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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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.