Michigan State University Extension
Tourism Educational Materials - 33509756
06/06/02
Site Development Process
List of files and visuals associated with this text.
Extension Bulletin E-1252
Michigan State University
Cooperative Extension Service
Nov 1978
Prepared by Gaylan A. Rasmussen, Extension Specialist,
Dept of Parka and Recreation Resources and Alicia Bleil,
student assistant
The site development process is a step by step, integrated
procedure. The more you are aware of the process, the more
responsive the final design. For our purposes, the
individual or agency primarily responsible for the
planning and development of a site will be referred to as
the "owner" or "agency."
This brochure details the responsibilities of both the
planner and the owner, so that the two can effectively
work together for the best solution. If each is sensitive
to the other's skills and responsibilities, duplication of
work and expense (in time and money) can be avoided.
This is a guide, not a checklist. Once you use this
process - it will change as you adapt it to your needs. It
is important to decide what information is relevant to
each individual site. Setting priorities at the start will
save effort and expense and avoid confusion. Look over the
flow chart first, then read the detailed discussion.
Reference books are included for acquiring more
information.
(Vis. 1)
DISCUSSION OF THE STAGES OF THE DEVELOPMENT - See the
center section. (Vis. 2)
(Vis. 3)
A. RESEARCHING EXISTING DATA
Background Information. Without accurate information, no
realistic planning decisions can be made. Some information
can be gathered by the agency- some data inventory is best
left to the planner or consultant. If the agency can
provide much of the data, the planner will spend less time
(and money) on background material.
la. Legal Descriptions: Legal documents describing the
site should be prepared or examined to clarify terms of
payment, services included, allowable uses of property,
restrictions on development, etc.
lb. Utility Drawings: "As Built" drawings are contract or
legal documents identifying the location, capacity,
condition, etc. of the finished construction. The
location of all utilities is shown. Utilities are the
infrastructure of the site and cannot be ignored.
1c. Control Drawings: These maps tie aerial surveys and
ground surveys together It is important that those
gathering this material are experienced and qualified.
Poor mapping can result in higher costs and serious
problems later.
1d. Past Studies: All studies done on, around or affecting
the site are valuable in determining past recommendations,
public thinking, past proposals, etc. Establish a
checklist of the pertinent information and list agencies
and personnel best suited to help you.
B. ORGANIZING DATA PROGRAM
These steps are generally done at the same time. Both
survey drawings and program data can be obtained from the
agency or owner.
2. Survey Drawings: Existing data has been Gathered and
now must be organized and checked. The location,
condition, capacity, use, value, etc. of existing and
proposed structures, circulation, natural features,
vegetation, contours, etc. should be field checked.
Personal observations are as important as pure data
gathered during field checks and should be recorded as
such.
3. Program Data: Much of this information must be gathered
by the agency so that the consultant or planner can better
meet the owner's needs and expectations. Here are a few
points to consider: What are the needs of the community?
What is your directed market? Can the community support
the program? What are the goals and objectives of the
agency?
Define both short and long range objectives. Define the
user and establish the performance criteria for each type
of activity,
To set realistic goals, raise capital funds, and operate
facilities, you should carefully evaluate both the
economic profile and financial capability.
C. ANALYSIS
4. Program Analysis: The data has been gathered - the
decision must be made concerning the activities and
performance criteria. Performance criteria are a basis
from which the planner models the design. Guidelines must
be established to locate the best site for an activity or
best function for the site. Program analysis should
include both operations and maintenance since both are
essential elements.
5. Area Analysis: Here are a few of the questions to be
answered: What are the economic characteristics of the
planning area? What are the estimated capital development
and operational costs for both existing and planned
facilities? Will it be funded by user fees, grants,
operational income or a combination of the above? What are
the effects of zoning economics, politics, etc. on the
program and site?
6. Site Analysis: Existing conditions and generated data
are plotted and/or verified by inspecting the site.
Natural stream, vegetation, soil patterns, etc. are
documented along with the utility lines, structures,
views, etc. This is generally done by the planner, but the
owner can, and should, have valuable input.
D. SITE STRUCTURE
7. Schematic Synthesis Studies: The agency makes its final
development decisions by comparing several alternative
solutions. These are generally quick sketches that show a
variety of schemes to meet program requirements. The
planner should have a rationale for each solution, and be
able to clarify why and how they differ. During the first
presentations, both the planner and the owner should work
closely together for maximum input and feedback.
E. DESIGN
8. Preliminary Design: The preliminary solution is usually
quickly prepared, like the alternatives were. The agency
and consultant should meet again to discuss and evaluate
not only its functional effectiveness and efficiency, but
also the design uniqueness. An attractive and imaginative
plan should lead to the refined plan.
F. CONTRACT OR LEGAL DOCUMENTS
9. Final Design: The planner meets with the owner to
discuss the design solutions. Based on this meeting, where
the final design is thoroughly assessed against the
program requirements, the designer begins the last phases
of the work - preparing the technical drawings and
specifications necessary for construction.
The drawings and specifications are legal documents and an
easily executed and well-constructed project depends on
thorough contract documents. The planner prepares two sets
of drawings: design drawings and construction drawings.
Depending on the complexity of the design project, a
complete set of working drawings would include some or all
of the drawings listed in the flow chart.
G. FOLLOW UP
10. Implementation: the final phase. The implementation
tasks ensure the proper construction and continued
usability of the project. This stage consists of:
pre-construction - advertisement and bidding procedures;
construction and supervision of contractors; payments, and
the preparation of the maintenance guide. An agency may be
involved in part of the implementation but many of the
tasks require the planner or consultant.
The safe and successful operation of any project depends
upon maintenance. The maintenance program should begin
with the initial planning and is finalized at this stage.
11. Evaluation: Evaluation takes place in several phases
and to different degrees: immediate, ongoing and periodic.
This leads to effective expansion and/or alteration of the
project. Immediate evaluation follows construction in
comparing objectives with results. Ongoing evaluation
evolves from the daily maintenance and cost records and
period evaluation can be set up at different intervals of
time for differing objectives. Sources and methods of
evaluation as well as the objectives and goals of the
agency should be carefully studies to achieve a successful
program.
Summary: As the owner and/or agency understanding
increases, the effectiveness of communication increases.
This information is for educational purposes only. References
to commercial products or trade names does not imply
endorsement by MSU Extension or bias against those not
mentioned. This information becomes public property upon
publication and may be printed verbatim with credit to MSU
Extension. Reprinting cannot be used to endorse or advertise
a commercial product or company.
This file was generated from data base TD on 09/30/03.
Data base TD was last revised on 06/06/02.
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