Bend of the River Master Plan - Volume 1

BEND OF THE RIVER BOTANIC GARDEN Master Plan Volume 1: Technical

City of Temple, Texas March 2017

BEND OF THE RIVER 1

Bend of the River Botanic Garden Š City of Temple March 2017

Prepared by 1245 West 18th St. Houston, TX 77008

content

SECTION 1

Executive Summary

Page 5

SECTION 2

Introduction

Page 29

SECTION 3

Site Background and Conditions

Page 35

SECTION 4

Master Plan Vision

Page 45

SECTION 5

Public Engagement Process

Page 71

SECTION 6

Acknowledgments

Page 83

1 Executive Summary

PROJECT VISION FOR BEND OF THE RIVER BOTANIC GARDEN Project Vision The Bend of the River site has a history as a place of gathering for area communities, and its transformation into a botanic garden will continue this tradition and be designed to appeal to people of all ages. The Botanic Garden should also promote Temple as a regional destination in a fast-growing area of Texas. Bend of the River will be a contemporary garden that reflects its location along the Leon River, within the city of Temple, within the Texas Triangle, within the Blackland Prairie, and within Texas.

Native and naturalized plants should form the background framework of the site to reduce maintenance, highlight the Blackland Prairie ecosystem, and demonstrate the types of plants that can be grown locally. Exotic and non-native plants will be framed and featured in the collections by this background framework and draw visitors into garden areas with vibrant displays of color and texture.

The next few pages outline Temple’s vision for Bend of the River Botanic Garden. The sections include: • • •

Site History, Character, and Organization Botanic Programming Environmental Stewardship

ENTRY PLAZA AND RIVER DECK

BEND OF THE RIVER 7

SITE HISTORY, CHARACTER, AND ORGANIZATION

SITE HISTORY The City of Temple is in the heart of Central Texas on Interstate Highway 35, strategically located between Dallas-Fort Worth and Austin, TX. In addition, Fort Hood, the largest active duty military installation in the nation, is located twenty-five miles west of Temple. The City is in one of the fastest growing areas in the nation, the Texas Triangle. This area connects Dallas-Fort Worth, San Antonio and Houston and is home to 80% of the population of Texas, who are all located within 180 miles of Temple.

Temple was established in 1881 as a railroad town and continues to be prevalent in the railroad industry. It has become a major stakeholder in the healthcare/bioscience and related technology sectors. Also, given the City’s location to both the railroad and interstate, Temple serves as a major manufacturing, logistics and distribution market. These fields attract a wide range of businesses and populations, requiring a variety of local attractions to support a vibrant and healthy lifestyle.

One property in Temple that many consider a “gem” is the Bend of the River Ranch which is the southernmost

WEST PARCEL 30 ACRES

DONATED SITE PARCELS FOR A TOTAL OF 88 ACRES

gateway of 30 acres of land along the east side of Interstate 35. The property belonged to Reuben and Bernice Talasek and was used to host many community events and famous dignitaries and celebrities. It is a magnificent piece of property due to the Leon River front views it offers, large pecan trees scattered throughout the property, adjacent interstate access, and iconic memories of the Budweiser Clydesdale that was also kept there.

In 2011, the Talaseks donated 30 acres to the City of Temple to be used as a park or park-like facility. Quickly, a possible botanic garden surfaced in 2012 and a non-profit organization was formed: Temple Botanic Gardens, Inc. This group was formed to promote the potential fundraising and construction of a garden on the property. Since this time, the Parks Department has been maintaining the property and renting it for events such as weddings, dinners, concerts, and other special events.

Soon after the donation, a neighboring property owner expressed an interest in donating additional property to the City. The property consisted of approximately 58 acres and

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SITE HISTORY, CHARACTER, AND ORGANIZATION

adjoins the original 30 acres with additional river frontage.

The two pieces of property together gives the City almost 90 acres to develop into a botanic garden. This is more than adequate to begin a garden with room to grow over time.

The next step in this process was to conduct a feasibility study.

In 2015, the City contracted with Rick Daley of EMD Consulting Group, LLC out of North Carolina. Mr. Daley is one of the top experts in conducting botanic garden feasibility studies. His final report provided the following recommendations: • • • • • • • •

A botanic garden is feasible and the City should proceed forward Set aside a significant land area for the garden Proceed expeditiously with site environmental cleanup Establish the garden as a municipal garden Develop a private support group with a membership and fundraising program Coordinate with outside private groups Determine what can be done to reduce noise pollution Continue and expand events

Upon receiving this report, the City of Temple set money aside to complete a botanic garden master plan of the approximately 90 acres. After extensive interviews of several consulting firms, SWA out of Houston, Texas was

EXISTING BARN, MARCH 2016

selected. After approximately 6 months of planning, designing, and public meetings, the final master plan was unveiled in August 2016. The following document provides a road map for the master plan and how the development of the Bend of the River Botanic Garden should proceed. As garden directors across the country have stated, one of the most important things to remember when beginning from scratch is, “do not let your property dictate your master plan, but design your property to the master plan”.

The Bend of the River Botanic Garden will provide Central Texas with a natural space for learning, research, cultural enrichment, and leisure activities. The Garden will offer venues for public and private events, opportunities to improve health and wellness in a natural setting, cultural and educational programming and research, and serve as a destination location for the enjoyment of nature and outdoor recreation.

SITE CHARACTER The Bend of the River site has a history as a place of gathering for area communities, and its transformation into a botanic garden will continue this tradition and be designed to appeal to people of all ages. The Botanic Garden should also promote Temple as a regional destination in a fast-growing area of Texas. Bend of the River will be a contemporary garden that reflects its location along the Leon River, within the city of Temple, within the Texas

Triangle, within the Blackland Prairie, and within Texas.

Native and naturalized plants should form the background framework of the site to reduce maintenance, highlight the Blackland Prairie ecosystem, and demonstrate the types of plants that can be grown locally. Exotic and non-native plants will be framed and featured in the collections by this background framework and draw visitors into garden areas with vibrant displays of color and texture.

region and can be celebrated by the inclusion of works of site-specific art and temporary and seasonal installations, as well as by incorporating arts programming, from the performing arts, facilitated by the Event Lawn stage, to photography, drawing, and painting classes. Site furnishings, such as lighting, signage, benches, drinking fountains, and trash receptacles, are all opportunities to integrate art as thoughtful design.

Buildings, structures, plazas and other constructed elements should be casual and simply detailed, and use natural materials that reinforce the landscape and the region. Their interiors should form strong relationships with the adjacent exterior spaces in the forms of porches, patios, and overhangs so that programming and social space can flow between them. This interior-exterior relationship should be configurable for multiple types of events to produce the most flexibility and revenuegenerating potential.

The garden can also facilitate educational experiences, from informal signage describing plant collections to formal classroom activities, lectures, and walking tours. Many of the garden spaces can serve as Home Demonstration Gardens which provide visitors with ideas and information on design and plant materials that would work in their own yards. Environmental sustainability and natural resource conservation can be taught as part of a larger stewardship initiative.

Foremost among the values expressed by the public for the Botanic Garden were to provide a beautiful community gathering place, promote health and wellness, highlight the arts, offer a wide variety of educational opportunities all within the context of nature. Temple has a strong medical community so healthy lifestyles, nutrition, exercise, and access to nature are all desired to be promoted within the garden site. Arts are also a strong component of the

In concert with environmental sustainability, a design goal is to preserve existing natural site assets, preserving as many of the mature trees as possible. Existing features, such as the woodlands and the wet weather waterway on the east side, are preserved for providing an experience with nature. This area is also the genesis from which a Nature Walk extends out through the site.

WEST PARCEL LOOKING TOWARDS I-35, MARCH 2016 BEND OF THE RIVER 11

SITE HISTORY, CHARACTER, AND ORGANIZATION

SITE ORGANIZATION Form Drivers Major constraint and opportunity considerations for the layout of the Botanic Garden site include the proximity to I-35 in terms of both access and noise, the proximity to the Leon River, the overall flat nature of the site with a few plateaus and depressions, and the general lack of vegetative cover except for the river edge and the woodlands on the east parcel. Two major easements also cross the property.

Atmos Energy has a high-pressure gas line that crosses from northeast to southwest across the west parcel and there is a high-tension power line on the east parcel that crosses the site from north to south immediately east of where the west parcel donated by the Talaseks meets the east parcel. These easements have been incorporated into and considered in the design of the features they cross.

Impacted soils exist on site that will either be fully removed or placed in a cap-and-cover mound, depending upon funding. The impacted soils are on the west parcel donated by the Talasek family and suggest the location for the first phase of the plan implementation, both for its proximity to the freeway for easy access as well as the fact that the site remediation processes required to mitigate the impacted soils will disturb this area. This will create a smooth transition into construction since the site has already been

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disturbed by earth moving equipment. Phasing is described in more detail below.

Major Area Types 1. Public Gathering Spaces/Larger Group Experiences: Entry, Parking, Event Lawn, Plaza Entry Zone: Visitors to the site will predominantly arrive by vehicle so the entry zone will be mostly free from foot traffic and other use. The Botanic Garden entry should be a beautiful and inviting doorway to a seamless visitor experience that delights the spirit from the highway through the gate to the back of the garden. Existing mature trees should be evaluated for health and remain in place where possible. The footprint of the entry mound (with the option of either containing the impacted soils or clean fill) should not encroach into the drip line of these trees, and further space should be allowed if possible. If the mound is constructed with clean fill, then native vegetation and trees may be planted on its slopes. If the mound is to contain the impacted soils, then an approved vegetative cover must be used whose roots will not grow deep enough to penetrate the clay cap yet should provide a measure of soil stabilization given the side slopes and height of the mound.

At the location where the 50’ wide Atmos easement crosses

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the mound, the mound should be composed of clean fill if the mound is to be a containment mound otherwise. This will allow Atmos to access their high-pressure gas line under the mound without disturbing the impacted soils contained within the rest of the mound.

A kayak launch has been integrated into the main entry zone adjacent to the freeway. This area exists outside of the entry and fenced Botanic Garden to allow the general public access to the launch. A separate entry and parking will help to ensure there are no conflicts with non-members gaining access to the gardens and also not using Botanic Garden parking spaces. The kayak launch parking lot can also serve as parking for access to the citywide trail as it also exists outside the secured perimeter fence of the garden.

Parking Zone: Innovative approaches to mitigating negative impact of parking lots can conserve natural resources, protect water quality coming from the site, simplify stormwater management infrastructure while simultaneously introducing visitors to the desired Botanic Garden experience. Some Best Management Practices for parking lot stormwater management include bioswales, vegetated buffer strips, bioretention areas, and capturing, filtering and infiltrating or storing stormwater for other

uses. These actions can save money on construction and maintenance costs and provide demonstration areas for these practices.

The parking lot geometry has been aligned to the 50’ wide Atmos easement that runs diagonally from the northeast to the southwest through the parking lot. This easement zone should be implemented at least 60’ wide, the width of a parking bay (18’ parking + 24’ driveway + 18’ parking), so that if the easement is abandoned in the future it can be converted to additional parking. The restrictions while the easement is active limit the planting to low vegetation above the pipeline; small shrubs up to 48” may not be placed within 10 feet of Atmos Energy’s facilities (meaning they can be planted in the outer 15 feet of either side of the 50’ wide easement), and small trees up to 96” may not be placed within 15 feet of Atmos Energy’s facilities, meaning they can be planted within the outer 10 feet of the 50 foot width of the easement. Drainage and potential ponding are not allowed within the easement, so any green infrastructure considerations for the parking lot should acknowledge this restriction. The easement could serve as a native prairie restoration area within the parking lot; if Atmos must access the easement, they will remove what is necessary to access the pipeline and then restoration back to its prior

GARDENS

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PARKING GROW & COMPOST PHASE 1

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(ENTRY GARDEN & PAVILION)

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CANOPY WALK & NATURE ZONE

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GARDENS GARDENS GARDENS

SITE DESIGN: ‘NATIVE NATURE WALK ZONE’ CREATES ZONES FOR GARDEN PROGRAMS, SERVING AS BACKDROP FOR VARIOUS ACTIVITIES BEND OF THE RIVER 13

SITE HISTORY, CHARACTER, AND ORGANIZATION

condition is at the expense of the Botanic Garden or city, so this should be considered in the design and planting of this easement with regards to cost of replacement. Any irrigation lines installed for the vegetation in the easement should run parallel to the easement and spray water to the interior so that lines do not have to be removed in the case of access by Atmos. Close coordination and approval with Atmos will be necessary during the design and implementation of this zone, and a utility encroachment agreement between the City of Temple and Atmos Energy will be required.

Event Lawn: The Event Lawn will contain the largest area of turf within the Botanic Garden in support of its lawn for events. Sustainable turf management practices should be implemented in this area that include turf cultivar selection, responsible irrigation, nutrient management, maintaining healthy soil, integrated pest management and disease control techniques and aeration.

Plaza Zone: This is another area similar to the parking zone where stormwater runoff will need to be managed due to high pedestrian traffic over a large flat surface that slopes to the adjacent event zone. In addition to other techniques mentioned, pervious cover can be a mechanism for slowing stormwater runoff in this location.

2. Smaller Group Experiences: Garden Collections and Woodland

to study the plants. This being the case, collections should be strategized to create maximum beauty for as long as possible throughout the year as an inviting backdrop to year-round programming for all ages to keep visitors coming back and patronizing the garden. Planting plans should be carefully reviewed to ensure compatibility with the soils and climate, and a plant trial garden area has also been provided to test species before installation in a collection.

In addition to the Atmos easement, a second easement for an overhead power line runs north-south between the east and west parcels. Similar vegetative restrictions are likely for this easement; no trees or major features have been located within this easement.

The woodland area on the east parcel creates a strong contrast to the rest of the open site. As described previously, the woodland should be evaluated for non-native species and supplemented with native ones to facilitate wildlife habitat and an immersion experience in nature.

Major Zones A dedicated Nature Walk zone extends out from the preserved woodland on the east side, and along the elevated topography of the site to the west. This zone organizes the programs of the site, with trails that provide visitors a quiet and serene experience with a combination of new and existing tree species.

The purpose of the Botanic Garden is to provide a beautiful setting to facilitate people gathering and creating memories. A small percentage of visitors will actually come

Within and along this Nature Walk, conceptual zoning of the site places more active and use-intensive programs closer to the freeway and more passive and quiet programs deeper in the site and farther from the freeway. This ensures

EVENT LAWN

ENTRY PLAZA AND BUILDING

WOODLANDS: PRESERVED FOREST & LAKE

NATURE WALK ZONE

efficient circulation of vehicles into and out of the site without requiring large numbers of visitors to the Event Lawn to circulate through the Garden Collections zone.

Any buildings or other structures visible to guests should reflect the visitor experience desired throughout the garden.

The Site Entry zone adjacent to I-35 includes an entry landform mound and primary vehicular entrance. Parking and Event Lawn are located immediately past the mound, and the Plaza forms a transition from the Event Lawn and Parking to the Garden Collections. The Plaza can also host events and serve as a support to the Event Lawn. Collectively, the Parking zone, Event Lawn, and Plaza with its buildings (containing ticketing, gift shop, classrooms, event rooms, and restrooms) create the community gathering spaces of the Botanic Garden and work in concert with one another.

The Plaza is made up of hardscape and ‘softscape islands’ that showcase revolving and seasonal vegetation. Adjacent to the Parking is the Trial Garden area (as part of Phase One), which will allow testing of plant species for growth and robustness in the climate. An attractive office building, possibly able to be relocated in the future if the parking needs to expand, and shed are also located within the Trial Garden zone for garden maintenance offices and storage.

Beyond the Plaza, and farther from the noise of the freeway, lie the Garden Collections. Being in the middle of the site, the Garden Collections create a second step in the gradient from active by the freeway to most secluded and reflective in the Woodlands, which is on the easternmost portion of the property. The Garden Collections can build out over time, depending upon capital funding as well as the ability to fund ongoing maintenance to make sure they look their best over time to ensure repeat visitors.

The Woodlands on the easternmost portion of the property will form a contemplative environment for reflection and experience of the natural world, including a Canopy Walk that raises visitors higher into the trees to enjoy an unexpected view of nature and wildlife. Compost and Mulch operations are located north of the Woodlands zone. This location is farthest from the more public zones and main entry to the gardens to isolate odor associated with these BEND OF THE RIVER 15

SITE HISTORY, CHARACTER, AND ORGANIZATION

operations. South of the Woodlands is the Arboretum. This zone will operate as an extension of the Woodlands but will showcase specimen trees, as opposed to the Woodlands, which should emphasize ecological restoration and plant communities. An office building and shed are also proposed here, if deemed needed at the time this phase is reached.

Additionally, the building and shed from the Trial Garden area can be relocated to this area (in addition to, or in place of, the ones proposed here, depending upon space needs).

Use of Art There are many opportunities for engaging and promoting the arts within the Botanic Garden site, from installations to performances. The site entry mound itself should be a work of monumental landform art that creates a striking visual impression upon approach from I-35 and simultaneously creates mystery and a desire to pass through its gateway to discover what is on the other side. The zone between the mound and the freeway is an opportunity to implement a family of large-scale iconic artworks that are experienced from the freeway and give a hint of what lies inside the Botanic Garden. If the mound must contain the impacted soils due to budget constraints, then no features or lighting may be placed above the containment area that would penetrate the clay cap. The citywide hike and bike trail that is proposed to run along the top of the mound will likely require lighting; if the mound serves as a containment mound, then the lighting will have to be placed off the mound, which means it will take on a larger scale (higher poles with fixtures aimed toward the path); this is an opportunity to integrate the large-scale lighting with the iconic art, though not a necessity. If the mound is constructed of clean fill, then features requiring footings

GARDEN COLLECTIONS WITH ART

or conduit runs may be placed on the mound. This means that the citywide trail lighting system can stay in the same family of poles and fixtures and then a second family of art pieces that have a smaller scale from the iconic pieces that would be placed along the freeway could be placed along the bike path, or the iconic art pieces can migrate onto the mound to give the trail users a different, closer experience of the art as they walk, run, or cycle by or through them.

This gives the opportunity to consider two different scales of experience to the art pieces: a vehicle will experience the art from farther away and at a faster speed, and the trail user will experience the art closer up, and at a slower speed. These factors should be incorporated into the final parameters for the implementation of these artworks.

Additionally, with the citywide bike trail creating a bridge over the entry drive, the vertical clearance at this location should be able to eventually accommodate the passage of an 18-wheeler for large deliveries to the site.

Inside the Botanic Garden are further opportunities for the implementation of art. The various garden collections present opportunities for art integration. The relationship of the planting to the art should be considered; the planting can serve to frame the art as a focal point, or art may be scattered more informally through the collection, or operate as landmarks for guiding circulation. Site systems offer another opportunity. Signage, lighting, seating, trash receptacles, and hardscape all have possibilities for integrating art ideas, whether overt or subtle. These could also align with funding opportunities. The design and final use of the piece should be carefully considered if an art concept is in play; ultimately the function of the site system should be reinforced by the art rather than simply

WOODLAND WITH CANOPY WALK AND ART

applying decoration to a light pole or bench. Depending upon funding, it is recommended to use tasteful site systems and furniture rather than draw attention to poorly integrated or applied art concepts. Transitions and entries between zones and pathways within the garden also offer opportunities to integrate art as portals or thresholds.

Temporary installations will also create desirability for repeat visits, and seasonal art and lighting installations will further increase interest throughout the year and into the nighttime hours. Additionally, to reduce light pollution and its effects on urban ecosystems, outdoor site lighting systems should be International Dark-Sky Association “dark-sky friendly.” This will also allow the Botanic Gardens to be a new location for currently held Bell County Star Parties.

Circulation and Access Site circulation is composed of primary, secondary, and tertiary pathways. The primary pathway serves as the vehicular entry and leads to the parking lot, and also extends as a loop through the site to allow emergency, service, and delivery vehicles access through the gardens.

The path is shown as 24’ wide where it services the parking lot and 18’ wide where it forms the interior loop. Removable control bollards should provide a barrier to the service portion of the path from the visitor vehicular entry. The primary path can also serve as pedestrian circulation within the garden. Eighteen wheelers may need to access this primary path in the distant future, so it should be designed to accommodate them in terms of width, vertical clearance, turning radius, and bearing capacity. The path is laid out to form this loop such that a vehicle can enter the site at the main entry and traverse through the site and exit back to the freeway feeder road along the east side of the entry mound without having to perform backing or other complex turning maneuvers, and detailed layout and design should account for this. Trams may operate on the primary path to move people between the parking and events within the garden. Narrower secondary pathways that meander along the gardens set the pace of how one experiences the garden collections, contributing to a sense of discovery. These pathways encase the individual garden zones that are designed on a berm, and screen views from main circulation paths with vegetation for added sense of discovery and suspense. Tertiary pathways happen within individual gardens to create unique experiences.

Phasing (See pages 52-53 for phasing diagrams) Phase One (Zones 1, 2, 3, 4, 5) is proposed to coincide with the cleanup plan of the impacted soils. This phase will include the Site Entry zone, Parking and Trial Garden zone, Event Lawn, and Plaza zone. The Gardens zone between the Plaza and the power line easement should also be included in this first phase if funding will support it. If not, a cooking garden and children’s nature playground/garden have been included in the Plaza zone and reflect the expressed collective desire of the community for the site to promote healthy lifestyles and appeal to all age groups. Like the garden entry, these initial gardens need to be spectacular in their beauty, color, fragrance and show-stopping elements to highlight the site as a public amenity and encourage continued donor funding.

Phase Two (Zones 6A, 6B) can proceed incrementally as funding allows and includes the build-out of the Garden Collections from the Plaza moving east toward the Woodlands. Maintenance funds should be available in perpetuity for each funded garden before implementing it.

Phase Three (Zones 7, 8) includes the Woodlands and Arboretum. Since it is a different landscape type from the Garden Collections in Phase Two, it can proceed before, after, or simultaneously with Phase Two, again depending upon funding, ongoing maintenance funds, and desirability of implementation.

Further phasing considerations include evaluating the need for additional parking and maintenance space. Once Parking needs to expand into the Trial Garden area, the Trial Garden area will move across the site adjacent to the Arboretum.

The office building and shed will also be relocated to the Trial Garden area and expanded with an additional office and shed if needed.

Utilizing the strengths of the site, mitigating noise and addressing soil remediation requirements, Phase 1 will establish the garden, provide varied and prolific programming opportunities and rental options, and create sufficient interest and excitement to generate additional funding for future Phases, completing the build-out of the full 90 acres allocated to the Botanic Garden project.

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BOTANIC PROGRAMMING

Program Development In addition to the plant collections typical of a botanic garden, many activities have been considered for the site to continue its function as a social gathering place and center for learning for the community while creating a regionally prominent botanic garden. Historically the site has been used for community and private events which have been facilitated by its large flat expanse, easy access from Interstate 35, and picturesque landscape setting. The master plan continues this legacy for The Bend of the River site and integrates the functioning of a botanic garden with a larger goal of offering cultural and educational programming- especially for children, and utilizing regional assets for research and scientific exploration.

Community Gathering Places (open space and buildings) The site has long served as a gathering place for the community, and the master plan continues that on both larger and smaller scales. The Event Lawn includes a stage surrounded by a perimeter path that should accommodate food trucks or other vendors. The adjacent main plaza can serve to host large events with the main building being a rentable climate controlled space. It has not been recommended to include a restaurant in the early phases of the garden due to the financial structure. Therefore, the main building should be designed such that “grab-andgo” food service with limited operating hours be available.

Events and fund raisers could be catered by an off-site catering company or, again, by the use of food trucks. If the need arises over the life of the garden for a restaurant, then the main building could either be expanded to accommodate a restaurant or a new building constructed at the main plaza. A gift shop and ticketing area are also included in the main plaza development.

The performing arts have been integrated into the site through the inclusion of an Event Lawn that includes a stage and lawn for seating. The stage should be sized to accommodate symphony performances and concerts for both local and visiting performers. An entry mound could help reduce noise from the freeway, but the Garden will need to be creative to minimize noise from the cement plant across the river.

Additional smaller events can be hosted in a series of small cottages that have been located by the preserved woodland on the east parcel. These cottages are not intended for overnight use. A second large building is proposed in the garden collections immediately west of the woodland. This

building would add to the total rentable space for events and weddings so multiple events can happen simultaneously.

As the plan develops, there should be an assessment of demand and if additional rentable, climate controlled space is needed. If needed, these buildings might be located within specific collections so interior events are complemented with exterior space, and have easy access to the primary path that will facilitate vehicles making deliveries and dropoffs.

Programming examples for Community Gathering Places: 1. Activities: concerts, performing arts (symphony, dance, civic theater), Farmer’s Market, outdoor dining, weddings, fundraiser events, tea parties, receptions, classes, nature walks 2. Arts: art festivals, permanent art installations, temporary art exhibits 3. Kids and Families: outdoor movies, food festivals, nature festivals, holiday events, student art exhibitions 4. Plant Collections: nature backdrop, grassy lawns, community garden area, beer or wine gardens Wellness In addition to social, cultural, and art programs, health has been identified as a major desirable factor governing the programming of the site. Multiple pathways provide opportunity for walking, and the wide primary path creates an internal loop 1.25 kilometers long that can be looped for 5k events. Care needs to be exercised when running these types of events to prevent damage that may be caused by people veering off path.

The Botanic Garden should also promote programs to educate and facilitate general health and well-being to capitalize on Temple’s medical community, such as the Walk with a Doc program. Signage marking walking distances should be implemented with a signage showing different trail routes and lengths. Healthy cooking and eating could be promoted through classes, and a food/cooking garden adjacent to the main building. Local chefs could be brought in to teach classes or prepare special meals. A medicinal garden could further connect the medical community to the public with talking points integrated through signage.

ENTRY PLAZA AND BUILDING HOSTING AN EVENT

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BOTANIC PROGRAMMING

Programming examples for Wellness: 1. Activities: 5K runs, Walk With A Doc, yoga/tai chi classes, meditation walks, nutrition classes, healthy cooking classes with local chefs 2. Arts: meditation areas, art therapy 3. Kids and Families: play area, walking trails with signage for different length walks, kayak access to the river 4. Plant Collections: gardening classes, horticultural therapy, natural home and beauty products, sensory garden, kitchen garden near the classrooms Education and Research Educational components of the programming should include both structured and unstructured opportunities.

The main building should have indoor classrooms that could open to outdoor covered patios for demonstrations, activities and lectures. The building interior could also have movable partitions so that separate classrooms can quickly be transformed into a larger space. Classrooms should be furnished with sufficient technology to access and display multimedia presentations.

Walking tours of the gardens will educate visitors about plants and what will grow in the region, especially heat and drought-resistant vegetation. Other educational opportunities include instructing homeowners about native and non-native planting, managing water and soil resources, and planting design to contribute to native and migratory fauna, especially birds and pollinators.

Research interests will leverage local resources at Texas A&M AgriLife Research, Texas A&M – Central Texas (Killeen), University of Mary Hardin Baylor, Temple College, Baylor University and Central Texas College. Lab space will be allotted for on-site work and the Trial Gardens will provide an outdoor laboratory for plant testing in local conditions.

Programming examples for Education and Research: 1. Activities: cooking classes, beekeeping demonstrations, butterfly counts, scout programs, photography classes, bird walks, educator programs, Homeschool Days, vermiculture workshop 2. Arts: heritage/cultural events, art classes (indoors and outdoors), music classes, botanical arts (fiber art, paper-making, botanical drawing, weaving) 3. Kids and Families: hands-on labs/classrooms/lecture

hall, nature nights, vegetable gardening, sustainable food practices, science projects 4. Plant Collections: trial gardens, conservation practices, conservatory, stormwater management using plants, garden design classes, guided plant walks, seed collections, professional certifications, garden lecture series, plant identification classes, pollinator habitats, TPWD Wildscape certification, composting master class Nature and Gardens Visitors will come to the garden to socialize, exercise, relax and learn in a beautiful setting. As such, the site is structured so that background and framework planting are natives with garden collections providing the opportunity for rotating color and texture to provide continual visual interest throughout the year.

Birding is a major activity desired for the site, and its location within a major migratory flyway is a great opportunity for bird watchers. A canopy walk within the woodland is proposed to give visitors an elevated experience of the area, and bird blinds should be located within the woodland and its perimeter to provide opportunities for observation.

A children’s nature playground is proposed adjacent to the main building and plaza. This will allow children to engage with natural elements of sand, water, and sticks for imagination and delight. Plants used in this area should be free from thorns or spines and not be poisonous.

Additional art opportunities include drawing, painting, and photography within the garden. These could either be selfdirected or led by an instructor. Professional photographers will need an agreement with the Botanic Garden if they intend to use the garden setting for their own profit through the use of their photography. Capitalizing on the city’s railroad heritage, a model train could be a further opportunity for artistic expression that exists within the confines of one or multiple collections.

Programming examples for Nature and Gardens: 1. Activities: bird watching, photography, garden shop, weddings, owl prowls, Volun-teen opportunities 2. Arts: plein air painting, water features, sculpture, painting with plants 3. Kids and Families: seasonal themed garden, summer camps, birthday parties, kayaking/canoeing, nature

CANOPY WALK IN WOODLAND

arts & crafts, Model Railroad garden 4. Plant Collections: native garden, seasonal color garden, Canopy Walk, aquatic garden, formal garden, pollinator garden, flower shows, plant sales, tours Development of a wide variety of programming opportunities must be innovative, targeted, affordable, accessible and

flexible to meet the needs and desires of guests. The benefits of careful planning include the revenue generated from programs offered, as well as the opportunity to greatly increase attendance among people who might not otherwise visit a public garden, both of which will be very important to overall success of the garden.

BEND OF THE RIVER 21

ENVIRONMENTAL STEWARDSHIP

Site Systems As a municipal facility and a regional destination, the Botanic Garden desires to be a responsible manager of natural resources and, with local scientific expertise available, has an opportunity to be a model of informed stewardship of the environment which is to be showcased and studied.

There is a growing trend, if not demand, for environmental awareness and sensitivity to protecting natural systems.

Soils: Prior Agricultural Use, Impacted Soils Two major factors have affected the soils at the Bend of the River site: its transition from Blackland Prairie to agricultural use, predominantly expressed on the east parcel, with the west parcel functioning as ranch land during the Talasek family’s ownership; and contamination that has been aerially deposited from the former Rockwool insulation manufacturing site from across the Leon River, on the west parcel. The preferred environmental cleanup plan proposes completely removing the impacted soils from the west parcel, after which the impacted area can be converted to the Event Lawn, parking, the Plaza and garden collections as specified in the master plan.

Water: Rainfall, Floodplain, Leon River, Woodland Basin Water conservation is a significant responsibility and challenge in Texas. As the Botanic Garden is developed, the amount and sources of water should be carefully considered.

A large expanse of irrigated plantings, fountains or pools often are scrutinized by the public because of the perception of excessive water use. As part of the development of the Botanic Garden, proven cost-effective Best Management Practices for water conservation in botanic gardens should be incorporated into design and operations. According to the Texas Water Development Board, this would include the use of staff trained in proper water management techniques to meet plant needs, proactive leak detection and repair, installation of low-water-use demonstration gardens, and the use of rainwater harvesting or alternative water supplies as possible. On-site storm water management should address erosion, riparian areas, and water quality.

The natural drainage pattern of the site means that much of the storm water that falls on the site will end up in the river, so it will need to be as clean as possible. The primary sources of pollutants include the parking lot as well as fertilizer used for the garden collections. Water features could be designed at strategic locations that function to filter this water before being discharged into the river.

Coordination with a civil engineer and green infrastructure specialist will produce strategies for locating subsurface drainage to work in concert with filtration capabilities and determine if drainage goes to the river or to a city storm sewer system.

In terms of irrigation, a rain water capture and re-use system would only supply a small portion of the landscape in this climate. However, rainwater harvesting “do it yourself� workshops have been helping conservation-minded homeowners build systems in this region for a number of years so there is value in demonstrating these techniques as more homeowners and businesses are installing them.

Using run-off from parking lots is not advisable as an irrigation source because it would be far short of the landscape needs. However, it should be carefully managed and is a good demonstration project for bio-filtration, reuse and other stormwater management practices. Additionally, using open ponds for collecting rainwater for irrigation is not advisable because evaporation loss and the drawdown that occurs during the irrigation process does not maintain an aesthetically pleasing water feature. Due to the size of

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the site, irrigation needs and a somewhat limited area for rainwater recovery and reuse, City water will likely be the main source of water for irrigation.

The proximity to the river suggests that much of the site will be in a floodplain. The floodplain map for the area shows small portions of the site in the floodway and 100year zones, which do not create planning issues given their small size and location, while a majority of the site lies within the 500-year flood zone. This suggests that a 500year flood event would flood most of the site; however, a topographic analysis shows that this is not the case. Using the flood profiles for the 100-year and 500-year events to determine water surface elevation for these events and then extrapolating them to the plan shows that most of the site is indeed topographically above the 500-year flood elevations along the river (see page 24).

The horseshoe-shaped depression in the Woodland on the east parcel currently seems to function as a temporary holding basin for stormwater until it evaporates and leaves the feature dry. Drainage patterns that originate off-site (which extend north of I-35 and enter the site through the property north of the site through a culvert under I-35; see page 25) suggest this basin could resolve

drainage and ponding issues that affect the west parcel.

By extending one or two swales as suggested by the existing topography from the basin north to the low area that receives the storm water from the north properties, the basin could likely remain filled for longer periods of time while simultaneously resolving the natural tendency for ponding on the site immediately north. Once the Woodland is slated for its upgrade into the garden, the horseshoe basin can become a wet weather pond or creek where riparian habitat and its benefit to wildlife as well as a water filtration system can be highlighted. The pond edges should also be profiled to encourage the growth of emergent and aquatic vegetation which will promote more biodiversity and filtration capabilities for the water body.

An existing corridor of trees that extend south from the Woodland to the riparian edge can become a shady cascade water feature garden that directs overflow from the lake to the river during storm events. Garden collections to the west could also drain through a green infrastructure filtration system to the horseshoe area, thereby reducing contaminants and fertilizer before being discharged to the Leon River. Further study will need to be made to determine the impact of heavy storm events on this area of the site.

Planting: Blackland Prairie Restoration, Botanic Collections, Preserving Mature Trees, Woodland Evaluation BEND OF THE RIVER 23

ENVIRONMENTAL STEWARDSHIP

FLOODPLAIN MAP OF SITE, DATED AUGUST 16, 2016 This regulatory floodplain map shows that a small portion of the site along the river is within the 100year floodplain (1% Annual Chance Flood Hazard) and much of it is within the 500-year floodplain (0.2% Annual Chance Flood Hazard). The north portion of the west parcel sits outside both of these zones.

TOPOGRAPHIC ANALYSIS OF FLOODPLAIN MAP The green shaded area represents locations within the regulatory floodplain that are topographically above the designated flood elevations.

DRAINAGE ANALYSIS Drainage that originates north of I-35 is currently directed through a culvert under I-35 and then eventually crosses the project site. The green shaded areas suggest two possible locations where swales could be extended northward from the horseshoe-shaped depression to intercept low areas that hold water during storm events and thus facilitate better drainage. The Master Plan recommends creating a cascade water feature from the horseshoeshaped depression to the river to regulate the water level of the depression (see Master Plan pages 46-47).

BEND OF THE RIVER 25

ENVIRONMENTAL STEWARDSHIP

The Bend of the River Botanic Garden presents opportunities to intermingle two seemingly contradictory objectives: to restore native ecosystems to the site and also to present collections of plants not normally found in Temple.

Members of the community have expressed a desire to see native plants at the site. While the aim of a botanic garden in general is to provide collections of species for both study and enjoyment, the large size of the site ensures both objectives can be met. Additionally, the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center, an hour away, focuses on native plants, so collections within Bend of the River Botanic Garden should complement, not compete with, the Wildflower Center.

The riparian zone along the river should be preserved to the greatest extent possible. Other than removing invasive species and supplementing with natives, removal of vegetation should be very limited. The riparian zone functions to both stabilize the river banks as well as provide an area of high biodiversity and adds further filtration capabilities to the overland flow before discharge into the river. As part of the cleanup plan, a portion of trees may need to be removed near the existing house in order to remove the extent of impacted soils in this location. This area is adjacent to the proposed main plaza and it is proposed to have an overlook at this location to provide views of the water. Approval from the Brazos River Authority and the US Army Corps of Engineers may be required for this structure depending on its proposed design.

Existing mature trees should be preserved wherever possible on the site. Each tree should be evaluated for overall health, and, as a general rule, any design interventions should remain outside of the dripline of the canopy to preserve the root system.

The existing Woodland on the east parcel should be evaluated for desirable species and any non-natives should be removed. The Woodland can then be supplemented with native Woodland species to create a species mix approximating a native river bottom Woodland. An arboretum is located on the easternmost portion of the site immediately south of the mulch area for planting and studying non-native as well as native trees.

RIPARIAN ZONE, MARCH 2016

BEND OF THE RIVER 27

2 INTRODUCTION

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BOTANIC GARDEN IN TEMPLE, TEXAS The Bend of the River Botanic Garden will provide Central Texas with a natural space for learning, research, cultural enrichment, and leisure activities. The Garden will offer venues for public and private events, opportunities to improve health and wellness in a natural setting, cultural and educational programming and research, and serve as a destination location for the enjoyment of nature and outdoor recreation.

BEND OF THE RIVER 311

BOTANICAL GARDENS HERITAGE PARK

CLARK GARDENS

DALLAS ARBORETUM & BOTANICAL GARDEN

FORT WORTH BOTANIC GARDEN 126 MILES CARLEEN BRIGHT ARBORETUM 35 MILES

TEMPLE 70 MILES ZILKER BOTANICAL GARDEN

MERCER ARBORETUM & BOTANIC GARDENS 255 MILES SHANGRI-LA BOTANICAL GARDENS & NATURE CENTER

SAN ANTONIO BOTANICAL GARDEN

HOUSTON ARBORETUM & NATURE CENTER JAPENESE TEA GARDEN

AGRICULTURAL TEMPLE CITY LAKE

AGRICULTURAL RESIDENTIAL

INDUSTRIAL

PRECEDENT COMPARISON Diagrams comparing botanical gardens located in Texas to Temple’s future Botanic Garden site.

31 ACRES ZILKER BOTANICAL GARDEN AUSTIN, TX

ZILKER BOTANICAL GARDEN Austin, Texas

16 ACRES CARLEEN BRIGHT ARBORETUM WOODWAY, TX

CARLEEN BRIGHT ARBORETUM Woodway, Texas

110 ACRES FT WORTH BOTANIC GARDEN FT WORTH, TX

FORT WORTH BOTANIC GARDEN Ft Worth, Texas

252 ACRES SHANGRI LA BOTANICAL GARDENS & NATURE CENTER ORANGE, TX

SHANGRI LA BOTANICAL GARDENS & NATURE CENTER Orange, Texas

+- 87 ACRES

GARDEN’S FEASIBILITY

MASTER PLANNED GARDENS

The City of Temple is in the heart of Central Texas on Interstate Highway 35, strategically located between Dallas-Fort Worth and Austin, TX. The City is in one of the fastest growing areas in the nation, the Texas Triangle. This area connects Dallas-Fort Worth, San Antonio and Houston and is home to 80% of the population of Texas, who are all located within 180 miles of Temple.

BEND OF THE RIVER 33

3 SITE BACKGROUND AND CONDITIONS

TEMPLE’S GREEN SPACES Temple’s Bend of the River Botanic Garden will complement surrounding city parks while offering unique amenities and programs for the city.

COMMUNITY PARKS HIKE + BIKE, SWIMMING, PLAYGROUNDS, PICNICS, AMPHITEATHER, ATHLETICS

NEIGHBORHOOD PARKS PLAYGROUNDS, PICNICS, , ATHLETICS

SPECIAL USE PARKS RECREATION CENTERS, COMMUNITY CENTERS, FITNESS CENTERS

PRIVATE/HOA PARKS GOLF COURSES, PLAYGROUNDS, VA CENTER

POCKET PARKS PLAYGROUNDS + PICNICS

BEND OF THE RIVER 37

RIVER’S EDGE

CHALLENGES AND OPPORTUNITIES

RIPARIAN FOREST

SAVANNAH

SITE CONDITIONS Existing site conditions highlight challenges and opportunities for the master planning process.

GRASSLAND

HYDROLOGY

VEGETATION

LAND-USE BEND OF THE RIVER 39

ACCUMULATION Plants collect contaminants through their roots and store them in their leaves

DEGRADATION Plants use their root zone and its micro-organisms to break down contaminants into less toxic forms

VOLATILIZATION Plant collect contaminants through their roots and off-gas them through their leaves

HYDRAULIC CONTROL Plant water consumption lowers the aquifer level and thus reduces its contact with contaminated soil

WIND BLOWN CONTAMINATION Arsenic and antimony were blown from the Rockwool site across the river and deposited on the Bend of The River site. The Rockwool site has been remediated so it no longer serves as source of contamination to Bend O’ The River.

IMPACTED SOILS Arsenic and antimony are present in the soil on the west parcel.

These heavy metals were carried by the wind from across the river many years ago from the Rockwool Industries site. Recommendations for cleanup are complete removal of the impacted soils or a capand-cover mound on site that will require yearly monitoring.

PHYTOREMEDIATION PHYTOREMEDIATION TIMELINE It can take a few months to many years to phytoremediate a site, though usually at a cost of 20% of conventional methods.

Remediating soils with plants is often an option on sites with impacted soils, though the process takes considerably longer than conventional cleanup methods, but at greatly reduced cost. Due to the desire to clean up the site and begin implementing the plan quickly, phytoremediation is not the recommended option for this site.

CONTAMINATION LOCATIONS Location of levels of arsenic and antimony exceeding acceptable threshold based on site investigation activities conducted in 2010 and 2011.

BEND OF THE RIVER 41

IMPACTED SOILS OPTIONS Complete removal of the impacted soils is the preferred option for the site, with a cap-and-cover mound as an alternate depending on funding. Complete removal of the soils is more expensive up front, but there are no monitoring costs that are associated with a cap-and-cover solution, and the community will also not have the constant reminder that there are impacted soils on their Botanic Garden site.

OPTION: 8’ TALL MOUND AS SOUND MITIGATION BERM

OPTION: 8’ TALL MOUND AS SOUND MITIGATION BERM

OPTION: HAUL OFF SITE

IMPACTED SOILS’ BERM CREATES OPPORTUNITY

8’ TALL MOUND

CAP AND COVER MOUND

CAP AND COVER MOUND WITH CITY BIKE TRAIL ON TOP

As an alternate to complete removal, the impacted soils can be placed in a cap-and-cover mound, which is less expensive initially, but has ongoing costs associated with monitoring and repair. The impacted soils can be consolidated into a serpentine mound that will create a sound barrier between the noise of the I-35 freeway corridor and the interior of the Botanic Garden site.

Additionally, the proposed citywide bike trail can be routed up and over this mound to give cyclists and pedestrians a view into the garden site to create interest for future visits. If funding allows complete removal of the impacted soils from the site, the community and advisory group has expressed the desire to keep the mound (which would be constructed from clean fill). In this case, the determining factors for its form are minimizing impacts to existing large trees and achieving the correct height and breadth so that sound from the freeway does not encroach into the garden interior.

CAP AND COVER MOUND THAT SERVES AS SOUND MITIGATION BERM WITH CITY BIKE TRAIL ON TOP BEND OF THE RIVER 43

4 MASTER PLAN VISION

MASTER PLAN Foremost among the values expressed by the public for the botanic garden were to provide a beautiful community gathering place, promote health and wellness, highlight the arts, offer a wide variety of educational opportunities all within the context of nature.

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32 MULCH / COMPOST

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15 MAIN PLAZA 16 MAIN PAVILION 17 ENTRY TO THE GARDENS 18 RIVER PLAZA DECK

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BEND OF THE RIVER 47

SITE CONSIDERATIONS Major constraint and opportunity considerations for the layout of the Botanic Garden site include the proximity to I-35 in terms of both access and noise, the proximity to the Leon River, the overall flat nature of the site with a few plateaus and depressions, and the general lack of vegetative cover except for the river edge and the woodlands on the east parcel.

I-35

Two major easements also cross the property. These easements have been incorporated into and considered in the design of the features they cross.

Impacted soils exist on site that will either be fully removed or placed in a cap-and-cover mound, depending upon funding.

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SITE CIRCULATION The Botanic Garden entry should be a beautiful and inviting doorway to a seamless visitor experience that delights the spirit from the highway through the gate to the back of the garden. Site circulation is composed of primary, secondary, and tertiary pathways.

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SITE CIRCULATION: ASSIGNED TRAILS

SELECT TREE REMOVAL SELECT TREE REMOVAL FOR PATHS

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SITE CONSIDERATION: PRESERVE TREES AND FOREST, LIMIT LOCATIONS OF TREE REMOVAL AT PATHS AND CONCENTRATE NEAR CONTAMINATION ZONE

NATURE WALK ZONE A dedicated Nature Walk zone extends out from the preserved woodland on the east side, and along the elevated topography of the site to the west. This zone organizes the programs of the site, with trails that provide visitors a quiet and serene experience with a combination of new and existing tree species.

WOODLANDS: PRESERVED FOREST & LAKE

Within and along this Nature Walk, conceptual zoning of the site places more active and useintensive programs closer to the freeway and more passive and quiet programs deeper in the site and farther from the freeway.

SITE DESIGN: ‘NATIVE NATURE WALK ZONE’ EXTENDS FROM PRESERVED FOREST WOODLANDS ZONE AND FOLLOWS THE NATURAL TOPOGRAPHY OF THE SITE

GARDENS

ENTRY BERM KAYAK LAUNCH

PARKING GROW & COMPOST PHASE 1

EVENT PLAZA

(ENTRY GARDEN & PAVILION)

GARDENS GARDENS

TRIAL / GROW & GREENHOUSE

CANOPY WALK & NATURE ZONE

MULCH / COMPOST

GARDENS GARDENS GARDENS

SITE DESIGN: ‘NATIVE NATURE WALK ZONE’ CREATES ZONES FOR GARDEN PROGRAMS, SERVING AS BACKDROP FOR VARIOUS ACTIVITIES BEND OF THE RIVER 51

PHASING Utilizing the strengths of the site, mitigating noise and addressing soil remediation requirements, Phase 1 will establish the garden, provide varied and prolific programming opportunities and rental options, and create sufficient interest and excitement to generate additional funding for future Phases, completing the build-out of the full 90 acres allocated to the Botanic Garden project.

ZONE 1: SITE ENTRY

ZONE 2: PARKING AND TRIAL GARDEN

ZONE 3: EVENT SPACE ZONE 4: PLAZA

PHASE 1A: SITE ENTRY, EVENT SPACE, PLAZA, FOOD GARDEN, NATURE PLAYGROUND, PARKING, AND TRIAL GARDEN

Phase One (Zones 1, 2, 3, 4, 5) is proposed to coincide with the cleanup plan of the impacted soils. This Phase 1A will include the Site Entry zone, Parking and Trial Garden zone, Event Lawn, and Plaza zone. The Gardens zone (Zone 5) between the Plaza and the power line easement should also be included in this first phase (Phase 1B) if funding will support it. If not, a cooking garden and children’s nature playground/ garden have been included in the Plaza zone and reflect the expressed collective desire of the community for the site to promote healthy lifestyles and appeal to all age groups. Like the garden entry, these initial gardens need to be spectacular in their beauty, color, fragrance and show-stopping elements to highlight the site as a public amenity and encourage continued donor funding.

ZONE 5: GARDENS

PHASE 1B: COLLECTION GARDENS EAST OF EASEMENT

ZONE 6A: GARDENS

Phase Two (Zones 6A, 6B) can proceed incrementally as funding allows and includes the build-out of the Garden Collections from the Plaza moving east toward the Woodlands. Maintenance funds should be available in perpetuity PHASE 2A: FUTURE GARDENS AS FUNDING ALLOWS

PHASING CONTINUED for each funded garden before implementing it.

Phase Three (Zones 7, 8) includes the Woodlands and Arboretum.

Since it is a different landscape type from the Garden Collections in Phase Two, it can proceed before, after, or simultaneously with Phase Two, again depending upon funding, ongoing maintenance funds, and desirability of implementation.

ZONE 6B: GARDENS

PHASE 2B: FUTURE GARDENS AS FUNDING ALLOWS

ZONE 7: WOODLANDS

FUTURE PHASE: POSSIBLE PARKING AND TRIAL GROW EXPANSION

Further phasing considerations include evaluating the need for additional parking and maintenance space. Once Parking needs to expand into the Trial Garden area, the Trial Garden area will move across the site adjacent to the Arboretum. The office building and shed will also be relocated to the Trial Garden area and expanded with an additional office and shed if needed.

PHASE 3: WOODLANDS - PRESERVED FOREST AND AMENITIES

ZONE 8: ARBORETUM

PHASE 3: ARBORETUM - GREENHOUSE AND GROVE GARDEN BEND OF THE RIVER 53

GLOBAL GARDEN

C P RO ON GT ER XA TM

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FORMAL GARDEN

GLOB GARD

NATIVE GARDEN

NATI GARD

NATIVE GARDEN

KAYAK LAUNCH

FOOD GARDEN

EVENT KAYAK LAUNCH

CEDAR CREEK WILDLIFE MANAGEMENT AREA

FORMAL GARDEN

FOOD GARDEN

PAVILION

EVENT

ENTRY

HOUSE

CABIN

SERVICE TRAIL

PAVILION

TRIAL GARDEN PHASE 1

PLAZA BELTON LAKE

ENTRY

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UNIVERSITY OF MARY HARDIN-BAYLOR

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PAVILION

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BELL COUNTY EXPO CENTER

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PAVILION

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PAVILION

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PROGRAM DEVELOPMENT In addition to the plant collections typical of a botanic garden, many activities have been considered for the site to continue its function as a social gathering place and center for learning for Central Texas while creating a regionally prominent botanic garden. The Bend of the River site integrates the functioning of a botanic garden with a larger goal of offering cultural and educational programming - especially for children, and utilizing regional assets for research and scientific exploration.

NATURE WALK

CANOPY WALK HORSESHOE LANDMARK

Development of a wide variety of programming opportunities must be innovative, targeted, affordable, accessible and flexible to meet the needs and desires of guests.

POLLINATOR GARDEN

GREENHOUSE

FIELD GARDEN

SERVICE DRIVE PRESERVED FOREST

TRIAL /GROW

LIFT STATION

MULCH / COMPOST

NATURE CABINS

ECOLOGICAL LANDMARK

GROVE GARDEN

BEND OF THE RIVER 55

NATIVE

NATIVE GARDENS

GARDENS Visitors will come to the garden to socialize, exercise, relax and learn in a beautiful setting. As such, the site is structured so that background and framework planting are natives with garden collections providing the opportunity for rotating color and texture to provide continual visual interest throughout the year.

GLOBAL

GLOBAL GARDENS

POLLINATOR

POLLINATOR GARDEN

KIDS

KIDS GARDEN / NATURE PLAY

FOOD

FOOD GARDEN BEND OF THE RIVER 57

BIRDING OPPORTUNITIES Birding is a major activity desired for the site, and its location within a major migratory flyway is a great opportunity for bird watchers. A canopy walk within the woodland is proposed to give visitors an elevated experience of the area, and bird blinds should be located within the woodland and its perimeter to provide opportunities for observation.

MEADOW POLLINATORS AMERICAN BUMBLEBEE BLACK CARPENTER ANT BLUE DASHER CAMEL CRICKET MONARCH SWALLOWTAILS GULF FRITILARY SILVER SPOTTED SKIPPER

UPLAND BIRDS MEADOW POLLINATORS

CAROLINAAMERICAN WREN BUMBLEBEE BLACK CARPENTER ANT TUFTED TITIMOUSE BLUE DASHER CAROLINACAMEL CHICKADEE CRICKET RUBY THROATED MONARCH HUMMINGBIRD SWALLOWTAILS DOWNY WOODPECKER FRITILARY NORTHERNGULF CARDINAL SILVER SPOTTED SKIPPER BLUE JAY NORTHERN MOCKINGBIRD UPLAND BIRDS MOURNINGCAROLINA DOVE WREN GRAY SQUIRREL TUFTED TITIMOUSE CAROLINA CHICKADEE MISSISSIPPI KITE

RUBY THROATED HUMMINGBIRD DOWNY WOODPECKER NORTHERN CARDINAL BLUE JAY GREAT EGRET NORTHERN MOCKINGBIRD SNOWY EGRET MOURNING DOVE GRAY HERON SQUIRREL GREAT BLUE MISSISSIPPI LITTLE BLUE HERONKITE

WETLAND BIRDS

PRESERVED FOREST

BLACK-CROWNED WETLAND BIRDS NIGHT HERON WHITE IBIS GREAT EGRET BELTED KINGFISHER SNOWY EGRET BLUEPELICAN HERON AMERICANGREAT WHITE

LITTLE BLUE HERON BLACK-CROWNED NIGHT HERON WHITE IBIS BELTED KINGFISHER RING-NECKED DUCK AMERICAN WHITE PELICAN

BIRD BLIND

OPEN WATER BIRDS

LESSER SCAUP DUCK OPEN WATER BIRDS CANVASBACK DUCK DUCK AMERICANRING-NECKED COOT LESSER SCAUP DUCK COMMON MOORHEN CANVASBACK DUCK DOUBLE CRESTED CORMORANT AMERICAN COOT

FISH

COMMON MOORHEN DOUBLE CRESTED CORMORANT

CATFISH FISH BREAM CATFISH BREAM BASS PERCH BASS PERCH MOSQUITOMOSQUITO FISH

FISH

POLLINATOR GARDEN HORSESHOE LAKE / WETLANDS

NATIVE HABITAT WALK A dedicated Nature Walk zone extends out from the preserved woodland on the east side, and along the elevated topography of the site to the west. This zone organizes the programs of the site, with trails that provide visitors a quiet and serene experience with a combination of new and existing tree species creating an optimal habitat with existing site features for local bird species.

43% NATIVE NATURE WALK ZONE

NATURE WALK

LEON RIVER

BEND OF THE RIVER 59

WOODLANDS: PRESERVED FOREST AND LAKE This area provides an opportunity for observing nature and habitat.

A proposed canopy walk allows for elevated views among the tree canopy to observe local bird species.

BEND OF THE RIVER 61

PLAZA RIVER DECK Provides opportunities for hosting weddings and variety of daytime or evening functions on the river deck, and at the plaza pavilion.

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PLAZA RIVER DECK Provides opportunities for hosting evening fundraiser parties and variety of nighttime events, on a romantic river deck and at the plaza pavilion.

BEND OF THE RIVER 65

EVENT LAWN ACTIVITY Provides opportunities to hold variety of seasonal events, such as a symphony, food and wine festival, kids events, all with the Leon River as a backdrop.

BEND OF THE RIVER 67

BOTANICAL GARDENS COLLECTION A collection of seasonally curated gardens that provide unique experiences and chance encounters with a variety of garden types from native to global.

BEND OF THE RIVER 69

5 PUBLIC ENGAGEMENT PROCESS

W ORK W W ORK ORK PORK ORK ORK LAN W P LAN ORK P P T LAN LAN LAN IMELINE LAN LAN TP TLAN T IMELINE IMELINE IMELINE IMELINE IMELINE 2 1 3 2 4W3ORK 5W 4 6 5P 7 6 8IMELINE 7T 9 T8IMELINE 109 1110 12 11 13 1121 14 2 113 11215 3 214 122316 4 315 233417 5 416 344518 6 517 455619 7 618 566720 8 719 677821 9 820 788922 10 921 89910 23 11 10 10 22 9 10 11 24 12 11 10 11 23 11 12 25 13 12 11 12 24 12 13 26 14 13 12 13 25 13 14 15 14 13 14 26 14 15 16 15 14 15 15 1 WEEK WEEK WEEK WEEK WEEK WEEK WEEK WEEK

ANALYZE ANALYZE ANALYZE ANALYZE ANALYZE ANALYZE ANALYZE EXISTING ANALYZE EXISTING EXISTING EXISTING EXISTING EXISTING EXISTING CONDITIONS EXISTING CONDITIONS CONDITIONS CONDITIONS CONDITIONS CONDITIONS CONDITIONS CONDITIONS KICK-OFF KICK-OFF KICK-OFF KICK-OFF MEETING KICK-OFF KICK-OFF KICK-OFF KICK-OFF MEETING KICK-OFF MEETING MEETING WITH MEETING MEETING MEETING MEETING WITH CLIENT MEETING WITH WITH WITH WITH WITH CLIENT WITH CLIENT CLIENT CLIENT CLIENT CLIENT CLIENT WITH CLIENT FOUNDATION: FOUNDATION: FOUNDATION: FOUNDATION: FOUNDATION: FOUNDATION: FOUNDATION: FOUNDATION: INVENTORY FOUNDATION: INVENTORY INVENTORY INVENTORY INVENTORY INVENTORY INVENTORY INVENTORY AND ANALYSIS AND INVENTORY AND AND ANALYSIS AND AND AND AND ANALYSIS ANALYSIS ANALYSIS ANALYSIS ANALYSIS ANALYSIS AND ANALYSIS HELPHELP IDENTIFY HELP HELP HELP HELP HELP IDENTIFY HELP IDENTIFY IDENTIFY COMMUNITY IDENTIFY IDENTIFY IDENTIFY IDENTIFY HELP COMMUNITY IDENTIFY COMMUNITY COMMUNITY COMMUNITY COMMUNITY COMMUNITY COMMUNITY TASKCOMMUNITY TASK FORCE TASK TASK TASK TASK TASK FORCE TASK FORCE FORCE FORCE FORCE FORCE FORCE TASK FORCE PRESENTATION PRESENTATION PRESENTATION PRESENTATION PRESENTATION PRESENTATION PRESENTATION PRESENTATION TO PRESENTATION CLIENT TO TO CLIENT TO TO TO TO &TO CLIENT CLIENT ADVISORY CLIENT CLIENT CLIENT CLIENT & TO ADVISORY &&CLIENT ADVISORY & ADVISORY &&&ADVISORY ADVISORY GROUP ADVISORY ADVISORY &GROUP ADVISORY GROUP GROUP GROUP GROUP GROUP GROUP GROUP

ENVIRONMENTAL ENVIRONMENTAL ENVIRONMENTAL ENVIRONMENTAL ENVIRONMENTAL ENVIRONMENTAL ENVIRONMENTAL ENVIRONMENTAL INVENTORY INVENTORY INVENTORY INVENTORY INVENTORY INVENTORY INVENTORY INVENTORY AND ANALYSIS AND INVENTORY AND AND ANALYSIS AND AND AND AND ANALYSIS ANALYSIS ANALYSIS ANALYSIS ANALYSIS ANALYSIS AND ANALYSIS REMEDIATION REMEDIATION REMEDIATION REMEDIATION REMEDIATION REMEDIATION REMEDIATION REMEDIATION PLAN REMEDIATION PLAN PLAN PLAN PLAN PLAN PLAN PLAN PLAN

PRESENTATION PRESENTATION PRESENTATION PRESENTATION PRESENTATION PRESENTATION PRESENTATION PRESENTATION TO PRESENTATION CLIENT TO TO CLIENT TO TO TO TO &TO CLIENT CLIENT ADVISORY CLIENT CLIENT CLIENT CLIENT & TO ADVISORY &&CLIENT ADVISORY & ADVISORY &&&ADVISORY ADVISORY GROUP ADVISORY ADVISORY &GROUP ADVISORY GROUP GROUP GROUP GROUP GROUP GROUP GROUP FINALFINAL MASTER FINAL FINAL FINAL FINAL FINAL FINAL MASTER MASTER MASTER PLAN MASTER MASTER MASTER MASTER FINAL PLAN AND PLAN PLAN MASTER PLAN PLAN REPORT PLAN AND PLAN AND AND REPORT AND AND AND AND PLAN REPORT REPORT REPORT REPORT REPORT REPORT AND REPORT

PRESENTATION PRESENTATION PRESENTATION PRESENTATION PRESENTATION PRESENTATION PRESENTATION PRESENTATION TO PRESENTATION CLIENT TO TO CLIENT TO TO TO TO &TO CLIENT CLIENT ADVISORY CLIENT CLIENT CLIENT CLIENT & TO ADVISORY &&CLIENT ADVISORY & ADVISORY &&&ADVISORY ADVISORY GROUP ADVISORY ADVISORY &GROUP ADVISORY GROUP GROUP GROUP GROUP GROUP GROUP GROUP

IMPLEMENTATION IMPLEMENTATION IMPLEMENTATION IMPLEMENTATION IMPLEMENTATION IMPLEMENTATION IMPLEMENTATION IMPLEMENTATION STRATEGY STRATEGY STRATEGY STRATEGY STRATEGY STRATEGY STRATEGY STRATEGY

DEVELOP DEVELOP DEVELOP DEVELOP DRAFT DEVELOP DEVELOP DEVELOP DEVELOP DRAFT IMPLEMENTATION DEVELOP DRAFT DRAFT DRAFT DRAFT DRAFT DRAFT IMPLEMENTATION IMPLEMENTATION IMPLEMENTATION IMPLEMENTATION DRAFT IMPLEMENTATION IMPLEMENTATION IMPLEMENTATION IMPLEMENTATION MATRIX MATRIX MATRIX MATRIX MATRIX MATRIX MATRIX MATRIX MATRIX FINALIZE FINALIZE FINALIZE FINALIZE IMPLEMENTATION FINALIZE FINALIZE FINALIZE FINALIZE IMPLEMENTATION IMPLEMENTATION FINALIZE IMPLEMENTATION IMPLEMENTATION IMPLEMENTATION IMPLEMENTATION IMPLEMENTATION IMPLEMENTATION STRATEGY STRATEGY STRATEGY STRATEGY STRATEGY STRATEGY STRATEGY STRATEGY STRATEGY

PRESENTATION PRESENTATION PRESENTATION PRESENTATION PRESENTATION PRESENTATION PRESENTATION PRESENTATION TO PRESENTATION CLIENT TO TO CLIENT TO TO TO TO ADVISORY TO CLIENT CLIENT CLIENT CLIENT CLIENT CLIENT ADVISORY TO ADVISORY ADVISORY CLIENT ADVISORY ADVISORY GROUP ADVISORY ADVISORY GROUP ADVISORY GROUP GROUP GROUP GROUP GROUP GROUP GROUP

PUBLIC PUBLIC PUBLIC PUBLIC ENGAGEMENT PUBLIC PUBLIC PUBLIC ENGAGEMENT PUBLIC ENGAGEMENT ENGAGEMENT ENGAGEMENT ENGAGEMENT ENGAGEMENT ENGAGEMENT

DEVELOP DEVELOP DEVELOP DEVELOP PUBLIC DEVELOP DEVELOP DEVELOP DEVELOP PUBLIC DEVELOP ENGAGEMENT PUBLIC PUBLIC PUBLIC PUBLIC PUBLIC PUBLIC ENGAGEMENT ENGAGEMENT ENGAGEMENT PUBLIC ENGAGEMENT ENGAGEMENT ENGAGEMENT ENGAGEMENT STRATEGY ENGAGEMENT STRATEGY STRATEGY STRATEGY STRATEGY STRATEGY STRATEGY STRATEGY STRATEGY ON-GOING ON-GOING ON-GOING ON-GOING ON-GOING ON-GOING ON-GOING PUBLIC ON-GOING PUBLIC ON-GOING ENGAGEMENT PUBLIC PUBLIC PUBLIC PUBLIC PUBLIC PUBLIC ENGAGEMENT ENGAGEMENT ENGAGEMENT PUBLIC ENGAGEMENT ENGAGEMENT ENGAGEMENT ENGAGEMENT ENGAGEMENT

CLIENT CLIENT MEETING MEETING & & PUBLIC PUBLIC WORKSHOP WORKSHOP #2 #4

PREPARE PREPARE PREPARE PREPARE FINAL PREPARE PREPARE PREPARE PREPARE FINAL DRAFT PREPARE FINAL FINAL FINAL FINAL FINAL FINAL DRAFT MASTER DRAFT DRAFT DRAFT DRAFT DRAFT DRAFT FINAL MASTER MASTER MASTER PLAN MASTER DRAFT MASTER MASTER MASTER PLAN PLAN PLAN MASTER PLAN PLAN PLAN PLAN PLAN

CLIENT MEETING & PUBLIC WORKSHOP #2 CLIENT CLIENT MEETING MEETING & & PUBLIC PUBLIC WORKSHOP WORKSHOP #4 #2 CLIENT CLIENT MEETING MEETING & & PUBLIC PUBLIC WORKSHOP WORKSHOP #2 #2

DEVELOP DEVELOP DEVELOP DEVELOP DRAFT DEVELOP DEVELOP DEVELOP DEVELOP DRAFT MASTER DEVELOP DRAFT DRAFT DRAFT DRAFT DRAFT DRAFT MASTER MASTER MASTER PLAN MASTER DRAFT MASTER MASTER MASTER PLAN PLAN PLAN MASTER PLAN PLAN PLAN PLAN PLAN

CLIENT MEETING & PUBLIC WORKSHOP #2

CLIENT KICK OFF MEETING

PREPARE PREPARE PREPARE PREPARE TECHNICAL PREPARE PREPARE PREPARE PREPARE TECHNICAL PREPARE TECHNICAL TECHNICAL TECHNICAL TECHNICAL TECHNICAL TECHNICAL STUDIES STUDIES TECHNICAL STUDIES STUDIES STUDIES STUDIES STUDIES STUDIES STUDIES

CLIENT CLIENT MEETING MEETING & & PUBLIC PUBLIC WORKSHOP WORKSHOP #1 #3

PRESENTATION PRESENTATION PRESENTATION PRESENTATION PRESENTATION PRESENTATION PRESENTATION PRESENTATION TO PRESENTATION CLIENT TO TO CLIENT TO TO TO TO &TO CLIENT CLIENT ADVISORY CLIENT CLIENT CLIENT CLIENT & TO ADVISORY &&CLIENT ADVISORY & ADVISORY &&&ADVISORY ADVISORY GROUP ADVISORY ADVISORY &GROUP ADVISORY GROUP GROUP GROUP GROUP GROUP GROUP GROUP

CLIENT MEETING & PUBLIC WORKSHOP #1 CLIENT REVIEW MEETING CLIENT MEETING & PUBLIC WORKSHOP #1 CLIENT CLIENT MEETING MEETING & & PUBLIC PUBLIC WORKSHOP WORKSHOP #3 #1 CLIENT CLIENT MEETING MEETING & & PUBLIC PUBLIC WORKSHOP WORKSHOP #1 #1

PREPARE PREPARE PREPARE PREPARE FINAL PREPARE PREPARE PREPARE PREPARE FINAL FRAMEWORK PREPARE FINAL FINAL FINAL FINAL FINAL FINAL FRAMEWORK FRAMEWORK FRAMEWORK FRAMEWORK FRAMEWORK FRAMEWORK FRAMEWORK FINAL PLAN FRAMEWORK PLAN PLAN PLAN PLAN PLAN PLAN PLAN PLAN

CLIENT REVIEW MEETING

DEVELOP DEVELOP DEVELOP DEVELOP DRAFT DEVELOP DEVELOP DEVELOP DEVELOP DRAFT FRAMEWORK DEVELOP DRAFT DRAFT DRAFT DRAFT DRAFT DRAFT FRAMEWORK FRAMEWORK FRAMEWORK FRAMEWORK DRAFT FRAMEWORK FRAMEWORK FRAMEWORK PLAN FRAMEWORK PLAN PLAN PLAN PLAN PLAN PLAN PLAN PLAN

CLIENT KICK OFF MEETING

PRESENTATION PRESENTATION PRESENTATION PRESENTATION PRESENTATION PRESENTATION PRESENTATION PRESENTATION TO PRESENTATION CLIENT TO TO CLIENT TO TO TO TO &TO CLIENT CLIENT ADVISORY CLIENT CLIENT CLIENT CLIENT & TO ADVISORY &&CLIENT ADVISORY & ADVISORY &&&ADVISORY ADVISORY GROUP ADVISORY ADVISORY &GROUP ADVISORY GROUP GROUP GROUP GROUP GROUP GROUP GROUP

CLIENT KICK OFF MEETING CLIENT MEETING & PUBLIC WORKSHOP #2 CLIENT KICK OFF MEETING CLIENT KICK OFF MEETING CLIENT CLIENT KICK KICK OFF OFF MEETING MEETING

SYNTHESIS: SYNTHESIS: SYNTHESIS: SYNTHESIS: SYNTHESIS: SYNTHESIS: SYNTHESIS: SYNTHESIS: IDEASSYNTHESIS: IDEAS AND IDEAS IDEAS IDEAS IDEAS IDEAS IDEAS FINDINGS AND AND AND FINDINGS AND AND AND IDEAS AND FINDINGS FINDINGS FINDINGS FINDINGS FINDINGS FINDINGS AND FINDINGS

CLIENT MEETING & PUBLIC WORKSHOP #2

CLIENT MEETING & PUBLIC WORKSHOP #1

CLIENT MEETING & PUBLIC WORKSHOP #1

MASTER MASTER MASTER MASTER MASTER MASTER MASTER PLANNING PLANNING MASTER PLANNING PLANNING PLANNING PLANNING PLANNING PLANNING

CONDUCT CONDUCT CONDUCT CONDUCT CONDUCT CONDUCT PUBLIC CONDUCT CONDUCT PUBLIC CONDUCT MEETING PUBLIC PUBLIC PUBLIC PUBLIC PUBLIC PUBLIC MEETING MEETING MEETING PUBLIC MEETING MEETING MEETING MEETING MEETING

EDUCATE EDUCATE

BUILD

BUILD

EDUCATE EDUCATE EDUCATE EDUCATE LISTEN EDUCATE EDUCATE EDUCATE EDUCATE LISTEN

BUILD BUILD UNVEIL BUILD BUILD BUILD BUILD BUILD BUILD UNVEIL

COMMUNITYCOMMUNITY MEETING MEETING

BUILD YOURBUILD OWN YOUR PARK OWN PARK

COMMUNITY COMMUNITY DRAFT COMMUNITY COMMUNITY COMMUNITY COMMUNITY COMMUNITY COMMUNITY MEETING PLAN COMMUNITY MEETING DRAFT COMMENTS MEETING MEETING MEETING MEETING MEETING MEETING PLANMEETING COMMENTS

BUILDBUILD YOUR MASTER BUILD BUILD BUILD BUILD BUILD BUILD YOUR OWN YOUR YOUR PLAN YOUR YOUR YOUR BUILD YOUR OWN PARK MASTER OWN OWN UNVEILING OWN OWN PARK OWN YOUR OWN PARK PARK PLAN PARK PARK PARK PARK OWN UNVEILING PARK

ENVIRONMENT ENVIRONMENT EDUCATIONEDUCATION

COMMUNITYCOMMUNITY MEETING MEETING

ENVIRONMENT ENVIRONMENT COMMUNITY ENVIRONMENT ENVIRONMENT ENVIRONMENT ENVIRONMENT ENVIRONMENT ENVIRONMENT EDUCATION ENVIRONMENT COMMUNITY MEETING EDUCATION EDUCATION EDUCATION EDUCATION EDUCATION EDUCATION EDUCATION MEETING EDUCATION

COMMUNITY COMMUNITY COMMUNITY COMMUNITY COMMUNITY COMMUNITY COMMUNITY COMMUNITY MEETING COMMUNITY MEETING MEETING MEETING MEETING MEETING MEETING MEETING MEETING

COMMUNITYCOMMUNITY POLLING POLLING

COMMUNITYCOMMUNITY POLLING POLLING

COMMUNITY COMMUNITY COMMUNITY COMMUNITY COMMUNITY COMMUNITY COMMUNITY COMMUNITY COMMUNITY POLLING COMMUNITY POLLING COMMUNITY POLLING POLLING POLLING POLLING POLLING POLLING POLLING POLLING POLLING

COMMUNITY COMMUNITY COMMUNITY COMMUNITY COMMUNITY COMMUNITY COMMUNITY COMMUNITY POLLING COMMUNITY POLLING POLLING POLLING POLLING POLLING POLLING POLLING POLLING

WORK PLAN TIMELINE

UILD

LISTEN LISTEN LISTEN LISTEN LISTEN LISTEN LISTEN LISTEN

CLIENT MEETING & PUBLIC WORKSHOP #4

CLIENT MEETING & PUBLIC WORKSHOP #4

CLIENT MEETING & PUBLIC WORKSHOP #4

CLIENT MEETING & PUBLIC WORKSHOP #4 CLIENT MEETING & PUBLIC WORKSHOP #4 CLIENT CLIENT MEETING MEETING & & PUBLIC PUBLIC WORKSHOP WORKSHOP #4 #4

CLIENT MEETING & PUBLIC WORKSHOP #3

CLIENT MEETING & PUBLIC WORKSHOP #3

CLIENT CLIENT REVIEW MEETINGMEETING & PUBLIC WORKSHOP #3

CLIENT REVIEW MEETING CLIENT MEETING & PUBLIC WORKSHOP #3 CLIENT MEETING & PUBLIC WORKSHOP #3 REVIEW MEETING CLIENT CLIENT MEETING MEETING & & PUBLIC PUBLIC WORKSHOP WORKSHOP #3 #3

CLIENT REVIEW MEETING CLIENT REVIEW MEETING CLIENT CLIENT REVIEW REVIEW MEETING MEETING

CLIENT MEETING & PUBLIC WORKSHOP #2

CLIENT MEETING & PUBLIC WORKSHOP #2

45 15 13 12 14 15 15 16 16 14 13 15 16 16 17 17 15 14 16 17 17 18 18 16 15 17 18 18 19 19 17 16 18 19 19 20 20 18 17 19 20 20 21 21 19 18 20 21 21 22 22 20 19 21 22 22 23 23 21 20 22 23 23 24 24 22 21 23 24 24 25 25 23 22 24 25 25 26 26 24 23 25 26 26 25 24 26 26 25 26

UNVEIL UNVEIL UNVEIL UNVEIL UNVEIL UNVEIL UNVEIL UNVEIL

UR GPARK OWN PARK

DRAFT DRAFT DRAFT DRAFT DRAFT DRAFT PLAN PLAN PLAN DRAFT PLAN PLAN COMMENTS PLAN COMMENTS COMMENTS COMMENTS COMMENTS COMMENTS PLAN DRAFTCOMMENTS PLAN DRAFT COMMENTS PLAN COMMENTS MASTER MASTER MASTER MASTER MASTER MASTER PLAN PLAN MASTER PLAN PLAN PLAN UNVEILING PLAN UNVEILING MASTER UNVEILING UNVEILING UNVEILING UNVEILING PLAN UNVEILING MASTER PLAN UNVEILING PLAN UNVEILING

TING ITY MEETING

COMMUNITY COMMUNITY COMMUNITY COMMUNITY COMMUNITY COMMUNITY COMMUNITY MEETING MEETING MEETING MEETING MEETING MEETING COMMUNITY MEETING COMMUNITY MEETINGMEETING

LING ITY POLLING

COMMUNITY COMMUNITY COMMUNITY COMMUNITY COMMUNITY COMMUNITY COMMUNITY POLLING POLLING POLLING POLLING POLLING POLLING COMMUNITY POLLING COMMUNITY POLLINGPOLLING

Public engagement consisted of four workshops in which citizens were educated on the site opportunities and able to provide feedback.

PEOPLE INPUTS EXPERT ADVISORS:

+Native Plant Societies +Master Gardeners +Master Naturalists +Community Stakeholders

ADVISORY GROUP INPUT

MASTER PLAN

ELEMENTS (Physical Design):

+Entry & Movement Vehicular: Entry Drive Experience Pedestrian: Trails and Colonnades +Events Indoor (Building) Outdoor, Covered (Pavilion) Outdoor, Open Air (Lawn) +Education Administration Classrooms (Indoor and Outdoor) +Collections Indoor (Conservatory) Outdoor (Gardens)

BOTANICAL GARDEN DESIGN

DESIGN INPUTS

PLANNING PROCESS WORKSHOP 1: EDUCATE +Program Possibilities +Garden Possibilities +Site Opportunities +Contamination Issues

COMMUNITY INPUT

WORKSHOP 2: BUILD

+Passive Programs +Active Programs +Garden Type Preferences +Site Organization

WORKSHOP 3: LISTEN

+Framework and Plan Options

SITE OPPORTUNITIES AND CONSTRAINTS

OPPORTUNITIES:

+Site Topography +Water +Vegetation +Views +Existing Structures

CONSTRAINTS:

+Floodplain +Noise +Contamination +Existing Structures

The planning process for the Botanic Garden synthesized the community’s and Advisory Group’s input with the opportunities and constraints of the site in relation to best practices of botanic garden design and management.

A series of four public meetings gathered input and feedback on garden programming and site layout, and meetings with the Advisory Group provided focused discussion among local experts and stakeholders for further refinement.

During the first public meeting, the community was educated on possible programming and garden types and then voted on desired activities and programs for the site. These votes were tallied and the results presented at the second public meeting, where attendees formed groups and created site layouts with the programming and garden options.

The layouts were analyzed for trends across all the proposals and then a draft plan was presented at the third public meeting.

Comments from this meeting informed revisions and the final plan was unveiled at the fourth public meeting with potential phasing.

This diagram illustrates how the people inputs, from both the community at large as well as local experts and stakeholders, and the design inputs, including the site opportunities and botanic garden design principles, all inform one another to create a botanic garden that will act as a regional destination and while reflecting and enhancing local culture.

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BUILD YOUR OWN BOTANIC GARDEN The community worked together to design their version of a desired Botanic Garden for Temple.

Which nature and bio-diversity features would you most like to see?

A. B. C. D.

Bird Blinds Habitat Gardens Wildlife Sanctuary Arboretum

6% 56% 21% 18%

Which cultural activities would you most like to see included in the master plan?

A. B. C. D.

31% Outdoor Concerts Lectures and Classes 6% Food and Beverage 11% Outdoor Education 51% Center

Which theme are you most interested in seeing at Bend O’ The River?

A. B. C. D.

Cultural Activities Nature and Bio-diversity Active Recreation Café or Restaurant Pavilion

17% 57% 20% 6%

What is your second biggest concern about Bend O’ The River?

A. Environmental Issues B. Noise Pollution C. Under Use of an Important Resource D. Over Use of an Important Resource

FEEDBACK Community workshops provided ample tools for receiving and documenting public input, from polling, direct comments on boards, to hands on workshops, that began to inform the master plan.

47% 24% 21% 9%

EDUCATIONAL TRIPS The advisory committee and design team toured a premier regional botanical garden and held an open discussion session with the Vice President of the Gardens to understand maintenance and operations of running a Botanical Garden.

BEND OF THE RIVER 77

DESIGN WORKSHOP Nine total tables worked to design their version of a desired Botanic Garden for Temple, followed by a presentation and discussion.

These versions were analyzed to produce the summary on the next page and inform the master plan.

BEND OF THE RIVER 79

PASSIVE: PUBLIC ART

ACTIVE:

GARDEN:

PICNIC PAVILION

CHILDREN’S PLAY AREA COMMUNITY GARDEN TEMP. EVENT SPACE NATURE CENTER

NATIVE GARDEN SENSORY GARDEN

PASSIVE PARK WETLAND

AMPHITHEATER BEER GARDEN CAFE RESTAURANT FOOD TRUCKS RESEARCH FACILITY

PASSIVE:

ACTIVE:

GARDEN:

PASSIVE PARK PUBLIC ART PICNIC PAVILION OVERLOOK

EDUCATION / NATURE CENTER COMMUNITY GARDEN AMPHITHEATER

BOTANICAL GARDEN

KEY: PROGRAM TYPE 4 OR MORE TABLES LOCATED THIS PROGRAM HERE 2 OR 3 TABLES LOCATED THIS PROGRAM HERE 1 TABLE LOCATED THIS PROGRAM HERE

MEDICINAL GARDEN EDIBLE GARDEN FUNKY GARDEN GLOBAL GARDEN FORMAL GARDEN

CHILDREN’S PLAY AREA BEER GARDEN PRODUCE STAND RESTAURANT

PASSIVE: PAVILION PUBLIC ART SAND BEACH PICNIC OVERLOOK ART / DRAWING

ACTIVE: RESTAURANT TEMP. EVENT SPACE EDUCATION / NATURE CENTER CHILDREN’S PLAY AREA CAFE BEER GARDEN FOOD TRUCKS COMMUNITY GARDEN

GARDEN:

ROSE GARDEN FLORAL GARDEN

PASSIVE: ACTIVE: SAND BEACH RESTAURANT PUBLIC ART TEMP. EVENT SPACE BEER GARDEN PAVILION PICNIC OVERLOOK PASSIVE PARK

NATURE CENTER CHILDREN’S PLAY AREA CAFE COMMUNITY GARDEN BONFIRE FOOD TRUCKS KAYAK

GARDEN: NATIVE GARDEN SENSORY GARDEN MEDICINAL GARDEN ROSE GARDEN HISTORICAL NATIVE GARDEN

SITE PROGRAMMING TRENDS PASSIVE: PASSIVE PARK WETLAND BIRD WATCHING OVERLOOK

ACTIVE:

GARDEN:

ZIP LINE

HABITAT GARDEN

TEMPORARY EVENT SPACE CAFE

JAPANESE GARDEN MEDITATION GARDEN TEST GARDEN WILDLIFE GARDEN

CANOPY WALK PORCH SWINGS

Breakdown by zone of most popular programs and garden types generated from community participation during Public Meeting 2: Build. These key trends informed the master plan.

HABITAT PICNIC PAVILION

PASSIVE: PASSIVE: PASSIVE PARK PICNIC PAVILION SCULPTURE OVERLOOK PUBLIC ART BOCCE BALL

ACTIVE: NATURE CENTER

GARDEN:

COMMUNITY GARDEN NATIVE PRAIRIE GARDEN CAFE NATIVE FORMAL GARDEN MAZE HABITAT GARDEN NATURE CLASSROOM POLLINATOR GARDEN CHILDREN’S PLAY AREA FUNKY GARDEN TEMPORARY EVENT SPACE BEEKEEPING CHAPEL AMPHITHEATER RESTAURANT

ACTIVE:

PICNIC OVERLOOK PAVILION PORCH SWINGS

CHILDREN’S PLAY AREA TEMPORARY EVENT SPACE

GARDEN: POLLINATOR GARDEN NATIVE PRAIRIE GARDEN NATIVE GARDEN WILDLIFE GARDEN SUSTAINABLE GARDEN ROCK SCULPTURE GARDEN

EXOTIC / GLOBAL GARDEN JAPANESE GARDEN NATIVE STONE GARDEN FLORAL GARDEN SENSORY GARDEN

BEND OF THE RIVER 81

6 ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

Bend of the River Botanic Garden Š City of Temple December 2016

Master Plan, Volume 1: Technical and Master Plan Design by: 1245 West 18th St. Houston, TX 77008

Public Steering Committee Lacy Adams Scott Allen Robert Atmar Charley Ayres Rene Berkhoudt Dr. Todd Bohannon Kent Boyd Mickey Burleson Diane Calderwood Roney Castor Allan Einboden Janice Gibbs Jennifer Graham Reid Lewis Zoe Rascoe Carol Sandlin Terice Talasek Schneider Bryant Ward

City Steering Committee Traci Barnard Kevin Beavers Nancy Glover Jonathan Graham Kayla Landeros Jonathan Logue Belinda Mattke Brynn Myers Melissa Przybylski Chuck Ramm Ashley Williams

Director of Finance Director of Parks and Recreation Convention and Visitor Bureau Manager City Manager City Attorney Parks and Recreation Marketing Coordinator Director of Purchasing Assistant City Manager Assistant Director of Finance Assistant Director of Parks and Recreation Director of General Services

BEND OF THE RIVER 85

Prepared by 1245 West 18th St. Houston, TX 77008