Department: Parks and Recreation
STAFF COORDINATOR:
COUNCIL DISTRICT IMPACTED: 7
SUBJECT:
Acceptance of Land Donation from El Centro Mall, Ltd.
SUMMARY:
This resolution recommends the Planning Commission authorize the acceptance of a donation of an 8.763 acre tract of land located at the 8200 block of Guilbeau Road in Council District 7. The property will be utilized as an expansion to Nani Falcone Park.
BACKGROUND INFORMATION:
The 8.763 acre tract borders Nani Falcone Park to the south and the west. The acceptance of this donation will expand Nani Falcone Park to 74.3 acres. Nani Falcone Park is located in Council District 7, and the proposed donation has pedestrian accessibility. The Parks and Recreation Department will explore future opportunities to expand service delivery to the public such as trail connectivity and recreational programming.
The property owner contacted the City of San Antonio Parks and Recreation Department in August 2020 to discuss the proposed donation for use as future parkland. The Parks and Recreation Department supports opportunities to collaborate with potential partners to enhance our local park system by increasing access to public green space for members of the community. All potential park land is evaluated prior to acquisition. This evaluation considers a property’s condition, location, accessibility and benefit to the public. This property’s proximity to Nani Falcone Park, similar conditions and pedestrian accessibility meet the Parks and Recreation Department’s criteria for acquisition. This donation is also consistent with the goals and objectives outlined in the SA Parks System Plan which recommends expanding partnerships in order to increase San Antonio’s park system resources and addresses a recreational need in an urban environment.
The District 7 Council Office fully supports this project and has worked closely with the Parks and Recreation Department to identify additional green space that can serve as parkland in the community. As funding is identified for development of the park, the Parks and Recreation Department will initiate a public engagement process to prioritize improvements and development plans for the property.
ISSUE:
The proposed property acquisition will create additional green space and provide additional recreational opportunities for park users. The acceptance of this donation is consistent with the goals and objectives of the SA Park System Plan which recommends identifying partnerships to expand San Antonio’s parks system resources.
ALTERNATIVES:
The property is adjacent to Nani Falcone Park and would expand it to 74.3 acres. Should this donation not be approved, the Parks and Recreation Department would need to continue searching for opportunities to expand public green space.
FISCAL IMPACT:
The estimated market value of the 8.763 acres of donated land is $1,145,000.00. The City will pay $3,459.66 in closing costs available from the 2015 Sales Tax Venue Fund included in the FY 2021-2026 Capital Improvement Program. If the donation is approved, funding for basic maintenance will be requested through the annual budget process.
RECOMMENDATION:
Staff recommends approval of this resolution for the acceptance of a donation of an 8.763 acre tract of land from El Centro Mall, Ltd.