DEPARTMENT: Parks and Recreation
DEPARTMENT HEAD: Xavier D. Urrutia
COUNCIL DISTRICTS IMPACTED: Citywide
SUBJECT:
Update on Brackenridge Park Draft Master Plan
SUMMARY:
Update on 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 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 the three strategies which were supported through public input and comments which included restoration of park natural features and improving water quality; preservation and restoration of park cultural and historic features; and increasing park visibility and pedestrian access. 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 have been removed from the draft master plan.
The approved course of action included six (6) interactive events-based master planning activities in the park allowing the public to develop a better understanding of the supported draft master plan strategies and conceptualize their integration with the park. The series of events were advertised in English and Spanish through online publication, social media, and traditional mediums s...
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