ABSTRACT

A guide for the site development of the

Talkeetna Public Library and Resource Center

Prepared for Friends of the Talkeetna

TALKEETNA PUBLIC Library by Earthscape LLC

LIBRARY AND
COMMUNITY RESOURCE
CENTER
Site Master Plan, May 30, 2017
1 CONTENTS
2 Talkeetna Public Library/Community Resource Center ........................................................................ 2
2.1 Introduction .................................................................................................................................. 2
2.2 Master Plan Purpose ..................................................................................................................... 2
2.2.1 Site Plan Principles ................................................................................................................ 3
2.3 Site Features ................................................................................................................................. 4
2.3.1 Terrain ................................................................................................................................... 4
2.3.2 Drainage/Water Features ..................................................................................................... 4
2.3.3 Vegetation ............................................................................................................................. 5
2.3.4 Adjacent Properties .............................................................................................................. 5
2.4 Program......................................................................................................................................... 6
2.4.1 Memorial Garden .................................................................................................................. 6
2.4.2 Greenhouse ........................................................................................................................... 6
2.4.3 Community Garden ............................................................................................................... 6
2.4.4 Amphitheater ........................................................................................................................ 6
2.4.5 Conversation Areas ............................................................................................................... 6
2.4.6 Playground ............................................................................................................................ 7
2.4.7 Literary Trail .......................................................................................................................... 7
2.4.8 Disc Golf ................................................................................................................................ 7
2.4.9 Basketball .............................................................................................................................. 7
2.4.10 Bicycle Terrain Park ............................................................................................................... 7
2.4.11 Trail Connection .................................................................................................................... 7
2.5 Siting Recommendations .............................................................................................................. 8
2.5.1 Memorial Garden .................................................................................................................. 8
2.5.2 Greenhouse ........................................................................................................................... 8
2.5.3 Community Garden ............................................................................................................... 8
2.5.4 Amphitheater ........................................................................................................................ 8
2.5.5 Conversation Areas ............................................................................................................... 9
2.5.6 Playground ............................................................................................................................ 9
2.5.7 Literary Trail .......................................................................................................................... 9
2.5.8 Disc Golf ................................................................................................................................ 9
2.5.9 Basketball ............................................................................................................................ 10
 2.5.10 Bicycle Terrain Park ............................................................................................................. 10
2.5.11 Trail Connection .................................................................................................................. 10
2.6 Master Plan Drawings ................................................................................................................. 11

2 TALKEETNA PUBLIC LIBRARY/COMMUNITY RESOURCE CENTER

2.1 INTRODUCTION
This document is a guide to site improvements appropriate for the Talkeetna Public Library which also
serves as a Community Resource Center for residents of Chase, Talkeetna, Susitna North, and remote
residents along the Alaska Railroad and the Talkeetna/Susitna/Chulitna Rivers system. This facility is
referred to as “the library” in this report. The library was constructed in 2015 and is located
approximately two miles south of “downtown” Talkeetna, on the Talkeetna Spur.

The library is located approximately 100 yards

off of the Talkeetna Spur roadway. It is in the
southwest corner of a wooded 36-acre parcel
and is housed in a modern wood frame
building of approximately 7,840 square feet.
Land where the library is located is gently
rolling and the library is sited in an area that
was cut into the landscape providing a scenic
setting for the library.

The library offers books, computers, meeting

rooms, and quiet restive spaces, primarily
located indoors. While this serves many
purposes, library staff and “Friends of the
Figure 1 Talkeetna Library Entrance
Talkeetna Library” would like to expand the
offerings in order that the library would become a more important part of the community.

This master plan was developed by visiting the site and determining assets and challenges that were
provided by the site. A working meeting was held with stakeholders that included library staff,
Matanuska-Susitna Borough Parks maintenance staff, and “Friends of the Talkeetna Library.” From that
meeting, site planning principles and a program were developed to guide the master plan development.

2.2 MASTER PLAN PURPOSE

This master plan is intended to provide a program of uses on the site that will facilitate public use of the
Talkeetna Pubic Library and Community Resource Center. Programmed uses should complement
existing uses and enhance public access. The programmed uses should be arranged to be sustainable
and should connect among one another and to the existing building. To this end, several “site planning
principles” were defined by stakeholders.

2.2.1 Site Plan Principles

2.2.1.1 Sustainability
Operations and maintenance budgets for the facility tend to be minimal. Thus, maintenance needs for
program elements must recognize limitations of budgets and must rely heavily on the efforts of
volunteers. The following key considerations are important to sustainability of the library.

2.2.1.1.1 Simplicity of Maintenance

Maintenance must be simple and should not demand specialized tools or materials. Materials should
be used that have long-life, not demanding continual maintenance.

2.2.1.1.2 Create Volunteer Opportunities

Program components and the construction of those components should be conceived such that
individual program pieces can be “adopted”. The program pieces should also have relevancy and entice
volunteers to donate time.

2.2.1.1.3 Recognize Limitations of Volunteers

The components should not be involved or technically challenging. Many volunteers are either retired
or are mothers/fathers with limited resources and time. The upkeep of program components should be
of a scale and size that maintenance can be handled without reliance on technical training or skilled
labor.

2.2.1.2 Literary Basis

The program components should have relevancy to the library and community resource functions. The
site is not intended to be used for general recreation uses except to the extent that those uses may
promote use of the library or its common areas. Recreation activities are appropriate, if a) the activity
can have reference to literature, b) serve a valid community resource function by being the site, or c) by
its use, increase interest in and use of the library.

2.2.1.3 Connections between Activities

The site plan should provide logical connections between activities but also should allow sight lines
between the activities and the library and those activities, to the degree possible. Doing so increases
safety and security. Also, having activities relate to one another improves flow between them and
simplifies maintenance.

2.2.1.4 Multi-Generational
Program components should meet the multi-generational needs of the community. As a “community
resource center”, the library should allow families to visit and offer “something for everyone” so that
families are motivated to visit the library and spend time exploring the library and site. In this context,
“more is more” is a consideration with respect to what activities to include.
2.2.1.5 Create Ownership by Community
The site should be developed in a manner that increases ownership of those pieces by the community.
In doing so, the longevity and maintenance of the facilities can be better assured. This can be done by a
number of methods:

• Planning and design of components by community members

• Construction by user groups, particularly by those who will be using the facility
• Recognition of donations in public media and by plaques/plates with names of those donating
materials or labor.
• On-going communication with the community to let them know of the “good things happening
at the library.”

2.3 SITE FEATURES

The site provides a wooded peaceful setting that provides some limitations but many opportunities for
improvements beneficial to the library and community.

2.3.1 Terrain
Terrain is gently rolling with a high elevation
above mean sea level of approximately 435
feet along the western border, and an
elevation of approximately 420 feet above
mean sea level for much of the rest of the
site, including along the Talkeetna Spur. The
library building is at elevation 415 feet. The
exception to this relatively level site is a lake
and wetland complex located in the
center/center-north of the site. The lake and
associated wetlands are at approximate
elevation 390 feet. The eastern edge of the
site drops abruptly to the lake/wetland
margin. The land on the southern and
western sides drop to the lake and wetlands
more gently.

2.3.2 Drainage/Water Features

Almost all runoff, other than that from the
Figure 2 Hillshade View of Library Site
Talkeetna Spur, drains to a small 4.6 acre
pond located in the north/center of the site.
Approximately 1/3 of the lake is on the library property, with another 2/3 of the lake being on an
adjacent property to the north that is also owned by the Matanuska-Susitna Borough. The lake has an
additional 2.7 acres of associated wetland to the south that is fully on library property. The lake and
wetland complex appears to be a remnant “pothole lake” created at the retreat of the last glacial
period. It does not have an outlet and it is assumed that the lake level is controlled by the amount of
runoff to the lake relative to the drainage into soils allowed by the underlying permeable soil
formations.
2.3.3 Vegetation
Vegetation is primarily upland mixed forest,
except where wetland areas are located.
Deciduous trees include birch and
cottonwood. Evergreen include both white
and black spruce. Shrub understory primarily
includes high-bush cranberry and Devil’s club
with some blueberry and other shrubs.
Groundcovers include low bush cranberry and
bearberry, in addition to many other
perennial plants.

Wetland plants include sedges, grasses, and

woody wetland emergent plants. Many of the
upland areas are characterized by extensive
black spruce with areas of Devil’s club. These
Figure 3 Typical Site Vegetation
areas may be indicative of wet areas that may
have fine-grained soils that do not percolate water well, leaving them wet for extensive periods of time.

2.3.4 Adjacent Properties

Adjacent properties are a mix of private and
publicly-held lands. The Matanuska-Susitna
Borough owns lands to the north and east. A
22-acre borough parcel to the north is not
developed and includes the earlier mentioned
small pond. It has a “flag lot” attachment to
the Talkeetna Spur which assures vehicular
access if and when it might be needed. That
flag lot piece coincides with the entrance to
the library parking lot from Talkeetna Spur.
The 66-acre borough parcel to the east
Figure 4 Neighboring Properties
includes a maintenance building used by
parks and street maintenance. It is not visible
from the library except at the far eastern boundary of the property.

An 18-acre privately-held parcel is located northeast of the library parcel, directly north of the parcel
where the maintenance building is located. Likewise, a parcel to the west of the library parcel is owned
by CATC Alaska Tourism Corporation. That parcel is associated with Talkeetna Alaskan Lodge, a
hotel/lodge development to the northwest of the library. A 160-acre private parcel is also located south
of the library, across the Talkeetna Spur.

Talkeetna Lakes Park is located across COMSAT Road, east of the borough maintenance building parcel.
The parcel is a 1,189-acre open space composed of numbers of lakes with over 8 miles of winter and
summer use trails that thread through the trees.
 2.4 PROGRAM
The stakeholder group reviewed numbers of possible uses that could be appropriate to the library site’s
development.

2.4.1 Memorial Garden

An existing memorial garden is located to the
south of the main building. Currently, the
garden area consists of a short trail, two
benches, and some perennial plantings/woody
ornamental shrubs. The Friends of the
Talkeetna Library have numbers of trees that
they would like to add to the garden, partially
in the interest of creating shade on the south
side of the library building.

2.4.2 Greenhouse
Annual plantings are a feature of the library
that are greatly appreciated by the public.
Many annuals are grown in a greenhouse
located on the second floor of the borough
Figure 5 Memorial Garden
maintenance building located on the parcel to
the east. That space, however, could better be
used for other purposes and borough parks staff would like a greenhouse constructed at the library site
that would provide a location for growing the annuals, perhaps expanding the ability to increase annual
plantings around the site. Also, if there were a greenhouse on the site, it would be easier for volunteers
to handle growing and planting operations, something that is precluded at the current growing location.

2.4.3 Community Garden

A community garden would provide a location for those who reside in wooded locations or on small lots
in the Talkeetna residential neighborhood to grow vegetables in a location with sun and access to water.
The garden would also offer an opportunity for classes and sharing of knowledge about growing plants.

2.4.4 Amphitheater
A location is needed that would provide for storytelling, education, and small plays/productions. In
particular, an amphitheater would provide an opportunity to connect storytelling to library resources.
The amphitheater should provide for seating of approximately 50-75 people.

The amphitheater should have a modest size concrete-paved area at the ‘stage’ location. This paved
area should serve as an apron usable for chalk drawing or games that need an outside paved surface.

2.4.5 Conversation Areas

Many view the library as a convenient location to exchange information and “catch up” with respect to
local news. Conversation areas should be established that allow small groups to assemble separately
and for groups to self-sort. As an example, this would provide the ability for teens to have their own
conversations separate from adults in a comfortable and safe setting, visible from the library.
2.4.6 Playground
Many local residents rely on the library as a diversion to their day as they run chores away from home.
Often this is with children in tow, complicating the ability to spend “quality time” at the library. A
playground would provide a diversion for young children while adults spend time perusing books and
the Internet. The playground does not need to be large, and it is not intended to supplant the
playground located near the “old” library site. Play functions should be geared to younger children,
possibly with equipment for 2-5 year olds and for 5-8 year olds. Importantly, the playground should be
easily viewed from the library windows.

2.4.7 Literary Trail

An existing ¼ mile trail north of the library building provides a loop that offers views of the lake and into
the forest. The trail provides an opportunity for a “literary trail” that could include nodes that feature
particular writers or quotes appropriate to the setting. It could also be flexible with changeable
displays. This would encourage visitors to return to see what writers are featured on a periodic basis.

One opportunity a “Literary Trail” presents is to couple the trail with art and use local artists to fabricate
pieces that embrace specific book titles or subject matter. This approach could be geared to younger
talent that would fabricate pieces that have some current relevance to youth.

Another opportunity might be to couple the Literary Trail with a Fitness Trail, so that users have another
reason to use the trail.

2.4.8 Disc Golf

Engaging youth is a difficult challenge for libraries. Young students often view libraries as places of
tedium, associating libraries with due dates, term papers, and essays. To entice a broader array of youth
to the library, consideration should be given to the development of a disc golf course on the site. With
the course on site, parents could peruse books and the Internet while youth play disc golf. Also, while
young people wait for playing partners or for parents to pick them up, they have the opportunity to
discover library resources.

2.4.9 Basketball
As with disc golf, a basketball court would provide an area for youth to assemble and play while parents
use the library or attend meetings. The court could be half-court, but should be paved and lined.

2.4.10 Bicycle Terrain Park

Bicycle terrain parks are highly desirable by youth and some younger adults. While there are challenges
with respect to possibilities of injuries and liability, as with other activities such as skiing, it would be
appropriate to designate a space for a terrain park in available acreage. This again, provides yet one
more reason for youth to visit the library facilities.

2.4.11 Trail Connection

The library should be connected to other public facilities and parklands to the maximum degree
possible. Given the proximity of Talkeetna Lakes Park, a narrow non-motorized trail connection should
be provided to the corner of COMSAT Road and the Talkeetna Spur.
2.5 SITING RECOMMENDATIONS
The master plan drawing is shown in Section 2.6. Following are siting recommendations.

2.5.1 Memorial Garden

The Memorial Garden should be expanded with additional plantings and places for annual plantings,
taking advantage of the possibilities presented by the greenhouse. The existing location is appropriate
and should be continued. As suggested by the stakeholders, trees should be planted to shield the library
building from the southern sun. Recognizing that moose can be a problem for most trees, the trees
should have unobtrusive wire cages constructed to protect the trees until their trunks are of 2-1/2
inches diameter.

2.5.2 Greenhouse
A greenhouse should be constructed on the
south side of the existing storage shed that is
located to the west of the library building.
The existing storage shed is on temporary
“mud sill” foundations and subject to
seasonal movement due to frost heaves. The
greenhouse should be constructed of a
similar technique and the two structures
should be joined in a manner that recognizes
seasonal ground movement will take place.

2.5.3 Community Garden

The community garden should be located to
Figure 6 Greenhouse Location the north of the library building, in a level
area within sight of the library windows. That
area appears to have reasonable soils for growing plants as indicated by a healthy stand of upland
forest. The creation of the garden will require some clearing to enable southern and western exposure,
important for growing plants.

2.5.4 Amphitheater
The amphitheater should be located on the slope, north side of the library building. This will allow a
southern exposure. Also, access would be available directly from the northwestern building entrance.
This facilitates access and would also function for small productions, with the “green room” located just
inside the exterior door.

A paved apron at the door, perhaps 15’ x 20’, should be provided as a ‘stage’ for the amphitheater. This
apron should also serve for chalk drawings and for outdoor games that need a paved surface.

For all development on the north side of the building, caution should be paid to snow that could slide
from the roof in the winter. While clips are installed to retard snow slides, space along the north side of
the building should be provided to catch drip and a possible snow slide/avalanche from the roof.
2.5.5 Conversation Areas
Conversation areas should be constructed to
the north and northeast of the library
building. These should tie to, and feed from
the existing concrete slab patio on the
northeast corner. There should be one
relatively larger area, and one or two smaller
conversation areas that are fully visible but
semi-private (with plantings or possibly
planters) for conversations.

2.5.6 Playground
A playground should be nestled on the north
side of the library building, providing some
separation between the amphitheater and
Figure 7 Conversation Areas Viewed from Existing the conversation areas. It should also be
located adjacent to and below the community
garden. It should have two play areas, geared
to age groups. They should be located
adjacent to one another, fully visible from the
interior of the library.

2.5.7 Literary Trail

The existing ¼-mile trail should be improved
to allow 6-10 nodes that provide seating and a
display that lends itself to inclusion of
literature/interpretive material. It should be
flexible to allow changing of content to keep
the trail interesting to users. The nodes could
also include fitness features that would
provide yet more incentive to use the trail.
Figure 8 Literary Trail-Trailhead

2.5.8 Disc Golf

A disc golf course could be located to take advantage of the site. The course should provide six holes to
the east of the library building, and three holes to the north, within sight of the Literary Trail, but with
separation to prevent errant discs from hitting trail users. Having the six and three hole layouts provides
some flexibility but also increases the amount of time that users are observable from the library.

As much as any other element, the disc golf course should be created with input to the design by youth.
They should also be instrumental in the construction of the course. Doing so increases their ownership
and protection. Because there will be a requirement for some maintenance to keep vegetation low,
there will also be incentive for youth to provide the maintenance if it they have ownership.
While wholesale clearing is not necessary for the course, the terrain, tree deadfalls, and dense, low
shrubs will require some equipment to open the forest so that players can move from tee to target.
Thus, the work cannot be done fully by youth.
However, it is a good opportunity for youth to
shape and help construct the course.

2.5.9 Basketball
The existing parking lot should be expanded
slightly to the east to allow the construction of
an apron with a basketball goal. The court
need only be half-court but should provide a
good surface for dribbling. The expanded
area could provide for basketball on a routine
basis, but allow expansion for parking purpose
when parking demand is high.

Figure 9 Existing Parking from Basketball Area

2.5.10 Bicycle Terrain Park

A bicycle terrain park should be located relatively near the main building, in the sloping area south of
the lake. The specific facilities of the terrain park should be determined based on user input, particularly
given that bikes designs are evolving and bike facilities are changing as well. The terrain park should be
developed with input by borough legal and parks/recreation personnel to address requirements for
personal protection such as helmets, and for notification of “inherent risks” associated with the activity.

2.5.11 Trail Connection

A trail connection between the main building and the corner of COMSAT Road and the Talkeetna Spur
should be located relatively near the existing utility corridor that parallels the Talkeetna Spur. The trail
should be narrow with sharp turns to dissuade motorized use.
2.6 MASTER PLAN DRAWINGS