DEPARTMENT: Parks and Recreation
DEPARTMENT HEAD: Xavier D. Urrutia
COUNCIL DISTRICTS IMPACTED: District 2
SUBJECT:
Management Agreement with Brackenridge Park Conservancy
SUMMARY:
This Ordinance authorizes the Parks and Recreation Department to execute a Management Agreement with Brackenridge Park Conservancy for a ten (10) year term.
BACKGROUND INFORMATION:
The Brackenridge Park Conservancy (BPC) was established in 2009 to serve as a steward and an advocate for the Brackenridge Park to preserve and enhance the park’s historical and recreational resources for the enjoyment of current and future generations. The BPC's goals are to represent the interests of the park user, unify the park as one cohesive place, and augment resources dedicated to the park, including volunteers, expertise, funding and advocacy. BPC has requested a long-term Management Agreement for certain facilities within Brackenridge Park in order to facilitate fund raising opportunities for improvements and renovations to these facilities. The City entered into a lease agreement with BPC in August of 2009 through 2015. A five-year renewal was approved by City Council on September 2015 through September 2020. The proposed Management Agreement will begin upon execution through March 30, 2028; with an additional ten (10) year extension.
In the first three years of the Management Agreement BPC shall have the exclusive right to redevelop Sunken Garden Theater. In the event that BPC raises a minimum of $500,000 during that time, BPC shall have the continuing exclusive right to redevelop the theater for an additional five years. If BPC raises the required funds then a separate operating agreement for the theater will be negotiated and require City Council approval.
Additionally, BPC shall have the right to schedule events at: Joske’s Pavilion; Kampman House, Lambert Beach Bathhouse; Restroom/Storage Building; the Pump House; Mexican Village; and Mira Flores. BPC shall remain in the current office, located in the old reservations building at Brackenridge Park. All facilities will remain in the current condition. In the event that BPC secures financial support for improvements or renovations to the facilities or new construction, a public engagement process will be initiated to determine community feedback. Then, based on the results of the community engagement process, and if deemed appropriate a separate license agreement will be negotiated which will require City Council approval.
ISSUE:
This Ordinance authorizes the Parks and Recreation Department to execute a Management Agreement with Brackenridge Park Conservancy for a ten (10) year term with an additionally ten (10) year administrative extension.
ALTERNATIVES:
City Council could elect not to approve this action which would adversely impact Brackenridge Park Conservancy’s ability to fundraise for park improvements.
FISCAL IMPACT:
There is no General Fund impact associated with this action.
RECOMMENDATION:
Staff recommends approval of the Management Agreement with Brackenridge Park Conservancy.