DEPARTMENT: Parks and Recreation
DEPARTMENT HEAD: Homer Garcia III
COUNCIL DISTRICTS IMPACTED: Council District 7
SUBJECT:
Acceptance of Land Donation from El Centro Mall, Ltd.
SUMMARY:
This ordinance authorizes the acceptance of a donation of an 8.763-acre tract of land from El Centro Mall, Ltd. located at the 8200 block of Guilbeau Road to be utilized as an expansion of Nani Falcone Park in Council District 7.
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. The Parks and Recreation Department will coordinate with the property owner to identify recognition opportunities of a park amenity to honor the company founder in connection with this donation.
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.
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:
Council District 7 has worked closely with the Parks and Recreation Department to identify additional green space for the community. The proposed property acquisition will achieve this and provide additional recreational opportunities for park users. The Planning Commission approved acceptance of this land donation on November 18, 2020 and this action is consistent with the goals and objectives of the SA Park System Plan.
ALTERNATIVES:
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 voter approved Sales Tax Venue funds 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 the acceptance of an 8.763 tract of land from El Centro Mall, Ltd.