DEPARTMENT: Parks and Recreation
DEPARTMENT HEAD: Xavier D. Urrutia
COUNCIL DISTRICTS IMPACTED: Citywide
SUBJECT:
Update on next steps of the Brackenridge Park Draft Master Plan
SUMMARY:
An update on next steps of the Brackenridge Park Draft Master Plan.
BACKGROUND INFORMATION:
The FY 2015 Budget approved an amendment in the amount of $250,000.00 to update the Brackenridge Park Master Plan. In April 2015, City Council approved the development of a master plan for Brackenridge Park through a professional services agreement with Rialto Studio, Inc. and in early March 2016, a copy of the draft document was provided to Mayor and City Council. In order to obtain verbal and written comments on the draft document a total of seven (7) public input meetings were then facilitated which concluded in July.
On August 15, 2016, the Parks and Recreation Department presented a summary of citizen comments and feedback of the draft master plan to the Neighborhoods and Livability Committee. The Committee approved the Parks and Recreation Department’s recommended course of action to move forward with strategies which were supported through public input and comments. Strategies that did not garner public support included closure of park roads with the implementation of a tram system, and removal of existing parking and development of a grand lawn; these elements will not be included in the final master plan.
The approved course of action includes six (6) events-based master planning activities in the park which are interactive and hands-on sessions to better understand and conceptualize the supported strategies of the draft master plan which include: the restoration of natural park features; restoring, preserving and articulating the park’s cultural and historic features; and increasing visibility and pedestrian access to and within the park. The series of events which began on October 7 and run through November 19 are advertised in English and Spanish across various mediums such as online, social, and print media including radio spots. These interactive sessions represent a variety of weekday and weekend options targeting youth, adults, and seniors where citizens have the opportunity to ask questions regarding the supported master plan strategies as well as complete a survey for feedback. On October 7, the Brackenridge Cultural Soiree, which was held at the Koehler Pavilion, was attended by 22 participants and included music and dance performances, along with a presentation and exhibition of archeological artifacts found within the park which highlighted the draft master plan’s strategy to preserve and articulate the park’s cultural and historic features. On October 11, 96 participants attended Brackenridge by Train, which reflected the draft master plan’s strategy to increase visibility and pedestrian access to and within Brackenridge Park. This event offered train rides through the park and included activities such as hitting piñatas and flying kites.
After all six community events are completed, the Parks Department will provide the Neighborhoods and Livability with a report of the public comments received at these events.
ISSUE:
This briefing provides an update to the Neighborhood and Livability Committee on six (6) events-based master planning activities in the park which are interactive and hands-on sessions to better understand and conceptualize the supported strategies of the draft master plan.
ALTERNATIVES:
This is a briefing for informational purposes only.
FISCAL IMPACT:
There is no fiscal impact associated with this briefing.
RECOMMENDATION:
This is a briefing for informational purposes only.