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SPIN2011-13 Meeting ReportSPIN MEETING REPORT PROJECT NAME: Bob Jones Nature Center & Preserve Master Plan SPIN DISTRICTS: SPIN # 1& 2 MEETING DATE: April 25, 2011 MEETING LOCATION: 1400 MAIN STREET, SOUTHLAKE, TEXAS MEETING ROOMS 3A& 3B TOTAL ATTENDANCE: Fifteen(15) SPIN REPRESENTATIVE(S) PRESENT: David Alexander (SPIN #2) APPLICANT PRESENTING: Brian Halsell, Mike Fraze and Andrew Duggan with Studio Outside STAFF PRESENT: Chris Tribble, Director of Community Services,Kari Happold,Deputy Director of Parks & Recreation,Kerry McGeath,Deputy Director of Library Services,Candice Sanders, Assistant to the Director of Community Services and Daniel Cortez, Planner I STAFF CONTACT: Daniel Cortez –(817) 748-8070 dcortez@ci.southlake.tx.us EXECUTIVE SUMMARY Situation The Bob Jones Nature Center & Preserve is located generally along Lake Grapevine north of Dove Road Master Plan The Bob Jones Nature Center strives to become an anchor of environmental education within the city and on the larger Lake Grapevine system of nature based experiences. A true asset to the city, the BNJC is a natural resource that is destined to further evolve into a distinct landmark within the Southlake community. As such, the City and the Bob Jones Nature Center contracted with Studio Outside to develop the Bob Jones Nature Center and Preserve Master Plan.The purpose of this plan is to identify an expanded strategy of programs, facilities and visitor experiences. QUESTIONS / CONCERNS I noticed that on the final plan, there is still overnight accommodations. Is this still going to happen? Certain uses such as maybe a boy scouts group may utilize the facility but it wasn’t the o intention to have the site as a campground of any nature. The utilization of the facility will really be dependent on what the City determines to use it for. You mentioned how sensitive some areas are in the preserve, are there any specific areas that may be impacted adversely by the plan or facilities in the preserve? What we do when we develop the plan is actually try to reduce the number of trails going o through the preserve in order to leave sensitive areas untouched. We like to locate any facilities or paths in places that are not sensitive or there is existing paths. On the entrance off of White Chapel, how will it be landscaped and what about the parking? Our vision is to have the natural reach of the park to extend out to the entrance to give it at o least a more natural feel with the native plants. As for parking, I would hope to have at least the number of spaces as the Nature Center currently has but have a location where the parking lot can be expanded if necessary. The goal is to not expand and use more than necessary. Also, there is the possibility toinclude the existing sports field parking with a shuttle service for larger events if necessary. What type of roads and parking lot materials will be used for the surface? Our goal is to have it be permeable surfacing so there is as little impact as possible but there o are many options the City may consider. What about locating the only historical building still in Southlake, the Carroll School? That idea was looked into but was not really labeled on the plan. The intent is to have the o center be as multi-functional as possible and that may be an option but the question might be on how to integrate the school to the center. What would probably go in first according to this plan? With these type of large scale projects, phasing of the project is what’s done as funding is o available. But with the existing conditions, I think the area around the nature center with trails may be a good starting point. I’m concerned about the location of the boardwalk. In all these areas where amenities are being considered, flooding was looked at so that the o park does not become unsafe or possiblydamage any structures. The materials used as well are very important in assuring the preserves features have longevity. GENERAL CONCERNS Materials used Amenitylocations Timing of construction Sensitive land disturbance Traffic and dust from visitors Signage SPIN Meeting Reports are general observations of SPIN Meetings by City staff and SPIN Representatives. The report is neither verbatim nor official meeting minutes; rather it serves to inform elected and appointed officials, City staff, and the public of the issues and questions raised by residents and the general responses made.Responses as summarized in this report should not be taken as guarantees by the applicant.Interested parties are strongly encouraged to follow the case through the Planning and Zoning Commission and final action by City Council.