Item 6A (2)
Strategic PartnerPrepared byBOB JONES NATURE CENTER & PRESERVE MASTER PLAN –March 10, 2011BOB JONES NATURE CENTER & PRESERVE MASTER PLAN a component of the Southlake 2030 Parks, Recreation
& Open Space Master PlanAdopted June 21, 2011studioOutsideDepartment of Community ServicesSouthlake City CouncilMayor John TerrellMayor Pro Tem Brandon BledsoeDeputy Mayor Pro Tem Pamela
A. MullerMartin SchellingCarolyn MorrisAl ZitoJeff WangSouthlake Parks Development CorporationPresident Carolyn MorrisVice President Pamela A. MullerSecretary Al ZitoJeff WangJohn SlocumSherry
BermanDeborah FraizerParks and Recreation BoardChairman John SlocumVice Chairman Tina WassermanSecretary Julie LandesbergElaine CoxRandy WilliamsonSherry BermanMargaret AdamsGregg FormellaKevin
SmithCity ManagerShana K. YelvertonAssistant City ManagerJim C. BlaggDirector of Community ServicesChris Tribble
BOB JONES NATURE CENTER & PRESERVE MASTER The Bob Jones Nature Center & Preserve (BJNCP) is a classic example of a successful partnership between a dedicated citizen group and a progressive
city government. As the BJNCP has evolved over the years, its programs, facilities, and presence within the community have consistently grown and matured. The primary mission, however,
has led the Bob Jones Nature Center & Preserve to an important threshold in its development. The BJNCP 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 BJNCP is a natural resource that is destined to further evolve into a distinct landmark within
the Southlake community. When planning this facility for the future, the City must consider the long term opportunities associated with capital investment. Most important among these
is the preservation of the natural habitat diversity and the environmental systems that are at the heart of this most unique property. The City has already made a great impact on this
note through recent land acquisition by city purchase and a leasing agreement with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. These efforts have furthered the preservation goals and created an
expanded property for consideration in the planning process. Along with new land options, new programs have also been considered, as well as new interior spaces that will provide educational
classrooms, exhibits, and learning areas. Through extensive staff, the Bob Jones Nature Center Organization Board (BJNCO Board), and public collaboration, an expanded strategy of program,
facilities, and visitor experiences has been identified. INTRODUCTIONThe planning team made significant endeavors to better comprehend the property and its diverse ecosystems, as well
as the site’s role within the much larger context of Lake Grapevine. Important to this effort was a series of mapping exercises that evaluate surrounding natural systems, infrastructure,
connectivity, and context. Existing conditions and relationships between the facilities at Bob Jones Park and the BJNCP were also considered. The maps that follow illustrate the patterns
of natural systems, development sensitivities, and context. In summary, the most important findings from the following assessment maps included:• Tremendous diversity in habitat when
considered in context with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers land• Importance of the BJNCP’s role in the regional ecology• Strong foundation of existing programs• Existing facilities
significantly limit program delivery and expansion• Great opportunity for connectivity with regional trail system• Several viable development sites for a new center that might better
serve the long terms of the organization• Flood stage elevations of Lake Grapevine are critical to comprehend when considering trail routes and important wildlife habitat corridors•
Vibrant equestrian communityASSESSMENTS
NATURAL SYSTEMSThe Bob Jones Nature Center & Preserve comprises a wide array of natural systems – from the post oak savannah to the lake edge mudflats, and from the dense woodlands to
the riparian habitat of Kirkwood & Quail Creek – each zone has multiple educational lessons that may be shared with visitors. The integrity of these areas must be considered in a holistic
manner by the City, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, and adjacent land holdings in order to preserve a viable habitat system rather than isolated patches of disconnected property.LAND
TYPOLOGYThe combined BJNCP property sits within the context of a broader matrix of residential development to the west and expansive U.S. Army Corps of Engineers property along the lakeshore.
The contrast between these different systems (densely developed corporate campuses down to raw nature) should be capitalized upon and considered when developing trailheads, arrival sequences,
and appropriate land uses.White ChapelWhite Chapel
FLOOD STORAGEFluctuation in the water level of Lake Grapevine can present visitors (and wildlife) with a very different experience at different seasons and in different flood /drought
conditions. HABITAT CORRIDORSConsideration of habitat corridors along the lakeshore and branching inland along the creek is critical to the viability of wildlife habitat. Water levels
in the lake may result in broad mudflats some years or inundated woodland in others.
SENSITIVITY ASSESSMENTSA combined assessment that overlays slope, vegetation, soils, and other influences offers a snapshot of the overall sensitivity to built development. While not
showing definitive “build” or “no build” zones, this overlay summary depicts areas where special construction methods must be considered that cause the least impact on natural systems
while still providing appropriate access.White ChapelWhite ChapelLake Grapevine
OPPORTUNITIESThe master plan should respond to existing infrastructure and appropriate connection points, landmarks, and other destinations throughout the property. This map depicts
some of the most important areas to be considered during the planning process that would best allow for legible circulation and meaningful destinations. White ChapelWhite ChapelLake
Grapevine
A series of meetings and workshops included sessions with city staff, the BJNCO Board, the Master Plan Committee, and the public. Such dedicated involvement is a testament to the importance
of this project within the city. After conducting several assessment and envisioning exercises and listening to all stakeholder commentary in the Discovery Workshop, the planning team
consolidated all input into a series of “project statements” that guide the planning process. The following lists categorize all input statements and serve as a record of the input received
to date from various sessions. These statements will be a consistent filter for the city to consider when evaluating planning decisions:Sacred Areas:To Be Retained As IsAreas Of Support:To
Be Retained But Can MoveAreas Of Concern:To Be Resolved/RemovedCOLLABORATIONWhite ChapelWhite ChapelLake Grapevine
NATURE CENTER BUILDINGExpand Capacity for Programs, Exhibits, & Events• Expand meeting & class capacity for programs (5)• More space for simultaneous programs• Expanded gift shop• Expanded
exhibit space• Expand storage space for exhibits, programs, materials• New future education /visitor building – retain existing• Look at reasonable expansion opportunities• The Old Carroll
School may be considered as an option for expanding capacity• Building as beginning of park experience Improve Logistical and Service Operations• Develop enhanced space for staff & volunteers•
Need catering kitchen /small snack area for class groups, tour groups, educational groups• Building needs better arrival /front desk space• State of the art presentation equipment Use
Building as Sustainable Teaching Tool• Green sustainable construction• Follow through with LEED certification (on renovation)• LEED (new facilities)• Lighting – green?Provide Indoor
and Outdoor Animal Experiences• Provide appropriate indoor habitat for appropriate animals • Animal Habitats – indoor and outdoor – organized, safe, & protected• Provide better indoor
water access for programs – separate for indoor animal habitats• Animal Rehabilitation Program• Dioramas – natives only• Enhance buildings as habitatSITE FACILITIESProvide Regionally
Inspiring Indoor Programs• Classroom set aside to showcase African American history of area.• Need art hanging /mounting system to display photography of nature and local painters, sculptors,
etc.• Name rooms with sponsors (live oak room, etc.)Provide Access to Preserved or Restored Habitat• Wildlife viewing areas (2)• Keep lakeshore passive• Restore pond on nature center
property• Allow viewing, education and recreation of habitat• Lake overlook• Boardwalks so that wetland areas can be viewed with wet or dry climateProvide Interactive Outdoor Education
Exhibits• Nature play area (2)• Enhance rain barrel education• Apiary /Beehives for educational purposes – honey sales (2)• Formalize butterfly gardens• Compost demonstration area –
– better spatial location• Create “managed” nature gardens, wetlands, ponds, in low impact areas near facility• Need small pond for instruction (3)• Outdoor habitat for turtles – teaching•
Trails with footprints from animals such as coyote tracks, hog, deer, etc. (include signage that is push-button with noise – visitor must guess the type of animal)• Infrastructure signage
to highlight birds, mammals, plants, geology, reptiles, amphibians, and ecosystem• Southlake Garden Club Community Gardens • Natural art area• GreenhouseDevelop Site Facilities that
Support Educational Mission• Proper signage (2) • Drinking fountain• Need outdoor amphitheater• Outside classrooms• Need a trail safety feature or emergency phone to contact if get lost,
need help, etc.• Outdoor shelters -covered experience areas for education classes• The Old Carroll School may be considered as an option for expanding capacity• Cover patio area behind
main building (2)• More natural building – blend with current surroundings• Infrastructure & electricity to support outdoor night activities and programs• Provide scenic rest stops for
hikers and equestrians – benches, hitching posts, etc. along Walnut Grove trailsIncorporate Barn into Future Vision• Renovation or replacement of barn (5)• Salvage aesthetic pieces from
barn in new constructionIncrease Capacity of Programs and Events• Need a bigger/new nature center building – use current building as education center /classrooms (2)• Ample meeting /educational
space (current building too small) (2)• Provide more rentable outdoor space• Need large building to accommodate groups for programs and education classes• Area to handle big events•
Enhance inside and outside storage (2)• Enhanced areas for those groups who cannot walk the trails Expand the BJNCP’s Presence and Impact• Determine best entry to center• Provide a transition
from recreation to education to passive areas through the entire park• Incorporate Fretwell and Farhat properties into BJNCP• Create partnerships with local stakeholders to attract visitors
to site• Hire full time contract employee to maintain trails and preserve• Develop defense to support value proposals – culture, wildlife, unique ecosystem• Buffer for 2 northern adjacent
residences• Provide contiguous complex with Bob Jones athletic park
ACCESS/ARRIVAL/INTERFACEProvide Legible Arrival Sequence• First impressions are forever – need constant message as visitors approach from Hwy 114 – all the way to entrance. • Need new
entrance• Possible name change to the Rec Fields• Utilize parking as teaching tool• Greater presence at surrounding parks and White Chapel (3)• Limit hard-surface lots – do we need direct
/upfront access at every point?• Define, delineate, mark clearly• Easy access to the BJNCP• New arrival road• Create a unique signage system (shape?) that starts within Bob Jones Park
that continues through to the BJNCP• Coordinate with City-wide way-finding system• Do not push through cul-de-sac to get to lake or BJNCP Provide Educational Signage System• Educational
information signage /plaques (2)• Interior signage• Exterior signage• Ordinance Signage Provide Intuitive Circulation System• Directional signage (2)• Trail Hierarchy• Trail Navigation
Signage with lengths• Connect with regional off-site trail systems• Consider shoreline trail accessPROGRAMSExpand & Diversify Program Offerings for Increased Visitation• Program for
visitors to include audio-podcast or map type guide – self guided tours with type of token interactive signage – scavenger hunt type – geocaching type of program• Physical & emotional
well-being programs• Geocaching program with possible rentable equipment• Expand photography programs, classes, exhibits• Therapeutic recreation programs or programs for special needs
– ex. Greenhouse• Expand educational programs for all ages • Be able to obtain /create museum quality exhibits• Expand “themed” guided walks – weekly, seasonally. (ex. DMA/Library tie-in)•
Night hikes for nocturnal wildlife• Provide written information to help people easily learn about nature, and the trails• Develop innovative uses of existing structures (patio, pavilion,
barn) for programs• Trail markings• Expand summer day campPartner with Other Mission-Minded Organizations• Work with Audubon to bring in bird-viewing tours -#1 recreational event in
the world• • Work closely with city for enhanced recreational opportunities• School partnership connecting to nature• Create a recycling program in conjunction with Carrol ISD’s current
program -have recycle trash cans that are unique (shaped like a tree?) -use these in the center and at special events to send the message of recycling• Build relationships with girl
scouts and boy scouts at the council level to provided needed programs• Continue and expand scouting programs Partner with ISD for Annual Events• Offer nature days to one grade within
schools, such as 2nd grader field trip to BJNCP• Include school education programs – coordinated activities, Arbor Day, nature day, etc.HISTORY/ENVIRONMENTAL SYSTEMS Celebrate & Explore
the Jones Family Legacy• Check out Jones family landmarks• Partner with historical society for oral histories• Area dedicated to cultural history• Audio /video history of Jones family
– cultural history• Celebrate Southlake cultural legacy• Use historical data to incorporate onto signage within within the preserve to tell the Big Story – then, now, what if? Create
Stewardship Strategy for Broad Natural Systems• Develop land ethic for preserve• Identify and ensure protection of fragile habitats• Restoration /regeneration of appropriate prairie
areas• Define ecologically sensitive areas• Extend wildlife corridors outside preserve• Set up plan for regeneration• Any development should enhance the permeability of system (water
infiltration)
CONTEXTLeverage City Resources and Infrastructure• Connect and utilize items such as day camp and amphitheater to expand program• Financial self-sufficiency • Integrate into structure
of other costs that the city assumes• Create a major feature or draw to emulate and brand the BJNCP Capitalize on Suburban Proximity to Best Serve Neighbors and the Community• Interpret
surrounding development• Plan for buffers – anticipate future growth• Maintain neighborhood integrity• Enhance solace experience• Replant plants from old homestead• Define scope of service
– what message do we want them to leave with?• Preserve buffers and appropriate residential boundaries /fencesEDUCATIONUtilize Technology for Engagement in Innovative Programs• Web camera
for birdhouses – link on website and use in classroom• Expanded educational materials – interactive on websites and at facility• Easier process to add/delete/update program and class
offerings during the year• Use enhanced technology to support low-impact activities• All buildings & facilities should be teaching tools Develop a Trail System that is an Immersive Educational
Experience• Utilize trails as outdoor classroom – engagement• Trail activities Integrate with CISD Environmental Education Programs• Partner with CISD & possibly others to provide hands-on
learning with an established curriculum• Provide classes similar to an outdoor learning center• Hire outdoor education curator• More partnerships with school district• Create a grade
specific curriculum for all students to participate in – kids will teach their parents how to treat the areaRefine Existing and Develop New Programs• Compost exhibit – where?• Bee observation
area• Develop permanent exhibit about history• Provide internships• Outdoor classrooms – different sizes• Checklist• Stargazing /dark skies /light pollution• Retain butterfly garden•
Educational pond• Nature /messy play areaCONSERVATIONDevelop and Implement a Comprehensive Habitat Management Strategy• Develop habitat and ecological management plan• Control Control
dogs & horses on property• Plant more trees and make site an arboretum. Certain tree species are aging and we will have not planted a single tree to replace them.• Restoration program
and maintenance• Eradicate feral hogs & invasive species• Make sure to maintain areas in as natural state as possible• Re-establish prairie grasses• Protect and leave area in its natural
eco-system• Define “Preserve” – no taking of specimens• Conserve – return to native all areas – except around building• Establish static displays to promote conservation (for example
– old well)• Define some areas as strictly “preserve” – no access• Re-establish appropriate grass species for savannah environment
OUTREACHProvide Meaningful Sponsorship & Partner Opportunities• Have a school “adopt a trail” through elementary or middle schools with their outdoor education classes• Eagle Scouts
– have program for scouts to contribute to at BJNCP that makes an impact – (not benches) Bring the Mission of the BJNCP to the Community• Marketing campaign• Texas Nature Challenge•
Regional Center – reach out to surrounding cities• Encourage surrounding cities to participate• Take program to school /homes• Outreach programs to senior centers• Make sure to integrate
activities with other city government entities• Work with local universities to incorporate research on site – so we are in journals – everywhere!RECREATIONIdentify Appropriate Zones
for Programs – Recreation, Preservation, Education, etc.• Establish limits, define areas• Camping? – occasional, no fires. Structured events only • Do not mix equestrian & pedestrian
trails• Very limited confine around building• Trail designation and signage• Mark safe-water access areas areas for horses• Implement and enforce dog rules (re: nature disturbance)•
Some trails as pedestrian only Integrate Fun Nature-Based Educational /Recreational Experiences• Playground – nature based• Build tree house that is visually appealing with the environment
so kids /visitors can see tree – in bird’s eye view – put educational insect collections etc. inside.• Ropes course?• More room for special events – indoor and outdoor• Zip line• Community
garden @Bob Jones ParkINTEREST GROUPSWork with Regional Agencies to Promote BJNCP and Protect the Broader Grapevine Lake Ecosystem• Court the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers• Work for joint
agreement (beyond the lease) to create a lake-grapevine nature preserve along Southlake boundary• Work with local businesses for corporate support• Work as partner with varied interest
groups within the city – an integrated approach• Utilize interest groups to expand awareness• Develop partnerships with CISD and other regional ISD’s.• Audubon• Texas Nature Conservancy•
Connect with Camp Burnett
INFRASTRUCTUREConsider and Implement Sustainable Solutions and Construction• Renewable Energy• Incorporate alternative energy sources• LEED & Green Technologies (2)• Sewer & Septic•
Technology & telecommunications• Consider remote restroom Improve Trailheads and Arrival Points• Improved trailheads – parking surface & “gate” entries at – dead-end White Chapel, East
Bob Jones Road, Bluestem Road, Equestrian Drive, Harbor Court• Emergency access sites for fire & rescue• Restored trails to facilitate maintenance• Improve access from Bob Jones Park•
Trail signage• Working together with city & BJNCO Board to develop and infrastructure to achieve mutual goals & objectives• Pond – need a main water feature• Mitigate crowds and traffic•
Mitigate dusty roads at existing entry• Bus drop offOTHERPrepare & Implement a Sustainable Business & Staffing Model• Leverage grants and revenue sources• Develop and maintain enhanced
revenues and funding• Develop more and ongoing staffing support• Develop a marketing plan• Self-sustaining• Allow wine on site at special eventsIncrease Awareness of BJNCP in the Community•
Directions to, name of• Updated website• Identify intrinsic value & market appropriationImplement Environmentally Responsible Strategies• Animal control & maintenance – too many hogs,
but what are animals that we do want?• Promote green building practices in every type of construction• Keep it native – low impact• Incorporate health, renewability, durability, recycle,
reuse• Always be looking at alternative energy and waste-free practicesMisc.• barn – new or reuse• old school?• Public art
• Expand Building Capacity for Programs, Exhibits, & Events• Improve Logistical and Service Operations• Use Building as Sustainable Teaching Tool• Provide Indoor and Outdoor Animal Experiences•
Provide Regionally Inspiring Indoor Programs• Provide Access to Preserved or Restored Habitat• Provide Interactive Outdoor Education Exhibits• Develop Site Facilities that Support Educational
Mission• Incorporate Barn into Future Vision• Increase Site Capacity for Programs and Events• Expand the BJNCP’s Presence and Impact• Provide Legible Arrival Sequence• Provide Educational
Signage System• Provide Intuitive Circulation System• Expand & Diversify Program Offerings for Increased Visitation• Partner with Other Mission-Minded Organizations• Partner with ISD
for Annual Events• Celebrate & Explore the Jones Family Legacy• Create Stewardship Strategy for Broad Natural Systems• Leverage City Resources and Infrastructure• Capitalize on Suburban
Proximity to Best Serve Neighbors and the Community• Utilize Technology for Engagement in Innovative Programs• Develop a Trail System that is an Immersive Educational Experience• Integrate
with CISD Environmental Education Programs• Refine Existing and Develop New Programs• Develop and Implement a Comprehensive Habitat Management Strategy• Provide Meaningful Sponsorship
/Partner Opportunities• Bring the Mission of the BJNCP to the Community• Identify Appropriate Zones for Programs – Recreation, Preservation, Education, etc.• Integrate Fun Nature-based
Educational /Recreational Experiences• Work with Regional Agencies to Promote BJNCP and Protect the Broader Grapevine Lake Ecosystem• Consider and Implement Sustainable Solutions and
Construction• Improve Trailheads and Arrival Points• Prepare and Implement a Sustainable Business/Staffing Model• Increase Awareness of BJNCP in the Community• Implement Environmentally
Responsible StrategiesPROJECT STATEMENTS SUMMARY
Primary Facilities SummaryWorking within the framework of the “project statements” an array of common facilities has been identified that will support the mission and facilitate program
delivery. A common understanding of these elements will assist in evaluation of the two preliminary planning concepts that are under consideration. While not an exhaustive list of every
program element under consideration at this time, this outline depicts the primary elements of the plan at this stage. Smaller scale program and facility elements (composting, butterfly
garden, etc.) will be identified and located after the building site for a new nature center building has been confirmed.Nature Center A new nature center building is envisioned for
the Bob Jones Nature Center & Preserve that expands the building’s ability to accommodate visitation and education needs. This building would include the following elements:• Exhibit
Area/Habitat Museum (including animal exhibits).• Classroom Space (minimum 2-3 flexible spaces that that meet ISD class sizes).• Auditorium/Meeting Space (may be derived from combined
classrooms – must meet market level audio/visual provisions).• Administrative Offices.• Gift Shop• Exterior Gathering Space/Covered PorchThe building should also be designed to a minimum
LEED PRIMARY FACILITIES SUMMARYstandard, and utilize these design standards within the educational message shared at the building.Existing Home The existing home that currently serves
as the nature center should be retained and repurposed for use in the future vision. Due to its limited ability to accommodate educational programs efficiently, the existing home could
be realized as a secondary rental facility suited to the needs of smaller, local interest groups. The building could also be utilized as a satellite/support element during major events
at Bob Jones Nature Center & Preserve.Barn The Barn is an instrumental component of the Bob Jones Nature Center & Preserve. This element should be restored to accommodate health, safety,
and welfare standards as well as house key site program opportunities. Due to its relationship to the heritage of the land (the Jones family), the barn would serve as an ideal icon for
a homestead/farmstead zone that interprets how the land was originally utilized. This zone could incorporate live animal exhibits, compost exhibit, and potentially community garden.OverlookDue
to their location on the site, the master plan envisions lookouts/treehouses that take advantage of grade transitions and offer panoramic vistas of Grapevine Lake and surrounding ecology.
These facilities should be ADA accessible, and should provide both shade as well as classroom/gathering opportunities.Trail Head Trail Heads are facilities within the Bob Jones Nature
Center & Preserve trail system that provide ample opportunities to access the trail network. Trail Heads should provide, at a minimum, twenty parking spaces (could be trailer parking),
equestrian facilities such as holding pens, and trail map/signage that depicts the entire trail system. Trail Heads should also include a trail ‘rules’ sign, as well as shade, seating,
and water facilities. Some Trail Heads may utilize existing parking associated with other park facilities.Directional Signage Directional Signage are locations along the trail system,
either at key intersections or entrance points, where both a trail map and trail rules sign could be displayed. These facilities will normally be accommodated by shade, seating, and
possibly water facilities (when appropriate).Outdoor Classroom Outdoor Classrooms are facilities located along the trail that provide both opportunities for users to rest as well as
the delivery of educational/interpretive messages. These facilities should be stand-alone in order to be received by the casual user, but also integrated into a larger interpretive message
that can be utilized by ISD’s. Outdoor Classrooms will generally provide shade, seating, and interpretive signage that can be ‘changed-out’ throughout the seasons. Although Outdoor Classrooms
will not contain overall site maps, the classrooms should have signage that at a minimum directs users to the next ‘logical’ stop on the trailSignage Signage should be located along
major thoroughfares to reinforce visitors travel to the Bob Jones Nature Center & Preserve. This signage should be of a style that reflects signage standards already established within
the city and, if possible, incoporate the newest technology available to ensure the message delivery is achieved.8’ Multi-Use Trail Multi-use trails shall serve as the primary spine
of circulation through city and U.S. Army Corps of Engineer properties. Intended to accommodate both equestrian and pedestrian users, this trail shall be comprised of existing soils
or soil amendments (gravelpave, soil additives, etc.) to achieve necessary compression ratios to accommodate both equestrian and emergency vehicles. In addition to trail materials, multi-use
trails shall be a minimum of 8’-0” wide, with a minimum 1’-0” shoulder on each side to accommodate emergency emergency access. It is desirable if most of this trail is ADA accessible.
scale: 1”=1200’-0”0’600’1200’1800’NPLANNING VISIONThe master plan seeks to realize a progressive vision of environmental education programming and natural resource preservation. It capitalizes
upon newly acquired city land for expanded programs and trails while leveraging the visitor experience to offer an integrated educational
trail system that explores the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers property. Numerous program expansion opportunities build on the legacy of the existing nature center in a means to broaden
the reach and diversity for the Bob Jones Nature Center & Preserve. MASTER PLANThe master plan forges a direct connection to White Chapel by providing access through Bob Jones Park to
the BJNCP. This elevates visibility within the community and offers an “address” that is more easily identifiable than the Nature Center “at” Bob Jones Park. It also offers the secondary
benefit of reducing traffic loads on Bob Jones Road, a primarily residential street. Offering access through the park also affords visibility to the multitude of visitors who attend
games and practices at the park. This will increase the public’s exposure to the BJNCP and encourage “cross visitation” from those groups to come and explore the further diversity of
this unique array of public facilities – nature and recreation.The new entry road provides a sense of “decompression” from the busy traffic of White Chapel through the park. The transition
from park road into the natural zone will cross through a woodland and wetland area, introducing visitors to the diversity of the BJNCP. It will offer views of the pond and pass through
some of the interesting, while less ecologically sensitive, areas of the site. The roadway introduces visitors to several of the trails and will completely redefine the drive up appeal
and arrival experience.As the arrival point for most visitors and the primary launch point for trail exploration, the “nature center” building welcomes visitors, offers orientation,
and propels them out to enjoy the site. The plan proposes that a new nature center building be constructed slightly to the south and east of the existing nature center building, in an
area that is a transition between an open field and the woodland edge – just past the barn. The existing nature center building would be retained as administration, storage, or expansion
classrooms. Its original function as a residence limits its ability for further renovations or expansion by its split-level design and existing floor plan – a new building can be specifically
designed as a teaching tool that responds to the unique site attributes that surround it. The barn is proposed to be reconstructed as a third building in the complex, probably using
some of the aesthetically salvageable pieces in the new design. The new proposed building complex is better buffered from neighboring adjacencies and would claim a slight ridge that
overlooks the savannah on a longer axis – offering great views across the restored savannah landscape.The plan celebrates the legacy of the Bob Jones Jones Nature Center & Preserve by
protecting and enhancing the post oak savannah habitat that for years has been the primary focus of the organization, but also engages visitors with a broader sense of the surrounding
habitat diversity. Minor alterations to existing trails would allow for better connections with Bob Jones Park to utilize the existing irrigation pond as an outdoor classroom. The primary
equestrian trail is retained, but access is improved and erosive areas are re-routed and redundant segments are removed. The main east-west loop takes a slightly different route to provide
access to the lake. Viewsheds and buffers are permanently protected from development pressures. These protected buffers reduce trail distractions from rear yards that back up to the
site while also increasing the sense of privacy for private landowners. Existing programs (butterfly garden, composting, etc.) would be reorganized holistically with new ones (live animal
exhibits, etc) within the new building complex.A loop system offers a variety of lengths and educational experiences for visitors. Storylines accessible from this location might include
(not a comprehensive list):• Lake Shoreline• Cultural Heritage• Mudflats• Riparian Corridor• Woodlands• Flood LevelsMASTER PLAN8’ Shared Trail6’ Nature Trail6’ DG Trail4’ Nature TrailTrail
HeadOverlookOutdoor ClassroomWatering StationsProgramDirectional SignageSignageExisting HomesteadNature CenterBufferProgramPlaygroundWhite ChapelWhite ChapelLake Grapevine
ZONES TRAIL LOOPSLake Edge HabitatSavannahCross TimbersMudflatsRiparian CorridorWetlands/LakeTransitional ForestRecreation FieldsSavannahNorth Woodland LoopSavannah LoopRecreation LoopLake/Wetlands
LoopRiparian Corridor LoopRiparian Corridor /Bluff LoopMudflats /Lake Grapevine LoopCross Timbers LoopHeritage LoopWhite ChapelWhite ChapelLake GrapevineWhite ChapelWhite ChapelLake
Grapevine
SENSITIVITY + CONCEPT SCHEMENATURAL SYSTEMS + CONCEPT SCHEMEWhite ChapelWhite ChapelLake GrapevineWhite ChapelWhite ChapelLake Grapevine
The master plan capitalizes upon programs and preservation efforts that the Bob Jones Nature Center & Preserve has been known for since its inception. Although the proposed site is new,
it by no means abandons previous investments and seeks to reutilize existing facilities as a new rental venue – furthering the mission and opening up the BJNCP to potential new audiences.
The location respects all adjacent homeowners and diversifies the educational programs that can be offered. It draws a closer relationship with Bob Jones Park in an effort to better
integrate with the community. The trail network is expanded through the new property and buffers are expanded.The plan does propose some trail route modifications, interpretive & directional
signage, and retention of the primary equestrian trail. Long term success will rely heavily upon the establishment and implementation of a natural resource management plan for each of
the diverse ecosystems on the property. This planning framework presents a strong vision for BJNCP that should guide its development well in to the future, elevating its presence as
a destination in the Southlake community.CONCEPT SUMMARYThe planning vision for the Bob Jones Nature Center & Preserve is organized around a strong framework of experience, education,
and habitat management. The plan is flexible, however, and is easily achieved incrementally through a series of individual projects that are manageable in scale, cost, and complexity.
The planning team, working with city staff, proposes a three tier approach to implementation that seeks to methodically achieve the vision. Appropriate sequencing, funding, and many
other components discussed in the public process all were considered when outlining this three tier approach. While some of the following projects may be funded by city capital improvement
projects, there are also some that are ideal for volunteer group sponsorship and other partnership opportunities. All phasing is to be coordinated with the updated city wide Parks, Recreation
and Open Space Master Plan. Tier One projects focus on signage, trail development, and the first round of outdoor classrooms and trail destinations (treehouse, lakefront overlook, etc.).
Tier Two projects usher in the new nature center building and arrival sequence, strengthening the visibility of the center by entering from White Chapel through the park. A host of supporting
elements and new programs are also included in Tier Two, including a re-purposing of the existing nature center building and barn. Tier Three projects address various trail segments
and further diversify outdoor classrooms and educational amenities.IMPLEMENTATION STRATEGY
TIER 1 – Trail Development (Year 1 & 2 of Implementation)1. Signage• Facility• Trails2. Land/Habitat Management• Park Buffer• Savannah Expansion3. Trail Development & Repairs• North
Woodland Loop• Wetlands Loop• Savannah Loop• CrossTimbers Loop• Heritage Loop4. Outdoor Classrooms5. Treehouse6. Lakefront Overlook
TIER 2 – New Nature Center Building Development (Year 3 & 4 of Implementation)1. New Nature Center & Arrival Identity• New Education Building• Repurpose Existing Building• Outdoor &
Indoor Exhibits• Signage at White Chapel• Entry Road• Parking Lot w/bioswale2. Nature Playground3. Homestead Demonstration • Barn Reconstruction• Homestead Exhibit• Composting4. Trail
Development• Begin Recreation Loop• Connection to Ballfields5. Signage6. Outdoor Classrooms
TIER 3 – Nature Trail Expansion ( Year 5 of Implementation)1. Trail Development• Riparian Corridor Loops• Complete Recreation Loop• Complete 4’ nature trails2. Signage3. Outdoor Classrooms4.
Lakefront Overlooks5. Farhat Trailhead Parking6. Habitat Management