STRATEGIC PRIORITY: Quality of Life
AGENDA DATE: October 28, 2020
COUNCIL DISTRICT(S): 7
DEPARTMENT: Park & Recreation Department
EXECUTIVE: John D. Jenkins
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SUBJECT
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Authorize the Fair Park Master Plan and Community (Neighborhood Park) Plan in accordance with Section 6.16 and 6.17 of the Fair Park Management Agreement - Financing: No cost consideration to the City
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BACKGROUND
The City, through the Park & Recreation Department, entered into an agreement with Fair Park First (executed on October 24, 2018, by Resolution No 18-1531) allowing Fair Park First to provide management and operation of Fair Park for the City as a public park, maintaining and managing the grounds and facilities of Fair Park as a vibrant, year-round destination.
The agreement requires that Fair Park First complete the preparation of an update to the Fair Park Comprehensive Development Plan and to obtain approval from the Park and Recreation Board and City Council prior to implementation. Fair Park First presented the plan to the Park and Recreation Board on June 18, 2020. The plan includes the following key highlights:
- Guiding principal, concept and designs of the 1936 Texas Centennial Exposition shall continue and will reflect core recommendations of the 2014 Mayor’s Task Force Report: Putting the Park Back in Fair Park
- Provide a planning and implementatin “roadmap” for the transformation of Fair Park into one of the premier parks in the nation
- Development process included over 319 participants at the 4 community meetings and 541 participants at 24 neighborhood association meetings
- Proposed Master Plan highlights the following:
o 1.5 miles central walking loop and 12,000 linear feet of new trails and walkways
o 24 acres of new storm water areas
§ 800,000 square feet of impervious surface
o Dramatic Parking improvements to include a proposed three level parking garage and a reduction in pervious parking surfaces
o 52 acres of new expanded park/open spaces and 65,000 square feet of new prairie on site
o 1,270 new trees
o Creation of Community Park to provide programming, interactive water feature, children’s play area, civic lawn, and a community pavilion
PRIOR ACTION/REVIEW (COUNCIL, BOARDS, COMMISSIONS)
On August 16, 2018, the Park and Recreation Board was briefed regarding this matter.
On September 6, 2018, the Park and Recreation Board authorized a twenty-year management contract, with two five-year extension options with Fair Park First for the management and operation of Fair Park.
City Council was briefed regarding this matter on September 18, 2018.
On October 24, 2018, City Council authorized a twenty-year management contract, with two five-year extension options with Fair Park First for the management and operation of Fair Park for the Park and Recreation Department for an initial ten years, in an amount not to exceed $34,598,909.00, by Resolution No 18-1531.
On August 6, 2020, the Park and Recreation Board authorized the Fair Park Master Plan and Community (Neighborhood Park) Plan.
The Quality of Life, Arts and Culture Committee was briefed regarding this matter on August 17, 2020.
FISCAL INFORMATION
No cost consideration to the City.
OWNER
Fair Park First
Darren L. James, President