STRATEGIC PRIORITY: Vibrant
AGENDA DATE: August 27, 2025
COUNCIL DISTRICT(S): 6
DEPARTMENT: Park & Recreation Department
EXECUTIVE: John D. Jenkins
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SUBJECT
Title
Authorize (1) a public hearing to be held on September 24, 2025, pursuant to Chapter 26 of the Texas Parks and Wildlife Code, to receive comments on the proposed use of a portion of parkland at LB Houston Nature Area, located at 10401 Wildwood Drive, totaling approximately 64,749 square feet (1.49 acres) of land and temporary use of approximately 82,692 square feet (1.90 acres) of land, by Trinity River Authority for the construction of a 30-inch Reuse Water line for the Dallas Utility and Reclamation District 30-Inch Reuse Water Line Project, for the public benefit; and (2) the receipt and deposit of funds in an amount not to exceed $829.25 in the in the Capital Gifts Donations and Development Fund - Revenue: Capital Gifts, Donation and Development Fund $829.25
Body
BACKGROUND
The City of Dallas owns municipal parkland known as LB Houston Nature Area (approximately 107 acres), located at 10401 Wildwood Drive, on the northeast side of Dallas. The park is currently used for active and passive recreation.
The Trinity River Authority (TRA) currently supplies the Dallas Utility and Reclamation District (DCURD) treated effluent from the TRA’s Central Regional Wastewater treatment plant. This reuse water is used for irrigation and to control lake levels in Las Colinas and was constructed via 11 miles of 30-inch pipeline in 1984. DCURD annually funds the operation and maintenance costs associated with this pipeline as required by the 1984 contract with TRA.
Segments of the reuse water line are located parallel to the Elm Fork of the Trinity River. In recent years, these riverbanks have experienced multiple slope failures due to erosion caused by the rise and fall of the river surface levels after major rain events. In 2019, a section of the Elm Fork failed along with a 440-foot segment of TRA’s DCURD line. An emergency repair was performed to temporarily replace the failed segment and was routed away from the banks of the Trinity River. Two more subsequent failures of the line occurred in 2020 and 2022. The new 30-inch reuse line is approximately 3,700 linear feet and will relocate the failed segments away from the banks of the Trinity River. The new reuse line will require a new easement and the existing reuse line will be abandoned in place. Three alignment routes were considered and factors such as constructability, access, and future bank stability were considered in the route selection with the current proposed alignment being the most suitable for providing this public purpose.
TRA, on behalf of DCURD, plans to construct the 30-inch reuse line through portions of the City of Dallas land on the east side of the Elm Fork River. The proposed easement alignment runs parallel to existing utility easements in LB Houston Nature Area thereby minimizing impact to parkland.
The use of parkland will require approximately 64,749 square feet (1.49 acres) of public utility easement in parkland, and temporary workspace of approximately 82,692 square feet (1.90 acres) of parkland (Exhibit A). A portion of TRA’s project is within the same alignment as the City of Irving’s Campion Trail which also passes through the LB Houston Nature Area-TRA is coordinating with Irving so that its project does not impact the design, construction, and operation of the trail which benefits the residents of Irving and the City.
In consideration for this conveyance by easement, TRA will pay fair market value for public utility line easement and temporary workspace easements, as determined by an independent appraisal, and public hearing advertising costs.
In compliance with the law, the City must determine that there is a need, that there is no feasible and prudent alternative, and that all reasonable care will be taken not to damage the remainder of the park property and to mitigate any disruption of park services.
In accordance with the Texas Parks and Wildlife Code, Chapter 26 (Sections 26.001 through 26.004) the City Council must advertise and hold a public hearing on the change of use of parkland.
PRIOR ACTION/REVIEW (COUNCIL, BOARDS, COMMISSIONS)
On June 26, 2025, the Park and Recreation Board authorized a public hearing to be held on September 10, 2025, pursuant to Chapter 26 of the Texas Parks and Wildlife Code, to receive comments on the proposed use of a portion parkland at LB Houston Nature Area located at 10401 Wildwood Drive, totaling approximately 64,749 square feet (1.49 acres) of land and temporary use of approximately 82,692 square feet (1.90 acres) of land, by Trinity River Authority for the construction of a 30-inch Reuse Water line for the DCURD 30-Inch Reuse Water Line Project, for the public benefit.
FISCAL INFORMATION
Revenue: Capital Gifts, Donation & Development Fund $829.25
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