PRESENTER: Presenter
Christopher Greenwell, Grants Coordinator
Body
SUBJECT: Title
Approval of a resolution of the New Braunfels City Council designating certain officials as being responsible for, acting for, and on behalf of the City of New Braunfels in dealing with the Texas Parks & Wildlife Department for the purpose of participating in the Local Park Grant Program, hereinafter referred to as the “Program”; certifying that the Applicant is eligible to receive program assistance; certifying that the Applicant matching share is readily available; and dedicating the proposed site for permanent (or for the term of the lease for leased property) public park and recreational uses.
Header
DEPARTMENT: Finance and Parks and Recreation Department
Body
COUNCIL DISTRICTS IMPACTED: District 6
BACKGROUND INFORMATION:
The City of New Braunfels has identified numerous improvements needed along County Line Memorial Trail, one of the most heavily traveled trails in the City’s park system. The City’s Finance Department, in partnership with the Parks and Recreation Department, is seeking funding through the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department’s Outdoor Recreation Legacy Partnership (ORLP) Grant Program.
The ORLP Program is a competitive grant program that supports the development and improvement of outdoor recreation spaces. Funding may be used to create new recreational opportunities, revitalize existing parks, and strengthen connections between communities and the outdoors.
City staff has met with representatives from the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department, who confirmed that the proposed project is eligible for consideration under the program. The City is now preparing an application for this funding opportunity.
The ORLP Program will reimburse up to 50 percent of eligible project costs, with the City responsible for providing the remaining 50 percent as a local match. The City has identified funding for the required match from the Park Development Fund’s District 3 allocation. Preliminary cost estimates for the project total around $8 million, with $4 million being covered by the grant and $4 million being covered by the Park Improvement Fund.
The project remains in the conceptual design phase. City staff is working with an outside landscape architecture firm to develop site plans and prepare a more technical opinion of probable cost. The proposed project scope is anticipated to include the following improvements:
• Reconstruct the full 2.2-mile length of County Line Memorial Trail.
• Widen the trail from 8 feet to 12 feet.
• Improve three at-grade pedestrian crossings.
• Replace all outdoor exercise stations.
• Upgrade the irrigation system.
• Add shade trees and enhance landscaping along the trail.
• Improve the trailhead along West County Line Road, including reconfiguration of the parking lot.
• Make various improvements to Kraft Park, including:
o Replacing the pavilion.
o Replacing the playground and its safety surface.
o Adding shade over the playground.
o Expanding the outdoor fitness area.
o Potentially constructing an approximately 0.25-mile trail connection to FM 1044.
As part of the grant application, the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department requires the City Council to adopt a resolution that:
• Designates the City Manager to act on behalf of the City in all matters related to the grant program and officially designates Robert Camareno as the City’s authorized representative.
• Certifies that the City is eligible to receive assistance through the program and that notice of the application has been posted in accordance with applicable local public hearing requirements.
• Certifies that the required local matching funds are readily available.
• Specifically authorizes the City’s designated representative to submit an application to the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department for improvements to the site known as County Line Memorial Trail, and confirms that County Line Memorial Trail is used as a public park and recreation site and will be dedicated to public park and recreation purposes in perpetuity.
ISSUE:
N/A
STRATEGIC PLAN REFERENCE:
☐Economic Mobility ☐Enhanced Connectivity ☐Community Identity
☒Organizational Excellence ☐Community Well-Being ☐N/A
Considering statutory and market-based factors, continue to diversify revenue streams to support the long-term fiscal sustainability of the Organization.
FISCAL IMPACT:
If awarded, the grant will require a 50% City match, with the granting agency reimbursing the remaining 50% of eligible project costs. The required match has been incorporated into the FY 2027 budget within the District 3 allocation of the Park Improvement Fund. Therefore, sufficient funds are available for the project.
Recommendation
RECOMMENDATION:
Staff recommends approval of the resolution approving the four provisions outlined above.