HomeMy WebLinkAbout025102 ORD - 11/19/2002AN ORDINANCE
AMENDING THE COMPREHENSIVE PLAN OF THE CITY OF CORPUS
CHRISTI BY ADOPTING THE CITY OF CORPUS CHRISTI PARKS,
RECREATION, & OPEN SPACE MASTER PLAN; PROVIDING FOR
REPEAL OF CONFLICTING ORDINANCES; AND PROVIDING FOR
SEVERANCE.
WHEREAS, the Park and Recreation Advisory Board and the Planning Commission
have forwarded to the City Council their reports and recommendations concerning
adopting City of Corpus Christi Parks, Recreation, & Open Space Master Plan, as an
element of the Comprehensive Plan of the City of Corpus Christi; and
WHEREAS, in accordance with proper notice to the public, a public hearing was held on
Wednesday, October 23, 2002, during a meeting of the Planning Commission and on
Tuesday, November 12, 2002, during a meeting of the City Council, in the Council
Chambers at City Hall in the City of Corpus Christi allowing all interested persons to
appear and be heard; and
WHEREAS, under the laws of the State of Texas and the City Charter of the City of
Corpus Christi, the City Council shall adopt the comprehensive plan and amendments
to the comprehensive plan by ordinance; and
WHEREAS, the City Council has determined that the adoption of the City of Corpus
Christi Parks, Recreation, & Open Space Master Plan, as an element of the
Comprehensive Plan of the City of Corpus Christi, would best serve public health,
necessity and convenience and the general welfare of the City of Corpus Christi and its
citizens;
NOW THEREFORE, BE IT ORDAINED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF
CORPUS CHRISTI, TEXAS:
SECTION '1. That the Comprehensive Plan of the City of Corpus Christi, Texas is
amended by adding the City of Corpus Christi Parks, Recreation, & Open Space Master
Plan, as an element of the Comprehensive Plan. A copy of City of Corpus Christi
Parks, Recreation, & Open Space Master Plan has been marked as Exhibit A, filed with
the City Secretary, and is attached to, incorporated into, and made a part of this
ordinance and the Comprehensive Plan of the City of Corpus Christi for all purposes.
SECTION 2. That the City of Corpus Christi Parks, Recreation, & Open Space Master
Plan establishes the City of Corpus Christi's policies for growth and development of
parks and recreation services and the acquisition and preservation of open spaces
within the City. The City of Corpus Christi Parks, Recreation, & Open Space Master
Plan is a portion of the master and general plan of the City.
SECTION 3. That all ordinances or parts of ordinances in conflict herewith are hereby
expressly repealed. Where any provision of this ordinance imposes standards or
R22866A2.doc
025,1 O2
2
restrictions different from those imposed by any other provision of any other City
ordinance, rule, or regulation, the provisions of this ordinance shall control.
SECTION 4. If for any reason any section, paragraph, subdivision, clause, phrase,
word or provision of this ordinance shall be held invalid or unconstitutional by final
judgment of a court of competent jurisdiction, it shall not affect any other section,
paragraph, subdivision, clause, phrase, word, or provision of this ordinance, for it is the
definite intent of this City Council that every section, paragraph, subdivision, clause,
phrase, word or provision of this ordinance be given full force and effect for its purpose.
R22866A2.doc
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That the foregoing ordinance was read for the fir~st time and passed to its second
reading on this theI ~-~,~"~ day of ¥/~.~,~t'~?:L/1,2002, by the following vote:
Samuel L. Neal, Jr.. (: t~F-, Rex A. Kinnison
Brent Chesney ~ / John Longoria (! z t~r .;
Javier D. Colmenero Jesse Noyola
Henry Garrett Mark Scott
Bill Kelly
That the f~oregoing ordinance was rb ~d for the second time and passed finally on this
the , ,l~'ay of ~ 0~.~ , 2002 by the following vote:
Samuel L. Neal, Jr. ~ Rex A. Kinnison _ ~
Brent Chesney ,~~- John Longoria ~
Javier D. Colmenero L~F,~ Jesse Noyola ~{{
Henry Garrett /"~. Mark Scott ~
Bill Kelly I~, J~-~ ~
SSED AND APPROVED, this the ~. day of t /.~,~/~002.
City Secretary
APPROVED: The 6th day of November, 2002:
James R. Bray. Jr.
City Attorney
By: /'~'~
R. ~'ay~ining /
First Assi' 'stant City Attorney
R22866A2.doc
025102
Corpus Christi's Parks, Recreation & Open
Spaces
Master Plan/Recovery Action Plan
E. Summary of Key Parks Master Plan
Findings and Recommendations
(For Final Approval)
This report is a summary of the key findings of the Citywide Parks Master Plan. This
report includes comments received during the formation and review of the
recommendations. These comments have come from the Corpus Christi City Council,
Planning and Zoning Board, Parks and Recreation Advisory Board, other boards, staff
and the citizens of Corpus Christi.
A. Purpose of the Parks Master Plan
The purpose of this Parks, Recreation and Open Spaces Master Plan/Recovery Action
Plan is to establish goals and priorities while providing an assessment of Corpus
Chdsti's parks system. Above all, the Park Planning process allows the citizens of
Corpus Christi to determine what their preferred park and recreation priorities should be.
This plan:
· Points out deficiencies in the system and recommends alternatives to address
and correct those deficiencies;
· Looks at the potential growth of the city over the next 5 to 10 years, and
assesses where additional facilities will be needed as the city grows, and what
types of facilities are most needed;
· Guides city staff in acquiring land to meet current and future park and open space
needs;
· Pdoritizes key recommendations of the Parks, Recreation and Open Spaces
Master Plan/Recovery Action Plan so that the most significant deficiencies are
addressed as quickly as possible;
· Is intended to guide city staff and city leaders in determining where and how
parks funding should be allocated over the next five years;
· Allows the City to compete for much needed grant assistance from the State
(Texas Parks and Wildlife Department) and the Federal Government (Urban
Parks and Recreation Recovery Program). Over the past few years, Corpus
Christi has been at a distinct disadvantage because of the lack of a citywide parks
master plan.
Executive Summary
~ NOTE: The complete copy of the
~ City of Corpus Christi Parks,
E - I Recreation and Open Space Master
Plan is filed with the Reports and
~tl,di~
Corpus Christi's Parks, Recreation & Open
Spaces Master Plan/Recovery Action Plan
Planning Areas - The city has been divided into three general planning Areas. Each of
the three general planning area incorporates several of the Area Development Plans
(ADP's), where land use and transportation plans have been
prepared by the City Planning Department over the past 10+ years. These three
general areas are shown below.
Execut
ve Summary
Corpus Christi's Parks, Recreation & Open
Spaces Master Plan/Recovery Action Plan
B. Goals of the Park Master Plan
The following goals are derived from previously adopted policy plans adopted by the City
Council over the past 10 years. These goals have been updated to reflect current
issues, and continue to reflect the interests of the citizens of Corpus Christi.
Goal #1
Provide a diversity of recreation activities at appropriate locations throughout the city, not
just in certain parts of the city, based on a systematic evaluation of the parks system and
adopted park standards.
Goal #2
Preserve and protect unique natural open spaces, selected historic sites, river corridors,
drainage corridors and green spaces within the city.
Goal #3
Develop a network of pedestrian and bicycle ways for hiking, jogging, and cycling
throughout Corpus Christi. Include an interconnected system of paths, trails, lanes, and
routes that are multipurpose, accessible, and convenient and that connect
neighborhoods, parks, schools, workplaces, shopping, major open spaces, tourist points,
and other destinations.
Goal #4
Continue to maintain all C!ty of Corpus Christi parks and recreation facilities to the
highest level possible.
C. Corpus Christi's Demographics
The future growth of the city and its five-mile extraterritorial jurisdiction (ET J) plays an
important role in understanding where park facilities are most needed. The table below
summarizes the projected population growth of the city as a whole over the next five plus
years.
Executive Summary
Corpus Christi's Parks, Recreation & Open
Spaces Master Plan/Recovery Action Plan
Year 2000 Population (Per Census) 285,873
End of Year 2001 Starting Population (estimated) 288,901
Year 2005 Projected Population
299,726
Year 2007 Projected Population
305,716
Year 2010 Projected Population
315,089
Significant population growth through the year 2007 is projected to occur in the
Southside, south of Padre Island Drive, as well as in the Flour Bluff, Padre island and
the far North sectors of the city. These areas are anticipated to add almost 14,000
residents over the next 5 years.
Little or no growth is projected in the near Westside (just west of the Crosstown
Expressway) and in the Southeast side of the city (between Padre Island Drive and the
bayfront).
D. Methodology Used to Assess Key Parks Needs
Three techniques were used in evaluating Corpus Christi's current and future parks
needs, These techniques follow general methodologies accepted by the Texas Parks
and Wildlife Department for local park master plans and by the Department of the
Interior for local park system Recovery Action Plans (RAP).
1. -- = . . , "~i - uses standards established by Corpus Christi
to determine the quantity of park facilities required to meet the city's needs at
a given population. Standards usually are expressed as the quantity of park
facilities needed to adequately serve every 1,000 citizens of the city. For
example, the city's standard for neighborhood parks might be one acre for
every 1000 residents of the city.
Executive Summary
Corpus Christi's Parks, Recreation & Open
Spaces Master Plan/Recovery Action Plan
2. ~~1~"'"'~1~ - uses participation rates, league usage data, and
surveys to determine how much the population uses and desires certain types
of recreation facilities. For example, the Padre Soccer League has grown
from just under 1000 participants in 1998 to over 2500 participants in 2001.
Such growth indicates a need for additional facilities.
3. . ~ . .a.s~ - is based on the usefulness of available
physical resources to provide recreation opportunities. For example, the Oak
Mott area near the Packery channel area is a unique habitat area only found
in a few places in and around the city, and should be considered for
preservation. Other resource based recreational opportunities exist along
Oso Creek, the Nueces River, the Lacuna Madre and along the Gulf of
Mexico.
All three methods are important in their own way, but individually do not represent the
entire story. This assessment, and the recommendations resulting from it, uses findings
from all three methods to determine what types of recreation facilities are needed in
Corpus Christi.
E. Needs AsSessment Summary
Spatial standards for parks and recreational areas are established so that sufficient area
is available to allow for all the outdoor recreation needs of a community. These
standards will allow Corpus Christi to plan ahead, so that parkland can be targeted and
acquired before it is developed. These spatial standards are expressed as the number
of acres of parkland per 1,000 inhabitants.
The recommended spatial standards for Corpus Christi are shown below.
Executive Summary
Corpus Christi's Parks, Recreation & Open
Spaces Master Plan/Recovery Action Plan
Park Acreage Guidelines for Corpus Christi
Home based parks
· Neighborhood Parks - Recommended Standard - 1.5 acres per 1,000
populationLocally based Community Parks - Recommended Standard -
Other City Wide Parks · District Parks (large community parks) - Recommended standard 2
acres per 1000 population, and every citizen should be within 3 miles of a
large district park.
· Regional Parks - Suggested standard 3 acres per 1000 population
· Special Purpose Parks - Variable standard, none established
· Linear Parks/Linkage Parks - Variable standard, recommended goal of 2
to 4 acres per 1000 population
· Open Space Preserves - Variable standard, recommended 9oal of 5 to
10 acres per 1000 population ~
Neighborhood Parks - The standard of 1.5 acres of neighborhood parks for every 1000
residents is an average ratio, and reflects the existence of a significant amount of
neighborhood parks already in the city. Corpus Christi currently has approximately 280
acres of neighborhood parks for a year 2001 population of 288,901. By the year 2007,
as much as 177 additional acres might be needed, or up to 35 additional 5 -acre
neiohborhood harks.
A significant fact is that most of the city's neighborhood parks are very small. In fact,
over one third of the city's parks are under three acres in size, and many of those are no
more than 1 acre in size. In addition, many of the smaller parks are largely undeveloped
or significantly underdeveloped, having only one or two pieces of park equipment in the
entire park. The table below summarizes the current neighborhood park acreage on a
citywide basis.
Execut
ve Summary
Corpus Christi's Parks, Recreation & Open
Spaces Master Plan/Recovery Action Plan
Neighborhood Parks In Corpus Christi Today
· Currant Acres - 280 Acres +/-
· Current Ratio of Neighborhood Parks to Population - 0.97 acres per 1000
population
· Recommended Standard - 1.5 acres per 1,000 population
· Current 2001 Needs with 288,901 estimated population - 433 acres (deficit of
153 acres) - Existing acres are 65% of total currently recommended
· Year 2007 Needs with 305,716 projected population - 458 acres +/-
· Year 2015 Needs with 330,453 projected population - 495 acres +/-
Community parks - Corpus Christi has a network of smaller community parks that are
well located. However, those parks are often underdeveloped and as a result are often
poorly utilized. Corpus Christi currently has 744 acres of developed community parks for
a year 2001 population of 288,901. The table on the following page summarizes the
citywide community park supply in Corpus Christi today.
Community Parks in Corpus Christi Today
· Current Acres - 744 Acres +/-
· Current Ratio of community parks to population - 2.58 acres per 1000
population
· Recommended Standard - 4 acres per 1000 population
· Current 2001 Needs with 288,901 population - 1,t52 acres (deficit of 408
acres) - Existing acres are 64% of total recommended
· Year 2007 Need with 205,716 projected population - 1220 acres +/-
· Year 2015 Need with 330,453 projected population - 1,322 acres +/-
Executive Summary
Corpus Christi's Parks, Recreation & Open
Spaces Master Plan/Recovery Action Plan
Needs based on Citizen Input - Citizen input from a citywide survey, public meetings
and discussions with leagues and key user groups were also used to determine key
needs within the city. The table below summarizes the key recreation desires and needs
expressed by the citizens of Corpus Christi.
Type of Facility
TOP TEN FACILITIES
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
CONSTRUCTION OF ADDITIONAL PICNIC
PLAYGROUNDS/NEIGHBORHOOD PARKS
ADDITIONAL TRAILS
CONSTRUCTION OF NEW SOCCER FIELDS
CONSTRUCTION OF A NEW SKATEBOARD
PARK
CONSTRUCTION OF NEW SENIOR
CENTERS
DEVELOP NATURAL HABITAT/NATURE
AREAS
CONSTRUCTION OF NEW BASKETBALL
COURTS
CONSTRUCTION OF NEW SWIMMING
POOLS
CONSTRUCTION OF YOUTH SOFTBALL
FIELDS
Level of Ratio of
Support Support to
cltywide Opposition
90% 12.9 to 1
89% 12.1 to 1
86% 9.6 to 1
80% 7.3 to 1
83% 6.9 to 1
83% 6.9 to I
82% 6.3 to 1
82% 6.8 to 1
82% 6.8 to 1
80% 6.2 to 1
OTHER
11.
12.
13,
14.
15.
HIGHLY RANKED DESIRED FACILITIES
VOLLEYBALL COURTS
BASEBALL FIELDS
RENTAL PICNIC/REUNION PAVILIONS
TENNIS COURTS
ADULT SOFTBALL FIELDS
78%
78%
79%
74%
75%
6.0 to 1
5.6 to 1
5.3 to 1
4.6to 1
4.2 to 1
Executive Summary
Corpus Christi's Parks, Recreation & Open
Spaces Master Plan/Recovery Action Plan
F. Guiding Concepts and Philosophy
The following concepts serve as the basis and foundation for the Parks Master Plan
recommendations. They are derived from the needs assessment and citizen comments
throughout the process.
1. The target standards developed in this document are not excessive, and in fact arc
average for a city the size of Corpus Christi. The recommendations of this Parks
Master Plan reflect a commitment to "quality of Dark. not lust ouantity. In the
past, the city has securcd significant amounts of park lands but has not had the
resources or the will to develop those park lands. As a result, many of the parks in
the city today are underdeveloped, and the city's athletic facilities are poor compared
to many other cities.
2. From an overall standpoint, the city's park system is generally in poor
condition. The rccent years of drought, coupled with the lack of automatic irrigation
systems, has contributed to the poor condition of many of the city's parks. The need
for immediate and increased funding to address the park needs is critical.
3. The waterfront is an incredible tourism magnet and a unique resource for all
citizens of the city. However, the city must strike a balance between exDenditurcs
for waterfront parks and inland parks. The city should insure that other less visible
but just as important parts of the parks system are adequately taken carc of.
4. Corpus Christi generally has an adequate overall supply of park lands. This
supply by no means exceeds or even comes close to the recommended target
standards, but it is judged to be generally adequate given the limited rcsources of the
city.
5. Land for larAe parks is one of the few key land needs of the city. These parks
should serve large sectors of the city, and the city should aggrcssively pursue the
acquisition of several large tracts of land.
6. The bay front and waterfront areas throughout the city are incredibly precious
resources, and as such should be both prcserved and developed with an eye to
their use and enjoyment by all in the city, not just the few who can purchase
waterfront locations. Creative development and cost-sharing between the private
and public sectors can make this happen.
7. Land acquisition of waterfront lands for open space and trails, even in close
proximity to development, should remain a hi(~h priority.
8. The Oso Creek Parkway plan remains a tremendous open space and trail
linkage corridor for much of the non-waterfront portion of the city. The
implementation of the Oso Crcek Parkway plan should be continued and should
rcmain a high priority. However, the cross-section of land that is being acquired
should be grcatly increased to turn the corridor into a major parkland corridor as the
city grows.
Executive Summary
Corpus Christi's Parks, Recreation & Open
Spaces Master Plan/Recovery Action Plan
9. The city's athletic facilities are below par. The funding resources of private non-
profit organizations are not sufficient to develop and maintain quality ballfields and
soccer facilities, and the city should re-focus on providing these key recreation
facilities.
10. The quantity of smaller nei.qhborhood parks continues to be more than th~
resources of the city can care for. Divestment of a few more small park spaces
may be feasible, but is not an answer for all of the smaller parks. Rather, the greater
focus should be on developing a neighborhood by neighborhood plan for converting
some of the unused parks in lower maintenance green spaces. Recommendations
to address this are contained in this chapter.
11. DrainaRe ways and utility corridors, and key boulevards should be used for
trail and Rreen space parkways across the city. Corpus Christi lacks major
creeks or natural corridors in the heart of the city, and so must create artificial green
corridors that cut across the city.
12. Immediate attention should be Riven to phasinR out older and substandard
~)lavoround equipment throuqhout the city, and/or installing safety fall zone
materials as needed around the remaining play equipment.
13. The pursuit of creative fundin.q solutions to stretch limited fundinR should
remain a hi.qh priority. The city should aggressively pursue grant opportunities,
joint development partnerships, and co-sharing agreements with the area school
districts and other governmental entities.
14. Permanent Ion~l rancle revenue sources for parks improvements and
operations should be pursued. If other funding needs can be met, a sales tax
mechanism, even if only a 1/8 or 1/4 cent percentage, can be an excellent source of
revenue for matching grant opportunities.
15. Develop a Iona ranae strateRy for ,Rrant candidate sites. By understanding the
key requirements of a successful TPWD or transportation enhancement grant,
strategic land acquisitions (through non-city and non-park related sources) and
partnerships can be developed well in advance. This will ensure a higher degree of
success in a very competitive grant environment.
16. The Park Land Dedication ordinance should be updated immediately. The
ordinance provides very little real land or funding for parks, and as a result is
spreading the City's limited funding resources even further. In many cases, the city
receives very small amounts of funding, and must wait until other funding sources
can be generated. In some cases, land dedicated for new neighborhood parks are
not developed for many years. The Parkland Dedication Ordinance should be
reviewed immediately to assess ways in which it can become a better mechanism
under which to develop new neiqhborho0d park facilities in a more timely and yet fair
method. The Parks Advisory Board, the Planning and Zoning Board and the City
Council should all be actively involved in the review of the Parkland Dedication
Ordinance.
Executive Summary
E - 10
- Corpus Christi's Parks, Recreation & Open
Spaces Master Plan/Recovery Action Plan
G. Major system wide recommendations
Using the needs assessment approaches noted above, the following are the key Parks
Master Plan recommendations for the next 5 to10 years.
Park Classification - Adopt a "district" park classification system. The current
system in the city is:
· Pocket and Neighborhood parks, with a service area diameter of ~ to I mile;
· Community parks, such as South Guth Park, with a service area diameter of 5
miles;
· Special purpose parks, such as the golf courses or the Hans Suter Wildlife Area.
· Regional park facilities, such as the Mustang Island State Park or Padre Island
National Seashore.
The master plan recommends that the city add an additional category of park, called the
District Park. These will be existing larger parks that currently serve broad sectors of
the city. These include West and South Guth Parks, Dr. Hector P. Garcia Park, and Bill
Witt Park. These parks are all largely developed, but more diverse recreation facilities
need to be added to each of those parks.
ReconfiRure nei,qhborhood parks in portions of the city- instead of a series of very
small, largely undeveloped neighborhood parks serving a neighborhood, adopt the
strategy of the "super" neighborhood park. On a neighborhood-by-neighborhood basis
(with each area having logical boundaries no greater than one mile by one mile square),
and with siRnificant neighborhood resident input, select one key park to be further
developed in each area, and transform that park into the key neiqhborhood park for that
area. Where appropriate, reclassify other neighborhood parks in the same
neighborhood into green spaces with fewer or no recreation amenities, but with more Iow
maintenance landscaping and trees. This is intended to reduce the maintenance burden
for the parks department, but still maintain a high level of scenic appeal.
Adoot a district approach to facilities - past philosophy has been to build smaller
facilities that serve discreet neighborhoods and communities. The recommended
approach is to be district-wide facilities that are more efficient to build and operate, and
with more diversity of facilities that attract greater amounts of usage.
Executive Summary
E - 11
- Corpus Christi's Parks, Recreation & Open
Spaces Master Plan/Recovery Action
H, AIternativeApproaches to Implement Needed
Improvements
Plan
The following approaches to address significant parks needs throughout the city can be
used. Each has positive and negative implications.
Incremental approach - divide potential funding among many different needs. Can
address many different areas of concern, but often spreads funding out too much, and
improvements are not readily apparent. In essence, this chips away at problem areas
and doesn't produce major improvements. This approach has been used in the past to
address parks improvements, most notably in the 2000 bond program.
(or)
One at a time approach - target a few selective projects at a time. Allows greater
amount of funding to be targeted to specific projects, and permits greater degree of
solving key issues in specific parts of the city, but other needs will be delayed.
(or)
Little of both approach - selectively target a few major projects, as well as several
minor projects at one time. May cover more ground, but also still dilutes effectiveness of
funding approach.
I, Other General Funding Considerations
Grant levera.qe - adopt a g0al of trying to leverage all improvements funding with
outside grant sources. Plan for matching grant funding in every year's fiscal budget.
A(mressively pursue private partnerships - continue to build partnerships with
leagues, user groups, educational institutions and other entities that may participate in
funding projects.
Resource combination - continue to work with other entities to combine resources,
especially when targeting grants. School districts, County, govemmental institutions can
all provide supplemental funding.
Executive Summary
E - 12
Corpus Christi's Parks, Recreation & Open
Spaces Master Plan/Recovery Action Plan
J. Facilities Priorities for Citywide Parks Master Plan
Based on the needs assessment, a list of the highest priority recreation facility needs
over the next 5 years has been identified, and is shown on the following page. Note that
these represent needs throughout the city, and represent a top "ten" list that should be
addressed in all grant candidate projects.
1. Soccer fields (severe deficiency in west central portion of the city (State School
area)
2. Trails (add 3 to 5 miles of trails in the city) - trails were heavily requested by
citizens, and are used by all segments of the population, young, active and
senior.
3. Picnic Pavilions - heavily requested by citizens, especially for passive
recreation, family gatherings and outdoor picnics and to enjoy parks during the
hot summer months. Add 10 to 15 throughout the city. This might include
additional waterfront sites (with good rental potential), 1 to2 in Dr. Hector P.
Garcia Park, 2 in Bill Witt Park, 2 in South Guth Park, and additional pavilions in
other community parks throughout the city.
Playgrounds (all sectors Of the city) - heavily requested by citizens.
Practice facilities for baseball/softball (citywide) - can be addressed in school
properties or unused parks, as well as in new parks, but requires facilities such
as backstops.
6. Practice soccer/football fields - can be addressed in school properties or
unused parks, as well as in new parks, but requires facilities such as goals.
7. Skating facilities (freestyle skate park) - very high interest among citizens of
Corpus Chdsti. Consider adding second facility once initial facility along
Greenwood Road is built.
Enhanced aquatics facilities - most of the city's pools are smaller
neighborhood type facilities. Swimming is very popular during the summer, and
two additional pool facilities are recommended.
Outdoor covered basketball pavilions - continue to add to key parks within
each neighborhood. The city and school districts should partner to jointly
construct covered basketball pavilions that are readily accessible from adjacent
neighborhoods.
t0. Nature habitat or nature areas (parks and preserves) - city has some
excellent facilities, but additional preserves are needed, especially in the rapid
growth sectors of the city.
Executive Summary
E - 13
Corpus Christi's Parks, Recreation & Open
Spaces Master Plan/Recovery Action Plan
K. Priorities for Open Space Acquisition or Preservation
Natural areas are a major component of Corpus Christi's unique environment, and the
City should continue to take an active and assertive role in preserving key open space
areas. Once key open space areas are developed, impacted by adiacent inappropriate
development, or closed to public access, they cannot be replaced. Open space areas,
in addition to their appeal as a tourism attraction, create green spaces within the city
itself, and add to the visual appeal of the city. Key open space areas in the city include
the bayfrent, waterfront areas along Cayo del Oso, river and creek greenbelts, and tidal
wetlands throughout the area. Mechanisms to preserve key open space areas include
outright acquisition by the city, acquisition by other non-profit entities, purchase of
development dghts, or agreements with pdvate landowners to not develop or minimally
develop key tracts. It is understood that not every potential tract of open space in the
city will or should be preserved, but in general, key areas to be targeted for open space
preservation include:
· Tracts along the waterfront for beach and waterfront access- bayfront, along
the Gulf, along the Laguna Madre, and along Cayo del Oso. In particular,
recreational lands near and around the Packery Channel project should be
included as an integral part of that project.
· Green areas along the Oso Creek corridor- already endorsed by the City
Council, special attention needs to continue to focus on the preservation of
greenbelt areas along Oso Creek. This greenbelt may be the only significant
green area in the interior of the city, and as such is a vital preservation corridor.
Care should be given to acquire a wide enough area so that the greenbelt is
visually significant.
· Areas of unique habitat throughout the city - these may include small
wetlands areas, or unique areas such as the Oak Mott covered lands on Padre
Island near the Nueces County Park and in Flour Bluff. Most unique areas such
as the Oak Mott lands are in private ownership, and will require development
agreements to preserve those areas.
· Lands along the Nueces Bay and along the Nueces River - since the river
areas within the city proper are largely fronted by industrial facilities, they are
often forgotten. However, preserved tracts can coexist well with refinery and
industrial uses, and the industrial users may be brought in as partners to
preserve some of their lands as habitat or as open space.
Executive Summary
E - 14
Corpus Christi's Parks, Recreation & Open
Spaces Master Plan/Recovery Action Plan
Finally, open space tracts should be included in all major new parks, especially through
acquisition of sensitive areas or drainage ways. Inclusion of open space in all parks that
are candidates for grants can make those grant applications more competitive.
L. An Implementation or Action Plan for Parks
To address the needs identified above, a list of recommended actions, along with
possible funding strategies for each action is identified below. With the pdority ranking
assigned to each item, the City has a "roadmap" to follow over the next few years to
begin to address key parks deficiencies, and to strategize on what items can best be
funded. Addressing items on this action list may also make grant applications more
competitive.
High Priority Action Items (to be initiated within next 5 years, and if feasible
completed within 1 to 7 years)
1. "District" Park Network - Enhance and upgrade the city's "district" park
network, with a goal of one major 50 to 100 acre district park within 3 to 5 miles
of every resident of the city. Because of the lack of athletic facilities elsewhere,
these major parks today are largely athletic complexes, serving only one facet of
the Corpus Christi community. New and different recreation opportunities are
needed in each of these parks.
Dr. Hector P. Garcia Park - (high priority) - construct initial phase proposed
master plan, including play fields, enhanced playgrounds, picnic facilities,
walking trails, basketball and volleyball courts, and parking access
infrastructure.
Reason for including this facility - the park is the major park for a significant
sector of the city, but in fact is largely undeveloped. Development would
provide much needed general recreation oppodunities in this area of the city.
Estimated Cost for this phase - $2,000,000 to $3,000,000
Potential fundin.q sources - TPWD Grants, UPARR Grants, Bonds, limited
school district participation, donations or sponsorships, brownfield conversion
grants (because of old landfill site).
bo
South Guth Park - (high priority) - implement current master plan to add
more diverse park facilities, including reunion pavilions, enhanced
playgrounds, parking improvements, and landscaping throughout the park.
Consider land acquisition to expand the park if feasible.
Executive Summary
E - 15
Corpus Christi's Parks, Recreation & Open
Spaces Master Plan/Recovery Action Plan
Reason for includinR this facility - the park is the major park for a significant
sector of the city, include the Southeast sector and even currently Flour Bluff.
The park is largely developed with only ballfields at this time, and needs to
offer much more diverse recreation opportunities.
Estimated Cost for this phase - $1,000,000 to $1,500,000
Potential fundin,q sources - TPWD Grants, Bonds, limited school district
participation, donations or sponsorships.
Bill Witt Park - (high priority) - renovate and expand athletic and recreation
facilities in this park.
Reason for includinq this facility - the Southside, along with Flour Bluff, is the
fastest growing segment of the city. Bill Witt Park will serve as the key
"metro" park for that area. Current facilities in the park focus largely on
athletics. Support facilities such as the parking and concession/restreom
buildings are sub-par or non-existent. The land is available to expand and
enhance the park.
Estimated Cost for this phase - $2,000,000 to $3,500,000
Potential fundin,q sources - TPWD Grants, UPARR Grants, Bonds, limited
school district padicipation, donations or sponsorships, brownfield conversion
grants (because of old airport site).
Cole Park - (high priority) - add more open-air pavilions, additional trails,
landscaping, and enhance the existing building. Renovate and upgrade the
shoreline to reduce ongoing and serious erosion.
Reason for including this facility - Cole Park is perhaps the city's most visible
park. While it already has some excellent facilities, attention needs to be
given to continue to enhance Cole Park so that it offers a variety of recreation
opportunities and continues to serve as the city's signature park.
Estimated Cost for this phase - $1,500,000 to $2,000,000
Potential fundin,q sources - TPWD Grants, UPARR Grants, Bonds, limited
school district participation, donations or sponsorships,
Total estimated cost for these items - $5,500,000 to $9,000,000
2. Athletic Facilities - the current system of "metro" parks is overwhelmed by
athletic facilities. Develop or enhance athletic facilities to relieve strain and
overuse of current facilities.
AirportJState School Youth Sports Complex (Phase 1) - (high priority) -
construct initial phase proposed master plan, including play fields, enhanced
playgrounds, picnic facilities, walking trails, basketball and volleyball courts,
and parking access infrastructure.
Executive Summary
E - 16
Corpus Christi's Parks, Recreation & Open
Spaces Master Plan/Recovery Action Plan
Reason for includin.q this facility - provides much needed soccer and
ballfields in the central part of the city.
Estimated Cost for this phase - $1,500,000 to $2,000,000
Potential funding sources - TPWD Grants, Bonds, limited school district
participation, donations or sponsorships, city general funds.
bo
Flour Bluff Sports Complex - Phase 1(development) (high priority) -
provides enhanced athletic facilities for the Flour Bluff and Padre Island
communities.
Reason for includin.q this facility - Population of these two areas currently
exceeds 27,000 residents (the size of a good size city elsewhere), and
athletic facilities in the area are limited.
Estimated Cost for this phase - Land (if purchase is required) $500,000 to
$1,000,000 for 50 acres+/-. Development - $1,000,000 to $1,500,000
Potential fundinq sources - TPWD Grants, Bonds, limited school district
participation, donations or sponsorships, city general funds.
Navy site/Oso Soccer Fields (enhancement of exist, facility) - Investigate
and address long term usage issues with Federal government. If longer-term
lease or acquisition can be arranged, enhance parking infrastructure, add
signage, and add more diverse recreation facilities.
Reason for includin.q this facility - provides relief facility for soccer for
Southeast, Flour Bluff, and Padre Island.
Estimated Cost -$500,000 to $750,000
Potential fundin.q sources - TPWD Grants, Bonds, federal government
participation, donations or sponsorships, city general funds.
Far North area Sports facilities (Labonte Park) - provide additional athletic
facilities in the northwest and Far North sectors of the city. Work with Nueces
County to joint venture facilties.
Reason for includin.q this facility - provides additional active recreation.
Estimated Cost -$1,000,000 to $1,750,000
Potential fundin.q sources - TPWD Grants, Bonds, federal government
participation, Nueces County contributions or in-kind donations, donations or
sponsorships, city general funds.
Total estimated cost for these items - $4,500,000 to $7,000,000
Executive Summary
E - 17
Corpus Christi's Parks, Recreation & Open
Spaces Master Plan/Recovery Action Plan
3. Trails-
a. Develop additional Bay Trail segments to connect Oso Creek and Bill
Witt Parks to the Bay Trail Phase III trail. The estimated length of this
segment is over six miles in length.
Estimated Cost -$1,500,000 to $2,000,000
Potential fundin.q sources- TPWD Grants, Bonds, federal government
participation, donations or sponsorships, city general funds.
Pursue the adaptive re-use of the Oso Railroad trestle for hiking, biking
and fishing, and include connective links in the Southside and in Flour
Bluff.
Estimated Cost -$1,000,000 to $2,000,000
Potential fundin,q sources - TPWD Grants, Bonds, federal government
participation, donations or sponsorships, city general funds.
Develop I to 2 miles of easily accessible trails in the Far North area.
Estimated Cost -$500,000 to $750,000
Potential fundinq sources - TPWD Grants, Bonds, federal government
participation, donations or sponsorships, city general funds.
Renovate the Hans Suter Park trail.
Estimated Cost -$500,000 to $750,000
Potential fundin.q sources - TPWD Grants, Bonds, federal government
participation, donations or sponsorships, city general funds.
Total estimated cost for these items - $4,000,000 to $5,500,000
4. Neighborhood Parks - address enhanced development of key neighborhood parks.
Redevelop package of five key neighborhood parks. Select one neighborhood per
year for neighborhood park enhancement, and continue for 10-year period.
Reason for includin.q this component - begins to address continued
maintenance burden of excessive small pocket or neighborhood parks in the
Southeast sector of the city.
Estimated Cost -$500,000 annually for the next 10 years.
Potential fundin.q sources - UPARR Grants, Bonds, donations or
sponsorships, neighborhood partnerships, city general funds.
Total estimated cost for this item - $2,500,000 over 5 years.
Executive Summary
E - 18
Corpus Christi's Parks, Recreation & Open
Spaces Master Plan/Recovery Action Plan
Recreation Center - Construct one new major recreation center to replace an aging
facility. Select a prominent and highly accessible site that can serve multiple
neighborhoods. A location within the heavily populated center of the city, and that is
not adequately served by a Boy's and Girls Club or other non-profit center is
recommended.
Reason for includin.q this component - begins to address indoor recreation needs
as well, and provides indoor venue for programming.
Estimated Cost -$3,000,000 to $6,000,000 (may be higher if land acquisition is
required) - cost varies based on size of facility.
Potential fundin.q sources - TPWD indoor grants, partnerships with local and
national non-profit groups such as YMCA, Boys and Girls Club, etc., other grants,
bonds, donations or sponsorships
Total estimated cost for this item - $3,000,000 to $6,000,000 - consider
beginning within 5 years, but completing within 10 year period.
6. Unique recreation opportunities - Develop unique recreation or nature
observation facilities that offer different recreation opportunities.
a. Windsurfing "park" - in partnership with windsurfing groups, consider
acquisition and development of first class park to provide safe access for
windsurfers.
Reason for includinq this component - reinforces city's status as major
windsurfing center nationwide.
Estimated Cost -$250,000 to $500,000 (may be higher if land acquisition is
required.
Potential funding sources - TPWD Boat ramp grants, partnerships with local and
national windsurfing groups, other grants, bonds, donations or sponsorships, city
general funds.
Packery Channel project - Develop Recreational Improvements associated
with the Packery Channel Project. As the Packery Channel project
progresses, federal, state and local entities involved with the project should
work together to develop new beach and water access facilities. These
include:
a. Bath houses and parking;
b. Boat ramps;
c. Shade structures and pavilions;
d. Facilities for recreational fishing;
e. Beach maintenance and operations facilities; and
f. Other associated recreational facilities.
Executive Summary
E - 19
Corpus Christi's Parks, Recreation & Open
Spaces Master Plan/Recovery Action Plan
Total estimated cost for this item - unknown at this time, and cost will be
shared with other local, state and federal agencies as well as private
development interests. The plan recommends that the city allocate $500,000 to
provide city portion of partnership.
7. Open Space/Unique area preservation - acquire or preserve key tracts of
wetlands, sensitive habitat, or other unique areas. Work with County, State, and
Federal entities to jointly pursue key sites.
Reason for includin;] this component - actively preserves key areas.
Estimated Cost.unknown at this time, cost varies based on type of acquisition
and methodology used. Significant public and pdvate partnership opportunities
may exist.
Total estimated cost for this item - unknown at this time, allocate $500,000 to
provide city portion of partnership.
Total ;__=t_!matsd Cost for all hlah I~rloritv components - approximately $20 to $30
million. Note that improvements to even two thirds of the elements shown above would
significant enhance the recreational facilities within the city.
8. Downtown - Create si.qnature parks within the downtown area, with the greater goal
of enhandng the urban environment of the downtown area.
· Create a major waterfront park in the downtown area - the Downtown
Improvement District has advocated the idea and may be willing to be a key
partner with the city in studying ideas for a major waterfront park.
· Artesian Park - redevelop as urban park
· Broadway Bluff and Overlook - redevelop as walkway, restaurant zone, consider
street closure and walkway enhancement
· Histodc area streetscape and park- continue development and enhance linkage
to downtown along Waters Street.
Medium Priority Action Items (to be initiated after 5 years, and if feasible
completed within 10 years)
1, Unear Parkways - Fund initial parkway beautification project within next five years.
Consider Louisiana Parkway as first model linear parkway/trail project. Use city
funding as seed money for grant opportunities.
Executive Summary
E - 20
Corpus Christi's Parks, Recreation & Open
Spaces Master Plan/Recovery Action Plan
2. Metro Park Network - Continue to enhance and upgrade the city's metro park
network, with one major 50 to 100 acm regional park within 5 miles of every resident
of the city. Select two for major upgrades as high priority upgrade candidates.
· Redevelop West Guth
· New Oso Creek Regional Park adjacent to current landfill site (after landfill is
closed)
3. Trails - Develop additional internal trail segments along drainage ways throughout
the city. Collaborate with newly created linear drainage ways to convert those into
linear trail corridors.
4. Neighborhood Parks - Continue to address the enhanced development of key
"super" neighborhood parks. Include a redevelopment package of five key
neighborhood parks in years 6 through 10.
Detailed Studies for Specific Park Related Components
The Parks Master Plan provides overall goals and implementation strategies at citywide
level of detail. However, several additional studies are recommended that will provide a
greater level of detail on specific areas of interest. These include:
1. A conceptual plan for a downtown bayfl'ont park- a significant amount of new
improvements are planned for the downtown waterfront over the next few years.
These include improvements to the seawall and improvements to the sidewalks
along the waterfront. As these improvements take place, the possibility of re-aligning
Ocean Drive so as to combine the grassy median and the pedestrian walkways
along the waterfront into a major new downtown linear ~Bayfront Park" should be
investigated. This study should consider the costs of each alternative as well as
potential impacts on tourism and traffic flow in the area. The Downtown
Improvement Distdct may be willing to spearhead such an effort in partnership with
the City of Corpus Christi.
2. A Detailed Open Spaces Plan - planning and zoning board members have
recommended that the city conduct a mom detailed assessment of it's open spaces.
This plan would identify key types of open space to be acquired throughout the city,
and target certain areas for open space acquisition emphasis. This plan will be
critically needed as the city continues to develop, and as waterfront and wetland
areas continue to be highly desirable development targets,
3. A Detailed Trails and Cycling Master Plan - trails are one of the most heavily
emphasized recommendations of the master plan. The master plan recommends
major trail corridors along Oso Creek, Cayo del Oso, the Bay front and along the
Executive Summary
E - 21
-- Corpus Christi's Parks, Recreation & Open
Spaces Master Plan/Recovery Action Plan
Nueces River corridor. It also recommends that new trails be planned along
drainage ways throughout the city to provide cross-town access. However, a more
detailed analysis, costing and priodtization of trail corridors will be needed to guide
the continued development of trails throughout the city. Therefore, a detailed
citywide trails plan is recommended.
4. A Special Events area(s) - new special events areas, either in conjunction with the
waterfront, the proposed minor league ballpark or in some other area should be
investigated. Cost estimates and the impacts of each alternative should be
considered.
The cost of each of these studies will vary based on the level of detail that is
programmed into the effort.
Parks Department Planning Staff
To further assist in implementing the ideas of this master plan, parks planning staff
should be added back to the Parks Department. Budget constraints earlier in the 1990's
resulted in the elimination of the Park's Department's planning staff, and as a result the
Department has had to rely on outside help and the assistance of other departments to
meet its planning needs. The addition of parks staff with expertise in park design and
planning can allow the department to more aggressively pursue grants, evaluate land
opportunities as they adse, and work with development interests and other public entities
to address the city's parks needs in a more cost effective manner. The addition of one
to two park planning positions as early as the 2003-2004 fiscal year or even before
should be considered.
Executive Summary
E - 22
State of Texas
County of Nueces
PUBLISHER'S AFFIDAVIT
SSi
CITY OF CORPUS CHRISTI
Ad # 4378468
PO #
Before me, the undersigned, a Notary Public, this day personally came Diana
Hinoiosa, who being first duly sworn, according to law, says that she is Credit
Manager of the Corpus Christi Caller-Times, a daily newspaper published at
Corpus Christi in said City and State, generally circulated in Aransas, Bee,
Brooks, Duval, Jim Hogg, Jim Wells, Karnes, Kenedy, Kleberg, Live Oak,
Nueces, Refugio, San Patricio, Victoria and Webb Counties, and that the
publication of, NOTICE OF PASSAGE OF ORDINANCE NO. which the annexed
is a true copy, was inserted in the Corpus Christi Caller-Times and on the World
Wide Web on the Caller-Times Interactive on the 25TH day(s} of NOVEMBER,
2002.
$58.78
TWO (2 } Time(s}
Credit Manager
Subscribed and sworn to me on the date of
NOVEMBER 26, 2002.
Notary Public, Nueces County, Texas
ROSA MARIA FLORES
Print or Type Name of Notary Public
My commission expires on 04/23/05.
Caller-Times, Monday, November 25, 2002
Comprehensive Plan
Christi b~y adopting the
City of Corpus Christi
Parks, Recreation, and
Open Space Master
P an;
repeal of
ordinances.
ordinar~ce was passed
and approved by the
City Councir of the City
of Corpus Christ on
' November 19, 2002.
i,/s/A~rnando Chapa