DEPARTMENT: Parks & Recreation
DEPARTMENT HEAD: Xavier D. Urrutia
COUNCIL DISTRICTS IMPACTED: Council District 10
SUBJECT:
Acquisition of Property for Friesenhahn Park Expansion
SUMMARY:
This ordinance authorizes the acquisition of a 26.02 acre tract of land in NCB 17726 along Classen Road to expand Friesenhahn Park located in Council District 10, for a total amount of $100,000.00 in Certificate of Obligation funds approved in the FY 2016-2021 Adopted Annual Capital Budget.
BACKGROUND INFORMATION:
The proposed acquisition will be utilized for future park development and will expand Friesenhahn Park from 11.57 acres to approximately 38.0 acres. This is consistent with recommendations outlined in the Parks and Recreation System Strategic Plan for the Northeast subarea. This plan recommends the acquisition of additional park acreage to meet the service goals, especially in regards to neighborhood based parks.
Discussions began with representatives from Longs Creek Homeowners Association, District 10 City Council Office and the Parks and Recreation Department in 2015. The Parks and Recreation Department has worked closely with the neighborhood and City Council Office to address the desire for additional park land in the community.
The property will be acquired using $100,000.00 in Certificate of Obligation funds appropriated in the FY 2016-2021 Adopted Annual Capital Budget. The funds will utilize $98,400.00 for the actual purchase of the property and $1,600.00 for the associated closing costs.
ISSUE:
The proposed property acquisition will serve to expand Friesenhahn Park and will provide additional recreational opportunities for park users in the future. This acquisition is consistent with the goals of the Parks and Recreation System Strategic Plan for the Northeast subarea which recommends acquisition of additional park acreage for future park development.
ALTERNATIVES:
This property is zoned for commercial and residential use. To not acquire this property would expose the property to potential commercial or residential development. If this project is not implemented the goals of additional park acreage would not be achieved.
FISCAL IMPACT:
Funds totaling $100,000.00 in Certificate of Obligation funds were approved in the FY 2016-2021 Adopted Annual Capital Budget for the Friesenhahn Park Expansion Project. Funds are payable to the selected title company as follows:
$98,400.00 sales price
$ 1,600.00 closing costs
There will be minimal annual operating, security and maintenance expenses for this undeveloped property addition to the existing Friesenhahn Park.
RECOMMENDATION:
Staff recommends approval of the acquisition of this property for the Friesenhahn Park Expansion Project. The Planning Commission has recommended approval of this proposed land acquisition.