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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1970-02-02 Called Meeting of the Park and Recreation Committee February 2, 1970 CALL TO ORDER The Called Meeting of the Park and Recreation Committee was called to order at 7:20 P. M. , in the Conference Room of Euless City Hall by Chairman Charles Hunt. Members present are as follows : Mr. Ivan Gregory. (Absent were Messrs. Jay Theder and James Kilmer, and Mrs. David Martin.) Also present were Mr. Bill Ratliff, City's Consulting Engineer and Recording Secretary Della Houy. ENGINEER'S REPORT Chairman Hunt introduced Mr. Bill Ratliff, City's Consulting Engineer. Mr. Ratliff presented a plat that he and his associates had drawn in regard to a possible park site for the City of Euless . Mr. Ratliff stated that the 15 acre area recommended for study by the Park and Recreation Committee, known as the Fuller property, north of the Trailwood Addition, is undesirable as a park site, as the only outlet to the property is Trailwood Drive. Mr. Ratliff stated that there would be too much traffic for a residential street. Mr. Ratliff stated that he and his associates recommend that the Park and Recreation Committee consider an additional 20 acres, known as the Morrison Estate. Mr. Ratliff stated that the entrance to the park could be from North Main Street, north of Little Bear Creek. Mr. Ratliff stated the City would need to build`a dry weather crossing across Little Bear Creek to reach the proposed park site. Mr. Ratliff stated that he had talked with his partner, and it was suggested that a dam could be built across Little Bear Creek and the City could have a lake in the park. Mr. Ratliff stated that this would cost approximately $50,000.00, but the site is not usable without expenditures. Mr. Ratliff stated that this would ensure the creek having water all year round. Mr. Ratliff stated that this would be a park similar to Randol Mill Park in Arlington. In reply to a question, Mr. Ratliff stated that there would not be much flooding of this area, that there would be more in the upper portion of the creek than in the lower portion. (Page Two, Called Meeting of the Park and Recreation Committee, February 2, 1970) Mr. Gregory inquired as to the type of road needed in the entrance of the park. Mr. Ratliff stated that a park road would not need a curb and gutter, which would allow citizens to park in certain areas . Mr. Ratliff stated posts could be placed along the road to prevent driving on the grass. Mr. Ratliff stated that the area north of Shenandoah Court is recommended for the swimming pool as this is the highest point of the property. Mr. Ratliff stated that the north edge of the swimming pool would be built at ground level and the south edge would be built up out of the ground. Mr. Ratliff stated that the designated parking area could get under water, approximately every 50 years. In reply to a question, Mr. Ratliff stated that the drainage ditch would need to be rerouted, but it would not be necessary to put in a concrete liner, as in Midway Park. Mr. Ratliff stated that the City crews could keep it mowed and cleaned. Mr. Hunt asked Mr. Ratliff if he had looked around the City for other park sites. Mr. Ratliff stated that he knows the City fairly well , and can' t think of an area more suited as a park site. He further stated this area isn 't suitable for any other purpose. Mr. Ratliff stated that the only other area would be near Timberline Estates , however, West Euless Park is located in that area. Mr. Ratliff commented that the most logical spot for a park would be in the northern section of the City, since the City parks are West Euless, South Euless and Midway. In reply to a question, Mr. Ratliff stated that there would be no problem with the Trinity River Authority sewer project. Mr. Ratliff stated that if the City could buy the property on both sides of the creek, there would be no need for the bridge or dam across Little Bear Creek. Mr. Gregory inquired about the present bridge on North Main Street across Little Bear Creek. Mr. Ratliff stated that this is a situation the City would have to correct. Mr. Ratliff stated that the Council has talked about this situation. Mr. Gregory inquired about the type of buildings that should not be erected because of high water. Pa•e Three Called Meetin. of the Park and Recreation Committee, Februar 2 1970 Mr. Ratliff stated that most park facilities would not be hurt by high water, such as picnic tables and baseball fields, as in this area there is little current. Mr. Ratliff stated that storage areas would be built on a higher elevation near the swimming pool . Mr. Ratliff stated that he would recommend a park that would have more possibilities, and with the pond or lake there would be unlimited possibi1ites. Mr. Ratliff stated that it would be more expensive, but the City would really have something to be proud of. In reply to a question, Mr. Ratliff stated that the depth of the lake would be approximately eight (8) feet at the crossing and two (2) feet or three (3) feet at the west end. Mr. Ratliff stated that with the lake in the park, there would he more iiabi1it1 , such as the possibility of drownings. Mr. Hunt inquired about the legal steps in making the creek into a lake. Mr. Ratliff stated that the lake would not be large enough for a permit from the state, as there would not be a great land use. Mr. Hunt inquired about the possibility of working with the Soil Conservation and receiving aid from the Federal Government. Mr. Ratliff stated that he believes the City could receive some assistance from Parks and Open Spaces Program. Mr. Ratliff stated that this program works with people to protect and conserve soil . Mr. Ratliff stated there would be no problem with clearing the creek bed, as the City has equipment that could knock down the high growth and there is very little low growth. Mr. Ratliff stated that the personnel of the City could maintain this site with few tractor hours. Mr. Ratliff stated that a drain could be installed in the dam for drainage purposes. Mr. Hunt stated that if both sides of the creek were purchased, the City would have approximately 43 acres of park land. Mr. Ratliff stated that he would obtain more information for the Committee about the possibility of Federal Assistance from the Park and Open Spaces Program. Mr. Ratliff stated that the only stipulation would be that the park would be dedicated to open space. In reply to a question, Mr. Ratliff stated that a foot bridge could be erected across Little Bear Creek by City Park personnel . (Page Four, Called Meeting of the Park and Recreation Committee, February 2, 1970) Mr. Ratliff stated that his recommendation woyld be to dam up Little Bear Creek, and the City would need to secure permission of property owners to erect this dam. However, there should be no problems in getting this permission, as this Ts all flood land. Mr. Ratliff stated this park would be far superior to any other park in this area. (Copy of plat on file in Office of City Secretary.) I . ADJOURNMENT The meeting adjourned at 8:40 P. M. 'a i rman dfh