DEPARTMENT: Parks and Recreation
DEPARTMENT HEAD: Homer Garcia III, Interim Director
COUNCIL DISTRICTS IMPACTED: Council District 2
SUBJECT:
Acceptance of a Land Donation from the San Antonio Housing Authority
SUMMARY:
This ordinance authorizes the acceptance of a property donation from the San Antonio Housing Authority of 0.728 acres of land to serve as a neighborhood park located at 723 Arthur Street, in Council District 2. Funding in the amount of $1,000 for closing cost is available in the FY 2020 Parks & Recreation General Fund Adopted Budget.
BACKGROUND INFORMATION:
The proposed property donation of Phillis Wheatley Park as approved by the San Antonio Housing Authority (SAHA) Board of Commissioners will serve as a neighborhood park in Council District 2. The acquisition of this park is consistent with the goals and objectives outlined in the SA Parks System Plan which recommends providing equitable access to parks and recreation activities and addressing a recreational need in an urban environment. The property is accessible to pedestrians and provides additional public park land in an underserved area.
Phillis Wheatley Park opened in September 2019 and includes a playground, exercise equipment, pavilion, seating, shade canopies, green space and parking. A public art component featuring mosaic glass tile memorial walls, statues and benches was included in the development of the park. As a condition of the Deed to the property, the San Antonio Housing Authority is requesting that the park be named “Phillis Wheatley Park.”
The Parks and Recreation Department consistently looks for opportunities to collaborate with potential partners to establish public green space and provide recreational opportunities to meet the needs of the community. This project incorporated a robust public engagement effort with multiple public input meetings, and the final design and constructed park is a reflection of the community’s feedback. Phillis Wheatley Park hosts recreation opportunities through Fitness in the Park programming and balances active and passive uses.
ISSUE:
This acquisition is consistent with the goals and objectives of the SA Park System Plan which recommends providing equitable access to parks and recreation activities and was approved by the Planning Commission on November 27, 2019.
ALTERNATIVES:
Should this land donation not be accepted, SAHA would need to identify an alternative partner to operate and maintain this public green space.
FISCAL IMPACT:
The estimated market value of the 0.728 acres of donated land is $1,136,000.00. SAHA is conveying the property to the City at no cost, and closing costs are estimated at approximately $1,000.00. Funding in the amount of $1,000 for closing cost is available in the FY 2020 Parks & Recreation General Fund Adopted Budget.
RECOMMENDATION:
Staff recommends approval of this land donation from the San Antonio Housing Authority.