Res 2006-209 - Laserfiche WebLink

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6. Is there substantial community support for the project? What is the priority ranking of each of the project elements (from public survey) The community has financially supported this project through the passage of bond issuances in support of parks. Also through the Master Park Plans of not only the City, but also through the County's Master Park Plan. The proposed project meets the number 1 and 2 priorities from the City's Master Park plan. The #1 priority of the plan is for the Acquisition of Parkland and Greenspace. The #2 priority is for additional trails and related amenities. The San Marcos Springs Recharge Area Conservation Project well meets these priorities. Hays County's #1 identified priority from its Master Park Plan is for public water access. The population of the County, through a survey completed in the year 2000, decidedly listed freshwater access as the #1 priority for the Commissioners' acquisition and development of parkland. The Sink Creek tract has two ponds and the wet weather creek, "Sink Creek': The ponds appear to be wetlands. A viewing station will be set-up at one of the ponds so that visitors to the park may more closely learn about wetland areas in Central Texas. Multi-use trails were identified as priority #2 from the plan. The County proposes to construct nature trails through the open space area to allow park goers to interact with the countryside, yet allow the lands to be maintained as natural area. This particular tract has numerous areas that are to left natural, some of them thick with trees, some of them riparian in nature along the creek. The Master Park Plan identifies tent campsites as the #3 priority. The primitive campsites proposed within this park will be allowed only through reservations and permit from Park staff. Groups such as the Boy Scouts will be able to hold organized camping events to earn badges. The picnic tables, priority number 4, will be interspersed throughout the property to provide areas for families to rest and eat while enjoying the many natural resources of the land. Natural open space/nature study/wildlife viewing is priority #5 from the plan. This large, beautiful piece of property invites all of the identified elements of priority #5 to be used. At a minimum 2 acres of land will be dedicated as open space. The night-time classroom will be an open air identified area with boulders and other natural breaks to create a classroom atmosphere. Classes will be taught by the City to include instruction on star gazing and information regarding nocturnal creatures/bugs. Wildlife viewing stations will be constructed in areas where the fauna naturally travel, so that park goers will be able to safely watch the animals and birds without disrupting their patterns. 7. Is there a significant conservation element to the proposed acquisition project such as: a) permanent preservation of unique natural features, b) the dedication of parkland on a natural body of water, c) creation of wetlands, and/or the creation of other natural areas