UNK Landscape Master Plan Booklet

F. Lawns, Meadows, and Planting The selection, design, and placement of lawns, meadows, trees, shrubs and perennials will have a significant impact on UNK’s character. Consistency in layout, plant se- lection, and design approach will help to unify the landscape and fulfill principles of this plan. Open spaces have been indicated on the master plan but the detail design of plantings at building entrances and special use areas will be developed as each new project is undertaken. In these locations, the scale and nature of planting design should respond to the theme of the “place” as well as the surrounding buildings and adjacent spaces. The layout of plantings throughout campus should be straightforward and attractive but not overly detailed. To help insure the long-term sustainability of the university’s forest, a goal for tree planting is to encourage a diversity of species throughout campus. Exceptions should be made however, when trees of the same species are proposed as a functional group within a landscape design. An example would be the green edge to a segment of path- way adjacent to a major building. Utilizing the same species for the entire edge of a primary pathway should not be encouraged; rather trees of the same species should be grouped in discreet segments. Where possible, shrub plantings should be used to screen views of parked cars. Colorful ornamental plants in pots and beds should be considered for building entrances and the most significant public spaces on campus such as the Central Fountain. The UNK main campus is an Affiliate Site of the Nebraska Statewide Arboretum. There are approximately 1,000 trees on campus with representatives from 32 deciduous tree genera and 5 coniferous tree genera. Most of the deciduous tree species are native to the eastern United States, Western Europe, or Asia and although they can thrive in this climate, depend upon humid summers and irrigation water. Several species of deciduous trees and some of the evergreen trees, however, are native to the Mountain West and are more adaptable to semi-arid conditions. In addition, there are a variety of shrubs, ornamental grasses, and perennials planted in formal beds. Many of the shrubs and ornamental grasses are native to wetter climates and again require supplemental irrigation water while the majority of the flowering perennials are native to the Midwest and are more tolerant of local conditions.

Multi-use pathways are the main bicycle routes, they are wide enough to accom- modate bicycle and pedestrian traffic; provide long distance campus and commu- nity connections; are located adjacent to roadways or along regional trail routes; and access bicycle parking “corrals” that are located outside of the campus core. Multi-use pathways provide a fast and easy way to ride, run, or walk long distanc- es on campus without conflicting with primary internal pedestrian traffic. These pathways are designed for bicycle and skateboard circulation but also provide for pedestrian use and maintenance vehicle access. Construction Detail Requirements: Refer to the Office of Facilities requirements for Sidewalks and the following: Minimum Widths and thicknesses Primary 12’ (single walk) and 10’ (double walk), 8” thickness Secondary 10’, 6” thickness Tertiary 8’, 4” thickness Multi-Use 12’ when detached from street curb, 14’ when attached to street curb, 8” thickness

Red Blend

Medium Ironspot

Dark Ironspot

Clay brick pavers will be used for pedestrian pavement in special areas. Both standard and permeable brick pavers are acceptable depending upon the area’s drainage design. If a butt tight, non-porous installation is proposed, paver joints will be filled with a polymeric sand mix. Brick pavers will be the following blend available from either Endicott Clay Products or Yankee Hill Brick.

Endicott

Yankee Hill

Percent

Red Blend

Medium Red

60% 30% 10%

Medium Ironspot

Medium Ironspot

Dark Ironspot

Dark Ironspot

Design Requirements: Grading: The surrounding green space should not be sloped to drain over paved surfaces. Cross slopes on paved surfaces should provide positive drainage to storm water collection inlets and not exceed ADA standards. Intersection Alignment: Intersecting concrete pathways should come together to form smooth and flowing intersections eliminating any small angular landscape ar- eas and providing easy turning for wheeled vehicles and pedestrians. Small planter cut outs should also be avoided within paved areas unless they are part of a larger design gesture within the surrounding landscape. Snow Removal and De-icing: Vehicles used for snow removal should be at least 2 feet narrower than the pathway. Apply deicing materials only when temperatures are rising.

Planting Site Diagram

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Chroma Design Inc.

University of Nebraska - Kearney Campus Landscape Master Plan

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