Rezoning will pave way for venue with playing fields, shelter next to Falls Crossing

Plans are moving forward for the creation of a new park that would provide basketball, baseball, tennis and other recreation facilities on the Village of Grafton’s south side.

The Plan Commission on Tuesday recommended rezoning for park use the northern half of a 20-acre parcel the village owns adjacent to the Falls Crossing subdivision off Port Washington Road. The parcel, which is south of Falls Road and west of Port Washington Road,
has been earmarked for park development in the village’s parks and recreation plan.

In a report to the commission, Village Planner Mary Kay Buratto said a concept plan calls for construction of a number of park amenities, including basketball and tennis courts, baseball and soccer/football fields, a small playground and shelter.

The park would have an access road off a proposed street connection through the subdivision.

The concept plan includes a parking area with 26 vehicle spaces. However, Buratto said that based on the proposed recreational uses, the village zoning ordinance requires at least 67 parking stalls — including 60 for the baseball and soccer/football fields.

The concept plan also calls for the access road to separate the parking area from the playground and playing fields, which could result in traffic and pedestrian safety problems, she noted.

Buratto recommended that the village’s Parks and Recreation Department be asked to prepare a new concept plan providing options to resolve space and safety concerns associated with the parking layout. “When those site issues have been addressed, detailed plans may
be submitted to the Plan Commission for site plan review,” she said.

Burrato said the layout of the park appears to work well on the site, and “the choices of recreational opportunities should meet the outdoor recreational needs of south-side residents.”

The 10 acres are currently zoned as an agricultural holding district. The Village Board is expected to consider the zoning change in January.

Only half of the 20-acre parcel is earmarked for rezoning at this time, Buratto said, because that amount of land should be enough to serve residents.

“As the population in this area continues to grow, the sale and development of the remaining 10 acres will occur,” she said.

Comments (0)

Subscribe to this comment's feed