City of Aledo Parks, Recreation, and Open Spaces Master Plan

City of Aledo 2013 Parks, Recreation and Open Spaces Master Plan

JULY 26, 2013

IMAGE: LADYBIRD JOHNSON WILDFLOWER RESEARCH CENTER

Acknowledgements THE CITY OF ALEDO

THE INSTITUTE OF URBAN STUDIES

CITY OF ALEDO ELECTED OFFICIALS

Mayor Kit Marshall

Mayor Pro Tem Bill McLeRoy

Council Member Kerby Smith

Council Member Jean Bailey

Council Member Kim Hiebert

Council Member Matt Casey

EXECUTIVE STAFF

Executive Director, Barbara Becker, FAICP

Director, Brian Guenzel

Assistant Director, Alan Klein

PLANNING & DESIGN TEAM

Project Lead, Steven Apell

Editor, Jane Mathews

Graphics, Park & Trail Plan Concepts

Kiran Raparthi

Graphics, Research, Writing

Mohammadreza Sardari

GIS Analytics, Research, Writing

Jason Aprill Research, Writing

Ali Besheresht Data Analysis

Melissa De La Cruz Research, Writing

Julie Wyatt Research, Writing The Institute of Urban Studies would like to thank Bud Melton of Bowman-Melton Associates for his time and guidance.

PARKS AND RECREATION BOARD

Chair - Nicholas Holman

Jaysen Lamb

Cain Williams ALEDO ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION

President Kit Marshall

Bill McLeRoy

Jean Bailey

Matt Casey

Randy Keck

Bill Shelton CITY STAFF

City Administrator, Ken Pfeifer

Director of Public Works, Gordon Smith

Acknowledgements

3

Table of Contents Executive Summary ....................................................7 Chapter 1: Vision, Goals, and Objectives ................9 Chapter 2: Parks Facility Inventory .......................11 2.1 2.2 2.3 2.4 2.5 2.6 2.7 2.8 2.9

TYPES OF PARKS AND RECREATION FACILITIES PARKS, RECREATION AND OPEN SPACES IN ALEDO INVENTORY OF ALEDO PARK FACILITIES CITY HALL GROUNDS COMMUNITY CENTER PARK BEARCAT PARK/CITY-AISD COOPERATIVE FACILITY HOWARD WAY PARK MOCKINGBIRD LANE PARK ELM STREET/BROWN TRAIL PARK

Chapter 3: Needs Assessment ..................................21 3.1 3.2 3.3 3.4 3.5 3.6

A BRIEF HISTORY OF THE CITY OF ALEDO DEMOGRAPHIC & POPULATION PROFILE METHODS OF ASSESSING RECREATION NEEDS STANDARD-BASED NEEDS RESOURCE-BASED NEEDS DEMAND-BASED NEEDS

4.4 4.5 4.6 4.7 4.8 4.9

MOCKINGBIRD LANE PARK ELM STREET/BROWN TRAIL PARK HOWARD WAY PARK BEARCAT PARK/CITY-AISD COOPERATIVE FACILITY FIVE-ACRE SPORTS COMPLEX PARK DESIGN GUIDELINES

Chapter 5: Trail Plan and Guidelines ....................37 5.1 5.2 5.3 5.4

INTRODUCTION TRAIL TYPOLOGY PROPOSED TRAIL SYSTEM TRAIL DESIGN GUIDELINES

Chapter 6: Subdivision Ordinance Policy ..............45 6.1 ADAPTING SUBDIVISION POLICY

Chapter 7: Implementation and Prioritization of Needs .........................................................................47 7.1 7.2 7.3 7.4

PRIORITIZATION OF NEEDS COMMUNITY PARTNERING DEVELOPMENT AND MAINTENANCE COSTS RESOURCE MOBILIZATION

Chapter 4: Park Concept Designs & Guidelines .....29 4.1 PARK CONCEPT PLANS 4.2 CITY HALL GROUNDS 4.3 COMMUNITY CENTER PARK

Table of Contents

5

Executive Summary The Parks, Recreation and Open Spaces Master Plan advances the 2010 City of Aledo Strategic Plan’s themes of a community of excellence with a strong sense of community and a high quality of life. This plan is grounded in the values and desires of the citizens of Aledo collected through the public input process. The end result is a fiscally responsible plan that prioritizes the needs of Aledo’s present and future citizens.

VALUE OF THE MASTER PLAN

The Parks, Recreation and Open Spaces Master Plan (the Master Plan) is a strategic management and planning document that addresses the current and future recreational needs of the citizens of Aledo. In addition, the Master Plan serves as a communication tool to residents and businesses, showing the City’s initiative in making Aledo an excellent place to live, work, and play.

STRATEGIC PLAN VISION STATEMENT, 2010 Aledo is a community with a rich heritage and dynamic future. We will continue to be recognized as a community of excellence with solid family values, high-quality schools, a business-friendly atmosphere, and strong sense of community that envisions sustainable growth, increases quality of life, and ensures a growing and vibrant local economy.

The Master Plan addresses present and future parks, recreation, and open space needs covering a period from ten to fifteen years. Pursuant to guidelines developed by the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD) for a Parks, Recreation and Open Spaces Master Plan, the

Master Plan does the following: • Highlights the need for and benefits of parks and recreation and establishes appropriate expectations for service delivery.

• Establishes a fiscally responsible plan that identifies Parks and Recreation goals and priorities.

• Offers policy recommendations to guide City Staff and officials in ongoing development of the Parks system.

• Enables the City to qualify for funding opportunities offered by the private sector, state, and regional governments.

THE MASTER PLAN PROCESS

In December 2012, the citizens of the City of Aledo, in partnership with the Institute of Urban Studies at The University of Texas at Arlington (IUS), embarked on a process to develop a Parks, Recreation and Open Spaces Master Plan (the Master Plan), in coordination with City staff. The planning process began with an analysis phase based on demographic research, an inventory of current parkland properties and conditions, a recreation needs assessment, public engagement, and a review of adopted and in-process plans. Recommendations in the Master Plan follow from this in-depth analysis to provide park concept plans for the renovation or development of parks and open spaces, and a comprehensive new trails plan that incorporates existing preliminary trail routes and the 2008 Safe Routes to School Plan.

The public engagement process included the input of neighborhood representatives, non-profit groups, public entities and interested citizens. Various opportunities to contribute to the Master Plan included printed and online surveys, three days of focus group meetings, and a design charrette open to the public. The final Master Plan reflects this community-driven approach and sets in place the

Executive Summary

7

goals and priorities voiced in the public engagement process.

THE MASTER PLAN

Chapter 1: Vision, Goals and Objectives. The 2010 City of Aledo Strategic Plan was used as a guiding document that, together with public involvement, was used to determine overall goals and objectives for the Master Plan. These goals and objectives guide all the recommendations throughout the Parks, Recreation and Open Spaces Master Plan.

ANALYSIS PHASE Chapter 2: Parks Facilities Inventory. The chapter begins with an overview of park typology and goes on to document initial site visits to existing parkland facilities to assess park amenities and site conditions.

A chart of existing facilities and park equipment summarizes the data.

Chapter 3: Needs Assessment and Public Input. This chapter focuses on the needs assessment, a process that includes an analysis of demographic data, a review of park standards, and the results gained from the public engagement events and activities. Key future developments, such as Parks of Aledo and Brookhollow, are likely to impact future demand for parks and open spaces and are included in this chapter. Complete public input presentation and responses are documented in the Appendix, sections K through N. RECOMMENDATIONS AND PRIORITIES PHASE Chapter 4: Park Development and Design Guidelines. This chapter describes the proposed park redevelopment concept plans. Enlarged 11 x 17 maps are in Appendix A. Chapter 5: Trail Plan and Guidelines. This chapter discusses the various trail types to be found in the system, defines potential routes, and summarizes these trail routes by proposed name in a table. These routes incorporate the Safe Routes to School Plan routes approved in 2008. Enlarged 11 x 17 trail route maps are in Appendix D, along with the route list.

8

Executive Summary

Chapter 6: Subdivision Ordinance Policy. This chapter offers suggestions for potential revisions to the City of Aledo’s subdivision ordinance to facilitate implementation of the Master Plan’s overall recommendations.

Chapter 7: Implementation and Prioritization of Needs. This chapter discusses the top five projects to be developed in the life of the Master Plan. These are listed in order of priority: Trails to Schools, Community Center Park, Middle School Trail to Community Center Park, and Elm Street/Brown Trail Park, and acquisition of park land. Chapter 7 discusses strategies for funding park projects, from partnering with the community to grant resources, and ends with a Prioritization and Implementation Matrix to present action steps for implementation of the Master Plan.

It should be noted that these steps are not static. Because the planning environment constantly changes in response to conditions and needs within a community, these recommendations may be adjusted to respond to changing economic and socio-demographic conditions.

THE PARKS, RECREATION AND OPEN SPACES MASTER PLAN WILL: • Guide the future growth and development of the Parks and Recreation Department through 2023 • Incorporate the approved Safe Routes to School Plan • Exemplify the Aledo 2030 vision of a Community of Excellence with a High Quality of Life

Chapter 1: Vision, Goals, and Objectives The 2010 City of Aledo Strategic Plan expresses a guiding vision for the parks and recreation system with the motto “Rich Heritage, Dynamic Future.” The City of Aledo Parks and Recreation Department has a mission to provide excellent recreational opportunities for its community by building upon the City’s rich heritage while providing the residents with a high quality of life. The citizens have echoed this pride by choosing to live in Aledo for its beautiful, natural environment, strong sense of community, and support of their family values. The following park, recreation and open space goals and objectives build on the vision and aspirations of residents and define strategic progress over the next 10 years:

1. FOSTER A SENSE OF COMMUNITY 1.1 Feature superior design in parks and recreation facilities within the City center that highlight the City’s heritage, arts and culture.

1.2 Develop City Hall Grounds and Community Center Park as signature recreation spaces, to include opportunities for public art, memorials, and community festival space.

1.3 Provide diverse and sufficient recreational and cultural opportunities within the City.

2. IMPROVE WALKABILITY AND CREATE A PEDESTRIAN-FRIENDLY CITY THAT CONNECTS PEOPLE WITH PARKS, SCHOOLS, AND DESTINATIONS 2.1 Increase connectivity between neighborhoods and parks, greenways, and citywide destinations through the use of sidewalks, bicycle lanes, multi-use paths, and trails.

2.2 Include critical portions of the Safe Routes to School Plan in the trail plan.

2.3 Improve connections between Downtown Aledo, City Hall Grounds, and Community Center Park.

2.4 Prioritize safe pedestrian connectivity through sidewalk connections and crosswalks in and around the Aledo Trail project.

3. POSITION THE CITY OF ALEDO AS A DESTINATION OF CHOICE WITHIN THE REGION 3.1 Develop parks that provide spaces for family and community oriented activities including festivals, civic celebrations, and neighborhood events.

3.2 Protect and preserve natural areas, riparian corridors, and greenways within the Clear Fork of the Trinity River floodplain for use as open space, linear trails, and passive recreational areas.

3.3 Foster the use of creeks and lakes for public recreation and enjoyment in a manner that maintains their natural character.

3.4 Create a Regional Park and Sports Complex with tennis courts, softball, basketball, and picnic areas as well as connections to trails and natural areas.

4. PROVIDE A PARK, RECREATION AND OPEN SPACE SYSTEM THAT IS EFFICIENT TO ADMINISTER AND OPERATE, PROTECTS CAPITAL INVESTMENT, AND PROVIDES A HIGH LEVEL OF USER COMFORT, SAFETY, AND AESTHETIC QUALITY

4.1 Incorporate sustainable development and low impact design practices into the design, planning and rehabilitation of new and existing facilities. Prepare sustainability best management practices for maintenance and operations.

Vision, Goals and Objectives

9

4.2 Create an authentic look and feel for the parks system through consistent use of plants and grasses native to the Cross Timbers and Prairies region.

6.2 Include on-street trails, off-street trails, shared-use trails, pathways, sidewalks, stream corridors and greenways in the trails plan.

4.3 Standardize the use of colors, materials, graphics and signage to establish a consistent identity at all trails, trailheads and other facilities.

6.3 Address pedestrian safety and access across existing railroad tracks and multi-lane roadways.

4.4 Design and maintain trails to offer universal accessibility for residents of all physical capabilities, skill levels and age.

4.5 Encourage volunteer trail maintenance projects from a variety of service clubs, scouting organizations, churches and businesses.

Encourage the use of Adopt-A-Trail, community trail watch and other similar programs that will increase safety, security and public awareness.

5. CREATE A TRAIL NETWORK LINKING PLACES WITHIN ALEDO AND BEYOND 5.1 Coordinate with the cities of Benbrook, Willow Park, Fort Worth, the Annettas, and NCTCOG in the coordinated planning and development of the Clear Fork Trail, FM 1187 - Aledo Trail, and other locally and regionally shared trails.

5.2 Seek opportunities with area cities to integrate the NCTCOG’s Veloweb plan for trail continuity across the region.

5.3 Coordinate with the Railroad to identify potential rail-with-trail opportunity in the future.

6. ACQUIRE AND DEVELOP A DIVERSE SYSTEM OF INTERCONNECTED TRAILS THAT ARE ATTRACTIVE, FUNCTIONAL, ACCESSIBLE, AND SAFE 6.1 Site proposed trail segments to prioritize connectivity throughout the City of Aledo, for all users, young and old and with varying mental and physical abilities.

10

Vision, Goals and Objectives

6.4 Work with local agencies and private landholders to secure trail connections between subdivisions and greenspace through the creation of trail easements.

6.5 Integrate the siting of proposed trail segments into the development review process.

6.6 Integrate previous plans into the trails network plan, including Safe Routes to School Plan (2008) and the City of Aledo Strategic Plan.

Chapter 2: Parks Facility Inventory 2.1 TYPES OF PARKS AND RECREATION FACILITIES

A City’s park system is characterized by the various types of parks and open spaces offered throughout the community. The variability in park sizes and degrees of development gives each city its unique appeal.

A comprehensive parks and recreation system will offer to Aledo’s residents and visitors a range of active and passive recreation uses.

Active recreation comprises fields and courts for games and sports.

Passive recreation encompasses a full range of leisure activities, from socializing to picnicking, bird watching, strolling, and beyond.

A parks and open space typology follows to describe the parks, recreation and open space types that may be developed as Aledo grows its parks and recreation system.

POCKET PARKS Pocket parks are smaller than two acres and have a service area of one quarter-mile radius. They are intended to provide green space and recreation in areas where public open space is limited. Park size may be limited by the land area available, yet even a very small park is able to serve the needs of a neighborhood and is most necessary where a neighborhood is not easily served by a larger park. Pocket parks provide community spaces a short walk away from home and offer independence to children.

Aledo’s pocket parks include Howard Way Park and the undeveloped Elm Street/Brown Trail Park.

NEIGHBORHOOD / COMMUNITY PARKS Neighborhood or community parks range in size from two to fifteen acres and provide residential areas with both passive and active recreation through the inclusion of playgrounds, basketball and tennis courts, open play areas, and picnic tables. These parks have a service area of one mile. According to the American Planning Association (APA), this intermediate size is well able to serve several neighborhoods

and should be positioned within the City to do so. This facility should be centrally located for the area it serves and, when possible, adjacent to a school.

Design of the community park’s characteristics depend on the purpose and the needs of the neighborhoods served – these factors will affect the acreage and amenities required. In urban areas, a paved square and lawn area of only two acres may provide enough open space for public events and markets, accommodating up to 8,000 persons at events. Aledo’s neighborhood parks include Community Center Park and Mockingbird Lane Park.

SCHOOL PARKS Functionally, school parks are similar to neighborhood parks but are located on school properties not owned by the City. Ideally, they serve an area one mile around the school, although their ownership by the Aledo Independent School District (AISD) constrains their use for the general public.

Each school offers different sports venues that many residents visit when the facilities are not in school use. Bearcat Park is considered a shared-use facility between the City of Aledo and AISD. COMMUNITY PARKS Community parks provide citywide service for amenities found in neighborhood parks but are larger, ranging from 16 to 100 acres.

Generally these parks would serve a two-mile service area, but in very small cities these parks may be the primary city park. Municipal parks provide a variety of amenities and major facilities, including ball fields and courts, multi-purpose areas, trails, and are sized to accommodate future installation of swimming pools and recreational centers.

There are currently no parks of this type in Aledo.

REGIONAL PARKS Regional parks are generally natural resources-based, located along

Parks Facility Inventory

11

waterways, and are designed to provide a broad variety of recreational experiences. Regional parks may include the same amenities found in community and municipal parks, as well a special interest facilities such as archery ranges, radio-controlled airplane fields, horseback riding, mountain biking, camping areas, and fishing areas. The natural and environmental features of regional parks draw people from around the region to hike, watch birds, or simply enjoy nature.

There are currently no parks of this type in Aledo.

SPECIAL FACILITIES These special parks serve a purpose or special function, such as a memorial or civic square, a public market, a scenic view or historic feature, a community garden, or interpretive centers. Because of the variety of parks and facilities included and their unique nature, specialuse parks serve the entire city regardless of their size or location.

Aledo has a special-use facility in City Hall Grounds, and at the botanic garden in the Community Center Park.

GREENWAYS Greenways are natural corridors that usually follow a river, creek, ridgeline, valley or other linear open spaces. Greenways serve numerous functions including the location for hike and bike trails, mountain bike trails, and flood control, and also provide wildlife habitat and movement corridors. Establishing a continuous greenway network that connects neighborhoods and schools to parks requires a close collaborative relationship between the City and the development community in order to set aside the land for this purpose. Greenways can also take the form of a stand-alone land parcel dedicated to openspace preservation.

There are currently no parks of this type in Aledo.

TRAILS The Aledo trail system can become a significant source of recreation.

From the sidewalk system in the Safe Routes to School Plan (2008) to the trails in greenways along subdivision neighborhoods, several routes have been identified and are detailed in the trail system’s chapter.

12

Parks Facility Inventory

2.2 PARKS, RECREATION AND OPEN SPACES IN ALEDO

The City of Aledo has 18.5 acres of park land in six parks. These include three neighborhood parks, two pocket parks, and one specialty facility.

The City of Aledo Parks and Recreation Department is responsible for maintenance and management of these parks. Additional park, recreation and open spaces are available for use by residents of Aledo within subdivision developments and on Aledo Independent School District (AISD) property.

PARK TYPE POCKET PARK

NEIGHBORHOOD PARK SPECIAL FACILITY

NAME ELM STREET/BROWN TRAIL PARK HOWARD WAY PARK COMMUNITY CENTER PARK BEARCAT PARK AISD COOPERATIVE FACILITY MOCKINGBIRD LANE PARK CITY HALL GROUNDS

AREA (ACRES) 0.10 0.25 4.75 5.00 3.50 4.50

Figure 2.1: Acreage at Each Park Facility The Aledo Independent School District (AISD) covers a wide jurisdiction that extends beyond the City of Aledo’s boundaries. AISD recreational facilities and properties are an important recreational resource for the residents of Aledo and play a vital role in meeting the recreational needs of young people in Aledo. According to AISD officials, the school’s courts and fields are currently near or at capacity for student enrollment. Public civic sports clubs have historically been able to reserve time to use AISD courts and fields for club members. As AISD enrollment has increased, available time for the civic groups has decreased. As the population of Aledo increases, the need for Aledo’s Parks and Recreation Department to provide park and recreation facilities will intensify.

ALEDO PUBLIC PARK LOCATIONS

Partnerships between AISD and the City of Aledo will continue to be an important source of recreational facilities for Aledo residents. Bearcat Park AISD Cooperative Facility (Bearcat Park) is on land leased from AISD on a renewable 99 year lease stipulating that no permanent structures are allowed. Because Bearcat Park is so important to residents in the southern portion of Aledo, a partnership that allows for more development to occur at Bearcat should be pursued in the years to come.

NAME OF SCHOOL ALEDO HIGH SCHOOL

DANIEL NINTH GRADE CAMPUS ALEDO MIDDLE SCHOOL MCANALLY INTERMEDIATE SCHOOL CODER ELEMENTARY SCHOOL MCCALL ELEMENTARY SCHOOL STUARD ELEMENTARY SCHOOL VANDAGRIFF ELEMENTARY SCHOOL Figure 2.2: Locations of Parks within the City of Aledo

GRADE LEVEL RECREATIONAL FACILITIES 10-12 4 Tennis Courts, 1 Football Stadium, 1 Soccer Field, 2 Baseball Fields, 1 Track, 1 Batting Practice, 1 Gymnasium 9 4 Tennis Courts, 1 Football Stadium with Track, 1 Baseball Field, 1 Gymnasium 7-8 Shared facilities with Daniel Ninth Grade Campus 6 1 Baseball Field

K-5 K-5 K-5 K-5

Shared facilities with Aledo High School 1 Playground 2 Playground and Paved Games Court None

Figure 2.3: Recreation Facilities at Aledo’s Schools

Parks Facility Inventory

13

• Survey the ease of connectivity to the park and general accessibility throughout the park.

• Note unique and historic features in Aledo.

• Note site and topographic features.

2.4 CITY HALL GROUNDS

City Hall is centrally located in Aledo in close proximity to Downtown, commercial and residential areas, and Community Center Park. The area surrounding City Hall is landscaped with a concrete path to a patio

City Hall Grounds CITY HALL GROUNDS

Walsh Ranch, a master-planned community in Fort Worth, may become a factor in both supply and demand for parks services because of its large size (45,000 housing units) and its adjacency to Aledo’s extraterritorial jurisdiction (ETJ). Walsh Ranch will offer recreational options to Aledo residents in the form of parks, open spaces, and an extensive trail and park system. Partnerships between City of Aledo’s leadership and developers of properties outside of Aledo will play a large role in providing connectivity between Aledo’s trails and trail systems beyond Aledo.

M av

â â

Safe Routes to School Future Trail Plan Parks Facility IPlanned nventory Veloweb Trail Network Aledo Trail Project 1 inch = 21 feet

â

âââ

âââ

14

APPROXIMATE SIZE: 4.5 ACRES TYPE: SPECIALTY FACILITY

ââ â

Legend Park

â

• Evaluate the current condition, functionality, and safety of each park’s furnishings and equipment.

k

ââ â

â

• Note numbers and type of equipment and amenities in each park.

er ic

â

â â â

â

A team of four from the Institute of Urban Studies accompanied the City Administrator and the Director of Public Works on an inventory tour of existing parks facilities in January, 2013. The purpose of the tour was to document the existing conditions of park facilities, equipment, and amenities:

ââ â

2.3 INVENTORY OF ALEDO PARK FACILITIES

â â â

Another important resource for parks, trails, and natural areas in Aledo is within subdivisions. Dedication of park and open space land by developers of subdivisions is an important resource for the City of Aledo to pursue, and guidance for strengthening ordinances and the development review process is given in this Master Plan. The neighborhood developments of Parks of Aledo and Brookhollow offer parklands which will come into City ownership after dedication.

The Parks of Aledo property has approximately 4 acres of lawns, playgrounds, and a greenway for potential location of a trail.

Brookhollow’s preliminary design shows bike-walk trail connections to a greenway trail with ponds. Both developments’ greenways will become important links in the Aledo trails system.

âââ

Source: Esri, DigitalGlobe, GeoEye, i-cubed, USDA, USGS, AEX, Getmapping, Aerogrid, IGN, IGP, and the GIS User Co

âââ

COMMENTS

1 inch = 21 feet

WOODEN BENCHES OF SIMPLE CARPENTRY CONSTRUCTION 0 30 60 Feet PARKING 1 DEDICATED PARKING LOT Park ORNAMENTAL 1 COLLINS MEMORIAL Future TrailNEIL Plan GARDEN ROSE GARDEN Institute Of Urban Studies Planned Veloweb Trail Network HISTORIC FEATURE 1 RAIL DEPOT CIRCA 1900 The University Of Texas at Arlington

âââ

±

Spring 2013

2.5 COMMUNITY CENTER PARK

1 inch = 21 feet

±

Community Center Park is Aledo’s main city park. The park is the site of Aledo Community Center and is centrally located across Maverick 60 a botanical garden with Street from Aledo0City Hall. 30 This park features Feet picnic benches, and a interpretive signage, two swing sets, a sandbox, sand volley ball court. A basketball court is located at the bottom of a steep slope, approximately ten feet below the level of the developed Institute Of Urban Studies area. Access stairs need The redevelopment anatADA ramp will need to University Of and Texas Arlington Spring 2013 be constructed. Pedestrian access to the park is along Maverick Street, which has no sidewalks or trails.

±

±

ââââ

âââ

SafeFeatures Routes to School Figure 2.4: Park Facility Available at City Hall Grounds

ââââ

14

ââââ

QUANTITY

Legend

COMMUNITY CENTER PARK

ââââ

EQUIPMENT & FACILITIES BENCHES

l Network

ââââ

ââââ

n

ââ â â ââ â ââ â ââ

Legend

with benches, a rose garden, many mature shade trees, and a historic out-crops are evident along the creek. Unique site features include a rail depot. The area adjacent to City Hall will undergo redevelopment historic red water pump, a vintage metal horse swing-set, and botanic during the FM 1187 reconstruction project and the addition of the interpretive signage. The park needs refurbishment and additional Park Aledo Trail roadway segment. Pedestrian access to City Hall is equipment. undeveloped, but the Aledo Trail roadway project will include sidewalks Future Trail Plan along Maverick Street and on the outer side of the Aledo Trail loop to Planned Veloweb Trail Network connect existing development. Traffic volumes on Aledo Trail should be observed after construction to assess pedestrian access and safety.

Safe Routes to School

APPROXIMATE SIZE: 4.75 ACRES TYPE: NEIGHBORHOOD PARK

A creek with mature native shade trees and native perennials and shrubs runs along the southwest perimeter of the park. Limestone rock

Parks Facility Inventory

15

2.6 BEARCAT PARK/CITY-AISD COOPERATIVE FACILITY (BEARCAT PARK)

QUANTITY COMMENTS

BENCHES

5

PICNIC TABLES

5

SWING SETS HISTORIC FEATURE PARKING LOT SAND VOLLEYBALL BARBEQUE GRILL FLOWER GARDEN & INTERPRETIVE AREA SLIDE

2 SETS 1

1

1 1 1 1

COURTS SURFACE AND ACCESS RAMP NEEDS RENOVATION ACCEPTABLE CONDITION, SANDBOX NEEDS MAINTENANCE AND CLEANING POOR CONDITION: LOOSE SEATS SIMPLE CARPENTRY CONSTRUCTION CONCRETE TABLES IN GOOD CONDITION SEATING POOR CONDITION: LOOSE WOODEN SEATS GOOD CONDITION, VINTAGE METAL OLD RED WATER-PUMP, ORIGIN UNKNOWN DEDICATED PARKING FRONT AND SIDE NET IS TORN, SAND IS OVERGROWN WITH GRASS FAIR CONDITION: RUSTED & MISSING PAR GOOD CONDITION. WELL MAINTAINED GARDEN AND JUNIPER TREE WITH SIGNAGE

Bearcat Park is a five-acre park located along FM 1187, at McAnally Elementary School, and is regarded as the most used park in Aledo for its shade structure and developed playground. The practice fields and batting cage adjacent to the park are part of the McAnally Intermediate School property. Bearcat Park is on a 99-year lease from Aledo Independent School District (AISD) with the stipulation that no permanent structures may be erected.

Bearcat Bearcat Park BEARCAT PARK

â

1

ââ â

BASKETBALL COURT SANDBOX

DEVELOPMENT OPTIONS

Legend VINTAGE METAL CONSTRUCTION, Park GOOD CONDITION NOT BARRIER-FREE. WALKING PATHS Future Trail Plan AND RAMPS ABSENT

PLAY SURFACE

TURF , UNEVEN SURFACES

âââ

1

Figure 2.5: Park Facility Features Available at Community Center Park

16

Parks Facility Inventory

âââ

EQUIPMENT & FACILITIES

Safe Routes to School

Planned Veloweb Trail Netwo

APPROXIMATE SIZE: 5 ACRES TYPE: NEIGHBORHOOD PARK

Howard Way Park Facilities include an unpaved parking area, one shade structure, a volunteer-built play structure, swing set, slides, pavilion and picnic tables, and benches. The site lacks shade in the play areas, lawns or trees, and the playground equipment needs renovation and additional all-ages play equipment.

EQUIPMENT & FACILITIES SOFTBALL PRACTICE FIELD

QUANTITY COMMENTS 1 1

PLAY STRUCTURES

1

PAVILION

1

PICNIC TABLES

10

BENCHES RESTROOM

9 1

PARKING LOT MAINTENANCE & DEVELOPMENT ISSUES

1

PLAY SURFACE

BATTING CAGE OPEN FIELD WITH TWO GOAL POSTS WOODEN CONSTRUCTION GANGPLANKS, SPIRED HUTS, TUBES, SLIDES, SWINGS, MONKEY BARS DESIGNED FOR CHILDREN UNDER 8 YRS METAL STRUCTURE ON CONCRETE SLAB METAL OUTDOOR PICNIC TABLES WITH BENCHES SIMPLE WOODEN CONSTRUCTION TEMPORARY PORTABLE TOILET (POD) UNPAVED SURFACE WOODEN CONSTRUCTION REQUIRES REFURBISHING AND ONGOING MAINTENANCE. LACK OF FACILITIES FOR OLDER CHILDREN OR ADULTS. UNEVEN TURF

Figure 2.6: Park Facility Features Available at Bearcat Park

2.7 HOWARD WAY PARK

Howard Way Park is situated between two houses, and is blocking a collector street between two neighborhoods. The park is well situated within the neighborhood, but lacks visibility, shade, and a variety of uses. The park has extensive fencing and a traffic barricade to block through traffic on the street, and this creates an unfriendly face to the neighborhood. The play equipment is designed for pre-school children and is weather beaten. The park needs refurbishment and additional equipment.

Howard W

Howard Way Park HOWARD WAY PARK

WAYNE

APPROXIMATE SIZE: .25 ACRES TYPE: POCKET PARK

Parks Facility Inventory

17

EQUIPMENT & FACILITIES BASKETBALL HALF COURT PICNIC TABLE ON CONCRETE PLATFORM PLAYGROUND EQUIPMENT SET UNIVERSAL ACCESS PARKING BOUNCY RIDE-ON PLAY / FALL SURFACE PLAYGROUND EDGE FENCING

QUANTITY COMMENTS 1

GOOD CONDITION

1

GOOD CONDITION OVERALL, FADED TABLE TOP PRE-SCHOOL SET, UNDERSIZED FOR PARK, POOR CONDITION RAMP ON SIDEWALK ON-STREET ONLY GOOD CONDITION GRAVEL GOOD CONDITION CONCRETE MOW STRIP IN GOOD CONDITION BARRIER FENCE AND TRAFFIC BARRICADE

1 1 0 2 1 1 2 SIDES

M

2.8 MOCKINGBIRD LANE PARK Mockingbird Lane Park is located along a quiet street in a residential neighborhood of single family homes. It is a small park with limited development. It features a natural-surface trail (200 ft.), built by area Boy Scouts, through a stand of mature shade trees and native underbrush.

The park has on-street parking available. The park offers opportunity for minor development to serve the immediate neighborhood.

Mockingbird Lane Park MOCKINGBIRD LANE PARK

Figure 2.7: Park Facility Features Available at Howard Way Park

âââ

Legend Park Future Trail Plan

Safe Routes to School

Planned Veloweb Trail Net

âââ

APPROXIMATE SIZE: 3.5 ACRES TYPE: NEIGHBORHOOD PARK

âââ

Parks Facility Inventory

âââ

18

Legend Park Future Trail Plan

Safe Routes to School

Planned Veloweb Trail Netwo

on Elm St. EQUIPMENT & FACILITIES TRAIL PARKING NATIVE TREES

QUANTITY

COMMENTS

200 LF 0 1

NATURAL SURFACE ON-STREET ONLY NATURE ACTIVITIES

ELM STREET/BROWN TRAIL PARK

Figure 2.8: Park Facility Features Available at Mockingbird Lane Park

2.9 ELM STREET/BROWN TRAIL PARK Elm Street/Brown Trail Park is located in old-town Aledo, in close proximity to retail shops and the First Baptist Church. The park has no improvements but is the site of historic Brown Trail and a water source for early settlers. The proposed Fort Worth Thoroughfare Plan calls for the extension of Hillside Drive to connect to Elm Street at the north edge of the park site.

PARKING HISTORIC FEATURE

QUANTITY

COMMENTS

1

NATURAL TURF, GRASSES, AND WILDFLOWERS ON-STREET BROWN TRAIL WATER WELL

Figure 2.9: Park Facility Features Available at Elm Street/Brown Trail Park

APPROXIMATE SIZE: .1 ACRE TYPE: POCKET PARK

Legend Park

Parks Facility Inventory

Legend

Legend

창창창

EQUIPMENT & FACILITIES SURFACES

Safe Rout

19

BASKETBALL

PARKING LOT

GARDEN

SAND BOX

SWING SET

SLIDE

BBQ GRILL

BOUNCY RIDE-ON

BENCHES

VOLLEYBALL

DRINKING FOUNTAINS

PAVILION

PICNIC TABLES

PLAYGROUND

PRACTICE FIELD

RESTROOMS

TENNIS COURTS

TRAILS/MILES

INTERPRETIVE SIGNAGE

HISTORIC FEATURES

SUMMARY TABLE OF ALL CITY OF ALEDO PARK FACILITY AMENITIES

CITY HALL GROUNDS

-

1

1

-

-

-

-

-

14

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

1

COMMUNITY CENTER PARK

1

1

1

1

2

1

1

-

5

1

-

-

5

1

-

-

-

-

1

1

BEARCAT PARK

-

1

-

-

1

2

-

-

9

-

-

1

10

1

1

1

-

-

-

-

HOWARD WAY PARK

1

-

-

-

-

-

-

2

-

-

-

-

1

1

-

-

-

-

-

-

MOCKINGBIRD LANE PARK

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

200 FT

-

-

ELM STREET/ BROWN TRAIL PARK

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

1

1

TOTAL

1

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

33

1

0

1

15

2

1

1

0

200 FT

1

3

Figure 2.10: Summary Table of City Park Facility Features

20

Parks Facility Inventory

Chapter 3: Needs Assessment 3.1 A BRIEF HISTORY OF THE CITY OF ALEDO

The City of Aledo is located along Farm Road 1187, fifteen miles west of Fort Worth, in southeastern Parker County. The first settlers in the area called the place Parker’s Station. The name was later changed to Aledo.

Aledo was officially created in 1882, along a rail stop of the Texas and Pacific Railroad. By the mid-1880’s, the settlement had an estimated 150 residents, and had become a shipping point for area farmers. By 1915, the town’s steam cotton gin, corn mill, bank, and twenty-one businesses established Aledo as a retail center for eastern Parker County. Incorporated in 1963, Aledo has grown from a population of 400 in the early 1920’s to a population of 2,830 in 2013.

3.2 DEMOGRAPHIC & POPULATION PROFILE DEMOGRAPHICS Recreation is an essential service within the community because it contributes to the social, cultural, and economic wellbeing of residents.

The City of Aledo Parks and Recreation Department is responsible for managing the six public parks within the City. The absence of a Parks, Recreation and Open Spaces Master Plan in the previous planning period meant that the City has faced some challenges in identifying and addressing the needs of a rapidly growing community. Population projections suggest that accelerated growth will continue for the next ten years. This trend indicates a greater need for recreational capacity in the City of Aledo.

Over the last ten years, the population of Aledo has grown by nearly 63% per year, and will most likely continue trending upwards faster in comparison to other cities within Parker County. For planning purposes, the growth of surrounding cities and nearby developments must also be considered. For example, Walsh Ranch, an adjacent residential development in Fort Worth, is expected to add

approximately 45,000 new residents when the project reaches buildout.

POPULATION PROJECTIONS The City is experiencing rapid growth. According to standard population projections, by the year 2020 the population is expected to be between 4,748 and 5,620— almost double the current population. The large new developments of Parks of Aledo and Brookhollow will soon greatly increase the population of Aledo.

ALEDO AND PARKER COUNTY POPULATION PROJECTIONS 2000

2010

2020

2030

Aledo – Linear

1,726

2,716

4,748

8,301

Aledo – Cohort-Component

1,726

2,716

5,620

9,120

88,495

116,927

Parker County

145,357 173,787

Figure 3.1: Aledo and Parker County Population Projections - Aledo could reach a population of more than 9,000 people in 2030.

The population projection in the row labeled Aledo – Linear was calculated using the linear population model and census population data. The main assumption of the linear model is straight forward: the population will grow by the same number of people every consecutive year. Therefore, the population projected for 2020 assumes that the City will continue to grow at the same rate as it has over the last ten year period, in this case, between 2000 and 2010. A second method for projecting Aledo’s population is the cohort-component

Needs Assessment

21

method. Texas Water Development Board (TWDB) uses this method and their population projection is shown in the row labeled Aledo – Cohort-Component. The cohort-component method uses detailed demographic information on why and how the population changes 2000 2010 2020 by including age, sex, fertility, mortality, and migration rates. Both Aledo: (Linear Projection) 1,726 2,716 4,276 projections have been provided to build a comprehensive scenario of (TWBD Projections) 1,726 2,710 5,620 City growth over the planning period.

Parker County

88,495

145,357

116,927

3% from 2000 to 2010. Additionally, the number of residents aged 45 to 54 increased from the 2000 census.

2030

AGE AND GENDER PYRAMID

6,733 9,120

173,787

POPULATION GROWTH RATE 120.0% 100.0%

107.4%

80.0% 60.0% 40.0% 20.0%

57.4%

57.4% 57.0% 32.1%

57.4%

24.3%

62.3%

19.6%

0.0% 2000-2010 ALEDO: (LINEAR PROJECTION)

2010-2020 ALEDO: (TWBD PROJECTIONS)

2020-2030 PARKER COUNTY

Figure 3.2: Aledo and Parker County Population Projections - Aledo is growing faster than Parker County. Source: US Census.

AGE AND GENDER The 2010 age-gender pyramid for the City of Aledo illustrates that the City is popular with families of school-aged children. The pyramid indicates that the largest population group is school-aged children.

Adults over 35 years old are also heavily represented. The pyramid is pinched in the middle, illustrating that young adults (20s and early 30s) do not generally choose to live in the City of Aledo, whereas families with children do. The number of teenagers increased approximately

22

Needs Assessment

Figure 3.3: Age - Gender Pyramid Illustrates the Variation in Population by 5-year Bracket. Source: US Census.

HOUSING The total number of housing units in the City of Aledo has increased significantly since the year 2000. In 2000, the City had 625 housing units; in 2010, the City had 954 housing units, an increase of 329 housing units. The vacancy rate has risen slightly, but still remains under 5% of all the housing stock. Additionally, the occupied housing rate for 2010 dropped slightly from 2000. In 2000, the occupied housing rate was 96.2%; in 2010, the occupied housing rate was 95.3%.

Continued growth in housing stock is expected because of the new developments slated for construction in late 2013 – 2014.

The needs assessment included three approaches: standard-based, resource-based, and demand-based.

CHANGE IN OWNER OCCUPIED HOUSING 2000-2010 2000

2010

TOTAL HOUSING UNITS 625 954 OCCUPIED HOUSING UNITS 96.2% 95.3% VACANT HOUSING UNITS 3.8% 4.7% Figure 3.4: Housing Mix in 2000 and 2010. Source: US Census.

HOUSEHOLD INCOME The data shows that Aledo is steadily becoming a more affluent community. In addition, the City has a high number of residents with a high level of educational attainment. The need in the community for parks, open spaces, sports facilities, trails, and other recreational amenities and opportunities is expected to intensify, while the level of service and quality expected from the Parks and Recreation Department will increase. In 2000, the average household income in Aledo was $54,327, which grew to about $75,714 by 2010. Most of the growth was within the $75,000- $99,999 income bracket, which grew from 12.5% (2000) to a share of 25% (2010).

3.3 METHODS OF ASSESSING RECREATION NEEDS

To assess what facilities are most needed and desired by the citizens of Aledo, and to determine which of these needs are the most critical, a needs assessment was conducted. The process involves the integration of data research, site visits, and a public input process to ensure that the final recommendations are based on existing resources and the citizen’s expressed needs. The information compared trends such as population growth projections, increasing fuel costs, increasing demand for non-traditional recreational activities, and demographic shifts for the planning period. A “gap analysis” was performed to determine what areas of the City are under-served by existing park facilities.

1. STANDARD-BASED APPROACH – This approach uses established standards for park acreage and numbers of indoor and outdoor facilities related to an area’s overall population. The standards usually are expressed as the ratio of park land needed per every 1,000 residents of the City.

2. RESOURCE-BASED APPROACH –This approach evaluated the availability of natural resources and the condition of existing facilities.

3. DEMAND-BASED APPROACH – The demand-based approach relies on information gathered from citizen participation at public meetings and surveys. Also included in the demand-based approach is a review of relevant plans. These plans included various area subdivision developments, the Safe Routes to School Plan, 2008, and trail plans from North Central Texas Council of Government.

3.4 STANDARD-BASED NEEDS

Standards-Based methodology considers guidelines developed in 1981 by the National Recreation and Park Association (NRPA). These guidelines and standards are based on demographic trends, rather than from public input, allowing standards to be fine-tuned to the population. Since every City and situation is unique, the classification system for parks and open space must be flexible and adaptable

Needs Assessment

23

to individual circumstances and local needs. By utilizing the NRPA Guidelines, it can be seen in Figure 3.5 and Figure 3.7 that the City has numerous areas that are currently underserved by the existing parks.

The Figure 3.6: Walkability - Spatial Gap Analysis illustrates the gap in PARK CATEGORY

CLASS SIZE STANDARD

POCKET PARK NEIGHBORHOOD PARK COMMUNITY PARK

NRPA STANDARD (Acres/1,000 Residents) Under 2 Acres 1 Acres/1,000 Pop. 2-3 Acres/1,000 2 - 15 Acres Pop. 16 - 100 Acres 7 Acres/1,000 Pop.

SPECIAL FACILITY

Variable

3 Acres/1,000 Pop.

LINEAR PARK TRAILS TOTAL

Variable Variable

5 Acres/1,000 Pop. 0 100 feet/1,000 Pop. 200 feet 18.5 Acres

WALKABILITY - SPATIAL GAP ANALYSIS

TOTAL ALEDO ACREAGE .35 13.5 0 4.5

Figure 3.5: NRPA General Parks Acreage Standards park facility coverage. For a small city like Aledo, households should have access to parks within a fifteen minute walk, normally about half a mile. Walkability - Spatial Gap Analysis shows the time it would take a person to walk, based on the actual distance of existing street networks. The map shows that most households are within a 15 minute walk of a park; but, as additional neighborhoods are built, they will not be well-served by existing parks.

3.5 RESOURCE-BASED NEEDS

The City of Aledo is located about 20 miles west of Fort Worth, Texas, in the southeast quadrant of Parker County, and is part of the Trinity River Basin. The City has many picturesque views of open land. Rolling hills, prairies and dramatic bluffs have been preserved as ranch lands in the region. The City of Aledo has a large flood plain and open green area along the Clear Fork of the Trinity River within its extraterritorial

24

Needs Assessment

Figure 3.5: Service Area of Each Park

STANDARD-BASED REQUIREMENT FOR ACRES OF PARKLAND

Pocket Park Acres

Neighborhood Park Acres

Community Park Acres

Total

Figure 3.6: Acres of Parkland that will be Required by 2030, based on National Recreation and Park Association (NRPA) Standards. jurisdiction (ETJ), which extends along the western part of the City. A trail route, shown on the 2007 land use map, is proposed to run along the river’s greenway.

Large areas of undeveloped land in the ETJ offer opportunities for experiencing enjoyment of nature in wide open spaces. Most of these lands are privately held, however. The City of Aledo has the opportunity to bring some of these lands into parkland. This may be

through open space dedications, direct purchase, or by working with the development community to install parks and trails as subdivisions are built. A great opportunity exists in these natural resources to create an interconnected system of greenways, parks, and trails for the enjoyment of people in Aledo and throughout the region.

3.6 DEMAND-BASED NEEDS

The demand-Based approach for measuring the communities’ needs is

Needs Assessment

25

accomplished through gathering the information directly from citizens, organized recreational groups, civic organizations, church groups, elected officials and appointed boards. Key-person interviews, focus sessions, a public input workshop, Parks Board meetings, and an informal citizen survey were used to establish recreational facility priorities. Full documentation can be found in Appendix K, L, M, and N.

discussed their future vision for Aledo’s parks. On February 11, 2013, the parks planning process was presented at an open public meeting of the Aledo Parks Board.

In general terms, most participants indicated that their principal concerns were the development of a well-connected city-wide trail system, and development of the parks and open space in the historic downtown core of Aledo. Specific mention was often made of the perceived need to create a central community space for celebrations and civic events. Requests for undeveloped, unprogrammed, natural park areas were often requested by the youth who had very busy sports schedules.

Figure 3.7: Aledo is situated in a beautiful landscape, rich with natural resources.

The public engagement process included the input of neighborhood representatives, non-profit groups, public entities and interested citizens. Various opportunities to contribute to the Plan included printed and online surveys, three days of focus group meetings, and a design charrette open to the public. The final Parks, Recreation and Open Spaces Master Plan reflects this community-driven approach and sets in place the goals and priorities voiced in the public engagement process.

FOCUS SESSIONS Focus sessions were held on February 11 and 12, 2013 at the Aledo Community Center. Participants were guided through a discussion of the strengths and weaknesses of Aledo’s parks, and were asked to identify what they perceived to be key assets and issues for Aledo as a whole and the Aledo parks system in particular. Participants also

26

Needs Assessment

Figure 3.8: The Public Input Garnered is an Integral Part of the Content of the Parks, Recreation and Open Spaces Master Plan.

Almost all participants emphasized the crucial role of high quality schools in the Aledo Independent School District, both in terms of academics and athletics. The schools were identified as providing the programmed sports fields and courts for Aledo. The school system offers excellent academics, extracurricular activities, and is a hub of community social activity for Friday night football. The commitment to both organized sports and academics is a strong pull for young families,

but the pressure on each field is reaching a point where the fields are overbooked and overused. Soccer is played in Benbrook because there is no girl’s soccer field/time available in Aledo.

Overall, the main perceived assets/opportunities are the dark night skies, wild life, wide-open spaces and views of agriculture (cows and horses), the unique character of the City as a small, historic community within a close distance to the larger metropolitan area, and a sense of community cohesion among residents.

Adults felt a strong need for unprogrammed, adult open space – for walking or biking -- and there is a need in Aledo for parks where “my imagination makes the space.” Someplace purely scenic and wooded like the Fort Worth Botanic Garden was requested.

PUBLIC INPUT WORKSHOP

• Activity #2: Park Issues & Assets – Map Exercise • Activity #3: Park Facility Character Board • Activity #4: Park System Vision Statement ACTIVITY 1: PLACES, ROUTES AND CONNECTIONS Participants identified important points of activity within the City of Aledo, marking these on an area map with dots, and noting the routes they use to move between these activity nodes. This discussion identified the locations of centers of activity, the safest routes between them, and where better routes are needed.

Bearcat Park, Mockingbird Lane Park, downtown Aledo, the churches in Aledo, and the High School were shown as the main centers of activity.

The routes shown to be necessary are the same that were identified in the 2008 Safe Routes to School Plan. Now, as was then, there are a lack of safe sidewalks and pedestrian crossings on South 1187 and FM 5. In addition, participants expressed concerns for connecting neighborhoods to parks so that kids would be able to walk and bike safely to the parks after school and on the weekend when there are no crossing-guards.

ACTIVITY 2: PARK ISSUES AND ASSETS

Figure 3.9: Public presentations communicated the master planning process to City officials and citizens.

The Institute of Urban studies conducted a Public Input Workshop meeting in the City of Aledo community center on a Saturday morning to better understand the public needs and requirements for park facilities, park properties, and recreation opportunities within the City.

Detailed information on the Public input from these activities is in the Appendix. Four activities were conducted to achieve this: • Activity #1: Places, Routes & Connections – Map Exercise

Figure 3.10: A public input meeting was held at the Aledo Community Center on March 27, 2013.

Needs Assessment

27

The second activity, Park Facility Character Board, involved the participants in making priority choices for future park facilities by placing a limited number of colored dots next to images on a chart representing park types, facilities, furniture, and preferred views.

Participants expressed high desire for trails for walking, jogging and outdoor fitness equipment. Shade structures such as pavilions and pergolas in a natural setting were noted to be on the top priority list. In addition, interest in community gardens, public art and sculpture was identified.

ACTIVITY 3: PARK FACILITY CHARACTER BOARD The third activity involved the participants in a discussion of park assets, issues and opportunities while focused on each park individually. Utilizing park aerial maps, participants answered questions regarding the physical characteristics of each park, and discussed what each park could “keep, maintain, or add” to make the park the best it can be. In general, there is a perceived need to improve lighting, and provide walking trails, shade options, and seating areas in all of the parks.

ACTIVITY 4: PARK SYSTEM VISION STATEMENT The final activity, Park System Visioning, asked participants a series of questions to solicit ideas for the Parks, Recreation and Open Spaces Master Plan vision and goals statements. Participants were guided through an visualization scenario: imagine that in ten years a friend is considering a move to Aledo. What would you like to be able to express to your friend about the park system and what it offers? The answer to this question is the vision for Aledo’s parks system.

The participants felt that in a period of 10 years.…

“Aledo has beautiful, natural public park areas and a well-connected walking and biking trail system that connect neighborhoods to parks, schools and the downtown area”.

28

Needs Assessment

Figure 3.11: Public input meeting attendees consider the options in Activity #3.

Chapter 4: Park Concept Designs & Guidelines To address the growing need for developed parks and open spaces, the Parks and Recreation Department will need to focus its efforts on effectively utilizing its existing park and recreational assets and implementing the trails plan. In addition, parkland acquisition will become a need in the foreseeable future and a proposal for possible parklands has been outlined at the end of this chapter.

The following park concept plans reflect public input on overall park design and individual park features to address the need to repair, restore, and replace older park facilities.

4.1 PARK CONCEPT PLANS

Concept Plans are proposed for the six existing parks in the Aledo Parks and Recreation System. These park concepts illustrate the potential and possible suitable development of each site, and will serve as a guide to future park development. The park concepts incorporate and preserve input from the public and key stakeholders, along with results of the analysis of the existing park conditions, current community needs, and the expected need over time as Aledo’s population increases. In addition, possible locations within the ETJ for a new regional park facility have been identified in order to meet the future demand of a growing population and to expand overall appeal and use of the park and trail system.

The park concept plans are integral to developing a Parks, Recreation and Open Spaces Master Plan that encourages increased usage of the park as well as healthier lifestyles for residents and visitors. Growth and development of Aledo’s existing parks, and creation of the trail system, is essential in sustaining a vigorous and thriving community. These concept plans seek to enhance and expand the array of amenities that the park system already provides. Cooperative acquisition, planning and design of the Aledo Parks and Trail System is expected to continue

from these concept plans under the direction of the City of Aledo by individually contracted firms. The following section details, park by park, the features that have been included in the concept plan for the park. Park concept plans are shown full-sized in Appendix A.

4.2 CITY HALL GROUNDS

Aledo’s City Hall Grounds is an approximately four and one-quarter acre (4 .25) area in the heart of the City. The Grounds comprise the nearly two-acre site where Aledo City Hall is located, along with an adjacent two and one-quarter acre area within the Aledo Trail roadway renovation (FM-1187). As the community develops and implements plans to reshape the central traffic circulation and increase attention on the Downtown Business District, a vibrant City Hall Grounds will enhance these efforts. City Hall Grounds will serve as both a local and regional destination, with the capability to host events, festivals and celebrations at the amphitheater and on the lawn.

Figure 4.1: A Splash Plaza can be a beautifully paved fountain plaza that is both a play area for children and a relaxing place for adults to socialize.

Park Development and Design Guidelines

29

Two pavilions provide shade for picnic tables and community message boards. A wide walking trail winds from the plaza, through the trees around the site, and features memorial plaques on the benches or memorial bricks in the pavement. A discrete location under shade trees features the stone War Veteran’s Memorial. City Hall Grounds is also the location of the historic train depot, which offers the opportunity to house farmer’s market offices. The concept plan also includes space for a possible skatepark. If future public demand necessitates skatepark installation, the IUS suggests that Aledo employ a professional design

CITY HALL GROUNDS CONCEPT PLAN

ůĞ Ě

Ž d ƌĂŝ ů

6

ϭ͘ KƵƚĚŽŽƌ ƉĞƌĨŽƌŵĂŶĐĞ Ϯ͘ ^ŬĂƚĞ WůĂnjĂ ƐƉĂĐĞ ͬ ŵƉŚŝƚŚĞĂƚĞƌ

8

KůĚ

Ŷ

3

5

ŶĞ ƩĂ ZŽ Ă

Aledo’s Community Center Park is a four and three-quarter acre (4.75) park located across the street from City Hall Grounds. Serving as Aledo’s main community park, Community Center Park serves

8 4

7

3

City of Aledo 2013 team and follow public Parks, Recreation and OpenaSpaces Masterinput Plan

8 dƌ Ăŝů

COMMUNITY CENTER PARK CONCEPT PLAN

ĚŽ ůĞ

ϯ͘ WĂǀŝůŝŽŶ ǁŝƚŚ ĞŶĐŚ ^ĞĂƟŶŐ Žƌ WŝĐŶŝĐ dĂďůĞƐ

/ŶĐůƵĚĞĚ &ĂĐŝůŝƟĞƐ ĂŶĚ WĂƌŬ &ĞĂƚƵƌĞƐ ϭ͘ KƵƚĚŽŽƌ ƉĞƌĨŽƌŵĂŶĐĞ ƐƉĂĐĞͬ ŵƉŚŝƚŚĞĂƚĞƌ ;ϭͿ Ϯ͘ ^ŬĂƚĞďŽĂƌĚ WůĂnjĂ ǁŝƚŚ /ŶƚĞŐƌĂƚĞĚ ^ĞĂƟŶŐ Ăƚ WĞƌŝŵĞƚĞƌ ϯ͘ WĂǀŝůŝŽŶ ;DĞƚĂů ZŽŽĨͿ ǁŝƚŚ ĞŶĐŚ ^ĞĂƟŶŐ Žƌ WŝĐŶŝĐ dĂďůĞƐ ;ϮͿ ϰ͘ DĞŵŽƌŝĂů dƌĞĞ tĂůŬ ǁŝƚŚ ŽƚĂŶŝĐĂů WůĂƋƵĞƐ ϱ͘ ^ŵĂůů 'ĂnjĞďŽ Ͳ DĞƚĂů ZŽŽĨ ;ϭͿ ϲ͘ ,ŝƐƚŽƌŝĐ ZĂŝů ZŽĂĚ ĞƉŽƚ ;ϭͿ ϳ͘ WĂǀŝůŝŽŶͬZĞƐƚƌŽŽŵͬ ŽŶĐĞƐƐŝŽŶƐ ^ƚĂŶĚ ;ĂƐ EĞĞĚĞĚͿ ϴ͘ WĂƌŬŝŶŐ >Žƚ ;ϯͿ

N

A new roadway re-alignment of FM-1187, called Aledo Trail, will separate City Hall Grounds into two distinct areas. The original twolane FM 1187 between Maverick and Elm Streets will be reconstructed as a one-way northbound corridor. A one-way, southbound corridor will be added close to City Hall’s east side, crossing the railroad and

Ků

Ě

1

/dz , >> 'ZKhE ^ KE Wd W> E

process, including a design charrette Parks Concept Plans Not to Scale /ŶƐƟƚƵƚĞ ŽĨ hƌďĂŶ ^ƚƵĚŝĞƐ͕ hŶŝǀĞƌƐŝƚLJ ŽĨ dĞdžĂƐ Ăƚ ƌůŝŶŐƚŽŶ involving residents and skatepark users. Likewise, the City should take care to site and manage a future skatepark thoughtfully to ensure the safety of the users and the comfort of adjacent property owners.

30

Access to the interior of Aledo Trail will be facilitated from two minor roads. Three parking areas are located within the loop. Access to the area by foot will be from sidewalks along the outer edge of the roadways which lead to an enhanced crosswalk at the mid block, adjacent to City Hall. This crosswalk should have flashing lights either on the roadway or on the upright signage at the crosswalk to capture the attention of through-traffic drivers. Care should be taken when large events or festivals are held in the amphitheater. Traffic barricades and traffic officers should be used to protect pedestrians crossing the roadway to get to the grounds. Fencing may be required surrounding City Hall Grounds’ amphitheater to prevent young children from running into the parking lot and roadway while at play.

4.3 COMMUNITY CENTER PARK

1

Ě

2

connecting to Maverick Street, forming a loop. This looped roadway will encapsulate the heavily-treed lawn adjacent to City Hall.

ŶŶ

ĞƩ Ă Z ŽĂ

Ě

ϭ͘ 'ĂnjĞďŽ ĂŶĚ &ůŽǁĞƌ ĞĚƐ sŝƐŝďůĞ ĨƌŽŵ ^ƚƌĞĞƚ

Ϯ͘ dŝŵďĞƌ ƌďŽƌ

8

ϯ͘ &ůĂŐƐŚŝƉ WĂƌŬ WůĂLJŐƌŽƵŶĚ ƋƵŝƉŵĞŶƚ

6

Ž Ğ ŵŵ ŶƚĞ ƵŶ ƌ ŝƚLJ ůĚŐ

2 3

5

4

ϰ͘ KƵƚĚŽŽƌ &ŝƚŶĞƐƐ

ϱ͘ ^ƉůĂƐŚ ƉůĂnjĂ

/ŶĐůƵĚĞĚ &ĂĐŝůŝƟĞƐ ĂŶĚ WĂƌŬ &ĞĂƚƵƌĞƐ ϭ͘ 'ĂnjĞďŽ ;DĞƚĂů ZŽŽĨͿ ĂŶĚ &ůŽǁĞƌ ĞĚƐ sŝƐŝďůĞ ĨƌŽŵ ^ƚƌĞĞƚ ;ϭͿ Ϯ͘ dŝŵďĞƌ ƌďŽƌ ŽǀĞƌ &ůĂŐƐƚŽŶĞ dĞƌƌĂĐĞ Θ &ůŽǁĞƌ ĞĚƐ ;ϭͿ ϯ͘ <Ͳϲ WůĂLJŐƌŽƵŶĚ ƋƵŝƉŵĞŶƚ͕ >ĂƌŐĞ ^Ğƚ ;ϭͿ ϰ͘ KƵƚĚŽŽƌ &ŝƚŶĞƐƐ ^ƚĂƟŽŶƐ ;ϮͿ ϱ͘ ^ƉůĂƐŚ WůĂnjĂ ǁŝƚŚ /ŶƚĞŐƌĂƚĞĚ >ŝŵĞƐƚŽŶĞ ^ĞĂƟŶŐ ϲ͘ KƉĞŶ >ĂǁŶ ǁŝƚŚ DĞŵŽƌŝĂů ^ŚĂĚĞ dƌĞĞ ZŽǁ ϳ͘ tĂůŬŝŶŐͬ ZƵŶŶŝŶŐ dƌĂŝů ;ϭͿ ϴ͘ EĂƚƵƌĞ dƌĂŝůƐ ĨŽƌ ŽƚĂŶŝĐĂů 'ĂƌĚĞŶ ƌĞĂ ϵ͘ ŽŵŵƵŶŝƚLJ 'ĂƌĚĞŶŝŶŐ ƌĞĂ

City of Aledo 2013 Parks, Recreation and Open Spaces Master Plan

Park Development and Design Guidelines

/ŶƐƟƚƵƚĞ ŽĨ hƌďĂŶ ^ƚƵĚŝĞƐ͕ hŶŝǀĞƌƐŝƚLJ ŽĨ dĞdžĂƐ Ăƚ ƌůŝŶŐƚŽŶ

7

4 dƌĂ ůĞ ŝů Ž ĚŽ ŶŶĞ D ŝĚĚ ĐƟŽŶ ůĞ ƚŽ ^ĐŚ ŽŽ ů

9

ZĂŵƉ

N

KDDhE/dz Ed Z W Z< KE Wd W> E Parks Concept Plans Not to Scale

4.4 MOCKINGBIRD LANE PARK

DŽĐŬŝŶŐďŝƌĚ > ĂŶĞ ϭ͘ ^ŚĂĚĞ ^ƚƌƵĐƚƵƌĞƐ ĨŽƌ WŝĐŶŝĐ dĂďůĞƐ

Ϯ͘ WůĂLJ ƋƵŝƉŵĞŶƚ ĨŽƌ ŚŝůĚƌĞŶ ŽĨ ůů ŐĞƐ

7 1 4

2

6 3

5 ϯ͘ dƌĂŝůƐ Ͳ EĂƚƵƌĂů ƐŽŝů ƐƵƌĨĂĐĞ

5

/ŶĐůƵĚĞĚ &ĂĐŝůŝƟĞƐ ĂŶĚ WĂƌŬ &ĞĂƚƵƌĞƐ ϭ͘ WĂǀŝůŝŽŶ ;DĞƚĂů ZŽŽĨͿ ǁŝƚŚ WŝĐŶŝĐ dĂďůĞƐ ;ϮͿ Ϯ͘ WůĂLJ ƋƵŝƉŵĞŶƚ ĨŽƌ ŚŝůĚƌĞŶ ŽĨ ůů ŐĞƐ ;ϭͿ ϯ͘ dƌĂŝůƐ Ͳ EĂƚƵƌĂů ^Žŝů ^ƵƌĨĂĐĞ ϰ͘ dƌĂŝůƐ Ͳ ŽŶĐƌĞƚĞ ^ƵƌĨĂĐĞ ϱ͘ ĂƌͲ ͲYƵĞ 'ƌŝůůƐ Ͳ Ϯ ϲ͘ KƉĞŶͲĂŝƌ WŝĐŶŝĐ dĂďůĞƐ Ͳ ϲ ϳ͘ ĚĚŝƟŽŶĂů dĞdžĂƐ EĂƟǀĞ ^ŚĂĚĞ dƌĞĞƐ ;ϲͿ

FM

N

DK </E' /Z W Z< KE Wd W> E

CITY OF ALEDO PARKS & RECREATION MASTER PLAN /ŶƐƟƚƵƚĞ ŽĨ hƌďĂŶ ^ƚƵĚŝĞƐ͕ hŶŝǀĞƌƐŝƚLJ ŽĨ dĞdžĂƐ Ăƚ ƌůŝŶŐƚŽŶ

Not to Scale

ELM STREET/BROWN TRAIL PARK CONCEPT PLAN /ŶĐůƵĚĞĚ &ĂĐŝůŝƟĞƐ ĂŶĚ WĂƌŬ &ĞĂƚƵƌĞƐ ϭ͘ 'ĂnjĞďŽ Ͳ DĞƚĂů ZŽŽĨ ;ϭͿ Ϯ͘ EĂƟǀĞ tŝůĚŇŽǁĞƌƐ͕ 'ƌĂƐƐĞƐ ĂŶĚ KƌŶĂŵĞŶƚĂů WĞƌĞŶŝĂů ĞĚƐ ;ϲͿ ϯ͘ dƌĞĞƐ ĨŽƌ ^ŚĂĚĞ ĂŶĚ ŽůŽƌ ϰ͘ ĞŶĐŚ ^ĞĂƟŶŐ ;ϰͿ ϱ͘ ,ŝƐƚŽƌŝĐ ůĞĚŽ WůĂƋƵĞ Ͳ ƌŽǁŶ dƌĂŝů /ŶĨŽƌŵĂƟŽŶ

ϭ͘ 'ĂnjĞďŽ Žƌ ŽƚŚĞƌ ^ŚĂĚĞ Ϯ͘ EĂƟǀĞ tŝůĚŇŽǁĞƌƐ ϯ͘ dƌĞĞƐ ĨŽƌ ^ŚĂĚĞ ĂŶĚ ^ƚƌƵĐƚƵƌĞ ĂŶĚ KƌŶĂŵĞŶƚĂů WĞƌĞŶŝĂů ŽůŽƌ ;ZĞĚďƵĚ ƉŝĐ͘Ϳ ĞĚƐ

WƌŽƉŽƐĞĚ dŚŽƌŽƵŐŚĨĂƌĞ ŽŶŶĞĐƟŽŶ͗ ůŵ ^ƚƌĞĞƚ ƚŽ ,ŝůůƐŝĚĞ ƌŝǀĞ͘

2

3 5

4

3 1

4

ƌĞĞ ƚ

N ůŵ

The placement of a grand pavilion toward the front of the park, enhanced landscaping at the street, and new park signage should announce the park as a fun destination. Renovations of existing sand volleyball and multi-use sport court, and the addition of jogging/ walking trails, outdoor fitness and new playground equipment, the grand pavilion, community garden, and flagstone terrace will increase the recreation programming within the community and make it possible to offer activities of interest to all-ages, year-round. A splash pad plaza with dancing jets of water, ringed with bench seating, will serve as a destination in warm summer months. To expand the continuing planting efforts of Aledo’s Master Gardeners, a community garden will furnish ten plots for cultivation by interested residents.

Such installations produce education, exercise and nutritional opportunities for participants, in addition to pride and beautification for the community at large. The Community Center Park is intended to be accessible to the Aledo Middle School by a trail located along the existing creek.

MOCKINGBIRD LANE PARK CONCEPT PLAN

^ƚ

the entire City and is well positioned to host small to medium sized social events, and horticultural and environmental education spaces.

Rainwater harvesting from the community center rooftop can be utilized for irrigation of the botanical garden. Development of this park should celebrate and preserve the fine stand of old growth trees along Old Annetta Road and the views into the trees, creek, and limestone outcrops at the west and south side. The sloped terrain along the creek is home to many native Texas plants of the Western Cross Timbers region, including Twist-leaf Yucca, and should be incorporated into the botanical gardens within the park.

This three and one-half acre park’s trails were originally constructed with the hard work of Aledo’s Boy Scouts. The public expressed a desire to keep these existing trails and to preserve the native stands of trees for enjoyment of nature. The proposed trail would renovate

CITY OF ALEDO PARKS & RECREATION MASTER PLAN

ELM STREET PARK CONCEPT PLAN

/ŶƐƟƚƵƚĞ ŽĨ hƌďĂŶ ^ƚƵĚŝĞƐ͕ hŶŝǀĞƌƐŝƚLJ ŽĨ dĞdžĂƐ Ăƚ ƌůŝŶŐƚŽŶ Not to Scale current natural-surface and mulched trails and extend them throughout the park as the terrain allows. Because Mockingbird Lane Park is located within a residential neighborhood, pavilions with picnic benches, BBQ grills, and a small toddler playground area have been

Park Development and Design Guidelines

31

proposed, making it convenient for the neighborhood to host picnics and children’s parties.

4.5 ELM STREET/BROWN TRAIL PARK

The smallest park in Aledo, at 1/10th –acre, Elm Street/Brown Trail Park features programming complementary to the historic center of Aledo.

Programming includes an axial pedestrian zone with bench seating, brick pavement and central gazebo surrounded by perennial garden beds. Public art and a plaque of Historic Brown Trail terminate the long axis. Proposed landscaping includes the use of native trees, shrubs, and grasses.

ââââââââââââââ

HOWARD WAY PARK CONCEPT PLAN

is highly underutilized and seen as unsafe. Renovation of the park addresses the concerns for safety by making the park a more pleasant place to be, thanks to the addition of benches, shade and ornamental trees, picnic areas, new playground equipment, and a wildflower area.

To increase the usefulness of Howard Way Park to the neighborhood, the park is proposed to be enlarged by extending the park boundary to the east, then relocating the playground zone to the new center. This entails a change to the parcel zoning if the City wants to proceed with this proposal. The barricades and fencing that discourage use should be removed and replaced by lighted bollards. At Taos Loop, a planting bed/traffic circle is proposed to slow traffic, admit cars for parking and, allow residents to the north access to their side driveways.

Bearcat Park 4.7 BEARCAT PARK/CITY-AISD COOPERATIVE FACILITY Fm 5

Bearcat Park AISD Cooperative Facility (Bearcat Park) is a five-acre site located along FM-5 south of McAnally Intermediate School. Since it is leased from the Aledo Independent School District (AISD) with the stipulation that no permanent structures may be erected, the concept plan leaves the existing park infrastructure largely unchanged. Minor improvements suggested to enhance the usability of the park include

ϯ͘ ŽŵŵƵŶŝƚLJ 'ĂƌĚĞŶ Žƌ &ůŽǁĞƌ ƌĞĂ

ϰ͘ dƌĂĸĐ ĂůŵŝŶŐ ŝƌĐůĞ ƚŽ WĂƌƟĂůůLJ ůŽƐĞ ^ƚƌĞĞƚ

ϱ͘ ŽůůĂƌĚƐ ǁŝƚŚ >ŝŐŚƟŶŐ ƚŽ WƌĞǀĞŶƚ dŚƌŽƵŐŚͲdƌĂĸĐ

5

1 8

5

4

2

Taos Loop

6

âââââ

âââ

Not to Scale

This quarter-acre park is located within a residential neighborhood and was originally sited to block traffic between to phases of subdivision development. The park concept plan takes advantage of this unique opportunity to facilitate pedestrian neighborhood connections along a walk and bike trail through the park between Howard Way Drive and Taos Loop. During the public input, participants stated that this park

â

,Kt Z t z W Z< KE Wd W> E

ϭ͘ ϭϬ͛ tŝĚĞ ŽŶĐƌĞƚĞ ŝŬĞͬtĂůŬͬZƵŶ WĂƚŚ

Ϯ͘ džŝƐƟŶŐ WůĂLJŐƌŽƵŶĚ

ϯ͘ ĂƐŬĞƚďĂůů ŽƵƌƚƐ

/ŶĐůƵĚĞĚ &ĂĐŝůŝƟĞƐ ĂŶĚ WĂƌŬ &ĞĂƚƵƌĞƐ ϭ͘ DƵůƟͲƵƐĞ dƌĂŝů Ϯ͘ džŝƐƟŶŐ WůĂLJŐƌŽƵŶĚ ƋƵŝƉŵĞŶƚ ϯ͘ ĂƐŬĞƚďĂůů ŽƵƌƚƐ ;ϮͿ ϰ͘ WĂƌŬŝŶŐ >Žƚ ϱ͘ WĂǀŝůŝŽŶ ǁŝƚŚ WŝĐŶŝĐ dĂďůĞƐ ϲ͘ WĂǀŝůŝŽŶ ŽǀĞƌ ĨŽƌ WŽƌƚĂWŽƩLJ ϳ͘ ^ŚĂĚĞ Θ KƌŶĂŵĞŶƚĂů dƌĞĞƐ

7 4

ââ

/ŶƐƟƚƵƚĞ ŽĨ hƌďĂŶ ^ƚƵĚŝĞƐ͕ hŶŝǀĞƌƐŝƚLJ ŽĨ dĞdžĂƐ Ăƚ ƌůŝŶŐƚŽŶ

^Khd, &D ϭϭϴϳ

ââ

4.6 HOWARD WAY PARK

N ââ

CITY OF ALEDO PARKS & RECREATION MASTER PLAN

ϲ͘ KƌŶĂŵĞŶƚĂů dƌĞĞƐ Ͳ ƌĂƉĞ DLJƌƚůĞ Žƌ ZĞĚďƵĚ ;ϯͿ ϳ͘ dĞdžĂƐ EĂƟǀĞ ^ŚĂĚĞ dƌĞĞƐ ϴ͘ džŝƐƟŶŐ ĂƐŬĞƚďĂůů WƌĂĐƟĐĞ WĂĚ ϵ͘ WŝĐŶŝĐ dĂďůĞƐ ĂŶĚ Y 'ƌŝůůƐ ;ϯͿ

âââ ââ

/ŶĐůƵĚĞĚ &ĂĐŝůŝƟĞƐ ĂŶĚ WĂƌŬ &ĞĂƚƵƌĞƐ ϭ͘ >ĂƌŐĞƌ WůĂLJ ƌĞĂ ĂŶĚ ƋƵŝƉŵĞŶƚ ĨŽƌ ŚŝůĚƌĞŶ ŽĨ ůů ŐĞƐ ;ϭͿ Ϯ͘ ŝŬĞͲtĂůŬ dƌĂŝů ϯ͘ ŽŵŵƵŶŝƚLJ 'ĂƌĚĞŶ Žƌ tŝůĚŇŽǁĞƌ ƌĞĂ ϰ͘ dƌĂĸĐ ĂůŵŝŶŐ ŝƌĐůĞ ƚŽ WĂƌƟĂůůLJ ůŽƐĞ ^ƚƌĞĞƚ͕ ǁŝƚŚ WůĂŶƟŶŐ ĞĚ ĂŶĚ dƌĞĞ ;ϭͿ ϱ͘ ŽůůĂƌĚƐ ǁŝƚŚ >ŝŐŚƟŶŐ ƚŽ WƌĞǀĞŶƚ dŚƌŽƵŐŚͲdƌĂĸĐ ĂŶĚ /ŶĐƌĞĂƐĞ ^ĂĨĞƚLJ ;ϭϰͿ

32

BEARCAT PARK CONCEPT PLAN

3

2 1 6

1

5

Legend Park Future Trail Plan âââ

,ŽǁĂƌĚ tĂLJ ƌ

9 7

âââ

Ϯ͘ ŝŬĞͲtĂůŬ dƌĂŝů

ââââââââââââââââââââ ââââ

ϭ͘ >ĂƌŐĞƌ WůĂLJ ƌĞĂ ĂŶĚ ƋƵŝƉŵĞŶƚ ĨŽƌ ŚŝůĚƌĞŶ ŽĨ ůů ŐĞƐ

Safe Routes to School Planned Veloweb Trail Network

3

3

N City of Aledo 2013 Parks, Recreation and Open Spaces Master Plan

Park Development and Design Guidelines

/ŶƐƟƚƵƚĞ ŽĨ hƌďĂŶ ^ƚƵĚŝĞƐ͕ hŶŝǀĞƌƐŝƚLJ ŽĨ dĞdžĂƐ Ăƚ ƌůŝŶŐƚŽŶ

Z d W Z< ͬ /dzͲ /^ KKW Z d/s & />/dz CONCEPT PLAN Parks Concept Plans Not to Scale

two full-sized basketball or multi-use sport courts, an asphalt parking lot, a walking trail, and additional benches and picnic facilities.

4.8 FIVE-ACRE SPORTS COMPLEX

If the City of Aledo chooses to acquire additional park land, a five-acre sports complex has been designed to illustrate how additional sports courts and fields can be incorporated into a very small site. Three tennis courts, two basketball courts, a little-league baseball field, new playground equipment on two play areas to separate preschoolers from older children, and a 8-foot wide concrete walking/biking trail ties into the Hike and Bike trail system – all in only 5 acres. Shade structures dot the playground for relief from the summer sun for children and parents.

5 ACRE SPORTS COMPLEX CONCEPT PLAN

3 ϭ͘ ϭϬ͛ tŝĚĞ ŽŶĐƌĞƚĞ ŝŬĞͬtĂůŬͬZƵŶ WĂƚŚ

Ϯ͘ dĞŶŶŝƐ ŽƵƌƚƐ

ϯ͘ >ĂƌŐĞ WůĂLJŐƌŽƵŶĚ ƋƵŝƉŵĞŶƚ Ͳ ŐĞƐ ϴͲϭϮ

1

6

7 2 3

ϰ͘ >ŝƩůĞ >ĞĂŐƵĞ ĂƐĞďĂůů Field

ϱ͘ ĂƐŬĞƚďĂůů ŽƵƌƚƐ

/ŶĐůƵĚĞĚ &ĂĐŝůŝƟĞƐ ĂŶĚ WĂƌŬ &ĞĂƚƵƌĞƐ ϭ͘ ϭϬ͛ tŝĚĞ ŽŶĐƌĞƚĞ ŝŬĞͬtĂůŬͬZƵŶ WĂƚŚ Ϯ͘ dĞŶŶŝƐ ŽƵƌƚƐ ;ϯͿ ϯ͘ >ĂƌŐĞ WůĂLJŐƌŽƵŶĚ ƋƵŝƉŵĞŶƚ ;'ƌĂĚĞƐ ϯ Ͳ ϲͿ ^ĞƉĂƌĂƚĞ ĨƌŽŵ zŽƵŶŐĞƌ ŚŝůĚ ;WƌĞ < ƚŽ ϮŶĚ 'ƌĂĚĞͿ &ĂĐŝůŝƚLJ͖ ůŝŵďŝŶŐͲWůĂLJ ŶŝŵĂů ϰ͘ ^ŚĂƌĞĚ &ŝĞůĚ͗ >ŝƩůĞ >ĞĂŐƵĞ ĂƐĞďĂůů ;ƐŚŽǁŶͿ ĂŶĚ ^ŽĐĐĞƌ WƌĂĐƟĐĞ &ŝĞůĚ ϱ͘ ĂƐŬĞƚďĂůů ŽƵƌƚƐ ;ϮͿ ϲ͘ WĂǀŝůŝŽŶ ĨŽƌ WŽƌƚĂWŽƩLJ ;ϮͿ ϳ͘ ^ŚĂĚĞ ǁŶŝŶŐ ;ϭͿ

4 3

5

City of Aledo 2013

5 ACRE SPORTS PARK CONCEPT PLAN 4.9 DESIGN GUIDELINES Parks, PARK Recreation and Open Spaces Master Plan /ŶƐƟƚƵƚĞ ŽĨ hƌďĂŶ ^ƚƵĚŝĞƐ͕ hŶŝǀĞƌƐŝƚLJ ŽĨ dĞdžĂƐ Ăƚ ƌůŝŶŐƚŽŶ

Parks Concept Plans Not to Scale

Each park in the Aledo Parks and Recreation System is unique, with different purposes and very different terrain, siting issues and opportunities. Park design guidelines will identify materials and products to use in new parks and park renovations that will provide continuity throughout the system. Preliminary comments made in this section are intended as guidance on the pros and cons of materials

and products that might be adopted into design guidelines. A formal design guidelines document would most likely be developed after continued public involvement, under the direction of the City of Aledo, by individually contracted design/planning firms.

FIXTURES GUIDELINES A western Texas vernacular is suggested for Aledo’s park architecture, fixtures, and materials which will reflect the climate, culture, building materials, and history of Aledo.

• Gazebos and Pavilions should be chosen for aesthetics and durability; therefore, standing metal seam roof and powder-coated, tubular steel beams should be chosen from reputable suppliers.

• Fixtures – Benches, bollards, trash receptacles, and drinking water fountains should be chosen from the same product line from a single maker so that the fixtures coordinate. Fixtures should be chosen in the design development phase to complement the parks system and the individual park. Use of a single product line is important within each park; however, a different color scheme and product line design and materials palette may be chosen if it is better suited to another park.

• Materials – Metal, concrete, hardy-board, recycled plastics such as Trex lumber, and wood are all materials options for the benches, bollards, trash receptacles, and drinking water fountains, but each has aesthetic, cost, maintenance, and durability differences to consider. Each can represent the Texas vernacular style to be used in the Aledo Parks and Recreation System. Steel is the most durable, beautiful, and costly; however, when used for benches it gets too hot in the sun and should be used under shade.

Consideration of budget and park site conditions may lead style choices.

• Fencing – Where fencing is required, such as at City Hall Grounds, a black powder-coated steel fence, should be used.

Park Development and Design Guidelines

33

PLANT MATERIALS GUIDELINES

• Much of the region contains plants and terrain that create the habitat that supports populations of white-tailed deer and other wildlife species. Fragmentation of wildlife habitat is also rapidly increasing, so contiguous tracts of land should be preserved, possibly as part of the parks and trails corridor.

Plant species typifying the West Cross Timbers sub-region of the Cross Timbers and Prairies Ecological Region should be retained, preserved, and planted when new trees, shrubs, and perennials are required. A suggested tree species list is offered in Appendix O. • Texas Native and adapted plants should be used in the parks and landscaping, and every effort should be made to preserve existing mature trees in the parks and within the trail corridors.

• Plants adapted to the low rainfall of Aledo should be used, and Xeriscaping and rainwater harvesting should be used to irrigate park landscaping. The trees common to the Cross Timbers ecosystem will be the most economical to maintain and will require little irrigation.

• Tree species to plant and preserve include Shin Oak, Spanish Oak, Live Oak, Texas Ash, Mesquite, Osage Orange, Ashe Juniper, Eastern Red Cedar, Cedar Elm, and Flame-leaf Sumac. Small trees/ shrubs to plant or preserve include Skunkbush Sumac, Elbowbush, Lotebush, Tasajillo, and Rough-leafed Dogwood.

• Post Oak-Blackjack Oak woodlands characterize much of the West Cross Timbers. Post Oak trees are very slow growing, because of this, sizable trees are valuable and hard to replace. Often a Post Oak tree with a caliper greater than 18 inches will prove to be over 250 years old! Designs should showcase these heritage trees.

FUTURE PLANNING AND IMPLEMENTATION In addition to considering park refurbishment and upgrades, parkland acreage expansion should become a focus of attention in the next ten years. The first step towards expanding parkland holdings is to identify parcels that are easily, minimally developed as parkland. Once these parcels are identified, options for acquisition begin to open up.

Chapter 6 discusses the option of strengthening the Aledo subdivision ordinance to further the goal of an increasing parkland.

Adoption of the Parks Concept Plans will not result in modification of existing jurisdictional boundaries, change existing zoning or land use plans or add new development regulations. However, it may be necessary to adopt amendments to General, Community and Specific Plans, as well as rezone land to be consistent with the Concept Plan Elements as they are acquired or developed by public agencies or private developers. Implementation actions may range from the preparation of comprehensive master plans and overall design guidelines to acquisition and development of specific areas for parkland and trail system development.

• The integrated plant community of shrubs, understory trees, vines, and ground covers should be retained as much as possible rather than simply clearing away the vegetative underbrush.

Educational signage should accompany such a wild-scape so that an appreciation for the ecology of Aledo is fostered.

• Exposed sandstone rocks and boulders dominate landscape features in many areas. Where these exist they should be retained and celebrated as expressions of Aledo’s character.

34

Park Development and Design Guidelines

POSSIBLE PARKLAND ACQUISITION SITES

Figure 4.2: A Full-Size Version of the Possible Parkland Acquisition Sites map can be Found in Appendix B.

Park Development and Design Guidelines

35

Chapter 5: Trail Plan and Guidelines 5.1 INTRODUCTION

Hiking and biking through natural areas is one of the most restorative and fulfilling recreational activities. Nature trails bring individuals into intimate contact with nature, for observation and exploration. Urban trails also offer an enjoyable experience whether they are used for recreation on a route between home and park, or on a trip to work or school. Through its Parks, Recreation and Open Spaces Master Plan, the City of Aledo has a plan to provide these opportunities.

NEIGHBORHOOD CONNECTIVITY AND WALKABILITY A good trails system should be able to link households to destinations for work, leisure and school. Each segment of a system should have logical and functional start and endpoints. To achieve this goal, neighborhoods need sidewalks and easements to promote connections which can be enhanced by greenways serving as links.

Most neighborhoods in Aledo are not currently well-connected to destinations within the city by sidewalks. This issue is particularly important since over 60% of respondents in the public survey said that they use parks in other cities for hiking and biking because these facilities do not exist in the City of Aledo.

The desire of Aledo’s residents to build a trail system did not begin with the current parks planning process. Two previous planning efforts document proposed trail routes: the Future Land Use Plan, 2006, and the Safe Routes to School Plan. In 2008 the City of Aledo contracted Nave Engineering LLC, to develop a Safe Routes to School Plan (SRTS).

TxDOT has begun work on improvements along North FM 1187 to include sidewalks identified in the SRTS Plan.

SAFE ROUTES TO SCHOOL PLAN The Safe Routes to School (SRTS) Plan is integral to the Aledo Hike & Bike Trail System. The SRTS Plan defined priority routes for the

BENEFITS OF A WELL-CONNECTED TRAIL SYSTEM DESTINATION NEIGHBORHOODS SCHOOLS

COMMERCIAL & ENTERTAINMENT CENTERS RECREATIONAL FACILITIES

BIKEWAY NETWORK

BENEFIT CONNECTED NEIGHBORHOODS FACILITATE CHILDREN’S WALKING TO PLAYGROUNDS AND INCREASED OPTIONS FOR ADULTS. A CAR-FREE MULTI-USE TRAIL IS APPROPRIATE FOR THE SKILLS OF YOUNG CYCLISTS AND CAN PROVIDE AN INCENTIVE FOR PARENTS TO LET THEIR CHILDREN BIKE OR WALK TO SCHOOL. CONNECTIONS TO MARKETS AND RETAIL CENTERS ENABLE CYCLISTS TO COMPLETE ERRANDS SUCH AS A TRIP TO THE POST OFFICE AND EXPANDS COMMUTE OPTIONS FOR EMPLOYEES. CYCLING TO RECREATIONAL FACILITIES SUCH AS GYMS, PARKS, OR SPORT FIELDS IS A GREAT WAY TO WARM UP AND MAY REDUCE MOTOR VEHICLE TRIPS TO THESE DESTINATIONS. A SINGLE TRAIL ROUTE CANNOT PROVIDE DOOR-TODOOR PASSAGE TO ALL DESTINATIONS; HOWEVER, IT CAN PROVIDE CONNECTIONS TO MANY FACILITIES IN THE TRAIL NETWORK. THE BULK OF THE TRIP MAY OCCUR ON THE MULTI-USE TRAIL, WITH SHORTER PORTIONS OF THE JOURNEY COMPLETED ON A BIKE LANE OR STREET.

BICYCLES CAN DRASTICALLY EXPAND THE USER’S REACH, ALLOWING TRANSPORT UP TO FIVE MILES IN LESS THAN 30 MINUTES AT A LEISURELY PACE. Figure 5.1: Benefits of a Well-Connected Trail System

Trail Plan and Guidelines

37

establishment of on-street trails and sidewalk routes so that students could “utilize physically active transportation, such as walking and bicycling, for a safe and enjoyable trip to school.” The SRTS Plan identified priority destinations, too, which are McAnally Intermediate School, Vandagriff Elementary School, and the Middle School.

The SRTS Plan used a two-tier system: Routes (numbered), and Trails (marked T). The “trails” are supporting connections needed to provide connectivity between the priority routes. However, there is no difference between the two beyond the prioritization and funding for each type: both are routes for school-to-home connectivity.

SAFE ROUTES TO SCHOOL PLAN, 2008

The SRTS Plan notes that a priority was placed on constructing the school routes along the main thoroughfares. In addition to the primary sidewalk system that will connect the schools to the neighborhoods, a potential trail system was laid out. This trail system is not currently anticipated to be funded entirely by the city, but is to be constructed by developers or with the aid of outside grants.

For this reason, all of the SRTS routes, whether as proposed “route to school” or “trail” are incorporated into the Parks, Recreation and Open Spaces Master Plan’s proposed trail system.

5.2 TRAIL TYPOLOGY

All the paths within the trail system work together to play a role in circulation. A hierarchy of paved and unpaved trails and paths, boardwalks and bridges, bicycle lanes, and sidewalks together provide access and connectivity. Traffic engineers, planners, and bicycle activists often frame the development of their trails network around these types of facilities: STREET NETWORK TRAILS • Multi-Use Trail – A paved or unpaved trail path physically separated from motor vehicle traffic, generally outside the road’s right of way. It is often shared between bicyclists, pedestrians and other non-motorized users. None of these trails are currently available in Aledo.

38

Trail Plan and Guidelines

SAFE ROUTES TO SCHOOL PLAN

EXHIBIT #1 PROPOSED ROUTES

Figure 5.2: A Full-Size Version of the Safe Routes to School Plan can be Found in the Appendix.

• Bicycle Lane – One-way on-street lanes that are signed and marked to designate the space occupied by cyclists on the roadway. None of these trails are currently available in Aledo.

• Shared Roadway – Cyclists share the roadway with motor vehicles, cycling in a shoulder at the curb. It may or may not be signed as a preferred bicycle route. Any road in Aledo may presently serve this purpose.

• Preferred Sidewalk Route – A paved pedestrian facility separate from motor vehicle traffic, either behind the curb or behind a landscape strip. It may or may not be signed as a preferred Safe Route to School route.

Some sidewalk facilities exist in Aledo, although not in a coordinated network.

• BikeWalk Trail – a paved path for bicyclists and pedestrians physically inaccessible to motor vehicle traffic. BikeWalk Trails are neighborhood paths that aid in connectivity through the neighborhood, and optimize quick routes out of the neighborhood. BikeWalk Trails also connect neighborhoods directly to greenway amenities and trails. BikeWalk Trails are planned for Brookhollow and Parks of Aledo, and are proposed in the redesign of Howard Way Park and between the cul-desacs on Barnwell Lane and Bluff View.

OFF-STREET TRAILS • Limited Development Nature Trails – These trails are often designed to provide access to quiet, natural areas. Often these are bare earth paths, wood chip or mulch, or boardwalk trails.

Typically, these are limited to pedestrian use, but some may be designated for mountain bike use. The proposed Clear Fork Nature Trail is this type of trail.

• Unpaved Multi-use Trails – Multiple use trails for walking, hiking, jogging, bicycle and wheelchairs, where paved trails are not appropriate or necessary. Multi-use trails can also provide

access for service and emergency vehicles. Typically if trails are developed along a stream, they are constructed out of the floodway. A variety of materials could be used, but crushed gravel or decomposed granite is most common. Mockingbird Park’s trail is this type of trail. Other trails of this type are proposed in the Trail System Route Plan Table in the next section.

• Paved Multi-use Trails – This trail type is the most common type of off-road trail because it serves the widest range of uses and the needs of most users. Concrete or bituminous surfacing are the most durable, low-maintenance trail surfaces and will withstand flood-prone landscapes; however, they will be the most expensive. No paved multi-use trails exist in Aledo but could be the best option for high-priority Safe Routes to School trails.

• Park Trails - These are self-contained trail routes that loop within a single park and often have a connection to the greater trail system. Mockingbird Park is the only park in Aledo with a park trail, but all proposed park concepts have a trail option included.

5.3 PROPOSED TRAIL SYSTEM

The proposed hike and bike trail system incorporates the SRTS routes and trails and adds to these a comprehensive system of on-street sidewalks and trails to connect neighborhoods to schools, civic and retail destinations, and parks throughout the city. Each of the proposed trail segments are listed and described in Figure 5.4: Aledo Hike and Bike Trail System on the next two pages. Figure 5.3: System Map illustrates the location of all of the trail routes in the system.

The trail system network is intended to work well in serving local trips, but will also serve longer, regional trips. A single multi-use trail will span a long transportation corridor (Aledo Trail, along FM 1187) while the Clear Fork Nature Trail will connect with a larger network of multi-use

Trail Plan and Guidelines

39

trails and nature trails, allowing cyclists to conveniently traverse great distances. These regional bicycle networks allow cyclists of all comfort and skill levels an opportunity to commute to work or school by bike.

Due to the longer distances involved when traveling across a region, wayfinding and distance information at the trailheads is essential.

5.4 TRAIL DESIGN GUIDELINES CONTEXT SENSITIVE TRAIL DESIGN The specific design elements needed to create a bicycle trail must be tailored to the unique conditions of each corridor. Located within a river’s floodway, nature trails offer a variety of vegetation, land forms, grade changes, and views. As much as possible, these elements should be considered when the trail alignment is being laid out. Frequently occurring curves and short spur trails to the water will add interest for the trail visitor. Linear trails should maintain a minimum of 25 feet from the edge of water bodies in order to increase safety and avoid disturbances to the wetlands, river, and lake banks.

CREATING CONNECTIVITY IN SUBDIVISION DEVELOPMENTS Development of bicycle and pedestrian routes in Aledo can be challenging due to a lack of alternate through roadways and the concentration of motor vehicle traffic on arterials. The “loop-andlollipop” street patterns commonly found in suburban housing developments may be reasonably good at keeping traffic speeds low and discouraging through traffic on residential streets, but these benefits often sacrifice connectivity. If right-of-way can be acquired (through purchase, dedication, or easement), trails and pathways can be constructed that connect dead-end streets.

In a growing number of communities, such as in the Lakewood neighborhood of Dallas, Texas, cul-de-sacs are constructed and/ or retrofitted to link up with nearby streets and trail systems. The Brookhollow subdivision has submitted plans to the City of Aledo that

40

Trail Plan and Guidelines

show these sort of bicycle and pedestrian trail connections.

INTERSECTION TREATMENTS Improvements along sidewalk networks are of limited utility if cyclists and pedestrians cannot safely and comfortably cross major roadways.

Intersection improvements on the trail networks enhance safety by eliminating or raising awareness of potential areas of conflict between

TRAIL DESIGN GUIDELINES 1. SAFETY • MINIMIZE VEHICLE CROSSINGS OF TRAIL

• SEPARATE TRAIL FROM VEHICLES WHERE POSSIBLE

• IF TRAIL CO-EXISTS WITH ROAD THEN CHOOSE ROUTE WITH LOWER AUTOMOBILE SPEED AND VOLUME • DESIGN FOR VISIBILITY AND CRIME PREVENTION

2. CONNECTIVITY

• PLAN TRAIL ROUTES FOR LONGER TRIPS, TO

INCREASE USEFULNESS FOR COMMUTING AND EXERCISE

• PROVIDE TRAIL ACCESS POINTS AND MAKE TRAIL CONNECTIONS WITHIN CITY RIGHTS-OF-WAY

3. CONTEXT

• TRAIL TREAD AND WIDTH SHOULD ADAPT TO MEET OPPORTUNITIES AND CONSTRAINTS OF ITS SURROUNDINGS

4. DIVERSITY

• PROVIDE A RANGE OF TRAILS TO MEET NEEDS OF

ALL AGES AND ABILITIES SO EVERYONE BENEFITS, INCLUDING THOSE WITH MOBILITY PROBLEMS

motorists and trail users. Aledoâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s streets, particularly roadways used frequently for through trips by motorists, will require features that reduce motor vehicle speeds and volumes and assist bicyclists in crossing busy intersections. Creative options for alerting motorists to the presence of pedestrians and bicyclists are very necessary in Aledo where so many walking & biking routes are along major thoroughfares.

The Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices, or MUTCD, should be referenced in the design of intersection treatments for safe use by pedestrians and bicyclists. Local agencies may use creative design features based on engineering judgment and the success of the design in other communities or can request permission for an experimental design.

HIKE AND BIKE TRAIL SYSTEM PLAN, 2013

TRAILHEADS Trails of 1/4 to 5 miles in length for a half day of recreational hiking are

Figure 5.3: Problematic street layouts can be adjusted simply by adding pedestrian walkways out of the end of cul-de-sac loops.

Figure 5.4: A double wide crosswalk for pedestrians and bicyclists is shown left. A combination raised speed bump and crosswalk increases the visibility of smaller pedestrians, right.

Figure 5.3: System Map. A Full-Size Version of the Trail System Map can be Found in Appendix D.

Trail Plan and Guidelines

41

PROPOSED TRAIL SEGMENT LIST - ALEDO HIKE AND BIKE TRAIL SYSTEM Proposed Segment Aledo Trail @ AHS (FM 1187 North)

Proposed Typology Existing Sidewalk Route

Prior Proposed Trail Proposed SRTS Route #9, #10

Aledo Trail @ Old Town West (FM 1187 North)

Preferred Sidewalk Route

Proposed SRTS Trail #1

Old Aledo Trail

Preferred Sidewalk Route

Proposed SRTS Route #4, #8

Aledo Trail @ Middle School (FM 1187 South) Aledo Trail @ McAnally East (FM 5)

Preferred Sidewalk Route

Proposed SRTS Route #2

Preferred Sidewalk Route

Proposed SRTS Route #1

Aledo Trail @ McAnally West (FM 5) Barnwell Trail

Preferred Sidewalk Route

Proposed SRTS Route #7

Preferred Sidewalk Route

No

Maverick Trail

Preferred Sidewalk Route

Proposed SRTS Routes #3, #5, #6

Underwood Trail

Preferred Sidewalk Route

Proposed SRTS Trail #4, #6

Cherry Street Trail

Preferred Sidewalk Route

Proposed SRTS Alternative Trail #5

Key Route Destination and Trail Location Aledo High School, downtown, and City Hall FM 1187 from Bailey Ranch Road to Maverick St. Aledo High School, downtown, and City Hall FM 1187 – West Side, from Bailey Ranch Road to Jearl Street (connection to Cherry Trail) City Hall Grounds, Downtown, and Elm St. Park FM 1187 to Elm, Oak, Mesquite, and S Front St, to cross the rail road at FM 1187 Middle School and Daniel Ninth Grade FM 1187 – West side, from Maverick to Barnwell McAnally Intermediate School FM 5 – East side, from Cedar Bluff to FM 1187 McAnally Intermediate School, Mockingbird Park, and SW neighborhoods.

FM 5 – West side, from Autumnwood Dr to Barnwell Neighborhood connection to nature trails Barnwell, east and west from FM 1187 from Clear Fork Nature Trail to Petitfils Lake Vandagriff Elementary, western neighborhoods, City Hall, and Community Center Park Old Annetta /Maverick from Old Tunnel Road to FM 1187 Parks of Aledo, Aledo HS, City Hall Underwood Road from Parks of Aledo Trail/Old Tunnel to FM 1187 Historic Aledo, Parks of Aledo Cherry Street from FM 1187 at Jearl Street to Underwood

Figure 5.6: Aledo Hike and Bike Trail Segment List, Page One. Each segment is listed by trail type and appearances in prior Safe Routes to School Plan or Aledo Land Use Map is noted.

42

Trail Plan and Guidelines

PROPOSED TRAIL SEGMENT LIST - ALEDO HIKE AND BIKE TRAIL SYSTEM Proposed Segment Bailey Ranch Trail

Proposed Typology Preferred Sidewalk Route

Prior Proposed Trail Proposed SRTS Trail #2

Key Route Destination and Trail Location Aledo HS, Parks of Aledo and Parks of Aledo Trail Bailey Ranch Road to FM 1187 Aledo HS campus From Bailey Ranch Road to Clear Fork Nature Trail Connection to Clear Fork Trail and Parks of Aledo Trail Old Tunnel Road from Underwood to Old Annetta Clear Fork Nature Trail, Aledo Trail @ McAnally Trail, Mockingbird Park From Clear Fork Nature Trail to Cedar Bluff Potential TOD development zone (TBD – currently undeveloped street) Aledo Middle School, Community Center Park Taylor Court from FM 1187 to Community Center Park along the creek Aledo Middle School From Shady Valley to Old Annetta Floodplain greenway along the Clear Fork, Trinity River.

From Barnwell to FM 5. Connection at Barnwell must accommodate significant grade and elevation change.

Floodplain greenway along the Clear Fork, Trinity River.

From Barnwell to Old Annetta

High School Trail

On Street Trail

none

Old Tunnel Trail

On Street Trail

Proposed SRTS Trail #7

FM 5 Trail

On Street Trail – Bike none Lane

TOD Station Trail

On Street Trail

none

Bearcat Trails

On Street Trail

none

Shady Valley Trail

Off Street Trail – Class 4 to 5

none

Clear Fork Nature Trail – South Segment

Off Street Trail – Class 1 to 3

Land Use Map 2008

Clear Fork Nature Trail – Central Segment Clear Fork Nature Trail – North Segment Parks of Aledo Trail

Off Street Trail – Class 1 to 3

Land Use Map 2008

Off Street Trail – Class 1 to 3

Land Use Map 2008

Floodplain greenway along the Clear Fork, Trinity River.

From Old Annetta Road to E Bankhead Highway

Off Street Trail – Class 3 to 4

Proposed SRTS Trail #3

Creek Side Trail

Off Street Trail – Class 2 to 4

none

Aledo High School and Parks of Aledo North-south utility line from Underwood to Bailey Ranch Greenway, Pititfils Lake, Brookhollow Subdivision From FM 5 Trail to FM 1187

Figure 5.6: Aledo Hike and Bike Trail Segment List, Page Two.

Trail Plan and Guidelines

43

recommended by the University of Minnesota Extension. Five to 15 miles is the distance that can be covered by experienced hikers in a full day of hiking. Connection trails should connect to the primary trail at approximately one-mile intervals and 1/2-mile intervals in areas with many destinations. This will provide maximum flexibility to the user in their choice of distances to travel to access a park destination.

ANALYSIS OF SLOPE In order to provide the basis for the most sustainable floodway trail with the least impact to natural, historic, cultural and aesthetic resources, the National Park Service (NPS) recommends establishing guidelines for each trail, so that an average trail profile grade does not exceed 12% to 15%. According to Institute of Urban Studies analysis, most areas within the city have slopes of less than 5 degrees. On the other hand, a few areas are located within slopes more than 10 degrees. These are adjacent to the following streets: • Shady Valley Dr. • Bluff View • Barnwell Ln. Construction techniques such as retaining walls, switchbacks, stone paving, bridges, etc., will improve trails by reducing slopes, reduce environmental impacts and increase sustainability.

TRAIL TREAD DESIGN The minimum width for a single tread, shared-use trail is ten feet, with a preferred width of 12-feet, with a 2-foot wide turf shoulder. The most popular and durable trail surface is asphalt or concrete. Graded aggregate stone is popular and successful as a surface for shared-use trails, while mulch or compacted dirt is good for infrequently traveled natural areas.

44

Trail Plan and Guidelines

Chapter 6: Subdivision Ordinance Policy 6.1 ADAPTING SUBDIVISION POLICY Based on the needs assessment process, Aledo requires additional park acreage and park facilities. Strengthening the subdivision ordinance will help in two ways. First, requiring subdivisions to dedicate acreage as parks will increase parkland throughout the city. Second, City funds can be used directly for the repair and maintenance of park facilities and equipment rather than acquisition. The recommendations in this section will facilitate a strengthened subdivision ordinance.

PARKS AND RECREATION ORDINANCE • Chapter 46: Sections 1- 18 of the municipal code for Parks and Recreation should be completed as soon as possible. The online Municode version is still incomplete. Regulations can be developed by referring to the Plan for details.

• The Parks and Recreation Ordinance in Chapter 46 (B -2008-012, § 1, 8-28-2008) of Municipal Code should include additional rules on trail use and maintenance. In addition, the ordinance should address use of natural and conservation areas.

PARKLAND DEDICATION Chapter 66 (sec 51 -58) of the City’s Community Facilities Policy, addresses several issues related to Parkland dedication. The section does an excellent job of requiring that developers dedicate land or provide monetary compensation in cash equivalent based on regulations. However, the following items should be strengthened to support the new Parks, Recreation and Open Spaces Master Plan: • The survey of current Parkland revealed the City’s need for larger community parks. A larger parcel of at least four contiguous acres is preferable to smaller, fragmented tracts of land. Therefore, to meet this need, this Plan recommends larger parcels be

dedicated during subdivision development.

• Suitability for Parks and Recreation should also incorporate the requirement that the parcel should be a safe location for playgrounds and for use by the public. It should not be too close to streets or hazardous terrain, such as steep slopes and wetlands.

• New developments should have sidewalks that provide access to the main streets and greenways. In addition, land that is dedicated should be required specifically (if possible) to connect to the trail systems and safe routes to schools.

Subdivision policy should also address the loop-and-lollipop street patterns commonly found in suburban housing developments. These control traffic well – however, it is at the expense of pedestrian and bike connectivity to destinations outside the immediate neighborhood.

Alternatives exist to ameliorate this issue, either in new subdivisions, or as retrofits to existing neighborhoods.

A neighborhood with easy access to a park just beyond the bulb of the cul-de-sac.

Otherwise, the park would not be such a close walk from these homes.

Subdivision Ordinance Policy

45

Chapter 7: Implementation and Prioritization of Needs This chapter begins with a review of the goals for the Parks, Recreation and Open Spaces Master Plan because they form the foundation for the top park priorities list. The chapter ends with a Prioritization and Implementation Matrix that offers suggestions on the phasing and tasks associated with the Master Plan recommendations. The potential benefits of partnering with the community in parks planning and development are also discussed. Because funding the parks system is fundamental to implementing the Master Plan, a list of public and private parks and recreation grant funding sources is provided; additional grant resources are presented in Appendix P.

7.1 PRIORITIZATION OF NEEDS

The prioritization of needs is based on interviews with Aledo’s mayor and staff, focus sessions with developers and business owners, a public THE PARKS, RECREATION AND OPEN SPACES MASTER PLAN WILL: • Guide the future growth and development of the Parks and Recreation Department through 2023 • Incorporate the approved Safe Routes to School Plan • Exemplify the Aledo 2030 vision of a Community of Excellence with a High Quality of Life Figure 7.1: Goals of the Parks, Recreation and Open Spaces Master Plan

PARK & RECREATION PROJECTS RECOMMENDED FOR HIGHEST PRIORITY IMPLEMENTATION #1: TRAILS: SAFE ROUTES TO SCHOOL Extend sidewalks and phase construction of the trail system to begin to implement the Safe Routes to School Plan. Specifically, prioritize the FM 1187-South corridor to provide sidewalks to McAnally Intermediate, Vandagriff Elementary and Aledo Middle School. #2: RENOVATION OF COMMUNITY CENTER PARK Renovation and Redevelopment of Community Center Park to include: a gazebo, multi-use sport court, walking trail, splash plaza, all-ages playground equipment, parking, community garden, and outdoor fitness stations. #3: TRAILS: MIDDLE SCHOOL TO COMMUNITY CENTER PARK Installation of a hike and bike multi-use trail between the campuses of Aledo Middle School and Vandagriff Elementary to Community Center Park. #4: DEVELOPMENT OF ELM STREET/ BROWN TRAIL PARK Development to include a gazebo, native trees and landscaping, playground equipment, benches, and signage. #5: FUTURE PARK ACQUISITION As the City of Aledo continues to grow, additional parkland may be acquired to meet future recreational needs of citizens.

Figure 7.2: The Highest Priority Projects list should guide the implementation of the Master Plan, and will be utilized by the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department in awarding grant funding.

Implementation and Prioritization of Need

47

input workshop and informal citizen survey, and existing approved plans. In light of the comments from these sources of input and the Master Plan goals, the top priority projects were identified (Figure 7.2: Highest Priority Projects) in order of implementation priority. Figure 7.4: Prioritization and Implementation Matrix, further outlines tasks, partners in completing tasks, implementation steps, and suggested time frames for implementation.

7.2 COMMUNITY PARTNERING

Public input showed that citizens of the City of Aledo are strongly interested in the creation of a trail system and a continuous sidewalk system for the SRTS Plan. In addition, Aledo residents are united by the sports activities of the school system. This community cohesiveness creates an opportunity to involve citizens in the care for their trails, parks and park facilities through volunteer efforts for maintenance, the donation of monetary contributions, or organizing fund-raising programs. Many non-profit organizations are willing to contribute time and energy for the improvement of parks and recreational facilities.

Fostering these relationships and facilitating creative new partnerships with other city organizations will build a sense of ownership in Aledo’s parks for its proactive citizens.

The Parks and Recreation Department may call on its citizens to form grass roots organizations such as: • Friends of Aledo Parks, for park fund raising or maintenance • Bike Friendly Aledo, to organize a monthly neighborhood walk or bike to school day or lead weekend bike rides

7.3 DEVELOPMENT AND MAINTENANCE COSTS

There are a number of fiscal, management, and maintenance issues that will need to be tackled in the implementation of the first City of Aledo Parks, Recreation and Open Spaces Master Plan.

Maintenance and management costs and methods vary greatly between cities. The suggestions made in this chapter are by no means

48

exhaustive, but have been adapted from the management plans of other Texas cities. This section is not intended to exhaust every possible aspect of managing a parks system—the National Recreation and Parks Association’s website contains excellent publications and tools that can be used as a management guide.

Like most cities, Aledo will face fiscal and manpower challenges in maintenance and development of a growing parks and recreation system. A poorly maintained park, however well-equipped, can be of great cost to the community in terms of safety and lack of usage. It is crucial then that the city phase the development of new parks, the purchase of new equipment and facilities, and the renovation of park facilities within the capacity of the staff and financial resources.

Construction, labor, and especially material costs are highly variable by area and over time.

Estimates of probable cost are shown in Appendix Q. They are to illustrate general development expenses and equipment acquisitions and are only to be used to provide a rough guide to potential costs, but are not accurate for bidding purposes. Opportunities, market pricing, and economic influences, to name just a few factors, will likely affect the phasing, ordering, and expenditures in the Cities’ parks improvement efforts.

7.4 RESOURCE MOBILIZATION PART ONE: CITY GENERATED FUNDING SOURCES City generated funding for the parks systems can be achieved in many ways. The following are common practices used by other cities in the region. a. Recreation Service Fees: User fees may be levied for the purpose of funding maintenance and activities. The fees could potentially include group reservations for park grounds, such as picnic sites, pavilions, or other reserved activities. Other options are

Implementation and Prioritization of Need

nominal entry fees for concerts and public events. b. Secure On-Site Donation Stations: Donation stations can be kept in strategic parts of the parks system so residents and visitors can contribute to the improvement of the City of Aledo parks system. These types of stations are used regularly throughout the national and state parks systems and could be a source of maintenance revenue for the parks. c. Private Sector Donations: Private donations in the form of property, funds, or labor can be used for the development for the park system. Partnerships with organizations and business leaders are common avenues of funding that cities take in search of creative financing. Youth clubs and other volunteer organizations may be willing to make some contributions to Aledoâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Parks and Recreation Department. For example, Eagle Scouts, Texas Master Gardeners, and area churches were mentioned during stakeholder meetings as willing participants.

potential partnerships may exist with Fort Worthâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Walsh Ranch, Willow Park, the Annettas, Weatherford and Benbrook.

PART TWO: GRANT FUNDING SOURCES There are numerous potential grant funding sources available for parks improvements. Most public agency grant programs will require at least some match on the part of the city, but allow a city to leverage scarce funds. Figure 7.3: Parks & Recreation Grant Resources lists a number of public agency grant sources, with a description of the grant program.

Appendix P offers an extensive list of non-governmental agency grant sources.

d. Taxes: According to the survey, some residents are willing to pay more taxes in order to improve and expand the parks system because they recognize the increase in real estate property value and quality of life that would result. e. Development Ordinances: Another option for City of Aledo is to collaborate with developers to dedicate land. The City Ordinance currently has some requirements for this possibility, but it could be strengthened to meet the gap that may exist in the future for recreational land requirements. f. Partnering with Neighboring Communities: Part of the solution to meeting the recreation gap is forming strategic partnerships with neighboring communities to address needs, such as hiking and sports facilities. The City of Aledo has a large extraterritorial jurisdiction that will be needed for the development and future expansion of the trail system and a regional park. Since these facilities may cater to a number of communities in the area,

Implementation and Prioritization of Need

49

PARKS & RECREATION GRANT RESOURCES GRANT SOURCE DESCRIPTION 1. TEXAS PARKS AND WILDLIFE DEPARTMENT GRANTS a OUTDOOR RECREATION THIS PROGRAM PROVIDES A 50% MATCHING GRANT TO ACQUIRE AND DEVELOP PARKLAND OR TO RENOVATE GRANTS EXISTING PUBLIC RECREATION AREAS. THE MAXIMUM AMOUNT IN EACH APPLICATION IS $400,000. THE DEADLINE FOR THE APPLICATION IS JULY 31 OF EACH YEAR. b INDOOR RECREATION THIS PROGRAM PROVIDES A 50% MATCHING GRANT TO CONSTRUCT RECREATION CENTERS, COMMUNITY (FACILITY) GRANTS CENTERS, AND OTHER FACILITIES. THE MAXIMUM AMOUNT IN EACH APPLICATION IS $417,563. THE DEADLINE FOR THE APPLICATION IS JULY 31 OF EACH YEAR. c RECREATIONAL TRAIL THIS PROGRAM PROVIDES UP TO 80% OF THE PROJECT COST. THE DEADLINE FOR SUBMITTING THE APPLICATION GRANTS IS JUNE THE FUNDS FROM THIS PROJECT CAN BE SPENT ON MOTORIZED AND NON- MOTORIZED RECREATIONAL TRAIL PROJECTS SUCH AS THE CONSTRUCTION OF NEW RECREATIONAL TRAILS, THE IMPROVEMENT OF EXISTING TRAILS, THE DEVELOPMENT OF TRAILHEADS, AND ACQUISITION OF TRAIL CORRIDORS. d REGIONAL PARK GRANTS THIS PROVIDES 50% MATCHING GRANT FUNDS TO LOCAL GOVERNMENTS IN ORDER TO CREATE LARGE, INTENSIVE-USE RECREATION AREAS, REGIONAL SYSTEMS OF PARKS, AND CONSERVATION AREAS WITH TRAIL LINKAGES. THIS ALSO PROVIDES FOR LINEAR GREENWAYS BETWEEN PARKS AND OTHER COMMUNITY AMENITIES IN TEXAS URBAN AREAS. 2. SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT THIS GRANT WAS CREATED BY ITS POLICY BODY, THE REGIONAL TRANSPORTATION COUNCIL, TO ENCOURAGE FUNDING PROGRAM PUBLIC/PRIVATE PARTNERSHIPS THAT ADDRESS EXISTING TRANSPORTATION SYSTEM CAPACITY, RAIL ACCESS, AIR (NORTH CENTRAL TEXAS QUALITY CONCERNS, AND MIXED LAND USES. COUNCIL OF GOVERNMENTS) 3. COOPERATIVE FORESTRY THIS GRANT IS AVAILABLE ON A 50% COST-SHARE BASIS FOR PROJECTS INCLUDING TRAILS AND GREENWAYS, ASSISTANCE FUNDS BEAUTIFICATION EFFORTS, AND PUBLIC EDUCATION AND TRAINING. THE RANGE FOR THE GRANTS IS FROM (TEXAS DEPARTMENT OF $5,000 TO $10,000 FORESTRY GRANTS) Figure 7.3: Funding for the Top Four Priority Projects should be pursued through these important grantor resources.

Figure 7.4: Prioritization and Implementation Matrix, next page. This table outlines tasks, partners in completing tasks, implementation steps, and suggested time frames for implementation.

50

Implementation and Prioritization of Need

PRIORITIZATION AND IMPLEMENTATION MATRIX - PAGE ONE TOPIC

WHO?

WHAT?

HOW?

WHEN?

TRAIL SYSTEM City, Private Developers, Aledo ISD, Parents

Increase connectivity through the use of sidewalks, bicycle lanes, multi-use paths, and trails

• Integrate the siting of proposed trail segments into the Development Review process • Require by ordinance that new developments either dedicate land for open space and trail connections or provide cash in-lieu to expand the City’s park system • Site proposed trail segments to prioritize connectivity throughout the City of Aledo for all users, young and old and with varying mental and physical abilities • Design trails to offer universal accessibility for residents of all physical capabilities, skill level, and age • Continue a dialogue with citizens and schools to identify needed trail sites and improvements

Immediately to 3 Years

CITY HALL GROUNDS AND COMMUNITY CENTER PARK

City

Develop as signature recreation and community gathering spaces

• Prepare grant proposals • Explore additional funding sources, including private donations and additional taxes • Provide an opportunity for community art submission • Install improvements for pedestrian safety

6 Months to 2 Years

PARKS, NATURAL AREAS, AND OPEN SPACES

City, Texas Parks and Wildlife

Expand the • Incorporate sustainable development and low impact design practices 1 to 3 Years amount of permainto the design, planning and rehabilitation of new and existing facilities nently protected • Prepare sustainability best management practices for maintenance and natural areas and operations preserve natural • Create an authentic look and feel for the parks system through conriparian corridors sistent use of plants native to the Cross Timbers and Prairies region of & greenways Texas • Explore land acquisition • Prepare grant proposals • Explore additional funding sources, including private donations and additional taxes

Implementation and Prioritization of Need

51

PRIORITIZATION AND IMPLEMENTATION MATRIX - PAGE TWO TOPIC

WHO?

WHAT?

HOW?

WHEN?

RECREATION

City, local sports and arts organizations, Aledo ISD

Provide diverse and sufficient recreational and cultural opportunities within the City

1 to 5 Years

SUPERIOR PARKS

City

Feature superior design in parks and recreation facilities within the City Hall Grounds that highlight the City’s heritage, arts and culture

• A location for a sports complex is yet to be determined, but other parks and trails can be used for increased active and passive recreation opportunities, including gardening, hiking, and biking • Prepare grant proposals • Explore additional funding sources, including private donations and additional taxes • Begin construction of improvements • Partner with local sports and arts organizations to program parks effectively • Standardize the use of colors, materials, graphics and signage to establish a consistent identity at all trails, trailheads and other facilities • Target areas in the ETJ for park expansion • Prepare grant proposals • Explore additional funding sources, including private donations and additional taxes • Begin construction of improvements: play structures, pavilions, community gardens, and landscaping

TRAIL AND PARK MAINTENANCE

City, Volunteers, Master Gardeners, Service Organizations

Ensure parks and trails are attractive, safe and, well-maintained

• Budget appropriately for maintaining vegetation, repairing equipment, and safety • Encourage volunteer trail maintenance projects from a variety of service clubs, Scouting organizations, churches and businesses • Institute an Adopt-A-Trail program • Begin a community trail watch and other similar programs to increase safety, security and public awareness • Install secure on-site donation boxes • Solicit private sector donations

Ongoing

52

Implementation and Prioritization of Need

6 Months to 5 Years

PRIORITIZATION AND IMPLEMENTATION MATRIX - PAGE THREE TOPIC

WHO?

WHAT?

HOW?

WHEN?

REGIONAL COOPERATION

City of Aledo, Cities of Benbrook, Willow Park, Fort Worth, the Annettas, Metro and NCTCOG, Railroad

Joint planning, • Coordinate with the Railroad for a potential rail-with-trail opportunity Next 5-10 years development and • Integrate with the Veloweb maintenance of • Begin a dialogue with other city parks departments to share plans, align the Clear Fork trail systems, and address regional needs Trail and other local and regional connecting trail opportunities

Implementation and Prioritization of Need

53

APPENDIX CONTENTS APPENDIX A....................................................2 Park Concept Plans

APPENDIX B....................................................9 Possible Sites for Future Parkland Acquisition APPENDIX C.................................................. 12 City of Aledo Parks and Subdivision Parkland APPENDIX D.................................................. 14 Proposed Trail Plan Maps and Segment List APPENDIX E.................................................. 19 Safe Routes to School Plan APPENDIX F................................................... 21 Terrain and Degree of Slope Maps APPENDIX G.................................................. 24 Planned Trail Routes - Veloweb APPENDIX H.................................................. 26 Land Use and Zoning Maps APPENDIX I................................................... 31 Planned Roadways

APPENDIX J................................................... 34 Planned Residential Development Parks of Aledo Brookhollow APPENDIX K.................................................. 38 Stakeholder Focus Groups APPENDIX L................................................... 42 Public Input Sign-In Sheets APPENDIX M................................................. 45 Public Involvement Activities & Responses APPENDIX N.................................................. 66 Public Survey Questionnaire Responses APPENDIX O.................................................. 82 Tree Species List for Parks and Streetscapes APPENDIX P.................................................. 87 Additonal Grant Resources APPENDIX Q................................................ 102 Opinion of Probable Costs APPENDIX R................................................ 106 References

1

APPENDIX A Park Concept Plans

2

ůĞ

ĚŽ

dƌ Ăŝů

6

ϭ͘ KƵƚĚŽŽƌ ƉĞƌĨŽƌŵĂŶĐĞ Ϯ͘ ^ŬĂƚĞ WůĂnjĂ ƐƉĂĐĞ ͬ ŵƉŚŝƚŚĞĂƚĞƌ KůĚ

8 Ŷ

3

5

ŶĞ ƩĂ ZŽ Ă

1

Ě

8 4

2

City of Aledo 2013 Parks, Recreation and Open Spaces Master Plan

dƌ Ăŝů

8 ĚŽ

/ŶĐůƵĚĞĚ &ĂĐŝůŝƟĞƐ ĂŶĚ WĂƌŬ &ĞĂƚƵƌĞƐ ϭ͘ KƵƚĚŽŽƌ ƉĞƌĨŽƌŵĂŶĐĞ ƐƉĂĐĞͬ ŵƉŚŝƚŚĞĂƚĞƌ ;ϭͿ Ϯ͘ ^ŬĂƚĞďŽĂƌĚ WůĂnjĂ ǁŝƚŚ /ŶƚĞŐƌĂƚĞĚ ^ĞĂƟŶŐ Ăƚ WĞƌŝŵĞƚĞƌ ϯ͘ WĂǀŝůŝŽŶ ;DĞƚĂů ZŽŽĨͿ ǁŝƚŚ ĞŶĐŚ ^ĞĂƟŶŐ Žƌ WŝĐŶŝĐ dĂďůĞƐ ;ϮͿ ϰ͘ DĞŵŽƌŝĂů dƌĞĞ tĂůŬ ǁŝƚŚ ŽƚĂŶŝĐĂů WůĂƋƵĞƐ ϱ͘ ^ŵĂůů 'ĂnjĞďŽ Ͳ DĞƚĂů ZŽŽĨ ;ϭͿ ϲ͘ ,ŝƐƚŽƌŝĐ ZĂŝů ZŽĂĚ ĞƉŽƚ ;ϭͿ ϳ͘ WĂǀŝůŝŽŶͬZĞƐƚƌŽŽŵͬ ŽŶĐĞƐƐŝŽŶƐ ^ƚĂŶĚ ;ĂƐ EĞĞĚĞĚͿ ϴ͘ WĂƌŬŝŶŐ >Žƚ ;ϯͿ

3

ůĞ

ϯ͘ WĂǀŝůŝŽŶ ǁŝƚŚ ĞŶĐŚ ^ĞĂƟŶŐ Žƌ WŝĐŶŝĐ dĂďůĞƐ

7

N

/dz , >> 'ZKhE ^ KE Wd W> E Parks Concept Plans Not to Scale

/ŶƐƟƚƵƚĞ ŽĨ hƌďĂŶ ^ƚƵĚŝĞƐ͕ hŶŝǀĞƌƐŝƚLJ ŽĨ dĞdžĂƐ Ăƚ ƌůŝŶŐƚŽŶ

3

Ků

Ě

1

ŶŶ

ĞƩ Ă Z ŽĂ

Ě

ϭ͘ 'ĂnjĞďŽ ĂŶĚ &ůŽǁĞƌ ĞĚƐ sŝƐŝďůĞ ĨƌŽŵ ^ƚƌĞĞƚ

Ϯ͘ dŝŵďĞƌ ƌďŽƌ

8

ϯ͘ &ůĂŐƐŚŝƉ WĂƌŬ WůĂLJŐƌŽƵŶĚ ƋƵŝƉŵĞŶƚ

6

Ž Ğ ŵŵ ŶƚĞ ƵŶ ƌ ŝƚLJ ůĚŐ

2 3

5

4

ϰ͘ KƵƚĚŽŽƌ &ŝƚŶĞƐƐ

ϱ͘ ^ƉůĂƐŚ ƉůĂnjĂ

/ŶĐůƵĚĞĚ &ĂĐŝůŝƟĞƐ ĂŶĚ WĂƌŬ &ĞĂƚƵƌĞƐ ϭ͘ 'ĂnjĞďŽ ;DĞƚĂů ZŽŽĨͿ ĂŶĚ &ůŽǁĞƌ ĞĚƐ sŝƐŝďůĞ ĨƌŽŵ ^ƚƌĞĞƚ ;ϭͿ Ϯ͘ dŝŵďĞƌ ƌďŽƌ ŽǀĞƌ &ůĂŐƐƚŽŶĞ dĞƌƌĂĐĞ Θ &ůŽǁĞƌ ĞĚƐ ;ϭͿ ϯ͘ <Ͳϲ WůĂLJŐƌŽƵŶĚ ƋƵŝƉŵĞŶƚ͕ >ĂƌŐĞ ^Ğƚ ;ϭͿ ϰ͘ KƵƚĚŽŽƌ &ŝƚŶĞƐƐ ^ƚĂƟŽŶƐ ;ϮͿ ϱ͘ ^ƉůĂƐŚ WůĂnjĂ ǁŝƚŚ /ŶƚĞŐƌĂƚĞĚ >ŝŵĞƐƚŽŶĞ ^ĞĂƟŶŐ ϲ͘ KƉĞŶ >ĂǁŶ ǁŝƚŚ DĞŵŽƌŝĂů ^ŚĂĚĞ dƌĞĞ ZŽǁ ϳ͘ tĂůŬŝŶŐͬ ZƵŶŶŝŶŐ dƌĂŝů ;ϭͿ ϴ͘ EĂƚƵƌĞ dƌĂŝůƐ ĨŽƌ ŽƚĂŶŝĐĂů 'ĂƌĚĞŶ ƌĞĂ ϵ͘ ŽŵŵƵŶŝƚLJ 'ĂƌĚĞŶŝŶŐ ƌĞĂ

City of Aledo 2013 Parks, Recreation and Open Spaces Master Plan

7

4 dƌĂ ůĞ ŝů Ž ĚŽ ŶŶĞ D ŝĚĚ ĐƟŽŶ ůĞ ƚŽ ^ĐŚ ŽŽ ů

9

N

ZĂŵƉ

KDDhE/dz Ed Z W Z< KE Wd W> E Parks Concept Plans Not to Scale

/ŶƐƟƚƵƚĞ ŽĨ hƌďĂŶ ^ƚƵĚŝĞƐ͕ hŶŝǀĞƌƐŝƚLJ ŽĨ dĞdžĂƐ Ăƚ ƌůŝŶŐƚŽŶ

4

ϭ͘ >ĂƌŐĞƌ WůĂLJ ƌĞĂ ĂŶĚ ƋƵŝƉŵĞŶƚ ĨŽƌ ŚŝůĚƌĞŶ ŽĨ ůů ŐĞƐ

Ϯ͘ ŝŬĞͲtĂůŬ dƌĂŝů

ϯ͘ ŽŵŵƵŶŝƚLJ 'ĂƌĚĞŶ Žƌ &ůŽǁĞƌ ƌĞĂ

ϰ͘ dƌĂĸĐ ĂůŵŝŶŐ ŝƌĐůĞ ƚŽ WĂƌƟĂůůLJ ůŽƐĞ ^ƚƌĞĞƚ

ϱ͘ ŽůůĂƌĚƐ ǁŝƚŚ >ŝŐŚƟŶŐ ƚŽ WƌĞǀĞŶƚ dŚƌŽƵŐŚͲdƌĂĸĐ

,ŽǁĂƌĚ tĂLJ ƌ

6 5

7 1 8

5

2

Taos Loop

9

4

3

/ŶĐůƵĚĞĚ &ĂĐŝůŝƟĞƐ ĂŶĚ WĂƌŬ &ĞĂƚƵƌĞƐ ϭ͘ >ĂƌŐĞƌ WůĂLJ ƌĞĂ ĂŶĚ ƋƵŝƉŵĞŶƚ ĨŽƌ ŚŝůĚƌĞŶ ŽĨ ůů ŐĞƐ ;ϭͿ Ϯ͘ ŝŬĞͲtĂůŬ dƌĂŝů ϯ͘ ŽŵŵƵŶŝƚLJ 'ĂƌĚĞŶ Žƌ tŝůĚŇŽǁĞƌ ƌĞĂ ϰ͘ dƌĂĸĐ ĂůŵŝŶŐ ŝƌĐůĞ ƚŽ WĂƌƟĂůůLJ ůŽƐĞ ^ƚƌĞĞƚ͕ ǁŝƚŚ WůĂŶƟŶŐ ĞĚ ĂŶĚ dƌĞĞ ;ϭͿ ϱ͘ ŽůůĂƌĚƐ ǁŝƚŚ >ŝŐŚƟŶŐ ƚŽ WƌĞǀĞŶƚ dŚƌŽƵŐŚͲdƌĂĸĐ ĂŶĚ /ŶĐƌĞĂƐĞ ^ĂĨĞƚLJ ;ϭϰͿ

City of Aledo 2013 Parks, Recreation and Open Spaces Master Plan

ϲ͘ KƌŶĂŵĞŶƚĂů dƌĞĞƐ Ͳ ƌĂƉĞ DLJƌƚůĞ Žƌ ZĞĚďƵĚ ;ϯͿ ϳ͘ dĞdžĂƐ EĂƟǀĞ ^ŚĂĚĞ dƌĞĞƐ ϴ͘ džŝƐƟŶŐ ĂƐŬĞƚďĂůů WƌĂĐƟĐĞ WĂĚ ϵ͘ WŝĐŶŝĐ dĂďůĞƐ ĂŶĚ Y 'ƌŝůůƐ ;ϯͿ

N

,Kt Z t z W Z< KE Wd W> E Parks Concept Plans Not to Scale

/ŶƐƟƚƵƚĞ ŽĨ hƌďĂŶ ^ƚƵĚŝĞƐ͕ hŶŝǀĞƌƐŝƚLJ ŽĨ dĞdžĂƐ Ăƚ ƌůŝŶŐƚŽŶ

5

>ĂŶĞ DŽĐŬŝŶŐďŝƌĚ

ϭ͘ ^ŚĂĚĞ ^ƚƌƵĐƚƵƌĞƐ ĨŽƌ WŝĐŶŝĐ dĂďůĞƐ

Ϯ͘ WůĂLJ ƋƵŝƉŵĞŶƚ ĨŽƌ ŚŝůĚƌĞŶ ŽĨ ůů ŐĞƐ

7

3

1 4

5

2

6

5

3

City of Aledo 2013 Parks, Recreation and Open Spaces Master Plan

N

FM

/ŶĐůƵĚĞĚ &ĂĐŝůŝƟĞƐ ĂŶĚ WĂƌŬ &ĞĂƚƵƌĞƐ ϭ͘ WĂǀŝůŝŽŶ ;DĞƚĂů ZŽŽĨͿ ǁŝƚŚ WŝĐŶŝĐ dĂďůĞƐ ;ϮͿ Ϯ͘ WůĂLJ ƋƵŝƉŵĞŶƚ ĨŽƌ ŚŝůĚƌĞŶ ŽĨ ůů ŐĞƐ ;ϭͿ ϯ͘ dƌĂŝůƐ Ͳ EĂƚƵƌĂů ^Žŝů ^ƵƌĨĂĐĞ ϰ͘ dƌĂŝůƐ Ͳ ŽŶĐƌĞƚĞ ^ƵƌĨĂĐĞ ϱ͘ ĂƌͲ ͲYƵĞ 'ƌŝůůƐ Ͳ Ϯ ϲ͘ KƉĞŶͲĂŝƌ WŝĐŶŝĐ dĂďůĞƐ Ͳ ϲ ϳ͘ ĚĚŝƟŽŶĂů dĞdžĂƐ EĂƟǀĞ ^ŚĂĚĞ dƌĞĞƐ ;ϲͿ

5

ϯ͘ dƌĂŝůƐ Ͳ EĂƚƵƌĂů ƐŽŝů ƐƵƌĨĂĐĞ

DK </E' /Z W Z< KE Wd W> E Parks Concept Plans Not to Scale

/ŶƐƟƚƵƚĞ ŽĨ hƌďĂŶ ^ƚƵĚŝĞƐ͕ hŶŝǀĞƌƐŝƚLJ ŽĨ dĞdžĂƐ Ăƚ ƌůŝŶŐƚŽŶ

6

].JPG (JPEG Image, 3264 2448 pixels) - Scaled (32%)

https://acad.sp.uta.edu/sites/ius/library/Photos/Park images/native plants/IMG_0030[1].JPG

/ŶĐůƵĚĞĚ &ĂĐŝůŝƟĞƐ ĂŶĚ WĂƌŬ &ĞĂƚƵƌĞƐ ϭ͘ 'ĂnjĞďŽ Ͳ DĞƚĂů ZŽŽĨ ;ϭͿ Ϯ͘ EĂƟǀĞ tŝůĚŇŽǁĞƌƐ͕ 'ƌĂƐƐĞƐ ĂŶĚ KƌŶĂŵĞŶƚĂů WĞƌĞŶŝĂů ĞĚƐ ;ϲͿ ϯ͘ dƌĞĞƐ ĨŽƌ ^ŚĂĚĞ ĂŶĚ ŽůŽƌ ϰ͘ ĞŶĐŚ ^ĞĂƟŶŐ ;ϰͿ ϱ͘ ,ŝƐƚŽƌŝĐ ůĞĚŽ Ͳ ƌŽǁŶ dƌĂŝů /ŶĨŽƌŵĂƟŽŶ WůĂƋƵĞ

ϭ͘ 'ĂnjĞďŽ Žƌ ŽƚŚĞƌ ^ŚĂĚĞ Ϯ͘ EĂƟǀĞ tŝůĚŇŽǁĞƌƐ ϯ͘ dƌĞĞƐ ĨŽƌ ^ŚĂĚĞ ĂŶĚ ^ƚƌƵĐƚƵƌĞ ĂŶĚ KƌŶĂŵĞŶƚĂů WĞƌĞŶŝĂů ŽůŽƌ ;ZĞĚďƵĚ ƉŝĐƚƵƌĞĚͿ ĞĚƐ 7/29/13 2:00 PM

WƌŽƉŽƐĞĚ dŚŽƌŽƵŐŚĨĂƌĞ ŽŶŶĞĐƟŽŶ͗ ůŵ ^ƚƌĞĞƚ ƚŽ ,ŝůůƐŝĚĞ ƌŝǀĞ͘

2

3 4

1

4

ůŵ

^ƚ

ƌĞĞ ƚ

5

3

N

7/29/13 1:57 PM

City of Aledo 2013 Parks, Recreation and Open Spaces Master Plan /ŶƐƟƚƵƚĞ ŽĨ hƌďĂŶ ^ƚƵĚŝĞƐ͕ hŶŝǀĞƌƐŝƚLJ ŽĨ dĞdžĂƐ Ăƚ ƌůŝŶŐƚŽŶ

ELM STREET PARK CONCEPT PLAN Parks Concept Plans Not to Scale

7

ââââââ

â âââââ âââ

^Khd, &D ϭϭϴϳ

âââ âââ ââ

ϯ͘ ĂƐŬĞƚďĂůů ŽƵƌƚƐ

ââ

Ϯ͘ džŝƐƟŶŐ WůĂLJŐƌŽƵŶĚ

ââ â

ϭ͘ ϭϬ͛ tŝĚĞ ŽŶĐƌĞƚĞ ŝŬĞͬtĂůŬͬZƵŶ WĂƚŚ

4

ââ

/ŶĐůƵĚĞĚ &ĂĐŝůŝƟĞƐ ĂŶĚ WĂƌŬ &ĞĂƚƵƌĞƐ ϭ͘ DƵůƟͲƵƐĞ dƌĂŝů Ϯ͘ džŝƐƟŶŐ WůĂLJŐƌŽƵŶĚ ƋƵŝƉŵĞŶƚ ϯ͘ ĂƐŬĞƚďĂůů ŽƵƌƚƐ ;ϮͿ ϰ͘ WĂƌŬŝŶŐ >Žƚ ϱ͘ WĂǀŝůŝŽŶ ǁŝƚŚ WŝĐŶŝĐ dĂďůĞƐ ϲ͘ WĂǀŝůŝŽŶ ŽǀĞƌ ĨŽƌ WŽƌƚĂWŽƩLJ ϳ͘ ^ŚĂĚĞ Θ KƌŶĂŵĞŶƚĂů dƌĞĞƐ

7 2

1 6

1

5 âââ

Legend Park Future Trail Plan

Safe Routes to School Planned Veloweb Trail Network

3

3

âââ

N City of Aledo 2013 Parks, Recreation and Open Spaces Master Plan /ŶƐƟƚƵƚĞ ŽĨ hƌďĂŶ ^ƚƵĚŝĞƐ͕ hŶŝǀĞƌƐŝƚLJ ŽĨ dĞdžĂƐ Ăƚ ƌůŝŶŐƚŽŶ

Z d W Z< ͬ /dzͲ /^ KKW Z d/s & />/dz CONCEPT PLAN Parks Concept Plans Not to Scale

8

APPENDIX B Possible Sites for Future Parkland Acquisition

9

3 ϭ͘ ϭϬ͛ tŝĚĞ ŽŶĐƌĞƚĞ ŝŬĞͬtĂůŬͬZƵŶ WĂƚŚ

Ϯ͘ dĞŶŶŝƐ ŽƵƌƚƐ

ϯ͘ >ĂƌŐĞ WůĂLJŐƌŽƵŶĚ ƋƵŝƉŵĞŶƚ Ͳ ŐĞƐ ϴͲϭϮ

1

6

7 2 3

ϰ͘ >ŝƩůĞ >ĞĂŐƵĞ ĂƐĞďĂůů Field

ϱ͘ ĂƐŬĞƚďĂůů ŽƵƌƚƐ

/ŶĐůƵĚĞĚ &ĂĐŝůŝƟĞƐ ĂŶĚ WĂƌŬ &ĞĂƚƵƌĞƐ ϭ͘ ϭϬ͛ tŝĚĞ ŽŶĐƌĞƚĞ ŝŬĞͬtĂůŬͬZƵŶ WĂƚŚ Ϯ͘ dĞŶŶŝƐ ŽƵƌƚƐ ;ϯͿ ϯ͘ >ĂƌŐĞ WůĂLJŐƌŽƵŶĚ ƋƵŝƉŵĞŶƚ ;'ƌĂĚĞƐ ϯ Ͳ ϲͿ ^ĞƉĂƌĂƚĞ ĨƌŽŵ zŽƵŶŐĞƌ ŚŝůĚ ;WƌĞ < ƚŽ ϮŶĚ 'ƌĂĚĞͿ &ĂĐŝůŝƚLJ͖ ůŝŵďŝŶŐͲWůĂLJ ŶŝŵĂů ϰ͘ ^ŚĂƌĞĚ &ŝĞůĚ͗ >ŝƩůĞ >ĞĂŐƵĞ ĂƐĞďĂůů ;ƐŚŽǁŶͿ ĂŶĚ ^ŽĐĐĞƌ WƌĂĐƟĐĞ &ŝĞůĚ ϱ͘ ĂƐŬĞƚďĂůů ŽƵƌƚƐ ;ϮͿ ϲ͘ WĂǀŝůŝŽŶ ĨŽƌ WŽƌƚĂWŽƩLJ ;ϮͿ ϳ͘ ^ŚĂĚĞ ǁŶŝŶŐ ;ϭͿ

City of Aledo 2013 Parks, Recreation and Open Spaces Master Plan /ŶƐƟƚƵƚĞ ŽĨ hƌďĂŶ ^ƚƵĚŝĞƐ͕ hŶŝǀĞƌƐŝƚLJ ŽĨ dĞdžĂƐ Ăƚ ƌůŝŶŐƚŽŶ

4 3

5

5 ACRE SPORTS PARK CONCEPT PLAN Parks Concept Plans Not to Scale

11

APPENDIX C City of Aledo Parks and Subdivision Parkland

12

13

APPENDIX D Proposed Trail Plan Maps and Segment List

14

15

16

PROPOSED TRAIL SEGMENT LIST - ALEDO HIKE AND BIKE TRAIL SYSTEM Proposed Segment Aledo Trail @ AHS (FM 1187 North)

Proposed Typology Existing Sidewalk Route

Prior Proposed Trail Proposed SRTS Route #9, #10

Aledo Trail @ Old Town West (FM 1187 North)

Preferred Sidewalk Route

Proposed SRTS Trail #1

Old Aledo Trail

Preferred Sidewalk Route

Proposed SRTS Route #4, #8

Aledo Trail @ Middle School (FM 1187 South) Aledo Trail @ McAnally East (FM 5)

Preferred Sidewalk Route

Proposed SRTS Route #2

Preferred Sidewalk Route

Proposed SRTS Route #1

Aledo Trail @ McAnally West (FM 5) Barnwell Trail

Preferred Sidewalk Route

Proposed SRTS Route #7

Preferred Sidewalk Route

No

Maverick Trail

Preferred Sidewalk Route

Proposed SRTS Routes #3, #5, #6

Underwood Trail

Preferred Sidewalk Route

Proposed SRTS Trail #4, #6

Cherry Street Trail

Preferred Sidewalk Route

Proposed SRTS Alternative Trail #5

Key Route Destination and Trail Location Aledo High School, downtown, and City Hall FM 1187 from Bailey Ranch Road to Maverick St. Aledo High School, downtown, and City Hall FM 1187 – West Side, from Bailey Ranch Road to Jearl Street (connection to Cherry Trail) City Hall Grounds, Downtown, and Elm St. ParK FM 1187 to Elm, Oak, Mesquite, and S Front St, to cross the rail road at FM 1187 Middle School and Daniel Ninth Grade FM 1187 – West side, from Maverick to Barnwell McAnally Intermediate School FM 5 – East side, from Cedar Bluff to FM 1187 McAnally Intermediate School, Mockingbird Park, and SW neighborhoods.

FM 5 – West side, from Autumnwood Dr to Barnwell Neighborhood connection to nature trails Barnwell, east and west from FM 1187 from Clear Fork Nature Trail to Petitfils Lake Vandagriff Elementary, western neighborhoods, City Hall, and Community Center Park Old Annetta /Maverick from Old Tunnel Road to FM 1187 Parks of Aledo, Aledo HS, City Hall Underwood Road from Parks of Aledo Trail/Old Tunnel to FM 1187 Historic Aledo, Parks of Aledo Cherry Street from FM 1187 at Jearl Street to Underwood

17

Aledo Hike and Bike Trail System Trails - Continued Proposed Segment Bailey Ranch Trail

Proposed Typology Preferred Sidewalk Route

Prior Proposed Trail Proposed SRTS Trail #2

Key Route Destination and Trail Location Aledo HS, Parks of Aledo and Parks of Aledo Trail Bailey Ranch Road to to FM 1187 Aledo HS campus From Bailey Ranch Road to Clear Fork Nature Trail Connection to Clear Fork Trail and Parks of Aledo Trail Old Tunnel Road from Underwood to Old Annetta Clear Fork Nature Trail, Aledo Trail @ McAnnally Trail, Mockingbird Park From Clear Fork Nature Trail to Cedar Bluff Potential TOD development zone (TBD – currently undeveloped street) Aledo Middle School, Community Center Park Taylor Court from FM 1187 to Community Center Park along the creek Aledo Middle School From Shady Valley to Old Annetta Floodplain greenway along the Clear Fork, Trinity River.

From Barnwell to FM 5. Connection at Barnwell must accommodate significant grade and elevation change.

Floodplain greenway along the Clear Fork, Trinity River.

From Barnwell to Old Annetta

High School Trail

On Street Trail

none

Old Tunnel Trail

On Street Trail

Proposed SRTS Trail #7

FM 5 Trail

On Street Trail – Bike none Lane

TOD Station Trail

On Street Trail

none

Bearcat Trails

On Street Trail

none

Shady Valley Trail

Off Street Trail – Class 4 to 5

none

Clear Fork Nature Trail – South Segment

Off Street Trail – Class 1 to 3

Land Use Map 2008

Clear Fork Nature Trail – Central Segment Clear Fork Nature Trail – North Segment Parks of Aledo Trail

Off Street Trail – Class 1 to 3

Land Use Map 2008

Off Street Trail – Class 1 to 3

Land Use Map 2008

Floodplain greenway along the Clear Fork, Trinity River.

From Old Annetta Road to E Bankhead Highway

Off Street Trail – Class 3 to 4

Proposed SRTS Trail #3

Creek Side Trail

Off Street Trail – Class 2 to 4

none

Aledo High School and Parks of Aledo North-south utility line from Underwood to Bailey Ranch Greenway, Pititfils Lake, Brookhollow Subdivision From FM 5 Trail to FM 1187

18

APPENDIX E Safe Routes to School Plan

19

20

APPENDIX F Terrain and Degree of Slope Maps

21

22

23

APPENDIX G Planned Trail Routes - Veloweb

24

25

APPENDIX H Land Use and Zoning Maps

26

27

28

29

30

APPENDIX I Planned Roadways

31

32

33

APPENDIX J Planned Residential Development Parks

34

Parks of Aledo

35

Parks of Aledo

36

Brookhollow

37

APPENDIX K Stakeholder Focus Groups

38

P UBLIC M EETINGS :

?

HH T?RR ,) F .+4, S S@ = T@ =

U@ =

V@ =

W@ =

X@ =

Y@ =

Z@ =

.+4, T S@ = L

T@ =

U?RR ,) F +* / $ 4( V?RR ,) F S@ %(( = =

T@ = =

U@

= L

V@ =

W?RR ,) F S@

= > T@

= = L

HI SR ) F S@

= =

L

T@ =

APPENDIX D: SURVEY RESULTS & PUBLIC INPUT MEETINGS

U@ V@ W@

> *+ 0%0( = =

= =

=

X@ =

Y@ +0 *0% (

SS ) F

.+4, S S@ = : $' 6 ) # T@ L = *+ 0%0( J< = : -&. * ' * V@ = .+4, T W@

=

X@ = L

Y@

=

ST ,) EEEE

S?RR ,) F

S@

= > T@ = U@ =

T?RR ,) F =

" " $ % #

;JL

39

40

7. What core services should the City’s Park and Recreation Department offer?

1

6. What elements of other cities’ parks and recreation systems could Aledo seek to incorporate?

available?

to see the Parks and Recreation Department offer to the community that are not currently

5. Please imagine and describe any potential facilities, amenities, or services that you would like

locations?

4. Should the city acquire more land for the parks and recreation? If so, in what general

the City? If so, in what general locations?

3. Do you believe that there is a shortage of open space, trails, parklands, or other park facilities in

things that make the community a desirable place to live, work, and play?

2. What do you consider to be the City of Aledo’s most significant natural assets — i.e. those

1. What do you like about Aledo’s current parks, recreation opportunities, and open spaces?

Questions for Stakeholders

contributions and ideas are what is necessary.

This plan will address the present and future needs of your community, so your frank and open

Recreation Department, and to set priorities for parks, trails, and services for at least the next decade.

Your input is very important in helping to shape and define a vision and mission for the Parks and

Plan, a policy document that will guide the City in the development of a parks system.

Aledo Parks and Recreation Department is in the process of creating a Parks and Recreation Master

Thank you for joining us today as we kick-­‐off the first stage of the Master Planning process! The City of

Stakeholder Q uestionnaire for C ity o f A ledo

41

16. Are there any other comments you would like to make?

15. What are your hopes and/or concerns about the parks and recreation planning process?

goals Aledo should set for the next 10 years? Objectives and time frame?

14. Now that you’ve had time to reflect on Aledo’s park and recreation system, what are the top

13. Where do you see the City of Aledo Park and Recreation system in 10 years?

parks and recreation system?

12. Would you be willing to consider funding options, such as user fees and taxes to support the

maintain facilities?

11. Do you feel the Parks and Recreation Department has adequate resources to support and

sustaining and improving its parks and recreation system?

10. What do you consider to be some significant issues or challenges that the City faces in

dedicated?

e. What can you tell me about the management and development of parks and trails, if

d. Is a part of the developable land going to be dedicated to the City as parkland?

c. Will they connect to Aledo’s trails and parks?

b. Will the parks be publicly accessible?

a. Will some have park facilities and open-­‐space?

will these major new developments affect the City of Aledo’s Park system?

9. Aledo and the surrounding cities and towns are undergoing growth and development… How

City of Aledo’s Park System?

8. Would you consider a splash park to be among the priority amenities that would improve the

2

APPENDIX L Public Input Sign-In Sheets

42

43

44

APPENDIX M Public Involvement Activities & Responses

45

46

A clear expression of park purpose. There are parks that fit my needs for exercise, restoration, personal relaxation, community building, etc.

Land assets, maintenance, equipment, facilities. Is it enough? Should there be more?

Equitable access. Can all ages and abilities reach the park? Are all neighborhoods fairly served?

User Satisfaction. When I go to the park am I happy I came? What do I need & want from my city parks?

Safety. The park facilities and natural areas are free of hazards and dangerous elements.

Beneficial to the city. The parks have the capacity to increase intercity visitation, draw new developments, and increase quality of life for residents.

ideas for the Parks & Recreation Master Plan vision & goals statements.

The final activity, Park System Visioning, will ask participants a series of questions to solicit

“keep, loose, maintain, or add” to that park.

brainstorm through discussion with members of the group the potential aspects of the park to

maps, participants will answer questions on the physical characteristics of the park, and

assets, issues and opportunities while focused on each park individually. Utilizing park aerial

The third activity, Park Issues & Assets, will involve the participants in a discussion of park

chart.

choices for future park facilities by placing a limited number of colored dots next to images on a

The second activity, Park Facility Character Board, will involve the participants making priority

be installed first.

and if better routes are needed. This may begin to identify sections/segments of trails that should

should learn where centers of activity are located within Aledo, the safest routes between them,

noting the routes they use to move between these activity nodes. From this discussion IUS

important points of activity within the city of Aledo, marking these on an area map with dots, and

The first activity, Places, Routes & Connections, will involve the participants identifying

1.

Stakeholders are gathered in groups of four to six around the map of Aledo.

Method: Places

these activity nodes. An IUS associate should act as timekeeper should keep this activity to 30 minutes.

1

activity within the city of Aledo and the most frequently used and the potential best routes for moving between

The first exercise, Places, Routes & Connections, will involve the participants identifying important points of

Activity #1: Places, Routes & Connections - Map Exercise

Facilitation Instructions

□

□

□

□

Activity Overview

2.

3.

4.

5.

6.

1.

Objectives of the Planning and Visioning Activities

47

you wanted to show them around Aledo?

Discussion: Where do you go most often in Aledo? Where would you take an out of town visitor if

often.

Next, participants will be given BLUE dots and asked to note places around town that they go to

participants to place a small ORANGE dot there.

The group is asked to refer to the map of Aledo on the table, and asked: Where do you live? Ask

BLUE/GREEN marker – safe route

b.

Discussion: How do you want to use your trail system? To go between points or for nature

6.

□

□

orange and green, notepads etc.

Supplies: green and red markers enough for all taskforce members, colored dots in blue, yellow, red,

trail system & future land use; other?

3 copies of Aledo city map: schools, churches, parks; street names; veloweb & safe routes to school;

Items Required:

recreation? What sections of the trail would be the most useful?

Ask the participants if there is anywhere that they would like to reach by trail.

5.

of the Trinity River? Place a GREEN dot on any place.

Ask the participants: Is there a place where the trail is being used? Do they go along the Clear Fork

RED marker – unsafe

a.

2

Ask the participants: Show me on the map where you walk in town. What are the safe routes to walk

3.

4.

Point out the safe routes to school route on the map.

2. or bike to school?

Point out the planned trail route identified in the comprehensive plan.

1.

Method: Trail Routes

4.

3.

2.

48

Place a GREEN dot on assets, circle, or write ideas on sticky note.

colored dots in red and green, sticky notepads etc.

Supplies: pens, marker (especially green and red markers enough for all taskforce members), maps,

trail system; other?

1 copy - Individual Aledo parks maps: park boundary; street names; veloweb & safe routes to school;

1.

3

features, structures, facilities and trail types on the five poster boards. Ask participants to think about

IUS facilitator will introduce the activity by describing the picture groupings of park equipment,

Method: Character Image Boards

chart. An IUS associate should act as timekeeper should keep this activity to 20 minutes.

future park facilities by placing a limited number of colored dots next to photographs on a presentation board

The third exercise, Park Facility Character Board, will involve the participants in making priority choices for

Activity #3: Park Facility Character Board

□

□

Items Required:

maps should stay out. Encourage participants to return to the maps if they have further comments.

ideas for Keep – Loose – or Add on their pads, and stick them on the park to which they apply. The

Give members a sticky notepad, and invite them to roam through each park plan, and write down

5.

Place a RED dot on problems, circle, or write ideas on sticky note.

ADD: What could be added to make this park better?

a.

LOOSE: What is in the way of what we want to achieve for this area?

a.

build on? What would you like to preserve? What do you like about this park?

KEEP: Pose the following questions to guide the taskforce members: What’s already there that we can

make sure each participant is familiar with the park.

Facilitator will identify the park by name, and describe the location, photographs, and boundary to

4.

3.

2.

1.

Method: Keep – Loose – Add

act as timekeeper should keep this activity to 50 minutes.

of the group the potential aspects of the park to “Keep, Loose, or Add” to that park. An IUS associate should

answer questions on the physical characteristics of the park, and brainstorm through discussion with members

and opportunities while focused on one individual city park. Utilizing park aerial maps, participants will

The second exercise, Park Issues & Assets, will involve the participants in a discussion of park assets, issues

Activity #2: Park Issues & Assets – Map Exercise

49

Yellow Dot: Neutral Red Dot: Undesirable

o o

Point out the markers and sticky notes. Write comments directly on the boards or put it on a sticky.

Blue Dot: Desirable

o

Look through the pictures and make your selections according to:

that many as desirable or undesirable.

you have a limited number of dots. They do not need to use all the dots if they don’t want to identify

facilities should be emphasized in the park master plan. Twenty five pictures are on the boards and

Each participant will be handed 3 half sheets of dots. Instruct participants to indicate (vote for) which

Supplies: colored dots in blue, yellow, orange, notepads etc.

□

What do you think the direction should be for future park system planning?

3.

Supplies: flip charts, pens, notepads etc.

Click on the link: http://asq.org/learn-about-quality/idea-creation-tools/overview/nominal-group.html for more information on the nominal group technique.

1

□

input.

group while allowing participants to steer their own discussion. Ask questions from time to time to clarify

checking time and keeping the discussion moving forward. The IUS facilitator monitors the progress of the

The IUS facilitator ensures that the goal(s) of the meeting are accomplished by the end of the session by

and/or on a flip chart, depending on the exercise.

brainstorming that encourages contributions from everyone.1 The facilitator will record notes on notepads

4

participation by each taskforce member. The nominal group technique (NGT) is a structured method for group

IUS facilitators will use the nominal group technique for group discussions to ensure equal opportunity for

Is there anything that you would like to add to our discussion about parks?

boards give them any ideas about what they might want for Aledo?

parks and trails in Aledo. Did they learn anything about the city they didn’t know? Did the image

Thank them for their hard work so far. Ask if the exercises made them think differently about the

2.

1.

from the prior three activities.

The final exercise, Park System Visioning, will ask participants to regroup, then recap and verify the results

Activity #4: Park System Vision Statement

Chart in column and row format:

□

Items Required:

4.

3.

2.

might make a good impression on new residents or businesses.

what they need in parks, what their children or grandparents need in a park, and what park assets

50

Activity #1: Places, Routes & Connections

PLACES (Centers of Activity)

CONNECTIONS (Sections/Segments to be installed)

Bearcat park and Mockingbird Lane Park

The safe route to school has no sidewalks. Need to have pedestrian crossings between both the parks.

Tie this safe route into the Benbrook Trinity trail system.

Community center Park

Need to connect the Park and the neighborhood around Howard Way Park so that residents have an easy access the community center (E Fm1187).

Aledo Middle School

Need to connect the Aledo middle School playground with the creek walking trail. This enables kids to walk and bike.

Aledo Christian Center and Aledo United Methodist Church

Need for Pedestarin crossings on the railway track (East side of 1187).Thereby, connecting the neighborhood around the Park on Elm st with these areas.

Coffee shop and Bookstores (N Fm 1187 from Jearl st -rober st)

Side walk are proposed and will be built by 2014.

General Ideas: Other places of activity are: Water tower, Football fields at Aledo High school, Post office, St. Paul Lutheran church and Aledo Church of Christ Need to connect the City with the natural areas towards the west of the city. Connect the Aledo future trail to the Trinity Trails.

51

52

53

54

55

56

57

ACTIVITY 2 - Summary of Responses Park Issues and Assets Bearcat Park: Issues (Need to be added to the Park): 1. Cameras for security.

2. Need bathrooms.

3. Walking trails in the park.

4. Golf course.

5. Shade areas.

6. Lighting.

7. No water killed trees.

8. Need to connect the park with Mockingbird Park through

the land surrounding the city water tower.

9. A designated crosswalk with blinking lights linked in with the safe routes to school.

Community Center Park: Issues (Need to be added to the Park): 1. Covered pavilion or picnic area.

2. The park must be visible from the road.

3. Cameras for security.

4. Need bathrooms.

5. Natural trail area.

6. Signage has to be visible and well maintained.

7. Connect Aledo middle school with this park by having a

small trail.

8. More parking spaces are required.

Issues (removed or repaired): 1. Volleyball court may either be removed or repaired.

Mockingbird Park.

Issues (Need to be added to the Park): 1. Small toddler playground area.

2. Pavilions.

3. Picnic tables.

4. Walking trails.

City Hall Grounds: Issues (Need to be added to the Park): 1. Depot museum.

2. Splash Park.

3. Amphitheater with multi use capabilities, bathrooms and

picnic areas.

4. Bigger city hall and parking space with a council chamber.

Elm St. Park Issues (Need to be added to the Park): 1. Playground equipment.

2. Gazebo.

3. The park needs to reflect pedestrian friendly environment midst the businesses.

4. An opportunity to sit and relax.

5. Community garden or landscaped area with no other improvements.

Howard Way Park: Issues: (removed or repaired) 1. Very congested with traffic.

2. Convert the park to a street or remove it.

3. Never used by anyone since 14 yrs.

58

59

60

61

62

63

ACTIVITY # 3 - SUMMARY OF RESPONSES Park facility Character Examples

Desirable

Neutral

Very Undesirable

Description / Remarks

Trails for enjoying nature (Natural soil surface)

9

0

0

Preferred along the Creek behind the Community center Park.

Drinking fountains

6

0

0

All parks must have them. Crucial for summer activities.

Shade structures for picnic areas

6

0

0

Especially required in the Bearcat park.

Trails for bicycles, walking and running. - (Concrete surface)

6

0

0

Walking and Biking trails to Bearcat park and all over the City of Aledo.

Run them along the Train Path. Tie them into the Trinity Trails. Combine them with fitness equipment.

Community garden

5

0

1

Could be an area for nature education. Trails through Community center park with nature markers. However, without maintenance they become ugly.

Natural meadows and Native trees

5

0

0

Keep them natural. Salvage as much green space and native trees as possible.

Street adjacent sidewalks for getting around Aledo

5

0

0

This would provide many safe routes to school. This would also encourage outdoor physical activities i.e. running, cycling, etc.

Amphitheater seating

4

0

0

Preferred near the city hall. Could be nice if a performance space is incorporated, Need for shade at the west. Need good seating and also seating on grass for expansive crowd.

Benches and Seating

4

0

0

Metal frames, possibly rubber composite for mix durability and not wood.

Preferably the type of seating in Mockingbird Park

Outdoor fitness equipment for all 4 ages

2

0

Anything to encourage physical activities, Equipment must be covered.

Designed to be near the biking/hiking trails.

Outdoor performance space

4

0

0

Would be good with amphitheaters. Must not be located next to tracks.

Splash Plazas -(For all ages and 4 abilities)

3

0

Awesome Idea, gives a place to bring children during the summer. However, Hudson-Oaks has a water park so it might not be necessary.

Pavilion structures

3

0

0

Near Community center park and the City hall.

Public art and sculpture

3

2

0

Something unique to Aledo and its heritage.

Sports courts and fields

3

1

2

They are needed near the community center since current fields are being used. However, schools have enough and we cannot preserve green space if native green plants are removed.

Pergola structures

2

0

0

At Community center park and also other parks.

Picnic Tables

2

0

0

Needed in the Community center park and Mockingbird park

64

Shade structures for playgrounds

2

0

0

No issues.

Big, open lawns with landscaped 1 edges

0

2

Big lawns have water and maintenance issues. Preferred to keep large areas more natural-controlled areas.

Gazebo structures

1

1

0

At Community center park.

Playground for Age 8 +

1

2

0

Upgrade what we have currently.

Attractive small skate park

0

0

5

Community dog park

0

0

3

Dog fights and dog problems.

Playgrounds for age 3+

0

1

0

No issues.

Pond

0

0

4

No space, Problem with maintenance. Preferred to stay with rivers, streams and creeks.

65

APPENDIX N Public Survey Questionnaire Responses

66

A PPENDIX D: S URVEY R ESULTS & P UBLIC I NPUT MEETINGS P UBLIC S URVEY R ESULTS : Q:1

Q:2

$/6 + $ $ A2) $/ B $/6 + $ $ A2) $/ B; â&#x20AC;¢ = 0 6+.0$ â&#x20AC;¢ = 0 6+.0$ $/6 + $ * 6*2 2. + -&. *- *2/ **- $'$/$ . $) ) - 6 $/$ .9 *4 '*)" # 3 6*2 ) '$3$)" $) /# $/6 * ' *9 ).4 - +/$*). .+*). .+*). ).4 - +/$*). .+*). .+*). â&#x20AC;¢ 0 +.0$ +0 *% â&#x20AC;¢ 0 +.0$ +0 *% . â&#x20AC;¢ - )/ *2)/ *2)/ - )/ ).4 - +/$*). .+*). .+*). .+*). .+*). â&#x20AC;¢ 0 +.0$ +0 *% â&#x20AC;¢ 0 +.0$ +0 *% . â&#x20AC;¢ 0 ).4 - +/$*).

ZR@R^ SX SX - )/ *2)/ â&#x20AC;¢ * .++' - )/ *2)/ . .

ZR@R^ â&#x20AC;¢

* .++' â&#x20AC;¢ 0 TR@R^ V V TR@R^

* )*/ '$3 $) ' * SV@U^ U * * .

ZR@R^ SX â&#x20AC;¢ 0 +.0$ +0 *% â&#x20AC;¢ 0 +.0$ +0 *% . â&#x20AC;¢

6*2 ).4 - A+' . .+ $ 6 4#$ # $/6B SV SV G>H 6 - R@R^ R 6*2 ).4 - A+' . .+ $ 6 4#$ # $/6B * TR@R^ + *+0 (%5 V â&#x20AC;¢

(( .E . . $)- ( '+ )* %$ IG â&#x20AC;¢

(( .E . . %* ( + â&#x20AC;¢ ' 0 IG H>J 6 -.

V@Z^ S $)- ( '+ )* %$ 6*2 ).4 - A+' . .+ $ 6 4#$ # $/6B SV )! && '+ )* %$ * .++'G0$ RES 8 . IG â&#x20AC;¢ â&#x20AC;¢ * .++'G0$ %$ $)- ( '+ )* H H H= %* â&#x20AC;¢ H=

UBLIC NPUT MEETINGS S[@R^ J>L 6 -.

V )! && '+ )* %$ 4 /+* '/ = 4 /+* '/ = %((+6 LQ 6 -.

XS@[^ SU )! && '+ )* %$ H â&#x20AC;¢ SEU 8 ./ â&#x20AC;¢ .8 , .' 06+.0$= %(( .8 , .' 06+ $)- ( '+ )* %$ IH â&#x20AC;¢ %(( 4 City Specified (unedited): )! && '+ )* %$ G 0 +.0$ â&#x20AC;¢ %( 0 +.0$ UEW 8, ./ â&#x20AC;¢ NHR Ft worth â&#x20AC;¢ .(%*#0+*

â&#x20AC;¢ .(%*#0+* 0 â&#x20AC;¢ Ft Worth Botanic Gardens â&#x20AC;¢

* .++' â&#x20AC;¢ Gardens * .++' â&#x20AC;¢ FtW_ 8 Worth ./ Botanic â&#x20AC;¢ . â&#x20AC;¢ Benbrook â&#x20AC;¢ â&#x20AC;¢ * .++' * .++' â&#x20AC;¢ â&#x20AC;¢ Ft Worth Botanic Gardens â&#x20AC;¢ 0$ .!+. * â&#x20AC;¢ â&#x20AC;¢ Keller Creekâ&#x20AC;¢ 0$ .!+. * +.0

â&#x20AC;¢ !+.06+.0$ % 8 ( â&#x20AC;¢ Y),!+.06+.0$ % 8 ( â&#x20AC;¢ Benbrook(the Mineral â&#x20AC;¢ 0. %(

+ *+0 (%5 Wells(bike), Weatherford (fish * .++' â&#x20AC;¢ !+ â&#x20AC;¢ â&#x20AC;¢ * .++' %* ( + ing), Hudson Oaks , Willow

/ +

/ +

RES 8 . â&#x20AC;¢ * 6*2 2. + -&. *- *2/ **- $'$/$ . $) ) - 6 $/$ .9 * 6*2 2. + -&. *- *2/ **- $'$/$ . $) ) - 6 $/$ .9

*4 '*)" # 3 6*2 ) '$3$)" $) /# $/6 * ' *9

TS

&P

I

* 6*2 2. + -&. *- *2/ **- * 6*2 2. + -&. *- *2/ **- * 6*2 2. + -&. *- *2/ **- $'$0 . $) ) - 6 $'$0 . $) ) - 6 $'$0 . $) ) - 6 $0 .9 $0 .9 $0 .9

*4 '*)" # 3 6*2 ) '$3$)" $) /# $/6 * ' *9

Park / Ft + â&#x20AC;¢ Tillery Park Worth, Mineral

Park Wells State , Trinity Park Ft Worth

â&#x20AC;¢ Arlington â&#x20AC;¢ Benbrook â&#x20AC;¢ Benbrook â&#x20AC;¢ Weatherford and Fort Worth â&#x20AC;¢ Fort Worth bicycle trails

â&#x20AC;¢ Benbrook

SEU 8 ./ UEW 8 ./ W_ 8 ./

APPENDIX D: SURVEY RESULTS &

PUBLIC INPUT MEETINGS

;HG

APPENDIX D: SURVEY RESULTS & PUBLIC INPUT MEETINGS APPENDIX D: SURVEY RESULTS & PUBLIC INPUT MEETINGS APPENDIX D: SURVEY RESULTS &

PUBLIC INPUT MEETINGS

67

Q:3

*4 *! ) * 6*2 2. /# ' * -&.9 ' . # & *) ;

*4 * / ) * 6*2 2. /# ' * -&.9 ' . # & *) ; /,+*/ . *0 SR@W^ W@U^ W@U^ TX@U^ US@X^ TS@S^

).4 - +/$*).

3 -6 6 J *- 4 - /$( . 4 & K *- L /$( . 4 & ) *- /4$ (*)/# ) *- /4$ 6 - 3 - $)- ( '+ )* %$ )! && '+ )* %$

Q:4

HP I

$)- ( '+ )* %$ )! && '+ )* %$

/,+*/ +4*0 T 5 .8 8 S U +. ! 6 . 1) / S *4 4*2' 6*2 - / 6*2- -&.9 ' . # & *) ; 6 ' W V +. W 1) / .+*).

X ).4 - +/$*).

6 ' - )/ V * +. 06% *).$./ )/ #$"# ,2 '$/6 HP )+*0$ R@R^ ) - ''6 "** TY@Z^ * +. 06% I 8 .

2 '$/6 3 -$ . -*( + -& /* + -& XS@S^ 5 . SS@S^ **- ,2 '$/6 $)- ( '+ )* %$ )! && '+ )* %$

*4 *! ) * 6*2 2. /# ' * -&.9 ' . # & *) ;

*4 4*2' 6*2 - / 6*2- APPENDIX D: .+*).

-&.9 ' . # & *) ; SURVEY RESULTS & PUBLIC INPUT MEETINGS

*4 4*2' 6*2 - / 6*2- -&.9 ' . # & *) ; 5 .8 8 ).4 - +/$*). *).$./ )/ #$"# ,2 '$/6 ) - ''6 "** 2 '$/6 3 -$ . -*( + -& /* + -& **- ,2 '$/6 $)- ( '+ )* %$ )! && '+ )* %$

U +. ! 6 .+*). . 1) / 6 ' - )/ V +. W 1) / R@R^ 6 ' TY@Z^ * +. 06% XS@S^ )+*0$ SS@S^ * +. 06% 8 .

5 .

*4 4*2' 6*2 - / 6*2- -&.9 ' . # & *) ; APPENDIX D: SURVEY RESULTS &

*2)/ R W SS T HO J

* . ((8 #++

+*/%/0 *0 $%#$ -4 (%08 * . ((8 #++ 4 (%08 5 .% / !.+) , .' 0+ , .'

*0 $%#$ PUBLIC I +*/%/0 NPUT M EETINGS -4 (%08

.+*). *2)/ R W SS T HO J

++. -4 (%08

;HH

68

Q:5 # / * 6*2 /6+$ ''6 * $) /# # / * 6*2 /6+$ ''6 * $) /# -&.9 # & '' /# / ++'6;

# / * 6*2 /6+$ ''6 * $) /# -&.9 # & '' /# / ++'6; # / * 6*2 /6+$ ''6 * $) /# -&.9 # & '' /# / ++'6; ).4 - +/$*).

).4 - +/$*).

. +' 6"-*2) . '&= %*"= -2) . +' 6"-*2) . ' 5 '&= %*"= -2) . .+*-/. $ ' . ' 5 $ )$ &$)" /# -A .+ $ 6 '*4B . .+*-/. $ ' . /# - $ )$ &$)" $)- ( '+ )* %$ /# -A .+ $ 6 '*4B )! && '+ )* %$

/# - $)- ( '+ )* %$ )! && '+ )* %$

-&.9 # & '' /# / ++'6;

.+*). .+*). .+*). *2)/ .+*).

- )/

- )/ VS@T^ VY@S^ VS@T^ UW@U^ VY@S^ SS@Z^ UW@U^ SY@X^ R@R^ SS@Z^ SY@X^ R@R^

Y *2)/ Z Y X Z T X U R T SY U SY R V

SY SY V

0$ . G/, %!8 (+6H

0$ . G/, %!8 (+6H % *% '%*#

/ /,+.0/ " ( /

% *% '%*#

( 7 / /,+.0/ " ( / ('D &+#D .4*

( 7

' . . ' / /# + *+' /# / 6*2 (*./ * / ) 2. /# -& 4$/# A # & '' /#

/ ,( 8#.+4* /

('D &+#D .4* R^

SR^

TR^

).4 - +/$*).

UR^ VR^

($'6= #$' - )= "- ) #$' - )

Other Responses (unedited): / ,( 8#.+4* / -$ ) . â&#x20AC;¢ I never go -$ . *) # 3$.$/

â&#x20AC;¢ Meet at community center R^ SR^ TR^ UR^ 2./ (6. ' â&#x20AC;¢ Lunch /# - .+*). . A2) $/ B; $)- ( '+ )* %$ â&#x20AC;¢ I use Mockingbird park to explore nature: i.e. native plants, flowers, )! && '+ )* %$ â&#x20AC;¢ % *bugs, 5 . #+ animals with my daughters â&#x20AC;¢ Frisbee

â&#x20AC;¢ 0 0 +))4*%08 *0 .

Q:6

.+*).

- )/ WR@R^ SX@Y^ TT@T^ UU@U^

WR^

â&#x20AC;¢ â&#x20AC;¢ â&#x20AC;¢

VR^

WR^

4* $

4/ + '%* %. , .' 0+ 7,(+. * 04. ? %@ * 0%5 /# - .+*). . A2) $/ B; ,( *0/=!(+6 ./= 4#/ *%) (/ 6%0$ )8 4#$0 ./ !.%/ â&#x20AC;¢ % * 5 . #+

' . . ' / /# + *+' /# / 6*2 (*./ *! ) 2. /# -& 4$/# A # & '' /# / ++'6B ; 0 0 +))4*%08 XR@R^ *0 .

' . . ' / /# + *+' /# / 6*2 (*./ * / ) 2. /# -& 4$/# A # & '' /# / ++'6B ;

â&#x20AC;¢ .+*). â&#x20AC;¢ 4* $ ).4 - +/$*). .+*). *2)/ WR@R^ - )/ â&#x20AC;¢ 4/ + '%* %. , .' 0+ 7,(+. * 04. ? %@ * 0%5 ($'6= #$' - )= "- ) #$' - ) WR@R^ [ VR@R^ ,( *0/=!(+6 ./= 4#/ *%) (/ 6%0$ )8 4#$0 ./ -$ ) .

SX@Y^ U â&#x20AC;¢ !.%/ APPENDIX D: SURVEY RESULTS & PUBLIC INPUT MEETINGS TT@T^ UR@R^ -$ . *) # 3$.$/ V ;HJ

2./ (6. ' UU@U^ X $)- ( '+ )* %$ )! && '+ )* %$

' . . ' / /# + *+' /# / APPENDIX D: SURVEY RESULTS & PUBLIC INPUT MEETINGS 6*2 (*./ *! ) 2. /# -& 4$/# A # & '' /# / ++'6B ; XR@R^

HO J

TR@R^ SR@R^ R@R^

)%(8D $%( . *D #. * $%( . *

.% * /

.% / +* $ 5%/%0

;HJ

APPENDIX D: SURVEY RESULTS &

4/0 )8/ (!

69

PUBLIC INPUT MEETINGS

Q:7

Q:8

#$ # ' * -&. * 6*2 3$.$/ - ,2 )/'69 A ' . # & /#- *)'6B; ).4 - +/$*).

- / -& *((2)$/6 )/ - -& ) 3 '*+ *4)/*4) -& A*) '( /<B *4 - C. 6 -& * &$)" $- ) -& $/6 '' -*2) . $)- ( '+ )* %$ )! && '+ )* %$

.+*).

- )/

.+*). *2)/

XZ@V^ WY@[^ R@R^ SR@W^ TX@U^ SW@Z^

SU SS R T W U HP I

#$ # ' * -&. * 6*2 3$.$/ - ,2 )/'69; ZR@R^ YR@R^ XR@R^ WR@R^ VR@R^ UR@R^ TR@R^ SR@R^ R@R^

# / * 6*2 '$& *2/ /# + -& 6*2 3$.$/ (*./ * / ): ) 4#6 * 6*2 3$.$/ $/ /# (*./9 A ' . 4-$/ '*4B; ).4 - +/$*). .+*). *2)/

SY $)- ( '+ )* %$ HN )! && '+ )* %$ K

.+*). . A2) $/ B; Responses (unedited): â&#x20AC;˘ in Aledo I like the terrain and plants ( mostly trees) ./H @ * )8 * In my â&#x20AC;˘ %* ( + % (' 0$natural * 04. ( 0 .. %* * ,( *0/ G )+/0(8 0. %#$ neighborhood I like open format parks with plenty of nice grass â&#x20AC;˘ Good ++ ,( â&#x20AC;˘ place to 0+ eat 0 * 5%/%0 !.% and visit friends* / â&#x20AC;˘ Open , space * /, â&#x20AC;˘ â&#x20AC;˘ There other options â&#x20AC;˘ $ .arenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t . *0 +0$ . +,0%+*/ â&#x20AC;˘ Playground â&#x20AC;˘ Green ( 8#.+4* â&#x20AC;˘ space â&#x20AC;˘ Shade . Playground * /, â&#x20AC;˘ â&#x20AC;˘ Peaceful â&#x20AC;˘ $ ( 8#.+4* â&#x20AC;˘ Areas to walk â&#x20AC;˘ Bearcat !4( â&#x20AC;˘ -Community built â&#x20AC;˘ mockingbird . / 0+ 6 (' â&#x20AC;˘ , natural trails or walking running and exploring.

BearcatPlaygrounds â&#x20AC;˘ . 0 E +))4*%08 4%(0 â&#x20AC;˘ Playground equipment and space in Bearcat park â&#x20AC;˘ Close )+ '%*# %. = * 04. ( 0. %(/ +. 6 ('%* .4**%*# * 7,(+.%*#@ . 0E ( â&#x20AC;˘ by provides paths to schools â&#x20AC;˘ used allot when*0 * /, kids were young great magnet for family â&#x20AC;˘ Bearcat ( 8#+.4* -4%,) %* , . 0 , .' growthâ&#x20AC;˘in Aledo (+/ 8 ,.+5% / , 0$/ 0+ / $++(/ â&#x20AC;˘ Bearcat Playground , would love a place to run , too though â&#x20AC;˘ Neat . 0 4/ (+0 6$ * '%/ 6 . 8+4*# = #. 0 ) #* 0 !+. ! )%(8 #.+60$ â&#x20AC;˘ and easily accessible â&#x20AC;˘ and in the woods â&#x20AC;˘ It is peaceful . 0 ( 8#.+4* = 6+4( (+5 ,( 0+ .4* = 0++ 0$+4#$ â&#x20AC;˘ 0 * /%(8 //% ( â&#x20AC;˘ 0 %/ , !4( * %* 0$ 6++ /

APPENDIX D: SURVEY RESULTS &

PUBLIC INPUT MEETINGS

APPENDIX D: SURVEY RESULTS &

70 ;HL PUBLIC INPUT MEETINGS

Q:10

Q:9 # / $. /# .$)"' (*./ $(+*-/ )/ /#$)" /# / +- 3 )/. 6*2 -*( 2.$)" /# + -&. (*- 9 ).4 - +/$*). .+*). .+*).

- )/ *2)/ & * /$( **- # '/#= (* $'$/6 & * $)/ - ./ $) 4# / $. 3 $' ' *)C/ 4 )/ /* /6 *) -). /# - A+' . .+ $ 6 '*4B /# - $)- ( '+ )* %$ )! && '+ )* %$

VY@S^ W@[^ WT@[^ W@[^ W@[^ R@R^

Z S [ S S R Y HN K

# / $. /# .$)"' (*./ /# - .+*). . A2) $/ B; $(+*-/ )/ /#$)" /# / +- 3 )/. â&#x20AC;˘ , .'/ . 0++ ! . 6 8 6*2 -*( 2.$)" /# + -&. (*- 9 â&#x20AC;˘ ( ' +! 0. %(/

XR@R^ â&#x20AC;˘

( ' +! /% 6 ('/ =0. %(/ // 0+ , .'/ â&#x20AC;˘ $ 0 * +( +! 7 / = *+ /$ 0. / * 6%* ..% ./ WR@R^ â&#x20AC;˘ % / ( 5%*# !+. +(( # /$+4( $ 5 )+. 0%) VR@R^ â&#x20AC;˘ *+0 ( .# *+4#$ =*+ * 04. 0. %(/= 6 ('%*# 0. %(/ â&#x20AC;˘ 4(0 5 . # / UR@R^

TR@R^

SR@R^ R@R^

' +!

1)

,++. ' +! +*K0 ! 08 0$ . $ (0$D %*0 . /0 %* 6 *0 0+ +* .*/ G,( / )+ %(%08 6$ 0 %/ /, %!8 5 %( ( (+6H

APPENDIX D: SURVEY RESULTS &

PUBLIC INPUT MEETINGS

* )6 * /# . +#6.$ ' --$ -. - ./-$ / *- +- 3 )/ 6*2- 2.$)" /# + -&.9 ).4 - +/$*). .+*). .+*).

- )/ *2)/

XR@R^

# / $. /# .$)"' (*./ $(+*-/ )/ /#$)" /# / +- 3 )/.

6*2 -*( 2.$)" /# + -&. (*- 9 #6.$ ' .. /* /# + -& *- $/.

R@R^

R

,2$+( )/ & * ..$ ' + -&$)" UU@U^ S WR@R^ -&. - /** - 4 6 /* 4 '& XX@Y^ T -&. - /** - 4 6 /* -$3 UU@U^ S VR@R^ R@R^ R # - - )* +#6.$ ' --$ -. /# / - ./-$ / *- +- 3 )/ ( -*( 2.$)" /# UR@R^ + -&.< /# - A+' . .+ $ 6 '*4B R@R^ R TR@R^ /# - A+' . .+ $ 6B ST $)- ( '+ )* %$ J SR@R^ )! && '+ )* %$ HO

R@R^ Q:10

Responses ' +! ,++. ' +! Other +*K0 ! 08 (unedited): 0$ .

Q:9 â&#x20AC;˘ parks are too far away 1)

$ (0$D %*0 . /0 %* 6 *0 0+ +* .*/ G,( /

Other Responses (unedited): â&#x20AC;˘ lack of trails )+ %(%08 6$ 0 %/ /, %!8

â&#x20AC;˘ I do not live in Aledo access to parks 5 %( ( â&#x20AC;˘ lack of sidewalks ,trails (+6H

â&#x20AC;˘ None of the above â&#x20AC;˘ heat and cold of Texas, no shade trees or

â&#x20AC;˘ No

wind barriers

â&#x20AC;˘ None â&#x20AC;˘ Kids leaving for college should have more

â&#x20AC;˘ No time â&#x20AC;˘ None â&#x20AC;˘ Yes : lack of trails â&#x20AC;˘ No

â&#x20AC;˘ None

â&#x20AC;˘ Parks are not connected

â&#x20AC;˘ No

â&#x20AC;˘ No

/#

â&#x20AC;˘ not large enough ,no nature trails, walking trails â&#x20AC;˘ adult beverages

APPENDIX D: SURVEY RESULTS &

PUBLIC ;HO INPUT MEETINGS 71

Q:11 # / /6+ * + -& * 6*2 3$.$/ *2/.$ * ' *9 ).4 - +/$*).

.+*).

- )/

.+*). *2)/

)>+-*"- (( *+ ) .+ /2- ' - . $.#$)" - . +*-/. $ ' . *- *2-/.< $ 6 ' /- $'.=%*""$)" + /#. */ )$ ' " - ). /# - /# - $)- ( '+ )* %$ )! && '+ )* %$

ST@W^ UY@W^ UY@W^ UY@W^ YW@R^ VU@Z^ R@R^

T X X X ST Y R V HM L

/# - .+*). . A2) $/ B; â&#x20AC;¢ ( 8 #.+4* / !+. )8 4#$0 . â&#x20AC;¢ /+!0 (( â&#x20AC;¢ ++0 ((= / (( ! %(%0% / â&#x20AC;¢ ,( 8 #.+4* /

APPENDIX D: SURVEY RESULTS &

# / /6+ * + -& * 6*2 3$.$/ *2/.$ * ' *9

ZR@R^ YR@R^ XR@R^ WR@R^ VR@R^ UR@R^ TR@R^ SR@R^ R@R^

PUBLIC INPUT MEETINGS

;IG

72

Q:12

#$ # * /# *''*4$)" ) $/. * + -&. ) - - /$*) - (*./ $(+*-/ )/ /* 6*29 A # & '' /# / ++'6B ).4 - +/$*).

.+*). - )/

.+*). *2)/

(+-*3$)" 4 '') .. *- $/) ..

-*3$ $)" *++*-/2)$/$ . *- 6*2/# -*3$ $)" *++*-2)$/ . *- '' " . *- )%*6$)" ) /2- =+- . -3$)" 4$' '$ 2$' $)" *((2)/$6 //- /$)" ) 4 - .$ )/.

) - .$)" +-*+ -/6 3 '2 .

- . -3$)" /# # - / - * ' * -*3$ $)" . -*2/ . /* . #**'= 4*-& $)- ( '+ )* %$ )! && '+ )* %$

YW@R^ UR@R^ WR@R^ WR@R^ VR@R^ SW@R^ TW@R^ TR@R^ VR@R^

SW X SR SR Z U W V Z IG H

#$ # * /# *''*4$)" ) /. * + -&. ) - - 0*) - (*./ $(+*-/ )/ /* 6*29 A # & '' /# / ++'6B .+5% %*# / ! .+40 / 0+ / $++(D 6+.' . / .5%*# 0$ $ . 0 . +! ( +

* . /%*# ,.+, .08 5 (4 / 3. 1*# * 6 . /% *0/ 4%( %*# +))4*18 +. *&+8%*# * 04. D,. / .5%*# 6%( (%! .+5% %*# +,,+.4*%0 / !+. (( # / .+5% %*# +,,+.04*%1 / !+. 8+40$

),.+5%*# 6 ((* // +. "0* // R@R^

SR@R^

TR@R^

UR@R^

VR@R^

WR@R^

XR@R^

YR@R^

ZR@R^

APPENDIX D: SURVEY RESULTS &

PUBLIC INPUT MEETINGS

;II

73

Q:13

# / /6+ * + -&. - (*./ ) $) /# $/6 * ' *9 A ' . # & 6*2- /*+ #*$ .<B ).4 - +/$*). .+*). .+*).

- )/ *2)/ ( '' $"# *-#** -&. A$< <: 4 '&$)" $./ ) /* #*( .: .$ +' 6"-*2) .: /*/ '*/.B $ .$7 $"# *-#** -&. A$< <: 4 '&$)" /- $': ' -" - (2'/$> " +' 6"-*2) ,2$+( )/: +$ )$ - . ) .# '/ -.B -*($) )/ *((2)$/6 -& A$< <: + 3$'$*): 3 )/ .+ : 4 / - /2- : / <B $/6>4$ - $' 6./ ( +*-/. $ ' . ) *2-/. $)- ( '+ )* %$ )! && '+ )* %$

SW@R^

U

VR@R^

Z

# / /6+ * + -&. - (*./ ) $) /# $/6 * ' *9 A ' . # & 6*2- /*+ #*$ .<B ,+.0/ " ( / * +4.0/

VW@R^

YR@R^ SW@R^

%08E6% . %( 8/0 )

[

.+)%* *0 +))4*%08 .'

G%@ @= , 5%(%+*= 5 *0 /, =

SV U IG H

% /%9 %#$ +.$++ .'/ G%@ @= 6 ('%*# 0. %(= ( .# . )4(1E ) (( %#$ +.$++ .'/ G%@ @= 6 ('%*# %/0 * 0+ $+) /= R@R^ SR@R^ TR@R^ UR@R^ VR@R^ WR@R^ XR@R^ YR@R^ ZR@R^

APPENDIX D: SURVEY RESULTS &

PUBLIC INPUT MEETINGS

;IH

74

Q:14

4*2' '$& /* . ' * /# *''*4$)" /#$)". A # & '' /# / ++'6 B; ).4 - +/$*).

.+*). - )/

.+*). *2)/

*- ..$ ' +' 6 ,2$+( )/ *- +- . #**' " . *- ..$ ' +' 6 ,2$+( )/ *- ' ( )/ -6 . #**' " . AH./> J- B *- ..$ ' +' 6 ,2$+( )/ *- ' ( )/ -6 #**' " .A K/# > M/#B *- 4 '&$)" /- $'. ) + /#. *- ) # .=.# '/ -.= *((2)$/6 " /# -$)" - . *- 6*2/# +-*"- (.= /$3$/$ . *- 2'/ +-*"- (. = /$3$/$ .

4 ' -" ( )$/6 A +' .#+ : & / + -& (+#$/# /- B

6*2 ./ / 6*2/# +-*"- (. ) 2'/. +-*"- (. A+' . .+ $ 6B $)- ( '+ )* %$ )! && '+ )* %$

.+*). . A2) $/ B; â&#x20AC;¢ /+!0 ((= '% ' (( â&#x20AC;¢ ),$%0$ 0. â&#x20AC;¢ W'/ = SR' â&#x20AC;¢ ),$%0$ 0. â&#x20AC;¢ /,( /$ , * ),%0$ 0. $+% %/ ' 8

SW@R^ TW@R^

U W

UR@R^

X

ZW@R^ UW@R^ SR@R^ TR@R^ UR@R^

SY Y T V X W IG H

APPENDIX D: SURVEY RESULTS &

PUBLIC INPUT MEETINGS

;IJ

75

Q:15

4*2' '$& /* . ' * /# *''*4$)" /#$)". A # & '' /# / ++'6B; 6 ( .# ) *%08 G ,( /$, = ' 0 , .' ),$%0$ 0. H +. 4(0 ,.+#. )/ D 15%1 / +. 8+40$ ,.+#. )/D 15%1 /

*2' 6*2 '$& /# $/6 * ' * /* $)3 ./ (*- (*) 6 $) /# -&.9 A # & *) B

+. * $ /D/$ (0 ./D +))4*%08 # 0$ .%*# . /

).4 - +/$*).

+. 6 ('%*# 0. %(/ * , 0$/

.+*).

- )/

+. //% ( ,( 8 -4%,) *0 !+. ( ) *0 .8 $++( # /G V0$ E X0$H

.

XS@[^ 6 V@Z^ +. //% ( ,( 8 -4%,) *0 !+. ,. / $++( # / + ) . *) /# $)3 ./( )/ TZ@X^ * UR@R^ VR@R^ WR@R^ XR@R^ YR@R^ ZR@R^ [R@R^ V@Z^ R@R^ SR@R^ TR@R^ *)C/ 2. + -&.

R@R^ $)- ( '+ )* %$

)! && '+ )* %$

+. //% ( ,( 8 -4%,) *0 !+. ( ) *0 .8 / $++( # / GS/0EU. H

Q:16

*2' 6*2 '$& /# $/6 * ' * /* $)3 ./ (*- (*) 6 $) /# -&.9 A # & *) B ).4 - +/$*).

.+*).

- )/

.+*). *2)/

.

6 + ) . *) /# $)3 ./( )/ * *)C/ 2. + -&. $)- ( '+ )* %$ )! && '+ )* %$

XS@[^ V@Z^ TZ@X^ V@Z^ R@R^

SU S X S R IH G

APPENDIX D: SURVEY RESULTS &

PUBLIC INPUT MEETINGS

*2' 6*2 '$& /# $/6 * ' * /* $)3 ./ (*- (*) 6 $)

.+*). *2)/ SU S X S R IH G

*2' 6*2 '$& /# $/6 * ' * /* $)3 ./ (*- (*) 6 $) /# -&.9 A # & *) B / 8 , * / +* 0$ %*5 /0) *0 +

+*K0 4/ , .'/ ;IK

76

Q:17

# / +2 '$ ( )$/$ . .#*2' ' * +-$*-$/$7 $) /# -&. ./ - ' )9 A # & /# ' ( )/. 6*2 4*2' '$& /* +-$*-$/$7 : 4$/# H $)" /# /*+ +-$*-$/6 ) HG $)" /# ' ./<B ).4 - +/$*).

H I J K L M N O P HG /$)" 3 - " .+*). *2)/ $"#/$)" $") " $ )$ ' . ) # .

2'+/2- . * -/ '&$)" - $'. $&$)"= $ 6 ' - $'. # - . /2- ' - .

4). ) + ) + / - /2- A *) *- *2)/ $)B *" -& +*-/. +- /$ $ ' .

-$)&$)" *2)/ $).

2 '$ ./-**( $'$/$ .

-&$)" 3$'$*) *- 7 * $ )$ # '/ -. = # /-2 /2- . +*-/. $ ' . ' 6"-*2) ,2$+( )/ ./-$ ) .. /* $"# *-#** .= *4)/*4) )$3 -. ' ..$ $'$/6 2/ **- 5 - $. ,2$+( )/ / - -& *- +' .# (+#$/# / - 4$(($)"= ,2 /$ )/ - $)- ( '+ )* %$ )! && '+ )* %$ R

APPENDIX D: SURVEY RESULTS &

S S R S R Y U S S S R R S R T R S R R R R R R R S R

S R R S T T W R R R R R R R S T R R R R T R R T R S

R R S S R S U U S S R R R R R T R S R S T R R R R S

PUBLIC INPUT MEETINGS

R R S R R S T S V T R S R R T R T T R R S R R R R R

R R S S R R R S S S S S R R R T R T R U R R R S S R

R R S R R R S S S S S U R R T S S R T S R R S S R R

S R T S S R R R T R S T R R T R S S R R R S S S R R

R R S T S S R U S T R R R R S S T R R S R R R R R R

R S S R R S R S R S S S R T R R R V S S R R S R R R

T R R S R S S R R R S S S R S S R R S S T R S R S R

X@RR W@RR X@SU W@WR V@YW U@TS U@RY W@TY V@ZT W@UU Y@VR X@XY W@WR [@RR W@R[ V@Z[ W@VU X@VR Y@YW X@UZ V@ZX Y@RR Z@RR V@VR W@UU T@WR

W T Z Z V SV SW SS SS [ W [ T T SS [ Y SR V Z Y S V W U T IH

;IL

77

Q:18

# / +2 '$ ( )$0 . .#*2' ' * +-$*-$07 $) /# -&. ./ - ' )9 A # & /# ' ( )/. 6*2 4*2' '$& /* +-$*-$07 4$/# H $)" /# /*+ +-$*-$/6 ) HG $)" /# ' ./ SR@RR [@RR Z@RR Y@RR X@RR W@RR V@RR U@RR T@RR S@RR R@RR

APPENDIX D: SURVEY RESULTS &

PUBLIC INPUT MEETINGS

;IM

78

Q:19

Q:20

#$ # * /# *''*4$)" *+/$*). 4*2' 6*2 .2++*-/ /* # '+ 2) ) 4 ( )$/$ . *- /# ' * + -&.9 A # & '' /# / ++'6B ).4 - +/$*). .+*). - )/ .+*). *2)/ . 5$./$)" 2 " / YX@T^ SX 2)$ $+ ' *) .

XX@Y^ SV 4 / 5 .= .

WT@V^ SS *) /$*).

ZW@Y^ SZ - )/.

ZW@Y^ SZ /# - A+' . .+ $ 6 '*4B R@R^ R /# - A+' . .+ $ 6B SR $)- ( '+ )* %$ IH )! && '+ )* %$ G

Other Responses (unedited): â&#x20AC;˘ Small increase in program fees, reservation cost, tax â&#x20AC;˘ /# - .+*). . A2) $/ B; Small increase in program fees, reservation cost, tax â&#x20AC;˘ willing to pay small yearly tax â&#x20AC;˘ fees, /reservation cost /= . and /small tax â&#x20AC;˘ Program ) (( %* . %* ,.+# ) ! .5 %+* +/0= 0 7 â&#x20AC;˘ Try to minimize fees and taxes use commercial taxes, â&#x20AC;˘ Not willing to pay anything for parks

willing to pay small increase in taxes â&#x20AC;˘ .+#. ) ! /= . / .5 0%+* +/0 * /) (( 0 7 â&#x20AC;˘ Depends on improvements use fees and reservations â&#x20AC;˘ Depends +0 6%((%*# 0+ , 8 *80$%*# !+. , .'/ â&#x20AC;˘ on improvements â&#x20AC;˘ on improvements â&#x20AC;˘ Depends , * / +* %),.+5 ) *0/ 4/ ! / * . / .5 0%+*/ â&#x20AC;˘ Work with school district â&#x20AC;˘ , * / +* %),.+5 )develop *0/ school property for

use by school and community, Use property taxes â&#x20AC;˘ , * / +) %),.+5 ) *0/ â&#x20AC;˘ +.' 6%0$ / $++( %/0. %0 5 (+, / $++( ,.+, .08 !+. 4/ 8 / $++( * +))4*%08= / ,.+, .08 0 7 / â&#x20AC;˘ ) (( %* . / %* ,.+# ) ! /= . / .5 %+* +/0= 0 7 â&#x20AC;˘ 6%((%*# 0+ , 8 /) (( 8 .(8 0 7 â&#x20AC;˘ .8 0+ )%*%)%9 ! / * 0 7 / 4/ +)) . % ( 0 7 /= 6%((%*# 0+ , 8 /) (( %* . / %* 0 7 /

#$ # * /# *''*4$)" *+0*). 4*2' 6*2 .2++*-/ /* # '+ 2) ) 4 ( )$0 . *- /# ' * + -&.9 A # & '' /# / ++'6B

0$ . G,( / /, %!8 (+6H . *0/ +* 1+*/ 6 0 7 /D ! / 4*% %, ( +* /

APPENDIX0 D: SURVEY RESULTS & / 7%/%1*# 4 # R@R^

SR@R^

PUBLIC INPUT MEETINGS

TR@R^

UR@R^

VR@R^

WR@R^

XR@R^

YR@R^

;IO ZR@R^

[R@R^

79

Q:21 Responses (unedited): â&#x20AC;˘ The hard part will be assembling land for a linear park system along

Old Tunnel Creek â&#x20AC;˘ Community facilities â&#x20AC;˘ Have more sports complex â&#x20AC;˘ Add Trails and sidewalks

SS # / $. /# )2( - * #$' - ) '$3$)" $) 6*2- #*2. #*' 9 â&#x20AC;˘ More and Larger $)- ( '+ )* %$ HH â&#x20AC;˘ Need more parking for Handicap, allow Alcohol )! && '+ )* %$ HG â&#x20AC;˘ More areas for community or large group events such as a .+*). pavilion ).4 - +/$*).

- )/

â&#x20AC;˘ Expand them with land from Aledo ISD *) all parks together with a biking trail VW@R^

Connect .+*). . A2) $/ B; â&#x20AC;˘ Trail system to access parks ) #$' TW@R^ â&#x20AC;˘ I would like to be able to use the existing parks within 10 or 160 â&#x20AC;˘ 0$ $ . , .0 6%(( // ) (%*# ( * !+. (%* . , .' /8/0 ) (+*# 0$ ( 4** ( . ' 4* /* /#- #$' - ) TW@R^ â&#x20AC;˘ Better trails and signage

*2' # )" *) /#$)" *2/ ' *C. -&.: $/ 4*2' ; A4-$/ '*4B ).4 - +/$*). .+*). *2)/

*2- *- (*- #$' - ) â&#x20AC;˘ +))4*%08 ! %(%0% / $)- ( '+ )* %$ â&#x20AC;˘ 5 )+. /,+.0/ +),( 7 )! && '+ )* %$ â&#x20AC;˘ . %(/ * /% 6 ('/

â&#x20AC;˘ +. * .# . â&#x20AC;˘ )+. , .'%*# !+. * % ,= ((+6 ( +$+( â&#x20AC;˘ +. . / !+. +))4*%08 +. ( .# #.+4, 5 *0/ /4 $ / , 5%((%+* # / $. /# )2( - * #$' - ) '$3$)" $) 6*2- #*2. #*' 9 â&#x20AC;˘ 7, * $ ) 6%$ ( * !.+) ( + @ +** 0 (( , .'/ 0+# 0$ . 6%0$ %'%*# 0. %( .+*). .+*). ).4 - +/$*). â&#x20AC;˘ . %( /8/0 ) 0+ // , .'/ - )/ *2)/ â&#x20AC;˘ % 6+4( (%' 0+ ( 0+ 4/ 0$

7%/0%*# , .'/ 6%0$%* SR +. SXR *) VW@R^ [ â&#x20AC;˘ 00 . 0. %(/ * /%#* # ) #$' TW@R^ W

.+*). *2)/ [ W W S IG H

W@R^

Q:22

# / $. /# )2( - * #$' - ) '$3$)" $) 6*2- #*2. #*' 9

4* /* /#- #$' - ) *2- *- (*- #$' - ) $)- ( '+ )* %$ )! && '+ )* %$

TW@R^ W@R^

W S IG H

+* * $%(

# / $. /# )2( - * #$' - ) '$3$)" $) 6*2- #*2. #*' 9

APPENDIX D: SURVEY RESULTS &

PUBLIC INPUT +* M EETINGS * $%(

;JG

80

Q:23 # / - /# #$' - )C. " .9 A # & '' /# / ++'6<B ).4 - +/$*).

.+*).

- )/

.+*). *2)/

- . #**' L>HG 6 -. *' HH>HJ 6 -. *' HK>HO 6 -. *' $)- ( '+ )* %$ )! && '+ )* %$

TR@R^ UR@R^ TR@R^ XR@R^

T U T X HG HH

YR@R^

# / - /# #$' - )C. " .9 A # & '' /# / ++'6<B

XR@R^ WR@R^ VR@R^ UR@R^ TR@R^ SR@R^ R@R^

. / $++(

WESR 8 ./ +( SSESU 8 ./ +( SVESZ 8 ./ +(

APPENDIX D: SURVEY RESULTS &

PUBLIC INPUT MEETINGS

;JK

81

APPENDIX O Tree Species List for Parks and Streetscapes

82

S UGGESTED T REES

Pond!Cypress!!

Bur!Oak!!

Cedar!Elm!!

Chinese!Pistache!!

Chinkapin!Oak!!

Eastern!Red!Cedar!!

Lacebark!Elm!!

BOTANICAL NAME

Taxodium)distichum)

Quercus)macrocarpa)

Ulmus)crassifolia)

Pistacia)chinensis)

Quercus)muhlenbergii)

Juniperus)virginiana)

Ulmus)parvifolia)

HEIGHT X SPREAD

DESCRIPTION

25'!x!25'!

Narrow!upright!pyramidal!deciduous!conifer!to!70'!w/! thready!looking!leaves!arranged!spirally,!that!can!be!grown!in! poor!drainage!or!even!underwater,!but!does!not!do!well!in! extremely!calcareous!soils!

60'!x!45'!

Texas!native!oak,!this!large!tree!has!a!deep!taproot!and! dense,!spreading!canopy.!!It!has!the!largest!acorns!of!any!oak! tree,!is!extremely!drought!tolerant.!

50'!x!35'!

Texas!native!that!is!extremely!drought!tolerant!and!adaped! to!many!soil!types.!Tree!is!upright!and!rounded!with!light! brown!to!gray,!highly!ridged!bark.!

30'!x!25'!

Large!drought,!wind!and!heat!tolerant!deciduous!tree.!Deep! green!leaves!in!summer!turn!to!red,!yellow!and!orange!in!fall,! with!female!trees!bearing!berries!that!birds!love.!'Earthkind'! designation.!

50'!x!40'!

Fast!growing!large!Texas!native!oak!that!is!sensitive!to! atmospheric!pollutants,!has!attractive!dark!green!dentate! leaves!in!summer!and!is!most!at!home!in!calcareous!upland! areas!

25'!x!15'!

Tough!evergreen!conifer!tree!that!is!adapted!to!any!soil,!is! extremely!drought!tolerant,!and!used!as!a!wind!break!or! screen,!or!median!strip!along!highways.!

45'!x!40'!

Graceful!midsized!tree!with!exfoliating!bark!and!graceful! rounded!canopy!with!long!arching!branches.!Withstands! harsh!conditions!and!a!variety!of!soils.!

83 !APPENDIX G: PREVIOUS PLANS AND KEY DEVELOPMENTS

A:75%

S UGGESTED T REES

BOTANICAL NAME

HEIGHT X SPREAD

DESCRIPTION

Lacey!Oak!!

Quercus)glaucoides)

25'!x!15'!

Midsized!tree!that!tolerates!drought,!heat,!disease,!and! adapts!to!many!soil!types.!Peach!and!red!leaves!in!early! spring,!maturing!into!striking!blue!green!in!summer!and! golden!yellow!leaves!in!fall.!

Little!Gem!Magnolia!!

Magnolia)grandiflora)'Little) 20'!x!12'!

Gem')

Upright!oval!rounded!canopy,!evergreen!tree!with!large! glossy!leaves,!prolific!large!white!flowers.!

Pecan!!

Carya)illinoinensis)

!!

Large!native!deciduous!canopy!tree!w/!an!open!branching! structure,!compound!leaves,!a!susceptibility!to!web!worms! and!a!very!messy!habit!that!is!the!State!Tree!of!Texas!

Shumard!Red!Oak!!

Quercus)shumardii)

60'!x!40'!

Very!large,!fast!growing!oak!native!to!Texas!with!large! spreading!canopy!in!maturity!and!beautiful!red!fall!color.!

0.3!

Native!to!North!Texas,!it!is!very!drought!tolerant,!is! reminiscent!of!the!Chinese!Pistachio,!and!has!brilliant!yellow,! red,!orange,!maroon!and!purple!fall!color.!

Texas!Ash!!

Fraxinus)texensis)

! ! ! ! ! !

84 !APPENDIX G: PREVIOUS PLANS AND KEY DEVELOPMENTS

A:%76%

S UGGESTED O RNAMENTAL T REES

BOTANICAL NAME

HEIGHT X SPREAD

INFORMATION

Chitalpa!

Chilopsis)x.)catalpa)

25'!x!20'!

Cross!between!a!Catalpa!and!a!desert!willow!that!produces!!blooms! similar!to!desert!willow!but!with!a!much!more!substantial!appearance! in!the!landscape!and!a!high!tolerance!for!a!varied!growing!conditions.!

Crepe!Myrtle!

Lagerstroemia)indica)

varies!

Hardy,!drought!tolerant!ornamental!tree!that!comes!in!a!wide!variety!of! sizes!and!bloom!colors.!

Desert!Willow!

Chilopsis)linearis)

20'!x!15'!

Delicate looking ornamental deciduous tree to 30' tall with 3 - 4" long linear simple leaves, an irregular picturesque open airy habit, and perfect bell-shaped flowers in hues of white, pink and purplish red that is native to very dry areas in Texas w/ alkaline soil and needs very good drainage

Eastern!Redbud!

Cercis)canadensis)

20'!x!30'!

Broadly spreading tree with small pink flowers from March to April. Full sun to part shade, but prefers shadier areas in windy, dry conditions.

Eve's!Necklace!

Sophora)affinis)

20'!x!15'!

Native upright understory tree for full sun or part shade, with pink wisteria like flowers and poisonous black bead like seed pods in fall.

Kidneywood!

Eysenhardtia)texana)

10'!x!10'!

Multi-branching, open, airy tree, with white flowers that produce a delicate fragrance.

Mexican!Buckeye!

Ungnadia)speciosa)

10'!x!15'!

Native understory or specimen tree that is very tolerant of well-drained, chalk soils. Early spring pink blooms are fragrant and it has attractive yellow fall color and mildly poisonous seeds in a interesting woody capsule.

Mexican!Plum!

Prunus)mexicana)

25'!x!25'!

Native tree that blooms fragrant white in early spring followed by small plums, can be grown in full sun or in an understory, and has attractive exfoliating bark for a well-drained site.

Possumhaw!Holly!

Ilex)decidua)

12'!x!10'!

Texas native usually found growing in the forest understory, that is slow growing and has bright red berries in winter on bare branches.

85 !APPENDIX G: PREVIOUS PLANS AND KEY DEVELOPMENTS

A:%77%

S UGGESTED O RNAMENTAL T REES

BOTANICAL NAME

HEIGHT X SPREAD

INFORMATION

Roughleaf!Dogwood!

Cornus)drummondii)

16'!x!16'!

Small bushy tree for alkaline soils that produces white flower clusters in late spring followed by white seed pods in late summer, and yellow berries in fall. It has reddish stems which are decorative in winter and has purple fall color.

Rusty!Blackhaw!

Viburnum!

Viburnum)rufidulum)

15'!x!10'!

Texas native, slow-growing, deciduous large shrub or ornamental tree with good fall color in hues of orange, yellow, and red.

Shantung!Maple!

Acer)truncatum)

25'!x!20'!

Midsize!ornamental!tree!reminiscent!of!a!Japanese!maple!that!tolerates! alkaline!soils,!drought,!and!strong!wind.!!

Smoke!Tree!

Cotinus)coggygria)

10'!x!10'!

Native tree that tolerates drought and chalk, and is a refined and delicate tree, fall color goes from yellow to apricot to scarlet.

Sumac!

Rhus))

15'!x!15'!

Small native ornamental tree with an irregular crown, great fall color, and tolerant of a wide variety of soils including very high PH soils, and is useful for erosion control.

Vitex!

Vitex)agnusIcastus)

15'!x!15'!

Multi-trunked, vigorous tree with long, spiked blue-purple flowers from late spring to fall. Tolerates most soils as long as they are well drained.

Wax!Myrtle!

Myrica)cerifera)

20'!x!10'!

Large evergreen shrub or ornamental tree that has fragrant leaves when crushed, and tree can take wet soils.

Western!Soapberry!

Sapindus)drummondii)

30'!x!20'!

Native to Texas uplands, showy cream panicle flowers, deep yellow fall color, sculpted bark and poisonous translucent yellow berries with persist through winter.

15'!x!15'!

Native evergreen that can be trimmed into to hedge or pruned into a tree.

Female plants produce red berries, and plants can adapt to soil types, including wet soil, and is drought tolerant.

Yaupon!Holly!

Ilex)vomitoria)

% % %

86 !APPENDIX G: PREVIOUS PLANS AND KEY DEVELOPMENTS

A:%78%

APPENDIX P Additonal Grant Resources

87

!

Name%

Aetna%Foundation%

Allen%Foundation%

American%Academy%of% Dermatology%Shade% Structure%Program%

American%Express% Philanthropy%

A PPENDIX E: A DDITIONAL G RANT R ESOURCES Purpose% The!Aetna!Foundationâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s! mission!is!to!promote! wellness,!health,!and!access! to!high8quality!health!care!for! everyone,!while!supporting! the!communities![they]!serve!

The!Allen!Foundation!values! the!connections!between!diet! and!health!through!funding! programs!in!the!areas!of! education,!training,!and! research.!Proposals!should! focus!on!nutrition,!which!can! be!promoted!by!building!a! playground!in!conjunction!to! a!healthy!lifestyle!program! for!children.! !Program!awards!grants!in!the! amount!of!up!to!$8,000!each! year!for!the!purchase!of! permanent!shade!structures! designed!to!provide!shade! and!UV!ray!protection.!

To!bring!to!life!the!American!

Express!value!of!good! corporate!citizenship!by! supporting!diverse! communities!in!ways!that! enhance!the!company's! reputation!

!APPENDIX E: ADDITIONAL GRANT RESOURCES

Eligibility%

Website%

Must!be!a!501(c)(3)!! non8profit!organization! !

% http://www.aetna.com/about@aetna@ insurance/aetna@foundation/index.html%

Must!be!a!501(c)(3)!! non8profit!organization! !

https://www.allenfoundation.org/%

!

http://www.aad.org/public/sun/grants.html%

Must!be!tax8exempt! under!Sections!501c3!and!

509a1!

Capital!campaigns!are!not! http://about.americanexpress.com/csr/howto.aspx% supported!!

Unsolicited!requests!are! not!often!supported! !

A:54%

88

Name%

Robert%Wood%Johnson% Foundation%

Tony%Hawk%Foundation%

Bank%of%America%%

Purpose%

Eligibility% Website% !

The!Foundation!supports!

Through!its!investment!in! public!agencies,!universities! grantees,!the!Robert!Wood! and!public!charities!that!are!

Johnson!Foundation!seeks!to! http://www.rwjf.org/grants/% tax8exempt!under!section! improve!the!health!and!health!

501(c)(3)!of!the!Internal! care!for!all!Americans.!

Revenue!Code.! ! !

Applicants!must!be!a!public!

The!principal!focus!of! charity,!organized!under!IRC! foundation!grants!is!to!

Sec.!501(C)(3),!and!qualified! encourage!and!facilitate!the! under!IRC!Sec.!170(B)(1)(A),!or! design,!development,! a!state!or!local!agency,! construction,! including!public!school! and!operation!of!new!quality! http://www.tonyhawkfoundation.org/% systems! skateboard!parks!and! !The!request!must!be!for!a! facilities,!located!in!low8 new!skatepark,!not!for!an! income! expansion!of!an!existing! communities!in!the!United!

Skatepark!

States.!!

The!median!household!income!! under!$50,000!

Committed!to!creating! meaningful!change!in!the! communities!they!serve! through!philanthropic!efforts,! associate!volunteerism,! community!development! activities!and!investing,! support!of!arts!and!culture! programming!and! environmental!initiatives!

!APPENDIX E: ADDITIONAL GRANT RESOURCES

Organization!must!be!tax8 exempt!under!501(c)(3)!of!the!

Internal!Revenue!Code!

Must!not!be!classified!as!a! private!foundation!

http://www.bankofamerica.com/! foundation/index.cfm?template=overview!

89

A:63% !

Name%

American%Medical% Association%

Purpose% To!promote!healthy! behaviors!in!efforts!to!change! the!issue!of!obesity!in! children!and!adults.!It! supports!health!education! programs!to!develop!school! and!community8based! solutions!to!behavioral!health! challenges.!

Eligibility!

Website%

Organizations!must!be!in! existence!for!at!least!a! year!! !

http://www.ama@assn.org/ama/pub/about@ ama/ama@foundation/our@programs/publichealth/% healthy@living@grants.page%

Best%Buy%Children's% Foundation%

Program!supports!and! strengthens!communities!by! contributing!to!a!variety!of! organizations!and!programs! that!foster!engaged,!fun,! learning!experiences!for! children!

Recipients!of!a!National!

Grant!must:!

Be!classified!as!a!501(c)(3)! !Serve!a!national!audience! !Have!a!national! http://www.bestbuy@ distribution!plan!! communityrelations.com/our_foundation.htm% Have!national! % partnerships!in!place! !Be!located!within!50! miles!of!a!Best!Buy!! !

Build?A?Bear%Workshop% Foundation%

Build8A8Bear!Workshop!

Foundation!is!committed!to! improving!communities!and! impacting!lives!through! philanthropic!programs!that! help!children,!families,! animals!and!the!environment.!

Must!be!non8profit! !

Should!be!located!near!

Build8A8Bear!stores!

http://www.buildabear.com/shopping/contents% /content.jsp?catId=400002&id=700013%

! ! !

!APPENDIX E: ADDITIONAL GRANT RESOURCES

90

A:55% !

Name%

California%Wellness% Foundation%

Carol%M.%White%Physical% Education%Program%

Charles%Lafitte%Foundation%%

Purpose%

Eligibility!

Website!

Mission!is!to!improve!the! health!of!the!people!of!

California!by!making!grants! for!health!promotion,! wellness!education!and! disease!prevention.!

Funds!nonprofit! organizations!that!are! exempt!under!Section!501! (c)(3)! !Funds!government!agencies! !Does!not!fund!509!(a)(3)!

Type!III!non8functionally! integrated!supporting! organizations! !Must!be!an!organization! within!the!United!States!

http://www.calwellness.org/how_to_apply%

Program!seeks!to!initiate,! expand!or!enhance!physical! education!programs!by:!1)! providing!equipment!and! support!to!enable!students! to!participate!actively!in! physical!education!activities! and!2)!providing!funds!for! staff!and!teacher!training!and! education.!

Provide!for!and! support!inventive!and! effective!ways!of!helping! people!help!themselves!and! others! around!them!to!lead!healthy,! satisfying!and!enriched!lives!

Local!education!agencies!and! http://www2.ed.gov/programs/% community8based! whitephysed/index.html% organizations!may!apply.!

Applicants!must!be!tax8 exempt!501(c)(3)!non8profit! organizations.!

http://charleslafitte.org/grants/overview/%

! ! !

!APPENDIX E: ADDITIONAL GRANT RESOURCES

91

A:56% !

Name%

Purpose%

Christopher%and%Dana% Reeve%Foundation!

Program!awards!grants!to! non8profit!organizations! that!provide!services!to! individuals!with!paralysis.!

The%Clorox%Company%

Coca?Cola%Foundation%

The!Clorox!Company!is! pitching!in!to!help!schools! around!the!country.!The! Power&A&Bright&Future& grant!contest,!a!school! grant!program,!is!launching! to!help!fund!vital!school! programs.!

The!Coca8Cola!Foundation! is!committed!to!investing! its!time,!expertise!and! resources!to!help!develop! and!maintain!vibrant,! sustainable!and!local! communities.!

The!Foundation!helps!keep! that!commitment!every! day!by!partnering!with! organizations! around!the!globe!to! support!initiatives!and! programs!that!respond!in!a! meaningful!way! to!community!needs!and! priorities!

Eligibility% 501(c)(3)!non8profit! organizations!are!eligible,! as!are!organizations!like! community!parks,!schools,! and!tribal!entities!

Website%

Schools!

http://www.powerabrightfuture.com/%

Must!be!tax8exempt!under!

Section!501!(c)!(3).!Does! not!support!US!based!local! schools,!including!charter! schools,!pre8schools,! elementary8!high!schools.!!

http://www.thecoca@colacompany.com/% citizenship/foundation_coke.html%

http://www.christopherreeve.org/site/c.ddJFKRNoFiG% /b.4425935/k.6491/Quality_of_Life_Grants.htm%

! !

!APPENDIX E: ADDITIONAL GRANT RESOURCES

92

A:57% !

Name%

Purpose% Objectives!of!the!program! are:!

Benefit!low!and!moderate!

Community%Development% income!persons!

Prevent!or!eliminate!slums!

Block%%Grant%Program%% or!blight!

Address!community! development!needs!!

Program!awards!funds!to! non8profit!organizations! for!programs!targeting! children!with!disabilities! and!health!and! rehabilitation!services,!

CVS%Caremark%Community% public!schools!promoting!a!

Grants% greater!level!of!inclusion!in! student!activities!and! extracurricular!programs,! and!initiatives!that!give! greater!access!to!physical! movement!!

The!Do!Something!Grant! honors!“the!pivotal!

Do%Something%Good%Grant% !“do8ers”!in!their!field,! cause,!or!issue.”! !

Eligibility% Website% Eligible!activities!include:!

Acquisition!of!real!property!

Relocation!and!demolition!

Rehabilitation!of!residential! http://www.hud.gov/offices/cpd/% and!non8residential! communitydevelopment/programs/% structures!

Construction!of!public! facilities!and!improvements!!

Non8profit!organizations!be!

501!(c)(3)!tax!exempt! organizations!

Non8profit!organizations! submit!their!EIN!number! with!their!application!

A!CVS/pharmacy!store!be! located!within!the!state! where!the!organization!is! located.!

http://info.cvscaremark.com/community/our@ impact/community@grants%

Age!25!or!younger! participants! !

http://www.dosomething.org/programs/awards%

! ! ! ! !APPENDIX E: ADDITIONAL GRANT RESOURCES

93

A:58% !

Name%

Ford%Foundation%

Garth%Brooks%Teammates% for%Kids%Foundation%

General%Mills:%Champions% for%Healthy%Kids%%

Hasbro%Childrenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s%Fund%

Purpose% Mission!is!to!reduce!poverty! and!injustice!and!promote! democratic!values,! international!cooperation! and!human!achievement.!

The!main!purpose!of!the!

Foundation!is!to!contribute! financial!resources!to! selected!non8profit! organizations!that! effectively!serve!and!benefit! children!with!an!emphasis! on!health,!education!and! inner8city!services.!

Mission!is!to!provide! financial!support!to!non8 profit!organizations!that! create!sustainable! community!improvement!in! the!areas!of!youth!nutrition! and!fitness,!social!services,! education!and!arts!and! culture.!

The!Fund!provides!support! for!programs!which!provide! terminally!and!seriously!ill! children!respite!and!access! to!play,!educational! programs!for!children!at! risk,!and!basics!for!children.!!

Eligibility%

Website%

Activities!must!fall!in!one!of! the!Foundationâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s!areas!of! interest!and!be!charitable,! education!or!scientific.!

http://www.fordfoundation.org/grants/types@of@ grants%

Grants!financial!support!to! organizations!and!causes! suggested!by!member! athletes,!past!grant! recipients,!and!with!the! child!life!zones!across!the! country.!

http://www.teammatesforkids.com/%

Organizations!eligible!to! apply:!

501(c)(3)!and!509(a)!non8 profit!organizations!

Health!departments!

Government!agencies!

Schools!! !Native!American!tribes!

http://www.generalmills.com/en/Responsibility% /community_engagement/Grants/Champions_for_% healthy_kids.aspx%

Must!be!501(c)(3)!tax! exempt.!

http://www.hasbro.com/corporate/community@ relations/%

! !

!APPENDIX E: ADDITIONAL GRANT RESOURCES

94

A:59% !

Name%

ING%Foundation%

KaBoom!%

Purpose% !Specifically,!ING!supports:!! !

501(c)(3)!non8profit! organizations!providing! unique!programming!and/or! community!outreach! initiatives!directed!toward! one!of!ING’s!primary!areas!of! focus!

Broad,!strategic!partnership! opportunities!that!leverage!

ING’s!commitment!to! empowerment!and!focus!on! improving!the!lives!of! individuals!in!underserved! communities!across!the! country! !Smaller,!local!programs!and! initiatives!in!key!markets! where!ING!employees!and! customers!work!and!live!

KaBOOM!!will!build!or!fix!up!

2,000!playgrounds!by!the!end! of!2013,!benefiting!an! estimated!five!million! children.!

Eligibility%

Website%

Organizations!must!have!a!

501(c)(3)!tax8exempt!status! and!the!organization’s! program!must!fall!within!one! of!ING’s!three!primary!areas! of!focus.!

http://ing.us/about@ing/responsibility/ing@ foundation@grants%

Communities!that!desire!to! build,!maintain,!or!enhance! playgrounds.!!

http://kaboom.org/about_kaboom/programs/% grants?utm_source=direct&utm_medium=surl%

! ! ! !

!APPENDIX E: ADDITIONAL GRANT RESOURCES

95

A:60% !

Name%

Kresge%Foundation%

Land%&%Water%Conservation% Fund%

LEGO%Childrenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s%Fund%

Purpose% The!Kresge!Foundation!is!a!$2.8! billion!private,!national! foundation!that!seeks!to! influence!the!quality!of!life!for! future!generations!through!its! support!of!nonprofit! organizations.!

Grants!are!provided!to!match! state!and!local!funds!for!the! acquisition!and!development!of! public!outdoor!recreation!areas! and!facilities.!The!goals!of!the!

Fund!are!to:!1)!encourage!state! leadership,!2)!reinvest!in! resources!and!3)!protect!grant8 assisted!sites!in!perpetuity!

!

Eligibility%

Website%

501(c)(3)!organizations!and! schools!that!predominately!serve! http://www.kresge.org/% students!with!physical!and! developmental!disabilities!are! eligible!for!challenge!grants.!

Grants!must!in!accord!with!the! priorities!of!the!particular!stateâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s! plan.!!Grants!are!provided!on!a! rolling!basis.!!

http://www.nps.gov/lwcf/%

Priority!is!given!to!programs!that! meet!LEGO!goals!! !Only!501(c)(3)!organizations!!

Capital!campaigns!and! renovation!project!are!not! eligible! !Preferential!consideration!may! be!given!to!organizations!based! in!CT!and!MA!

http://www.legochildrensfund.org/% Guidelines.html%

! ! ! ! ! !APPENDIX E: ADDITIONAL GRANT RESOURCES

96!

A:61%

Name%

Lowe’s%Charitable%and% Educational%Foundation%%

MetLife%Foundation%%

The%Parks%Company%%

RGK%Foundation%

Purpose% The!program!dedicated!to! improving!the!communities!

Lowe’s!serve!through! support!of!public!education,! community!improvement! projects!and!home!safety! initiatives.!

The!goal!of!the!MetLife!

Foundation!is!to!empower! people!to!lead!healthy,! productive!lives!and! strengthen!communities.!

Underlying!the!Foundation's! programs!is!a!focus!on! education!at!all!ages!and!a! commitment!to!increasing! access!and!opportunity.!

The!Parks!Company!provides! grants!to!non8profit!support! groups!dedicated!to! improving!the!quality!of! specific!national!parks!like! the!Yosemite!Fund,!the!

Grand!Canyon!Association,! etc.!

The!RGK!Foundation!seeks! innovative!projects!in!the! areas!of!1)!education,!

2)!community!!

3)!medicine/health.!

Eligibility%

Website%

Organizations!classified!as!

501(c)(3)!non8profits!and! public!agencies!located!in! communities!where!Lowe’s! operates!stores!and! distribution!centers.!

http://www.toolboxforeducation.com% /index.html%

Organizations!must!be!501! (c)!(3)!tax!exempt.!

Elementary!and!secondary! schools!are!not!eligible.!!

http://www.metlife.com/about/corporate@ profile/citizenship/metlife@foundation%

!

http://www.theparksco.com/support% /LatestGrants.html%

Organizations!must!be! classified!as!501(c)(3)!tax8 exempt!non8profits.!

http://www.rgkfoundation.org/public/guidelines%

! !

!APPENDIX E: ADDITIONAL GRANT RESOURCES

97

A:62% !

Name%

Darden%Foundation%%

Purpose%

Eligibility%

Website%

The!Foundation!has!an! interest!in!funding!education,! the!arts!and!culture,!social! services,!nutrition,!and! environment!grants!from! $5,000!to!$100,000.!

Must!be!a!501(c)(3)!non8profit! organization!and!in!Darden! operating! locations!(Red!Lobster,!Olive!

Garden,!LongHorn!

Steakhouse,!Bahama!Breeze,!

Season!

52,!The!Capital!Grille,!Eddie!

Vâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s,!and!Yard!House)!

http://www.darden.com/commitment/! community/grants.asp!

Must!be!a!tax8exempt!non8 profit!organization!

http://www.finishline.com/store/! youthfoundation/youthfoundation.jsp!

Only!501(c)(3)!organizations! may!apply.!

http://www.thekerrfoundation.org/index.php!

Foundation!supports! qualified,!non8profit! organizations!that!provide! community!based!access!to! athletics!for!kids!under!the!

Finish%Line%Youth%Foundation%% age!of!18,!as!well!as!camps! that!give!kids!the!chance!to!be! active,!especially!camps!that! provide!services!to!kids!who! are!disadvantaged!or!disabled!

The!Foundationâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s!areas!of! funding!interest!are:!!

1)!education!

Kerr%Foundation,%Inc.%% !2)!health,!

3)!cultural!development!4)! community!service.! ! ! ! !

!APPENDIX E: ADDITIONAL GRANT RESOURCES

98

A:64% !

Name%

Kroger%Co.%Foundation%

Land%O’Lakes%Foundation%

Lockheed%Martin% Foundation%

Purpose% The!Kroger!Co.!Foundation! supports!charitable!activities! in!the!communities!where!

Kroger!customers!and! associates!live!and!work.!

The!Foundation’s!main!areas! of!focus!are:!!

1)!Arts!&!Education!!

2)!Human!Services!&!

Civic!!

3)!Hunger!

The!Foundation’s!focus! areas!are:!!

1)!Education! !2)!Customer!!Constituent!

Relations!

3)!Community!Relations.!

Eligibility%

Website%

Only!proposals!from!

501(c)(3)!organizations!are! considered.!

http://www.thekrogerco.com/community/kroger8 foundation!

Grants!are!restricted!to! organizations!that!have!been! http://www.landolakesinc.com/company/! granted!tax8exempt!status! corporateresponsibility/foundation/default.aspx! under!Section!501(c)(3)!of! the!Internal!Revenue!Code.!

Have!a!non8profit!tax!exempt! classification!under!Section!

501(c)(3),or!be!a!public! school,!or!a!institute!of! higher!education! !Be!located!or!operate!in!a! community!in!which!

Lockheed!Martin!has! http://www.lockheedmartin.com/us/who8we8 employees.! are/community/philanthropy.html! !Demonstrate!fiscal!and! administrative!responsibility! and!stability!and!have!an! active,!diverse!board,! effective!leadership,! continuity!and!efficiency!of! administration!

! ! !

!APPENDIX E: ADDITIONAL GRANT RESOURCES

99

A:65% !

Name%

Scoular%Foundation%

Purpose% The!Foundationâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s!areas!of! focus!are:!

1)!Children!&!Youth!

2)!Education!

3)!Social!Service!

4)!Public!Health!

5)!Arts!&!Culture.!

Eligibility%

Website%

Funds!are!distributed!directly! to!501(c)(3)!organizations!that! serve!Scoular!communities.!

http://www.scoular.com/about/community8 involvement/!

Sprint%Foundation%

The!Foundation!creatively!and! thoughtfully!delivers!Sprint's! commitment!to!

Championing!communities.!

Comply!with!applicable!laws! regarding!registration!and! reporting!

Have!financials!available!for! independent!outside!audit!and! http://www.sprint.com/responsibility/! all!potential!Contributors! sprint_foundation/index.html!

Be!a!non8profit!tax!exempt! organization!under!Section!

501(c)(3)!of!the!Internal!

Revenue!code!(unless!a!public! school!or!library).!

Union%Pacific%Foundation%

The!Foundation!awards!grants! through!an!annual!application! process!which!non8profit!

501(c)(3)!organizations!located! in!Union!Pacific!communities! may!apply.!The!Programâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s! areas!of!focus!are:!!

1)!Community!and!Civic,!2)!

Fine!Arts!

3)!Health!and!Human!Services.!

The!organization!must!possess! a!current!501(c)(3)! determination!letter!from!the!

IRS.!

http://www.up.com/found/index.shtml!

! ! ! !APPENDIX E: ADDITIONAL GRANT RESOURCES

100

A:66% !

Name%

Wal?Mart%Foundation%

Purpose% the!Foundation!has!a! special!interest!in! supporting:!veterans!&! military,!traditionally! underserved!groups,! the!disabled! community!and!people! impacted!by!natural! disasters!

Eligibility%

Website%

Organizations!must!be!

501(c)(3)!tax!exempt! non8profits.!

http://walmartstores.com/communitygiving/203.aspx!

!

! !

!

!APPENDIX E: ADDITIONAL GRANT RESOURCES

101

A:67% !

APPENDIX Q Opinion of Probable Costs

102

FIGURE 35:

GENERAL PARK FACILITY CONSTRUCTION COST ESTIMATES

CONSTRUCTION COST ESTIMATES

UNIT COST

NEIGHBORHOOD PARK

COMMUNITY PARK

LINEAR PARK (PER MILE)

# UNITS

COST

# UNITS

COST

# UNITS

COST

MOBILIZATION/BONDS/GENERAL CONDITIONS

$100,000

1

$100,000

2.5

$250,000

0.75

$75,000

DEMOLITION/PREPARATION

$30,000

1

$30,000

2.5

$75,000

1.75

$52,500

EROSION CONTROL/POLLUTION PREVENTION

$12,000

1

$12,000

1.5

$18,000

1.5

$18,000

WATER/ELECTRIC SERVICE

$20,000

3

$60,000

5

$100,000

TREE PROTECTION

$5,000

1

$5,000

2

$10,000

ROADWAYS/PARKING WITH LIGHTING & CURB

$3,500

20

$70,000

100

$350,000

PLAYGROUND

$150,000

1

$150,000

2

$300,000

TRAILS (10' WIDE, PER 0.5 MILE)

$125,000

1

$125,000

3

$375,000

BASKETBALL COURT Ͳ W/O LIGHTS

$40,000

1

$40,000

BASKETBALL COURT Ͳ LIGHTED

$70,000

PICNIC FACILITIES(TABLE W/SLAB & GRILL) PRACTICE ATHLETIC FIELD (GRADING, IRRIGATION, TURF, EQUIPMENT) ROW SIDEWALK (8' WIDE, PER 1,000 FT)

$5,000

5

$25,000

$120,000

1

$120,000

$30,000

1

$30,000

0.4

$2,000

1

$70,000

20

$100,000

NOTE: THESE ESTIMATED COSTS ARE AS OF MAY, 2013. CONSTRUCTION COSTS FLUCTUATE WIDELY OVER TIME AND BY GEOGRAPHIC AREA. THESE COST FIGURES ARE PRESENTED ONLY AS A GENERAL GUIDE.

IMPLEMENTATION

3

103

CONSTRUCTION COST ESTIMATES (CONT'D)

UNIT COST

NEIGHBORHOOD PARK

COMMUNITY PARK

LINEAR PARK (PER MILE)

# UNITS

COST

# UNITS

COST

# UNITS

COST

PAVILION Ͳ SMALL

$50,000

1

$50,000

PAVILION Ͳ LARGE

$120,000

1

$120,000

SITE LANDSCAPING/IRRIGATION

$125,000

1

$125,000

2

$250,000

0.15

$18,750

SITE LIGHTING

$65,000

1

$65,000

1

$115,000

SPLIT RAIL ($20/LF, FOR APPROXIMATELY 300 FEET) PARK SIGNAGE ( ENTRY, RULES & INFORMATIONAL SIGNAGE) AMENITIES (BENCHES, TRASH RECEPTACLES & FOUNTAINS)

$6,000

1

$6,000

$23,000

1

$23,000

1.5

$34,500

$30,000

1

$30,000

2

$60,000

1.25

$37,500

ATHLETIC FIELDS (2ͲLIGHTED)

$545,000

1

$545,000

TENNIS COURTS (2ͲLIGHTED)

$150,000

1

$150,000

VOLLEYBALL COURT (LIGHTED)

$30,000

1

$30,000

AUTOMATIC GATE

$25,000

1

$25,000

SPRAY GROUND

$250,000

1

$250,000

RESTROOMS

$200,000

1

$200,000

IMPLEMENTATION

4

104

CONSTRUCTION COST ESTIMATES (CONT'D)

UNIT COST

NEIGHBORHOOD PARK

COMMUNITY PARK

LINEAR PARK (PER MILE)

# UNITS COST

# UNITS COST

# UNITS COST

POND/DOCK

$75,000

1

$75,000

MISCELLANEOUS PAVING (12 FOOT TRAIL)

$275,000

1

$275,000

1

$275,000

GRADING

$60,000

1

$60,000

BRIDGES

$80,000

1

$80,000

CROSSINGS/CULVERTS

$150,000

1

$150,000

MARKINGS/STRIPING

$2,000

1

$2,000

DEVELOPER ROADWAY (50% OF 38' STREET)

$350,000

1

$350,000

SUBͲTOTAL

$1,066,000

$3,777,500

$1,120,750

CONTINGENCY

15%

$159,900

10%

$377,750

15%

$168,113

DESIGN, SURVEYS, PLATTING, TESTING, ADMINISTRATION

20%

$213,200

20%

$755,500

20%

$224,150

SUBͲTOTAL

$373,100

$1,133,250

$392,263

TOTAL

$1,439,100

$4,910,750

$1,513,013

IMPLEMENTATION

5

105

APPENDIX R References

106

American Association of State Highways and Transportation Officials (AASHTO). Guide for the development of bicycle facilities. Unpublished draft.

American Association of State Highways and Transportation Officials (AASHTO). (1999). Guide for the development of bicycle facilities. Washington, D.C. Bicycle Transportation Alliance. (2008). Bicycle boulevard campaign. Retrieved from bta4bikes.org/at_work/bikeboulevards.php Bricker, S. , Roberts, J., & Rawsthorne, D. (2008). Bicycle boulevards in the United States and Canada. 2008 Annual ProWalk/ProBike Conference, Seattle, WA. Ciccarelli, J. (1999), Bicycle boulevards. Berkeley Tech Transfer Newsletter.

Retrieved from www.techtransfer.berkeley.edu/newsletter/99-4/bicycles.php City of Berkeley Planning and Development Department. (2000). Bicycle boulevard design tools and guidelines (design guidelines). Berkeley, California: Retrieved from http://www.ci.berkeley.ca.us/ContentDisplay.aspx?id=6652 City of London Transport for London. Advanced stop lines (ASLS) background and research studies. London, United Kingdom: Transport for London. Retrieved from http://www.tfl.gov.uk/assets/downloads/businessandpartners/ asl.pdf City of Napa Public Works Department. (2005). Policy guidelines: City of Napa â&#x20AC;&#x153;bicycle boulevardâ&#x20AC;? (Policy Guidelines Document). Napa, California: Retrieved from http://www.4sbb.com/Bike_Boulevard_Guidelines.pdf City of Portland Office of Transportation (2009). SmartTrips. Portland, Oregon: Retrieved from h t t p : / / w w w . p o r t l a n d o n l i n e . c o m / t r a n s p o r t a t i o n / i n d e x . c fm ? c = 4 3 8 0 1 City of Portland Office of Transportation. (2007). Platinum bicycle master plan phase I: Existing conditions report (Draft Report). Portland, Oregon: Retrieved from http://www.portlandonline.com/transportation/in d e x . c fm ? c = 4 4 6 7 4 & a = 1 5 9 8 0 6

City of Portland Office of Transportation. (1998). Bicycle master plan.

Retrieved from http://www.portlandonline.com/Transportation/index. cfm?a=71843&c=34812 City of Tucson Department of Transportation. (2009). Pedestrian Traffic Signal Operation. Retrieved from http://dot.tucsonaz.gov/traffic3/tspedestrian.php CROW (2007). Design manual for bicycle traffic. Ede, The Netherlands: Dutch national information and technology platform for infrastructure, traffic, transport, and public space.

Dill Ph.d., J. (2008, May 16). Where do people bicycle: The role of infrastructure in determining bicycling behavior. Presented at Center for Transportation Studies Seminar at Portland State University. PowerPoint retrieved from http://www.cts.pdx.edu/pdf/Dill%20CTS%20Friday%20Seminar%205-16-08. pdf Eckerson Jr., C. (Director). (2007, February 17). Berkeley bicycle boulevards.

[Video] Retrieved from http://www.streetfilms.org/archives/berkeley-bikeboulevards/ Eckerson Jr., C. (Director). (2007, January 29). Portland, Ore. - bicycle boulevards. [Video] Retrieved from www.streetfilms.org/archives/portland-orbicycle-boulevards Ewing, R. (1999). Traffic calming state of the practice. Institute of Transportation Engineers. Washington, D.C. Hopper, L. (2007). Landscape Architectural Graphic Standards. John Wiley & Sons, Inc. Hoboken, New Jersey.

Litman, T., et al. (2002). Pedestrian and bicycle planning: A guide to best practices. Retrieved from http://www.vtpi.org/nmtguide.doc Metropolitan Transportation Commission (2009). Bicycle and pedestrian safety toolbox: Engineering. Retrieved from Metropolitan Transportation Commission website: http://www.mtc.ca.gov/planning/bicyclespedestrians/

107

tools/bikeSignals/index.htm National Standards for Traffic Control Devices; the Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices for Streets and Highways; Revision; Proposed Rule - Notice of Proposed Amendments, 73 Fed Reg 314 (2008) Nesbitt, B. (2005). Bicycle boulevards: Arterial bypass surgery for your city?

Journal of the Association of Pedestrian and Bicycle Professionals, (Summer), 4.

Oregon Department of Transportation. (1995). Oregon bicycle and pedestrian plan (Transportation Plan). Salem, Oregon: Oregon Department of Transportation. Retrieved from http://www.oregon.gov/ODOT/HWY/BIKEPED/docs/ or_bicycle_ped_plan.pdf Oregon Department of Transportation. (2007). Draft Oregon bicycle and pedestrian plan: Design standards and guidelines (Draft Transportation Plan).

Salem, Oregon: Oregon Department of Transportation. Retrieved from http:// www.oregon.gov/ODOT/HWY/BIKEPED/planproc.shtml Sarkar, S. A., Nederveen, J. A., & Pols, A. (1997). Renewed commitment to traffic calming for pedestrian safety. Transportation Research Record, (1578), 11.

United States Department of Transportation Federal Highway Administration.

(2007). Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices. Retrieved from http:// mutcd.fhwa.dot.gov/pdfs/2003r1r2/pdf_index.htm United State Department of Transportation Federal Highway Administration.

(2008). Proposed amendments to the Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices. Retrieved from http://mutcd.fhwa.dot.gov/resources/proposed_ amend/index.htm

United State Department of Transportation Federal Highway Administration.

(2006). University course on bicycle and pedestrian transportation (University course No. FHWA-HRT-05-133). McLean, Virginia: Retrieved from h t t p : / / w w w . t fh r c . g o v / s a fe t y / p e d b i k e / p u b s / 0 5 0 8 5 / p d f/ c o m b i n e d l o . p d f Wolfe, M., J. Fischer, et al. (2006). Bike scramble signal at North Interstate and Oregon. Portland State University: 10.

Zein, S. R., Geddes, E., Hemsing, S., & Johnson, M. (1997). Safety benefits of traffic calming. Transportation Research Record, (1578), 3.

State of California Department of Transportation (2006). Section 93.103(CA) Shared Roadway Bicycle Marking. California Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices for Streets and Highways. Retrieved from http://www.dot. ca.gov/hq/traffops/signtech/mutcdsupp/ca_mutcd.htm State of California Department of Transportation. (2005). Pedestrian and bicycle facilities in California: A technical reference and technology transfer synthesis for Caltrans planners and engineers. Sacramento, CA: Retrieved from http://www.dot.ca.gov/hq/traffops/survey/pedestrian/TR_MAY0405. pdf United State Department of Transportation Federal Highway Administration.

(2006). BikeSafe: Bicycle countermeasure selection system. Retrieved from h t t p : / / w w w . b i c y c l i n g i n fo . o r g / b i k e s a fe / d o w n l o a d s . c fm

108