HomeMy WebLinkAboutItem 08 - Wall-Farrar Nature ParkMEMO TO: HONORABLE MAYOR AND MEMBERS OF THE CITY COUNCIL
FROM: BRUNO RUMBELOW, CITY MANAGER
MEETING DATE: DECEMBER 3, 2013
SUBJECT: CONSIDER APPROVAL OF A CONCEPT PLAN FOR THE WALL -
FARRAR NATURE PARK
The Parks & Recreation Advisory Board and staff recommend the Council approve a
concept plan for the Wall- Farrar Nature Park. A copy of the concept plan is attached for
review.
At the May 17, 2005 meeting, the Council accepted the donation of approximately 30 acres
of parkland along Big Bear Creek in south Grapevine and a resolution naming the park,
"Wall- Farrar Park ". The parkland was donated by the Farrar Family.
In May of 2011, the Council approved an update of the Parks & Recreation Master Plan.
The development of a nature park was one of the highest priorities in the Master Plan. The
plan calls for Wall- Farrar Park to become a nature park with interpretive trails, wildlife
viewing areas, nature center building with restrooms and support amenities.
Staff contracted with MHS Planning & Design in December of 2012 to prepare a concept
plan of the nature park and to prepare and submit a grant application to the Texas Parks &
Wildlife Department for Phase 1 development of the nature park. The grant application
was due by mid January of 2013. Phase 1 includes interpretive nature trails, foot bridges,
small shelter, interpretive signage and landscaping.
The Texas Parks & Wildlife Commission approved a $200,000 grant for Phase 1
development of the nature park at the May 23, 2013 Commission meeting. The City's
match for the project is $103,450.
Staff met with officials at the Church at the Cross that is located to the north of the
proposed nature park. Officials at the church have agreed to allow the city to use a portion
of the parking lot at the church for parking for patrons of the nature park.
The Parks & Recreation Advisory Board reviewed and discussed the plan for the nature
park at the January 10, 2013 meeting and discussed the plan at the June and July 2013
meetings. The Advisory Board approved the concept plan for the nature park at the
November 21, 2013 meeting. Staff and the Parks Board recommend approval.
A