STRATEGIC PRIORITY: Quality of Life, Arts & Culture
AGENDA DATE: June 14, 2023
COUNCIL DISTRICT(S): 2
DEPARTMENT: Park & Recreation Department
EXECUTIVE: John D. Jenkins
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SUBJECT
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Authorize a public hearing to be held on August 9, 2023, 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 for access and construction staging by Texas Scottish Rite Hospital for Children 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 Texas Scottish Rite Hospital for Children pursuant to Chapter 26 of the Texas Parks and Wildlife Code - Financing: No cost consideration to the City
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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.
Texas Scottish Rite Hospital for Children (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 (Exhibit A). 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 and Recreation Board granted a Temporary License Agreement for similar 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.
FISCAL INFORMATION
No cost consideration to the City.
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