandwanother color. The outer layer is then routed to reveal the secdurable and slick. The slickness prohibits painting the panestaying clean, resisting mold and graffiti. All of the exteriorsolid HDPE product, in which vinyl letters are ahad some trouble with fading from UV exposu

proved UV stabilizers. Even the 4” x 4” posts that the signs are mrecycled plastic lumber. The durability of these signs ma

anent median sponsorship signs that have rempanel would need to be replaced. The City of Gainesville should forefront of any sustainable design efforts.

at have a lot of promise. High Density ilk jugs). A number of companies are

iched between two outer layers of ond color within. The material is

l, but it also results in the material blue signs on the UF campus are a

pplied. The earlier versions of recycled HDPE re. The products today incorporate much

im ounted on could easily be y allow for the development of

perm ovable panels. As sponsors change, only the strive to always be in the

37

Figures 35 – 38 show a variety of sign materials.

SIGN GUIDELINES

Panel size - 24” W x 18” H, bottom of sign 12” off ground. See graphic for dimensions and shape

M BYEDIAN

Material –- Posts - Solid recycled High Density Polyethylene (HDPE). Panel

Existing signs not in compliance with the above guidelines (with the exception of the green and beige exemption) are to be replaced by signs that meet the stated sign guidelines.

Sign Post - 4 x 4 breakaway post. Color – Posts – Dark brown

Panel - Dark brown background, white letters (FDOT).

- Recycled HDPE laminate, routed to reveal second color. Quantity - A maximum of two signs per sponsor (one for each direction of

traffic) are to be installed regardless of the number of median islands.

Content - Top line following radius – “Median By” Body of Sign – Name of Business or Sponsor Name No graphics, phone numbers, or slogans permitted. Existing - Existing signs of green and beige are permitted to remain until

wear dictates replacement.

38

F

39

igure 35 Figure 36 xample of Sandblasted Sign Foam Typical Wooden (MDO) Signs

igure 3 xampl of Routed H ise enter o

E

F 7 Figure 38 DPE Laminate signs at the Gainesville Technology EnterprE es

C n Hawthorne Road

Figure 39 Example of a sign in compliance with all guidelines.

Figures 40 - 44 show examples of signs that are not in compliance.

Inappropriate aluminum signs on NE 8th Ave Incorrect color scheme and graphic

t

Figure 44

Figure 40 Figure 41

Figure 42 Figure 43 Incorrect color scheme and logo Incorrect color scheme, logo, and conten

40

41

igure 45 Figure 46 correct color scheme

igures 45 and 46 show examples of the previously approved green and beige or white olor scheme that will be “grandfathered in” under these guidelines.

F

In Fc

42

HE NEXT STEPS

he implementation of these guidelines is the next step. Discussions are needed to decide the est way to coordinate the efforts of all the entities involved. This would include designers, lanners, and public works departments associated with the City of Gainesville, Alachua County,

rida epar ent o ransp rtation

To take this project to the next level of detail, it is recommended that a series of maps be developed. Color-coded maps showing roadway ownership, median classifications, gateway districts, etc. may be helpful from a planning standpoint. Resource allocation for enhancement funding or maintenance may be easier to plan. A master plan should be prepared that would identify corridors, or sections of corridors, by highlighting potential themes, tree types, or any unique characteristic that could be developed as a focus for that corridor. The objective is to create a tool that could coordinate the various efforts that currently are undertaken independently. The results of a coordinated design concept driving median enhancement, roadside tree pcorridor has the potential to create some special corridors within our city.

NCES

the Preparation of this Document

rkshop for The CAssociates, 1998.

4. Gainesville Land Development Code, June 2003. 5. Alachua County Land Development Code, June 2003. 6. Alachua County Roadway Design Manual, Public W7. Gainesville Regional Utilities Vegetation Managem8. Waterwise Florida Landscapes, Florida’s W9. Agreement of Construction and Maintenance

of Way (agreement with West Farms)10. Agreement to Sponsor Median, West Farm

ation and Parks, undated. , 2003.

rks – Heather Martin (County Horticulturist) interview, June, 2003. 14. Gainesville Parks Department, Maintenance – Pat Byrne interview, May, 2003.

T Tbpand the Flo D tm f T o .

lanting, and commercial buffer design along a given

EFERER

Resources and References Utilized in

1. Florida Highway Landscape Guide, FDOT, 1995. 2. Road Design Standards, FDOT, 2002. 3. Gateway Corridor Design Wo ity of Gainesville, FL, Buford Davis and

orks, 2003 draft. ent, GRU, undated.

ater Management Districts, 2001. on the Department of Transportation Right

, FDOT, 1998. s, 2001.

11. Gainesville Landscape Island Sponsor Program, Dept. of Recreedian Program - Nick West interview, June12. Current Adopt-A-M

13. County Public Wo

15. Gainesville Public Works – Ron Barlow phone interview, May, 2003. 16. Florida Department of Transportation – Dick Bush phone interview, June, 2003.