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<br />· Watershed Protection <br /> <br />The Purgatory Creek Park site lies within the sensitive Edwards Aquifer Recharge <br />Zone. Development within this zone increases the aquifer's vulnerability to reduced <br />quantities of recharge and increased pollutants entering the groundwater and <br />eventually the San Marcos River. The most effective way to protect the aquifer is <br />land preservation. The majority of aquifer recharge on the park site occurs through <br />the karst and rimrock features, Purgatory Creek and its tributaries. Preserving these <br />features will assure maintained recharge quantity for the site. Water quality entering <br />the aquifer is a concern since the aquifer is a major source of drinking water and the <br />home to many endangered species such as the Texas Blind Salamander and the <br />Fountain Darter. The preservation of this open space will aid in filtering storm runoff <br />before it enters the aquifer. Any stormwater runoff that may contain pollutants due to <br />park development should be captured and treated, including building roof runoff, <br />roads, parking lots, or other impervious surfaces. <br /> <br />· Public Access/Use <br /> <br />Purgatory Creek Park as a regional park will provide unique recreational and <br />educational opportunities in a distinctive setting for park users in the San Marcos <br />area. The design of the park should provide clear access for the public and <br />encourage users to experience the natural landscape of central Texas. The park site <br />should be recognized from adjacent roads as a destination with a distinct identity. <br />Signage should clearly direct users to the park entrance. The park as a whole will <br />provide environmentally based recreation and education currently unavailable in <br />other City of San Marcos Parks by creating a conducive environment in which those <br />activities can be engaged in and enjoyed. Passive activities to be encouraged by the <br />design include environmental and sustainability education, wildlife viewing, group <br />gathering, as well as general respite and escape from the urban fabric. More active <br />uses to be considered include trail hiking or running and mountain biking under <br />certain restrictions. <br /> <br />$;,.. - <br /> <br />Page 7 of 77 <br /> <br />Carter = Burgess <br />Hatch Partnership, LLP <br />Jankedesign <br />