HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes_PAREB_11.10.2005Minutes of the Meeting of
the Parks and Recreation Board
City of Georgetown, Texas
Thursday, November 10, 2005
The Parks and Recreation Board of the City of Georgetown, Texas, met on Thursday , November 10,
2005.
Members Present:
Van Chandler, Ron Doernbach, Kay Cobb, Bob Mathis, Barbara Owens, Mark Ramsey, Mark Shepherd
Members Absent:
Kent Buikema, Michael Simpson
Staff Present:
Randy Morrow, Kimberly Garrett, Jill Kellum
Other present: Tim Bargainer and Phillip Wanke
Minutes 1
Regular Meeting
1. Call to Order
The meeting was called to order at 7:03pm
2. Roll Call
3. Update on Garey Park Master Plan — Garrett
Garrett stated that Phillip Wanke and Tim Bargainer have been working on the results
from the survey for the Garey Park Master Plan and they have a preliminary program
outlined for the Master Plan. Garrett stated that Hall/Bargainer is close to giving us a
final product and they were present to give an update on their progress. Tim Bargainer
explained they gathered all the data from the surveys and meetings then had a two day
inter -team design workshop where they got feedback from Morrow, Garrett, staff, and
the Board and were able to determine and analyze the data and generate some concepts
for the of Garey Park Master Plan. Phillip Wanke explained the results of the surveys
ranging from demographics, active and passive programming, and important qualities
for the park. During the discussion of the important qualities of the park, the top 5
qualities were safety, maintenance, natural setting, quality of life, and preservation. It
was also explained by Tim Bargainer and Morrow that some of the terminology of the
survey may have been misconstrued such as the connectivity. The top active programs
were equestrian trails, playscapes, waterparks, unique athletics, labyrinth for kids to
play in and dog park. The top passive programs were outdoor meeting space,
conference center, retreat facility, camping (individual, groups and primitive), shelters,
bouldering, rock climbing, nature center (indoor and outdoor), garden, observatory,
stargazing, interpretive area, trails (hiking, biking, and equestrian), canoeing, fishing,
and birdwatching. There were some exclusions; items such as no skate park, no RV
park, no mountain bikes, no traditional sports, and no overnight horse stables. Other
considerations were safety, provide maintenance facility for the park, buffer the active
and passive areas of the park, make The Garey House available for everyone, honor the
horse "Heart of Gold", recognize small pond "Minnow City" in honor of the
grandchildren, and to be open to the public. Suggestions for the Garey house were
weddings, social events, meetings, art exhibits, museums, educational events,
workshops, family reunions and retreats. It was suggested that the upstairs be used as
a security/caretakers resident; for residential use only. Tim Bargainer stated the use of
the home is an opportunity for revenue for the park. Phillip Wanke showed the site
features explaining that the active areas would be located to the front and more of the
passive activities toward the backside of the property. There would be a gatehouse at
the entrance and the road would go through the park and the exit would circle around
back toward the entrance. There would be a separate entrance which would be a free
entry where the park would include a playscape, water/splash pads, open fields, dog
park, equestrian staging area and trails. Morrow stated that at the entrance the open
field would have the native grasses and possible wildflowers which Tim Bargainer
explained is one of the core values which is to protect and preserve the existing beauty
of this property. Doernbach asked if there were any roads that connect the free use area
with the exit road. Phillip Wanke explained that they are looking at total separation,
that way the active use area does not have to be monitored as much. Phillip Wanke
stated there is an existing barn in the service area where it would look like a stable area
to tie into the equestrian area. Phillip Wanke explained with the Garey House you
could have indoor or outdoor art. There is an area that would be designated as parking
with additional overflow parking in the grass. The meadow would extend out from the
back of the Garey House where interpretive areas could be and have large figures in the
area to show where you are and where you are going. Directly behind the house there
could be an event lawn which could be used for festivals, outdoor activities, and a large
ampitheather built into the existing hillside. Owens asked how large the ampitheather
would be and how many people it would accommodate. This information will be given
from Tim Bargainer at a later date. Chandler asked if utilities would be brought to
different points in this area. Bargainer stated this would be all thought out in the plan
but generators could also be used. The west side of the property could be used for
cabin camping or large groups which would be accessible to the Garey House for
meetings. The area on the northeast corner has been given the idea of an observatory or
star gazing. Mathis asked about the area directly south of this area and Tim Bargainer
stated it would be residential. Mathis stated this area might be moved to another area
due to lighting on the south and this will be taken into consideration. The backside of
the property, to the southwest end, is designated for screen shelter camping for group
camping. The area to the back side along the river will be used for a day use picnic
area, not an overnight area. The northwest end of the property would allow more
primitive camping with access to the river, and an interpretive trail. Trails were shown
along the edges of the property which would be concrete trails and the smaller trails to
the area neighborhoods would be granite type trails. The trail systems show where
some connectivity would be possible to the Williamson County Regional Park and the
Georgetown trail system. Equestrian trails were shown that start at the staging area in
the active recreation area. Tim Bargainer stated that 5 miles is a minimum for
equestrian trails and there are about 5 miles of equestrian trail proposed. Morrow
stated there should be something to bring in the history of the land and the Garey
property. Tim Bargainer stated that the preservation of the entrance drive is essential
because it was a well thought out intentional approach to the Garey house; that the
views coming into the property were intentional which is part of the beauty. Tim
Bargainer also mentioned that with the equestrian center, Heart of Gold, the Garey's
race horse could be honored. Morrow stated that revenue makers need to be stressed
with the council, such as the house and how this revenue will pay for the maintenance.
Cobb asked about the all weather fields. Phillip Wanke stated this could be open play
area not designated for any certain sport. Tim Bargainer stated they will show another
presentation January 12, 2006 to the Parks Board. This will be done before they go back
to council. They will meet with the Garey's twice before meeting with the board again.
Chandler asked about the 100 acres that is deeded to the City of Georgetown in a trust.
Morrow stated this area will not be developed until after the Garey's pass on, but the
100 acres will always be parkland.
4. Discussion on future bridge through San Gabriel Park - Morrow
Morrow stated this will be on the January agenda after more information is gathered or
when available.
5. Update on budget items that were approved for this fiscal year - Garrett
Garrett passed out a handout that showed the budget items that were approved for the
2005 - 2006 budget. Doernbach asked about the Westside park and Morrow stated
there is land available around the Tennis Center and may expand the Tennis Center
area. Cobb asked about the parking lot at the Parks Administration Building. Garrett
explained that the parking lot in front of the Parks and Recreation Administration
building would be expanded to accommodate the additional people utilizing the
Community Room. Doernbach asked about the emergency call boxes for the trail.
Garrett stated that the emergency call boxes are available with 3 different options;
wireless, 2-way radio, and hardwire. They would possibly be installed on the antique
light post so there is not another fixture installed and they would be lighted. The 2-way
radio system goes directly to the police department and this is a free system but it
requires the user to push the lever down in order to talk which might be a concern if the
person is hurt. The wireless and hardwire would require a monthly fee. Code Blue has
a demonstration van which will come by and demonstrate their products. Garrett
explained that as of January lst, 2006 we will implement internet registration through
CLASS which will allow people to register on line for program registrations.
6. Discussion on December meeting
Next scheduled meeting is Thursday Dec. 15th from 7:00 - 9:00pm. Holiday
appreciation dinner for the Parks and Recreation Board Members.
7. Approve minutes from October 13, 2005 meeting
Cobb made a motion to approve the minutes and Doernbach seconded the motion and
it passed by unanimous vote.
8. Future agenda items
-Discussion on future bridge through San Gabriel Park - Morrow
- Update on Garey Park Master Plan with possible recommendation to City Council -
Garrett
- Update on Community Center renovation - Morrow
9. Adjourn
Doernbach made a motion to adjourn. Meeting adjourned at 8:13pm
Approv d: Attes
ar Ramsey, Chair Parks ecreation Board Van Chandler, Secretary Parks & Recreation Board