STATEMENT OF QUALIFICATIONS FOR COMPREHENSIVE, STRATEGIC, & PARKS PLANNING
TBPELS
FIRM ESTABLISHED IN 1993
DALLAS OFFICE: 2023
TYLER OFFICE: 1993
For over 30 years, MHS Planning and Design has specialized in city-wide comprehensive planning and designing recreational and outdoor spaces customized to fulfill the unique needs of communities through:
• Comprehensive Plans
Strategic Plans
• Parks Master Plans
Grant Writing
Our process considers the needs of the client as well as the desires of the community to create a customer-friendly and community-driven experience. MHS has a team of 15 specialized staff members. Our Dallas and Tyler offices will work in unison to carry out successful projects.
We build lifelong relationships by creating a family environment within our team and the people we serve VISION
A counter-cultural company striving to transform lives in the communities it serves
MHS Planning & Design has assisted over 75 counties, cities, municipal utility districts, camps, churches, and private companies with their strategic planning, parks, recreation, and public space needs. These include projects ranging from small and rural communities to some of the most progressive and dynamic cities in the State of Texas.
MHS uses current computer technology and cutting edge software to ensure quality print documents, engineering, designs, graphics, and publications.
The firm is financially stable and possesses all resources necessary to perform any required tasks.
MHS Planning & Design has never been party to any contract failure, civil or criminal litigation, and is not involved in any pending investigations or lawsuits.
The staff of MHS Planning & Design is committed to devoting signi ficant time to your project. Our current work load is considered to be normal.
MHS is a duly quali fied, capable, and otherwise bondable business entity with experience in performing the work as stated in this document. MHS is not in receivership and does not owe any back taxes. MHS is able and capable of performing work through its own resources without assignment. MHS is normally engaged in this type of business, and is familiar with all laws, regulations and customs applicable to this type of service.
The counties and cities which MHS has worked for over many years have earned numerous awards from TRAPS and NRPA.
NRPA Gold Medal Award: City of Allen
TRAPS Recreation Facility Design Excellence Award: Town of Flower Mound
TRAPS Texas Gold Medal Award Class IV: City of Rockwall Aggie 100 Awards: 2023 Nominee
Abilene
Allen
Alvarado
Atlanta
Burleson
Canton
Center
Cleburne
Crystal Beach
Edom
Flower Mound
Galveston
Gilmer
Grand Saline
Grapevine
Haltom City
Haslet
Hays County
Heath
Hillsboro
Jacksonville
Joshua Joaquin Kennedale
Kilgore
Krugerville
Lindale
Longview
Lufkin
Mineola
Missouri City
Mount Pleasant
Mount Vernon
Paris Pittsburg Richardson Richmond
Rockwall
Royse City
San Angelo
Seven Points
Sugar Land
Sulphur Springs
Sunnyvale
Terrell
The Colony
The Woodlands
Tyler
Van
Victoria
Vidor
Watauga
Whitehouse
Wills Point
Wimberley
Winnsboro
Wood County
Dunluce Inn, Port Rush, Northern Ireland Glorieta Camps, New Mexico
MHS is a planning and design firm that employs planners, engineers, and landscape architects with a passion for outdoor spaces. We pride ourselves on providing a collaborative approach to our work to ensure communities’ needs and desires can be transformed into realities. MHS is a Conception to Completion firm, which means we can assist you with everything from site analysis and project feasibility through all the phases of design and construction, as well as attend the ribbon cutting and continue to provide ongoing recommendations throughout the years.
MHS develops community-specific plans that prioritize citizen and staff input to produce authentic and achievable results.
MHS is committed to incorporating the natural resources of a site into the planning process to create a plan that enhances the existing resources and results in meaningful developments.
MHS has submitted and successfully funded more than 120 Texas Parks and Wildlife Department and Texas Department of Transportation grants totalling nearly $45,000,000 with a 90% success rate.
MHS develops state-of-the-art, 3D renderings of projects to help our clients showcase their vision to the community.
MHS creates innovative spaces while preserving key environmental components for people to experience.
MHS provides creative and aesthetically pleasing engineering solutions to ensure the concepts envisioned for each site are maintained throughout the design process.
MHS has spent the past two decades building relationships with the most dependable survey, geotechnical, environmental, and archaeological companies in each region of Texas to offer our clients the most comprehensive experience possible.
MHS offers construction plans, technical specifications, bid documents, and construction administration to deliver a final product that exceeds the expectations of our clients.
DEDICATED TEAM MEMBERS: 5
COMPANY STAFF: 15
PLANNERS | LANDSCAPE ARCHITECTS | ENGINEERS
Dallas, Texas
WILLIAM
DAVID
Dallas, Texas
ZACH
MHS has been involved in master planning, grant writing, design, and construction since its foundation. Each team member is responsible for the aspects of production respective to their title and company role. All members are committed to dedicating the time necessary to ensure successful completion of projects.
The MHS Team has been assembled based on experience, compatibility, and dedication to excellence. Our team members have special skills and qualities that create a fun, adept, passionate, and highly effective dynamic.
Senior Planner & Partner
Dallas Office
hrush@mhsplanning.com
O: 214.845.7008
C: 979.571.8719
Hunter has been employed at MHS since 2008 and has 15 years of planning and park design experience. He leads the MHS Planning Department which consists of planners, landscape architects, landscape designers, and graphic designers. His work includes the production of Parks, Recreation, and Open Space Master Plans, the development of Texas Parks & Wildlife and TxDOT grants, and individual park designs and site plans. Hunter coordinates with local governments and the general public to guide his team in efficient commercial and residential developments, site specific master plan designs, and provides on & off-site project management.
MHS PLANNING & DESIGN, LLC
2008 - Present • Planner & Project Manager • Tyler, Texas Assists in planning and designing site plans for parks in Texas, including Dallas/Fort Worth, Houston, and East Texas. Conducts focus group and public meetings to understand community needs. Prepares grant applications for Texas Parks & Wildlife Department and TxDOT. Manages projects and oversees construction sites. Designs irrigation systems for sports fields and recreational spaces in Texas.
HUNTER’S FAVORITE VACATION SPOT - BERGEN, NORWAY
• Over 60 TPWD Grants - State of Texas
Over 35 Strategic, Comprehensive & Park Master Plans
• Mount Vernon Strategic Plan - Mount Vernon, Texas
Winnsboro Comprehensive Plan - Winnsboro, Texas
Texas Recreation & Parks Society
• National Recreation & Parks Association
American Planning Association
• Certified Playground Safety Inspector
State of Texas Licensed Irrigator
Texas A&M University
Bachelor in Recreation, Parks & Tourism Sciences
Graduation: 2008
Planner, GIS Specialist
Tyler Office
john@mhsplanning.com
O: 903.597.6606
John has been employed at MHS since May 2022 as a planner. He performs research and develops planning documents and legal ordinances, builds maps and geodatabases, and assists in project management. He is passionate about fostering a better setting for a city and its people to grow together, and he is driven to know others from all jogs of life. As a Louisiana native, he has discovered that a fool-proof way to meet people is through good food and drink, and he is convinced that everyone should know how to play boardgames. He also likes to sing, drum, and explore the world.
MHS PLANNING & DESIGN, LLC
05/2022 - Present • Planner • Tyler, Texas
Research and develop strategic planning documents. Research and draft municipal ordinance recommendations covering general provisions and special subject matter. Assistant project manager responsible for production of schematic site plans.
CITY OF RUSTON
07/2018 - 05/2022 • City Planner • Ruston, Texas
Project Manager for planning initiatives (active transportation, affordable housing, annexation and infrastructure expansion, community development, economic development, parks and recreation, town-and-gown relations). Draft schematic site plans.
JOHN’S FAVORITE VACATION SPOT - NORTHERN
Corridor Strategic Plan - Mount Vernon, Texas
• Sabine River Paddling Trail Plan - Gregg County, Texas
Frontier Camp Master Plan - Grapeland, Texas
American Planning Association
Clemson University
Master of Urban and Regional Development
Graduation: May 2018
Louisiana Tech University
Bachelor of Geographic Information Systems - Minor in Sociology
Graduation: May 2014
Planner, AICP Candidate
Dallas Office
zach@mhsplanning.com
O: 214.845.7008
Zach has been employed at MHS since 2022, and he is primarily responsible for master planning and grant writing. He has a passion for public engagement, qualitative data collection and analysis, and GIS, which makes him an incredible asset to the team here at MHS. Zach is an avid traveler, and he enjoys spending his time outdoors in nature hiking, swimming, and tending to his plants.
MHS PLANNING & DESIGN, LLC
04/2022 - Present · Planner · Tyler, Texas
Develop comprehensive master plans and site studies for communities. Works with municipalities to submit grant applications. Design of schematic plans for preliminary plats and graphic materials. Assists in the production of site plans for commercial and residential developments.
CITY OF TYLER
10/2019 - 04/22 · GIS Analyst/Planning Technician · Tyler TX
Created and maintained geospatial data and various graphic materials. Created various code/reports to analyze information. Reviewed planning documents including preliminary and final plats, site plans, and TABC apps. Assisted with citizen questions.
ZACH’S FAVORITE VACATION SPOT - SEDONA, AZ
Parks & Open Space Master Plan - Wimberley, Texas
• Sabine River Paddling Trail Plan - Gregg County, Texas
Sports Complex Strategic Plan - Mount Pleasant, Texas
American Institute of Certified Planners
• Texas Recreation & Parks Association
American Planning Association
Texas A&M University
Bachelors in Urban and Regional Planning
Graduation: 2019
President and Civil/Professional Engineer # 107759
Tyler Office
whs@mhsplanning.com
O: 903.597.6606
C: 214.796.8807
William Spencer has been employed at MHS since 2012 and is responsible for design, project management and construction administration of sports complexes, neighborhood parks, and commercial/residential development. His involvement throughout the planning, design, and construction process allows him to have a deep knowledge of every project ensuring a high level of customer service and satisfaction beyond the industry standard. His commitment to excellence and dedication to exceeding clients expectations allows him to deliver projects that are cost effective and of the highest quality. In his free time, William likes to spend time playing outside with his wife and five kids.
MHS PLANNING & DESIGN, LLC
06/2012 - Present • President & Civil Engineer
Responsible for engineering, design, plan production, project coordination and construction administration for residential, commercial and municipal projects.
SPIARS ENGINEERING
05/2006 - 06/2012 • Project Manager
Responsible for design, plan production, project coordination and construction administration for commercial and municipal projects.
Twin Coves - Flower Mound, Texas
Hwy 66 Boat Ramp - Rockwall, Texas
Pendleton Park - Sabine River Authority, Texas
• Bob Day Tennis Complex - Garland, Texas
Mount Pleasant Sports Complex - Mt Pleasant, Texas
Licensed Professional Engineer in the State of Texas
• Certified National Coaching License (Soccer)
Texas A&M University
Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering
Minor in Recreation Parks and Tourism Sciences
Minor in Business
Minor in Mathematics
Graduation: 2008
Project Team Lead
Professional Landscape Architect #2121
Dallas Office
E: dshipp@mhsplanning.com
O: 214.845.7008
C: 214.837.7211
David has managed projects ranging from large sports complexes, recreation open space master plans, neighborhood parks, residential amenity centers, and multi-mile trail systems. By combining strategic thinking with a collaborative spirit, David has successfully engaged clients and communities at all levels of the design process.
MHS PLANNING & DESIGN, LLC
01/2023 - Present • Professional Landscape Architect • Dallas, TX
Team Leader Landscape Architectural Team, Areas of focus: Park Planning & Recreational Development, Commercial Development, Residential Community Development, Master Planning, Project Bidding & Construction Administration
LANARC DESIGN, INC
2006 - 2022 • Principal • Plano, Texas
Principal of Landscape Architectural firm specializing in Parks & Recreation design and planning for municipal clients in the DFW area
DUNKIN SIMS STOFFELS, INC.
1997 - 2006 • Project Manager • Dallas, Texas
Project Manager at a Landscape Architecture consulting firm specializing in Parks & Recreation projects for municipal clients throughout Texas
Creek Hollow Park - Richardson, Texas
• Gabe Nesbitt Community Park - McKinney, Texas
Bob Day Tennis Complex - Garland, Texas
• Russell Creek Soccer Complex - Plano, Texas
McKinney Veterans Memorial - McKinney, Texas
Downtown Urban Plaza - Sanger, Texas
Celebration Pass, Hike and Bike Trail - Allen, Texas
Registered Landscape Architect, State of Texas, Number 2121
Council of Landscape Architecture Registration Boards
Certification, Number 1239
American Society of Landscape Architects
University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign
Bachelor of Landscape Architecture
Honor Society, Sigma Lambda Alpha
MHS excels in creating impactful visual identities for planning documents. Our experienced art department produces designs that capture attention and make a lasting impact. We focus on creating unique, cohesive branding that helps your master plan stand out.
We use visual storytelling techniques to vividly present proposed improvements, through 3D renderings, site plans, and conceptual sketches. These visuals help stakeholders imagine the future of the Parks System, driving excitement and participation. Our designs are valuable in marketing, enhancing engagement in presentations, meetings, and online.
Our team prioritize clarity and effectiveness, presenting concepts, data, and statistics in easy-to-understand formats like charts, graphs, and diagrams. This approach aids stakeholders in making well-informed decisions and builds support for the project.
Partnering with MHS brings the advantage of our art department’s expertise, ensuring that the vision of our team is conveyed through compelling and effective visual materials.
In our planning department, ArcGIS Pro is the secret to unlocking the full potential of every plan. With this cutting-edge technology, we conduct thorough geographic analyses, assess environmental impacts, and engage with communities in an interactive and inclusive way.
Geographic Information System (GIS) enables us to understand every city’s unique characteristics, guiding our initial planning decisions and ensuring our designs are both innovative and environmentally responsible.
Our GIS-driven plans are deeply rooted in the unique needs and aspirations of the communities we serve. We blend accessibility, environmental responsibility, and strategic vision to guide growth, shape parks and open spaces, and plan communities that truly reflect the hearts of their cities! And with GIS as our cornerstone, we do not rely on guesswork. We analyze demographics, assess environmental impacts, and seamlessly integrate infrastructure. This data-driven precision ensures that your Comprehensive Plan is not just a blueprint but a living, breathing community asset.
We utilize advanced technology to streamline our services and deliver superior results. Our use of contemporary computer technology and top-tier software supports the creation of precise engineering documents, high-quality graphics, and relevant reports. We rely on trusted programs like AutoCAD, Civil 3D, ArcGIS Pro, InDesign, and Photoshop to shape detailed and accurate designs that stand up to rigorous examination throughout all stages of a project. We recognize the importance of clear and timely communication. That’s why we incorporate easy-to-use video conferencing and conference call capabilities into our operations, ensuring our clients stay informed throughout the planning and design process.
We’ve expanded our toolbox to include virtual reality capabilities, offering a unique way for team members to visualize a space effectively. We’ve also adopted AI technologies to guide data-driven processes, enhancing accuracy and efficiency.
“With MHS, you don’t just get a team familiar with technology. You get a partner committed to harnessing the best of it.”
INITIAL STAGES OF PROJECT PROCESS PLANNING
Team: Designate Reviewers, Develop Project Process, Outline Review Protocols
Deliverables: Develop list of Project Deliverables
Timeline: Develop Project Timeline & Associated Review Schedule
METHODICAL PROCESSES TO ENSURE CONSISTENT DOCUMENT STANDARDS
Meeting: Production Team & Review Team familiarize themselves with the current state of the Project. Assembly: The Production Team compiles all deliverables from all disciplines and sub-consultants.
Review: The Review Team comments on all assembled documentation.
FORMAL PROCESS FOR ADDRESSING & VERIFYING THAT ALL COMMENTS HAVE BEEN THOROUGHLY ADDRESSED
Hand-Off: Production team is handed all comments by the Review Team
Meeting: Production Team & Review team meet to coordinate on any items needing clarification
Revise: Production team addresses comments and documents their comment responses
Closure: Once comment response is complete, the Project moves into the next scheduled phase of production
MHS has three decades of experience developing and submitting Texas Parks and Wildlife Grants, specifically within the Local Parks, Boating Access, and Recreational Trails Division. MHS has worked with over 50 individual counties and cities to assist in the development of grants. Most communities partner with MHS again and again because of the success of the firm.
We understand the importance of working alongside the community and with City Staff to ensure a desirable project is developed. A successful grant is developed through citizen engagement, clear and concise direction, creative mapping, and effective budgeting.
MHS will provide or develop all forms necessary to the City for approval and signatures. We will work with City Staff throughout the development of the grant to ensure the final grant scope and funding is still in line with the needs of the community while aligning with the requirements of the funding agency.
MHS will coordinate with all pertinent government agencies, such as the City, USACE and Subject Matter Experts (SMEs) such as environmentalists, geotechnical engineers & playground professionals.
After the grant is submitted and awarded, MHS will guide the City through the process of contract agreement with the funding agency and all other requirements. MHS will assist the City in Grant Administration by providing quarterly status updates, reimbursement requests and contractor bidding.
MHS HAS BEEN 90% SUCCESSFUL IN TPWD LOCAL PARK GRANT SUBMISSIONS OVER THE PAST THREE YEARS.
Craig Lindholm
City Manager
O: 903.537.2252
E: clindholm@comvtx.com
Chuck Jennings
Director of Parks & Recreation
O: 972.874.6273
E: chuck.jennings@flower-mound.com
30+ YEARS OF SUCCESSFUL PROJECTS EFFECTIVE PRODUCTION METHODS
PLANNERS | LANDSCAPE ARCHITECT | ENGINEERS
CITY OF HUTTO
Jeff White
Director of Parks & Recreation
O: 512.759.5967
E: jeffrey.white@huttotx.gov
Travis Sales
Director of Parks & Recreation
O: 972.771.7762
E: tsales@rockwall.com
(Former Director: Andy Hesser)
At MHS Planning, we understand the crucial role that funding plays in bringing remarkable parks projects to life. With over three decades of experience, we excel in developing and submitting Texas Parks and Wildlife Grants, specifically within the Local Parks Division. Our exceptional track record and expertise in grant writing have resulted in securing over $45 million in funding for counties and cities throughout Texas, with a success rate of 90% overall.
Grant Writing Excellence: Our team at MHS includes seasoned grant writers who specialize in crafting compelling narratives and details for grant applications. They possess the in-depth knowledge and expertise to effectively communicate the vision, goals, and impact of your parks project, ensuring the best chance of securing funding.
Comprehensive Expertise: We bring together a multidisciplinary team of landscape architects, planners, and engineers, all of whom contribute their expertise to the grant development process. Our landscape architects ensure the proposed project is feasible and constructible, while our planners and engineers work on budgeting to align the project with allocated funds. By leveraging the collective skills and knowledge of our team, we maximize the potential for grant success.
Dedicated Support: Our assistance doesn’t stop at the grant application stage. Once the grant is submitted and awarded, MHS continues to guide you through the process of contract agreement with Texas Parks and Wildlife and helps with grant administration. Our goal is to streamline the process and ensure a successful outcome for your parks project.
Flower Mound, Texas
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Rockwall, Texas
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Haltom City, Texas
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Location: City of Winnsboro, Texas
MHS partnered with the City of Winnsboro and KSA Engineers to develop a City-Wide Comprehensive Plan with an emphasis on Parks, the Downtown, the Farmers Market, Arts District and general needs of the community. Through several days of community engagement, the Team was able to develop a plan that expressed the true Goals and Objectives of the citizens.
Many residents throughout the community desired a more culturally friendly environment with a walk-able downtown, eclectic farmers market and a performing arts district. In addition, the need for updated and new infrastructure was apparent. Specific goals, objectives and action plans were developed with associated timelines, estimated costs and required city staff and/or partners. Overall, the project plan was a success and both the downtown and farmers market have been significantly updated and funding has been received from State Partners for future park projects.
PROJECT SCOPE
Comprehensive Plan
• Parks & Open Space Master Plan
Citizen Engagement
• GIS & Map Development
Park Classification
• Level of Service
Inventory
• Photographs
Public Input & Focus Groups
• Citizen Survey
Goals & Objectives
• Needs Analysis
Recommendations
Maintenance Requirements
• Park Specific Conceptual Plan
Implementation Schedule
• Existing & Future Parks Map
Review Period
• Park Board & Council Meetings
REFERENCE:
Craig Lindholm
City Administrator
O: 903-537-2252
E: clindholm@comvtx.com
PROJECT MANAGER & STAFF:
Hunter Rush & Emily Gunderson (Planner)
START DATE: October 2020
DATE OF COMPLETION: June 2021
CONTRACT AMOUNT:
$100,000
Location: City of Mount Vernon, Texas
The City of Mount Vernon, the Mount Vernon Economic Development Corporation, and the Franklin County Industrial Foundation partnered with MHS Planning & Design in 2023 to develop a Strategic Plan for the city’s two underdeveloped corridors near Interstate-30. The city and boards owned several acres and underwent a public-private partnership to cast a vision for the area to attract developers and investors with city-supported conceptual site plans.
These areas would be catalyzed by spillover growth from DFW and utilize smart growth principles to be a community asset for current and future citizens. To form data-driven recommendations curated to the area, MHS conducted stakeholder meetings to identify public needs and assessed the existing socio-economic conditions of the city. MHS recommended each corridor incorporate their natural resources.
The larger northern area would be a live-work-play community with strategically positioned lots, mixed-use area, open space, access points, and complete streets. The southern area would be a lake-centric community with commercial land use fronting the major roads. The Strategic Plan included local data, detail descriptions of best practices, and renders of the conceptual layout.
PROJECT SCOPE
• Goals & Objectives
Demographics
• Public Input
Focus Groups
• Needs Analysis
Recommendations
• Implementation Schedule
Photographs
• Conceptual Site Planning
Cost Estimate
REFERENCE:
Craig Lindholm
City Administrator
O: 903-537-2252
E: clindholm@comvtx.com
PROJECT MANAGER & STAFF:
Hunter Rush, John Waltz, Zach Clark, David Shipp, Mica Perez, Harmon Duke, Tristan Graham, Connor Paschall, & Jonathan Povoski
START DATE: May 2023
DATE OF COMPLETION: December 2023
CONTRACT AMOUNT:
$99,000
Location: City of Winnsboro, Texas
MHS Planning & Design partnered with the City of Winnsboro to develop a comprehensive plan that focused on community engagement, Downtown Market Street, Downtown Farmers Market and the preliminary design of those spaces along with the redevelopment and construction of Downtown Market Street.
This project focused on the redevelopment of Market Street by closing it to through traffic and creating a more pedestrian friendly area to include a stage, seating areas, small play areas for children and aesthetically pleasing art.
PROJECT SCOPE:
• Comprehensive Planning
Conceptual Planning
• Landscape Architecture
Civil Engineering
• Irrigation Design
Successful Texas Parks & Wildlife Grant Development
• Contract Document Development
Bidding
• Contractor Selection
Construction Administration & Management
Master Planning
• Design
Construction Manager At Risk
START DATE: February 2019
DATE OF COMPLETION:
August 2021
Note: This project was funded through several different agreements as funding was made available for planning, design and construction.
REFERENCE:
Stacy Finley Parks Director (former)
O: 903.440.5392
PROJECT MANAGER & STAFF:
Hunter Rush & Connor Paschall
INITIAL CONTRACT AMOUNT:
$106,720.00
FINAL COST:
$106,720.00
Location: City of Missouri City, TX
MHS first partnered with the growing City of Missouri City in 2021 to develop the Parks, Recreation, & Open Space Master Plan. The plan focused on the importance of neighborhood parks and ensuring every neighborhood and park district had a usable, safe and accessible park. The city owns several undeveloped parks and the plan focused on the development of these properties in addition to the redevelopment of larger community parks.
A large focus of the plan was Sta-Mo Sports Park, a large baseball and softball complex. The existing property, focus groups, and public engagement drove the decision to repurpose the park into a multi-sport park with unique elements such as pump tracks, cricket fields, pickleball courts, batting cages, and multi-purpose sports fields. In order to assist the city in planning budget needs, the plan was developed under two contracts which allowed the planning team to develop the first half of the plan through public engagement months prior to developing the final implementation and recommendations.
PROJECT SCOPE:
• Parks, Recreation, and Open Space Master Plan
Park Classification
• Level of Service
Inventory
• Photographs
Public Input
• Focus Groups
Citizen Survey
Goals & Objectives
Needs Analysis
Recommendations
• Maintenance Requirements
Park Specific Conceptual Plan
• Implementation Schedule
Existing & Future Parks Map
• Review Period
Park Board & Council Meetings
REFERENCE:
Jason Magnum Director of Parks & Recreation
O: 281.403.8637
E: jason.mangum@missouricitytx.gov
PROJECT MANAGER & STAFF:
Hunter Rush, Emily Gunderson & Connor Paschall
START DATE:
02/2021 - 18 Months
DATE OF COMPLETION: 08/2022
CONTRACT AMOUNT:
$52,700
Location: Gregg County, Texas
MHS partnered with MSA in 2023 to develop a strategic plan for improved access to the Sabine River. The wide project scope stretched 53 miles to both county boundaries of the river and included multiple jurisdictions. The primary contact was Gregg County, and MHS coordinated with the city staff from Longview, Kilgore, Gladewater, Lakeport, Easton, and White Oak to conduct site visits, key stakeholder interviews, and general public input.
The consultants performed extensive site visits by car, boat (thanks to the Longview Fire Department), and kayak, utilizing ESRI’s ArcPro software to geolocate points of interest along the river. The field research was inventoried in a geodatabase and mapped with other data like roads, property parcels, contours, and a digital elevation model to determine optimal locations to build kayak launch sites. Distance between the sites was based on standards by the Texas Parks and Wildlife because another project goal was to secure the Texas Paddling Trail designation. The data was compiled into a map which was utilized to obtain public input for the needs analysis. MHS also developed recommendations, a list of prioritized action items, an implementation schedule with cost projections, and strategic schematic layouts for four of the sites.
The rendered layouts outlined vehicular access and movement. The plan was honored as the 2023 cover story for the tourism organization Uniquely Longview.
PROJECT SCOPE:
• Goals & Objectives
Demographics, Focus Groups, & Public Input
• Needs Analysis & Recommendations
Implementation Schedule
• Photographs
Schematic Site Planning
Cost Estimate
PROJECT MANAGER & STAFF:
Hunter Rush, John Waltz, Zach Clark, Connor
Paschall, Jonathan Povoski
REFERENCE:
Shawn Hara
Director of Community Destinations
O: 903.237.2733
START DATE: February 2023
DATE OF COMPLETION: Anticipated Spring 2024
INITIAL CONTRACT AMOUNT: $68,750.00
FINAL COST: $68,750.00
