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HomeMy WebLinkAboutCC 2007-11-05 AgendasCITY OF NORTH RICHLAND HILLS CITY COUNCIL WORK SESSION AGENDA NORTH RICHLAND HILLS CITY HALL PRE - COUNCIL CHAMBERS 7301 NORTHEAST LOOP 820 NORTH RICHLAND HILLS, TEXAS Monday, November 5, 2007 6:00 P.M. A.0 Call to Order A.1 IR 2007 -122 Discuss the Update of the 2007 Parks, Recreation and Open Space Master Plan A.2 IR 2007 -123 Discuss the 2007 Comprehensive Plan Update A.3 Adjournment (:Prtifirn inn I do hereby certify that the above notice of meeting of the North Richland Hills City Council was posted at City Hall, City of North Richland Hills, Texas in compliance with Chapter 551, Texas Government Code on November 2, 2007 at 2-*. si ant City Secreta This facility is wheelchair accessible and accessible parking spaces are available. Requests for accommodations or interpretive services must be made 48 hours prior to this meeting. Please contact the City Secretary's office at 817 - 427 -6060 for further information. The City Council may confer privately with its attorney to seek legal advice on any matter listed on the agenda or on any matter in which the duty of the attorney to the governmental body under the Texas Disciplinary Rules of Professional Conduct of the State Bar of Texas clearly conflicts with Chapter 551, Texas Government Code. City of North Richland Hills City Council Work Session Meeting Agenda North Richland Hills City Hall Pre - Council Chambers 7301 Northeast Loop 820 North Richland Hills, TX 76180 Monday, November 5, 2007 6:00 P.M. A.0 Call to Order A.1 IR 2007 -122 Discuss the Update of the 2007 Parks, Recreation and Open Space Master Plan A.2 IR 2007 -123 Discuss the 2007 Comprehensive Plan Update A.3 Adjournment CITY OF INFORMAL REPORT TO MAYOR AND CITY COUNCIL No. IR 2007 -122 R Date: November 5 2007 ifs -- `J Subject: Discuss the Update of the 2007 Parks, Recreation and Open Space Master Plan Update The leadership of North Richland Hills recognizes that parks and recreation play an important role in the quality of life in North Richland Hills, and that a strong parks and recreation system provides for a healthier environment, improves the well being of children and young adults, enhances economic development, builds social capital and develops a sense of community. With that in mind, the process of updating the 2000 Parks, Recreation and Open Space Master Plan began in April 2006. The purpose of the 2007 Parks, Recreation and Open Space Master Plan is to update the previous plan prepared in 2000 and provide an assessment of North Richland Hills' parks, recreation and open space system in the year 2007. The 2007 Plan includes all the components required by the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department for funding opportunities and assists in developing a vision for the city, whereby parks, recreation, trails, natural preserves and open space become important components to enhance the quality of life within the city. The plan takes into consideration the context of the city including population growth, demographics, build out projections, other city wide development plans and available resources. A thorough inventory of existing parks and facilities is also included with recommendations for improvements. Building on the 2000 Plan, geographic distribution of parks is a key consideration along with trail connectivity to parks, neighborhoods and schools. For the first time, the plan places an importance on parks infrastructure, renovation and improvement of existing parks. Other components of the plan include recommended goals, needs assessment, target standards, city beautification needs, and an implementation plan. Building upon the importance of natural open space, together with the contribution of well conceived streetscapes, quality parks and good trail connections between parks and other destinations, the 2007 Master Plan suggests a vision of "City as Park ". ISSUED BY THE CITY MANAGER NORTH RICHLAND HILLS, TEXAS � The recommendations of the 2007 Parks, Recreation and Open Space Master Plan are designed to reflect the recreational needs and desires of the citizens of North Richland Hills. Six methods were used to gain citizen input: • Telephone Attitude Survey • Three Public Meetings • Park and Recreation Board • Youth Advisory Committee Input • Youth Sports Associations • NRH Recreation Center Users The Park and Recreation Board provided input on four different occasions including meetings on April 6, 2006, December 4, 2006, April 2, 2007 and October 1, 2007. The Development Review Committee also reviewed the plan and provided input. The 2007 Parks, Recreation and Open Space Master Plan Executive Summary includes key recommendations and priorities based on citizen input, continuing goals from previous plans, standards, and available resources. Some of these recommendations may occur years down the road but nevertheless set a vision for parks and recreation development in the future. Francois de Kock from Halff Associates will make a presentation of the 2007 Parks, Recreation and Open Space Master Plan. He will be assisted by Raymond Turco from Raymond Turco and Associates who conducted the Citizen Input Telephone Survey. Staff will also assist with sections of the presentation. The Park and Recreation Board made a recommendation at the October 1, 2007 Park Board meeting to forward the plan to Mayor and Council. Staff is requesting input from Mayor and City Council regarding the 2007 Park, Recreation and Open Space Master Plan. Following review, input and comments from Mayor and City Council, the plan will be presented at a future City Council meeting for formal adoption. Respectfully Submitted, Vickie Loftice Director of Parks and Recreation k4fkH City of Choice City of North Richland Hills Envisioning "City as Park" 2007 PARKS. RECREATION & OPEN SPACE MASTER PLAN Executive Summary November 2007 Draft copy: November 5, 2007 ■ ■ ■ ■ . ■ HALFF ■ ■ ■ © Copyright 2007 by Halff Associates, Inc. �01 C A t§6i 9? u City of Choice Envisioning "City as Park" ES - 1. Introduction ES - 2. City Context 2.1 Unique Physical Features 2.2 Demographics ES - 3. Existing Parks 3.1 Park Classifications i) Neighborhood Parks ii) Community Parks iii) Linear Parks including Hike and Bike Trails iv) Special Purpose Parks v) Pocket Parks vi) Streetscapes vii) Natural Preserves and Open Space ES - 4. Park System Goals ES - 5. Public Input i) Telephonic Attitude Survey Group ii) Combined Public Meetings iii) NRH Recreation Center Questionnaire Respondent Group iv) BISD Students v) Youth Advisory Committee vi) Sports Leagues Input ES - 6. Needs Assessment 6.1 Need for Park Acreage 6.2 Target Standards for North Richland Hills 6.3 Park Facility Standards and Needs 6.4 Resource Based Needs 6.5 City Beautification Needs Executive Summary Table of Contents Page - i 2007 Parks, Recreation & Open Space Master Plan IN61 9? " City of Choice Envisioning "City as Park" ES - 7. Recommendations 7.1 A Vision for North Richland Hills 7.2 Achieving Uniqueness 7.3 City as Park — Choosing Uniqueness and Quality for the City of North Richland Hills i) Open Space Protection ii) Park Land Dedication 7.4 Park System Recommendations 7.4.1 Land Acquisition i) Growth Need and Opportunity ii) Recommended Land Acquisition per City Area iii) Citywide Total Recommended Acquisition 7.4.2 Park Development i) Park Development per City Area ii) Key Design Considerations iii) Use of Native Plants iv) Considering LEED for Park and Facility Development 7.4.3 Development of Recreation Facilities 7.4.4 High Priority Existing Park Improvement i) Individual Parks ii) City -Wide 7.4.5 City -Wide Trail Connections 7.4.6 Parks Department Operations and Maintenance i) Operations and Maintenance Programs and Facility ii) Sustainable Parks Operations and Maintenance ES - 8. Implementation 8.1 Introduction 8.2 Priorities Based on Public Input, Continuing Goals and Needs, and Facility Standards 8.3 2007 -2017 Action Plan 8.4 Funding Strategies 8.4.1 City Generated Funding Sources 8.4.2 Governmental Grant Sources 8.4.3 Other Private and Quasi Private Funding Sources 8.5 Policies and Ordinances 8.6 Plan Updates Executive Summary Table of Contents Page - ii 2007 Parks, Recreation & Open Space Master Plan E bi 9? u City of Choice Envisioning "City as Park" —7 The leadership of North Richland Hills recognizes that parks and recreation play an important role in the quality of life in North Richland Hills, and that a strong parks and recreation system provides for a healthier environment, improves the well being of children and young adults, enhances economic development, builds social capital and develops a sense of community. Residents are attracted by the quality of civic recreation facilities, the wealth of recreation opportunities and the unusual sense of place that uniquely juxtapose ancient natural landscapes alongside contemporary features in North Richland Hills. The importance of natural open space is often overlooked by a city's parks department since the concept of open space does not always fit the idea of land programmed for a particular recreational activity that would require regular landscape maintenance. However, the very reason for it not requiring regular attention can be a great asset, offering outdoors enjoyment, visual pleasure and ecological function at a minimum cost. For these reasons, natural preserves and open space are an integral part of this Parks Master Plan. Building upon the importance of natural open space, together with the contribution of well conceived streetscapes, quality parks and good trail connections between parks Executive Summary ES -1 2007 Parks, Recreation & Open Space Master Plan J City of Choice Envisioning "City as Park" and other destinations, the Parks Master Plan suggests a vision of "City as Park ". Such a vision serves to inspire, encourage and enlighten City staff, Park Board, City Council as well as residents to aim always higher to achieve a superb parks and recreation system, while striving to achieve urban connectedness to nature through all future city developments and street improvements. The purpose of this 2007 North Richland Hills Parks, Recreation and Open Space Master Plan is to update the previous plan prepared in 2000. This updated plan reviews the goals and priorities established by the previous plan and provides an assessment of North Richland Hills' parks, recreation and open space system in the year 2007. The 2007 Parks Master Plan includes all the components required by the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department and more. Understanding the intrinsic link between a city's character and the manner in which it is experienced and enjoyed, the Halff Associates Planning Team elaborates on North Richland Hills' image, character and physical features. Through the Parks Master Plan, the Planning Team assists in developing a vision for the city, whereby parks, recreation, trails, natural preserves and open space become important components to enhance the quality of life within the city. Executive Summary ES -2 2007 Parks, Recreation & Open Space Master Plan i big u City of Choice Envisioning "City as Park" wo 4P �l Recreational needs and opportunities are shaped by the city's image, unique physical features, history, demographic profile and economy. Image determines expectation, experience and enjoyment; the physical features provide opportunities and sometimes impose constraints; the man -made and natural history teaches us to treat the land with respect; demographics determine the need; and economy tells us what is possible. It is therefore essential to understand the particular context of North Richland Hills The current image and character of North Richland Hills may be described as evolving timelessness in the fabric of the city. Like the embodiment of the richness and endurance of the ancient Cross Timbers ecosystem, the parks system of North Richland Hills supports and enriches the lives of its inhabitants. Such character is evident in the parks system through qualities and values such as: 1) Uniquely visioned quality design: careful, responsive and imaginative themes; 2) High quality maintenance: striving for the idyllic in all its layers of rich diversity; 3) Ecological sensitivity: preserving nature, grounded in rural and historic, natural preserves; and 4) Dynamic balance: reveling in contemporary expression and recreational uses. Executive Summary ES -3 2007 Parks, Recreation & Open Space Master Plan b« u O City of Choice Envisioning "City as Park" As these qualities are celebrated and integrated, the fabric of North Richland Hills gains vibrancy: it shows a growing expression of appreciation of the richness of communities. It also actualizes the vitality of diverse experiences and achieves an urban connectedness to nature that infuses all parts of the city. The end result is the image of a "City as Park ". 2.1 Unique Physical Features The physical features of North Richland Hills are expressed through its vegetation, topography, creeks and roadway infrastructure. The city's natural vegetation comprises the Cross Timbers that contains two to four hundred year old post oaks and Tallgrass Prairie with roots of some grass species attaining depths of 10 to 15 feet, which is essential for attaining natural protection against the erosive power of surface runoff. With the North Central Texas topography generally flat, sloping areas along creeks, cliff edges and rolling hills are features worthy of celebration in parks, open spaces and overlooks. An important network of natural elements that is an essential component of the City of North Richland Hills is its system of creeks. These resources have huge potential to be developed into valuable recreation space. Their sinuous and linear character makes them ideally suited as trail linkages and natural area destinations available for all to enjoy. North Richland Hills is blessed with four main creeks: Big Fossil Creek, Walker's Branch Creek, Calloway Branch and Little Bear Creek. The image of the city is further articulated by the major thoroughfares that transect North Richland Hills. For some visitors, these major roads are the only manner in which they experience or view the City of North Richland Hills. Pleasing views from these roads to the surrounding landscape as well as roadside treatments are all contributors to the image of North Richland Hills and the vision: "City as Park ". 2.2 Demographics In order to do proper planning for parks and recreation in the future, it is essential to understand the demographics and geographic context of North Richland Hills. The 2007 population of 64,000 is expected to grow to 74,000 by 2030. According to the 2000 Census, an adult population dominates North Richland Hills: 61% of the population is between 20 and 64. Children and teens make up 30% of the population. The residents are well educated with 34% of the population holding a college degree or higher. low Executive Summary ES -4 2007 Parks, Recreation & Open Space Master Plan bi 9? u City of Choice Envisioning "City as Park" f The acreage amount and quality of parks and open space in North Richland Hills, together with creek protection, natural area preservation and creative streetscapes, are all important factors in achieving the vision: "City as Park ". The purpose of the Existing Parks and Open Space Inventory, is to determine the quality of parks and recreation facilities. 3.1 Park Classifications National and state guidelines identify three broad categories of parks, which are: a) Local, Close to Home Space, usually located within the community served by the facility, which includes pocket parks, neighborhood parks and community parks; b) Unique Space, which may be either local or regional in nature. These parks can be defined as areas that are unique in some way, whether because of physical features or because of the types of facilities provided. Parks in this category may include linear parks, special use parks, or land conservancies; and c) Regional Space, usually located within an hour or two driving distance. Parks in this category serve a number of communities, and include regional metropolitan parks and regional park reserves. Executive Summary ES -5 2007 Parks, Recreation & Open Space Master Plan big u City of Choice Envisioning "City as Park" The category "Close to Home Parks" is significant and unique as it provides day -to -day facilities for all ages and activities. In addition close to home parks are usually within walking or driving distance from where we live. i) Neighborhood Parks Neighborhood parks provide the foundation for recreation in the Local Close to Home park system. Ideally, they provide amenities and recreation space for the entire family, but are within easy walking or cycling distance of the people they serve. ii) Community Parks Community parks are larger parks that serve a group of neighborhoods or a portion of a city. Community parks are usually reached by automobile, although residents adjacent to the park and trail users may walk or cycle to it, rendering them de facto neighborhood parks. A variety of recreational facilities are provided, including in some cases, lighted playing fields for organized sports, hike and bike trails, and sufficient parking to accommodate participants, spectators, and other park users. iii) Linear Parks including Hike and Bike Trails Linear parks are open park areas that generally follow some natural or man -made feature that is linear in nature, such as creeks, abandoned railroad rights -of -way or power line or utility corridor easements. Properly developed to facilitate pedestrian and bicycle travel, these parks can serve to link or connect other parks in the local system, as well as schools, libraries, and other major destinations. No specific standards apply to linear /linkage parks other than to be large enough to adequately accommodate the resources they follow. They can also serve as linear greenbelts, which preserve open space and natural areas. iv) Special Purpose Parks Special purpose parks are designed to accommodate specialized recreational activities. Because the facility needs for each activity type are different, each special purpose park usually provides for one or a few activities. V) Pocket Parks Pocket parks are small green gathering spaces ranging from 1/8 acre to 1 acre. Due to the size of this type of park, vehicular parking space is typically not provided. vi) Streetscapes Streetscapes are not generally considered as part of a city's park system, as many standards were developed with parks being considered as completely distinct entities from the urban fabric. Additionally, park standards were developed as if available park land were infinitely available. Such is not the case in many cities, and even if it weren't so, many cities consider the real aesthetic and economic values in cultivating the Executive Summary ES -6 2007 Parks, Recreation & Open Space Master Plan t%6i 9? u City of Choice Envisioning "City as Park" attractiveness and pedestrian quality of their streets. The beauty of a well landscaped street and the experience of traveling along it is that it may be repeated (uniquely to add to the diversity of neighborhoods) to knit together all parts of the urban fabric, thereby creating a framework of the concept and reality of "City as Park'. 'Cities are for people, not for cars' is a philosophy that increases the appeal and functionality of a city, by providing multi -modal experiences for enjoying the public spaces that form a vibrant network of a city. vii) Natural Preserves and Open Space As with streetscapes, the benefit and inclusion of places that are natural preserves or unprogrammed open space has been largely overlooked in the context of parks master plans. Conservation is especially valuable as natural resources disappear in our cities, and natural habitat is wiped out. The value of walking through natural and historic places that have been left untouched is immeasurable. Such opportunities are rapidly becoming rare, and the identification and protection of such areas is urgently needed in most cities today. Cities that marshal the will and act quickly to conserve natural resources, demonstrate foresight and resolve necessary, so that future generations may enjoy something of beauty and timelessness. As unprogrammed space, there is the added benefit of these areas as "self- maintaining ". There may be occasional need to check for hazards, but maintenance is generally not a significant factor. Presently, the acreage associated with nature preserves and open space in North Richland Hills constitutes over 25% of the total parks system. The maps of "Close to Home" parks, Existing Neighborhood Parks, and Existing Community Parks on the next two pages shows the parks types location and distribution, indicating the City -wide coverage of parks. The map, Existing Neighborhood Parks shows the existing neighborhood parks with their Y4 to % mile service radii, and the resulting City coverage. The service radius of % mile is the standard used to determine geographic coverage. The map Existing Community Parks shows the existing Community Parks with their 1 mile service radii, and the resulting City coverage. Executive Summary ES -7 2007 Parks, Recreation & Open Space Master Plan �11 �101 �TP I � _ I � iraRre rARNAnT FOUNDERS TONMV AND PARK BEAR - SUEBROWN LITTLE CREEK PARK PARK SANDUN u' c4•, `Dfl PILLOW ,�v PARK c� PARK BURSEY PD. � SENIOR CENTER T rT-r� MSly 80. TIPPSCANINE NORTHFIELD F HOLLOW DOG PARK l� PARK —� �1.... GROSS TIMBERS GREEN ffi — - ll PARK VALLEY COMMUNITY PARK - .... ADVENTURE RuMHELn RO •. WORLD - RTAWlFS RDJ { y I�$ c Y, LEGACY • L ; PARK HIGMOWER OR -._- J DICK E c.m.i.ry A _ I a LHAPM/II OA_ PARK EID RICH PARK 26 i R\ A * — POTENTIAL CENTRALIZED RECREATION HOME TOWN LAKES ,. y FACILITY C_l. •` . > -.. _ IIBPRRK AC EL, PVARK �± _ WALKER S DAMS CREEK PARK I yP• g f EMERALD HILLS -- NRN20 FAMILY -- _— . —•-tR S POCKET PARK Q WATER PARK ` NORICX! HOLIDAY LANE PARK 33 ATHLETIC FIELDS LEWIS DR. - Cf K O S NpWO�� -' -yi m TENNIS � ENNIS Q TENNIS a o .. CENTER Ic E+ S 121; 183 N IRON RECREATION GOLF CLYDE ZELLERS CENTER ' PARK BEDFORD EULESS 1,-:0 ROAD GREENWAY ((•I`��yy�Myy �/ DAN ECHOLS NAy GRANGER SENIOR CENTER PARK �Jc• DIAMOND OAKS COUNTRY CUIB � �TAENYIEW yq: .4y Q 0 SCHOOLS cm.. 11NDA SPUflPARK �'.li 01 GNEEN VAILLEY EUEMAENTARY 01 NORTH RIME ELEMENTARY PARK -- m 03 NORTH RIME MIDDLE SCHOOL M FOSrERYl1AGE ElFMENrpf1Y H.O.A. >ARK FOSSIL r - \J SMINIFIELOELEMENTMIY p giRDKIE MID. HOWOHXlL N FDRTWORTICHNST'.ANSCNOOL CREEK PARK I_ _ -_ _ // ✓ \__- - 09 NORTH PARK CHRISTIAN SCHOOL +� ONYKDA.S -- }� Wit` - ' ID ACADEMY AT CARRIE F THOMAS ti HOLIDAY HEIGHTS ELEMENTAPY 12 IMMANUEL LUTHERAN SCHOOL s OPEN SPADE (/ - -, 13 RICHLANO HIGH SCHOOL ' KOWGTY may' `'- 14 SHOW HEIGHTS ELEMENTARY MU SCH 13 NDNM RIC""" M OOL 15 MUILEHDORE EEMENTARY CHRISTIAN TEMPLE SCHOOL SL JOHN THE APOSTLE SCHOOL w.. COMMUNITY PARKS NEIGHBORHOOD PARKS n ® SPECIAL PURPOSE PARKS A M K _ LINEAR PARKS KX! M MMA E—N NegHM==Par. VACANT LAND 12 Mib RKCws -- K11ER Y r 1 FOUNDERS PARK TOMMYAND LITTLE BEAR l' SUE BROWN CREEK PARK PARK ' J.B. SANOLIN �.. - OR PILLOW w.r..:. PARK PARK R z. - BURSEY R0. $: SENIOR CENTER '.\ TIP PS CANINE NORTHFIELD \ HOLLOW DOG PARK PARK CROSS GREEN TIMBERS VALLEY (� PARK COMMUNITY - PARN ,r r m ADVENTURE WORLD aNYFLDRo STARNES AD 1S PARK _ -. N1Gnil)wO1011 i WATAUGA s.,•u.�uu DD d CYP1Y p] . -vinr RICHFIELD ARAM PARK PARK 1 Yq {ItIFS BLYll1O1.I - # �\ v POTENTIAL NTRALIZED \ RECREATION HOME FACILITY 1, TOWN LAKES - LIBERTY ACE PARK PARK a,. WALKERS D CREEK PARK ,DAVIS ICY WATER PARK Q POCKET PARK HOLIDAY LANE NORICH $ :y r 1 LEWIS ATHLETIC FIELDS PARK DR. �-.... 5. N RICHLAND / TENNIS CENTER JYAb� 121, 183' NRH -...' -J MIN :/ _ ... RECREATION CLYUEZELLERS CENTER O PARK ULESS BCAD R EENWAY ROAD GREENY /At - �� "4 377 DAN ECHOIS KAY GRANGER SENIOR CENTER pAHK DIAMOND OAKS COUNTRY CLUB SCHOOLS Ot OR ENVALLEYELEMENTARY Ili $PURLOCN OO PARK �Y]K!{ } N NORTH RIME ELEMENTARY Y ate.. 9 03 NORTH NDGE MIDDLE LE SCHOOL M FOSTCRVLLAGE � � 26 i21 ELEMENTARY OS SMITHFIELD EIGGLESC. M.O.A. PARK a SMITHFIELD MIDDIE SCHOOL FOSSIL i? O7 &RDV LIE HIGH SCHOOL CREEK PARK W FORTWprtHCNMSTIANSCHOOL NORTH ,O ACADEMY A CHRISTIAN FTHOM T CARRE 5 tt HOLIDAY HEIGHTS ELEMENTARY 12 IMMANUELLUTHERAN SCHOOL 0 PEN SPACE NON OT' OWNED SSNO HEIGHT ELEMENTARY j 1S MIDDLE SCHOOL MUL ELEMENTARY 17 CHRISTIAN TEMPLE SCHOOL i 16 ST JOHN THE APOSTLE SCHOOL COMMUNITY PARKS NEIGHBORHOOD PARKS scutY xm ♦ Y ®SPECIAL PURPOSE PARKS LINEAR PARKS KJY1 Ir Al8 ExwonD- CammuDA VACANT LAND Gmp1WM UW 6�pwn 1e Wn6R LAM Uw IwImm WRmNwYNM wR MP�rvY «H Y weraebmapvem WRr^ieew! ImWSwNnN�awM Rn b4vb WiwrM1I4MYw. IMile RYDGi.. uc C�J =J �i 9? u City of Choice Envisioning "City as Park" Goals are established so as to serve as a policy and philosophical framework for the Parks Master Plan. They serve to guide park planning in the city even as councils and staff change over the years. The goals for the 2007 North Richland Hills Parks, Recreation and Open Space Master Plan focus on: • Providing a variety of recreation facilities and programs to meet the ultimate recreational needs and desires of the City of North Richland Hills' growing population. • Creating a park system that will improve the physical form and appearance of the City of North Richland Hills. • Preserving and enhancing North Richland Hills' open space, cultural landscapes and natural resources, especially areas with topography change and /or indigenous tree cover and land prone to flooding. • Providing an open space system which links parks, schools, greenbelts, open spaces and cultural landscapes. • Providing a tool to coordinate multi - jurisdictional efforts with respect to issues that affect recreational opportunities in the community. • Continuing to maintain all of the North Richland Hills parks and recreational facilities in a superior and sustainable condition. • Developing other funding mechanisms to help supplement the city's limited funding resources. • Including a citizen participation process in all ongoing park planning and design, as well as updating of the Parks Master Plan. • Conducting periodic citizen surveys to monitor changes in the citizen's attitude and needs. Executive Summary ES -8 2007 Parks, Recreation & Open Space Master Plan O City of Choice Envisioning "City as Park" The recommendations of the 2007 North Richland Hills Parks, Recreation and Open Space Master Plan are designed to reflect the recreational needs and desires of the citizens of North Richland Hills. Six methods were used to gain citizen input: 1. An extensive and scientifically accurate city -wide attitude (telephone) survey; 2. A focus group presentation, meeting and questionnaire with the North Richland Hills Youth Advisory Committee; 3. Three public meetings with presentations and questionnaires for the attendees, including the North Richland Hills Park and Recreation Board; 4. A questionnaire distributed separately at the NRH Recreation Center; 5. BISD student questionnaires distributed to seven local schools, with fourth, seventh and tenth grade respondents, and 6. Letters of invitation to local sports leagues and organizations, requesting specific current and future needs data. Within each survey and questionnaire group, there are strong areas of concentrated facility interest, as distinguished from the facility choice agreement across all groups. As a city moves toward satisfying majority interests, it is also useful to track the interests of groups that are active and whose particular interests are represented in the attitude survey and in each of the questionnaire groups. i) Telephone Attitude Survey Group In the telephone Attitude Survey, 400 respondents rated 29 facility choices as to which they considered the single most important one to construct. At the top of the list was Hike and Bike /Jogging Trails. The Modern Senior Center ranked second of all the facility choices for this group. Ranking third was Amphitheater and fourth overall for this group was Indoor Soccer and Athletic Training Center. Ranking sixth overall is Executive Summary ES -9 2007 Parks, Recreation & Open Space Master Plan N I M `� City of Choice Envisioning "City as Park" the Environmental Education Center. Seventh overall and sharing equal rank are Baseball, Botanical Garden, Large Pavilion and Skateboard Park. These facility choices are ranked out of the total twenty -nine choices given in the survey. Note that the Recreation Center facility was not an option in the Attitude Survey. ii) Combined Public Meetings Unlike the other groups surveyed, respondents to the questionnaire at the public meetings were shown a general overview pertaining to parks and recreation. A relatively small group of seventeen (17) respondents to questionnaires in three public meetings gave their input. Of the thirty -three (33) facility choices given, respondents cited the single facility "most important to construct ", with highest support for Recreation Center and Senior Center at equal support, followed by Amphitheater, Bird Watching Facility, Nature Areas and Tennis Courts. iii) NRH Recreation Center Questionnaire Respondent Group Recreation Center ranked first overall as the facility most important to construct, garnering a higher percentage of support than other groups' first picks. Second highest in rank was Hike and Bike/ Jogging Trails, followed by the third highest choice of Water Spray Park. Fourth highest rank is shared three ways by Adult Softball Fields, Indoor Aquatic Facility and Performance Art and Cultural Center. Rounding out the field of choices and sharing equal rank are Nature Areas, Playgrounds, Senior w Center, Skateboard Park, Soccer Fields and Wildflower Plantings. iv) BISD Students Of the thirty -two facilities given as choices in the student questionnaire, their results rank Outdoor Pool as their overall first choice of most important facility to construct. Second in rank, Dog Park was also strongly supported. Third in rank for this group was Skateboard Park, followed by Football Fields ranking fourth overall. Outdoor Basketball Courts, fifth overall was followed by BMX Mountain Bike Course as sixth overall of single most important facility to construct. Seventh highest rank for this group includes three facilities sharing equal support: Nature Areas, Recreation Center and Soccer Fields shows high support of the total 32 facility choices. Eighth in rank overall again shared support among multiple facilities: Baseball Fields, Hike and Bike /Jogging Trails and Sand Volleyball Courts. The above twelve facilities of the total 32 possibilities are selected by this group as most important to construct. V) Youth Advisory Committee Note that while the Youth Advisory Committee filled in questionnaires, they were not asked to choose `the single most important facility to construct'. vi) Sports Leagues Input Various sports leagues in North Richland Hills provided up -to -date information as to their needs and projected growth. Executive Summary ES -10 2007 Parks, Recreation & Open Space Master Plan 1§619 u City of Choice Envisioning "City as Park" 6.1 Need for Park Acreage The map, Existing Park Service to Neighborhoods illustrates the citywide coverage of all "Close to Home" parks. Both Neighborhood Parks and Community Parks are shown with the' /4 mile and' /2 mile service radii of a typical Neighborhood Park. The reason that Community Parks are included in this coverage analysis is that they typically contain the elements of a Neighborhood Park and thus function as de facto Neighborhood Parks. By inclusion of both park types in this study, the maximal coverage of existing "Close to Home" parks is depicted. Other types of parks such as Special Purpose or Linear Parks typically are not included in such a service coverage analysis. The reason for this is that each is unique and may only be found where a particular function or resource opportunity exists. The overall goal is to provide walking distance ('/4 to '/2 mile) service to all residents, throughout the City of North Richland Hills. The areas covered with the service radii are well served, whereas the areas that are exposed, indicate the highest need for neighborhood type recreational facilities and parks. The map Existing Park Service to Neighborhoods on the next page indicates the City -wide coverage of "Close to Home" parks, and the resultant areas of park service need or "void" in service coverage. Executive Summary ES -11 2007 Parks, Recreation & Open Space Master Plan E F— • KEUIR to q r s NOgTn LAPPANf PKWY FOUNDERS TOMMY ANO PARK SUE BROWN - LITTLE BEAR'A — CREEK PARK PARK j SANDLIN DR. PILLOW o�n, PARK j PARK , V.SEY %TT " ,\y ENYO�R CENTER ®`I TIPPS CANINE NORTHFIELD HOLLOW DOG PARK O PARK —� CROSS GREEN E TIMBER $ VALLEY M PARK COMMUNITY - 1 PARK ADVENTURE RONHELDRD WORLD {" STARNES RD LEGACY PARK -. L { s..nlNle DICK FAPAM CNAPMAN DR. PARK 2� RICHFIELD PARK �•.� I / - - - "- � MNLITIES BLVD. �I ••J_� I .' �:� ll "IIID.CIIB 41:4�� „F...r_,,,�\ � L.� _. • _ v. ° al POTENTIAL CENTRALIZED RECREATION HOME FACILITY TOWN LAKES LIBERTY ACE PARK PARK ` �.. WALKERS 7 DAMS CREEK PARK IL POCKET HILLS WATER FAMILY 8 POCKET PARK o WATER DANK �'L '- • 'HOLIDAY LANE NORICN ATHLETIC FIELDS PARK LE'NIS DR. � � 5 NRpWODC PD - RICHIANO ® o TENNIS CENTER NAN 12,1 183, 1 RECREATION ' CLYDE ZELLERS CENTER ��- PARK BEDFORD- EULESS ROAD GREENWAY a SCHOOL• �ti. DAN ECHOLS --\ KAY GRANGER Ot GPEEX VALLEY El£MExiagr �Sf f fS,�Bt - SENIOR CENTER \ J PARK e� j 02 NORTH RwG ELEMENTARY DIAMOND OAKS \\ I+ 03 NOR PIOGE MIDDLE SCHOCL /� COUNTRY CLUB IJNDA 'GLExMEW ai. - —�.+� I.. W FOSnRVIUAGE ELEMENTARY 4 $PUBLOCK OS SMILWELO EIENENTMY PARK E 06 SNITIIFIELD MIDDLE SCHDOL 0) BIPOVLIEMGH SCHOOL N F —WORTN CHRIST AN SCHOOL Y" b• —��- F '2 6 NORTH PAPK—IST1AN SCHOOL H OA.'ARK 10 ACADEMY AT CANRIE F. T-11 FOSSIL `? 12 WMAN HOLIDAY HEIGHTS ELEMENTARY CREEK PARK /.- 121MVM ND HIGH SCHOOL HOOT 1] flICXLAND HIGH SCHOOL �'} r 11 SNOW HEIGHTS ELEMENTARY 7J' 15 NOIfTH R CNLANC MIDDLE SCHOOL OPEN IPACE 1t CH ISTDORE TEMPLE N E T! I) ST JOHN T TEMPLE SCHOOL C4lPlEG �.� „e t �- ,,, li ST JOHN THE APOSTLE SCHOOL Ty MUNITY / 72� NEIGNBORHO01)N000 PARKS SPECIAL PURPOSE PARKS x . n LINEAR PARKS ALL N M _ VACANT LAND tIIMIMN r» E+mon0 G ^mulnv a NepNKxnOOO Perv. Doroplyw eM e:pslNdugH.lW rk(auw>. �M OS�IS�.own.�Wla:...xswrconrt+w +m W:c^caesbr"aoKWas.c nwn�er:e �Rn.ugen to ww,^:mu wrwH 12 M:k PeOx.s lei 9; �••i City of Choice Envisioning "City as Park" 6.2 Target Standards for North Richland Hills The purpose of spatial standards for parks and recreational areas is to ensure that sufficient area is allocated to allow for all the outdoor recreation needs of a community. Target Standards in terms of acres per 1,000 population vary by park classification and by city. These standards are useful in as much as they are tailored to meet a particular city's needs and goals, as well as generally serving to provide an overall reference for comparison to what other cities provide for their citizens. At present, the existing acreage for parks and open space in North Richland Hills is 835 acres. The Parks Master Plan establishes the following standards for park acreage as a ratio of acres to population, in Figure ES 1: Table ES 1 NRH 2007 Park Acreage Target Standards for North Richland Hills "Close to Home" Parks • Neighborhood Parks: Target Standard: 2 acres per 1,000 population • Community Parks: Target Standard: 4 - 5 acres per 1,000 population Total Recommended "Close to Home" Parks Standards 6 — 7 acres per 1,000 population. Other City -wide Parks • Special Purpose Parks: Target Standard: 3 acres per 1,000 population • Linear Parks: Target Standard: 0.5 - 2 acres per 1,000 population • Natural Areas/ Target Standard: 2.5 - 3.5 acres per 1,000 Open Space: population • Regional Parks: No standard established Total Recommended Standards for Other Parks: 6 — 8.5 acres per 1,000 population. The City -wide recommended 2007 NRH target standard for park land acreage is 12 -15.5 acres per 1,000 population. The park land standards established in 2000 for the City of North Richland Hills provided the range of 12 — 20 acres per 1,000 population. The standard range recommended in the 2007 Parks Master Plan fits within this range, accepting the lower end of 12 while recommending a more reasonable 15.5 acre standard as the maximum. The resultant standard based target goal comes to between 888 and 1,147 acres at build out condition. Executive Summary ES - 12 2007 Parks, Recreation & Open Space Master Plan City of Choice Envisioning "City as Park" 6.3 Park Facility Standards and Needs The City of North Richland Hills expects modest but consistent growth over the coming years. This is a welcome and positive factor for the City, and this growth is recognized as the impetus for growing the parks and recreation facilities to adequately serve the citizens' needs in future years. Based on public input and recreational facilities standards, a number of goals are recommended to meet the recreational needs for the next five years. The standard based recreation facilities (not prioritized) to construct in the next 5 years are presented in Table ES 2. Recreation Facility Suggested Implementation Total Number of Facilities Major Athletic ■ Baseball fields 1 field every second year 3 fields ■ Softball fields (adult & 1 field every second year 3 fields youth) ■ Backstops 1 backstop per year 4 backstops ■ Soccer Fields (competitive) 1 field every second year 3 fields ■ Multi- purpose Practice 1 field per year 4 fields Fields (S &F) Other Athletic ■ Volleyball Court 1 court in the next 5 years 1 Non - athletic • Playground Units 3 units per year 14 units • Swimming Pools/ Aquatic 1 pool in the next 5 years 1 Centers • Water Spray Parks 1 park every 2 '/2 years in the 2 next 5 years ■ Skate Board Parks 1 park 1 ■ Dog Parks 1 park in the next 5 years 1 Support Facilities ■ Pavilions / Picnic Shelters 4 structures per year 19 structures IiIIIEW Executive Summary ES -13 2007 Parks, Recreation & Open Space Master Plan n JW City of Choice Envisioning "City as Park" 6.4 Resource Based Needs The protection, recreational use and enjoyment of a city's natural resources are an important component of any parks master plan. The City of North Richland Hills has a number of landscape features that should be preserved and /or adapted for recreational use and open space preservation. These are the Cross Timbers and Tallgrass Prairie ecological region, creeks and streams, rural landscapes and utility and rail rights -of -way. One of the most effective ways to ensure the protection and effective management of natural resources and cultural landscapes is through the method of Conservation Planning and Development. It is in essence a tool that ensures the protection of the character of a city, the protection of important ecological habitats, the protection of scenic views and landscapes and the economic sustainability by protecting the assets that add value and quality of life to the community. Conservation Planning and Development is a concept whereby developers are encouraged to implement "open space planning" and "conservation development" whereby large tracts of land are protected by clustering development on smaller parcels of land, with the resultant open space a communal asset to be enjoyed by everyone. Access to the larger open space as an amenity consistently results in higher property values. Such an approach truly speaks for the whole that is more than the sum of the parts. It should not be overlooked that opportunities for future park land need not reside solely in land deemed desirable due to its inherent natural resources and character. Many great parks have been designed and constructed on land that is unsuited for other functions. An example is Prospect Park in New York City, which is Olmstead and Vaux's masterpiece, all sited on reclaimed swamp land. In the future, it may prove to be beneficial in identifying other prospective park sites as well, e.g. areas prone to flooding and abandoned /derelict areas. 6.5 City Beautification Needs The Needs Assessment includes holistic consideration of city -wide beautification, particularly along major vehicular arteries, at intersections, and at points that signal the entry to the city. Past city image and beautification studies to this Parks Master Plan, are considered to bring relevant components into focus. Various points from The City Image Study (1999), Citywide Trails System Master Plan (1994), the Loop 820 Corridor Study (July 2005), and the South Grapevine Highway Corridor Strategic Plan (2004) are still relevant and valuable today. Prime opportunities for the city are identified to realize the concept of "City as Park" albeit at various levels and in stages. This assessment of beautification identifies opportunities to extend and knit together all parts of the parks system, including the possibility of mass transit - all with the benefit of input from previous plans. Executive Summary ES -14 2007 Parks, Recreation & Open Space Master Plan IS6i 9? u ® City of Choice Envisioning "City as Park" Subsequently, actions related from these opportunities address the interim time frame, and prioritize each item over both the short and long term. M Beautification points fall under three main categories, namely: 1) Streets as Pedestrian & Multi -modal Parkways, including traversing Highway 820, pedestrian oriented mixed use development, pocket parks and trees; 2) Gateways as Identity and Orienting Markers, including celebratory intersections; and 3) Culture and Nature, including the specifics of public art and city identity, Bedford - Euless Greenway, "Pulse Points" for cultural areas, Harmonson residential area, Smithfield Cemetery and rain water runoff. Focusing on beautification of the streetscapes of North Richland Hills can have multiple benefits: • Citizen pride — Beautification increases the pride that residents feel for their city. • Relocation benefits — Beautification makes North Richland Hills a more attractive relocation alternative for new families and businesses. • Increasing the competitiveness of North Richland Hills — Beautification makes North Richland Hills more competitive when pursuing major employers and /or individuals in desired fields such as the medical and education professions. • Keeping citizens in North Richland Hills — Beautification helps residents remain in North Richland Hills as an attractive place in which to live and retire. • Health benefits — Beautification when linked to open space and to active recreation facilities such as trails, can promote the health of the residents of North Richland Hills. • Beautification increases the value of properties, thereby leading to increased revenue for the city. It is important to note that everyone who lives in North Richland Hills is the city, so increased tax revenue can result in lower tax rates and better services. • Addressing beautification now rather than later — Addressing urban beautification should be a continual, ongoing effort - as a matter of policy and pride. The map, Beautification Overlay, on the next page depicts gateways, orienting intersections and designated street shade tree locations as per previous City Studies. The map indicates the coincidence of these studies, and the further recommendations pertaining to City gateway locations, pedestrian crossings at Loop 820 and major city "Pulse Point" intersections at particular intersections throughout the City. The combination of all three "layers" in this map highlight the potential for the City of North Richland Hills, through gateways, signage, intersection patterns, street trees and trail crossings to achieve a unique character, culminating in the vision of this Parks Master Plan, "Envisioning City as Park ". Executive Summary ES -15 2007 Parks, Recreation & Open Space Master Plan • r-- tW M i En 1�1 T ACE 1, rf 4 7 WALKERS CREEK �F DAVIS HILLS NRW. AMILY ""R LD 'P.CKtTlA.KQ "O� WATER PARK 4 -'�'�HOUDAY LANE, NOAIC RAIL ASSOCIATED PARK ATHLETIC FIELDS TRAILCROSSING 500 IDPE BRIDWG -'RICHLAND TENW n o - iv� 1 IT CINTER- toe NRH CLYDEZELUERS CENTER DERPASS RON No RECREATION stol IN GOWLF COURSE. T PARK -EDFORD-EULESS ROAD GREENWAY C7RRAEEK SIDE 0G2 , 1 D NWSO ICTTYH H1 — O 0 ONEEH VAEE Y f iE L .1 A*/ N FOSTER VILLAGE SMITHFIELD ELEA V,4 S 0 UITHRELDMIDE 07 WROVILLE HIGH Li ECHOLS KAY R 05 lOF-OFTh- CENTER %!K vim DIAMOND OAKS" NORTH PARK CHF A EUYAJCAl COUNTRY Climet, HOLIDAY HEI GMT! SPURILOCK 12 I...I.El ILTH! RICHLAND HIGH PARK, 14 SNOWHEIGH7SE 16 ■ 26 2c-0 I MIA E WRE ELI K 17 CH [STUN TEMPI STJOHNTHEAP( D PARK RICHLAND; CITY GATEWAY PER 2007 MASTER I OPEN SPACE CITY SPURS PER 2W7 MASTER I 0 PORTALS PER CITY IM /gip 10 IN— EXISTING TRAILS INTERSECTION PATI FUTURE TRAILS PER CITY IMAGE STL PROPOSED TRAILS INTERSECTION PATI SIGNED CONNECTIONS PER LOOP 820 CORE ON-STREET BIKE O PEDESTRIAN CROS ROUTE, NORTH SOUTH PER 2007 MASTER I ON-STREET BIKE HISTORIC AREA IN ROUTE, EAST WEST PER 2D07 MASTER I PROPOSED TRAIL HEAD CITY IMAGE STUDY L_ M_ 7.1 A Vision for North Richland Hills The Parks and Recreation Department of North Richland Hills is whole- heartedly devoted to enhancing the well -being of all of its residents which resonates from its Mission Statement and its dynamic parks and recreation system. The concept of the vision "City as Park" fits well with the North Richland Hills Parks and Recreation Department's Mission Statement which reads: "To create an environment where people play; laughter counts; communities grow and learn; and everyone matters ". The Mission statement speaks with heart and mindfulness about people. The vision, "City as Park ", enthusiastically supports people's health and well -being first and foremost: a healthy city supports a vibrant relationship between its residents and the environment - the very heart and soul of a city should effuse such harmony in abundance. Nor should it be overlooked that great achievement and learning is supported by a calm, vital and positive environment. Executive Summary ES -16 2007 Parks, Recreation & Open Space Master Plan big u Im in City of Choice Envisioning "City as Park" The overarching ideal of "City as Park' is a break from the stereotypical notion of parks as occasional, singular elements in the city, serving to alleviate the dreariness of urban existence. "City as Park" speaks to the entire city as fabric in which every element is significant in the way that each contributes to the identity, travel experience and sense of destination throughout North Richland Hills. The quality of this environment is measured by how people experience their city on a daily basis. "City as Park' suggests that parks, trails, the streets that connect them — all become park -like boulevards or green connecting linkages, which encourage multi -modal travel, while focusing on and enhancing the experience of pedestrians, cyclist, joggers and motorists. 7.2 Achieving Uniqueness Ideas fundamental to achieving uniqueness in terms of the vision of "City as Park" for the City of North Richland Hills include: • Protection of the entire 100 year flood plain at fully developed conditions; • Protection of scenic and rural road corridors; and • Protection of the rural character of the city. 7.3 City as Park — Choosing Uniqueness and Quality for the City of North Richland Hills Through comprehensive public participation, a vision has been established for the City of North Richland Hills' physical image, parks, open space, and recreation. This Vision expressed as a "City as Park" comprises protecting and maintaining the quality of the natural and cultural environment, the acquisition of adequate park land, development of additional trail connections, and the provision of quality recreation facilities. The following describes two essential policies that North Richland Hills requires to make this Vision: "City as Park" a reality. i) Open Space Protection The purpose of the protection of open space is to create a community -wide network of open space and natural preserves to allow for an interconnected network of community green spaces. It is recommended that the city commits to the following: • Pre - identify and preserve a community -wide network of protected open space or "linked landscapes ". • Revise the City's Comprehensive Plan, Zoning Ordinance, and Subdivision and Land Development Ordinance to make provision for the implementation of the protection of a network of protected open space. Executive Summary ES -17 2007 Parks, Recreation & Open Space Master Plan t§6i E � u City of Choice Envisioning "City as Park" • Prepare a resource inventory (Resource Map) of the following principal resources: Table ES 3 Resource Inventory 1. Wetlands and their Buffers 7. Representative stands of Tallgrass Prairie 2. Floodplains 8. Significant Wildlife Habitat 3. Moderate and Steep Slopes 9. Historic, Archaeological, and Cultural Features 4. Groundwater Resources Recharge Areas 10. Cultural Landscapes 5. Woodlands 11. Scenic Features 6. Representative stands of Cross Timbers 12. Viewsheds from Public Roads ii) Park Land Dedication It is recommended that the Park Land Dedication Ordinance be evaluated and updated in light of the city's current development trend. Basic principles • Set aside all land and site features as identified in the Resource Map (see Open Space Protection above) and ensure their protection and maintenance by the Home Owners Associations or through the involvement of a variety of Conservation Trusts in Texas that have as their aim the conservation of open space (see www.texaslandtrusts. orq). • Provide unimpeded public access to these identified and protected site features through a combination of trails, single loaded roads, and dedicated easements. • Update and /or develop park dedication and park improvement fees to keep trend with the manner in which other cities are securing park acreage and development in the metroplex. • Ensure dedication for Rough Proportionality. • Open space, parks and recreational areas required by the park dedication ordinance should NOT be restricted to the private use and enjoyment of the citizens of the particular development or subdivision. • Drainage areas and easements should NOT be accepted as land dedicated for parks but should be made available for park and trail use where needed. • Utility easements should NOT be accepted as land dedicated for parks but should be made available for park and trail use where needed. • In addition to the requirement that each park must have ready access to a public street, it is required that single loaded roads be established between a subdivision or part thereof and land set aside for park land and /or open space protected areas. Executive Summary ES -18 2007 Parks, Recreation & Open Space Master Plan t§61 9? u City of Choice Envisioning "City as Park" 7.4 Park System Recommendations 7.4.1 Land Acquisition i) Growth Need and Opportunity Neighborhood Parks form the backbone of the parks system. Community Parks, which generally include features found in Neighborhood Parks, function as de facto Neighborhood Parks. The goal of the 2007 Parks, Recreation and Open Space Master Plan is to optimize and maximize parks service throughout the City of North Richland Hills. To that end, the maximal coverage and benefit to neighborhoods will be achieved by the presence of additional Neighborhood and /or Community Parks. The map, Growth Need and Opportunity, on the next page depicts recommendations regarding land acquisition to meet the need for park service in terms of geographic coverage. The first component of the map, "Growth Need and Opportunity ", shows the existing service coverage to neighborhoods with the '/2 mile service radii of all existing Neighborhood and Community Parks. This coverage area depicts the neighborhoods whose park and recreation needs are met with existing City facilities. The second component of this map shows the areas of park and recreation need, which are neighborhoods not covered with the existing service coverage radii and lacking parks and recreation facilities. These areas of parks and recreation need which will benefit from a "Close to Home" park or recreational facility are identified and numbered `1' to'8'. The third component of this map shows areas of limited park and recreation need. There are three such areas shown, one at the northeast corner of the City, where the need is limited by the surrounding commercial /business development and city boundaries, reducing the residential area to be served; the second is located in the southeast area of the City, between Boulevard 26 and interstate 121. This area similarly has limited need due to the commercial /business development which effectively reduces the neighborhood to be served. The third and final such area of limited need lies south of 820 at the eastern edge of the City. This area has limited need, due to the provision of private facilities which however do not serve the general public. It would help to acquire a trail easement to provide access along the HOA lake edge(s) and the golf course, which would allow the citizens of North Richland Hills to experience and celebrate these amenities. Executive Summary ES -19 2007 Parks, Recreation & Open Space Master Plan i I NOR TARRAMT PKW(_ FOUNDERS R PARK TOIAMY AND BEAR SUE BROWN CREEK PARK PARK ja SA OLIN DR. PILLOW P -- �, J PARK - BURSEV flD. T SENIOR CENER \. � _ ..•..: BFRMFYAD :, ,_.mil TIPPS CANINE NORTHFIELO HOLLOW DOG PARK Lid PARK —� CROSS _ p F 71MBERS GREEN Sffit g �M( VALLEY rCID'y PARK COMMUNITY M a PARK ADVENTURE --1_ WORLD l"y PTARNES RO A -- m ' LEGACY � ✓ I '3 © PARK / • 1 `_ -�_ xlWrtOea UA. i 3 r / ' -i a,rn.,x DICK Q s..Nnw FARAM PARK RICHFIELD PARK Q ��. A. __i .mil TM- • '. �l� — _ •y �.—,• _ MIDORIEb 0.VO.h Aylps'_. F.-nt1 _.. YCDRFiA POTENTIAL CENTRALIZED RECREATION '� NOME FACILITY TOWN LAKES LIBERTY ACE PARK PARK DAVIS CREEK PARK IEMERALO HILLS NRH20 FAMILY A_�,_ POCKET PARK O WATER PARK O:LIDAI LANE NORICH ATTIC FlELDS. PARK pp, lEWl6 DR - r � 4 ., vAMjp°D RICHLAND< '�' ......._.._ TENNIS CENTER IN H 1 a3 R L. o -- --- -11 _ BqN RECREATION CLYDE ZELLERS CENTER PARK BEDFOR E NWAY D ULES 8OA GREE n. EPY�J �j6 ,•' DIAMOND OAKS SENIOR CENTER \ KAY pppK r f -q r -- COUNTRY CLUB \\ GLEN­ OR .�,- # L3 SCHOOLS /Y- y SPUPLOCK LINDA _..P+'r 01 GFEEN VALLEY ELEMENTARY _ PARK 0] NORTH RIDGEELEMENTMY / O] NORTHRIWEMIOOIESCHOOL 7':'+ 05 SMITHFIIELLDEIEIGFMENTARTARY OA: PMK 06 SM i1M FlD MIDDLE SCHOOL FOSSIL ? (1 0 BIADVLLEXGH SCHOOL CREEK PARK -- 1 /,� DB FORTWORTHCHRIS'T ANSLHOOL ONY)t ON.S b _- / 101 HOLIDAY HEIGHTS EILEME S _ iuRa Rr " OPEN SPACE y— ' — .I _... \:,,' �" I" /� IMMANUEL LUTHERAN SCHOOL 1] RICNIAND HIGH SCHOOL NON -CITY fA SNOW HEIGHTS ELEMENTARY `v �. OWNED • NOR�NRCHLANCMDCIESCHOG'. I ,1 16 MULLENDORE ELEMENTARY v u�µu 17 CHRIST IANTEMPLE SCHOOL SCH Ib ST JOHN THE APOSTLE SCHOOL / q 7 COMMUNITY PARKS r y' NEIGHBORHOOD PARKS xME H rErt '1 J 11 SPECIAL PURPOSE PARKS �L LINEAR PARKS ■ Mle Umned u— wee ERI gGR —I VACANT LAND P.,cem,El Need 1!2 Mlle R.- aNagMOmuW PoM 1:2 M�Ie Radus t2 M,k RRd,us BMeIRIMM Omf 3WFCIasMrq tsx wleul,ons+na wn yu,sl,om PR ppv ,rim ana mxHm,esbnRpaM d�WOiy MwlvNw PRMAPR N,Rrmmmm Pyr RmjgmRRRI,MmMII mpM. Ni ? u O City of Choice Envisioning "City as Park" ii) Recommended Land Acquisition per City Area The eight areas which present the greatest opportunities for parks and recreation service are as follows: City Area I In the City Area I, the Park Area 1 suggests the acquisition of 5 to 10 acres for a Neighborhood Park to serve that particular residential area. Park Area 2 suggests the acquisition of 5 to 10 acres for a Neighborhood Park to serve its specific residential area. Park Area 3 suggests the acquisition of 5 to 10 acres for a Neighborhood Park to serve the residential neighborhood encompassed by its service radius. City Area II In the City Area II, Park Area 4 suggests the provision of Neighborhood type recreation facilities at the City's future centralized recreation center. Park Area 5 suggests the acquisition of 15 acres for a Community Park, including neighborhood park recreation facilities. Park Area 6 suggests the acquisition of 20 to 30 acres for a Community Park, including neighborhood park recreation facilities. Park Area 7 suggests the acquisition of 5 acres for a Neighborhood Park. City Area III In the City Area III, Park Area 8 suggests the acquisition of 5 to 10 acres for a Neighborhood Park iii) Citywide Total Recommended Acquisition The total acreage for the above named areas of park and recreation need is between 60 to 95 acres. Even though North Richland Hills is fairly well developed, it is still possible to find land that may become available for park land. Such land is typically to be found in what the Planning Department classifies as "vacant land ". Future land acquisition opportunities may present themselves as and when re- development of existing developed areas take place in the future, though no such opportunity is guaranteed. 7.4.2 Park Development i) Park Development per City Area The following section describes general, as well as specific, recommendations for park development in North Richland Hills for Areas I, II and III, based on the recommendation to increase Neighborhood Parks service where they are lacking: Executive Summary ES -20 2007 Parks, Recreation & Open Space Master Plan big u City of Choice Envisioning "City as Park" City Area I Three park areas, numbered 1, 2 and 3 are recommended for City Area I. These areas are located in residential neighborhoods which are underserved by the present park system in terms of neighborhood type recreational facilities. City Area II Four park areas are identified and recommended in City Area II: Neighborhood type, outdoor recreation facilities are recommended in Park Area 4 to be included as part of the future, centralized recreation center. A Community Park, possibly also serving as a site for a future Senior Center combined with outdoor Neighborhood Park facilities are recommended for Park Area 5. A Community Park is recommended in Park Area 6. Being mostly industrial, the area is ideal for lighted recreational facilities with no impact on residential areas. An outdoor amphitheater is also considered for this area. Located by a potential future transit line and station, a park in this area furthermore is ideal from an accessibility point of view. In Park Area 7, a park with Neighborhood type recreation facilities is recommended to be provided in this area. City Area III In City Area III, Park Area 8 comprises existing new developments in terms of a medical district and multi -use development surrounding a water feature. Dense multi -use development will require relief through parks and trails facilities as recommended for this area. The medical aspect of this area calls for a healing garden type park facility where patients, care givers as well as others in the community will benefit from relaxing landscapes and features. ii) Key Design Considerations A summary of the key design points that should guide the design of every existing or new park in the city are as follows: • Each park should truly celebrate the history and culture of North Richland Hills by incorporating historical plaques and features that allude to the neighborhoods around the park or the circumstances that caused the park to be created. • Every park type should be multi- faceted and include features to meet the needs of various age groups including a wide range of levels of ability and disability. • Parks should incorporate art and should be an example of the sophistication of the North Richland Hills of today and tomorrow. • A single - loaded road adjacent to all parks should be demanded in order to protect open space for purposes of informal surveillance and prevent crime in areas that may pose danger for park and open space users. Executive Summary ES -21 2007 Parks, Recreation & Open Space Master Plan �M_ 1 9? &A City of Choice Envisioning "City as Park" • A transparent metal rod or wrought iron fence or other approved consistent site delineation device between all residential lots and parks and /or open space should be incorporated where a single loaded road is not possible. • Shade should be incorporated into many features of every park. Playgrounds should be covered where feasible. • All pavilion structures should consist of a double tiered roof system to prevent heated air from being trapped under the roof. • Implement storm water bio- swales or other methods to increase infiltration and bio- filtration of run -off water before the excess water leaves the site. • Community input and partnerships should be encouraged in the design, implementation and care of every park in the city. • Continue to provide park lights on photocells as required as an energy saving measure. • Promote sustainable development practices. • Encourage Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design (CPTED). This is the proper design and effective use of the built environment which may lead to a reduction of incidence of crime, and an improvement in the quality of life. iii) Use of Native Plants One of the best ways for any community to express its regional uniqueness, is to use plants native to the area. It is, after all, the natural surroundings, including native plants that determine the unique and special quality of a place. Recognized by many, this has lead to the increased use of shade trees that are native to a specific area. It is recommended that the City of North Richland Hills makes a commitment to the exclusive use of Texas small trees. For the same reason it is recommended that North Richland Hills not overuse Crape Myrtles in its public spaces. Many communities plant the Crape Myrtle (Lagerstroemia indica) for the very fact that it is drought tolerant. However, it is necessary to recognize that the crape myrtle ornamental tree is an exotic plant that is native to the southeast Asia. The very fact of this being a practical, drought tolerant small tree with many blossoms and colorful bark, has caused this tree to be overused extensively as the ornamental tree of choice from the western states of Florida and the Carolinas, across the country to California, making the planted landscapes of this immense area uniform and somewhat boring. In fact, it may be argued that this is one of many contributing factors that have affected the uniqueness of communities. For purposes of retaining and maintaining its unique North Central Texas character, it is recommended that the City of North Richland Hills continues to make a concerted effort to promote the use of native plants including trees, shrubs and grasses for both public and private use. Executive Summary ES -22 2007 Parks, Recreation & Open Space Master Plan n qW �i ? u City of Choice Envisioning "City as Park" iv) Considering LEED for Park and Facility Development Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design, LEED, is a national rating system for the design, construction and operation of buildings and sites. The system evaluates performance in five areas: sustainable site development, water conservation, energy efficiency, materials selection and indoor environmental quality. Aspects that lend positive, measurable results include: on -site storm water management and permeable paving to not increase run -off which contributes to flooding; native plantings to reduce erosion, water consumption and irrigation dependency; organic maintenance programs to reduce chemicals and pesticides that infiltrate ground water and city utility and treatment systems; photocell systems for lighting to reduce energy costs; selection of sustainable materials (recycled and rapidly renewable resources) to use resources to maximum effect. Such results not only produce benefits for the environment, but for the owner and users as well. 7.4.3 Development of Recreation Facilities The Citizen Attitude Survey identified needs for very specific recreation facilities. The key facility needs in North Richland Hills, based on facility standards and citizen input combined are: Table ES 4 2007 Key Facility Needs based on facility standards and citizen input 1 Trails 2 Recreation Center 3 Natural Areas /Open Space 4 Amphitheater 5 Modern Senior Center Facilities 6 Skateboard Park 7 Botanic Garden Executive Summary ES - 23 2007 Parks, Recreation & Open Space Master Plan o City of Choice Envisioning "City as Park" 7.4.4 High Priority Existing Park Improvement i) Individual Parks Recommendations are made for each park in the City's park system. These are general master plan level recommendations, and are intended only to define the magnitude of the improvements for each park. Each park should be programmed and master planned as it enters the design phase, and extensive area citizen and user group input should be included in the design process. Specific facility improvements per individual park are recommended in Chapter 3. ii) City -Wide The following city -wide key improvements to existing parks are recommended during the next 10 -year period. Renovation of Existing Parks • Ensure that all improvements meet ADA (American Disabilities Act) requirements. • Increase shade in all parks by planting additional trees where practical. O For additional landscape improvements, place preference on the application of native plantings including trees, wildflowers and grasses. • Provide shade structures at the children's play areas where feasible. • Provide educational opportunities. L.. -J Park Signage • Develop a branding concept for the City's signage, to be applied consistently at all the existing and future parks; a well- conceived and designed signage theme will add to the unique identity and character of the City of North Richland Hills. • Based on the branding concept, develop and install identification, informational, interpretative, directional, and founder recognition signage at all city parks. • Install additional directional signage throughout the city. Park Maintenance It is recommended that the Parks Department play an active role in implementing a holistic plant management program throughout the parks and grounds. Implement appropriate practices to promote a healthy soil micro -fauna and root system of all plants. Emphasize native and naturalized plants that are better adapted to the North Richland Hills and North Central Texas region. Wi -Fi Access Access to the Internet in parks is popular in many cities. Consider providing Wi -Fi access in community parks. Executive Summary ES -24 2007 Parks, Recreation & Open Space Master Plan O City of Choice Envisioning "City as Park" Wi -Fi is short for wireless fidelity, which allows the user to connect to the Internet without the need for hard -wire cabling. Wi- Fi- enabled computers use radio technologies to send and receive data within the range of a base station or hotspot, which is a connection point for a Wi -Fi network. Art in Public Places including Parks The purpose of the "Art in Public Spaces" program is to integrate art into the daily lives of the community through a diverse program that beautifies public spaces, improves quality of life and creates a distinctive identity for North Richland Hills. It is recommended that the city continue with their commendable effort to provide art in public places in the city. Continuing measures currently in place include: • Pursue a "Percentage for Art Program ", where a portion of the funding for all public projects is dedicated to outdoor art. • Fund every major park construction project for art. At a minimum, fund at least one installation every 2 to 3 years. • Place at prominent locations, and pursue joint placements with other entities such as local schools. 7.4.5 City -Wide Trail Connections Based on an the assessment of park and recreation needs, the 2007 Parks Master Plan addresses opportunities for future trail connections and trail heads. The purpose of a City -wide trail system is to connect to parks, recreation facilities and cultural destinations throughout the City, to connect to trails in adjacent cities and to provide alternate modes of transportation, connecting neighborhoods, schools, community centers for users of all ages. The 1994 City -wide Trails System Master Plan is very affective in achieving this. However, the popularity of trail usage and the projected population growth for build -out points to a future additional need for connectivity to meet increased demand. The map Trails Master Plan on page the next page shows the City -wide network of the existing, future and proposed trails and their connectivity to the parks and recreation system of North Richland Hills. 7.4.6 Parks Department Operations and Maintenance With the recommendations for additional parks, open space, and trails, additional manpower would be needed for the required maintenance of these various projects. The number of additional staff to attend to these proposed facilities will vary depending on the use of these facilities. However, positive support and the provision of adequate staffing must be included as each facility is developed, or the facility should not be built. Executive Summary ES - 25 2007 Parks, Recreation & Open Space Master Plan 1 i , AA I(EdER ,y Yrk yEE �d FOUNRS TOMMY AND &a.0. CREEK PARK'' SVERIPo( ". BEAR SANDLIN PARK ININSEY R0. i*' SENIOR ILIRErnp nn a 41, 444 ltl "r ` �. TIPPS CANINE NORTHFIELD 14 5 ?i HOLLOW DOG K s ...,.- 1 PARK —i., �'^SJ 1: _ -. ,.. ._. • $tl' CROSSY GREEN TNABERST: ad PARK,f VALLEY r COMMUNITY k 3 '9 �! PARK 3j _6U 9 - IIUYFMIlI R0. •: I 1 WORLD ADVENTURE • � � '� ,:' .� PARK l � -_ 4 ,.r ". ,$ - S S'7 NMNROalNOR r,• .' � .------- _ lk J­_11111 A 1@; RICH"' t••' ' 6 oil»N� POTENTIAL - r !+ ;•,y.s' J t CENTRALIZED RECREATTON t ION 4 NOME _ FACILLTY TOWW LAKES ,.• " "'-'!4 !a� LIBERTY ACE PARK .1 .PARK r! y a DAW5+ All( 5�7' *•�7 'z.Y11a' _3Y, 25..., ..a IjJjE ! .� CREEK PMK / c"� ° AIEMEMLD MILLS NR1110.f lY _.. _ �.. l ='POCKEEDH ` -�A� WATER PARK r I ♦,i s' R,... ftlfd NORICH r R f IIOLLMY LANE r RAIL ASSOCIATED 4j( • E _ ATHLETIC FIELDS TRAILCROSSING - IL�'r'- NO WIDE .E,S. S R b9,A BRIDGE PARK �sSTENNS D may' { IRON MORSE S =,C.g.S•r ", ~� • -CL RED, TION UNDERPASS IL C If OIF COURSE .} hr BEDFORD.EULESS ROAD GREENWAY;; , .. .✓ J ., • tA.� `CREEKS' . •g¢}pe xn sanx*L :ss'aaz�s+eaejy�S�1{, TRAIL uIV'en Pa:. 377 �� DAN EC OLS : KAY CRANGE R•:, ••; IRe Y! A7C eaurss l DIAMOND OAKS9.'©'� { i - -Ef 7 COUNTRY CLUB _ .Jly.r aMIMEW PRIPRI ` Li _ LJ SCHOOLS U: LINDA 01 GHEEH— EYELEMENTAHY E; I N NORTH RODE ELEMENTARY PARK. t' 0] NOR TN H OGE NIGGLE SCHOOL •' - l in6 -- W FOSTER VILLAGE ELEMENTARY 26� - 121 m 5M 1Xr ELO ELEMENrANr 007 6 NSMD EL H IG H DSC yl H N a FORTWORTH CHRIST SAN HOL SCHOOL CREEK aL CREEK PARK C OE NORTH WK CHRISTAN SCHOOL 10 ACADEMY CARRE F. THOMAS 'yYyLVN aYVZ 0.Jli �' -H!E`S .-r I 11 HOLIDAYHE GHTSELEME.NTAPY OPEN SPACE �, _ �.,• 11 IMMANUEL LW UTHERAN SCHOOL NON CITY 13 RICMND HIGH SCHOOL OWNED F �. 1 SNOWNEIGNI&ELEMENTARY s MULLNCMANOMOOLESLHOOL �a ■ ,'O �' / I6 CHRISTIAN IF/mNTED.EMENT11AR�Y 17 THE l =�Y EXISTING TRAILS 1. $T JOHN TXEAPOSTLE SONOOL / FUTURE TRAILS ® i rr.. PROPOSED TRAILS COMMUNITY PARKS ,121 SIGNED CONNECTIONS NEIGHBORHOOD PARKS ON- STREET BIKE ALL N wlea -_ - _ - ROUTE, ETBI SOUTH SPECIAL PURPOSE PARKS ON- STREET BIKE LINEAR PARKS ROUTE, EAST WEST x PROPOSED TRAIL HEAD VACANT LAND b,61 9? u City of Choice Envisioning "City as Park" The city's needs pertaining to parks and recreation facilities operations and maintenance are addressed in terms of: Potential changes to operations and maintenance techniques, equipment and strategies; The city's parks and operations maintenance facility; and Sustainable parks operations and maintenance. i) Operations and Maintenance Programs and Facility Continue to ensure future effectiveness and efficiency of the city's parks operations and maintenance programs. Implement an adequate central maintenance facility. ii) Sustainable Parks Operations and Maintenance 1. The city should develop a plan to implement native plant material with low water requirement in all landscape situations where possible. 2. The city should implement an annual tree planting program in all parks to provide for additional shade, to phase the cost for these trees, and to ensure healthy grouping of old and young trees together. 3. The city should establish a tree farm for the propagation of trees native to North Central Texas. These trees are adapted to the local climate and soil conditions and will result in superior tree cover, shade, and drought tolerance. 4. The city should implement the practice of producing compost whereby tree and plant clippings are chipped and mulched for re -use as compost on all city property. The purpose is to implement an integrated and organic maintenance approach for the entire city that minimizes reliance on chemicals and pesticides. 5. The city should invest in a city -wide irrigation system that is a computerized central control system radio linked for the efficient management of irrigation, including an automated irrigation added to all athletic practice fields to improve the safety of participants, improve the quality of the turf, and improve the vitality and resilience of the turf. Executive Summary ES - 26 2007 Parks, Recreation & Open Space Master Plan e 16i 9? &A City of Choice Envisioning "City as Park" 8.1 Introduction As a whole the Parks Master Plan provides a "roadmap" to fulfill the vision, "City as Park ". This chapter, one of the most crucial to make this vision a reality, prioritizes the recommendations outlined in Chapter 7 and discusses potential sources of funding for the implementation of these recommendations. The map, "Parks and Trails Master Plan" on the next page illustrates the existing and proposed parks and trails for the City of North Richland Hills. The criteria used to prioritize the park facilities needs in North Richland Hills are as follows: • Level of need based on citizen input on a city -wide basis (demand based need); • Level of need based on standards assessments (standard based need); • Opportunities for recreation facilities and parks based on existing physical conditions in North Richland Hills (resource based need); and • Based on experience of consulting in the parks and recreation field. Executive Summary ES - 27 2007 Parks, Recreation & Open Space Master Plan io KR H fft. PARK 11 BURSEY RD SENIOR CENTER En �`P TIPPS CANINE NORTHFIELD W K 'a HOLLOW PARK to t. GREEN VALLEY 'p 7 COMMUNITY PARK RMNE. ADVENTURE ------ WRA WORLD ----- ------ - IL 11 T ------------ AITA A A AUG A." DICK K .. ........ POTENTIAL CENTRALIZED RECREATION HIM FACILITY -LIKES t UB= ACE PARK v— WALKER'S DA MS R C EALD HILLSE7 POCKET PARK PAN NORICH " iNQUDAY LANE PAIL ASSOCIATED D5 PARK TRAILCROSSiNG DR . ATHLFTiC FIEL 1 91 50 WIDE im CHI-Alo BRIDGE PARK A Y. TENNIS —CENTER 121, 183 f - - -1 IRON .IRON NORM' ------- I GOLF COURSE, 5 S CENTER UO WIRP TRAIL NDE ASS Id ROAD GREENWAY; BEDFORD-EULESS - - - - - - - -- - !-� CREEK SIDE TRAIL UNDERPA KAY QMMAR 4 ,.....SENIOR CEN 4. DIAMOND SCHOOLS COUNTRY IJADA 01 WEEK VALLEY ELEMENTARY BPLI PARK, Q NORTH RIME ELEMENTARY 0 NORTH RIDGE MIDDLE SCHC.l 26 0 FOSTER VILLAGE ELEMENTARY PARK MIDDLE "C" FOSSIL A OL 11 EA-V LLE HIGH SCHOOL 'CR' WORTH c"' '" SCHOOL wAll — CHRIS— SCHOOL C ;10 ACADEMY AT CARRIE F THOMAS AILLS 12 HOLIDAY HEIGHTS ELEMENTARY IMMANUEL LUTHERAN SCHOOL OPEN PACE 13 NON CITY RICHLAND IHIGHSCHOCL 14 SNOW HEIG TSEILEMERTAPY OWNED 13 MURDER MUL E DORE ELEMENORY 0 CH IST MA TEMPLE SCH 00 L Pwlw I Mle Radw t§61 9? u City of Choice Envisioning "City as Park" 8.2 Priorities Based on Public Input, Continuing Goals and Needs, and Facility Standards Tables ES -5 shows the parks and recreation top priorities for facilities funding. Ten recommended projects are identified as priorities for development. Seven other projects are identified as recommended priorities for renovation and improvement projects. Table ES -6 lists unprioritized, general recommendations for all parks, relative to their Programmed Space/ Support facilities, the Natural Areas/ Open Space, and Sustainable Opportunities. See Table ES -5 Parks and Recreation Priorities Based on Public Input, Continuing Goals and Needs, and Facility Standards, on the next page. See also Table ES -6 General Recommendations for All Parks. 8.3 2007 -2017 Action Plan A large amount of funding is required to accomplish the recommendations of the 2007 Parks Master Plan, but with vision, commitment, and a concerted effort to secure funding from available sources, many of the recommendations can be accomplished. The very purpose of this Parks, Recreation and Open Space Master Plan is to guide future development and provide the City of North Richland Hills with a tool to motivate the citizens of North Richland Hills to support, participate, and collaborate with park development, recreation programs and achieving the vision of "City as Park'. 8.4 Funding Strategies Different parks and pathways /trails will require different funding strategies. While improvements to existing parks and most sidewalks can be built with local funds, other parks, open space, and trail projects may be able to contend for state or federal funds, although the level of these funding sources has decreased significantly in recent years. 8.4.1 City Generated Funding Sources 1. General Fund Expenditures 2. Bond Funds 3. Electric Utility Partnerships 4. Electric Utility Bill Contributions 5. Half Cent Sales Tax Funds 6. Park Donations Funds Executive Summary ES -28 2007 Parks, Recreation & Open Space Master Plan 1. Completion of Trails System Master Plan 2. Modern Recreation Center 3. Development of a Neighborhood Park in the Central West Area 4. Walker's Creek Park Phase II (Adult Softball Fields) 5. Southside Multipurpose Community Center 6. Modern Senior Center Facilities (TBD by future feasibility study on senior services.) 7. Amphitheater 8. Skateboard Park 9. Development of a Neighborhood Park in the Central East Area 10. Botanic Garden 1. Northfield Park Redevelopment 2. Norich Park Phase II 3. Cross Timbers Park Phase II 4. Natural Areas/ Open Space (Programming to include Interpretative Signage and Protection) 5. Trail Heads and Gateways 6. Fossil Creek Park Improvements 7. Richfield Park Infrastructure improvements ;; HALFF EO f Programmed Space/ Support Facilities (Unprioritized) • Incorporate shade structures to provide sun protection at children's play areas. Provide multi -tier roof pavilions for shade and to reduce heat build up. Install educational signage relating to culture, history and the natural environment. Introduce learning opportunities in partnership with BISD, i.e. environmental education through an outdoor learning center, display gardens, butterfly gardens, etc. Provide a unique and defined gateway to each park. Develop trail connections per the Trail System Master Plan. Develop and implement a focused tree planting program to ensure the timely and conscientious replacement of dying trees in the future. Install public art as appropriate to the theme and scale of each park. Y Natural Areas/ Open Space (Unprioritized) Introduce shade trees as part of the annual tree planting program as appropriate. Add quality designed informational signage relating to creek ecology, habitat protection, water conservation, wildlife and the value, growth pattern and beauty of native plants. Establish native riparian plants along the edge of the drainage easements to create a more natural appearance with trees and grasses to more natural appearance with trees and grasses and to encourage the introduction of water assoicated biota including amphibians and fish. Introduce soft surface trails along creeks for nature exploration. Sustainable Opportunities (Unprioritized) For landscape improvements, place preference on the application of native plantings including trees, wildflowers and grasses. Decrease areas that need mowing and irrigation, which are typically energy intensive. Consider an integrated maintenance approach that minimizes reliance on chemicals and pesticides. Consider bio- filtration swales adjacent to parking areas to assist with the removal of pollutants that derive from vehicles before the run -off water reaches the storm water system and /or the City's creek system. Consider installing permeable paving surface "green pavers" for parking areas to reduce water run -off that contributes to flooding. Consider alternate understorey groundcover such as the shade loving native grass inland sea oats, (Chasmanthium latifolium), to abate sheet erosion. Develop ecological education programs with BISD, relevant to North Richland Hills' parks system, in which the students actively participate. HALF F 0 IS61 0 u JR A "a City of Choice Envisioning "City as Park" 8.4.2 Governmental Grant Sources 1. TPWD - Texas Recreation and Parks Account (TRPA) 2. Outdoor Recreation Grants 3. Indoor Recreation (Facility) Grants 4. Community Outdoor Outreach Program (CO -OP) Grants 5. Recreational Trail Grants 6. Land & Water Conservation Fund (LWCF) Grants 7. Regional Park Grants 8. National Park Service (NPS) Programs i 9. Environmental Protection Agency 10. Sustainable Development Funding Program 11. Regional Transportation Council Partnership Program 12. Transportation Enhancement Program funds available 13. H.U.D. and state administered Community Development Block Grants (CDBG) 8.4.3 Other Private and Quasi Private Funding Sources 1. Partnering with Developers and Private Land Owners 2. Other Foundation and Company Grants 3. Grants for Greenways 4. An "Adopt -a -Park Program" 5. Sponsorship through Businesses 6. Partnerships with Community/ Interest or Volunteer Groups 7. National Endowment for the Humanities 8.5 Policies and Ordinances Ordinance Support for Trail System Development Utilize Park Land Dedication Ordinance to assist in the implementation of a city -wide trail system. Trail corridors can be integrated into developments as the development goes through the platting process. Land for trail corridors can be donated in a fashion similar to the dedication of land for traditional parks, and each adjacent development can be required to construct its portion of the overall trail system, or other trails that connect to the main trail network. Flower Mound and Allen, Texas have trail dedication components built into their Park dedication ordinances that can be used as models. Park and Recreation Board City Staff should provide presentations of significant changes in the Parks Master Plan and provide brief summaries of annual updates to the documentation. This will provide the Board with comprehensive information to assist with development decisions. Executive Summary ES -29 2007 Parks, Recreation & Open Space Master Plan EO Ibld 9? &4 'in a City of Choice Envisioning "City as Park" Joint Planning with the neighboring Cities of Watauga, Keller, Colleyville, Hurst, Richland Hills and Haltom City Establish joint planning efforts with these neighboring cities to provide additional options to address recreation needs in North Richland Hills. Joint Planning with Birdville ISD Establish joint planning review sessions with Birdville ISD to allow for coordination of facilities usage and development. Joint Planning with Tarrant County Continue joint planning efforts with Tarrant County to provide additional options to address recreation needs in North Richland Hills. Other City Plans The success of the Parks Master Plan implement goes hand -in -hand with other City plans and ordinances e.g. Comprehensive Plan; Drainage and Flood Management Plan; and Thoroughfare Plan. 8.6 Plan Updates The 2007 North Richland Hills Parks, Recreation and Open Space Master Plan is a guide to be used by the city to develop the existing system for future needs over the next 5 to 10 up to 25 years. There will be changes that occur during the time frame of this plan: • Population may increase more rapidly than projected; • The community may indicate a special need for a facility not listed in the recommendations; and • Development of recommendations will occur. Executive Summary ES -30 2007 Parks, Recreation & Open Space Master Plan INFORMAL REPORT TO MAYOR AND CITY COUNCIL No. 2007 -123 A Date: November 5, 2007 V Subject: 2007 Comprehensive Plan Update The Comprehensive Land Use Plan and companion document Thoroughfare Plan are important planning documents that serve as an overall city guide for future development related decisions. The Comprehensive Plan is intended as a 5 to 7 year guideline indicating future desires for thoroughfare and land uses, but does not directly affect existing zoning. The Comprehensive Plan was previously updated in 2001 and in 1992. The major contributing factors for the current 2007 Comprehensive Plan update include the need to provide updated land use and thoroughfare changes to the Council of Governments for planning of the widening of Loop 820 and to provide land use potential as part of the Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) for the SW to NE Corridor Study which is underway to identify the potential for commuter rail service along the Cotton Belt Rail Line. North Richland Hills' Iron Horse and Smithfield stations are currently identified on the Regional Rail Plan. We need to continually provide planning to support mixed use transit oriented development to regional agencies and push to receive sales tax funding if North Richland Hills hopes to have commuter rail in the future. At this time a commuter rail could be up and running on the Cotton Belt as early as 2012. As part of the Comprehensive Plan Update staff has included four specific maps — Comprehensive Land Use Map, Thoroughfare Map, Strategic Planning Area map and the Transit Concept Map. These maps have been reviewed by City Staff and the Planning & Zoning Commission over the past couple of months. Numerous meetings have also been held with the Development Review Committee, the Council of Governments, TXDOT and the Fort Worth Transportation Authority. Public notices have been published for public hearings before the Planning & Zoning Commission on October 18, 2007 and before the City Council on November 12, 2007. The entire Comprehensive Plan maps and written document have also been displayed in the City Hall foyer and Planning Department as well as the city's website for public review. ISSUED BY THE CITY MANAGER NORTH RICHLAND HILLS, TEXAS The major changes to the Comprehensive Plan include 1) updating the maps; 2) introducing new mixed use land use districts; and 3) incorporating previous study recommendations from the Loop 820 Corridor Study, Boulevard 26 Corridor Study and Smithfield Conservation District study. The 2007 Comprehensive Plan Update was completed in -house with assistance from the Development Review Committee, Public Works and the Planning and Information Services departments. A major part of the Future Land Use Plan includes two new land uses - Mixed Use One and Mixed Use Two. Mixed Use One includes the core area within walking distance around future rail stations which will allow a more intense relationship to the rail line and higher densities while Mixed Use Two is a transitional area with compatibility to the core development area and linkages to the broader community. Special design standards will be required in both mixed use districts with streetscape and form based building plans that address the relationship between buildings and the public realm, form and mass of buildings and the scale and type of streets and blocks that foster pedestrian activity and a "sense of place." There are several minor revisions to the Thoroughfare Plan as a result of map updates and proposed revisions to particular roadway designations. Upon approval of the 2007 Comprehensive Plan, staff will submit this plan to the Council of Governments, the Fort Worth Transportation Authority and the Texas Department of Transportation as evidence to support planning and funding efforts for the Cotton Belt Rail line and Loop 820 improvements. Staff will also begin the process of hiring outside consultants to develop new zoning districts for Mixed Use development around the future rail stations. We have prepared an enclosed power point presentation that outlines specific changes as part of the proposed 2007 Comprehensive Plan Update. The Planning & Zoning Commission has given unanimous approval of this document. We seek your input and direction and have scheduled a formal public hearing with a proposed ordinance adoption of the 2007 Comprehensive Plan Update on November 12, 2007. Respectfully Submitted, John Pitstick Mike Curtis Director of Planning & Development Director of Public Works 2007 COMPREHENSIVE PLAN UPDATE CITY COUNCIL Oscar Trevino PE, Mayor Suzy Compton, Mayor Pro Tern John Lewis Ken Sapp PLANNING AND ZONING COMMISSION Randy Shiflet- Chairman Bill Schopper- Vice Chairman Don Bowen- Secretary Mike Benton STAFF Larry J. Cunningham, City Manager Ogden "Bo" Bass AICP, Assistant City Manager John Pitstick, Planning & Development Director Eric Wilhite, Chief Planner Tina Hansen, GIS Analyst Tim Barth, PhD David Whitson Scott Turnage Tim Welch, PE Steven Cooper Mark Haynes Kelly Gent Dianna Madar Prepared by: The Planning & Zoning Commission, Development Review Committee, Planning Staff, Public Works Staff and Information Services Staff of North Richland Hills November 2007 2007 Comprehensive Plan Update I. PURPOSE The primary purposes of North Richland Hills' Comprehensive Plan update are: to guide future development in a manner consistent with the city's objectives, and to determine potential land uses for the City of North Richland Hills. It should be noted that the updated future land use plan does not directly affect existing zoning on any property within the city, but could affect how future zoning requests will be considered based on the updated comprehensive plan. In addition, the future land use plan is intended to be a short term (five -year to seven -year) guideline to help the planning and zoning commission and city council consider various development - related decisions in the future; it is also intended to provide a framework for areas that are in need of special strategic initiatives. The City of North Richland Hills completed its most recent comprehensive land use plan update in 2001 which was prepared by the planning and zoning commission of North Richland Hills, with assistance by Dunkin, Sefko, & Associates. Major Contributing Factors Three major factors have contributed to the need for the 2007 updated elements of the comprehensive plan: 1)the demand for residential housing and resulting infill development occurring as a result of the adoption of the RI -PD (Residential Infill Planned Development) ordinance in 2004, 2)the development of a regional rail plan indicating two future rail stations within North Richland Hills and 3)plans for significantly widening and improving the Loop 820 highway and how the Loop 820 Corridor land uses will transition following massive reconstruction of Loop 820. Residential Infill Development The City of North Richland Hills continues to see residential infill development in several areas throughout the city. The residential infill planned development ordinance has been used as a tool to allow minimal density increases in single family detached housing while providing significant increases in design and open space. The residential infill projects are generally between 5 and 6 units per acre and will be shown on the comprehensive land use plan as a medium density residential land use. Commuter rail Regional planning efforts continue to show two potential rail station sites along the Cotton Belt rail line within North Richland Hills. At the time of this publication the Fort Worth Transportation Authority "The T" was in the process of submitting a draft environmental impact statement for federal transit review to bring commuter rail from southwest Fort Worth to the north end of DFW Airport by 2012. A major section of the SW to NE Rail Corridor runs through North Richland Hills including the Iron Horse and Smithfield rail stations. Land use map changes have been included in the 2007 Comprehensive Land Use Map identifying new mixed use districts to encourage transit oriented development around future commuter rail stations. Continued planning is needed to move this effort forward and a legislative push to allow additional sales tax funding if North Richland Hills hopes to have commuter rail in the future. Loop 820 improvements Planning has been underway for several years to widen and improve Loop 820 through North Richland Hills. Current plans for the "North Tarrant Express" include 6 freeway lanes and 4 managed lanes with highway construction beginning in 2012 or beyond. The Texas Department of Transportation is currently undergoing a competitive selection for developing, financing, constructing and maintaining Loop 820 from I -35W to the Northeast Interchange under a Comprehensive Development Agreement. The City of North Richland Hills seeks to reinvent this corridor in a manner that meets the demands of the market head -on following the massive reconstruction of this important gateway with the community. The Loop 820 Corridor Plan was completed in 2005 to develop a set of strategies to encourage private investment that is crucial to the redevelopment of Loop 820. Continued planning and coordination is needed to assure the successful transition of land use types along the Loop 820 corridor. Please see specific guidelines and implementation strategies outlined in following sections regarding Loop 820 as a strategic planning area. II. THE FUTURE LAND USE PLAN A critical part of the Comprehensive Plan Update includes map updates to the Comprehensive Land Use Map, Thoroughfare Map, Strategic Planning Area Map and the Transit Concept Map. The future land use plan and thoroughfare plan elements are perhaps the most important comprehensive plan elements, due to the fact that they are intended to provide overall guidance to areas that are vacant, as well as to areas that have already developed and need specific enhancement action. It is, therefore, essential to clearly identify areas of the city wherein the different types of future land uses are most appropriate and best suited, the amount of land that should be allocated for each type, and the means by which people are able to access these land uses. Several existing characteristics of the city have been outlined for the purpose of creating a context for the updated future land use plan as are areas identified as being strategic in nature. Specific recommendations regarding the thoroughfare plan are also included. The land uses that develop in the future, as well as the maintenance and viability of those that currently exist, will shape the character and feel-of North Richland Hills as it reaches its ultimate capacity. The future land use plan is graphically depicted with an enclosed map, and the number of acres and percentage of land allocated for each proposed land use is shown in Table 1. The recommendations made herein regarding future land use are the result of previous studies, workshops, meetings and public hearings before the city council and the planning and zoning commission. Several key elements have been used to determine the land use configuration recommended within this future land use plan, including compatibility with existing land uses, compatibility with proposed land uses, locational criteria, and aesthetic criteria. • H 0 2000 4000 6000 8000 1000 Feet COMPASHE SIVELAND USE PLAN x V Lf i i'77 I 1L LOW# 4:1 fqRH COMPREHENSIVE LAND USE PLAN Proposed Update October 18, 2007 All fit r To-". i � ,y `�`1 1L LOW# 4:1 fqRH COMPREHENSIVE LAND USE PLAN Proposed Update October 18, 2007 .'7 TABLE 1 Future Land Use City of North Richland Hills, Texas TART F. TNgF.T- Land Use Category Acres Percent of Total Land Residential Use 5,283.8 45.2 percent Low density 4,706.9 40.3 percent Medium density 194.1 1.7 percent High density 351.7 3.0 percent Manufactured home i 31.1 0.3 percent Parks /open space (1) 1,241.7 10.6 percent Public /semipublic 565.6 4.8 percent Office 170.8 1.5 percent Neighborhood service 179.6 1.5 percent Retail 908.0 7.8 percent Town center 237.9 2.0 percent Mixed Use One 193.1 1.7 percent Mixed Use Two 463.1 4.0 percent Commercial 267.0 2.3 percent Industrial 23.3 0.2 percent Right -of -way, Easements, Railroads (2) 2,152.1 18.4 percent Total Acreage Within the City 11,686.0 100.00 percent (1) Includes approximately 81 acres of golf course, theme park, and Little Bear Creek Corridor. (2) Estimated at the same amount as currently exists; this is likely to increase slightly as development occurs. Source: City of North Richland Hills Geographic Information Systems The following discussion outlines the different types of land uses that are recommended for North Richland Hills' updated future land use plan. It should be noted that there is a new designation for mixed use land uses added with the 2007 update. The following discussion is intended to give North Richland Hills more specific guidance as it reaches its build -out configuration. All of the land uses discussed, especially nonresidential land uses, should have design standards attached to them to ensure that new development makes a positive contribution C. to the character of the city; these standards should be implemented through the zoning ordinance and adopted policy. The 1992 Comprehensive Land Use Plan utilized four residential and four nonresidential land use types; the 2001 updated future land use plan utilized four residential and eight nonresidential land use types. The 2007 updated future land use plan utilizes four residential, eight nonresidential and two mixed use types. Residential Land Uses 5,283.8 acres - 45.2 percent of total acreage Residential land use designates areas used for residential dwelling units and related accessory buildings. Residential land use is the predominate use within the city currently, and this is expected to continue. This type of land use can be further delineated into the following residential categories: Low Density Residential 4,706 acres - 40.3 percent of total acreage This use is intended to provide for traditional, low density single - family detached dwelling units. Of the residential categories, the low density category accounts for a majority of the residential acres in North Richland Hills at the present time. The future land use plan proposes that this trend continue, with much of the remaining vacant land recommended for this use. Medium Density Residential 194.1 acres -1.7 percent of total acreage This use is intended to provide for medium density attached dwelling units such as duplex units and townhomes. This plan also recognizes land use changes to residential infill planned development uses that do include some single family detached products. There are currently few areas of the city that are used for medium density residential land use. The future land use plan recommends that the city maintain its existing percentage of land allocated for this type of land use; in situations where office uses are shown as buffering elements to low density residential areas, or where retail uses serve as transition elements to low density residential areas, additional medium density uses or residential infill planned development products may be considered as a part of a mixed -use development proposal. It should also be noted that opportunities for this type of use including townhomes and row houses within the areas designated for the town center and the mixed use districts. High Density Residential 351.7 acres - 3.0 percent of total acreage This use is intended to provide for high density residential development, such as traditional apartment -type units with multiple - family attached living complexes. As with medium density uses, it is recommended that the city maintain its existing percentage of high density residential land uses. New high density residential development in the future should be incorporated within a larger development plan as part of a mixed use development or follow development guidelines within a strategic planning area. Manufactured Housing 31.1 acres • 0.3 percent of total acreage This use is intended to provide areas for moderately high - density development of HUD Code manufactured homes, constructed to a standard recognized by the Texas Manufactured Housing Standards Act, V.T.C.A., Occupations Code § 1201.001 et seq. Areas for this type of land use are located in North Richland Hills. Office Land Uses 170.8 acres • 1. S percent of total acreage Office land use designates areas used for professional and organizational office needs, e.g., administrative, doctors, dentists, real estate, architects, accountants, secretarial service, etc.; office uses are intended to be designed in a manner that is compatible with residential land uses. The future land use plan recommends areas for new office land uses along several major roadways within North Richland Hills (Davis Boulevard, Precinct Line Road, etc.), and proposes office uses for buffering purposes to protect the integrity of residential land uses, especially where residential land uses are located in close proximity to major roadways. Neighborhood Service Land Uses 179.6 acres • 1.5 percent of total acreage Neighborhood service land use designates areas used for limited or light retail activity, such as service establishments and small stores, at specified major roadway intersections near residential areas to serve neighborhoods in close proximity. Also office land uses and neighborhood service uses are intended to be designed in a manner that is compatible with residential land uses. Uses that may be appropriate in such areas include small grocery stores, pharmacies, personal service shops (e.g., hair salons, dry cleaners, tailors, florists, etc.), day care centers, medical /dental and general offices, banks /financial institutions, small restaurants and cafes, a convenience store, and related establishments. Similar to office uses, the future land use plan recommends that neighborhood service uses be utilized as buffer areas for residential land uses located close to major roadways. Retail Land Uses 908.0 acres • 7.8 percent of total acreage Retail land use areas are intended to provide for a variety of retail trade, personal and business services and establishments. The future land use plan recommends that these types of land uses are located along the frontage of major thoroughfares, primarily for easy accessibility and good visibility. These thoroughfares include Loop 820, Rufe Snow Drive, Davis Boulevard, Precinct Line Road, Boulevard 26 and North Tarrant Parkway. Town Center District 237.9 acres • 2.0 percent of total acreage The town center land use designation directly relates to the town center zoning district. The town center is intended to establish development standards to promote a sustainable, high quality, mixed use development scenario that provides the opportunity for many uses typically associated with a city's town center. The town center is comprised of the neighborhood ed�ghborhood general, neighborhood center and neighborhood core. Each subzone provides for a gradient of development and use intensity. The edge zone is comprised almost exclusively of single - family houses. The general zone primarily consists of single - family with the opportunity for limited office use in a house. The neighborhood center and neighborhood core zones allow for a mix of uses, including residential and nonresidential uses in the same building. All the components of each zone - the buildings, the streets, and the public spaces - are scaled for that zone in an effort to create and sustain an integrated living environment. Mixed -Use Land Uses Mixed -Use One 193.1 acres - 1.7 percent of total acreage The mixed -use one land use delineates the core development area generally within 1/4 mile walking distance around a future commuter rail station or a unique public or private land use that has a significant regional attraction and encourages multi -modal access. This district is intended for a variety of higher density mixed -use building types that accommodate retail, offices, row houses and apartments above or connected to nonresidential uses. Higher intensity development is encouraged in this district by allowing vertical and horizontal mixes of development with neighborhood - serving retail, service and other uses on the ground floor and residential units adjacent to the nonresidential space. Development in this area should have a tight network of streets, with wide sidewalks and buildings set close to the street frontage. On- street parking is allowed and parking lots or parking structures should be located behind primary buildings. Public open space areas, tree -lined streets and attractive vistas should also be incorporated into planning and design efforts for this district. Special design standards for streetscapes and form based building facade plans should be required in approving development in the mixed -use one district to address the relationship between building facades and the public realm, the form and mass of buildings in relation to one another, and the scale and type of streets and blocks which encourages intensity of uses but fosters pedestrian activity and a sense of place. Mixed -Use Two 463.1 acres - 4.0 percent of total acreage The mixed -use two land use delineates a transitional land use area directly adjacent to the mixed - use one area and is intended to accommodate a variety of uses from office, retail, technical and information industries to medium density housing. Special design standards should be required in approving development in the mixed -use two district supporting compatibility with the mixed - use one district and linkages to the broader community. Commercial Land Uses 267 acres - 2.3 percent of total acreage The commercial land use designation delineates areas intended for a variety of commercial uses including automobile related services, retail trade, and business services establishments with outside storage, display and sales. Outside uses /storage areas are required to be buffered from residential uses and public views. The future land use plan recommends that commercial land uses are concentrated within the most heavily traveled corridors of the city, specifically along Loop 820, Davis Boulevard (in close proximity to Loop 820), Iron Horse Boulevard (in close proximity to Rufe Snow Drive), and near Boulevard 26 (in the southern portion of North Richland Hills). Industrial Land Uses 23.3 acres • 0.2 percent of total acreage Industrial land use designates areas intended for a range of heavy commercial, assembly, warehousing, manufacturing and service -type uses. The primary concentration of industrial uses is recommended on the north side of the Cotton Belt Rail line off of Browning and Wuliger Way, in the western area of North Richland Hills. Public /Semipublic Land Use 565.6 acres • 4.8 percent of total acreage The public /semipublic land use designation is intended to permit nonprofit activities of an educational, religious, governmental or institutional nature. Schools, churches, hospitals, governmental buildings, fire stations and water towers would be considered public /semipublic areas. Notable areas used for public /semipublic purposes include the North Richland Hills City Hall/Police Station, the two high schools, Richland High School and Birdville High School, and Tarrant County College. Parks /Open Space Land Use 1,241.7 acres • 10.6 percent of total acreage The parks /open space land use designation is provided to identify all public parks, golf courses, trail systems, open spaces and flood prone areas. The City of North Richland Hills has an exceptional park system that is key to the quality of life its residents are able to enjoy. The 2007 Parks, Recreation and Open Space Master Plan focuses on creating a park system that will meet the ultimate recreational needs and desires of the community, improve the physical form and appearance of the City and preserve and enhance open space and natural resources. The Plan includes recommendations for providing additional parkland to meet build -out needs, new park development priorities and renovation of existing parks. The Master Plan is supported by the comprehensive plan update in terms of encouraging additional neighborhood, and community parks, as well as preservation of open space and completion of the trail system. Future Land Use Plan Interpretation Policies The city should utilize the future land use plan update and the associated policies in this report to further establish the general pattern of development within North Richland Hills. This pattern of development should be implemented through adopted policies, enacted ordinances, and recognized guidelines (as appropriate). This future land use plan provides a context for this pattern through a general description of land use categories and explanation of key components of the plan. It is important to note that the future land use plan is not the city's official zoning map. Rather, it is a guide to decision making in the context of the city's future land use patterns. The future land use plan should be used consistently and updated as needed, as North Richland Hills continues in its tradition of coordinated, quality development over time. EO III. THE THOROUGHFARE PLAN The following list of amendments has been added to the city's thoroughfare plan. For detailed information regarding the streets in the town center area, refer to the North Richland Hills' Town Center Master Plan. 1. The 2001 Thoroughfare Plan included streets from a portion of the City of Watauga on the Thoroughfare Plan's illustration. Streets outside the city limits of North Richland Hills are proposed to no longer be included on the 2007 Thoroughfare Plan's illustration. 2. The 2001 Plan indicated Bursey Road west of Davis Boulevard and the realignment of Smithfield Road as future improvements. Both of these sections of street have been constructed and are now proposed to be indicated in the appropriate manner as C4U (Major 4 Lane Undivided Collector) on the 2007 Plan. 3. The 2001 Plan indicated the Loop 820 /SH 121 /SH 183 interchange as future improvements. This interchange has been reconstructed and the "future improvements indication" is proposed to be removed from the 2007 Plan. 4. Harwood Road east of Boulevard 26 is indicated as an M4U (Minor 4 Lane Undivided Collector) on the 2001 Plan. While this designation is correct west of Boulevard 26 - east of Boulevard 26, Harwood Road is a six lane divided road. As such, Harwood Road east of Boulevard 26 is proposed to be indicated as an M61) (Minor 6 Lane Divided Collector) on the 2007 Plan. 5. The 2007 Plan proposes changing the designation of Main Street between Smithfield Road and Davis Boulevard from C4U (Major 4 Lane Undivided Collector) to C2U (Minor 2 Lane Undivided Collector). 6. The 2001 Plan indicated Windhaven as a future C2U (Minor 2 Lane Undivided Collector) street between Chapman Road and Hightower Drive. This street would lie within property that is now platted as the Graham Ranch Addition, Phases I and II, and as such Windhaven is proposed to be removed from the 2007 Plan. 7. The 2001 Plan indicated Susan Lee Lane between Loop 820 and North Richland Boulevard as C2U (Minor 2 Lane Undivided Collector). However, with the additions to Huggins Honda, the section of Susan Lee Lane between Loop 820 and Maplewood Avenue is proposed to be changed to a residential 2 lane undivided street. 8. The 2007 Plan proposes to establish Amundson Drive between Main Street and Amundson Road as C4U (Major 4 Lane Undivided Collector). I �v I C ® KNIMUM GEOMETRIC STREET DESIGN STANDARDS ROADWAY TYPE �61OR ElFaWMT .n w w rn� uu, w T C2U 11-1 ,1J C2U t` o_ J M4U C P6D (200 R.O.W ) C U C2U I NORTH C21J ,� HILLS THOROUGHFARE PLAN October 18, 2007 5� i LEGEND ROADS • � Etlpe al pavemaMxback ofcxb. ++ter RAILROADS CITY LIMIT LINES NO PAVEMENT EXISTS TOWN CENTER' TOWN CENTER ('—. roads)' '6ea 0—... No. 2350 kr Nm V S.—Ms DIVIDED ROADWAYS P6D 61--lAdanal, 6 Laws, ONNatl ar -- M6D MinorA .I. 6 Wes, Divkletl M4D Mkwr AderW, UNDIVIDED 4 Lane, 0- ROADWAYS sssnssssrsrr ARTewus- couECrou P PnmipslAdenal. ] Lawa. Undmklatl a aaaaa, MSU MinarMxal. 5 Lanes, UMWklatl M- MawrMaml. 0 Lanes, UMiritletl C4U Mapr CaYedor, 4 Lanes, UntlNklxl arrsrrrrarr C2U 2 —, 2 Lanes.. . U—ntivitled LOCALSTREET mu Ratid 1.1. 2 —, Und — (Note: 6oma kcal"' are pr-" " p -) HWY 820 NORTH FutMa Improvements C2U 11-1 ,1J C2U t` o_ J M4U C P6D (200 R.O.W ) C U C2U I NORTH C21J ,� HILLS THOROUGHFARE PLAN October 18, 2007 5� i 9. The 2007 Plan shows the re- naming of Simmons Drive south of Mid - Cities Boulevard as Hawk Avenue per recent City Council action. Further, the section of this street between Mid - Cities Boulevard and Ice House Drive is proposed as C4U (Major 4 Lane Undivided Collector) and the section of Hawk Drive between Ice House Drive and the "curve" located between the new library and Walker Creek Elementary School is proposed as C2U (Minor 2 Lane Undivided Collector). 10. The 2007 Plan proposes to establish Weyland Drive between the Access Road on the north side of SH 183 and Harwood Road as C2U (Minor 2 Lane Undivided Collector). 11. In the Martin Drive and Simmons Road area, the 2007 Plan proposes to remove the C2U (Minor 2 Lane Undivided Collector) designation from Simmons Road south of Main Street and to extend the C2U (Minor 2 Lane Undivided Collector) designation of Martin Drive to Mid - Cities Boulevard such that Martin Drive between Mid - Cities Boulevard and Precinct Line Road will be designated as a C2U (Minor 2 Lane Undivided Collector). 12. The 2007 Plan proposes to establish Combs Road between Boulder Drive and Rufe Snow Drive as a C2U (Minor 2 Lane Undivided Collector). IV. PROPOSED STRATEGIC PLANNING AREAS The strategic planning areas include properties that may have specific issues or more detailed planning needs and may be appropriate for land use changes under certain guidelines or strategies. Additional studies have been completed and will continue to be updated that may affect future development in these areas. The planning and zoning commission and city council will develop strategies and implementation efforts in these areas for long term decisions not specifically identified on the future land use plan map. These areas include: • Loop 820 Corridor • Boulevard 26 Corridor • Home Town • Smithfield Conservation District • Iron Horse Transit District Loop 820 Corridor City leaders recognize that with the major improvements of Loop 820 and Airport Freeway and the growth and development of the Metroplex will come a more dense and urban use of land along these major freeways. The Loop 820 Corridor Plan was completed in 2005 by Kimley- Horn and Associates and Townscape Inc. The primary emphasis of the Loop 820 Plan includes a corridor wide theme with four distinct districts including Iron Horse district, Civic district, Cross Roads district and the Design district. o e r ?`= Corridor Image and Districts Plan R, Iron Horse District Civic District TxDOT Bridge Enhancem ti. Holiday Lane Intersection Intersection Node Elements Consistent Corridor Elements Bedford Euless Intersection Highway 26 Intersection Designer Distric# Map Legend Yellow brick road 0 0.35 0.5 e Scale N Study Team Kimley -Hom and Associates, Inc May 2005 Transit Oriented Development in the Iron Horse District Iron Horse Drive Intersection R, Iron Horse District Civic District TxDOT Bridge Enhancem ti. Holiday Lane Intersection Intersection Node Elements Consistent Corridor Elements Bedford Euless Intersection Highway 26 Intersection Designer Distric# Map Legend Yellow brick road 0 0.35 0.5 e Scale N Study Team Kimley -Hom and Associates, Inc May 2005 These districts were created to visually clue the travelling public that they were in a unique area. The 820 Plan introduced variety and human scale into the corridor to break up the sameness of its auto - dominated character and the Plan also suggested aiding wayfinding signage by highlighting key routes to important destinations in the corridor. The Loop 820 Corridor should include a transition plan for promoting changes in this area to mid -rise offices, entertainment, hotels and large retail and service facilities serving a regional customer base. Traditional residential uses directly adjacent to denser commercial growth should be screened and buffered with significant landscaping and masonry walls. The transition of land uses along the freeway should require a minimum commitment of 10 acres of land in order to: minimize curb cuts, provide for shared access, and provide logical geographic development of the area. This is also encouraged in order to avoid piecemeal development patterns and negative impacts on existing neighborhoods. Overall Loop 820 Corridor design elements should include: • Black color for metal sign frames, traffic arms, sign and light poles • Themed directional signage • Smaller scaled pedestrian wayfinding markers • Decorative black traffic signal poles and arms to match those used on Rufe Snow Road. • Special unit pavers in wide crosswalks • Special decorative, pedestrian - scaled lighting standards with interchangeable banners • Matching deciduous canopy street trees in strong, geometric designs characterized by even spacing that creates visual rhythm and repetition. • Low limestone planter walls • District logo on directional signage • District name on directional signage Loop 820 Corridor Traffic and Transportations elements should include: • Getting concurrence on the Corridor Access Plan from TXDOT • Incorporation of needed intersection construction improvements with TXDOT • Gaining approval for bridge, retaining walls, and landscape elements • Promoting secondary access and routing plan for Loop 820 during the highway construction period Loop 820 Corridor district recommendations Iron Horse District (Please see specific recommendations for Iron Horse Transit District below.) LJ CCivic District • Develop a detailed parking/site plan for City Hall redevelopment area • Develop a plan to acquire properties east and north of City Hall • Re -align Maplewood in anticipation of the TXDOT widening of Loop 820 • Market redevelopment from Residential to Retail for southeast corner of Holiday Lane and Loop 820 • Incorporate intersection urban design concepts for Holiday Lane Cross Roads District • Incorporate intersection urban design concepts for Boulevard 26 and Loop 820 • Develop specific way finding signs • Develop an access and cross access plan for car dealerships adjacent to Loop 820 Design District • Develop specific way finding signs • Incorporate intersection urban design concepts for Bedford Euless Road • Develop a specific access and circulation plan in the home furnishing area • Develop specific urban design plans for Bedford Euless Road (Restaurant row) Boulevard 26 Corridor Boulevard 26 and the previously named Grapevine Highway served as one of the original highways in the area linking communities and serving as the primary retail and commercial support in the 1950s, 1960s and 1970s. Much of the major retail and commercial businesses moved out of the area in the 1980s and 1990s. Growth and redevelopment are beginning to occur in this area. However, some vacant and transitional commercial areas are in need of enhanced programs for bringing about basic building code and aesthetic compliance. The South Grapevine Highway Corridor Strategy which included potential development areas, an economic study and implementation plan was performed in 2003 by The Leland Group and HNTB. This study showed a 20 year potential market demand for residential absorption equating to approximately 50 to 75 units per year, while nonresidential absorption equates to between 20,000 and 45,000 square feet per year. In 2005 a market study was completed which created the Boulevard 26 name and identified future streetscape guidelines. Ongoing efforts are needed to stimulate and enhance this area. The transition of existing land uses should require a minimum commitment of five acres of land for a zoning request to be considered in order to: minimize curb cuts, provide for shared access, and provide logical geographic development of the area. The minimum commitment of five acres is also encouraged to avoid piecemeal development patterns and negative impacts on existing neighborhoods. E To date a number of initiatives have been undertaken including an interlocal agreement between Richland Hills and North Richland Hills that brought about a joint oversight committee, a number of real estate forums have been held, the Corridor 26 Business Association has been formed and a regulatory "diagnosis" has been undertaken to determine if current codes between the cities accommodate consistent development. Joint public improvement plans that include unique streetscape design are also underway to enhance major intersections along Boulevard 26. The Boulevard 26 area should be considered a reinvestment zone with incentives for encouraging redevelopment. The redevelopment of the former North Hills Mall should act as a catalyst for future development in the area and should set a quality standard for such development. The Boulevard 26 Corridor also interfaces with the City of Richland Hills to the east and is a major entrance into the city. Continued efforts to revitalize the Boulevard 26 area outlined in previous studies should be made in the following areas: • Develop a primary redevelopment strategy for the North Hills Mall/Hospital area • Ongoing joint public improvement plans for gateways and intersections • Active coordination with TXDOT for establishing needed access and design improvements • Establishment of specific urban design standards including parking, sidewalk, streetscape and landscape standards outlined in marketing study • Development of creative funding options for urban revitalization of Boulevard 26 • Consistent code enforcement by both cities throughout the corridor • Consistent storefront improvement program to encourage property owners to upgrade their properties • Continued regulatory analysis to assure consistent development standards for both cities • Support and coordination with Corridor 26 Business Association • Promotion of branding efforts established in 2005 market study • Formulate an Urban Housing Initiative to address housing opportunities in the corridor • Develop a joint economic development incentives package for target marketing the corridor • Participate with developers in design and conceptual planning for implementation plans for key parcels in the corridor Home Town Strategically positioned on 320 acres between Boulevard 26, Mid - Cities Boulevard, and Davis Boulevard, Home Town embraces new urbanism concepts based on classic American neighborhoods. The plans for Home Town call for a mixed -use development made -up of single family residences, villas, town homes, restaurants, retail shops, doctor's offices, and other professional services built around a vibrant town center. An essential element of the Home Town development plan includes a tax increment financing district to finance major public improvements including a municipal library, recreation center and conference center that will 0 provide a focus for the commercial core of Home Town. Other key features of Home Town include wider sidewalks encouraging a pedestrian friendly environment and streets designed to eliminate high speed corridors. Designed by Duany, Plater - Zyberk and Company and developed by Arcadia Realty Corporation, North Richland Hills Home Town is expected at full development to have 650 custom homes, 800 multi - family dwellings, 160,000 square feet of retail and 650,000 square feet of office space. All of Home Town is regulated through the Town Center zoning district. As development continues in the commercial core areas, updates to the Home Town regulating plan and thoroughfare plan are needed to meet current market conditions and ensure a sustainable, upscale living environment in this important development in the center of the community. The city should also continue to work closely in the design and timely construction of the library and recreation center to promote and stimulate high class sustainable development in Home Town. Upon completion, Home Town is expected to be a gathering place for the entire community. Smithfield Conservation District The Smithfield Conservation District includes properties along Smithfield Road and Main Street both north and south of the railroad tracks. This area includes future development within the Mixed Use One and Mixed Use Two proposed districts. Specific guidelines should be developed to encourage a particular development theme to conserve the identity of this area. Differing building materials, antique lighting and varying streetscapes should be promoted. City standards for building materials, signs, lighting and landscaping could be altered to create a separate image and focus for the Smithfield Area. Specifically, the city should take the following initiatives: • Continue to encourage mixed use transit oriented development in this area with a unique historic sense of place. • Work closely with transit agencies for commuter rail station planning • Consider land banking parcels for future rail station improvements • Develop a marketing plan and special economic incentives for the redevelopment of the Smithfield Conservation Area. • Perform a survey of historic resources in this area. • Develop urban design standards for this district including parking, sidewalk, streetscape and landscape standards. Preserve the unique character of this area. • Continue a proactive code enforcement program in this area. • Minimize conflicts between residential and nonresidential land uses in order to protect property values and the interests of both. • Encourage and promote pedestrian traffic in this area. • Encourage maintenance and upgrading of businesses as well as historical significant residential and nonresidential structures. • Encourage neighborhoods to participate in improving the look of their neighborhood. Iron Horse Transit District The Iron Horse district was created out of the Loop 820 Corridor study following a desire and need for a future commuter rail station on the Cotton Belt line directly adjacent to Loop 820. The availability of vacant land with access to future toll lanes off of the Iron Horse bridge gives this area great potential for becoming a park and ride area and offering good accessibility to the traveling public. To support this change from industrial uses to a mix of land uses the city "` renamed Industrial Park Boulevard to Iron Horse Boulevard in 2005. Increasing the amount of mixed use development will require urban design standards that bring buildings out to the street with improved landscaping and a more pedestrian friendly district. Continued efforts to reinvent the Iron Horse district outlined in the Loop 820 Plan should be made in the following areas: • Prepare a circulation and cross access plan for the commercial property east of Rufe Snow • Coordinate with TXDOT regarding Iron Horse Boulevard bridge design • Develop form -based zoning for Iron Horse transit oriented development area • Work with the Fort Worth Transportation Authority to share rail station planning at Iron Horse • Work with TXDOT to ensure site access at the Church of Christ to 5 -Star Ford to plan for potential commercial development in this area • Develop a specific streetscape plan for Iron Horse Boulevard • Develop wayfinding signs • Consider extending Hilltop to Iron Horse Boulevard to ease traffic and increase access • Clarify internal circulation routes for big box parking areas and require cross access agreements to establish future pedestrian urban block grid system E's F_ L-1 410 • 0 1000 2000 3000 4000 5000 7' NORTH TMRART PKWYii i allnEY RD GREEN VALI!J. *d -.j C-T !-I .KIM 7�8 aINAb�RO X OALN � VtD ZR' RUMF�IELD RD sy StA NE RD If. WER DR ,v3o f SMITHFIELD PlaRTOWE _Smithfie DISTRICT �efqSON DR— Conservation 7 --J District ii --A C;11 M N RD WIR S MARTIN ni A 0 - - VIpiD 00 ES BLVD IRON HORSE DISTRICT ISTRI SE BLVD -�,H RINaND stvo -it "-t '78,20-, Loop Loop 820 or Corrid Corridor Home Town Ile IOLADI DICK LE� IS DR HARWOOD RD LOL i - " j IffiD M LOOP AV KES DS ... . . - I t I BEDFOR-U1-ESn1r* MDFORD-LULESS RD RIIAW-D TwentySix District 'e -y Strateg 1c Planning Areas October 18, 2007 -R�LINEDR BRILEl OR -IT 'e -y Strateg 1c Planning Areas October 18, 2007 5' N @)RT H HIGHTOWER DR o RICH LAND H I L L S SMITHFIELD 1e'� DISTRICT O , aarnf unuou,rnwmu TRANSIT CONCEPT' a MAP Rail Station Vicinities cHAPMAN RD October 18, 2007 o AMUNDSON DR s Q- Off° O uJ z _ JC�Oy z L) O U y Legend N w w z J All Major Employment ix v z HomeTown w 2 r Trail System MARTIN DR a Q G; •9 \� MID - CITIES BLVD ° Major Intersections - O �ynipp ,wnx. Rail Station Vicinities MID- CITIES BLVD 0 m w :uaeeearox... • Potential Rail Site w H, ETOWN (shown with 1/2 mile radius) O elk) GE S-V � <C �clR - ..... °- -- ONNORSE BLVD UgER IRON HORSE *y�`�"s,- "';" „�",. ";.:.:. e' NORTH RICHLAND BLVO DISTRICT Z TRINIDAD DR W JP� w J 00 OWNING DR OROWNIN D 5- O� O? BOL��O * DICK LEWIS DR LOLA DR y m of LOLP° OII > -1- 820 -(NE LOOP -82Br — — -- m N \ MAPLEWOODAV o LAKES DR* \ M °0 FST N O� PAC M� �^ �cr. -.m ..nnw ua,r..m nd.e�a er.- wemrme AMUNDSON DR neau„w,r Q- Off° O uJ z _ JC�Oy z L) U 0 N w z J All v z Z w 2 t7 MARTIN DR a Q rn N O MID- CITIES BLVD LL w :uaeeearox... H, ETOWN elk) GE S-V - - ..... °- -- z a w z k4fERALD HILLS °ti6 JP� 00 HARWOOD RD N O� PAC M� �^ �cr. -.m ..nnw ua,r..m nd.e�a er.- wemrme V. IMPLEMENTATION STRATEGY Following formal adoption of the updated comprehensive land use plan, a series of steps will need to be taken to ensure proper implementation. The following steps, studies and recommendations are included as a general guideline for ongoing implementation of the comprehensive plan. Zoning Ordinance Conformance with the Comprehensive Plan The new future land use plan map has a more detailed delineation of land use types than the previous plan including land use designations for potential mixed use transit oriented development near the Iron Horse and Smithfield rail sites. Bringing the existing zoning ordinance into conformance with the comprehensive plan will require changes to the existing zoning ordinance with the adoption of a new mixed use zoning district. Strategy for Zoning Inconsistencies The adoption of the new comprehensive plan creates some inconsistencies between the future land use plan map and existing zoning map. Ongoing discussions and dialogue will be required to determine strategies for dealing with zoning inconsistencies. The City of North Richland Hills should consider initiating zoning changes for inconsistencies relating to Public, Church and Institutional uses that currently do not conform to the future land use plan. Major Land Use Issues ® As part of the comprehensive plan update, several major land use issues are being adopted following previous study recommendations. Following are current issues that will require ongoing coordination and further studies. Gateway, Corridor and Image Studies The city council continues to encourage improvement of the city's image and enhancement of development standards throughout the city. An effective means for presenting the city's image is to build or require aesthetic improvements to city gateways and corridors. The continued development for improving gateways and corridors will continue to be a high priority for the City of North Richland Hills. These efforts should encourage participation by private interest groups on adjacent properties in highly visible areas of the city. Commuter Rail Service The city council continues to be interested in pursuing efforts for promoting commuter rail service with two formal rail stations within North Richland Hills. While these efforts may be a few years away, continued efforts for commuter rail service on the Cotton Belt railroad should be encouraged. Open Space and Trails A key component of the comprehensive master land use plan is the identification of future open space within the community. Ongoing efforts have been made to coordinate elements of the master park plan with the comprehensive master land use plan with emphasis on the Little Bear Creek Corridor. Thoroughfare Plan Improvements The City of North Richland Hills will experience dramatic changes with the freeway improvements to N.E. Loop 820. An important aspect in bringing about a successful transition will be the proper coordination and timing of freeway improvements with affected properties and dealing with the traveling public. Continued efforts to implement recommendations from the Loop 820 Corridor Study will assure an effective transition of the N.E. Loop 820 improvements. Ongoing traffic and access studies should continue within the community, including the construction of the Davis Boulevard and Mid - Cities Boulevard intersection improvements and the widening and improvements along North Tarrant Parkway. Ongoing Studies to Complement Strategic Planning Areas The adoption of the Strategic Planning Areas provides guidelines for long -term decisions not specifically identified on the Future Land Use Plan Map. Ongoing studies will be needed to give specific direction for encouraging and targeting development in these areas. Priorities for future studies include: • ongoing implementation of the Loop 820 Corridor Study recommendations • continued development of branding and public improvement efforts along Boulevard 26 • updating the Home Town (Town Center) thoroughfare plan and development strategies with continued efforts to finalize public improvements in the Library, Recreation Center and Conference Center • adoption of specific zoning and development regulations for mixed use transit oriented development around the proposed Iron Horse and Smithfield commuter rail station sites • development of rail station area plans for the Iron Horse and Smithfield station sites 10 CITY OF