08-I TRPA Grant-Sports Comp.DRAFT
LISA\RESOLUTIONS\CiJRRENT\Sports Complex Grant Res
July 5, 2001
RESOLUTION NO.
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PARIS,
PARIS, TEXAS, DESIGNATING CERTAIN OFFICIALS AS BEING
RESPONSIBLE FOR AND ACTING FOR AND ON BEHALF OF THE CITY
IN DEALING WITH THE TEXAS PARKS AND WILDLIFE DEPARTMENT
FOR THE PURPOSE OF PARTICIPATING IN THE TEXAS RECREATION
AND PARKS ACCOUNT (TRPA) GRANT PROGRAM; CERTIFYING THE
CITY IS ELIGIBLE TO RECEIVE PROGRAM ASSISTANCE; CERTIFYING
THE CITY' S MATCHING SHARE IS READILY AVAII,ABLE; ACCEPTING
SAID GRANT AWARD UPON NOTICE THEREOF; AUTHORIZING THE
EXECUTION OF ANY AND ALL DOCUMENTS NECESSARY FOR
ACCEPTANCE OF SAID GRANT UPON NOTICE THEREOF;
DEDICATING THE PROPOSED SITE FOR PERMANENT PUBLIC PARK
AND RECREATIONAL USES; MAKING OTHER FINDINGS AND
PROVISIONS RELATED TO THE SUBJECT; AND DECLARING AN
EFFECT DATE.
WHEREAS, the Texas Legislature has approved the Texas Recreation and Parks Account
(TRPA) Grant Program, hereinafter called Program (Section 24 of the Parks & Wildlife Code), for the
purpose of allowing the political subdivisions of the State of Texas to participate in the Program; and,
WHEREAS, the City of Paris, Paris, Texas, is fully eligible to receive assistance under said
Program, and the City Council is desirous of processing a grant application with the Texas Parks and
Wildlife Department for the Paris Sports Complex Project in the amount of $500,000.00, with
$500,000.00 to be provided by the City of Paris in the form of cash; NOW, THEREFORE,
BE IT RESOLVED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PARIS, PARIS,
TEXAS:
Section L That the findings set out in the preamble to this resolution are hereby in all things
approved.
Section 2. That an application be made to the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department for a Texas
Recreation and Parks Account (TRPA) Grant in the amount of $500,000.00, with $500,000.00 to be
provided by the City of Paris in the form of cash.
Section 3. That the City of Paris hereby certifies it is eligible to receive assistance under the
Texas Recreation and Parks Account (TRPA) Program.
Section 4. That the City of Paris hereby certifies the matching share for this application is readily
available at this time.
Section 5. That the Texas Recreation and Parks Account (TRPA) Grant for the Paris
Sports Complex Project be accepted upon notice of award of the same by the Texas Parks and
Wildlife Department.
Section 6. That the City Manager be, and he is hereby, appointed as the Authorized Official of
said project and is authorized and directed to execute, on behalf of the City of Paris, the application for
grant in the form attached hereto as Exhibit A.
Section 7. That the Public Warks Director be, and he is hereby, appointed as Project Director
and is hereby authorized and directed to execute and deliver, on behalf of the City of Paris, all reports,
communications, assurances, and documents necessary for the completion of said project.
Section 8. That the Director of Finance be, and he is hereby, authorized and directed to serve
as the Financial Officer for said project and to receive and distribute funds for the Public Warks
Department's participation in the Texas Recreation and Parks Account (TRPA) Grant Program.
Section 9. That the City Manager, the Public Works Director, and the Finance Director
be authorized and directed to execute, on behalf of the City of Paris, any and all documents
necessary for acceptance of said grant upon notice of award thereof by the Texas Parks and
Wildlife Department, under the terms and conditions and in the form approved by the City
Attorney.
Section 10. That the Paris Sports Complex is hereby dedicated (or will be dedicated upon
completion of the proposed acquisition) for public park and recreation purposes in perpetuity.
Section 11. That this resolution shall become effective from and after its date of passage.
PASSED AND APPROVED this 9th day of July, 2001.
Michael J. Pfiester, Mayor
ATTEST:
Mattie Cunningham, City Clerk
APPROVED AS TO FORM:
Larry W. Schenk, City Attorney
APPLICATION FORM - PART I- GENERAI. INFORMATION
TEXAS RECREATION & PARKS ACCOUNT PROGRAM
1. SPONSOR: CITY OF PARIS
A. Address: Post Office Box 9037
Paris, Texas 75460
B. Federal Tax Identification Code: 75-6000635
C. Contact & Phone Number: Terry Townsend, Public Works D'uector
903-785-7511(phone) 903-784-1798 (fax)
II. PROJECT NAME: Paris Sports Complex
III. PROJECT LOCATION:
A. City & Counry: Paris, Lamar County
B. State Legislarive Disiric[s:
l. Senate: #1 2. House: #3
C. Federal Congressional Distdct #1
IV. FLJNDS REQUESTED
A. Sponsor (50°/a): $ 500,000.00
B. S[ate (50%): $ 500,000.00
C. Total Project: $ 1,000,000.00
a M s * • • + s
7o the bcst of my knowledge and belief, all documentation in lhis applica[ion is [rue and cojrec[, the application has been duly au[honzzd by thc
goveming body of [he sponwr, and the sponsor agrees to comply wilh all program rules and procedures iCgrant assistance is awardcd.
Signature of Official Authorized in Resolution
Michael E. Malone, Citv Manaeer 903-785-7511
Typed Name, Title and Telephone Number
Date
EXFIIBIT A !
APPLICANTS CERTIFICATION & PROGRAM ASSURANCES
TEXAS RECREATION & PARKS ACCOUNt PROGRAM
As the duty authorized representative of the sponsor I certify that the sponsor:
1. Has complied with all pertinent local and state laws, and Texas Recrearion & Parks Account Progam (TRPA)
requirements requiring public hearings.
2. Has the required proportionate share of funds available and sufficient for the project as required by Section 13.309 of the
Parks & Wildlife Code.
3. Will maintain and operate areas acquired or developed with TRPA assistance at sponsor expense as required by Section
13309 of the Pazks & Wildlife Code.
4. Will permanendy dedicate for public patk and recreauon use all project area(s) which receive TRPA assistance, as
required by Chapter 640.1.2 of TRPA Grants Manual Guidelines.
5. Has [he legal authority to apply for TRPA assistance, " the institutional, managerial and £mancial capability to ensure
proper planning management and complerion of the project described in this application.
6. Will give the State of Teras, hereafter referred to as "State", tluough any authorized representative, access to and the righ[
to examine all records, books, papers, or documents related to the assistance; and will establish a proper aceounting system
in accordance with generally accepted accounting standards or agency d'uecrives.
7. Will not dispose of, modify the use of, or change the terms of the real property title, or other interest in the site and
facilities without permission and inshvc[ions from the Texas Parks & Wildlife Departrnent hereafter referred to as the
"Department" . Will record the State interest in the title of real property in accordance with Deparknent direc[ives and will
include a covenant in the title of real proper[y acquired in whole or in part with TRPA assistance funds to assure
nondiscrimination dwing the useful life of the project.
8. Will comply with the requirements of the Deparhnent with regard to the draffing, review and approval of construction plans
and specifications.
9. Will provide and main[ain competent engineering supervision at the construction si[e to ensure that the complete work
conforms with the approved plans and specifications.
10. Will fumish quarterly progress reports and such other information as may be required by the Deparuuent.
11. Will initiate and complete the work within [he applicable time frame afrer receipt of approval from the Department.
12. Will establish safeguards to prohibit employees from using their positions for a puipose that constitutes or presents the
appeazance of personal or organizational conflict of interest or personal gain.
13. Will comply with all State and Federal statues relating to non-discrimination. 7'hese include but are not limited to: (a) Title
VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 (P. L. 88-352) which prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color or national
origin; (b) Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, as amended (20 U.S.C. 1681-1683, and 1685-1686) which
prohibits discrunination on the basis of sex; (c) Section 504 of [he Rehahilitation Act of 1973, as amended (29 U.S.C. §
794) which prohibit discrimuiation of the basis of handicaps; (d) the Age Discriminarion Act of 1975, as amended (42
II.S.C. § § 6101-6107) which prohibits discrunination on the basis of age; (e) any other non-discrimination provisions in the
specific sta[ute(s) under which applicafion for TRPA assistance is being made, and (f) the requiremenu of any other
nondiscrimination statu[e(s) which may apply to the application.
14. Will comply with the flood insurance purchase requuements of Section 102(a) of the Flood Disaster Pro[ection Ac( of 1973
(P.L. 93-234) which requires recipients in a special flood hazard area to participate in the program and to purchase flood
insurance if the total cos[ of insurable construction and acquisition is $10,000 or more.
(Page 1 of 2)
15. Will comply with environmental standards which may 6e prescribed pursuant to the following: (a) institution of environmental quality
conhol measures under the National Emiroomental Policy Act of 1969 (P. L. 91-1900) and Executive Order (80) 11514; (b) protection
ofwetlands pursuan[ to EO 11990; (c) evaluation of flood hazards in flood plains in accordance with EO 11988; (d) assurance of project
consistency with the approved State managcment program dcvcloped under the Coastal Zone Management Ac[ of 1972 (16 U.SC
1451 et seqJ; (e) conforsnity of Federal actions to S[ate (Clean Air) Implementation Plans under Section 176(c) of the Clean Air Act of
1955, as amended (42 U.S.C. § 7401 et seq.); and (f) pmtection of endangered species under the Endangered Species Act of 1973, as
amended, (P.L. 93-205).
16. Will comply with the Wild and Scenic Rivers Act of 1966 (16 U.S.C. 127 et seq.) related to protecting components or potential
components of the national wild and scenic rivers system.
17. W ill assist the Department in assuring compliance with Texas Antiquities Code (Rev. 9-1-87).
18. Will cause to be performcd the required financial and wmpliance audi[s in accordance with the Single Audit Act of 1984.
19. Will comply with al] provisions of the "Summary of Guidelines for Administration of Local Park Grant Assistance Projects".
20. Will comply with all applicable requirements of all other State and Federal laws, regula[ions and policies goveming this program.
City of Paris, Texas
Sponsor Name
Paris Soorts Comnlcx
Project Name
Signature of Official Authorized in Resolution
Michacl E. Malonc. Citv Manaeer
Print or Type Name and TiHe of Oflicial
Date
(Page 2 of 2)
Assurance of Eligibilitv
For UsinQ Snonsor/Publiciv-Owned Land as the Local Matching Share
On 6ehalf of the City of Paris, Texas, I hereby certify that all property described below has never been
dedicated, platted, managed or acquired far public park or recreation use, and that said property is
eligible to serve as the grant matching share for Paris Sports Complex, pursuant to Texas Recreation &
Parks Account Program guidelines. (Insert property description - include the general location,
acreage and legal description)
As the official representative of the project sponsor, I fully understand that the false certification of
said assurance will cause the aforementioned project to be withdrawn from consideration, and that
future eligibility for grant consideration may be jeopardized.
Signature of Official Authorized in Resolution
Michael E. Malone, City Manager
Date
~
RESOLUTION NO. 9 5- o7g
WHEREAS, the City Council of the City of Paris did heretofore in Resolution No.
95-002, authorize the procurement of professional engineering services for the preparation
of a community parlc master plan; and,
WHEREAS, the City staff, in cooperation with the consulting engineering firm,
The C. T. Brannon Corporation, completed the preparation of the PARKS AND
RECREATION MASTERPLAN FOR TI-iE CITY Or PARIS, a copy of which is
attached hereto as Exhibit A, which inventories park and recreational facilities in the City
of Paris and identifies and states goals and objectives for the recreation program for the
City; and,
WHEREAS, the preparation process included three public hearings conducted in
three different locations within the City of Paris oil January 12, 17, and 18, 1995; and,
WHEREAS, the City Council, with the assistance of the staff, has reviewed the
plan and finds that it is appropriate that such plan be adopted; NOW, THEREFORE,
BE IT RESOLVED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PARIS, that
the PARKS AND RECREATION MASTERPLAN FOR THE CITY OF PARIS,
attached ilereto as Exhibit A, be, and tlie same is hereby adopted as the master plan for
park and recreation facilities in the City of Paris.
PASSED AND ADOPTED this 26th day of January, 1995.
i
Don Shelton, Mayor
ATTEST:
T 1WW" ~ ~01-4Av-✓
Thomas E. Haynes, Assistant Cit Clerk
APPROVED AS
Parks and Recreation Masterplan
f or the
City 0f Paris, Texas
Prepared By:
Dick Boots, Director of Community Facilities
City of Paris
Terry Brannon, P. E.
The Brannon Corporation
January, 1995
Local Masterplan and Needs Assessment
for the .
City of Paris, Texas
Parks and Recreation Facilities
Section 1 Introduction
The development of parks and recreational facilities by local government entities in recent
years has frequently been achieved through the use of grants-in-aid from the Texas Parks
and Wildlife Department using the old Local Park, Recreation and Open Space Fund and
the Land and Water Conservation Fund to match local effort in producing quality
facilities. The catch as it were was that the entity was required by the scorirg system to
select projects on the basis of the Texas Outdoor Recreation P/an (TORP) amended in
1990. Through legislation passed in 1993 (H.B. 706), the Texas Recreation and Parks
Account Program was created which among other things does not require the use of the
TORP but allows local decision making.
The decision by the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department not to use the Texas Outdoor
Recreation Plan any longer in establishing /oca/ park needs for cities such as Paris is a
finro edged sword. First of all, the goal and priority setting decisions for outdoor recreation
facilities in the city now revert back to the city which can be an obvious enhancement of the
grants-in-aid programs from the city's perspective. On the other side of the coin, however,
the city is now faced with the requirement of doing the planning and prioritization it has not
had to do in the past.
Besides the obvious necessity brought about by competition for grants to score well, the
City of Paris has a need to compile information it already has in many city hall locations into
one document so that reasonable decisions can be made with respect to funding and
scheduling recreational opportunities in Paris. Further, the city has need to make
assessment of recreation needs and put them in priority order. Finally, the city has need
to establish a reasonable timetable over which improvements will be sought.
The purpose of this masterplan is to accomplish all these objectives.
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Section 2 Scope of the Study
The use of the term masterplan is defined in many ways by many people. Therefore, this
section is dedicated to laying out the groundwork the outline of the study. The following
elements are specifically included in this masterplan:
Section 3. Plan Development Process. This section describes the public
input sought, the results of those efforts, and how the masterplan came to
be formulated.
Section 4. Statement of Goals and Objectives. This section discusses
the local goals for parks and recreation and locally established criteria for
determining the availability of park and recreation facilities. Additionally, this
section describes in generic terms local standards for construction.
Section 5. Inventory. Perhaps the most usable information to be gleaned
from this masterplan is the inventory of recreational facilities which describes
city and school district owned outdoor recreational facilities alike.
Section 6. Needs assessment. From the public participation and the
inventory of facilities, a needs assessment is made showing in which areas
the park facilities are deficient and where improvement can be made. This
is the meat of the masterplan where the priorities for the city are set out in
writing.
Section 7. Plan implementation. The plan implementation sets forth the
methodology for meeting the needs determined in the section on needs
assessment. Both timing and financing are discussed and some cost
projections are made. The overall plan is broken down into manageable
phases.
Appendix. Supporting documents. The masterplan also contains exhibits
such as maps, charts, tables, and illustrations.
What elements are not included in this masterplan? This masterplan includes only the
facilities owned by the City of Paris, Paris Independent School District, some more
significant privately owned recreational facilities, and Paris Junior College's facilities. For
the most part only outdoor recreation activities are catalogued. Gymnasiums, weight lifting,
aerobics, and similar health club type facilities are not included.
This masterplan does not set forth site recommendations for developing or renovating
existing parks. No detailed space studies have been made nor extensive analysis of the
condition of equipment. No attempt was made to identify all aspects of handicapped
accessibility or non-accessibility. These items were beyond the scope of this study.
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Section 3- Plan Development Process
A. Public Participation
Development of good masterplans involves not only the ideas and creativity of the writers
but must also include the participation of recreational users. For some five years the
Council has been mulling over park improvements after receiving staff input concerning
upgrading and maintenance of parks facilities. In 1994, the city staff made a conscientious
effort to contact members of sports organizations, service clubs, and interested
individuals. A committee was appointed by the Mayor in early December, 1994 and the
first committee meetings were held December 6th and January 3rd. Public notices were
filed and public hearings were held on four occasions in January, 1995 (9th, 12th, 17th, and
18th) to allow for public participation and input. To encourage participation, four local radio
stations aired public service announcements. A copy of the public service announcement
is included in the appendix at the rear of this document along with affidavits of publication
of notice in the local paper. Newspapers and radio media covered each of the public
hearings and articles were written and news items aired on the subject of the meetings.
The public hearings were held in different areas of the city for the convenience of
attendees.
B. Data Collection
The information forming the basis of this masterplan was gathered by city staff members
under the direction of Dick Boots, Director of Community Facilities, with cooperation of the
City Engineer's staff. Mr. Boots also met with committee members and conducted the
public hearings. He solicited public comment and received numerous letters in support of
various recreational needs.
C. Compilation
The City Council authorized the staff to secure the services of a professional engineer
experienced in the masterplanning, site planning and development of parks in the region.
The staff recommended and Council approved hiring Terry Brannon of The C. T. Brannon
Corporation, a Tyler consulting engineer. Brannon's role was to compile the data collected
and produce cost projections for various alternative projects under consideration.
D. Priority and Goal Setting
Responsible staff member for maintenance and operations within city owned parks in Paris
is Dick Boots, Director of Community Facilities. Using input received from the public, data
collected and compiled, and recommendations from the consultant, Mr. Boots had
oversight responsibility for the development of priorities contained in these plans. His
fifteen years with the city, most in his present capacity as Director of Community Facilities
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qualifies him to make these determinations and recommend them to the City Council who
have ultimate authority over the plan.
Section 4- Statement of Goals and Objectives
■ Provide a wide variety of outdoor recreation activities and facilities that
will reach all residents.
■ Provide these facilities in all areas of the city to allow individuals an
opportunity to walk or ride a bicycle to and from parks facilities.
■ Offer facilities and activities for special interest groups such as hike and
bike trails, Audubon facilities, fishing clubs, and other groups with special
needs.
■ Provide handicapped accessibility to all park facilities, both new and
existing.
■ Upgrade facilities in areas where there is a large number of "at-risk" youth.
■ Renovate the two existing city lake areas; make them more accessible to
the public.
■ Modernize old parks by replacing obsolete and damaged equipment.
■ Acquire new land for park areas as it becomes available.
A. Facilities Concepts and Design Standards
Playground equipment. The number one priority of City of Paris Parks Department is to
provide the most desirable and safest equipment possible. Metal and/or fiberglass
equipment will be specified for all projects. Due to problems experienced in the past with
wood play structures, wood equipment will not be specified because of its relatively short
life expectancy and some inherent safety problems, particularly with fasteners, in wood
equipment.
Tables, benches, bleachers. These items will be aluminum with metal framework in the
future.
Accessibility to the Handicapped. All new facilities will be made handicapped
accessible as they are renovated.
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Playground surfacing. Surfaces around all playground equipment will be a material that
will cushion falls, wash easily and be suitable for wheel chair activity. In some cases, the
ground may be built up (like under slides for example) to reduce fall distances.
B. Standards of Construction
The City of Paris recognizes that quatity and economics can sometimes, if not carefully
managed, be mutually exclusive goals. The old theory that you get what you pay for has
long been proven in park and recreation construction. The city should implement in all
construction of its pa►ic improvements guidelines which offer the most value for the dollar
spent, long term benefit, low maintenance costs, and certainly safety. It is an unfortunate
fact of life that sometimes aesthetics will give way to sturdiness. Likewise some projects
will go undeveloped because of their potential for vandalism attack, difficulty in maintaining
the project, high liability and risk, or outright lack of funds for staffing.
Restrooms - Under current policy the city does not construct restrooms in public parks
primarily due to the intense maintenance required and frequent vandalism which occurs in
public restrooms. The city staff recommends continuing this policy except in large, high
visibility areas and in parks where reservations are required and restrooms can be secured.
The city does construct concrete pads on which to set temporary toilet facilities during peak
seasons and special events.
Playgrounds - Playgrounds should be constructed using the latest state-of-the-art
equipment designed for safety and durability. Areas surrounding play areas should be
covered with at least 6 inches of pea gravel or similar non-compacting and resilient cover.
The city should replace obsolete or worn playground equipment immediately. Chains ,
bolts, and other hardware must be inspected often and replaced if damaged or rusted.
Facilities should be inspected for safety at least twice per year and gravel replaced
frequently to maintain the proper thickness. A generic checklist should be developed which
can be used by park inspectors to identify and report needs. Files should be maintained
with these inspection reports as well as any citizen reports.
Handicapped accessibility - The city should select equipment which is, as much as
practicable, accessible to handicapped persons. Walks and trails should not exceed 2%
transverse and longitudinal slopes with wheel chair ramps should not exceed 1 inch rise
in 12 inches. Parks not so equipped should be fumished with paved parking areas at least
in the handicapped parking spaces.
Roads, drives and parking - The city requires all park roads, drives and parking facilities
to be constructed dust-free. Gravel parking areas are therefore not permitted.
Swimming pools - While the city does not currently operate any pools, certain guidelines
for pool construction should be observed. The National Swimming Institute promulgates
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standards for construction such as minimal depths, slopes of bottoms, hand-hold
placement, ladder construction, diving safety, and other standards. The city should insist
these standards be adhered to strictly in the design and construction of any future pools.
Further, operator training over such things as chlorine and other chemical usage, pool
filtering and backwash, cleaning, and electrical controls is a necessity. An operations and
maintenance manual for pools is highly recommended.
C. STANDARDS FOR SPECIAL FACILITIES'
Facility (outdoor) Standard/1000 people Comment
Baseball diamonds
1 per 6,000
Regulation 90 ft.
Softball diamonds (and/or youth
diamonds)
1 per 3,000
Tennis courts
1 per 2,000
Best in battery of 4
Basketball courts
1 per 500
Swimming pools - 25 m
1 per 10,000
Based on 15 sf of
- 50 m
1 per 20,000
water per 3% of pop.
Skating rinks (artificial)
1 per 30,000
Neighbor hood centers
1 per 10,000
Community centers
1 per 25,000
Outdoor theaters
1 per 20,000
Shooting ranges
1 per 50,000
Golf courses
1 per 25,000
Note: All of the above-mentioned facilities are desirable in small communities, even though their population
may actually be less than the standard. Every effort should be made to light all facilfies for night use, thus
extending their utility.
' Recreation Planninq and Desiyn, Seymour M. Gold, PhD., AICP published by McGraw-Hill,
1980
MARTIN LUTHER KING PARK
D. Specific Facility Standards (Elmhurst, Illinois)2
Neiphborhood Playlot
Size:
Service Area:
Location:
Usual facilities:
Neiahborhood Park
At least 1 acre preferred
1/4 mile or less
High density neighborhoods where private yards do not exist.
Paved areas; playground apparatus area for small children;
usually private responsibility.
Area per 1,000 persons: 3 acres
Size: 5-10 acres, not including parking
Service Area: 1/2 mile or as limited by geographical barriers
Location: Preferably adjacent to elementary schools or near the center
of the neighborhood.
Usual Facilities: Softball/baseball fields, multiple-use paved areas, ptayground
apparatus areas, landscaped areas, and picnic areas. Small
field house. Minimum of automobile parking.
District Park
Area per 1,000 persons: 3 acres
Size: 10-30 acres '
Service Area: 1 mile
Location: Preferably near the center of 4 to 5 neighborhoods.
Usual Facilities: Softball/baseball fields, multiple-use paved areas, playground
apparatus areas, landscaped areas, and picnic areas. Small
field house. Minimum of automobile parking.
Community Swimminq Pools - One pool for every 20,000 persons. 8,000 to 10,000 s.f. of
water and double that for deck space.
Tennis Courts - One lighted for every 1,500 persons.
Softball Diamonds - 1 for every 3,000 persons, 1/2 lighted.
Camping Facilities -1 group camp for every 25,000 population. 500-1000 acres ideal size;
suitable for long term camping, school camping, and family camping.
The City of Paris should adopt these criteria or something similar as for development and
refurbishing of parks within the city.
21bid, Gold, p 286.
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E. Reducing Vandalism
Vandalism frequently occurs in poorly lit facilities during periods of low use. While it can
never be eliminated entirely there can be some steps taken to attempt reduction in
incidents of destruction of public property. Here are some suggestions:
■ Build out of vandal resistant materials. Believe it or not wood is less frequently
vandalized than say concrete walls or concrete masonry. And, even when attacked,
wood siding is easier to replace and repaint than damaged block. Brick is less of
a target generally than block walls and natural stone or brick colors are usually less
susceptible than a painted block or brick wall. Metal walls are not generally
recommended.
■ Build vandal-prone structures in high traffic areas of busy parks. Restrooms in
corners of small neighborhood parks will definitely be targets. A restroom on the
Loop or on another major artery will have fewer attacks.
■ Use lexan or other bullet resistant fixtures with tamper proof screws. Use lamp
guards made of inetal over exposed lamps in restrooms.
■ Do not install mirrors, ceramic or plastic fixtures; do not expose conduits; do not
use trusses or rafters but rather solid steel or concrete roof supports not affording
a hand-hold. Conceal plumbing, use push button flush valves and automatic closing
faucets. Install flow regulators on water lines that shut the supply off automatically
if excessive flow persists.
IN Repair vandalism immediately. Painted graffiti attracts more graffiti. Damaged
playground equipment is likely to become more damaged. Sometimes graffiti is
used to delineate gang territory boundaries. Remove these signs immediately.
■ Inform the public of acts of vandalism and just how much of their money it took to
clean up one individual attack. Offer standing rewards for turning in offenders.
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Section 5- Existing Facilities Inventory
r
Provided in this section are separate descriptions of each park, a map of each park and
then a tabulation showing all parks and their facilities. In addition, this section will deal with
other recreational facilities at public schools, Paris Junior College and significant outdoor
recreational facilities that may be privately owned. A. City Owned Lakes
Because of their size and importance to the recreational welfare of Paris citizenry, a brief
discussion is included here on Lake Gibbons and Lake Crook.
The smaller lake, 158-acre Lake Gibbons was developed by Texas Parks and Wildlife as
the Gambill Canadian Goose Refuge, a winter habitat, and in 1980 that facility was turned
over to the City of Paris. The City maintains a permanent population of Canadian geese
there for display. The city also plants some 25 acres of wheat each year to provide for the
migrating population of geese and feed 8,000 Ibs. of wheat each year. From November
until the geese leave in March, boats are kept off the lake. During other months, boats can
access the lake via the city's boat ramp. Boat motors are limited to 10 horsepower. A
fishing pier, approximately 50 feet long and 5 feet wide, is always accessible to the public.
Some picnicking facilities (3 tables) are available and swimming is allowed from the shore
line on a 300-foot grass beach. There are no improved beach facilities on the shoreline.
Unpaved parking areas have been constructed near the fishing, picnicking and swimming
areas. Other unpaved parking areas are constructed near the captive geese pens. The
city owns and controls all land adjacent to the shore, a total of 516 acres not under water
and no residential or commercial development has been allowed on city property by way
of long-term leases.
The larger lake is 972-acre Lake Crook. This lake serves as a back up raw water supply
for the city. The city's water treatment plant is located near the dam but the city has for
several years now taken the bulk of its water needs from Lake Pat Mayse some 15 miles
to the north of Paris. Lake Crook is used year round by boating and fishing enthusiasts.
There is a 8' x 120' fishing pier and a concrete public boat ramp. Unlike Lake Gibbons,
this lake has no motor horsepower restrictions. The city owns 1,745-acres of land
surrounding the lake and no other property owners adjoin the shoreline. The city has not
leased any of this property for residential or commercial development preferring to leave
it in its natural state. There are no public beaches or designated swimming areas on this
lake. Picnic facilities include 13 tables of 1930's vintage.
B. Public School Property
The City of Paris is generally overlapped by the Paris Independent School District which
includes most if not all of the property inside Loop 286. However, the North Lamar School
District and Chisum School District adjoin Paris on the north and south respectively.
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n I
INDEX j
1 OAK PARK A PARIS HIGH SCHOOL ~
2 WISE FIELD B NOYES STADIUM
3 PLAZA C PARIS J.C. BASEBALL ~ I
S FAR ERS' MARKET E A KEN ELE EIND~YSCHOOL N ~Llop 286
~ ~ ~
6 JOHN CHISM MEMORIAL F JUSTISS ELEMENTARY
7 70 TH STREET PARK G TRAVIS JUNIOR HIGH LL ~
9 MARTW LUTHER KING PARK H GIVENS EARLV CHILD- ( 9 WALKER PARK HOOD EDUCATION
10 WApE pARK I OPTIMIST YOUTH FOOTBALL
it RECORD PARK J OPTIMIST YOUTH BASEBALL
12 CULBERTSON PARK K PINE RIDGE GOIF CWB
iJ ELl1S PARK L PARIS GOLF 3 COUNTRY CLUB
11 TRAVI$ PARK M BOYS' CLUB ~
N GORDON COUNTRY CLUB ~ / ryry~~r
I O DOLPHIN SNfIM CWB
- - ~ / ~ ° ~ ❑
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recreational inventory
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Paris ISD outdoor recreational facilities include:
1) Paris High School
2 practice football fields, unlighted
1 practice soccer field, unlighted
1 practice baseball field, unlighted
1 400-meter all-weather oval running track
4 unlighted tennis courts
2) Crockett Middle School
4 tennis courts, unlighted
1 practice football field, unlighted
1 outdoor full-court basketball court
3) Travis Junior High School (Note: The city owns and maintains park facilities on
the Travis campus which are in addition to those facilities noted here!)
1 multipurpose hard surFaced play area
1 semi-improved oval running track
4) Aikin Elementary School
1 playground with combination wood and metal equipment, approximately 80'
x 100', in gravel
some remaining wood exercise stations
1 multipurpose hard surfaced play area
5) Justiss Elementary School
1 playground with metal play equipment
1 multipurpose hard surfaced play area
6) Givens Elementary School
1 playground
1 multipurpose hard surfaced play area
7) Noyes Stadium- This facility owned by Paris Junior College is leased part-time to
Paris ISD. These limited access facilities include a lighted soccer/football field with
a cinder track oval around the field.
-10-
C. Paris Junior College
1
Besides the Noyes Stadium facility Paris Junior College offers a wide variety of outdoor
recreation opportunities including:
A one mile walking track
A golf driving range
Six (6) lighted tennis courts
Five (5) unlighted soccer fields
One lighted baseball field
D. Significant Private Recreational Facilities
Paris Golf and Country Club - a 200-acre club about four miles north of the city with an
18-hole golf course, two lighted tennis courts and a pool. Paris Golf and Country Club is
a members and guests facility only. Daily use fee-uses are not alloweci.
Pineridge Golf Club - Pineridge is a privately owned public fee golf course. There are no
other recreational amenities.
Gordon Country Club - Gordon Country Club offers a 30-acre private fishing lake, two
unlighted tennis courts, a swimming pool, and meeting rooms on a 100 acre site. The club
is private for the use of inembers and their guests.
Dolphin Swim Club - Dolphin Swim Club is a members only medium sized swimming pool.
Optimist Youth Football - a single unlighted playing field for Optimist organized and
sponsored team football.
Optimist Youth Baseball - OYB owns five fields on the extreme east side of Paris, three
of which are lighted. There is one "Pony" league baseball field, one little league, and three
smaller fields for T-ball and "coach" pitch.
Boys Club - The Boy's Club owns two lighted baseball fields (a T-ball and little league
sized fields. )
E. City Owned Park Facilities
A survey was conducted for each park and results individually tabulated on the following
pages.
-11-
Park: Bywaters Park Size:
r
Location: 300 Block South Main St.
Topography: Flat with some scattered mature trees.
Improvements in the park:
Domino table
19 park benches
Stage (a Corinthian style columned structure)
Fountain
Support facilities:
On street parking on four sides.
Surrounding neighborhood:
2.65 Acres
To the east is a residential neighborhood and a church. To the west is the library
and more residential neighborhood. To the north is commercial development and
to the south is residential neighborhood.
Park: Market Square
Size: 1.70 Acres
Location: 300 Block 1 st Street SW
Topography: Flat
Improvements in the park:
Certified Texas Farmers Market
5,000 s.f. covered area for vendors to sell home-grown produce
Support facilities:
Off-street asphalt paved parking for 100 cars.
Surrounding neighborhood:
To the east are more fruit stands and a cafe. To the west is a domino parlor. To the
north is business development and to the south is residential neighborhood.
-12-
Park: Chism Park Size: 0.30 Acres
Location: 900 West Wasliington St.
Topography: Flat
Improvements in the park:
Historical monument- memorial tombstone of John Chism
Support facilities:
Gravel circular drive in front of monument
Surrounding neighborhood:
Surrounding the property on east, west and south is open pasture. North of
the property is developed commercial.
Park: 10 th Street Park Size: 0.15 Acres
Location: Esplanade in 10th Street between Tudor and Grove
Topography: Flat, some scattered trees
Improvements in the park:
2 picnic tables
2 park benches
basketball court with dirt court
Support facilities:
None-no parking allowed on-street and none provided off-street.
Surrounding neighborhood:
Residential neighborhood on all sides.
-13-
~
Park: Martin Luther King Park Size: 5.15 Acres
r
Location: 12th Street NE at Johnson Street
Topography: Flat with a major drainage ditch bisecting the property
Improvements in the park:
2 picnic tables
2 park benches
20' x 20' playground with 3 pieces of inetal play equipment
3 casual backstops
lighted hard surface basketball court
Support facilities:
Street side head-in gravel parking along post and cable barrier (50 cars)
Surrounding neighborhood:
Areas to the north, east and west remain undeveloped pastures and woods.
To the south is residential.
Park: Walker Park Size: 18.18 Acres
Location: 18th Street NW and Shiloh
Topography: Rolling- drainage ditch bisecting with scattered mature trees.
Improvements in the park:
8 picnic tables 2 park benches
20' x 20' picnic shelter 40' x 40' playground with metal equipment
2 casual backstops Support facilities: On street parking on two sides; Dirt parking area for 30 cars
Surrounding neighborhood:
Surrounded on north, south, and east by residential. On west by elementary
school. _
-14-
Park: Wade Park
Location: 25th Street NE at Pine Bluff Street
Topography: Flat with scattered mature trees
Improvements in the park:
29 picnic tables
30' x 50' picnic shelter
2 casual backstops
volleyball standards (grass court)
Support facilities:
Gravel parking for 35 cars
Surrounding neighborhood:
Residential on all sides.
Size: 8.44 Acres
4 park benches
40' x 80' playground with equipment
water fountain
Park: Record Park Size: 17.56 Acres
Location: 7th Street NW at Henderson
Topography: Flat with 33% left undeveloped in trees
Improvements in the park:
2 bleacher sections 8 picnic tables
2 park benches 20' x 40' picnic shelter
Lighted softball field 2 lighted basketball courts
Small playground with 4 pcs. of equipment
Support facilities:
Asphalt parking for 40 cars with dirt and gravel parking for 30 more.
Surrounding neighborhood:
Bounded on the east by Texas Dept. of Transportation, on the west by
residential, on the north by apartments and on the south by woods.
-15-
Park: Culbertson Park
Size: 7.02 Acres
Location: 13th Street SW at E. Washington Street
Topography: Flat with scattered mature trees
Improvements in the park:
5 bleacher sections 11 picnic tables
3 park benches 30' x 60' picnic shelter
6 lighted tennis courts 2 lighted softball fields
drinking fountain lighted multipurpose play court
50' x 80' playground with equipment
Support facilities:
Two paved parking areas for 25 and 12 cars respectively. A gravel parking
area for 40 cars (poor condition). Ballfield concession building.
Surrounding neighborhood: All residential
Park: Ellis Park Size: 1.0 Acres
Location: 13 th Street SE at Washington
Topography: Flat; wooded
Improvements in the park:
30' x 30' playground with metal equipment
4 picnic tables
2 park benches
volleyball standards (grass/dirt court)
Support facilities: Gravel parking for 25 cars
Surrounding neighborhood:
Bounded on the north by Culbertson Park and residential on the other three
sides. -16-
Park: Travis Park Size: 8.0 Acres
r
Location: 34th Street NW at Graham (Travis Junior High)
Topography: Flat
Improvements in the park:
Unlighted softball field
4 unlighted tennis courts
Support facilities:
Dirt parking for approximately 40 cars
Surrounding neighborhood:
Bounded on the west and north by wooded land; on the south by residential
and on the east by Travis Junior High School
Comment: Land owned by Paris ISD and developed by City of Paris
Park: Wise Field Size: 6.49 Acres
Location: 638 SW 4th Street
Topography: flat
Improvements in the park:
2 lighted softball fields
Support facilities:
City park maintenance shop; concession building; gravel parking for
approximately 100 cars; restrooms.
Surrounding neighborhood:
Bounded on the north by woods; elsewhere by residential neighborhoods
-1 7-
Park: Piaza Square
1
Location: Downtown Square
Topography: flat
Improvements in the park:
Cuibertson Fountain
Support facilities:
Parking on-street for 80 cars
Size: 0.5 Acres
Surrounding neighborhood: Central business district
Park: Oak Park Size: 7.5 Acres
Location: 2600 Bonham Street
Topography: flat
Improvements in the park: All under construction.
30' x 60' picnic shelter 4 horseshoe pits
24 picnic tables 10 park benches
24 area lights Water fountain
100 ' x 100' playground with 9 pcs of equipment
1/2 mile cinder walking track 6-0" wide with 3 bridges
24 recently transplanted 15' oak trees
Support facilities:
Handicapped accessible
Spaces for 30 vehicles on west side; 60 vehicles on east side
Wood frame structure to house portable toilet facilities
Surrounding neighborhood:
Residential on the west and south sides; a church occupies the east side and
a small business and residences occupy the north.
-18-
City of Paris
Parks Department Facility Inventory
T
T
E
E
N
N
N
N
B
g
g
g
B
R
P
L
I
S
I
S
A
L
A
L
8
A
A
S
A
S
V
O
F
L
E
B
S
E
S
A
Y
C
C
L
F
L
F
C
K
K
E
K
E
F
L
L
O
U
A
T
E
H
T
G
O
O
I
I
S
T
T
I
S
E
N
C
A
N
E
R
R
U
U
E
E
T
B
B
S
K
Y
T
H
B
C
L
O
O
R
R
L
L
O
A
A
H
I
8
A
E
L
H
T
O
U
T
T
D
D
P
L
L
1
I
A
I
Area and Location
/rCf2S
R
E
E
E
M
N
S
S
S
S
S
L
L
N
N
L
N
S
S
S
R
S
D
Li hted
Unli hted
Li hted
Unl' hted
casual
i hted
Unli hted
G
G
L
S
Byvvaters Park, 300 BL. S. Main
2.65
0
1
19
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
1
Culbertson Park
7.02
5
11
3
1
P/T
1
6
0
2
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
1
13th and Washington
Record Park
17.56
2
8
2
1
0
1
0
1
1
0
0
2
0
0
0
1
0
7th N.W. 8 Henderson
Wade Park, 25th 8 Pine Bluff
8.44
0
29
2
1
P!T
1
0
0
0
0
2
0
0
0
0
1
1
Walker Park, 18th N.W. 8 Shiloh
18.18
0
11
2
1
0
1
0
0
0
0
2
0
0
0
0
1
1
Martin Luther King Parfc
5.15
0
2
2
0
0
1
0
0
0
0
3
1
0
0
0
0
0
12th N.E. & Johnson
10th Street Park
0.15
0
2
2
0
0
1
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
Chism PaNc
0.30
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
900 BL. W. Washington
Market Square, 300 BL. 1st S.W.
0
0
0
0
P/T
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
Plaza Downtovm
4
Wise Fields, 638 4th S.W.
6.49
6
0
0
0
1
0
0
0
2
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
Travis School area
3.0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
4
0
1
2
0
0
FO
34th N.W. 8 Graham
=
City of Paris
Parks Department
Facility Inventory
T
T
yy
E
E
A
N
N
T
N
N
B
B
B
B
E
P
1
I
A
A
B
A
A
R
V
B
R
L
S
S
L
L
A
S
S
O
F
L
E
A
L
L
C
K
K
L
O
E
B
S
S
Y
C
C
F
F
K
E
E
F
L
U
A
T
E
H
T
G
O
O
I
1
S
T
T
I
S
E
N
C
A
N
E
R
R
U
U
E
E
T
B
B
S
K
Y
T
H
8
C
L
O
O
R
R
L
L
O
A
A
H
I
B
A
E
L
H
T
O
U
T
T
D
D
P
L
L
I
I
A
I
ACf2S
R
E
E
E
M
N
S
S
S
S
S
L
L
N
N
L
N
Area and Location
S
S
S
R
S
O
(Lighted)
(Unlighted)
(Lighted)
(Unlighted)
(casual)
(Lighted)
(UnIigMed)
G
G
L
S
Lake Crook -Water
972
0
13
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
1
1
0
0
- L.and
1,745
Lake Gibbons - Water
158
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
1
0
0
0
- Land
516
DorvMown tree containers
Eliis Park
1.0
0
4
0
0
0
1
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
1
0
13th S.E. 8 Washi on
TOTALS
3,463.4
13
81
36
4
1'
7
6
5
5
1
9
3
0
2
1
4
4
'One full time restroom at Wse Field; all others are temporary facilities
Combined City of Paris
School , Parks Department, and Private
Facility Inventory
T
T
W
J
S
F
S
R
M
E
E
A
O
W
O
O
D
U
G
N
N
T
G
I
O
C
N
L
O
N
N
B
B
B
B
E
/
M
T
C
N
T
L
P
1
I
A
A
8
A
A
R
V
W
M
B
E
I
I
F
L
S
S
L
L
A
S
S
O
A
I
A
R
N
-
A
L
L
C
K
K
L
L
N
L
G
U
1
Y
C
C
F
F
K
E
E
F
L
K
G
L
F
S
8
G
O
O
I
I
S
T
T
I
S
E
I
T
E
-
R
U
U
E
E
T
B
B
S
K
Y
T
p
F
E
R
H
O
R
R
L
L
O
A
A
H
I
8
R
O
I
L
A
C
O
U
T
T
D
D
P
L
L
1
I
A
A
O
E
D
C
O
L
N
S
S
S
S
S
L
L
N
N
L
I
Area and Location
L
L
S
K
U
E
D
(Lighted)
(Unlighted)
(Lighted)
(Unlighted)
(casual)
(Lighted)
(Unlightod)
G
G
L
L
S
D
S
R
S
S
T
S
CRy of Paris
0
0
0
0
4
0
7
6
5
5
1
9
3
0
2
1
4
1
Paris ISD
0
2
1
2
4
0
3
0
8
0
1
0
0
1
0
0
0
0
Paris Junior College
0
0
6
1
0
0
0
6
0
1
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
1
Private
3
1
0
0
0
2
0
2
2
5
2
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
ITOTALS
3
3
7
3
8
2
10
14
15
11
4
9
3
1
2
1
4
2
Section 6 - Needs Assessment
1
This section of the masterplan addresses the perceived needs of the community based on:
► public participation and comment
► staff analysis of the inventory
► consulting staff input
► statewide and regional survey responses contained in TORP.
A comparison of the inventory with the "standards" previously discussed shows the
following "deficiencies" when compared to established norms in other places. You are
advised that norms for other places are guidelines for Paris only.
Facility Recommended Paris Inventory
Gold Elmhurst, IL
Swimming Pools 1 1 0
Basketball Courts 49 n/a 4
Tennis Courts 12 16 25
Lighted softball 8 4 11
Unlighted softball 4 4
From this review of comparison to known standards then the City of Paris is only deficient
in pools and basketball courts. The trouble with standards is they do not take into account
the age, condition, location and functionability of facilities nor do they allow for local
preferences. (For example both Gold and Elmhurst would say Paris needs an ice skating
rink outdoor if the standards were interpreted literally).
The needs expressed here are not in any particular order. The priorities of the community
will be discussed in a later section.
A. Staff Concerns
Swimming Pool
Most comments received by the park development committee, the city council and the staff
centered around the absence of adequate swimming facilities for competition, exercise
programs, instructional swimming and free swimming. The city does not currently and has
not, in recent history, operated a pool facility. There appears to be much local demand for
programs such as Red Cross' Leam to Swim program, lifesaving and water safety courses,
Boy Scout merit badge courses for lifesaving and swimming, water aerobics, water
"walking", and adult lap swimming. In addition, there is mounting pressure to provide
competitive youth swimming teams with locations to practice. Water balfet is also an up
-19-
and coming sport in Paris. The absence of an indoor pool facility at Paris Junior College
does not help the problem of providing safe pool facilities.
Trail Development
The Texas Outdoor Recreation Plan in 1990 pointed out that 47% of the occasions of
participation in all outdoor recreation facilities centered around trail use for hiking, biking,
jogging, roller blading, horse back riding and walking. The city is constructing its first half-
mile track now (Oak Park) and other than this new trail there are no city owned trail facilities
in Paris. The only other trail available for the public is the Paris Junior College. The city
owns several parks of sufficient acreage to allow trail construction. The city also owns
substantial acreage around Lake Gibbons and Lake Crook although these facilities are far
enough out of town as to make development of a trail alone as destination facility (one
where people will drive appreciable distances) an unviable project. Trails connecting one
or more park facilities are to be highly prized.
Camping Facilities
A facility many counties and cities are turning to to promote tourism development is
recreational vehicle camping facilities with beaches, playgrounds, camping spots and
utilities for tents, trailers, or self contained RV's. These facilities can be built together with
boatramps, fishing piers, nature-hike-bike trails around one or both of the lakes. Advantage
can be taken of the existing Canadian goose exhibit and habitat. Typical fees of $10.00
to $20.00 per night can make such facilities a self-supporting project but require
determination and marketing expertise to get the word out about camping facilities.
Park Upgrades
The city staff raised concern about the quality and degradation of certain obsolete park
improvements and the need to build additional support facilities such as paved parking
areas. While picnic facilities may appear in number to be adequate, the city should begin
a replacement program of tables and benches which has outlived therir usefulness. More
group shelters are recommended. There are only four now. Safety surveys may show just
how much work needs to be done.
Trails
With the development of Oak Park (now under construction) the distribution of parks
appears to be adequate with significant park resources generally evenly spaced throughout
the city, at least within Loop 286. As shown on the map of park facilities attached, there
are beginning to be areas of residential development where public parks are one-half mile
away or more. The area east of Loop 286 bounded by F.M. 195 on the north and U.S. 271
South does not have a public park any closer than Wade Park ten full blocks inside the
Loop. Sites should be investigated in this area before too very long. A map is included in
this report where future park sites should be considered within the next ten years.
-20-
Soccer
Youth soccer is an emerging "big time" sport with teams traveling hundreds of miles (with
many parents) to participate in tournaments virtually all year long. When they travel of
course they spend money and many cities such as Longview, Tyler, Terrell, and others
have taken advantage of this market. Park facilities in Paris are not adequate to support
such an effort now but fortunately soccer fields can quickly and inexpensively be
incorporated into other fields for multi-purpose use. The City of Paris should acquire open
lands and develop youth soccer facilities adequate for small tournaments.
Tennis
Lighted tennis courts make bad neighbors make bad neighbors in residential
neighborhoods with houses close in on all sides. For this reason the six courts in
Culbertson Park (plus the now removed basketball court) have proven to be under utilized
and sometimes a gathering place for other than tennis players. Tennis courts are best
grouped into a tennis complex where courts can be looked after by a"pro" or caretaker who
supervises court reservations and activities. Paris would be well served by such a facility.
TENNIS COURTS AT CULBERTSON PARK
-21-
Projected 1995 Percentage of Population Participating3
Ac ' '
% Partici atin :
Soccer
4
Hiking
6
Golf
7
Tennis
7
Saltwater swimming
7
Football
8
Baseball
10
Nature study
10
Basketball
11
Jogging
13
Horseback riding
15
Softball
16
Off-road vehicle riding
20
Freshwater boating
24
Bicycling
24
Hunting
24
Open space activities
24
Camping
25
Playground use
33
Freshwater swimming
36
Freshwater fishing
38
Pool swimming
38
Picnicking
39
I' f r I r
31990 TORP - Assessment and Policy Plan, Texas Parks and Wildlife Department, Austin,
Texas. Page 5-5.
-22-
B. Statewide Planning Concerns
The Texas Outdoor Recreation Plan (TORP) of 1990 offers the following information.
wafking for pleasure, picnicking and pool swimming are the activities that have
the highest percent of the population participating in them,as is true for the state as
a whole. With the abundance of freshwater lakes in the region, it is not surprising
that the percent participating in freshwater activities (boating, swimming and fishing)
is higher in this reginon compared to most others. The region (Region 5 includes
Bowie, Lamar, Cass, Hopkins, Titus, Red River, Morris, Franklin, and De/ta
counties) also has the third highest annual per capita rate of hunting participation
of the twenty-four planning regions with 1.9 occasions, and the highest per capita
rate of horseback riding, 1.1 occasions. Off road vehicle riding is also a popular
activity in the region, as compared with other regions in the state.i4
The table on the previous page depicts the percentages of persons in the Paris region as
defined above who participate in various outdoor activities.
Additionally, the 1990 TORP states:
"Both the cities of Texarkana and Paris own tracts of land with small lakes that,
although used by the public, have not been developed to their potential. Lake Crook
(Paris) and Bringle Lake (Texarkana), with cleanup and minor development, could
become good open space areas."
C. Public Participation
Public participation meetings have shown the following recreation needs most often
expressed by the citizens:
1) No public swimming pools exist or have existed in recent history in Paris. There is
substantial demand for competitive, recreational, and instructional pool uses within
the city.
2) The city owns substantial land and water resources in Lake Crook and Lake
Gibbons which are not being fully utilized.
3) There are no suitable lighted tennis courts. The courts existing are in residential
neighbofioods where the lighting is sometimes offensive, the court surfaces are in
poor shape, and the facilities are not conducive to setting up city leagues or
tournaments. 41990 TORP - Assessment and Policy Plan, Texas Parks and Wildlife Department, Austin,
Texas. Page 5-5.
-23-
4) There are newer parts of town where there are no parks within walking distance.
5) There are no suitable girls softball facilities.
6) Restrooms are lackingand portable toilet facilities are unacceptable.
7) The equipment at Wade Park is aged and obsolete combining older children's
playground equipment with younger and inaccessible by wheelchair.
D. Recommendations
Following evaluation of the public input, City staff compiled the following list of projects in
the priority order in the opinion of the staff and consultant:
1. Municipal Swimmina Center
The City of Paris has not had an operating public pool in modern history and, in fact, there
are no pools available to the general public in the city or reasonably close to it. The
construction of a municipal pool would meet several demands voiced by participants in the
public hearings and committee meeting, namely: childrens' competitive swimming, water
walking-aerobics, lap swimming, instruction swimming and lifesaving, and free swim.
However, swimming alone is not generally economically viabte and many modern pools are
furnished with amenities such as group party facilities, picnic tables, concession/vending,
votteyball, sun and shade decks, and large grassy play areas
Estimated Cost (Exclusive of Land) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $425,000
2. Wade Park Imarovements
Wade Park is one of the largest, oldest, and most active parks in Paris and many of the
facilities in the park are obsolete or damaged. Parking is limited to curbside parking on one
side and head-in gravel parking on the opposite side. Many of the facilities are not
handicapped accessible. Sidewalks into the park would improve accessibility for the
handicapped and elderly.The pavilion is a light weight frame with a metal roof. It should
be replaced. Playground equipment is in need of replacement.
Estimated Cost (Equipment, pavilion) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $ 52,500
Estimated Cost (Parking Lot) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $ 30,000
3. Lake Crook Recreation Area Development
Lake Crook has never been really developed to its fullest potential. An existing boatramp
is dilapidated and needs replacement but even so is inaccessible because of uneven
ground and erosion. Restrooms in the smafl picnic area were destroyed years ago and the
old swimming area needs vegetation removal and cleanup. The development could be
-24-
3 PICNIC TABLES
3 COOK STOVES
Proposed Municipai Pool • City of Paris
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enhanced through the installation of new picnic areas and group picnic pavilion, paved
parking, nature and hike and bike trails, restrooms, playground equipment, and recreational
vehicle camping pads with utility hook-ups. However, such improvements will be
meaningless unless the access road is reworked entirely. The old road is covered with
mud and eroded severely. This natural facility has much potential and could be developed
in several phases if necessary. If adequately designed, the camping area could become
an economic boon to the area instead of a liability.
Estimated Cost . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $400,000 - 600,000
4. Up,arade Parks Citywide
Parks throughout the city have play equipment which does not meet current standards for
safety or have been damaged or vandalized. Some of the equipment is over thirty years
old. Shelters are needed in several parks across the city. Tables need to be replaced,
especially those with wooden tops or built out of concrete and stone. Handicapped
accessible tables are needed. Ballfield fences are in need of replacement, having outlived
their useful lives.
Estimated Cost . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $ 40,000
PLAYGROUND AT WADE PARK
-25-
~
5. Sports Compiex
r
Many participants voiced concem over the lack of facilities for children and youth to meet,
exercise and play safely. Tennis courts were recommended by some; softball fields for
girls was also mentioned. A teen recreation center received a lot of support as well. There
are currently no lighted basketball courts in the city. Serious review of these needs and a
search for a suitable site raised the possibility of a single complex housing all these
features on a tract of land near Paris High School. Six lighted tennis courts, two lighted
basketball courts and three girls softball fields (also lighted) are needed to meet present
demand. This project could be developed in phases.
Estimated Cost (Exclusive of Land)
Six lighted tennis courts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $ 160,000
Two lighted basketball courts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $ 35,000
Three softball fields (lighted) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $120,000
Recreation center gym/assembly/weights/aerobics . . . : $400,000 to $2,000,000
6. Pave Parking Areas
Many of the parks have gravel or dirt parking facilities. New driveways in Paris must be
dust-free and thus paved. Paving the parking areas will bring them into compliance with
current standards, improve drainage, promote usage of the parks, and improve
handicapped and elderly access.
Estimated Cost . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $25,000 to 125,000
7. Security Lighting
All parks should be fumished with minimal security lighting to provide safe usage at night,
and reduce vandalism and crime.
Estimated Cost . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $70,000
8. Restroom Facilities
Presently, there are public restrooms only at one public park. The city currently rents
portable toilets during the summer months for between $6,000 and $8,000 per year.
Permanent vandal resistant restrooms should be built that meet accessibility standards for
the handicapped. They should be lockable, well lighted and of course well maintained.
Vandal resistant lighting is also a must. Because they are so susceptible to vandalism,
restrooms should be built in high use parks such as Wade, Culbertson, Oak, and Record.
-26-
Generally, these are the parks where reservations are made for large groups and
restrooms could be unlocked. The smaller neighborhood parks do not need these facilities.
Estimated Cost . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $80,000
9. Acquisition
The city as it expands will need to add parks and recreation lands through dedication or
purchase. In particular, areas which should be looked at include east of Loop 286 and west
of 286 near the U.S. Highway 82 corridor. Inside the Loop, we recommend negotiations
with Paris ISD for a possible neighborhood park on the corner of the Crockett Middle
School Campus since this area is not served by a nearby, neighborhood park.
PLAYGROUND AT ELLIS PARK
-27-
Section 8 - Implementation
A. Timetable
The following time schedule is recommended for orderly development or re-iievelopment
of parks in Paris:
item
Year
Priority 1 - Municipal Pool . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1995-1996
Priority 2 - Wade Park Equipment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1995-1996
Priority 2 - Wade Park Parking . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1996
Priority 3 -Lake Crook Recreational Area (Phase I) . . . . .
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1996
Lake Crook Recreational Area (Phase II) . . . . .
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1997
Lake Crook Recreational Area (Phase III) . . . .
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1998
Priority 4 - Upgrade Parks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
. . . . . . . . . . Budget annually
Priority 5 - Sports Complex (Courts and Fields) . . . . . . . .
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1997
Sports Complex (Recreational center building)
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2001
Priority 6 -Pave Parking Areas . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1996-1997
Priority 8 -Restroom Facilities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1996-1999
Priority 9 -Acquisition
Ongoing
B. Funding
An ambitous plan of development with several millions of dollars in construction cost alone
not counting land acquisitions dictates some creative and varied fund raising is needed.
Some of the projects can be paid for from budget and capital improvement (bond) funds
or. certificates of obligation. The City of Paris has indicated its willingness to apply for
grants-in-aid the most prominent of which are:
Texas Department of Housing and Community Affairs. Community
Development Block Grants are federal funds distributed from the U.S. Department
of Housing and Urban Development directly to states who in turn distribute through
a complicated regional point system to counties and cities. Wood County or any of
its incorporated areas. Parks developments are eligible. A local match of ten to
twenty percent is usually necessary for the maximum grant of $250,000. The
complication is that, in the intense competition for such funds, usually only ten to
finrelve of nearly forty grant applications will be funded in the East Texas Council of
Governments region. Parks are not usually high enough on fhe regional priority
scale (set by the Regional Review Commiftees themselves) to score sufficient points
to be competitive.
Texas Parks and Wildlife Texas Recreation & Parks Account Program. This
program has long been used by cities and counties to fund park improvements. In
-28-
fact, several parks in Paris were developed or enhanced with this program. The
program requires 50% local match which can be in the form of donated force
account (applicant's own work forces and equipment), donated labor and/or
equipment, cash, or donated land or combinations of all. Applications are received
by TP & W on January 31 and July 31 of each year and funding is usually
announced 6 to 8 months later. Grant offers follow soon thereafter and allow three
years from grant signature for project completion.
The program was recently amended to add some really attractive features. For
example. Non-park public lands can now be converted to park use and count as
part of the local match in much the same way as donated lands. This includes public
lands owned by independent school districts, junior colleges and other public
entities. An old landfill or sewage plant, if the land is acceptable for park use, can
be converted and the city gets matching funds up to its appraised value.
Texas Parks and Wildlife Boatramp Fund
Texas Parks and Wildlife has funds available for boatramps under a separate
application procedure.
TENNIS COURTS AT CULBERTSON PARK
-29-
Conclusion
f
Based on public participation hearings, invitations to solicit comments, staff and consultant
input, the City of Paris should proceed with development and refurbishment of the parks
and recreation facilities in Paris. The argument will surely be made that parks and
recreation facilities like tennis courts and swimming pools cost money to build and operate
and are surely "money losers". The public should keep in mind, however, that streets and
sidewalks are not money-makers either to any extent. For that matter, police and fire
departments are not self supporting. There are simply some things in city government that
the public demands acknowledging the fact that there witl be little or no revenues to off-set
expenses of providing those facilities.
The adoption and implementation of this plan will meet the goals and objectives set out in
Section 4 of this plan.
-30-
Appendices.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Public Participation Notices
Public Responses to Solicitation
Survey of Eight Municipal Pool Facilities
Public Participation Notices
Proof of Publication
STATE OF TEXAS Before me, the
COUNTY OF LAMAR undersigned
authority, on this
day personally appeared Debra Voorhies known to
me, who being by me duly sworn on her oath
deposes and says that she is the Classified
Advertising Manager of the Paris News, a
newspaper published in Paris, Lamar County,
Texas and that a copy of the within citation was
published in said newspaper THE PARIS NEWS,
such publication being on the following dates:
January 8, 1995
and a newspaper copy of this is hereto attached.
f~ r r,
' - -
Debra Voorhies
STATE OF TEXAS
COUNTY OF LAMAR
Before me, Onvie Hayes, a notary public, on this
day personally appeared Debra Voorhies, know to
me to be the person whose name is subscribed to
the foregoing instrument and acknowledged to me
that she executed the same for the purposes and
consideration therein expressed.
Given uncWr my hanj and seal of office
~
this day of:s , A.D./L'21-"_~:
i J
Onvie Hayecl/
Total Publication Cost: $ 12 . 75 .
NOTICE OF PUBl1C HEARING
TO ALL INTERESTED PERSONS
MIDTHE PUBUC IN GENERAL:
YOU ARE HEREBY NU7IFIED that
the City of Pdns will hold a public
hearing at 6 p.m., on Montlay.
January 9, 1995. m the Ciry Coun-
cit Chambers. City Hal1. 135 S.E.
1 st Street. Paris. Teaas ro recerve
input rro m cicizens conceming a
Texas Parks 6 wdtliife Grant Ap-
plication for Dudaing a muninpai
swimming poal
Mkittie Cunningham
Ciry Clerk
THE PARIS NEWS, Post OHice Box 1078
Paris, Texas 75461
Proof of Publication
:
STATE OF TEXAS Before me, the
COUNTY OF LAMAR undersigned
authority, on this
day personally appeared Debra Voorhies kr
me, who being by me duly sworn on hi
deposes and says that she is the CI,
Advertising Manager of the Paris NE
newspaper published in Paris, Lamar
Texas and that a copy of the within citati
published in said newspaper THE PARIS
such publication being on the following date
January 5, 1995
and a newspaper copy of this is hereto attac
J~u
STATE OF TEXAS
COUNTY OF LAMAR
Debra Voorhie:
Before me, Onvie Hayes, a notary public, on this
day personally appeared Debra Voorhies, know to
me to be the person whose name is subscribed to
the foregoing instrument and acknowledged to me
that she executed the same for the purposes and
consideration therein expressed.
Given under my hand and seal of office
this day of , A.D. i y ss ~
J
Onvie Hayes~
Total Publication Cost: $
THE PARIS NEWS, Post OHice Box 1078
Paris. Texas 75461
Proof of Publication
Before me, the
STATE OF TEXAS undersigned
COUNTY OF LAMAR authority, on this
day personally appeared Debra Voorhies known to
me, who being by me duly sworn on her oath
deposes and says that she is the Classified
Advertising Manager of the Paris News, a
newspaper published in Paris, Lamar County,
Texas and that a copy of the within citation was
published in said newspaper THE PARIS NEWS,
such publication being on the following dates:
January 15, 1995
and a newspaper copy of this is hereto attached.
J~
Debra Voorhies
STATE OF TEXAS
COUNTY OF LAMAR
Before me, Onvie Hayes, a notary public, on this
day personally appeared Debra Voorhies, know to
me to be the person whose name is subscribed to
the foregoing instrument and acknowledged to me
that she executed the same for the purposes and
Onvie Hayes Total Publication Cost: $ . 'I~iesday, Jan.17
consideration therein expressed.
Given under my hand.,and seal of office
this day of A.D. L1Y~
-7,!-'
CTTY SEEKS INPUT ON PARKS
A public hearing for a parks master plan will be 6
p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 17, at Justiss Elementary School
cafeteria.
THE PARIS NEWS, Post Office 8ox 1078
Paris, Texas 75461
Pro6f of Publication
STATE OF TEXAS Before me, the
COUNTY OF LAMAR undersigned
authority, on this
day personally appeared Debra Voorhies known to
me, who being by me duly sworn on her oath
deposes and says that she is the Classified
Advertising Manager of the Paris News, a
newspaper published in Paris, Lamar County,
Texas and that a copy of the within citation was
published in said newspaper THE PARIS NEWS,
such publication being on the following dates:
January 15, 1995
and a newspaper copy of this is hereto attached.
.
' l
w ~
Debra Voorhies
STATE OF TEXAS
COUNTY OF LAMAR
Before me, Onvie Hayes, a notary public, on this
day personally appeared Debra Voorhies, know to
me to be the person whose name is subscribed to
Total Publication Cost: $ Wedaesdav. Jaa 18
the foregoing instrument and acknowledged to me
that she executed the same for the purposes and
consideration therein expressed.
Given under my hand.,~nd seal of office
this day of , A.D. [11
~
Onvie Hayes
CTTY SEEKS INPUT ON PARKS
A public hearing for a parks master plan will be 6
p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 18, in the west side exhibit
building on the fair grounds.
THE PARIS NEWS, Post Oftice Box 1078
Paris, Texas 75461
i.ocA,.(`t, 4:40ST-4-T104S
Please announce periodically through January 18, 1995.
A series of public hearinqs will be held by the City of Paris
Parks Department to receive citizen input as to what new parks and
recreation facilities they would like to see in Paris. This
information will be the basis for a new Parks Master Plan.
Individuals may request anything they desire concerning park
activities and facilities. Such as recreation center, pool,
athletic fields, improvements to Lake Crook and Lake Gibbons and
any other park activities they might be interested in should be
discussed.
Citizens may attend any of the following public hearings:
January 12, 6 P.M. Aikin Elementary School Cafeteria
January 17, 6 P.M. Justice Elementary School Cafeteria
January 18, 6 P.M. Lamar County Fairgrounds West Exhibit
Building
Citizens input is a must in preparing a Parks Master Plan.
The general public along with service club representatives, youth
sports association and senior citizen representatives are invited
to attend one of these very important meetings.
Public Responses to Solicitation
*
The
aifiber
Serving Paris and Lamar County
January 5, 1995
Mr. Dick Boots
City of Paris Parks & Recreation
P.O. Box 9037
Paris, TX 75460
Dear Mr. Boots:
At the Chamber of Commerce we are continuously contacted
about the availability and type of public recreational
facilities in Paris. Although the facilities in Paris are
excellent and well maintained, we certainly believe that
there is a need to provide additional recreational
opportunities to our citizenry.
The Lamar County Chamber of Commerce wholeheartedly
supports the concept of a master plan for Paris' Parks and
Recreation Facilities. Through a long term plan and
commitment, we think the recreational desires of our
community for both indoor and outdoor public facilities could
be better served.
Please let us know how the Chamber may work with the
City to accommodate the recreational needs of our community.
Sincerely yours,
71 ZGar ~est
Executive Vice President/CEO
GV/kb
CHAMBER OF COMMERCf OF LAMAR COUNTY
1651 CLARKSVILLE ST. • PARIS, TEXAS 75460
V4\~111YYWCAm
'
of Paris and Lamar County
308 South Main • Paris, Texas 75460 • (903) 785-5221
January 6, 1995
Dick Boots
Community Facilities Director
City Hall
Paris, Texas 75460
Dear Mr. Boots,
The YWCA uses Culbertson Park extensively to provide its girls' Little Dixie
Softball program during the spring and summer. The facilities at Wise Park
are also used.
Approximately 250 girls between the ages of 7 and 15 play on the fields each
summer. During the time that the girls are playing, parents and siblings also
enjoy the facilities at the park. In an age when children spend too much time
on their own, the sports program we offer in partnership with the city
(through the use of Culbertson Park) provides wholesome activity and quality
family time for the girls.
Improving facilities in any way contributes to the safety and well-being of the
girls in our program, as well as providing a more aesthetically pleasing
environment. A Master Plan which would guide the upgrade of park facilities
would be welcomed and appreciated by the YWCA.
Sincerely,
. .
Priscilla Merriman
Executive Director
Member Agency Lamar County United Way
f
Paris
juniort
College
- January 6, 1995
i
~
5,NCE io?a ~
i Mr. Dick Boots
Director of Community Facilities
City of Paris
i 150 S.E. lst
' Paris, TX 75460
~
Dear Dick:
We at Paris Junior College pledge our utmost
support to the City of Paris' Long Range Master
Plan. The continual growth of Paris and Lamar
County will need the visionary approach the City of
Paris is taking.
Outdoor recreation is a critical need for our
community for the well being of our citizens and
for the attraction of future industries.
If Paris Junior College can be ° dosnotance in
the attainment of these goals, please
hesitate in calling on us.
Sincerely,
Bobby R. Walters
President
BRW/sw
2400 Clarksville Street
Pans TX 75460-6298
19031 785-7661
FAX (903) 78~-9370
A-. E.:.:a~~ ~rst~!~~him
January 7, 1995
Paris Parks Department
Dick Boots
P.O. Box 9037
Paris, Texas 75460
Dear Mr. Boots
The Lake Crook Fisherman's Association (LCFA) has strived over
the past several years to up grade the Lake Crook area. We have
rebuilt the fishing pier to where it is safe and enjoyable for all
involved. We understand that a Masterplan is being prepared by the
Parks Department. The LCFA totally supports the effort to develop
a Masterplan. Hopefully, additional improvements can be made that
will enable the residents of Paris to fish, picnic and play once
again at this beautiful public recreation area. We encourage you
to solicit funding and apply for grants to make the improvements
that are necessary.
Sincerely,
Lyndol Redus
Lake Crook Fisherman's Association
January 8, 1995
City of Paris Parks Department
Dick Boots
P.O. Box 9037
Paris, Texas 75460
Dear Dick,
On behalf of the Paris Softball Association and it's forty
teams, I want to thank you for your support of our organization.
Outdoor recreation is a very important part of our lives. The PSA
fully supports your efforts in developing a Parks and Recreation
Masterplan and in submitting an application for funding assistance
for the City of Paris. Hopefully, through development and future
planning, we can all benefit from more recreation and athletic
facilities. Thanks for your help over the years. The Paris
Softball Association will help in whatever way we can to see that
our facilities are upgraded for the benefit of our users.
Respectfully,
Mike Goss
President Paris Softball Association
d~
f> -
ROTARY CLUB OF PARIS, TEXAS
1 P. 0. Box 762, Paris, Texas 75460
CLUB NQ. 194
DISTRICT 583
January 8, 1995
Mr. Dick Boots
City of Paris Parks Deparment
P. O. Box 9037
Paris, Texas 75460
Dear Mr. Boots,
ORGANIZED NOV. 9, 1915
CHARTERED JAN. 1, 1916
The Rotary Club of Paris is most supportive of your efforts to develop a Master Plan
and application for funding for the City of Paris Parks Department. Recreation and
park activities are a vital part of our community. Renovating older facilities and
constructing new park facilities is of utmost importance to the we11=lieing of our Paris.
We appreciate what you are doing, and ask that you let us know if there is any way
we can assist you in this activity.
Yours truly,
Don McCaskill
President
Servi cc Abure Sel/ Hc Prnjils h1ost Whu Serves Bctr
Breakfast Optimist Club of Paris, Texas
m
CHARTERED 1951
„
1 4f 9s1and o f Tout
P.O. BoX 1011
Paris, Texas 75461-1 01 1
1-12-95
Dick Boots
Director of Community 5ervices
City of Paris
P. 0. Box 9037
Paris, Texas 75461-9037
Dear Mr. Boots:
The Breakfast Optimist Club of Paris strongly
supports the efforts being taken in the development of a
comprehensive plan for park development within the City of
Paris. We believe such action will contribute greatly
toward improving our park system for many years to come.
There is no question that we are fortunate to
have an existing park system which has provided the citizens
of Paris with excellent facilities for many years. As our
city continues to grow, however, a comprehensive plan for
additional facilities is needed which will serve to meet the
needs of both old and young alike in the future.
We appreciate very much the efforts of both you and the
Paris City Council in this regard. If we can be of any
assistance, please let us know.
Sincerely,
Bill Hell, President
Hreakfast Optimist Club
January 10, 1995
Mr. Dick Boots
City Hall
Paris, Texas 75460
Dear Dick:
I am writing this letter in support of making the renovation of Wade Park a priority in the
city's master plan. I'm sure your statistics indicate that Wade Park is the most widely
utilized park in Paris. As a native of Paris, my family has used the park for the last 30
years for general recreation as well as for special occasions such as birthday parties and
family gatherings. (I can even remember when my mother, sisters, brother and I would
walk from our house on Culbertson to the wading pool at Wade Park.) As director of the
Lamar County Even Start Family Literacy program, we have used the park for family
picnics and activities.
I was involved with the Jaycees many years ago when they were putting in some of the
equipment. Although the park has served many families, the existing equipment is
extremely outdated and, in my opinion, several pieces are not safe. Adding play
equipment which is developmentally appropriate and actually sectioning off the grounds
according to age level would be a wonderful improvement to the park. I would also like
to see equipment that could be used by children who are physically challenged.
I am most definitely in favor of improving Wade Park to make it more accommodating
and accessible to a greater number of people. Its location is good and the setting is nice.
I feel this should be an item of high priority for the city, and I would appreciate your
consideration of such.
If you have questions or if I can be of assistance with this endeavor, please do not hesitate
to call on me.
~
Siricer~ely;
i'--
Pam Christian, Director
Phone (903) 737-4340 • Fax ;9031 737-4.;~~; . ' 36 Gra-,c ,~venuc • Pa-is.Taxas 75451V
January 7, 1995
3025 Oak Creek Drive
Paris, TX 75462
Mr. Dick Boots
Paris Parlcs Department
Paris, TX 75460
I wish to express my support for the building of a public swimming pool in Paris, Texas.
Swimming should be encouraged for a wide variety of reasons. It is an excellent aerobic
exerclse for people of all sizes, shapes, and fitness levels. It is a lifetime sport enjoyed by
people of all ages. It lends itself well to both individual and team competitions in not
only speed swimming but synchronized swimming as well. The presence of a public
swimming pool would also help the YWCA, Red Cross, and many other groups to
decrease the number of non-swimmers in our community. This would then help
decrease the number of drownings each year in area lakes. And, of course, swimming is
fun! Wider access to swimming should be encouraged.
None of the schoot districts in Lamar County currently has a swim team. The schools do
not have the money to both construct a swimming pool and fund the program. With an
appropriatety designed swimming pool in the community, it might soon become feasible
for one or more of the school districts to enclose the facility to permit year-round swim
training necessary for a successful program.
The communiry has already shown a strong interest in swimming. Aerofit, a local health
club, has built an indoor four-lane swimming pool for aerobic workouts as well as fitness
and recreational swimming. The pool is adequate for Aerofit's needs Uut is not widely
accessible to most people in Paris due to its expense. A private group of swimmers and
their parents have also organized a swim team that practices at Aerofit's pool. Again, the
pool is adequate but often too expensive for most people to utilize. 1 personally I<now of
several people who have been forced to quit the swim team due to its expense. The
presence of a public pool would dramatically open access to swimming instruction to
many other communiry members.
As a physician, communiry leader, certified Red Cross swim coach, and father of four
swimmers, t feel uniquely qualified to state unequivocally that a public swimming pool
would be a wonderful asset to this communiry and would improve the qualiry of life for
folks of all ages in the Paris area.
Si ncerely,
/
Steven J. Clifford, M.D.
1 /10/95
Dear Mr. Boots,
When my family moved here 8 years ago I was very much
surprised Paris did not have a public pool. I have been a Red
Cross swimming and lifequarding instructor for many years at
many pools and feel a city pool adds to the overall attraction
of families to any community.
Being involved with Paris for the past 8 years I feel it
is not only a need but a necessity for this community, to service
ALL families with appropriate recreation facilities instead
of letting someone else or group meet these demands.
Let the City of Paris do it right!
I fully support your efforts to build a City pool and offer
my services if needed.
Sincerely, /
~
~
Kristin A. Carmack
♦o
~
~
January 9, 1995
Toni Donnan
525 SE 42nd
Paris, TX 75460
784-2305
Dear Mr. Boots,
Jean Campbell has asked me to write a letter in support
of a public swimming pool for the City of Paris. I do not
know where to begin, except to say HOORAY!!!!! With all the
open water available in and around Lamar County, our citizens
are limited in the availability of public swimming
instruction and supervised aquatic facilities to practice and
improve swimming skills that they have learned.
As an avid supporter of water activities, I applaud and
encourage the City to provide our citizens with an
affordable and professionally supervised and maintained
aquatic facility.
Sincerely,
~
Toni Donnan
WSI, AEA, AFAP Certified
1/10/95
City of Paris
Department of Parks and Recreation
Mr. Dick Boots, Director
Dear Mr. Boots:
I am writing this letter as a Minister, a board member of several community outreach
programs and as a resident of Paris. I want to express to you how passionate I feel about
the need for a public swimming pool in our community. As a parent I have wished there
were some place for my child to swim in the summer. I have also been painfully conscious
of the fact that we live in a community that has a strong history of racial segregation.
The thought of having a municipal swimming pool at a high visibility location such as the
one suggested on the loop, would be a powerful statement about our intentionality of being
a progressive community. As board chairman of Co-Ministry, I see a great need for
recreational resources in our community which can be afforded by everyone. As a minister
I see a need for our children and youth to have a supervised community recreation resource
which can be utilized by entire families.
I will support the issue of building a public swimming pool in every way possible. It will be
good for our children, and good for Paris' image where growth and progress are concerned.
Thank you for your. cnysideration,
E. Ross Rich iison
7771. . 4-
1 / J L
Christian
Church
(Disciples of Christ)
Rev. E. Ross Richardson
780 20th N.E.
Paris, Texas 75460
(903) 785-5516
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January 14, 1995
ASOWIIWI'II050
ON
To: Mr. Dick Boots
Parks & Recreation Commissioner
City of Paris
Paris, Tx 75460
From: Executive Committee
Paris Tennis Association, Inc
Dear Mr. Boots:
We are very concerned about the future of tennis in Paris. We
believe it is imperative that plans for court renovation or building of
new courts be included in any Master Plan involving future
improvements to recreation and parks in Paris.
The Paris Tennis Association (PTA) was reactivated in 1988 by
about 6 people. Since that time it has grown to a steady membership
of approximately 200 including 65 juniors.
The PTA exists to make and keep tennis available to people of
all ages in Paris and the surrounding towns. The PTA is the oiily
organization providing this service for a 100 mile radius. Players,
who are not members of private clubs, must drive 2 hours to play
organized tennis. Although tennis is a sport that can be enjoyed by
anyone for all of their active life, it is not easy to learn. It is
difficult for somebody to just pick up a racquet and start hitting the
ball across the net with any effectiveness at all. For this reason we
believe that organized tennis is very important to the community. The
PTA is the community's vehicle for teaching the basics to beginning
players - not just how to play the game - but also how to act on and
off the courts.
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After learning the basics of tennis, most players, young and old,
become interested in organized play to improve their skills or just to
have fun. More kids have tried out for the Tennis Teams in our
schools the past 2 years than ever before. Many players enjoy league
and tournament play. The PTA strives to provide all this and more
for the people of Paris by offering beginner clinics throughout the
year for juniors and adults; by having weekly league play year
around; and by hosting 3 tournaments per year. ALL OF THIS IS
DONE BY VOLUNTEERS.
We strongly feel that the future of the courts at Culbertson Park
is in jeopardy. The court surfaces are in a needy state of repair.
Even the 3 courts that were resurfaced by the city a little over 4
years ago are chipping and cracking. This is partly due to water that
stands after a rain, however some of it is due to the ever increasing
vandalism that we are experiencing at the park. The tennis courts are
being abused by kids on roller skates, roller blades, bicycles, and
skateboards. They play hockey, baseball, football, and they sit
straddled on the nets swinging each other until the net collapses.
These unauthorized sports and games have rea(ly taken their toll on
the court surfaces and net posts. The increase of loiterers around the
courts has resulted in harassment and aggression toward the players.
Some people won't even play at night anymore and certainly don't
drop their children off unattended.
The Paris Tennis Association asks that the City of Paris build
courts away from any residential areas. We feel a great location
would be in the middle of the walking track at Dragon Park between
24th SE and Collegiate St. This would be ideal for tournaments
hosted by our city schools and would increase the safety factor for
people who enjoy the walking track. Tennis is a gentlemen's sport
not associated with yelling and screaming and poses no threat to the
tranquility of the walking track.
P; RII6 `V~aaIIE A660MWTIIM
PaIYJo M2 0LFrl7
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pMM 2i@4-DM@ m 9M-11*274a
Should the City Council decide that constructing new tennis courts
can not be accomplished in the near future, we plead to you that the
courts at Culbertson Park be resurfaced properly and that strict
measures be taken and enforced to halt the improper use of the
courts, harassment of players, and vandalism.
On behalf of the Paris Tennis Association, people who enjoy the
game of tennis, and all future tennis players, we thank you for your
past help and for your concern in keeping tennis a safe and active
sport in this area. The following pages document the PTA's
activities, accomplishments, and future plans for tennis in Paris.
Respectively yours,
Paris Tennis Association Executive Committee:
D' sie Walker, President
Rick Wa er, Vice President
~ .
Philip Clajk, League Director & USTA Referee
L~ 1, ,,.~-<< c/z.
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MEMO
To: Mr. Dick Boots
From: Dr. Jean Bailey Campbell
Subject: City of Paris Swimming Pool
Date: January 18, 1995
I have been involved in aquatics for nearly sixty years! First as a child swimmer and diver in
municipal pools, as an aquatic water front director of summer camps, as a synchronized swimmer
in college,as an owner of a back yard pool for 35 years, aa a professor at Bowling Green State
University of Ohio serving as the Synchronized Swim Coach and the Women's Intercollegiate
Swimming and Diving Coach, as the director of more than 30 annual water shows, as an
American Red Cross Water Safety Instructor Trainer and Lifeguard Instructor Trainer for over 20
years, first in Chicago, then in Ohio and for the past 13 years in Paris, Texas.
Since there is no municipal pool in our area, all the lifeguard and swimming instructor classes
that are taught are, by necessity, taught at local motels, private clubs, country clubs or private
back yard pools. Many of these are inadequate for part of the training and it is sometimes
necessary for the class to travel to a church camp about 20 miles outside of town.
Many youngsters and adults have no place to swim at all. Only the affluent in our town who can
afford to join a private club or own, or have friends who own, a back yard pool ever have a place
to swim. Some are able to take swimming lessons through the YWCA, Areofit Health Club and
private swim clubs, but them have no place to practice what they learn in the lessons. Many are
unable to do so because of lack of funds or because the lessons are completely filled early in the
season.
Swimming is one of the most beneficial life-long exercises; water walking, exercises in water and
water aerobics are valued activities for senior citizens and arthritic and cardiac rehab patients; and
Physical Therapy in water often hastens recovery of patients. The majority of our citizens are
deprived of the benefit of these activities because there is no pool available to them.
A well-run municipal pool that offers high quality swimming lessons, recreational swims, water
aerobic, water walking, water rehabilitation classes, scuba instruction, competitive swimming and
diving, synchronized swimming opportunities, high quality life guard instructional classes would
greatly improve the quality of life in Paris and Lamar County.
Be assured that I will help facilitate the construction of a city pool and work to help develop
instructional and recreational activities in the pool.
JatiEiary 16, 1995
Subject: The Need for a Public Swimming Pool
From: Joan Mathis
When my now twenty-eight year-old son was only eight years old, I drove him and several
of his friends to a pool for an evening of swimming. Prior to loading the boys onto my
truck, I had called the manager to make sure that these young black boys would be
permitted to swim. He assured me that there would be no problem. With towels around
their shoulders, wearing swimming trunks, and the happiest of countenances on their
faces, they piled out of the truck, racing toward the swimming pool.
The gate keeper told them, "I'm sorry, you can't swim here!" I pushed through the cluster
of boys to the gatekeeper to assert that I had talked to the manager who had okayed their
swimming in the pool. "But he's not here," replied the gatekeeper.
The boys' laughter turned to sheer silence. Of the ride home, I don't remember any
conversation- just the silence.
Thcugh many racial barriers have been dissolved, a public swimming pool is still non-
e\istent. Perhaps this emotional response to this indelible memory overrides any logical
t eason for the construction of a public swimming pool which would surely be financially
ciemanding for the City of Paris. Bearing this in mind, it may prove prudent to consider
the possibility of purchasing or leasing an existing large pool.
The demands of operating and monitoring a public pool would certainly be imposing;
however, it is not a project Paris is incapable of. And I strongly feel that such a sacrifice
would benefit the youth of our city who have no access to a facility of this kind.
A concerned citizen,
1:Mathis
Public Responses to Solicitation,
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C I T Y O F PAR I S
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MEMORANDUM
T0: ERIC CLIFFORD, POOL COMMITTEE CHAIRMAN
FROM: DICR BOOTS
DATE: NOVEMBER 28, 1994
As requested, I have surveyed eight municipalities concerning
pool operations. Five of these are in the same population range as
the City of Paris. The other two are smaller towns in this area
that operate a municipal pool. Each of these Cities has a survey
sheet attached to this memo concerning their swimming pool
operation at their respective city.
You also requested a meeting of the Swimming Pool Committee.
This has been scheduled for 4:00 P.M., December 6, in the City Hall
Council Chambers. I have sent a copy of the survey to each
committee member for their review prior to the December 6th
meeting.
Respectfully,
~ v
Dick Boots
Director of Community Facilities
cc : Millie McDvnald
John Bell
Jim Chadwick
Jean Campbell
Aaron Jenkins
Michael E. Malone
T.R. Haynes
Tommy Haynes
P.O. BOX 9037 • PAAIS. TEXAS 75461 •9037 •(903) 785-7511 • FAX (903) 785•8519
f
~ SURVEY OF SWIMMING POOL OPERATIONS
CITY:
BROWNWOOD
POPULATION:
20,000
CONTACT
PERSON: DAVID WITHERS
PHONE:
915) 646-0146
SIZE OF POOL: 75' X 150'
DIVING AREA: YES
HOURS OF OPER.ATION: 1:00 - 6:00 P.M.
AVERAGE DAILY ATTENDANCE : 225 / 76 DAYS
ADMISSION FEE: $1.00 KIDS; $1.25 ADULTS
SWIM CLASSES : YES
POOL RENTAL FOR PA.RTIES : NO
SIZE OF STAFF: 5 GUARDS ; 1 POOL MANAGER; 2 CONCESSION OPERATORS
CONCESSION OPERATION: STAND OPERATION
CONSTRUCTION COST: OLD POOL/ UNKNOWLN
ANNUAL OPERATING COST : CHEMICALS - $18 , 000 . 00; STAFF $13 , 000 . 00 ; :KAI.1T. $3,500.
ANNUAL REVENUES: CONCESSIONS $7,000.00; ADMISSIONS $18,000 = $25,000.00
ANNUAL PROFIT/LOSS: LOSS - $9,500.00
SURVEY OF SWIMMING POOL OPERATIONS r
C 12*y ; CEDAR HILL POPULATION : 21 , 000
CONTACT PERSON : STEVE MEADOORS PHONE : 214) 291-5130
SIZE OF POOL: L-SHAPED, 42' X 75' & 35' X 41'
DIVING AREA: YES
HOURS OF OPERATION : 1: 00 - 7: 00 P. M.
AVERAGE DAILY ATTENDANCE : 350 - 80 DAYS
ADMISSION FEE: $1.00
SWIM CLASSES : YES
POOL RENTAL FOR PARTIES: YES
S I ZE OF STAFF : MANAGER - 1, GUARDS - 6
CONCESSION OPER.ATION: MACHINES
CONSTRUCTION COST: UNKNOWN
ANNUAL OPER.ATING COST: $42,000.00
ANNUAL REVENUES: ADMISSIONS $28,000.00 , CONCESSIONS - $4,000.00
ANNUAL PROFIT/LOSS: LOSS - $10,000
SURVEY OF SWZMMING POOL OPERATIONS
CITY: DENISON POPULATION: 23,000
CONTACT PERSON: SHARON LAFITTE PHONE: 903) 463-5116
SIZE OF POOL: L-SHAPED, 25 METERS
DIVING AREA: NO
HOURS OF OPER.ATION: 1:00 - 7:00 P.M.
AVER.AGE DAILY ATTENDANCE : 300 / 72 DAYS
ADMISS ION FEE : $1 . 00 KIDS, $1. 25 - ADULTS
SWIM CLASSES : YES
POOL RENTAL FOR PA.RTIES: NO
SIZE OF STAFF: 8 GUARDS, 2,fANAGERS
CONCESSION OPER.ATION: MACHINES
CONSTRUCTION COST: UNKNOWN - 30 YEARS OLD
ANNUAL OPERATING COST: ($64,500.00) UTIL.= $12,625.00; CHEM.=$14,000.00
SALARIES= $34,000.00; MAINT.= $4,000.00
pNNUAi, REVENUES ; $37 , 600. 00
ANNiJAL PROFZT/LOSS : LOSS - $26, 900.00
I SURVEY OF SWIMMING POOL OPERATIONS
DESOTO
POPULATION:
33,000
CITY:
CONTACT
PERSON : BARBARA SCOTT
PHONE :
214 / 230-9650
S I Z E OF POOL : SO METERS
DIVING AREA: NO - REMOVED
HOURS OF OPER.ATION: NOON- 7:00 P.M.
AVERAGE DAILY ATTENDANCE : 250 - 75 DAYS
ADMISSION FEE : $1.00
SWIM CLASSES : YES
POOL RENTAL FOR PARTIES : YES
S I Z E OF STAFF : MANAGERS -2, GUARDS -7, CHSHIER -1
CONCESSION OPERP.TION: MACHINES
CONSTRUCTION COST: UNKNOWN - BUILT AROUND 1965
ANNUAL OPER.ATING COST: $80,000.00
pNrJtJp,t, REVENUEg; ADMISSIONS - $20,000, RENTAL - $2,500.00, LESSONS &
CONCESSIONS - $22,250.00
ANNi7AL PROFIT/LOSS : LOSS - $35 , 000 . 00
SIIRVEY OF SWI31MING POOL OPERATIONS !
CITY: GREENVILLE POPULATION: 25,000
CONTACT PERSON: JOHN COBB PHONE: 903) 457-3106
SIZE OF POOL: 60' X 100' WITH 130' WATERSLIDE
DIVING AREA: NO
HOURS OF OPER.ATION: 12:00 NOON - 6:00 P.M.
AVER.AGE DAILY ATTENDANCE : 202 - 86 DAY SEASON
ADMISSION FEE: $2.00
SWZM CLASSES : YES
POOL RENTAL FOR PA.RTIES: NO
SIZE OF STAFF: 8 GUARDS, 1 CASAIER, 2 SLIDE OPERATORS
CONCESSION OPERATION: MACHINES
CONSTRUCTION COST: $600,000.00
ANNUAL OPERATING COST : $ 61, 000 . 00
A.NNUAL REVENUES: ADMISSIONS - $36,000.00
ANNUAL PROFIT/LOSS: LOSS - $25,000.00
~
SURVEY OF SWIMMING POOLQPERATIONS
CITy:
MT. PLEASP.NT
POPULATION:
12,000
CONTACT
PERSON• MIKE HALL
PHONE:
903) 572-3412
SIZE OF POOL: 60' X 100'
DIVING A.REA: YES
HOURS OF OPERATION:
AVERAGE DAILY ATTENDANCE : 125 - 72 DAYS
ADMISSION FEE: $2.00
SWIM CLASSES: YES
POOL RENTAL FOR PARTIES: NO
SIZE OF STAFF: MA:IAGER - 1, GUARDS - 4
CONCESSION OPERATION: OPEN CONCESSION BY GUARDS
CONSTRUCTION COST : UNKNOWN - BUILT IN 1951
ANNUAL OPERATING COST : $22 , 610 . 00
ANNUAL REVENUES : $17 , 000 . 00
ANN[JAL PROFIT/LOSS : LOSS - $5, 600.00
t SURVEY OF SWZMMING POOL OPERATIONS
CITY: MT. VERNON POPULATZON:
CONTACT PERSON: JAMES. STINSON PHONE : 903) 537-2252
SIZE OF POOL: 35' X 45'
DIVING A.REA: YES
HOURS OF OPER.ATION: 1- 6 P.M.
AVERAGE DAILY ATTENDANCE : 68 - 75 DAYS
ADMISSION FEE: $1.50
SWIM CLASSES : YES
POOL RENTAL FOR PARTIES: NO
SIZE OF STAFF: GUARDS - 5
CONCESSION OPERATION: NiIACHINES
CONSTRUCTION COST: UNKNOWN - BUILT WITH PRIVATE FUNDS
ANNUAL OPERATING COST : $10 , 000 . 00
ANNTJAL REVENUES : $6, 800. 00
ANNUAL PROFIT/LOSS : LOSS - $3, 200.00
RESOLUTION NO. 98-162
WHEREAS, die Parks and Recreation Masterplan for the City of Paris, dated January,
1995, adopted by the City Council of the City of Paris on January 26, 1995, requires amendment
due to changing circumstances; and,
WHEREAS, the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department requires that tlle City of Paris's
Parks and Recreation Master Plan be updated to reflect tlle current facility inventory and to re-
prioritize the recommended projects in order for the City of Paris to be eligible for future grant
proposals; and,
WHEREAS, it is deemed appropriate that the Parks and Recreation Master Plan Changes
and Additions as depicted on Exhibit A, attaclled liereto, sliould be approved; NOW,
THEREFORE,
BE IT RESOLVED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PARIS, that the
Parks and Recreation Masterplan for the City of Paris be, and the same is hereby, amended
to reflect the Parks and Recreation Master Plan Changes and Additions depicted on Exhibit A,
attached hereto.
PASSED AND ADOPTED this 9t11 day of November, 1998
N
Cliarles H. Neeley, Mayor
ATTEST:
ct rl~
Mattie Cunningham, City Clerk
APPItOVED AS TO FORM:
~f -
cott P. Foster, City Attorney
Facilities Inventory Change:
Park: Wade Park Size: 8.44 Acres
Location: 25' Street NE at Pine Bluff Street
Topography: Flat with scattered mature trees
Improvements in the park:
35 picnic tables i I park benches
30'x60' pavilion 2 handicap accessible tables
2 handicap accessible water fountains I restroom/handicap accessible
2 shuffleboard courts I SO'x 150' playground with equipment
I 30'x80' playground with equipment 2 casual backstops
Support acilities:
aved parking for 60 cars/handicap accessible
Gravel parking for 20 cars
Surroundin$ neighborhood:
Residential on all sides.
Facilities Inventory Addition:
Park: Aquatic Center Size: 4.325 Acres
Location: 1625 Clement Road
Topography: Flat
Improvemenis in the park:
25 yd. x 25 m. 6 lane municipal pool 13 yd. x 10 yd. wading pool
Bathhouse and restroom facilities Shaded Deck area
Showers Vending/Concessions
4 park benches Diving board
Staff office facilities Fencing
Irrigation system
Support faulities:
Paved parking for approximately 40 cars.
Surrounding neigh6orhood:
Bounded on the south by Clement Road and Slcateland, bounded on the west by wooded land, on the north
by loop 286 and on the east by Apex Plumbing.
Comment: This park was completed in 1997 and new to our facility inventory.
Facilities Inventorar Additions:
Park: Dragon Pa~k Size: 52 Acres
Location: 24 street and Jefferson
Topography: Flat with scattered mature trees
Improvements in the park:
I mile walking/jogging track small restroom facility
Support facilities:
Gravel parking for approximately 150 cars.
Surrounding neighborhood:
Bounded on the north by Paris Junior College, on the east by the Love Civic Center, on the south by Paris
High School, and bounded on the west by woods.
Comments:
This park was acquired in December 1997 from Paris Junior College.
+~+~~rw+~~e~~+~+~+~+~+~+~~~+~~e~+~~►+~+~+~+w+~~r+~+~+~~+~+ww~►+~+~+~~r+~+~+~~+~+~~~►
Park: Depot Park
Size: 6 Acres
Location: West Kaufman Street
Topography: Flat
Improvements in the park: none
Support Facilities: Paved parking for approximately 150 cars.
FxF~I B:3 I ra
Surrounding neighborhood: Bounded on the north by Kaufman and Coke Plant, on the east by the Lamar
County Historical Socieq Museum, on the south by Sherman St., and bounded on
the west by the City of Paris Historical Transportation Depot Museum and the
Paris Chamber of Commerce.
Public Participation
At a public hearing on October 8, 1998, residents expressed interest in the following parks and recreation needs.
These needs should be included with the original needs in the 1995 Parks and Recreation Mazter Plan.
I) A lack of adequate baseball and sokball diamonds. There is substantial demand for a multipurpose facility, designed
for use by a wide range of ages, as well as different genders. Current facilities are not capable of serving the growing
participation of these programs in the city.
2) The equipment at Record Park is aged and obsolete. None of the playground equipment or pavilion areas are
accessible to the handicap.
3) The participant parking, concessions and field space is inadequate for the growing participation of the local soccer
program. Currently, over 600 participants play on only 6 fields.
Re-prioritized List of Recommended Projects:
1. Multipurpose Sports Complex
Many participants voiced concern over a lack of slow pitch and fast pitch softball facilities for youth and teens. There
are currently only 4 lighted softball diamonds available for this age group. The city has an abundance of baseball and
softball activities taking place which forces very strict schedules for field usage. Review of these needs raised the
possibiliq of also providing additional practice backstops and green space for practice times.
E s t i m a t e d C o s t ( E x c I u s i v e o f
Land) ..........................................................................................................................$250.000-500,000
2. Record Park Improvements
Record Park is one of the largest, most active parks in the ciry. All of the facilities and equipment in the park are
damaged or obsolete. Parking is limited to curbside parking near the existing playground equipment and asphalt
parking on the far north end at the softball diamond. None of the faciliry is handicap accessible. The current pavilion
is not adequate for the participation and special events held in the park each year. Therefore, the pavilion, parking
and playground equipment should be upgraded or replaced.
E s t i m a t e d C o s t ( E x c 1 u s i v e o f
Land) ..................................................................................................................................$200,000
3. Dragon Park Improvements
Dra,gon Park is a new park to the Parks and Recreation Department. This park waz leased from Paris Junior
College in December 1997. The park consist of approximately 52 acres on the far south-east side of the city.
Current improvements include a I mile walking track, stretch stations and a small restroom facility that should all
be upgraded. Parking is very limited to participants. Most of the land has never been utilized. This facility
borders the current soccer association complex, therefore adding soccer fields, parking, concessions and
restrooms, keeping the appropriate green space should complete this area appropriately. The city is currently
working with the Army Reserves to build approx. 15 soccer fields although, lighting, parking, irrigation, restrooms
and concessions should be pursued in the future.
Estimated Cost ...................................................................................................................................$250,000-350,000
4. Lake Crook Recreation Area Development
Lake Crook has never been developed to its fullest potential. The existing boat ramp is dllapidated and needs
replacement but even so is inaccessible because of uneven ground and erosion. Restrooms in the small plcnic area
were destroyed years ago and the old swimming area needs vegetation removal and cleanup. The development could
be enhanced through the installation of new picnic areas and group picnic pavilion, paved parking, hike and bike trails,
restrooms, playground equipment, and recreational vehicle camping pads with utility hook ups. However, such
improvements wiil be meaningless unless the access road is reworked entirely. The old road is covered with mud and
eroded severely. This natural facility has much potential and could be developed in several phases if necessary. If
adequately designed, the camping area could become an economic boom to the area instead of a liability.
Estimated Cost ...................................................................................................................................$400,000-600,000
5. Upgrade Parks Citywide
Parks throughout the city have piay equipment which do not meet current standards for safety or have been
vandalized in the past. Some of the equipment is over thirty years old. Shelters are needed in several parks across
the city. Tables need to be replaced, especially those with wooden tops or built out of concrete and stone.
Handicapped accessible tables are needed. Ballfield fences are in need of replacement, having outlived their useful
lives.
Estimated Cost ...................................................................................................................................................$60,000
6. Restroom Facilities
Presently, there are public restrooms only at two parks. The ciry rents portable toilets during the summer months
costing $8,000 to $10,000 per year. Permanent vandal resistant restrooms should be built that meet accessibiliry
standards for the handicapped. They should be lockable, well lighted and of course well maintained. Vandal resistant
lighting is also a must. Because they are so susceptible to vandalism, restrooms should be built in high use parks such
az Cuibertson, Oak, and Record. Generally, these are the parks where reservations are made for large groups and
restrooms could be uniocked. The smaller neighborhood parks may not need these facilities.
Estimated Cost ................................................................................................................................................$100,000
7. Paved ParkinQ
Many of the parks have gravel or dirt parking facilities. New driveways in Paris must be dust free and thus paved.
Paving the parking areas will bring them into compliance with current standards, improve drainage, promote usage
of the parks, and improve handicapped and elderly access.
Estimated Cost ......................................................................................................................................$50,000- I 75.000
8. Recreation Facilities
Many residents in the past have voiced concerns about a communiry recreation center. A local middle school created
a public campaign in 1997 to increase interest. A teen recreation center has received a lot of support as well. Review
of this project raises the possibility of developing a multipurpose area consisting of a community recreation center,
2 outdoor basketball courts, 6 lighted tennis courts and 3 baseball/softball practice backstops.
Estimated Cost ...............................................................................................................................$400,000-$2,000,000
9. Security Lighting All parks should be furnished with minimal securiry lighting to provide safe usa,ge at night, and
reduce vandalism and crime. Estimated Cost ..........................................................:........................................................................................$50,000
10. Land Acquisition
The city as it expands will need to add parks and recreation land through dedication or purchase. (n particular, areas
which should be looked at include east of Loop 286 and west of 286 near the U.S. Highway 82 corridor. Inside the
Loop, we recommend negotiations with Paris ISD for a possible neighborhood park on the corner of the Crockett
Middle School Campus since this area is not served by a nearby, neighborhood park.
Proiect Time Table
The following dme schedule is recommended for orderly development or re-development of parks and recreation in
Paris:
Priority I
Multipurpose Sports Complex
1999-2000
Priority 2
Record Park Improvements
1999-2000
Priority 3
Dragon Park Improvements
1999-2000
Priority 4
Lake Crook Improvemenu (Phase I)
I 998- I 999
Lake Crook Improvements (Phase 2)
2000
. Lake Crook Improvements (Phase 3)
2001
Prioriry 5
Upgrade Parks Gry Wide ...........................................................................................Budget Annually
Priority 6
Resuoom Facilitips
1999-2001
Priority 7
Paved Parking
1999-2000
Priority 8
Recreation Facility
2002
Priority 9
Securiry Lighting
1999-2000
Priority 10
Land Acquisition
.Ongoing
Project Funding
An ambitious plan of development with several million dollars in construction cost alone, not including land acquisition,
dictates some creative and varied fund raising. Some of these projects can be paid for through the operating budget,
capital improvement bond funds or certificates of obligation. The City of Paris has indicated its willingness to apply
for grants-in-aid, the most prominent of which are:
Texas Department of Housingand Community Affairs
Community Development Blodc Grants are federal funds distributed from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban
Development directly to states who in turn distribute through a complicated regional point system to counties and
cities. The City of Paris or any other incorporated area or the county may make application. Park development is
eligible. A local match of ten to twenty percent is usually necessary for the maximum grant of $250,000. The
complication is that, in the intense competition for such funds, only ten to twelve of nearly forty grant applications are
usually funded in the Council of Governments region. Parks are usually not high enough on the regional prioriry scale
(set by the Regional Review Committees themselves) to score sufficient points.
Parks and Wildlifelfexas Recreation & Parks Account Program Texas
This program haz long been used by cities and counties to fund park improvements. In fact, several parks in Paris were
developed or enhanced with this program. The program requires a 50% local match which can be in the form of a
donated force account (applicant's owm work forces and equipment), donated labor and/or equipment, cash, or
donated land or combinations of all. Applications are received by TPWD on January 31 and July 31 of each year and
funding is usually announced 6 to 8 months later. Grant offers follow soon thereafter and allow three years from grant
signature for project completion.
The program was recently amended to add some really attractive features; for example, non-park public lands can now
be converted to park use and count as part of the local match in much the same way as donated lands. This includes
public lands owned by independent school districts, junior colleges and other public entities. An old landfill or sewage
plant, if the land is acceptable for park use, can be converted and the city gets matching funds up to its appraised value.
Texas Parks and Wildlife Boat Ramp Fund
Texas Parks and Wildlife haz funds available for boat ramps under a separate application procedure.
Conclusion
Based on public hearings, invitations to solicit comments, and staff input, the City of Paris should proceed with
development and refurbishment of parks and recreation facilities. The argument will surely be made that parks and
reareation facilities cost money to build and operate and are surely "money losers". The public should keep in mind,
however, that streets and sidewalks are not money makers either to any extent. For that matter, police and flre
departments are not self supporting. Parks and Recreation facilities perhaps add more natural beauty to our
community than any of these other departments or facilities combined. There are simply some things in city
government that the public demands, despite the fact that there will be little or no revenues to off-set expenses of
providing those facilities.