Bowden Point ADA Walkway Proposal from KLVB

[Amanda Chavarria]

Colleagues,

I recently received an inquiry from Keep Lago Vista Beautiful regarding a potential ADA-compliant walkway at Bowden Point. As I am the KVLB Liaison, I wanted to bring it to the discussion board to get a general sense of council’s thoughts before any additional planning work is undertaken.

KLVB indicated they would like to move forward with a concept similar to the sculpture garden walkway in Cedar Park. However, before asking their designer to spend time developing plans that would meet the City’s (and David's) requirements, they are hoping to understand whether the current council might be open to funding such a project from the Tree Fund.

For context, there are currently three sculptures at Bowden Point, and KLVB has also requested a grant from the Women’s Club to potentially add another piece. Their vision appears to be a small sculpture garden area with improved accessibility.

At this stage, they are simply asking whether there appears to be general council interest in considering the use of Tree Fund dollars for this purpose before investing time and resources into preparing formal plans.

When you have a moment, I would appreciate hearing your thoughts on:
• Whether you feel this type of project would be appropriate for consideration using Tree Fund funds
• Whether you would be open to reviewing a more detailed proposal if KLVB were to move forward with developing plans

This is only an initial inquiry to gauge interest, not a request for a formal decision. If it looks like the majority of council would be in favor of allocating some tree funds towards this project, I would like to add this to the first work session agenda for April.

Thank you for sharing your perspectives.

Here is a link to the Cedar Park Sculpture Garden for your review if you're not familiar with it: https://www.cedarparktexas.gov/205/Cedar-Park-Sculpture-Garden

 

[Karen Van Ness]

I'm definitely in favor of considering this proposal to use monies from the tree mitigation fund for this project. Janice at KLVB also reached out to me to notify that they are not proceeding with the swing set. Unfortunately, the requirements / potential costs to replace with a set and surfacing that are ADA compliant and meet our needs are substantial. KLVB have decided to focus instead on an ADA accessible art and garden walk. She indicated that, in the past, other council members have expressed their support.

The concept they have in mind is similar to the sculpture garden in Cedar Park behind their City Hall. There are three sculptures at Bowden Point Park and KLVB have requested a grant from the Women's Club for another piece.

I advised Janice that the best way forward would be to develop the specifications and at least a high-level cost estimate and bring this information to the next PRAC meeting, which will be on April 8th. PRAC could then recommend it to City Council and we would want to get it on a CC meeting agenda ASAP after that recommendation. David Montgomery-Scott is involved in helping ensure any proposed specifications will meet the city's needs in terms of design, ADA compliance, etc. However, as Councilor Chavarria suggests, discussing as a work session item in our first April meeting is also a good idea. My hope is for City Council be able to review and approve the concept and spend as soon as possible, depending on the timing of their being able to develop the specifications and cost estimate.

 

[Karen Van Ness]

...and a further thought on the above: Can we use this discussion board thread to determine amenability of at least four (hopefully more) council members to consider funding this project via tree mitigation funds? That way we don't have to wait for a later council meeting to provide direction to KLVB. This would allow them to follow our process and potentially submit a plan and cost estimate at the next PRAC meeting for consideration, and then submit the project as an agenda item for approval to CC sooner.

 

[Amanda Chavarria]

I'd also like to mention that the proposed "sculpture garden and walkway" could possibly also qualify for HOT funds as it does meet the criteria as an art installation would bring visitors/tourism. Our HOT fund reserve is quite significant, and we need to start spending it down. Just a thought if the LVWC is unable to fund another sculpture for Bowden Point this year.

 

[Karen Van Ness]

Great idea! We've got options. FYI Janice Didier indicated they could complete the plan specifications and cost estimates before the first week in April, so presenting this to Council in our April work session will be feasible. Having said that, I would like to respect PRAC's role in this and Janice is happy to present to them at their April meeting (April 8th). Hopefully this will all come together for a quick decision.

 

[Norma Owen]

Thank you for bringing this forward Councilor Chavarria.

I would be supportive of KLVB developing the concept further and bringing it through the Parks, Recreation and Arts Commission (PRAC) for review and recommendation prior to Council consideration. Having PRAC review the design, ADA accessibility, and cost estimates first seems like the appropriate step in the process.

Conceptually, an ADA-accessible walkway and sculpture garden at Bowden Point could be a meaningful enhancement to the park while improving accessibility for residents and visitors. If a proposal comes forward with a clear design, cost estimate, and funding recommendation, I would certainly be open to reviewing it.

Regarding funding sources, the Tree Fund may be one option to consider depending on how the project aligns with the purpose of that fund. I also appreciate the suggestion that HOT funding could potentially be explored if the project includes public art elements that support tourism.

For now, I support allowing KLVB to move forward with concept development and presenting it to PRAC for review and recommendation before it comes to Council.