Tuesday's Internet Edition, September 07, 2010.
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The plan was designed by the architectural firm of Hayes, Seay, Mattern and Mattern, Inc. (HSMM) in conjunction with Lewisville’s Parks, Recreation and Cultural Development Board. Citizen input on the plan was gathered during three public information sessions held this summer.
Nigel Clark and Stephanie Richardson of HSMM presented the plan for the 16-acre site which fronts Lewisville-Clemmons Road. The plan shows swings and a picnic area at the front of the park, along with a nine-hole disc golf course. Next comes a 300x150 multipurpose field, bocce ball courts, a spray park for children, a large pavilion with seating for 250 people and play areas for toddlers and pre-teens.
The back section of the park includes a small pavilion with seating for 50 people and a one-quarter acre pond with a boardwalk and a gazebo with seating. Additionally, a walking trail and multi-use path wind throughout the property. A portion of the walking trail includes some par course fitness stations.
“When Mary Alice Warren donated this park land to the town, one of her requests was that the activities be more passive and not generate a lot of noise and light,” said Mike Showalter, chairman of the Parks and Rec. Board. “This design reflects her wishes. The perimeter walking trail is just over one mile long. Nowhere else in Lewisville offers that kind of walking space. The bocce ball courts were added after a resident suggested them, and I think they will bring together different generations because all ages can play the game.
“Also, the Parks and Rec. Board conducted surveys in 2003 and 2004 which asked residents what recreational uses they would like to have in Lewisville. This park plan incorporates 15 of 20 items that residents said they wanted. I think the park will be a well-used facility, and the citizens will be forever grateful to Mary Alice for her donation,” Showalter concluded.
One proposed feature not shown on the plan is a dog park. The space is still available, but the Parks & Rec. Board has not made a firm decision on including this use.
“The plan we see tonight is preliminary,” Mayor Tom Lawson pointed out. “It is not the final draft. Right now we are just setting out the basic uses for the park. All citizens should let us know their thoughts and concerns about the plan.”
Nigel Clark told council that the park, as presented, would cost approximately $1.9 million. The town plans to apply for a Parks and Recreation Trust Fund (PARTF) grant for help with funding, and the maximum available grant is $500,000.
The PARTF application deadline is January 31, 2007, and the council must approve the final draft of the park plan before that time.
Other Business
The council appointed Cynthia Rogers to fill a term expiring March 31, 2007 on the Parks, Recreation and Cultural Development Board. Rogers was chosen from a field of 10 applicants.
Council voted 7-0 to accept the town’s Disaster Management Plan. This plan outlines how the town should respond to natural or “manmade” disasters such as hurricanes, tornadoes, floods, fires, chemical spills and bridge collapses.