Title
Consider approving Resolution No. 2016-086 adopting the John F. Burke Nature Preserve Master Plan; and take appropriate action.
Body
BACKGROUND:
The John F. Burke Nature Preserve is made up of 104 acres of land adjacent to the Elm Fork of the Trinity River immediately north of Valley View Lane. The Nature Preserve is a three way partnership made possible thru leases between the City and the North Texas Tollway Authority (NTTA) and between the City and the Valwood Improvement Authority (VIA).
As part of the City's Strategic Plan, development of the John F. Burke Nature Preserve Master Plan (The Plan) was begun in the fall of 2015. A consultant, Dunaway Associates, L.P. (Dunaway) was retained on March 3, 2016 to lead the project and complete The Plan.
DISCUSSION:
The intent of The Plan is to create a guide that will be used for future to development of the preserve that will have minimal impact on the environment and increase learning opportunities and enhance the natural beauty of the site.
Dunaway and a the Master Plan Committee met on numerous occasions to discuss a vision for the project, the planning process, program list and tour the preserve. The committee toured four sites on a benchmark trip to see other area preserves and to consider design elements. A public meeting was held to gather input from residents. Dunaway then prepared a draft for the committee to review and the draft was amended based on the committee's recommendations. The draft of the proposed Master Plan was presented to and approved by the Parks and Recreation Board with the unanimous recommendation to present it to City Council for adoption.
The Plan was reviewed with City Council at the August 16, 2016 Study Session. The Plan is now ready for adoption by City Council. The adopted John F. Burke Nature Preserve Master Plan will be the guide for future development increasing the probability of receiving grant funding to assist with development costs.
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