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· ' · While cer~aialy the least expensive'first cost' 3.3.3 Recommendations Concermng Qpt~on 2. of the three development options, Option 2 is not without its long term costs. The loss of nearly $4.0 .million in revenue fi.om land sales is nothing to be taken lightly. The significance of estimated taxes to all taxing entities from Option 1 ($1.1 million annually) and Option 3 ($4.2 million annually) cannot be overlooked by even the most zealous conservationist. The development of the south shore for public park use is an essential element of all three development options. It is the nature of north shore and west shore developments that remain in questio~ We do not believe that under Option 2 the city should allow control of so much of the public land to rest with one entity, that is, Archers for Christ. As much as we may agree with their charter and purpose, to withhold five to seven hundred acres of land from the public does not seem to be good public policy. Under Option 2, each oftbe gun or archery clubs would have fixed, hard boundary leases covering what they need for target ranges and clear zones as well as improvements to the land such as parking lots, storehouses and meeting rooms. For the balance oftbe property, we favor a shared use where Archers for Christ and shotgun hunters can use the property outside their fixed boundary leases during specific competitions or hunts but not to the exclusion of the public the rest of the year. Proper installation of gates and signs along the hike/bike trail and around the perimeter of other property can signal the public that there are special events being held and to refrain from using the trail that day. The development ora formal south shore park and eventually a north shore park will require the expansion of park maintenance staff within the city and the purchase of more vehicles and equipment for their use. For this reason, we have not recommended the full formal development of Lake Crook as a public park like Whiterock Lake is to Dallas or To*~n Lake is to Austin. As attractive as paved jogging trails and wide, open, closely cropped grassy fields may be, the Paris city staff would simply be overwhelmed by the manpower and money needed to maintain such a park. A large natural habitat park requiring very little maintenance is ideal for most of the property under this Option 2. Option 2 is, in our opirdon, a better short term plan for the next five to ten years. Parts of Options I and 3 where residential development is contemplated may be desirable the future. We do not s, the elements of Options 1 through 3 as being mutually exclusive. There is a lot of land out there! Figure 11 Group picnic shelter at Lake Crook Page 31 of 45