STRATEGIC PRIORITY: Quality of Life, Arts & Culture
AGENDA DATE: September 13, 2023
COUNCIL DISTRICT(S): 2
DEPARTMENT: Park & Recreation Department
EXECUTIVE: John D. Jenkins
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SUBJECT
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A public hearing, pursuant to Chapter 26 of the Texas Parks and Wildlife Code, to receive comments on the proposed use of a portion of Reverchon Park, totaling approximately 41,500 square feet (0.95 acres) of land, located at 3505 Maple Avenue, by Texas Scottish Rite Hospital for Children (Scottish Rite) for access and construction staging by Scottish Rite for the construction of an addition to the hospital adjacent to the park; and, at the close of the public hearing, consideration of a resolution authorizing the proposed use of parkland and the grant of a six-month Temporary License Agreement to Scottish Rite pursuant to Chapter 26 of the Texas Parks and Wildlife Code - Financing: No cost consideration to the City (This item was deferred on August 9, 2023)
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BACKGROUND
The City of Dallas owns municipal parkland known as Reverchon Park (approximately 41.25 acres) located at 3505 Maple Avenue. The park is currently used for active and passive recreation.
Scottish Rite has requested temporary use of a portion of the west side of the park for staging of a crane and other construction equipment in support of its expansion project to its hospital adjacent to the park. Scottish Rite’s expansion project will take approximately six months.
The approximately 41,500 square foot area requested is currently used for passive recreation. This west side of the park is accessible from the main park driveway up a grassy hill. Park maintenance staff currently use this same unimproved accessway for the purpose of mowing and other maintenance operations. No trees, shrubs, or perennials are expected to be impacted by Scottish Rite’s work. Upon completion of Scottish Rite’s project, Scottish Rite will restore the site to its prior condition or better. Additionally, at the conclusion of Scottish Rite’s project, Scottish Rite will construct a grass paver access road with irrigation-this access road is a much-needed park improvement which will facilitate park maintenance staff access to this remote area of the park and reduce erosion. Grass pavers will have little to no visual impact to the park. In 2012, the Park Board granted a Temporary License Agreement for similar work.
Scottish Rite agrees as condition of the six-month Temporary License Agreement:
1. To observe safety regulations;
2. To not be detrimental to the park and to coordinate work with City staff to provide for the least disruption of City services and park patron use of the park;
3. To comply with health, safety, noise, environmental protection, waste disposal, and water and air quality regulations;
4. To keep the adjacent park area free from construction debris and waste;
5. To bear the cost of Scottish Rite’s project;
6. To do all work within the park and surrounding areas in a good a workmanlike manner under the supervision of the Director of the Park & Recreation Department;
7. To repair or replace any damage to or removal of any park improvements by Scottish Rite or its contractors, regardless of the reason, at Scottish Rite's sole cost with no cost consideration to the City.
8. To restore the site after its project is complete to its prior condition or better, at Scottish Rite’s sole cost with no cost consideration to the City:
a. To provide temporary irrigation for turf repair, replacement, and renovation
b. To construct a grass permeable paver access road to the west side of the park. The access road shall include a permanent smart irrigation system as specified by City staff, including meter if required, for use, operation, and the responsibility of the Park Department, constructed to the manufacturers’ and City’s standards. Scottish Rite, at its sole cost and responsibility, shall secure all permits and make all connections necessary for the work.
c. Maintain and warranty all restoration work for no less than one-year after acceptance by the City.
d. Secure performance bonds for all restoration work.
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 May 18, 2023, the Park and Recreation Board authorized a public hearing to be held on August 9, 2023.
On June 14, 2023, the City Council authorized a public hearing to be held on August 9, 2023, by Resolution No. 23-0250.
On August 9, 2023, this item was deferred by Councilmember Chad West.
FISCAL INFORMATION
No cost consideration to the City.
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