Item 7A (2)CITY OF
SOUTHLAKE
MEMORANDUM
June 1, 2011
To: Shana Yelverton, City Manager
From: Chris Tribble, Director of Community Services
Subject: Ordinance No. 1002, 1" Reading, Bob Jones Nature Center and Preserve
Master Plan, a component of the Southlake 2030 Parks, Recreation and
Open Space Plan
Action
Requested: City Council approval of Ordinance No. 1002, 1s' Reading, adoption of the
proposed Bob Jones Nature Center and Preserve Master Plan, a
component of the Southlake 2030 Parks, Recreation and Open Space
Plan.
Background
Information: Bob Jones Nature Center and Preserve Master Plan has been the result
of work between the City, its consultants Studio Outside, the Bob Jones
Nature Center Organization, and stakeholders within the community. It
has been a six (6) month long process in which a needs assement and a
number of public meetings have occurred to allow for as much citizen
input into the development of the plan as possible. The Plan was
developed with the following criteria in mind:
• Establish a detailed background for the planning area,
• Identify current constraints and issues,
• Identify features, resources and areas to be protected or
improved,
• List recommendations for future programming, buildings, trails,
and conservation of the area.
The Bob Jones Nature Center and Preserve Master Plan is a supplement
to the Parks, Recreation & Open Space Master Plan with is a key
component of the Southlake 2030 Plan, the City's comprehensive plan.
As such, it is critical that a relationship between the Southlake 2030 Plan
and the various plan elements be established.
Financial
Considerations: There are no financial considerations resulting from this request except
customary fees for publication notice of public hearing.
Strategic Link: The Bob Jones Nature Center and Preserve Master Plan relates to all
focus areas of the strategy map.
Citizen Input/
Board Review: The following Bob Jones Nature Center Master Plan meetings were open
to the public:
February 10, 2011 — Discovery Workshop (Stakeholders)
February 10, 2011 — Discovery Workshop (Public Input)
Shana Yelverton, City Manager
City Council Meeting Date — June 7, 2011
Page 2
March 2, 2011 — Special BJNC Board Work Session
March 10, 2011 — Discovery Workshop Follow -up (Stakeholders & Public)
April 6, 2011 — Special BJNC Board Meeting (Draft Plan Review)
April 11, 2011 — Joint Work Session of City Council, P &Z Commission,
Parks Board, Southlake Parks Development Corporation and the
Southlake 2030 Parks, Recreation and Open Space Committee.
April 25, 2011 — City -Wide SPIN Meeting (Draft Plan
Presentation /Feedback)
May 4, 2011 — Special Bob Jones Nature Center Organization Meeting
The BJNC Organization unanimously recommended adoption.
May 9, 2011 — Joint Meeting of SPDC, Parks Board, and the 2030 Parks,
Recreation and Open Space Committee Meeting
Parks Board recommended adoption (8 -0); SPDC recommended
adoption (6 -0); and the Southlake 2030 Parks, Recreation and Open
Space Committee recommended adoption (14 -0).
May 19, 2011; Planning & Zoning Commission Meeting (Public Hearing)
P &Z Commission reviewed and recommended adoption (4 -0).
June 7, 2011 - City Council Meeting (1S Reading)
June 21, 2011 - City Council Meeting (2n Reading)
Legal Review: Not applicable.
Alternatives: Alternatives include:
• Adopt the BJNCP Master Plan as presented
• Adopt the BJNCP Master Plan with modifications as desired
• Decision not to adopt BJNCP Master Plan
Attachments: (A) SPIN Meeting Report
(B) Southlake 2030 Bob Jones Nature Center Master Plan
(C) Ordinance No. 1002, Adoption of the Bob Jones Nature Center &
Preserve Master Plan
SPIN 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(a�ci. south lake. tx.us
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
Studio Outside consultants presented the draft Master Plan for the Bob Jones Nature
Center. The intent of the meeting was to gather further citizen input on the draft plan by
utilizing the SPIN meeting to open the discussion to a broader audience. The major issues
presented by residents that attended are indicated in the report below, but involve traffic,
placement of buildings and the disturbance of sensitive lands.
Questions and concerns were addressed by representatives from Studio Outside and City
Staff, and several revisions on the plan were generated as a result from discussions in this
pubic forum.
Situation
The Bob Jones Nature Center & Preserve is located generally along Lake Grapevine north
of Dove Road
CONCEPTUAL MASTER PLAN
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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 are still overnight accommodations. Is this still going
to happen?
o Certain uses such as maybe a boy scouts group may utilize the facility but it wasn't
the 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?
o What we do when we develop the plan is actually try to reduce the number of trails
going 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?
o Our vision is to have the natural reach of the park to extend out to the entrance to
give it at 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 to include 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?
o Our goal is to have it be permeable surfacing so there is as little impact as possible
but there are many options the City may consider.
• What about locating the only historical building still in Southlake, the Carroll School?
o That idea was looked into but was not really labeled on the plan. The intent is to
have the 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?
o With these types of large scale projects, phasing of the project is what's done as
funding is 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.
o In all these areas where amenities are being considered, flooding was looked at so
that the park does not become unsafe or possibly damage any structures. The
materials used as well are very important in assuring the preserves features have
longevity.
GENERAL CONCERNS
• Materials used
• Amenity locations
• Timing of construction
• Sensitive land disturbance
• Traffic and dust from visitors
• Signage