PRESENTER: Presenter
Jeff Bransford, Assistant Director of Parks & Recreation
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SUBJECT: Title
Presentation and possible action to approve a five-year lease with the City of New Braunfels for trail and park access.
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DEPARTMENT:
Parks & Recreation
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COUNCIL DISTRICTS IMPACTED: 4
BACKGROUND INFORMATION:
On February 7, 2024, the New Braunfels Economic Development Corporation (NBEDC) held a public hearing and approved a project expenditure of $8,000,000 for the purchase of approximately 130 acres in northwest New Braunfels to be used for economic development projects and future park space within the New Braunfels parks system. City Council approved the project expenditure on February 12, 2024.
The 2017 Parks and Recreation Master Plan encouraged acquisitions of additional parkland to maintain and grow level of service. The land’s mix of developable acreage and wooded land supports both active recreation and trail/conservation potential, aligning with the systemwide need to expand capacity and amenities as New Braunfels grows.
Development of a master plan for Northwest Park is underway to determine the vision, goals, design, and long-term plan for the development of the land. It is envisioned that Northwest Park will eventually provide protection of Alligator Creek and natural areas as well as paved and unpaved trails, gathering areas, play spaces, restrooms, and recreational open space.
Until the master plan is approved and implemented, the City desires to provide primitive public access for the enjoyment of the park’s current state. No amenities other than natural surface unpaved trails are expected to be provided until a plan for further development is approved by City Council.
The proposed lease will permit public access to the park, and addresses the NBEDC’s strategic priority of Enhancing Sense of Place and Quality of Life.
STRATEGIC PLAN REFERENCE:
N/A Economic Mobility N/A Enhanced Connectivity YES Community Identity
N/A Organizational Excellence YES Community Well-Being
FISCAL IMPACT:
There is no fiscal impact for approving this lease as the five-year agreement details no costs associated.
Recommendation
RECOMMENDATION:
Staff recommends approval of the five-year lease with the City of New Braunfels to unlock the land for surface trail access.