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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes_PAREB_07.14.2005Minutes of the Meeting of the Parks and Recreation Board City of Georgetown, Texas Thursday, July 14, 2005 The Parks and Recreation Board of the City of Georgetown, Texas, met on Thursday , July 14, 2005. Members Present: Bob Mathis, Kay Cobb, Kent Buikema, Mark Ramsey, Mark Shepherd, Michael Simpson Members Absent: Barbara Owens, Ron Doernbach, Van Chandler Staff Present: Randy Morrow, Kimberly Garrett, Jill Kellum Others Present: Speakers from Hall/Bargainer _Tim Bargainer, Phil Wanke, John Moman Minutes Regular Meeting 1.Ca11 to order Ramsey called the meeting to order at 7:07 pm. 2. Roll call 3. Introduce new Parks Advisory Board members Ramsey introduced Bob Mathis and Kent Buikema as the newest Parks Advisory Board members. 4. Workshop on Garey Park Planning Session — Hall/Bargainer Tim Bargainer began the program explaining this meeting is to begin the process of establishing goals and objectives for the development of Garey Park. Tim Bargainer showed a series of site photos of Garey Park. Phil Wanke showed Williamson County parks surrounding Garey Park and showed potential regional trail linkages to existing trails and potential corridors along the creeks and roadways. Phil Wanke showed aerial views of the site for Garey Park. He explained the different soils on the property, the topography of the land, and water drainage. Ramsey asked if many trees would be taken out. Phil Wanke stated the whole idea is to keep as many trees as possible and this will come in with the design phase depending on the types of uses that will be available at the park. Phil Wanke also explained the water lines that are available and how in the future wastewater lines that will be available. Simpson asked about the ETJ of the Garey Park with either the City of Leander or the City of Georgetown. Morrow stated that negotiations are still going on, but stated the water and sewage will come from the City of Georgetown. Phil Wanke explained that most of the property surrounding the Garey Park is owned by residential developers and stated that needs to be considered when planning different areas of the park. Tim Bargainer explained that the edge by the river will not be natural, that there will be houses built there. Phil Wanke said there will be potential linkage along the creek for trails. Morrow asked about the trail system and how that will meet up with the Williamson County Regional Park. Tim Bargainer stated this is being discussed and CR 175 would be the possible route of the trail. Morrow asked about a bike lane. Tim Bargainer stated there will be some negotiating for a protected lane that would allow for more than bicycles; a lane that would be used for walking, running, and biking. Tim Bargainer stated there is an alternative route being looked at off FM 2243 but also explained that by connecting to CR 175 (Sam Bass Road) it would connect to the Round Rock trail system as well. John Moman explained where the house was located in relation to the property. He spoke of the Garey House and the opportunities and constraints for this facility. John Moman suggested an idea of converting the 4 car garage into a meeting room with a dimension of 24 X 54. He suggested ideas of having large events or multiple events such as traveling art displays. The upstairs area of the house would be used as storage, due to ADA constraints and building code standards. John Moman showed and explained the views of the property from different areas in the house. Tim Bargainer then gave some ideas about the land usage, where things might occur and where things should not occur. Some of the uses that were discussed were alternative or unique recreation uses like a skate park, water playscape and BMX biking. He also talked about more passive state park recreational uses such as RV camp areas, remote tent camping, meeting rooms and guest rooms with kitchen, pool, and outdoor meeting spaces, clubhouse, open play areas, such as kite flying or dog run, picnic and group pavilions with access to the water, outdoor classrooms, performance and music spaces where you could have outdoor theater, botanical gardens, nature plant education, camp areas for Girl Scout/Boy Scouts, equestrian trail, camp grounds, hike and bike trail, and eventually an equestrian center with lessons or riding camps. He talked about the image of the park concerning what that might be when you see the entrance of the park, such as an equestrian center with cows grazing. Tim Bargainer then presented questions for the board. 1. What is your vision in a broad picture of this park? Simpson states it is a beautiful example of the hill country. Cobb sees it more as a passive environment; using the house for retreats and meetings and also the equestrian trail, and states she does not see a skate park there. Ramsey likes the wide variety that Tim Bargainer is presenting and states that a skate park would take away from the natural aspect of the area. Simpson asked if the river flows all year long. Tim Bargainer stated that the river right now has about a foot of water in the area now. Simpson asked if the area would be deep enough for swimming such as Blue Hole. Tim Bargainer stated that the area can be used for wading. Morrow then gave the ideas of the Garey's. He explained that the only thing that the Garey's requested in the deed were that the park would always be named Garey Park, the 525 acres stay as a whole piece of property and a park, that the city never sell a piece of the property and that the house always be named Garey House. These were the only stipulations. Then the Garey's stated they would like a playscape for young kids, and would like a passive area as well. The Garey's like the idea of the hike and bike trail, and equestrian trails. They wanted it to be up to the citizens of what else they would like to have. Tim stated the Garey's want it to be for the public and open for the public. With the house, Garey's would like it to be open to everyone, not just for corporations. Simpson asked how far the Williamson County Regional Park was from the Garey Park. Tim Bargainer states it is only about 2 miles from the park. Cobb states she would like to see playscapes, picnic tables, and spray feature water areas. Tim Bargainer states that splash pads are a lot more successful and have low maintenance and costs. Tim Bargainer states they are sending out a community wide questionnaire survey for ideas on the park. Simpson asked how long the Garey's have had the land and suggested for the house to tell the Garey story, such as a museum. 2. Who is our target Groups? What do our users want in the park? Who else do we want to use the park? Ramsey asked about the Garey's request for the park not to be used for corporations. Tim Bargainer stated that the Garey's do not want to see it used exclusively for corporations that might exclude opportunities for the community as a whole. Garey's want to focus on children and families to access this park. Mathis asked if there would be a fee structure associated with the use of this facility. If so, can the fee structure be set up so that families can afford accessing the park? Morrow stated that for the use of the Garey House there would be a fee. We do that now with fees and do give scholarships for people who can not afford certain programs. Tim Bargainer stated we could use the idea of fee structure to promote the idea of uses and users. Tim Bargainer stated that since the vicinity of the property is along several cities and that the citizens of Georgetown will not be the only people using the park and the county will benefit from this park, how can the City benefit from everyone using the park? Garey's view it as a park that is a Georgetown park that everyone can use. Morrow stated that we use that method now with resident and non resident fees. Simpson explained the fees collected for programs pay for the cost of the programming. Ramsey asked if a big corporation wants to rent the entire Park would that be allowed. It was stated that that would be something that would need to be decided. Morrow stated the Garey's did not want the Park to be a burden on the City of Georgetown and they are expecting there to be fees for certain things such as a gate fee or activity fee. Tim Bargainer asked the group what they felt was something the user would want to see. Simpson states a lot of shade and water spray park areas. Mathis states he would like to see smaller park areas within the 525 acres for families so people feel comfortable and have personal space. Tim Bargainer asked about overnight tent camping and RV camping. Ramsey states he feels it would be a focus on families. Ramsey's concerns are about control, and safety of the park. It was discussed that with RV camping there would have to be a dump station and utilities. Morrow stated that the RV campsites could be a revenue maker as well. Tim Bargainer states there could be remote camping where you would have to hike into the area along the river. He also made suggestions about group cabins with bunk beds that could be rented for a couple of days or a weekend to be used by scout groups where they could promote the interpretation of the environment and education. Ramsey stated that he would like to see the area stay more natural. Simpson said he would like to explore the idea of camping but would like to see what the community would like. Simpson also brought up the idea of safety with hike and bike trails in the same vicinity as camping sites. 3. Does the park meet my needs? Does the park meet the needs of the user? Tim Bargainer asked about how to handle results of the survey if people wanted a skate park or a high activity area park, and how to incorporate the ideas to meet the rational needs that the community tells us they want and maintain the vision. Ramsey states we should meet the expectations of the Garey's after the surveys have been reviewed. Discussion was made about uses in this park and how not to duplicate activities with the Williamson County Regional Park. Buikema suggested that more information was given in the surveys such as what is available in surrounding parks, so that activities are not duplicated. Morrow stated that we should look long range as what the City of Georgetown might need in the future as well, which may duplicate activities in surrounding parks such as athletic facilities. Tim Bargainer stated some of the other topics that were discussed were botanical gardens, and day use areas for school districts. Ramsey stated that festivals, 4th of July activities, concerts, and celebrations could be done at this park. Statistics were given on other large parks in the Austin area. Morrow stated San Gabriel Park is 125 acres. Garrett stated Zilker Park is 300 + acre park. Tim Bargainer stated Williamson County Regional Park is 800 acres which is within 3 miles of Garey Park. 4. What programming elements should be in Garey Park? What should or should not be in Garey Park? Tim Bargainer gave ideas such as rock climbing walls, in line hockey area or alternative recreation activities; an area for kids to explore and try out new things. Tim Bargainer stated that bouldering is a new thing that is a horizontal rock climbing exercise. He suggested a little more creative type exercising and an opportunity to keep the area looking natural. Tim Bargainer also suggested extremely large playscapes or a maze; a series of playscapes. Tim Bargainer states the areas could be landscaped to keep them looking natural. Cobb introduced the idea of a nature center. Ramsey explained an area on the Pedernales River where the children could climb on the rocks and run around and how the center explained the different rock structure and foliage of the area. It is set up as a learning center. He also brought up the idea of the Lady Bird Johnson Wildlife Center. Mathis suggested that we not make this too structured, to keep the areas more natural. Tim Bargainer stated that manufacturers of splash pads will custom make these according to different ideas that are given. Simpson states that the City of Georgetown has a large population of dog owners and would like to see the park dog friendly. Tim Bargainer stated an area of the property could be used as a dog park. Tim Bargainer asked about equestrian trails. Garrett suggested having an area where people can bring their horses and ride. Tim Bargainer asked about Hike/Bike trails and how the new developments will want to promote this with there new development. There was discussion about parking. Morrow stated there is a standard for how many parking places are designated at the parks by activities in the park but this will be brought up later. 5. Identify groups or organization that may utilize the Garey House and uses. Simpson states that different groups could use the house at different types of day. Ramsey asked about restaurants in the area. Morrow stated the Garey's do not want to commercialize the park. The kitchen could be used for catered events. John Moman stated that if it was turned into a cooking facility then you would be required to go by health department requirements. Ramsey asked how to limit the use of the facility from large corporations wanting to rent the whole park. Tim Bargainer explained there would be no problem with a group occupying the space for 1 or 2 days, because they would not be staying overnight and they will not shut down the park just because they are using the house and the facilities, but there is no reason why we could not promote the park as a retreat, or an educational opportunity. Tim Bargainer explained that the Garey's did not want a group to be able to come in take over the park, lease out the building, and this become a big executive retreat. So the idea of functioning as meetings, weddings, receptions, gatherings, art displays, art rotations both indoor and outdoor, where we can use the facility in that manner, it would work without discriminating against any user group. Ramsey asked if there would be a limit of the number of people who could enter. Morrow stated that fire code would have control of that. Morrow stated that the Garey's wanted to keep the house from being used only for corporations; they want the house to be used for everyone. Tim Bargainer asked about a smaller ropes course or using the idea for scouting type camp or team building activity. Simpson stated there were a lot of youth organizations in the area that would appreciate that. Tim Bargainer described a part of the yard that is well manicured and highly maintained and irrigated; he suggested the idea of a Garden Club type area. Morrow stated the Garey's would like to see the pond areas used by kids to fish. Tim Bargainer suggested that the areas in the park, such as pavilions, and picnic areas be engineered to look the same as the house with stone, and tile roofs. Ramsey asked if the garage area could be used for galas and fundraisers. Tim Bargainer states there is room for this type of activity with use of the whole house and using the outdoor areas as well. Buikema stated, in Michigan the Parks and Recreation and the Fine Arts department joined together with a sculptor to develop a playscape with the input from the school children in the town from Kindergarten to high school aged children and it worked real well. John Moman stated that the uses of the house would need to be identified before any modifications were made to the home. John Moman states that all modifications that need to be done to meet code should not take away from the house. Simpson stated also that there would need to be administrative office there. Tim Bargainer stated that for a park this size there is a need for someone to be on the property on a 24 hour basis and the potential to put a host house facility in the park. Phil Wanke stated there is a house that the Garey's lived in while the new house was being built that could be used as a host house or cabins. Simpson asked about the bluff area at the backside the land across the river. Tim Bargainer stated there is a 50 - 60 foot bluff and there is a meadow on the other side that is very low. Tim Bargainer states this area is isolated, but is accessible. Morrow stated that the Garey's own both sides of the river. There was some discussion that this would be a good area for a dog park, and states this would be a remote area. Tim Bargainer states the survey will go out in the next cycle of the utility bills to residential and commercial customers. The next workshop will be a community wide day long activity to identify teams. Then the teams will be working on the plans. Morrow states that Mr. Garey would like the park built within 1-2 years of him passing away. 5. Grand Opening for the Hike and Bike Trail — Morrow Morrow states the Hike and Bike Trail will be done in about one week. There will be mile markers every 1/10 of a mile with animal tracks. The pavilion is in and the tree house playground will go in next week. Simpson asked about the pavilion at the Corp property land at Lake Georgetown. Morrow stated that will be open with the restrooms. The total trail is approximately 5.6 miles from San Gabriel Park to the Corp property at Lake Georgetown. Morrow stated the Grand opening will be in. August. 6. Heritage Garden for a "master" plan — Morrow Simpson stated that a few of the Parks Advisory Board members meet informally with Natalie and Marge at the Williamson County Health District. This organization sponsors the Heritage Garden by creating an opportunity for people to raise gardens in which 10% of the produce goes to the community kitchen at the Caring Place. The Parks Advisory Board is committed to having 2 members to be apart of the advisory board for the Heritage Garden that meets 9 months of the year. People have volunteered to give 800 feet of pipe to direct water to the garden without a plan. Simpson suggested getting a plan together for this area. This is city property and there needs to be some type of direction and guidance from this board. Bob Mathis volunteered to help on this board. 7. Approve minutes from 06-16-05 meeting Shepherd made a motion to approve the minutes. Simpson seconded the motion and it passed by unanimous vote. 8. Future agenda items Garey Park Master Plan Architectural plans for the community center Hike and Bike trail Discussion and Possible Action on waiving utility fees for Georgetown Youth Baseball Association. Bill Pennell — GYBA 9. Adjourn Cobb made a motion to adjourn the meeting. Attest: Ma amsey, Chair Parks aiXRecreation Board Van Chandler, Secretary Parks & Recreation Board