Golden Gate landscape pilot targets Dixie Highway medians, pocket park and community touchpoint in October

Joy Barica, program manager for Martin County CRA, presented the Golden Gate landscape vision pilot project during the CRA meeting July 28 and said the effort will develop a corridor design for Southeast Dixie Highway and nearby side streets including Bonita, Clayton, Del Mar and Birch Avenue.

Barica said the project is intended as a pilot to inform landscape design across CRA areas and described findings from consultant field work: several crosswalks are sunken and dark-colored, collecting water and reducing contrast; flashing crosswalk lights appear inoperable; signage and banners are often obscured by tree canopy; median planter areas are too small for existing trees; and Birch Avenue has been cleared of invasive vegetation and remains in a natural state.

She said the consultant has completed data collection and conceptual design and will prepare cost estimates, phasing recommendations and construction documents. The next steps include a survey to be distributed by Constant Contact and a community touchpoint event planned for late October that will include booths showing initial design concepts, a family barbecue coordinated with the Boys & Girls Club and a native-plant giveaway coordinated with nonprofits.

Barica said the pilot will test design elements that fit Golden Gates character; subsequent CRA areas will receive tailored plans. She asked CRA members and residents to forward comments and site observations to staff as the design advances.