04 Archers for ChristAGENDA INFORMATION SHEET
PROJECT: Provide direction to City Staff regarding the preparation of a new Lease Agreement
between the City of Paris and the Archers for Christ for use of properties located at Lake Crook.
BACKGROUND: The City of Paris has previously had an ongoing leasehold arrangement with
the Archers for Christ organization for use of various tracts located at Lake Crook. Most
recently, a five year extension of the Archers' prior lease expired on September 30, 2000.
At that time, the City Council passed Resolution No. 2000-127, extending the Lease
Agreement with the Archers for an additional one year term, beginning October 1, 2000, and
ending September 30, 2001. The stated purpose of the one-year extension was to allow City
Council time to consider the results of an ongoing Master Plan study for the use of Lake Crook
and a short term lease was deemed appropriate to preserve the City's options with regard to
implementing the Master Plan.
Subsequently, the City Council took action to adopt what was referred to as Option Two
in the Master Plan as designated by the Master Plan consultant. A copy of that Option Two is
appended to this Agenda Information Sheet for the Council' s review during the deliberation of this
issue. The Archers' organization has now come forward requesting City Council consideration
of a new lease agreement consistent with the Master Plan.
At City Council's August 13, 2001 meeting the Council referred the matter to a Council
Subcommittee for review and recommendation. Prior to the Subcommittee meeting, the Archers
revised their proposal from the proposal originally made. The revised proposal presented by the
Archers was satisfactory to Terry Townsend, Public Works Director. The Subcommittee held a
meeting on Thursday, August 23, 2001 and considered the Archers' new proposal. The
Subcommittee suggested additional language be included in the lease addressing the question of
access by the public to the Archer properties when Archer events were not ongoing, and certain
language which would address that concern was likewise discussed and approved. As a
consequence, the Archers' proposal for a new lease seemed to be satisfactory to the Council
Subcommittee.
DESCRIPTION: The proposed new lease would provide for a one-year lease automatically
renewable for a period of five years, for tracts identified as numbers one (1) and seven (7) (see
enclosed map exhibit). Prior to renewal of the lease agreement annually, the City would have the
opportunity to provide notice to the Archers of the City's intent to utilize the property for general
public purposes, and the Archers would have a reasonable time to leave the property. The time
frame for the City's notice would be in May of each year to assure that if the City terminated the
contract during any one year term, that termination would not occur during the fall and winter
months when most of the Archers' events are held. As to tracts two (2), four (4) (less the
property leased by the Maxey Black Powder Club), five (5), and six (6), the Archers would have
a ten (10) year lease for use of said property for archery purposes. Language would be added in
the contract, as suggested in part by the Archers' proposal (copy enclosed) as modified in the
discussions in the Council Subcommittee to allow access to the general public to these properties
on a reasonable basis when the properties are not being used for Archer events, when such use
would not interfere with Archer activities, when such use would not represent a threat to the
public safety or to the visitors themselves, and provided such use did not allow the property of the
City or the Archers to be damaged.
RECOMMENDED ACTION: The City Council is being requested to give guidance to City staff
regarding the terms and provisions of the new lease with the Archers for Christ organization for
use of various tracts located at Lake Crook. This is the first opportunity for the Council to review
the use of the properties at Lake Crook in light of the Council's recent action approving the
Master Plan for Lake Crook. Based on Council's action regarding the Archers' proposal and the
recommendation of the Council Subcommittee, a new lease will be prepared and returned to City
Council for approval in September.
STAFF CONTACT: Terry Townsend, Dir. of Parks and Recreation; and Larry W. Schenk, City
Attorney
COST: The proposed Lease Agreement is for one dollar and other good and valuable
con sideration.
SCHEDULE: The current Lease Agreement expires by its own terms on September 30, 2001.
City Council is being requested to provide guidance to Staff on the terms and provisions of a
future Lease Agreement with the Archers, such guidance to be provided at City Council's August
27, 2001, special Council meeting, with staff to return with a Lease Agreement reflecting those
directions for consideration and approval at City Council's September 10,2001, regular Council
meeting.
LOCATION: Various tracts located around Lake Crook as proposed by the Archers organization;
a copy of a map detailing the location of those respective sites is included in this packet.
SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION: See enclosed a copy of the portion of the Master Plan
addressing Option Two; a copy of the Archers' most recent proposal, and a copy of a map
showing the respective locations of the various tracts.
COUNCIL DATE: Consider for discussion and direction to City Staff at City Council's August
27, 2001, special Council meeting, to be followed by the presentation of a formal Lease
Agreement for consideration by City Council at the September 10, 2001, regular Council meeting.
8~3~1
Archers for Christ-Lease Proposal
For Lake Crook Area
For Tract #1, a yearly lease for 5 years, with automatic renewal each year. The lease can be
terminated, by the City of Paris, during a 30 day period, in the month of May, each year.
Archers for Christ is also requesting, and is willing to incorporate, Tract # 7 into our lease for
the same year by year period as Zone #1, since it is already being developed in our Wildlife
Management Plan.
For Tract 2, 4, 5, and 6, alease for 10 years.
Membership in Archers for Christ Archery Club is open to anyone interested in, or involved in
Archery. Archers using the above mentioned areas are encouraged to become members of
Archers for Christ Club, for both game conservation and safety purposes.
No motorized vehicles, other than those of the City of Paris, or Archers for Christ, will be allowed
access to the North side lake road in tract 1 and the peninsula road in tract 4. These vehicles will
be for the express use of performing maintenance on the part of the City of Paris and for target set
up, tournament transportation, and maintenance on the part of Archers for Christ. Only Archers
for Christ authorized vehicles and their ATV's will be allowed on the paths or roads during hunting
season. They will only be used for the recovery of game and also as transportation to and from
hunting areas.
2
3
General Information
1.1 Commissioning The Study
1.2 Goals and Objectives of the Study
1.3 Methodology
1.4 Public Participation
1.4.1 Public Hearings
1.4.2 StaffParticipation
1,4.3 Comments and Interviews
1.4.4 Surveys
1.5 Government Restrictions
General
Section 404 Permits
Flood Plain Management
1.5.1
1.5.2
1.5.3
1.5.4
1.5.5
A L~se Study for
the City of Paris
Lamar County, Texas
on Lake Crook
f
Texas Department of Health
National Pollution Discharge Elimination System (NPDES)
Brief History of Lake Crook
2.0.1 Historical Need for the Lake
2.0.2 Water Quality
2.0.3 Lake Crook Data
2.0.4 Early Development Attempts
2.1 Current Usage of the Lake Crook Property
2.1.1 Improvements
2.1.2 Access
2.1.3 Adjacent Land Uses
2.1.4 City Utilities
2.1.5 Leases on the Land
2.1.6 Hunting and Fishing
2.1.7 Other Uses
Potential Uses of the Lake
3.1 Obstacles to Development
3.1.1 Water/Sewer Availability
3.1.2 Watershed Management
3.1.3 Legal Issues
3.1.4 Logistics to a Sale of Public Land
3.1.5 Campbell Soup
3.1.6 Water Clarity
3.2 Option 1- Low Density North Shore Development
3.2.1 Description of Option 1
3.2.2 Recommendations Concerning Option 1
3.3 Option 2 - Full Recreational Development Plan
3.3.1 Description of Option 2
3.3.2 What About Golf?
3.2.2 Recommendations Concerning ~ption 1. The consultant, recognizing tha.t th.e plan.has
significant environmental attraction to ~t by preserving vast amounts o£ground for wildlife hahitat,
cannot support Option 1 as configured now. The cost per lot is too high to make it a viable
project. We could support the project more if the West Shore part of this option were not
included due to the poor access along the county road. Soil conditions and high water table make
it difficult to maintain a high quality, heavy trafficked road along the wetlands on both sides of
Caviness Road. Since it is not in the city limits, but borders the city limits, it is unlikely the
county x~411 expend vast amounts of money to upgrade this road.
We further could support Option 1 if the development of the commercial tract would be deleted
from consideration and left in a natural state for several years to come. Without the West Shore
development, the commercial tract development would be seriously impeded.
Whereas private roads on the north shore could reduce initial costs of construction and defer city
maintenance of paving and drainage for years to come, we believe the citizens are not best served
by prohibiting free and uninterrupted use of a road along the shoreline. A north shore
development should be designed to later extend streets and utilities north into other lands when
these other tracts are developed.
Finally, if the west shore and the commercial tract were not developed, we can support the
concept ofrene~ving leases to the gun and archery clubs feeling they would no longer be a hazard
to any nearby homes.
3.3 OPTION 2 - FULL RECREATIONAL DEVELOPMENT PLAN
3.3.1 Description of Option 2. This option
provides for the immediate development of certain
tracts of land, especially the south shore park, as
formal park knprovements xvith improved fishing
piers, campgrounds, playgrounds, group picnic
shelters, family picnic shelters and tables. Other
areas would be left undeveloped and promoted as
wildlife habitat and hunting property. The archery
and gun clubs could retain their leases and ranges
under this option with some restrictions. Longer
leases (twenty or more years) would encourage
these clubs to make more meaningful investments
into the property in time and money. Short term
leases (year to year) will discourage this investment
entirely.
Expansion of a hiking/biking trail along the north
shore is shown in this option, looping all the way
around the dam and spillway and tying back into
the developed south shore park. These trails would
Lake Crook Park
Page 26 of 45
be cleared, unpaved paths through the Woods with underbrush pulled back away fi:om the trail
for safety sake. I n some unusually steep creek crossings areas foot-style bridges would be needed
and culverts would be installed in major drainage paths. Signage along the trail would identify
location, mile marker, and hazards. Nature identification signs could be placed to point out flora
and fauna encountered along the trail. Maintenance of the trail will be inexpensive but still
requh'ed. Signs fi.om time to time must be re-set and brash continually cut back fi.om the trail.
In the past decade, the Archers for Christ have leased much of this property for bow hunting and
for trail type target shooting. Under option 2, Archers for Christ could occasionally use the north
shore for the same activity but with time constraints. Special events could be staged but when
the events are over the park reverts back to full public use. Areas used by the archers west of
Caviness Road would remain unimproved and available for hunting and target shooting by the
Archers with fewer restrictions. There need be no 'time sharing' of this portion of the Lake
Crook habitat.
The Wild Turkey Federation has expressed an interest in re-populating the north and western
shores o fLake Crook with turkey if there are no residences built under the approved development
plan.
In the public opinion surveys, several indMduals suggested the need for wilderness camping areas
for scouts and other groups to use. Our opinion is that the peninsula of land jutting between the
two fmgers of Lake Crook would be ideal for such a camp. Access to proposed restrooms and
parking lots can be controlled at Caviness Road to reduce unauthorized use. The wilderness
camp could have minimal improvements such as earth paths and nature trails which are not
expensive to construct.
The north shore between the dam and F.M. 1499 is proposed in Option 2 in the long term as
another large, well improved public park perhaps several years al~er the south shore development
is completed. There is adequate room, between 100 and 200 acres, abutting F.M. 1499 to
construct numerous group picnic shelters and looping park roads. A north shore boat ramp and
fishing pier will eventually be needed and an excellent site for an amphitheater exists already. A
large rustic playground structure would be a welcome addition to this park as the population of
Paris expands northward.
We have included in Option 2 an RV campground currently shown in the south shore park but
conceivably this RV campground could be placed on the north shore instead where access to U.S.
271 is much easier and where there would be little interference with other day users as there
would be in the south shore park. Our experience with these type campgrounds shows that with
very little advertising such a campground can attract overflow fi.om state and federal parks. We
recommend controlled access and preferably a full-time lake/campground caretaker, perhaps even
certified as a peace officer or warden. The caretaker should reside at the park or near the dam
and oversee payment of camping fees, maintenance of improvements, and watch out for illegal
or ill advised activities on the land or in the water. A similar development on Lake Hawkins in
Wood County catches overflow fi:om Tyler State Park and nets the county some $60,000 per
Page 27 of 45
year. Unattended campgrounds, howevir, are not recommended. .
A well-built RV campground will also require bath house and restrooms on-site. In fact all of the
south'shore park needs restroom facilities which are light and clean. Controlling access to the
park, careful selection o fbuilding materials, and a full-time lake caretaker will minimize vandalism
to these structures. Package aerobic wastewater treatment systems with subsurface disposal
fields are recommended for use with bath houses and restrooms.
Table of Advantages versus Disadvantages
1. Preservation of the land for future
generations
2. Development costs can be shared
through grants fi.om various agencies
3. Lessees get to keep their leases for
archery and gun shooting
4. Recreational benefits afforded the whole
city and not just a few developers and
residents
5. Tourist draw for campgrounds and
special events.
6. Opens the property up to traffic and
reduces criminal activity and vandalism.
tion 2 ~
1. Loss of the revenues from the sale of
land. ~
2 Loss of tax revenues from developed
lots.
3. Costs of development with little revenue
to offset the costs
4. Loss of water/sewer revenues fi.om a
developed subdivision
5. Cost of developing and maintaining
adequate access routes into the park.
6. Maintenance costs exceed city's present
ability to maintain high level parks;
additional staffing needed.
If the city is to adequately open the south shore to formal park development replete with
campgrounds and picnic facilities for hundreds of persons at one time, the access roads to the site
must be improved. We have included in this section the cost of improving the park as well as the
cost of improving each of three access routes. At least one million dollars will be necessary if
all three routes are widened and resurfaced.
With respect to priority, the improvement to Lake Crook Road is the highest priority and CR
32900 and NW 19~h Street tie for second priority.
The access to NW 19~ Street should be opened up even if it must be gated for night time security.
Daytime traffic fi'om NW 19~' Street and Lake Crook Road will be essential to deter crime and
illegal dumping in the area.
Improvements to existing boat ramps and fishing piers is recommended. An additional fishing
pier is recommended on the north shore when that park is eventually developed. Several
Page 28 of 45
respondents to the survey mentioned co~tructmg an indoor fishing p~er hut on Lake Crook
favor the idea only if the city hires a full-time caretaker for the property.
3.3.2 VFhat about golf?. Several participants mentioned go[fas a possible use of Lake Crook
lands. While economic development grants and Texas Parks and Wildlife grants could be used
to partially fund golf courses, such courses after they are built must be self supporting. A golf
course with modest club house costs bet~veen $3.0 million and $4.0 million. Industry pundits say
36,000 rounds of golf per year are necessary to support such a course. If the city were to elect
to build a course there is certainly enough land on which to do it. Only about 200 acres or so is
needed for a quality golf course, the terrain is excellent and there is certainly abundant supply o.f
water. An 18-hole golf course needs about 1 million gallons of water per day during grown-m
and about ha[f that much during the growing season upon reaching maturity.
Alternatively, ifa public course is not built, most developer-experts agree that 1,000 acres of well
planned subdivision will usually support a go[f course through the homeowners' dues, trail use
fees, guest fees and enhanced lot sales prices. It is commonly considered the best of all worlds
to intertwine the golf course routing plan with the subdivision plan to take advantage of fairway
lots, green lots and tee box lots as well as lakefi'ont and lakeview lots. In the present north shore
property, to install a golf course would largely destroy the potential for home building and vice
versa. The shape of the property with its numerous corners and narrows, would result in an
inefficiency for high lot counts. Therefore, in order to get 1,000 acres on the north shore, an
enterprising developer would have to acquire some of the adjacent, privately owned land.
It is beyond the scope of this study to analyze the development of private golf courses. In these
days ofprivatlzation, we are seeing more courses being taken out of the public domain than are
being built into it. There are companies that specialize in nothing but golf course feasibility
studies. While there may be some study out there, we have yet to see a study done where the golf
course was not proven 'feasible'. We choose to believe, however, golf course ownership is not
a business the City of Paris should get into.
Page 29 of 45
~ iii
.®
infocmation is intended to show the relative costs of development under th~s scheme versus other options and
based on the consultant's expe~ence. Actual costs may be higher or lower than ~ese preliminary estimate=. Esfimst~
:1 on substantial englneedng surveys and data which may later reveal ob~lacles or possible savings in cost.
Description
Estimated Units Unit Total
Quantity Price
1 New beat ramps with trailer parklng and fishing piers 2 L$ g(X)(]O $ 180,0C30
2 Renovate existing boat ramps adding piem and parking 2 L$ 40000 80,000
3 C~nstruct new RV campgrounds w/concrete pads: 1 L$ 400000 400,0(X3
ufili~ pedestals; paved roadways: bath house
4 Construct new primitive camp area; restro~ms ILS 100000 100,0CO
5 Pave existing gravel South Shore Park roads 17500 I.fi 4G ~40,000
6 Claar hikelbike/equastrlan trails; bridges and culverts 7.75 mi/as 7500 58,125
signage; leveling.
7 Construct new park roads 22' w~de; asphalt suri'aced 12700 Lf. 80 1,016,000
signage; drainage and clearing
8 C~ear and pave asphalt parking areas for trail heads 7500 s.y. 30 225.0(X)
9 Cabling; barriers; posts and gates ILS 6CX~O 60,000
10 Rustic playground sb'uutures and surfacing 2 ea. 60000 120,C]00
11 Group picnic sheltem on concrete pads; tables and
cook tops; site prep and clearing; paved walkw~ys 4 ea. 500~0 200,000
12 Rustic amphitheater and stage 1 ea. 200000 200,000
13 Park signage, lighting and landscaping for ent~ 1 LS 40000 40,000
14 Initial clearing and brush management, allowance ILS 100000 100,000
15 Turkey re-population; w~Idlife management startup:
duck boxes: signage; and related activities; allowance 1 LS 80000 80,000
Subtotal Option 2 construction costs: $ 3,699,125
Surveying. engineedng, layou~ 110,974
369913
Contingency $ 4,180,011
Total Improvements Option 2
Minimal Off-site Road Improvements:
CR 32900; widen and re-surface
Lake Crook Road; widen and re-surface
NW 19th Street, widen and re-surface
Road improvements do not include acquisition cf ROW;
assume shoulder widening and overlay of full width.
No curb and gu~er; minlmal repairs to existing pavement;
Use drainage structures already in place;
1.3 miles 200000 $ 260.000
1.9 miles 250000 $ 475.000
1.7 miles 200000 $ 340,000
· ' · While cer~aialy the least expensive'first cost'
3.3.3 Recommendations Concermng Qpt~on 2.
of the three development options, Option 2 is not without its long term costs. The loss of nearly
$4.0 .million in revenue fi.om land sales is nothing to be taken lightly. The significance of
estimated taxes to all taxing entities from Option 1 ($1.1 million annually) and Option 3 ($4.2
million annually) cannot be overlooked by even the most zealous conservationist.
The development of the south shore for public
park use is an essential element of all three
development options. It is the nature of north
shore and west shore developments that remain in
questio~
We do not believe that under Option 2 the city should allow control of so much of the public land
to rest with one entity, that is, Archers for Christ. As much as we may agree with their charter
and purpose, to withhold five to seven hundred acres of land from the public does not seem to
be good public policy. Under Option 2, each oftbe gun or archery clubs would have fixed, hard
boundary leases covering what they need for target ranges and clear zones as well as
improvements to the land such as parking lots, storehouses and meeting rooms. For the balance
oftbe property, we favor a shared use where Archers for Christ and shotgun hunters can use the
property outside their fixed boundary leases during specific competitions or hunts but not to the
exclusion of the public the rest of the year. Proper installation of gates and signs along the
hike/bike trail and around the perimeter of other property can signal the public that there are
special events being held and to refrain from using the trail that day.
The development ora formal south shore park and eventually a north shore park will require the
expansion of park maintenance staff within the city and the purchase of more vehicles and
equipment for their use. For this reason, we have not recommended the full formal development
of Lake Crook as a public park like Whiterock Lake is to Dallas or To*~n Lake is to Austin. As
attractive as paved jogging trails and wide, open, closely cropped grassy fields may be, the Paris
city staff would simply be overwhelmed by the manpower and money needed to maintain such
a park. A large natural habitat
park requiring very little
maintenance is ideal for most of
the property under this Option 2.
Option 2 is, in our opirdon, a
better short term plan for the next
five to ten years. Parts of Options
I and 3 where residential
development is contemplated may
be desirable
the future. We do not s,
the elements of Options 1 through
3 as being mutually exclusive.
There is a lot of land out there!
Figure 11 Group picnic shelter at Lake Crook
Page 31 of 45
5.0 RECOMMENDATIONS "
5.0.1 Summary of Findings. Thc facts as we interpret them are these:
The estimated cost of development of single family homes on the north shore
does not appear to render such development practical at this time without local
government subsidy or possibly vctriances from subdivision codes.
[3
Were the cost of development and subsequently the price of lots found to be
affordable, the financial benefits to the city wouM be enormous over the next
twenty years assuming a tremendously successfid marketing effort and fidl build
ottt of the develapment.
The costs of "doing nothing" while seemingly benign are actually enormous and
growing given the time-vahte of money.
There appear to be insurmountable legal, political attd logistical obstacles, itt
our opinion, to 'giving cra,cry' the land.
7he development of a formally developed park setting for the entire property,
while #dtially affordable to construct, wouldplace att incredible burden on staff
to maintain such a park.
[3 Dredging of Lake Crook is far too expensive to be cost effective now.
5.0.3 Recommendations. Because ofthese findings, wepropose the following recommendations
for the development of Lake Crook.
1. Lake Crook should be developed as a mixed use eventually but in the near future (five
to seven years) should remain as park land and open space. Land considered for
development should only include the north shore between the dam and Caviness
Road.
The city, should pursue matching grants through the Texas Parks and Wildlife
Department to construct formal park improvements such as tables, fishing piers, and
campgrounds; set aside land as dedicated open space and habitat park land; and
preserve wetlands; on the south and part of the west shore.
The city should endeavor to improve access to the south shore park by first upgrading
Lake Crook Road and then other city roads and encourage Lamar County to improve
or cooperate in improving nearby county roads. NW 19~ Street should eventually be
opened into the completed park but gated overnight.
Page 42 of 45
Cit~ of Paris Study of Lake Crook March, 2001,
The city should renew leases ~vith Archers for Christ which currently has no le~se and
later with Maxey Black Powder Rifle Club and Pads Gun Club (as those leases expke
in 2003 and 2005). Longer term leases (up to twenty five years) will encourage capital
expendttures m this are . The leases should be more restrictive than current leases as far
as acreage and boundaries are concerned.
In eventually developing the north shore, we recommend the city NOT participate
except as seller to the highest bid but set out deed restrictions or pass ordinances to
regulate the use of land adjacent to the lake. Because of the possible requirements for
a referendum to sell public park land, we see the following chain of events:
a. The city advertises and receives bids for the purchase ora defined parcel with the
city's requirements for restrictions.
b. The successful high bidder is allowed a period of say tkree to slx months to do
due diligence, seek financing and prepare a land use plan acceptable to the city;
c. The land plan is agreed to by the city planning and zoning authorities and the
council;
d. The authority to sell the land is submitted to the voters.
e. The property is conveyed with appropriate covenants and restrictions.
A system of hiking/biking/walking trails on the north shore and south shore similar
to what is shown in Option 2 should be commenced. Use of these areas for archery and
hunting should be permitted under seasonal use or special events but not to unduly
restrict others from entering the property when it can be done safely.
The city should hire a caretaker/warden with the completion of early improvements
to the south shore park to protect the city's investment.
The city should come to grips with its vandalism and criminal activity image at Lake
Crook by:
a. Increasing police presence at the lake.
b. Use vandal resistant materials for all construction
c. Adopt the use of newer and cheaper television recorders to catch vandals in the
act.
d. Improve lighting at piers and boat ramps..
e. Remove any signs of vandal attack as soon as discovered.
The city should "adopt and attack" the south shore park development priority list
shown below:
Page 43 of 45
~!~ of Paris Stud~, of Lake Crook March, 2001
SOUTH SHORE PARK RECOMMENDED IMPROVEMENTS
1 Repair damaged fishing pier; replace missing boards; add hand rails ASAP
and ladders; improve access to fishing piers with hard surfaced
walks; fight piers.
2 Increase police patrols of the park; offer rewards for information on ASAP
vandals;
3 Publicize the park more and increase traffic by offering special ASAP
events;
4 Continue to underbrush and open up the tree canopy; remove dead continuous
trees and low lying limbs;
5 Add more picnic tables, concrete pads, trash barrels and cook tops 2001
6 Add security lighting and security cameras 2002
7 Install lockable, vandal resistant restrooms with aerobic treatment 2002
system; install potable water system and water fountains
8 Construct playground and cushioned play surface 2002
9 Begin to pave roads in the park beginning with the primary entry 2003
road and branching offto the boat ramps; add lighted tie-up docks
on one side of each boat ramp.
I 0 Begin the hike/bike unimproved trails along the south shore line 2003
where the road is closed for the present; provide better signage.
11 Construct an enclosed fishing shelter and expand the fishing pier 2004
12 Hire a caretaker/warden and install an on-site residence 2004
13 Construct tent camping sites near the shore line 2005
14 Construct paved connection to NW 19t~ Street with gate 2005
15 Construct RV campgrounds with utility connects and bath house 2006
16 Complete paving of all park roads and parking areas 2008
10.
The city should certainly keep its options open on the north shore allowing golf course,
residential or commercial developers the opportunity to analyze for themselves the
feasibility of developing those lands. There could come a time when conditions are ripe
for such private investment. We do not concur that the time is here and now!
Page 44 of 45
Cit~ of Paris
Stud~ of Lake Crook
March, 2001
6.0 , CONCLUSION
6.0.1. General. The 2,700 acre Lake Crook property is an asset with a fabulous potential and
like Linus said to Charlie Brown in the "Peanuts" comic strip,
"There is no greater burden than a great potential"
From public participation, interviews and meetings we clearly see there is no consensus in Paris
on what to do with this potential. In a very clearly worded survey question, the overwhelming
majority of Paris citizens do not want the city to sell surplus property now. Likewise, the
majority of respondents want the city to do something to improve the Lake Crook land.
As professional engineers and land planners we quickly see the vision of a beautiful row of
waterfront homes and a shoreline drive road that provides even the non-residents with a
spectacular view of the lake. On the other hand, as conservationists we see the beauty in raw,
undisturbed land with turkey, water fowl, and deer along the shore. The best of both worlds
would be some of each.
We have provided three different development concepts and one non-development concept for
the City of Paris. We mistakenly call them options whereas they are not options at all.., they
are concepts. The term"options" implies a plan with no flexibility whatsoever. We actually favor
and recommend a blend of these concepts.
Consulting Engineer and Planner,
Calvin T. (Terry) Brannon, PE, RPLS
Page 45 of 45