08-H Parks Master Plan AmndmntDRAFT
LISAhO. ESOLUTIONS\CURRENT\Sports Complex Master Plan Amendment Res
July 6, 2001
RESOLUTION NO.
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PARIS,
PARIS, TEXAS, AMENDING THE PARKS AND RECREATION
MASTERPLAN FOR THE CITY OF PARIS; MAKING OTHER FINDINGS
AND PROVISIONS RELATED TO THE SUBJECT; AND DECLARING AN
EFFECTIVE DATE.
WHEREAS, the City Council of the City of Paris did heretofore, on the 26th day of January,
1995, by Resolution No. 95-018, adopt the "Parks and Recreation Masterplan for the City of Paris";
and,
WHEREAS, the City Council of the City of Paris did heretofore, on the 9th day of
November, 1998, by Resolution No. 98-162, amend said Masterplan to reflect the "Parks and
Recreation Master Plan Changes and Additions"; and,
WHEREAS, the City Council of the City of Paris did heretofore, on the 9th day of April,
2001, by Resolution No. 2001-044, award a professional services contract to MHS Planning &
Design for the provision of consulting services for the development of a Sports Complex Master Plan
and recommendations regarding revisions to the Parks and Recreation Masterplan based on local
needs established through said Sports Complex Master Plan; and,
WHEREAS, MHS Planning & Design and the Public Works Director have made various
recommendations regarding needed revisions to said Parks and Recreation Masterplan, attached
hereto as Exhibit A, and it is deemed appropriate that said revisions be approved and adopted; NOW,
THEREFORE,
BE IT RESOLVED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PARIS, PARIS,
TEXAS:
Section 1. That the findings set out in the preamble to this resolution are hereby in all things
approved.
Section 2. That the revisions to the Parks and Recreation Masterplan for the City of Paris,
attached hereto as Exhibit A, in accordance with the recommendations made by MHS Planning &
Design and the Public Works Director, be, and the same are hereby, approved and adopted.
Section 3. That this resolution shall be effective from and after the date of passage.
PASSED AND ADOPTED this 9th day of July, 2001.
ATTEST:
Michael J. Pfiester, Mayor
Mattie Cunningham, City Clerk
APPROVED AS TO FORM:
Larry W. Schenk, City Attorney
City of Paris
Parks and Recreation Master
Plan
Addendum 2001
EXHIBIT A
INTRODUCTION
The purpose of this addendum is to provide an update to the Parks and Recreation Master
Plan adopted in 1995 and subsequently amended in 1998. This information is intended to
guide the City of Paris in decisions related to parks, recreation, and open space within the
city, to assist in the implementation of those decisions, and to set guidelines for future park
and open space development that are feasible for Paris in accordance with the desires of its
citizens. This addendum includes all land within the incorporated limits of the City of Paris
and provides parks and open space project recommendations through 2006.
The following pages contain additional goals and objectives for the city's park and open space
system, the methodology used to update the plan and a section on natural open space. Also
included is a revised implementation program developed to guide the City in accomplishing
the proposed projects within the plan's time flame and additional funding sources available
to the City for the development of its park system.
The Census 2000 results indicate the population of the City of Paris to be 25,898. The current
ethnic breakdown for the City of Paris is 73% Caucasion, 22% African American, 1% Native
American, 1% Asian, and 3% Other. Additionally, 4% of the population indicated they are
of Hispanic origin. The U. S. Housing and Urban Development data indicates a median family
income of $38,800 with approximately 72% of households considered low income.
II.
GOALS AND OBJECTIVES
The following Goals and Objectives are provided in addition to those adopted in the Parks
and Recreation Master Plan for the City of Paris. Their purpose is to give direction for future
community decisions regarding parks, recreation, and open space. These goals and objectives
were established based on representative group interviews, community meetings, and input
from the professional staff of the City.
Open Space Goal:
To continually identify, protect and preserve quality natural open spaces for unstructured
recreational activities, inherent aesthetic value and protection of valuable ecosystems.
Objectives:
To continually research the viability of developing trail systems along creeks, flood
ways, and utility easements that will link park facilities, neighborhoods, and school
campuses.
To be proactive in the protection and/or acquisition of unique natural open spaces for
public use.
To limit development in natural open spaces in order to minimize adverse effects on
valuable ecosystems.
To address natural open space needs when developing active recreational facilities in
order to provide citizens with a well balanced recreational experience that includes
both active and passive opportunities.
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III.
METHODOLOGY
The planning process used in the development of this update included an extensive review of
the existing Plan and numerous public hearings. The citizens of Paris were involved in each
major step of the planning process, which provided invaluable local insight needed to produce
and implement a successful master plan update. It should be noted that the professional staff
of the City of Paris was constantly involved through the planning process to insure the update
resulted in a feasible and balanced park program for the city that once implemented, will fully
serve the active and passive recreational needs of the community.
The City of Paris conducted three public hearings and four focus group sessions in order to
address the needs and concerns of the citizens with regard to the park system. The focus
group sessions included representatives from the various organized sports associations,
members of the Civic Center Board, the Paris Chamber of Commerce and the City of Paris
Parks and Recreation Staff. These input sessions allowed citizens to express concerns with
the existing park facilities as well as addressing the needs for future park facilities.
Using the information obtained from the citizens, the project priorities recommended in the
1998 update to the Parks and Recreation Master Plan were revisited. A revised
implementation schedule was developed which outlines a feasible plan to assist the City in
accomplishing the recommendations within the Plan's time frame.
GREENBELT AND NATURAL OPEN SPACE NEEDS
The City needs to adopt a policy of acquiring property along creeks, drainage easements and
floodways as it becomes available. This will provide the necessary land for future trail projects
linking parks, schools and neighborhoods while providing passive recreational opportunities.
Additionally, parcels containing unique topography, character or other natural features should
be acquired and preserved as natural open space to reflect the unique natural resources of the
Paris community. Future park land acquisition should allow for natural open space in both
neighborhood parks and community parks to provide residents with opportunities for
primitive recreation. Generally, these types of recreational opportunities can be broken down
further into greenbelts and natural areas.
Greenbelts
Greenbelts or greenbelt parkways are linear parks usually developed around a natural
resource such as a creek, river, utility easement, or lake shore. The potential benefits of a
greenbelt system are numerous. Not only can a greenbelt system preserve valuable open
space and natural habitat, it can provide a natural environment for walking, jogging, and
bicycling trails, provide a transportation corridor linking neighborhoods to parks, schools, and
shopping areas and provide a variety of passive recreational opportunities free, or relatively
free, from automobile interference. Greenbelts also serve as natural buffers between land
uses, serve as utility (underground) easements, and can usually be acquired at a relatively
inexpensive price due to the restrictions on development. Design standards for greenbelts are
relatively loose in order to allow the maximum use of the natural environment in the design.
Greenbelt corridor widths are often determined by the existing topography, severity of
flooding, and other unique natural features. Greenbelt corridors of less than fifty (50)
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"useable" feet should be avoided and narrow corridor sections kept to a minimum. One-
hundred foot corridor widths and wider give flexibility in design and are encouraged wherever
possible.
Natural Areas
Natural areas are spaces containing ecosystems in a non-disturbed state with minimal man-
made intrusions. Natural areas lend a certain aesthetic and functional diversity to a park
network and urban landscape. Although the benefits of natural areas are hard to quantify,
they are numerous and include preservation of wildlife habitat and opportunities for nature
study. When flood plains are preserved as natural areas they offer a resource to aid in the
protection from flooding. A resource based approach should be used, due to the unique
character and availability of natural resources in a city like Paris. This approach enables the
City to identify the natural resources found in the community, and define how those areas will
be used in order to best satisfy the needs of the citizens. There are no national standards for
natural areas within a city due to the extreme variations found in natural resources from
region to region. The City of Paris should, through the established planning processes, adopt
open space policies which reflect the natural resources of the community. Natural areas or
open lands with environmental significance should not be included in a level of service
standard since these lands have limited capability for recreational use beyond desirable and
limited passive recreation, interpretation and environmental education. It is important that
natural areas not be perceived as surplus land which can be used for more active forms of
recreation as the need arises.
One of the major issues that arose in all of the public input sessions was the lack of natural open space
in the existing park system. Citizens expressed a desire to set aside natural open space such as the
area found along Big Sandy Creek located north of Love Civic Center. This creek corridor contains
unique natural features not found in the existing park system. Citizens also expressed a desire to
include passive recreational opportunities in the development of a needed multipurpose sports
complex. One participant pointed out that if a variety of recreational opportunities are provided,
including both active and passive, residents are assured year round use and enjoyment of the park.
This will provide citizens with the desired primitive recreational opportunities while also providing
the needed athletic facilities for structured recreation.
PROJECT PRIORITIES
Based on the Goals and Objectives, citizen input and Staff recommendations, the following projects
for parks, recreation, and open space are recommended.
1. Land Acquisition for Multipurpose Sports Complex
Many citizens expressed a desire to include primitive recreational opportunities in conjunction with the
development of a multipurpose sports complex. Approximately 70 acres of land are needed to develop the first
phase of the complex. The property adjacent to Love Civic Center contains the open space needed for the
athletic facilities and provides the desired natural open space along Big Sandy Creek.
Estimated Cost ..................................................................................................................... $225,000
2. Multipurpose Sports Complex (Phase I)
Phase I of the complex should include 1/2 mile multi-use paved trail, two (2) 200' softball fields, two (2) 300'
softball fields, a small water feature, playground, picnic stations, fishing pier at the water feature, parking for
100 vehicles and a restroom/concession building.
Estimated Cost ................................................................................................................... $1,300,000
3. Multipurpose Sports Complex (Phase II)
Phase II of the complex should include one (1) teen league/select baseball/adult softball field, picnic stations,
two (2) sand volleyball courts and a community recreation center/natatorium
Estimated Cost ................................................................................................................... $3,500,000
4. Multipurpose Sports Complex (Phase III)
Phase III of the complex should include two (2) 200' softball fields, one (1) 300' softball field, four (4) batting
cages, four (4) portable pitching mounds, one (1) covered multi-use sports court area, toddler playground,
picnic stations and additional parking.
Estimated Cost ................................................................................................................... $1,200,000
5. Dragon Park Improvements
Dragon Park was acquired from Paris Junior College in 1997 and existing improvements include a one mile
walking/jogging trail with stretching stations, a small restroom facility and two soccer fields. Thirteen (13)
additional soccer fields are planned for the park and parking improvements are needed as well.
Estimated Cost ................................................................................ $25,000 - $30,000 per soccer field
6. Lake Crook Recreation Area Development
Lake Crook has never been developed to its fullest potential. Restrooms in the small picnic 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 will be meaningless unless the access road is reworked entirely. The old road is covered
with mud and has 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. Areas that contain unique natural elements should be preserved as natural open space.
Estimated Cost .................................................................................................... $400,000 - $600,000
7. Restroom Facilities
Presently, there are public restroom facilities only at two parks. The City rents portable toilets during the
summer months which costs $8,000 to $10,000 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 Culbertson, Oak, and Record. Generally, these are the parks where
reservations are made for large groups and restrooms could be unlocked. The smaller neighborhood parks may
not need these facilities.
Estimated Cost .......................................................................................... $50,000 - $70,000 per park
8. Land Acquisition
As the city expands, it will need to add parks and recreation land 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, the City should begin dialoge with Paris 1SD regarding a possible neighborhood park on the
comer of the Crockett Middle School Campus since this area is not within the service area of an existing
neighborhood park.
Estimated Cost ..................................................................................................................... $30,000
NOTE: Costs are preliminary estimates only and prepared without the benefit of detailed engineering data.
All costs shown are based on 2001 dollars. Final construction costs will vary.
IMPLEMENTATION SCHEDULE
The following table depicts the project priorities with suggested completion dates. It is important to
note that the following schedule is intended to be a flexible guide for development Parks and
Recreational Facilities over the next five years for the City of Paris. The City should evaluate and take
advantage of any unforseen opportunities that may arise that are not identified in the schedule or
change the order of implementation if necessary.
1 Acquire Land for Multiuse Sports 2001 $225,000 T.P.&W Grant (outdoor)
Complex Donation
2 Multipurpose Sports Complex 2001-2002 $1,300,000 T.P.&W Grant (outdoor)
(Phase T) Certificates of Obligation
General Obligation Bond
3 Multipurpose Sports Complex 2003-2004 $ 3,500,000 T.P.&W Grant (outdoor)
(Phase TT) Certificates of Obligation
T.P.&W Grant (indoor)
4 Multipurpose Sports Complex 2005-2006 $1,200,000 T.P.&W Grant (outdoor)
(Phase TTT) Certificates of Obligation
General Obligation Bond
5 Dragon Park Improvements 2002 $25,000 - General Fund
30,000/field General Obligation Bond
6 Lake Crook Recreation Area 2003-2004 $400,000 - T.P.&W Grant (outdoor)
Improvements 600,000 General Fund
General Obligation Bond
T.P.&W Grant (Boatramp)
7 Restroom Facilities 2005-2006 $50,000- General Fund
70,000/park Certificates of Obligation
8 Land Acquisition 2004-2006 $30,000/ T.P.&W Grant (outdoor)
neighborhood General Fund
park General Obligation Bond
Note: Costs are preliminary estimates only and prepared without the benefit of detailed engineering data. All
costs shown are based on 2001 dollars. Final construction costs will vary.
VIII. IMPLEMENTATION - EXISTING AND AVAILABLE MECHANISMS
In order to implement this park and open space plan update, there are a variety of funding
mechanisms and tools available for use by the City of Paris. These include:
SENATE BILL 376-4A - SALES TAX REVENUES - Funds generated by this special sales tax
can be used for developing and maintaining public recreational facilities following a referendum.
TEXAS RECREATION & PARKS ACCOUNT PROGRAM - This program, administered by
Texas Parks and Wildlife, is a matching grant program which may be used to aid communities
in acquisition and development of parks and open space. This grant program includes the
Outdoor Recreation Acquisition and Development Program and the Texas Recreation & Parks
Account Indoor Recreation Program. The Texas Recreation & Parks Account Small Grants
Program is a matching grant program which may be used to aid communities with a population
less than 50,000 in the development of parks and open space.
PAY AS YOU GO - This method of financing park improvements involves budgeting for land
acquisition, development, and maintenance of park facilities through the city's annual budget
process. Allocations for park improvements are made and spent annually through the standard
budget process.
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GENERAL OBLIGATION BONDS - These bonds are issued by the city following an election
in which the voters authorize their issuance for specific stated purposes, as well as the necessary
tax increases to support them. These bonds pledge the property or ad valorem taxing power of
the city.
CERTIFICATES OF OBLIGATION - These certificates have basically the same effect as
general obligation bonds except they do not require an election to authorize them. An election
can be petitioned by five percent of the registered voters of the city. These certificates are issued
on the authorization of the City Council. Repayment is based on the property taxing power of
the city, utility system revenues, or a combination of the two.
USER FEES - This method of financing requires the eventual user of each park to pay a fee for
the use of each facility. Fees to be charged users can be established to pay for debt service,
maintenance, and operation of the park system.
PRIVATE OR CORPORATE DONATIONS - Donations from foundations, corporations,
and/or private individuals are often used to acquire and develop parks. The city should
constantly identify and pursue opportunities to receive such funding for parks. One avenue for
receiving donations is through the use of the Texas Parks & Recreation Foundation. This
foundation has been developed to help all communities in the State of Texas to maximize the
benefits of donations of land, property, and money.
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