Paynes Prairie Preserve
S T A T E P A R K
Visitor Center Improvements
Phase 1 Conceptual Design Report
DEP Contract RP720
Submitted to:
Department of Environmental Protection
Tallahassee, Florida
Submitted by:
Content Design Collaborative LLC
Scituate, Massachusetts
Cover photo by Marijka Willis
Partners
“Literally, thousands of Sandhill Cranes come
south to Paynes Prairie and the surrounding fields
in Gainesville for the Winter. It may have been a
record. Over 5,000 Cranes where counted. What
a great sight to see these birds and to hear them.
Their honking can be heard for miles. I can’t wait to
see them again.”
Florida Department of Environmental Protection
observations by Marijka Willis,
The La Chua Trail, Paynes Prairie Preserve,
January 2009
Florida Scenic Highway
Florida Park Service
National Scenic Byways Program
Florida Department of Transportation
Old Florida Heritage Highway
Friends of Paynes Prairie, Inc.
This project was made possible because of the support and cooperation of the following
Table of Contents
Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
2
Connecting People to Place. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
4
Architectural Improvements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
Exhibit and Interior Plans . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
Area 1.0 Site Identity . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
Area 2.0 & 3.0 Welcome & Naturalists Nook. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12
Area 4.0 Witness to Change Theater . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14
Area 5.0 Living With Change Gallery. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18
Area 6.0 Life on the Edge Gallery. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22
Area 7.0 Alachuan Rhythms. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24
Budget and Schedule. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25, 26
Paynes Prairie Visitor Center – Phase I: Conceptual Design Report • 2010
1
Introduction
Public meetings gave the
community, staff and volunteers an
opportunity to shape the exhibit
plan to meet their needs.
During numerous site visits,
workshops, and public meetings,
the consultants learned about
the significance of Paynes Prairie,
including observing the healthy
effects of a prescribed burn.
2
Paynes Prairie Visitor Center – Phase I: Conceptual Design Report • 2010
The Project
Winner of the Governor’s Award for Architectural Design in 1981, the Alachua
Savannah Visitor Center is intended to serve as an information and orientation
portal for visitors to Paynes Prairie, the local community, and travelers on the
Old Florida Heritage Highway. In its present state, the visitor center is unable to
effectively and efficiently deliver on its overall function as an “information and
orientation portal” in the following ways:
• The present exhibits are worn, outdated, and uninspiring.
• Use of the interior space is inefficient, and in many cases does not meet
American with Disabilities Act (ADA) standards.
• The visitor center auditorium has been under utilized in terms of its large size,
and the audio-visual equipment used in daily video presentations is obsolete.
• Retail items have invaded the exhibit space competing for visitors’ attention and
diluting the exhibits’ messages.
• The information desk is chest-high and forms a barrier between staff and the
visitor. This structural impediment works against the need for welcoming and
sharing that should take place at this critical location.
Goals of the Project
• Create a Final Design Plan for engaging and interactive, interpretive exhibits
that will attract local residents and tourists, and inspire repeat visitation.
• Address the project themes on the next page.
• Suggest creative, efficient use of the interior space.
• Approach design with environmentally conscious and sensitive methods.
• Provide a way-finding plan that integrates satellite locations across
Paynes Prairie Preserve State Park.
Process
• Funding for Phase I: Conceptual Design and Phase II: Design Development
has been provided through a National Scenic Byways Grant with assistance
from the Florida Department of Transportation, Florida Department of
Environmental Protection, and the Friends of Paynes Prairie. Funding is
currently being sought for Phase III: Fabrication and Implementation.
• This Conceptual Design Report has been developed as a guide for future design
and implementation of this exciting and much needed project. Specific design
elements included are for illustration only.
Paynes Prairie Visitor Center – Phase I: Conceptual Design Report • 2010
3
The Visitor
Connecting People and Place
4
Paynes Prairie Visitor Center – Phase I: Conceptual Design Report • 2010
Content Plan
Area 8 Trail interpretation
Area 7
Alachuan Rhythms
Area 6
Life on the Edge
Area 5
Living With Change
Area 4
Witness to Change
Rack
19 x 24
Area 3
Naturalists
Nook
Area 2 Welcome
Area 1 Building Approach
1.2 Trail
directional sign
1.1 Building
identification
Paynes Prairie Visitor Center – Phase I: Conceptual Design Report • 2010
5
Architectural Plan
and Visitor Flow
E
D
F
C
Rack
19 x 24
Major Architectural Improvements
B
A Remove existing counter and redistribute
load to remove vertical support posts.
A
B Remove existing cases, finish area,
extend floor, relocate vent.
C Fill and level floor, raise ceiling height,
add acoustic material.
D Relocate wall.
E Extend gallery space, add roof, glass
window wall.
F Staff area improvements.
G Restrooms are to be evaluated for
ADA compliance.
6
Paynes Prairie Visitor Center – Phase I: Conceptual Design Report • 2010
G
Architectural
Improvements
Space Allocation
340 sf
Gallery extension
780 sf original area
1277 sf new area total
Relocate wall
New theater space
2,800
2,800 square
square feet
feet(sf)
(sf)total
totalbuilding
buildingarea
areaincluding
includingexterior
interiorwalls
walls
2,800 square feet (sf)
total building Circulation
area includingExhibit
interior walls
Mechanical
Mechanical
83 sf 3%
Storage
54 sf 2%
Staff
340 sf 12%
83 sf 3%
Storage
54 sf 2%
Staff
340 sf 12%
510 sf 18%
Circulation
Information
154sf
sf 6%
510
18%
Facilities
287 sf 10%
Information
154 sf 6%
1290 sf 46%
Exhibit
1290 sf 46%
Theater
444 sf 16%
Theater
444 sf 16%
Facilities
Prairie Visitor Center – Phase I: Conceptual Design Report • 2010
287 sfPaynes
10%
7
Exhibit Plan
Area 8
Trail interpretation
7.9 Water
on the Land
8.1 Trailhead
Area 3.0 Naturalists Nook
Changeable map and sign-in area.
7.4 Literature
7.3 Graphic/audio
sequence identifier
7.8 Interactive
watershed map
Area 1.0 Building Approach
Parking site orientation, directional
signage, and building identification.
Area 2.0 Welcome Area
Visitor welcome desk and
merchandise area.
Area 7
Alachuan Rhythms
7.2 Seating
7.1 Audio hardware
6.43 Hammock
interactive
Area 6
Life on the Edge
6.42 Pinelands
and fire
interactive
7.6 Visitors Gallery
6.33 Hammock diorama
6.4 Interactive
stations
Area 4.0 Witness to Change
Multi-use theater space.
6.3 Representative
ecosystems
6.41 Basin marsh
interactive
5.4 Top predator
alligator
6.6 Low profile
moveable case
5.3 The Raft
6.31 Basin
marsh diorama
Staff/
Volunteers
5.5 Snakes
6.7 Tall mural right
3.2 Guest sign-in
and observations
Area 5.0 Living With Change
2.4
Recognition
Rack
19 x 24
5.8 How the Land Shapes Us
4.3 Projector
Area 4
Witness to Change
4.2 Media
hardware
Area 3
Naturalists Nook
Graphic exhibit cases with dimensional
species exhibit, surrounded by simple
touchable interactives.
3.1 Orientation
map wall
4.4 Seating
2.3 Reception
storage
4.5 Projection
screen
Restrooms
2.1 Reception
desk
Area 7.0 Alachuan Rhythms
Immersive audio zone with reading
material and changeable visitor gallery.
Area 2
Welcome
Area 8.0 Trailhead and Site
Interpretation
Trail interpretation adjacent to the
visitor center.
Area 1
Building Approach
Paynes Prairie Visitor Center – Phase I: Conceptual Design Report • 2010
5.1 How We Shape
the Land
5.7 Gopher tortoise
6.7 Tall mural left
6.2 Migration
sculpture
4.1 Marquee/
mural wall
8
Area 5
Living With Change
5.6 Sandhill cranes
6.1 Far Edges:
Beyond the Boundary
6.5 Nature
community mural
Area 6.0 Life on the Edge
Graphic mural, naturalistic dioramas
and digital and hands-on interactives
or touchables.
5.2 How Geology
Shapes the Prairie
1.3 Window lettering
2.2 Retail area
Accent color
Red Parrot
1308
Exhibit & Interior Design
Wall color
Abington Putty
HC -99
Exhibit cabinet wood finish
Interior Finish Samples
These are Benjamin Moore colors chosen both to reflect and complement the
rich green color of the environment of the Prairie.
Existing wood
Interface carpet tile
Prairie Grass
Complementary color 1
Abington Putty
HC -99
Complementary color 2
Costa Rica Blue
2064-50
Complementary color 3
Spring Valley Green
438
Exhibit Cross-section
Longitudinal section through visitor
center showing key exhibit areas.
Paynes Prairie Visitor Center – Phase I: Conceptual Design Report • 2010
9
Area 1.0 Site Identity
State Park
Sitemap
SITE MAP
City of
Gainesville
Route 441 Ecopassage Boardwalk
1 VISITOR CENTER
Paynes Prairie Preserve
Open Daily, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
121
441
8
2 CONES DIKE TRAIL
9
75
6 BOLEN BLUFF TRAIL
2.5 MILES ROUND TRIP
Our award-winning Visitor Center
contains exhibits and a video
illustrating the cultural history and
natural significance of Paynes Prairie.
Also enjoy a 50ʼ observation tower.
This is the place to learn more about
Exploring the Preserve.
2082
Bike and foot traffic. Named after a family of
pioneer settlers, this trail is a shady loop with a
spur to a wildlife viewing platform. If lucky,
observe the wild Spanish horses or the bison
herd.
Highway 441
7 ECOPASSAGE OBSERVATION
BOARDWALK
8 MILES ROUND TRIP
Highway 441
Main Entrance
Marsh Lake
3 JACKSONS GAP
TRAIL
You are here
1.2 MILES
8 GAINESVILLEHAWTHORNE STATE
TRAIL
16 MILES ONE-WAY
Horse, bike and foot traffic. Named
after a “cracker cowmen,” this trail
passes through a shady hammock
and pine flatwoods.
7
Horse, bike, skate and foot traffic. Two lanes:
one paved, the other grassy. Overlooks of
Sweetwater basin and Alachua Lake.
Main Entrance
6
6.5 MILE LOOP TRAIL
Live Oak Hammock
Visitor Center
1
441
Multiple Trailheads
4 CHACALA TRAIL
Wet Prairie
234
2
9 LA CHUA TRAIL
Horse, bike, and foot traffic. This
level trail winds through several
biological communities. Observe
seasonal wildflowers and butterflies,
deer, bobcat, wild turkey, bald
eagles, hawks, and woodpeckers.
Main Entrance
3
5 LAKE TRAIL
LESS THAN A MILE
18
75
Bike and foot traffic. Trail starts on
boardwalk at the edge of Lake
Wauberg then passes through an
open field. Look for gopher tortoise.
5
3 MILES ROUND TRIP
Foot traffic only. Trail leads to Alachua Sink
and thecenter of the prairie marsh. Abundant
wildlife including alligators and migratory
sandhill cranes. Wildlife viewing platform at
trailʼs end provides a panoramic view of the
prairie basin.
Map Key
Viewing Platform
Trail
Nature Communities
4
Micanopy
Exhibit Typography
Different letterstyles were reviewed for style, legibility,
and longevity for the project
There are over 420 vertebrates identified in the
Preserve and 271 of them are birds. This
location provides only a glimpse of the diversity
in this biologically, and historically unique
natural area.
Bike and foot traffic. Sunny, long trail
through the heart of the wet prairie
marsh, “the Everglades” of Paynes
Prairie.
Basin Marsh
The visitor center is given prominence as well as
satellite locations. The Old Florida Heritage Highway
will also be indicated. Background graphic evokes
natural communities and shows proximity to the large
population center of Gainesville to the north.
Marsh Lake
Upland Mixed Forest
Basin Marsh
Upland Pine Forest
Life on the Edge
Where Land, Water & Sky Meet
Paynes Prairie Preserve
State Park
BOLEN BLUFF TRAIL
10
Viewing Platform
Second Seminole War
In 1832 the Treaty of Paynes Landing was
signed by a small number of Seminole
chiefs. it required the Seminoles give up
claims to land in Florida and resettle west
of the Mississippi River. Resistance to
resettlement led to the Second Seminole
War (1835‒1842). The first skirmish of the
war, the Battle of Black Point, occurred on
December 18, 1835 near present day
Bolen Bluff.
This 2.5-mile round trip trail is named
after a family of pioner settlers who
lived on the south rim or bluff of
Paynes Prairie. The trail passes
through a hardwood hammock
dominated by large live oaks and
follows an earthen dike to a wildlife
viewing platform.
Dramatic Change
on the Prairie
Heavy rains began to flood the prairie
basin in 1871 and by 1873 the marsh
was referred to as Alachua Lake.
Steam-powered boats transported
cotton, oranges, produce, lumber, and
passengers. One loading piont was
where todayʼs Highway 441 leaves the
prairie basin going south. It was called
Leitnerʼs Landing. In 1891 Alachua Sink
began to rapidly drain the basin and the
character of the marsh returned much to
the disappointment of fish and
fishermen alike. Today, change is still a
hallmark of Payneʼs Prairie and is critical
to the health of this unique ecosystem.
Start
Hawthrone
Trail
La Chua Trail
Ecopasssage
boardwalk
Explore!
Learn more about this 21,000+ acre
wilderness of natural and cultural
significance at the Paynes Prairie
Visitors Center.
• Trails •Exhibits • Theater
•Viewing Platform
Paynes Prairie Visitor Center – Phase I: Conceptual Design Report • 2010
You are here
Visitor Center
Smaller trailhead maps also
have historical information.
Where Land, Water & Sky Meet
This area highlights the interactive edges within the
This area highlights the interactive edges within the
Preserve where distinct ecosystems come together.
Preserve where distinct ecosystems come together. It also
It also reveals the role of fire and flood in creating
reveals the role of fire and flood in creating edge communi-
edge communities, and the connections that Paynes
ties, and the connections that Paynes Prairie Preserve has
Prairie Preserve has to areas outside of the Preserve
to areas outside of the Preserve and even outside of the
and even outside of the state of Florida..
state of Florida.
Title: ITC Leawood Medium
Subtitle: Frutiger 46 Light Italic
Text: Kozuka Gothic Pro
Title: Kozuka Heavy
Subtitle: Ruzicka Freehand
Text: Cantoria MT Light
Wet Prairie
Trailmap and history panel
Life on the Edge
Graphic Color Palate
Inspired by colors in the surrounding flora and fauna.
Area 1.0
Site Identity
Site and Building Entry Graphic Elevations
Lettering applied
to glass
A lachua Visitor Center
Lo go Design
Hours
Daily 9:00 am to 4:00 pm
SITE MAP
State Park
Viewing Platform
This 2.5-mile round trip trail is named
after a family of pioner settlers who
lived on the south rim or bluff of
Paynes Prairie. The trail passes
through a hardwood hammock
dominated by large live oaks and
Dramatic Change
on the Prairie
Heavy rains began to flood the prairie
basin in 1871 and by 1873 the marsh
was referred to as Alachua Lake.
Steam-powered boats transported
cotton, oranges, produce, lumber, and
passengers. One loading piont was
where todayʼs Highway 441 leaves the
prairie basin going south. It was called
Leitnerʼs Landing. In 1891 Alachua Sink
began to rapidly drain the basin and the
character of the marsh returned much to
the disappointment of fish and
fishermen alike. Today, change is still a
hallmark of Payneʼs Prairie and is critical
to the health of this unique ecosystem.
City of
Gainesville
Route 441 Ecopassage Boardwalk
1 VISITOR CENTER
Open Daily, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
follows an earthen dike to a wildlife
viewing platform.
Paynes Prairie Preserve
Paynes Prairie Preserve
State Park
BOLEN BLUFF TRAIL
Second Seminole War
In 1832 the Treaty of Paynes Landing was
signed by a small number of Seminole
chiefs. it required the Seminoles give up
claims to land in Florida and resettle west
of the Mississippi River. Resistance to
resettlement led to the Second Seminole
War (1835‒1842). The first skirmish of the
war, the Battle of Black Point, occurred on
December 18, 1835 near present day
Bolen Bluff.
Start
Hawthrone
Trail
La Chua Trail
Ecopasssage
boardwalk
Explore!
Learn more about this 21,000+ acre
wilderness of natural and cultural
significance at the Paynes Prairie
Visitors Center.
• Trails •Exhibits • Theater
•Viewing Platform
You are here
Visitor Center
121
8
2 CONES DIKE TRAIL
9
75
6 BOLEN BLUFF TRAIL
2.5 MILES ROUND TRIP
Our award-winning Visitor Center
contains exhibits and a video
illustrating the cultural history and
natural significance of Paynes Prairie.
Also enjoy a 50ʼ observation tower.
This is the place to learn more about
Exploring the Preserve.
2082
441
Bike and foot traffic. Named after a family of
pioneer settlers, this trail is a shady loop with a
spur to a wildlife viewing platform. If lucky,
observe the wild Spanish horses or the bison
herd.
Highway 441
7 ECOPASSAGE OBSERVATION
BOARDWALK
8 MILES ROUND TRIP
There are over 420 vertebrates identified in the
Preserve and 271 of them are birds. This
location provides only a glimpse of the diversity
in this biologically, and historically unique
natural area.
Bike and foot traffic. Sunny, long trail
through the heart of the wet prairie
marsh, “the Everglades” of Paynes
Prairie.
Highway 441
Main Entrance
Marsh Lake
Basin Marsh
3 JACKSONS GAP
TRAIL
You are here
1.2 MILES
8 GAINESVILLEHAWTHORNE STATE
TRAIL
16 MILES ONE-WAY
Horse, bike and foot traffic. Named
after a “cracker cowmen,” this trail
passes through a shady hammock
and pine flatwoods.
7
Horse, bike, skate and foot traffic. Two lanes:
one paved, the other grassy. Overlooks of
Sweetwater basin and Alachua Lake.
Main Entrance
6
4 CHACALA TRAIL
Wet Prairie
6.5 MILE LOOP TRAIL
Live Oak Hammock
Visitor Center
441
Multiple Trailheads
1
234
2
9 LA CHUA TRAIL
Horse, bike, and foot traffic. This
level trail winds through several
biological communities. Observe
seasonal wildflowers and butterflies,
deer, bobcat, wild turkey, bald
eagles, hawks, and woodpeckers.
Main Entrance
3
5 LAKE TRAIL
LESS THAN A MILE
18
75
Bike and foot traffic. Trail starts on
boardwalk at the edge of Lake
Wauberg then passes through an
open field. Look for gopher tortoise.
5
3 MILES ROUND TRIP
Foot traffic only. Trail leads to Alachua Sink
and thecenter of the prairie marsh. Abundant
wildlife including alligators and migratory
sandhill cranes. Wildlife viewing platform at
trailʼs end provides a panoramic view of the
prairie basin.
Map Key
Viewing Platform
Trail
Nature Communities
4
Micanopy
Marsh Lake
Upland Mixed Forest
Basin Marsh
Upland Pine Forest
Wet Prairie
Sample graphic banner
These graphic banners might be used
on the site map and printed material.
Here are two of the different typographic
approaches being considered.
Secondary trailhead
1/4” = 1’ - 0”
Major trailhead
Trail map and natural and/or cultural
resources interpretation
Site map and natural and/or cultural
resources interpretation
Bolens Bluff
Highway 441 Ecopassage Boardwalk
Cones Dike and Jackson’s Gap
Visitor Center
Chacala Trail
La Chua
Lake Wauberg
Gainesville-Hawthorne Trail
(main entrance)
Campground Kiosks
Visitor Center
Gainesville-Hawthorne Trail
(destinations and overlooks)
Paynes Prairie Visitor Center – Phase I: Conceptual Design Report • 2010
11
Area 2.0 Welcome, Area 3.0 Naturalists Nook
4.1 Marquee
3.2 Sign-in book
Rack
19 x 24
2.4 Recognition
3.1 Orientation
map wall
The Visitor Center will be painted in a new color scheme
that enhances the exhibits, provides a cool restful
ambience for visitors, and works well with the large
amount of outdoor light entering the space.
6.2 Migration sculpture
1.2 Reception
storage
Agency identification
2.1 Reception desk
New entry surface
2.2 Retail area
New seating
2.2 Retail area
New seating on either side of the entry
12
Paynes Prairie Visitor Center – Phase I: Conceptual Design Report • 2010
4.1 Theater marquee graphic
2.1 New reception desk,
posts eliminated
Area 2.0 - 3.0
2.2 Retail area
Acrylic brochure and flyer unit
(12) 3 folds
(6) 8 1/2 x 11” flyers
Welcome & Naturalists Nook
Lighting at front edge
Matted photographs
11” x 14” & 16” x 20”
largest matt size
22” x 28”
“T” shirt feature
Framed photo
Post card
carrousel and
acrylic fixtures
for CD’s and
patches
Sandhill crane
models
Face out
book displays
Stacked and
sized “T”
shirts
Art/photo
“flip” carrier
for avg. 20 x 24” pieces
7'-4"
Book
inventory
Alachua Savannah Visitor Cente
Florida Department of Environmental
Protection
Paynes Prairie Preserve Visitors Center
Micanopy, Florida
Exhibit Specifications
Elevations 3/4” scale
2.1 New visitor center reception desk has an open
plan creating staff/visitor interaction. The removal of
two vertical supports are critical for this plan.
3.0 Naturalists Nook
Magnetic elements
3.1 Full wall orientation map graphic laminated to
steel for use with magnets.
Site Map
2.2 Merchandise area contains all items to be sold,
creating a clear division between exhibit and retail.
State Park
City of
Gainesville
Accessibility
121
Spatial: Increased circulation when existing artifact
cases are removed; sign-in desk is cantilevered on
wall for chair access; low section of reception desk
for wheeled or young visitors.
Visitor Center
GAINESVILLEHAWTHORNE
STATE TRAIL
441
8
1
2082
9
VISITOR CENTER
Our award-winning Visitor Center
contains exhibits and a video
illustrating the cultural history and
natural significance of Paynes
Prairie. Also enjoy a 50ʼ observation
tower. This is the place to learn
more about Exploring the Preserve.
Weather
conditions
Open Daily, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
LA CHUA
TRAIL
6
2
75
CONES DIKE TRAIL
BOLEN BLUFF TRAIL
last seen
on the
prairie
63"
2.5 miles round trip ̶ bike and
foot traffic. Named after a family of
pioneer settlers, this trail is a shady
loop with a spur to a wildlife
viewing platform. If lucky, observe
the wild Spanish horses or the
bison herd.
8 miles round trip ̶ bike and foot
traffic. Sunny, long trail through the
heart of the wet prairie marsh, “the
Everglades” of Paynes Prairie.
Main Entrance
Highway 441
3
7
Devices provided at reception desk may include audio
devices for the hard of seeing and hearing.
JACKSONS GAP TRAIL
1.2 miles ̶ horse, bike and foot
traffic. Named after a “cracker
cowmen,” this trail passes through
a shady hammock and pine
flatwoods.
CONES DIKE
TRAIL
ECOPASSAGE
OBSERVATION
BOARDWALK
2
7
Main Entrance
6
BOLEN BLUFF
TRAIL
4
1
18
LAKE
TRAIL
5
3
JACKSONʼS GAP
TRAIL
234
5
Alachua
Land Trust
meeting
Weaving
class
GAINESVILLEHAWTHORNE
STATE TRAIL
16 miles one-way ̶ horse, bike,
skate and foot traffic. Two lanes:
one paved, the other grassy.
Overlooks of Sweetwater basin and
Alachua Lake.
LAKE TRAIL
.8 miles ̶ bike and foot traffic.
Trail starts on boardwalk at the
edge of Lake Wauberg then passes
through an open field. Look for
gopher tortoise.
Main Entrance
Program
tonight
Highway 441
8
Main Entrance
VISITOR
CENTER
441
There are over 420 vertebrates
identified in the Preserve and 271
of them are birds. This location
provides only a glimpse of the
diversity in this biologically, and
historically unique natural area.
CHACALA TRAIL
6.5 mile loop trail ̶ horse, bike,
and foot traffic. This level trail
winds through several biological
communities. Observe seasonal
wildflowers and butterflies, deer,
bobcat, wild turkey, bald eagles,
hawks, and woodpeckers.
YOU ARE HERE
ECOPASSAGE
OBSERVATION
BOARDWALK
Multiple Trailheads
9
LA CHUA TRAIL
3 miles round trip ‒ foot traffic
only. Trail leads to Alachua Sink and
thecenter of the prairie marsh.
Abundant wildlife including
aligators and migratory sandhill
cranes. Wildlife viewing platform at
trailʼs end provides a panoramic
view of the prairie basin.
75
NATURAL COMMUNITIES
Marsh Lake
CHACALA
TRAIL
4
Upland Mixed Forest
Upland Pine Forest
Micanopy
Paines Prairie Preserve
Visitor Center
100 Savanna Boulevard
Micanopy, Fl 32667
3'-0"
Basin Marsh
3.1 Orientation
map wall
82 x 54
Relocate vent
Guest sign-in and observation
60 x3.239
Paynes Prairie Visitor Center – Phase I: Conceptual Design Report • 2010
Visitor sign-in
Entry to 13
Area 4.0 Witness to Change
Theater Bench
Seating options are modular with
several units providing backrests and
arm rests to provide ease of egress.
T
Alachua Savannah Visitor Center
V U
Area 7
R S
Q
Area 6
Area 5
P
G
H
E
Rack
19 x 24
F
Area 3
B A
D
N
O
Florida Department of Environmental
Protection
Paynes Prairie Preserve Visitors Center
Micanopy, Florida
M
I
J L
K
Area 4
C
4.0 Theater
Area 2
Location plan
Alachua Savannah Visitor Center
U
D
Area 5
Rack
19 x 24
F
N
O
Projector
M
I
J L
K
C
Area 4
Main gallery
looking
towards
savannah
Florida Department of Environmental
Protection
Paynes Prairie Preserve Visitors Center
Micanopy, Florida
Projector
4.0 Theater
Area 2
Projector
Projector
Photo: John Moran
14
Paynes Prairie Visitor Center – Phase I: Conceptual Design Report • 2010
4.1 Marquee/acoustic wall elevation within theater
Moveable theater seating
Theater seating
benches
Sound baffle wall
Area 4.0
Dimmed general lighting
Witness to Change
4.6 Focused overhead
audio speaker panels
Ceiling height raised
selectively to 10 feet
or more
4.7 Theatrical special effects lighting
Pattern projector
Directional speakers
Rack
19 x 24
4.5 Projection screen
Modular upholstered seating
Assisted listening device
Theater show during
water effects segment
Seating configurations
Seating for typical audience size, 10 - 16 people
Seating for school group with seating pushed
to perimeter, 40 people
Rack
19 x 24
Rack
19 x 24
Paynes Prairie Visitor Center – Phase I: Conceptual Design Report • 2010
15
Area 4.0
Theater Treatment
Photos: Dominick Martino
16
Paynes Prairie Visitor Center – Phase I: Conceptual Design Report • 2010
Paynes Prairie Visitor Center – Phase I: Conceptual Design Report • 2010
17
Area 5.0 Living With Change
5.4 Top Predator
5.8 How the Land Shapes Us
Artifacts and graphics convey the 300 generations of
human interaction with the prairie, and the impact of
the environment on humans.
New adjustable
recessed lighting
5.1 How We Shape the Land
Track segments over raft
for ease of adjustability
Shallow wall case 16’ x 4’ x 6” with base; artifacts
mounted to graphic back wall; conservation
requirements to be determined.
5.2 How Geology
Shapes the Prairie
Artifacts and graphics show how we have
affected the land, from past to present.
5.3 The Raft
5.5 Snakes
5.8 Sunny mural
5.6 Gopher tortoise
5.1 How We
Shape The Land
5.7 How The Land Shapes Us
Rack
19 x 24
Interactive stations
around perimeter of raft
GPS
Prescribed
fire drip torch
5.3 The Raft
5.2 How Geology Shapes the Prairie
Full wall mural
18
Paynes Prairie Visitor Center – Phase I: Conceptual Design Report • 2010
Visitor exiting theater
Area 5.0
Living With Change
Exhibit Specifications
5.1, 5.8: Shallow wall case 16’ x 4’ x 6” with base;
artifacts mounted to graphic back wall; conservation
requirements to be determined.
5.2: Full wall mural with at least one touchable chert
sample embedded; several simple reveal type interactives; other dimensional elements may be included.
5.3 to 5.6: Low platform, sectionable for ease of installation and maintenance; barrier to be considered
where appropriate; approx. 15 animals fabricated in
a realistic manner; three perimeter touch “stations”
revealing surprising strategies for animal and plant
survival in an always changing landscape.
Accessibility
Spatial: large open area at theater exit; path on either
side of raft is 4’ - 3”; wall cases protrude 6” but have
bases; platform is 15” high - animals will be touchable and visible to very young ages; touchable
elements at 30” with some lower.
Textural: Adequate lighting and graphics contrast
for all text and key images; possible sound recording
of textural info.
5.6 Touchable
ar­tifact
Touchable gopher
tortoise shell
5.4 Top predator
exhibit
5.41 Resin skull
reproduction
Window into hole showing a
snake taking up residence
Reach in if you dare
5.42 Alligator skin
sample
5.3 Raft
5.7 Gopher Tortoise
Current residents: sandhill crane, great blue heron, gray fox,
marsh rabbit, bobcat, otter, Ibis, bittern, puddling butterflies,
diamondback rattlesnake, banded watersnake and more.
This is a typical touchable educational exhibit at the perimeter
stations around the raft. This demonstrates the way other
animals use the gopher tortoise’s burrow.
Paynes Prairie Visitor Center – Phase I: Conceptual Design Report • 2010
19
N
M
8'-6"
Area 7
R S
Q
Area 6
Area 5
P
N
O
Florida Department of Environmental
Protection
Paynes Prairie Preserve Visitors Center
Micanopy, Florida
Area 5.0 Living With Change
G
H
E
Rack
19 x 24
F
Area 3
M
I
J L
K
Area 4
Area 5: Living With Change
D
C
5.2 How Geology
Shapes
the Prairie
B A
5.1 How We Shape the Land
Area 2
Combination of background diagram illustration
with embedded touchables and question/answer
Location
plan or flaps.
sliders
5.7 Early Culture
to Cowmen
Content for this area is evolving, but the format will be a shallow
case with graphics and artifacts in a time-linear order.
Theater exit
45° wall angle
N
M
How We Shape the Land
8'-6"
1775
T
V
Digging canals
2009
walking canals
Alachua Savannah Visitor Center
U
Area 7
R S
Q
Area 6
Area 5
P
G
H
E
Rack
19 x 24
F
Area 3
B A
N
D
N
O
Florida Department of Environmental
Protection
Paynes Prairie Preserve Visitors Center
Micanopy, Florida
M
I
J L
K
Area 4
C
Area 2
5.2 How the Water Shaped the Land
Location plan
1/2” = 1’ - 0”
M
N
5.8 How the Land Shapes Us
5.1 How We Shape the Land
1/2” = 1’ - 0”
M
Design Development presentation 3 • 19 August 2010
Content for this area is evolving, but the format will be
a shallow case with graphics and artifacts in a timelinear order.
Theater exit
How the Land Shapes Us
20
1890
Theater
exit
Paynes Prairie Visitor Center – Phase I: Conceptual Design Report • 2010
O
Extended
wall
5.7 Early Culture to Cowmen
5.7 Early Culture
to Cowmen
5.7 Early Culture
to Cowmen
0
2
4
6.2 Migration Sculpture
Simple casts of migrating cranes
and other birds high overhead
further celebrate the spaciousness
of the prairie.
6.7 Tall Architectural Murals
Images depicting the spacious, wideopen expanse of the prairie will be
painted or applied directly to wall.
View is looking toward the front
entrance from exhibit gallery.
8'-1"
5.7 Early Culture
to Cowmen
Alachua Savannah Visitor Center
Florida Department of Environmental
Protection
Paynes Prairie Preserve Visitors Center
Micanopy, Florida
5.7 Early Culture
to Cowmen
"
th Change
Area 6: Life on the Edg
Photo: Jamie Sanford
Photo: Hank Conner
Paynes Prairie Visitor Center – Phase I: Conceptual Design Report • 2010
Storm mural 1
21
Area 6.0 Life on the Edge
Quote applied
directly to wall
6.2 Migration Sculpture
Simple casts of migrating cranes
and other birds
6.32
Pinelands
6.33 Hammock
Interactive stations
6.3 Ecosystems
6.1 Far Edges
Beyond the Boundary
6.31 Basin marsh diorama
6.5 Nature community mural
6.7 Storm mural
3.1 Orientation map wall
22
6.7 Tall murals
Paynes Prairie Visitor Center – Phase I: Conceptual Design Report • 2010
6.5 Nature community mural
6.1 Far Edges: Beyond the Boundary
New exit to porch
Area 6.0
Alachua Savannah
Life on the Edge
Alachua Savannah Visitor Center
Florida Department of Environmental
Protection
Basin Marsh and Sandhill
Area 6
Life on the Ed
Area 6
Life on the Edge
Sandhill and Xeric
6.3 Three case
ecosystem dioramas; each shows soil Canopy
level of Xeric
Misaligned between
Misaligned
between
(Live Oak) Hammock
cross-sections
as
well
as
animal
and
plants;
one
iPad
Basin Marsh and Sandhill
Sandhill
and Xeric
Less
sky
visible,
level
touch-screen at eachCanopy
location
(3 total) with digital
Barred Owl
of Sandhill
image scroll software.
Edge condition of
6.5 Habitat-type, wrap-around
painted mural
or direct
Canopy
level Sandhill and Xeric
Mid and lower
of Sandhill
wall graphic that highlights
edge transitions,
fire,
level of Basin
Pines succumb to
Marsh
soil conditions
and flood.
Canopy level of Xeric
(Live Oak) Hammock
Less sky visible,
Barred Owl
Edge condition of
Sandhill and Xeric
Ground level of
Sandhill
Accessibility
Mid and lower
• Spatial: 60” diameter circle provided between
level of Basin
Marsh
all
cases;
diorama
surface
at
30”
with
lower
areas
Alternating image strips
Visitor starting
rotates each at
strip17”;
independently
touch screen centers at 36”.
Pines succumb to
soil conditions
to align the ecosystem and see the edge
condition.
• Graphic Information:
6.42 Pinelands & Fire interactive
A simple digital image interactive
where a visitor slides through
uninterrupted band of one nature
community blending into another.
Hot buttons allow visitor to
enlarge details
Ground level of
Sandhill
labels and wall text will
be clearly illuminated and text will meet standards
for
contrast, if required audio description will
Sandhill community
Mid-level
be
provided.
shown
aligned
Canopy
Alternating
strips
• Interactive
Touchimage
Screens:
these will be very simple viGround
level
Visitor
rotates
each
sual programs, text labelsstrip
canindependently
be provided on screen, auto align the
ecosystem and see the edge
6.1 Nature
Communities
Interactive
dio descriptions
to sight impaired users can be provided.
6.24 Prescribed fire
slide-screen
condition.
6.31 Basin marsh diorama
Paynes Prairie Preserv
Micanopy, Florida
Paynes Prairie Preserve Visitors Center
Micanopy, Florida
Exhibit Specifications
6.1 Far Edges free-standing exhibit tower and case;
stained wood structure; non-glare glass case with
artifacts, mounts and labels; graphic panels laminated to
faces.between
Misaligned
Misaligned between
6.5 Nature communities mural
Florida Department of E
Protection
Canopy
6.41 Simple digital image interactive
Design Development presentation 2 • 5 August 2010
Sandhill community
shown aligned
6 of 6
Mid-level
Ground level
6.1 Nature Communities Interactive
Design Development presentation 2 • 5 August 2010
6.24 Prescribed fire
slide-screen
6 of 6
Typical ecosystem case with
touchable artifact
Sketch concept for exhibit
illustrating prescribed burns
Dioramas include below ground environments
and soils that make it unique
6.4 Touchscreens - possible
use of i-Pad technology
6.33 Hammock with owl
Paynes Prairie Visitor Center – Phase I: Conceptual Design Report • 2010
23
Area 7.0
Alachuan Rhythms
7.3 Graphic/audio sequence
identifier
7.8 Water on
the Land
7.4 Literature
7.7 Interactive
watershed map
7.1 Audio
hardware
7.2 Seating
7.6 Visitors
Gallery
Recessed adjustable spots
due to low ceiling height
Overhead focused sound panels
Hurricane grade window
installation - extra deep mullions
Rack
19 x 24
Changeable
exhibit area
of visitorgenerated art
Contoured map demonstrate
water flow to La Chua sink
Lights indicate water path or
extent of Alachua Lake
5.2 How Geology
Shapes the Prairie
7.7 Interactive
watershed map
Exhibit gallery extension und­­er
existing overlook
24
Paynes Prairie Visitor Center – Phase I: Conceptual Design Report • 2010
La
ke
Wa
ter
Path
s
Landm
arks