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 such as print and radio spots. These sessions offered a variety of options targeting youth, adults, and seniors to engage the public while allowing the opportunity to ask questions regarding the supported master plan strategies as well as complete a survey. A total of 861 residents attended these events with 246 surveys completed reaffirming the supported master plan strategies and underscoring the importance of having a plan to guide the preservation and enhancement of Brackenridge Park. A description of the events and dates is reflected below.
|
BRACKENRIDGE PARK EVENT |
DATE |
ATTENDANCE |
|
Cultural Soiree |
Friday, October 7 |
22 |
|
Brackenridge by Train |
Tuesday, October 11 |
93 |
|
Sunken Garden Theater Movie |
Saturday, October 22 |
556 |
|
Nature Bike Tour |
Saturday, October 29 |
36 |
|
Coffee & Painting Class |
Wednesday, November 9 |
24 |
|
Archaeology Exploration |
Saturday, November 19 |
130 |
ISSUE:
This briefing provides the results of the six public interactive events held at Brackenridge Park in connection with the supported Brackenridge draft master plan strategies in the months of October and November as requested by the Neighborhoods and Livability Committee on August 15, 2016. The Parks and Recreation Department will work with the project team to finalize the master plan based upon direction from the Neighborhoods and Livability Committee and subsequently provide a briefing to the full City Council at a future B-Session.
ALTERNATIVES:
This is a briefing for informational purposes only.
FISCAL IMPACT:
There is no fiscal impact associated with this briefing.
RECOMMENDATION:
Recommend briefing to the full City Council at a future B-Session on final master plan recommendations.