Title
Presentation of the Texas Recreation and Park Society (TRAPS) North Region for the 2023 Park Design Excellence Award for the John F. Burke Nature Preserve.
Body
BACKGROUND:
Texas Recreation and Park Society (TRAPS) North Region is comprised of cities in North Texas that recognize and honor those organizations that have made outstanding contributions to the field of parks and recreation. The Park Design Excellence Award is awarded to an organization for raising standards for parks, open spaces, and recreation to enhance the quality of life. The John F. Burke Nature Preserve was awarded the Park Design Excellence for 2023.
DISCUSSION:
Developing a nature preserve and protecting natural resources-while keeping it accessible - is both challenging and rewarding. Both were accomplished with the development of the John F. Burke Nature Preserve. The site had very low-lying wetland areas, thick forests, and water features that could only be seen by creating lookouts. The nature preserve was developed to provide functionality and accessibility to the wetlands, the river, and forested areas accommodated by optimal-placed river and pond lookouts, boardwalks over wetlands, and winding nature trails providing the community with diverse nature experiences in the various areas of the preserve.