[{"_1":2,"_123":-5,"_124":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,76,87,99,111],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},"mediaId",6579632,"mediaKeyId","3074671-e4f78547046707ff2b686c89f0587f7c","parentId",3074671,"title","Parks board approves minutes for Feb. 17 and March 17 meetings","audioSeconds",73,"startMs",595000,"endMs",668000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=3074671-e4f78547046707ff2b686c89f0587f7c&start=595&end=668","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3074671-e4f78547046707ff2b686c89f0587f7c/thumbnail_595000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6579632/Texas/Parks-board-approves-minutes-for-Feb-17-and-March-17-meetings","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6579632-f047b0d342f96b4cf26127c7a47fe0f2/orig.mp4?Expires=1770498158&Signature=HSiJHzX-eIUtF4aThxPDDpsDnBw055hFZ1uWxZOMwTY~iXSah2bsYEcpvtYFVbK89L5U4-cEA-JrXRcNs1F4ScMi7V1vc31d1X4ScB1ZwRuBhWW9cmIKxTT3WIADSjYpCW2qoOpoMiVFCNSS6r62z2gUylVEl8AcanQWlBSU75vCmU4KnbDsIjwKQbLW5QD4dpnHJhU4J1Aha2AcTw1ur~wlmmZss1MlIvk6kHbvsjrZ3rSQ~xr5XBMdMQuHw2Ivtgfe83QDukbcK5K7IPfKKbDirWMpxUbw3e7BHRCsPckfMR6iUEtjbZO1bnX5Wyj7~GnU1JZjFl~JOcE4QTpDSA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Highlands","date","2025-04-21T00:00:00Z","article","The Parks and Recreation Advisory Board unanimously approved the minutes of its Feb. 17 and March 17, 2025 regular meetings during the April 21 meeting.

At the start of the meeting, a member moved to approve the Feb. 17 minutes; another member seconded and the board voted aloud, \"Aye,\" with no opposition recorded. Later the board moved and seconded approval of the March 17 minutes; the board again recorded unanimous \"Aye\" votes.

","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Highlands - Parks and Recreation Advisory Board - Apr 21, 2025","oneSentenceSummary","The Parks and Recreation Advisory Board unanimously approved minutes for the Feb. 17 and March 17, 2025 meetings during its April 21 session.","taxTitle","Highlands City Council, Highlands, Harris County, Texas","taxId",72997,"location","Texas","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":77,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":78,"_41":79,"_43":80,"_45":80,"_47":81,"_49":82,"_51":83,"_53":84,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":85,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":86,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6579638,"Staff reports progress at Village and Unity parks and early planning for FM 407 trail connections",0,3996000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3074671-e4f78547046707ff2b686c89f0587f7c&start=3996&end=3996","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3074671-e4f78547046707ff2b686c89f0587f7c/thumbnail_3996000.jpg","/articles/6579638/Texas/Staff-reports-progress-at-Village-and-Unity-parks-and-early-planning-for-FM-407-trail-connections","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6579638-dbd9f5fec04646f968f1a2149abc3001/orig.mp4?Expires=1770498158&Signature=kFTopULPuqA0nEb1WcyMhFdxYuJFj7S5fH0eIXHEMwlXw5xQlpojRo4VFyAcNHh2eFp2wX1dH2zRZ20JopuBnXQ8xdRYLb6CfmkqKgUmhbHpel7po3S4hUVbC09hHiLARmDPUIqlSkQ58Ho~gMVvzs8AQYJJCWz2gK1wkVKSQ~ZrP6gUQkhwBWb1SVMtx1YlbV~fBorr2R22TaN~0I4Hu6cnHfB7TId0qlfMwno~Jph2vxB190kjMb0cVEVYDmipw5bDvALZTUGbOkfYP~tQ-zKBk4sXT8KvoQywweRIte~XF689qmfzV41XCWfMaoZf-Bw0u6g6bUfyM8YfZkUEmw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Parks staff updated the Parks and Recreation Advisory Board on April 21 about work at Village Park and Unity Park and early planning for a regional FM 407 trail corridor.

Staff said a structural engineer recently signed off on the base structure at Village Park, clearing the way for decking work to proceed; staff expect in‑house crews to finish that work before May. At Unity Park, staff installed a section of fence on one field and said fields are performing well following recent improvements funded by earlier bond sales.

Construction on a new basketball court at Unity Park is expected to begin in June; that phase covers the court surface and goals only, with lighting to be considered later because of cost. Staff said they are exploring solar options for lighting to avoid extensive new underground electrical work.

On the FM 407 corridor, staff and consultant teams walked the proposed alignment and said three priority connector segments (Briar Hill, Unity and the district/behind the district area) align with the comprehensive master plan and appear eligible for grant programs. Staff said consultants from the design team are preparing alignment and cost information for grant funding; the focus area for the current phase extends from Highland Village Road to the Walmart area, though the consulting team is reviewing a wider spine that may connect into Lewisville, Flower Mound and other neighboring jurisdictions.

Staff emphasized that FM 407 trail work is early in design and that connections will require coordination with neighboring cities and regional agencies. The board discussed potential width of the corridor (eight feet or larger was mentioned as a likely standard) and that the design team is assessing grant criteria and right‑of‑way constraints.

","Parks staff said work is underway at Village Park and Unity Park — including decking and a basketball court — and that consultants are developing grant‑eligible trail alignments along the FM 407 corridor that could connect multiple local trail projects.",{"_33":88,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":89,"_41":90,"_43":91,"_45":92,"_47":93,"_49":94,"_51":95,"_53":96,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":97,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":98,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6579643,"Parks staff outline top comprehensive‑plan priorities; indoor rec center deemed unlikely now",1879,2409000,4288000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3074671-e4f78547046707ff2b686c89f0587f7c&start=2409&end=4288","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3074671-e4f78547046707ff2b686c89f0587f7c/thumbnail_2409000.jpg","/articles/6579643/Texas/Parks-staff-outline-top-comprehensiveplan-priorities-indoor-rec-center-deemed-unlikely-now","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6579643-590aa0994e322032a4a1f2eb75b0137b/orig.mp4?Expires=1770498158&Signature=T5G4bPnvsMQJtDZ1RkRnt8FOAiJi-bKktzXEXn4alFpay06v5LENU7-g6l4xbV2~5aTRk-NUAG8hw-8gx4AJWv5U-2w4lqMfZGBzgADimt89IDlvxrRNU2zJS0CI-MtDmbbUhly48UHGilPMWYwAhM53TfCmAj4cCkYwYZ5gJ2i2x2eHOO69kLvygcbD8TlN-9P21b5bOe6J6lPswWoOaqZtnZawCDp1Z7rov1SC1yfU0-~tDgQxoWgKWuD6wdAW-krHFoNVQXTxh3djBjm~xr1Vt6wlnW-27PbZCItniQHdth3LESa-hWELFcLHv9YyT7e2awdiCMSMYY36SYSqHw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Parks and recreation staff told the Parks and Recreation Advisory Board on April 21 that trails and access to water remain the community’s highest priorities from the comprehensive master plan, and that an indoor recreation center is unlikely in the near term because of high operating and staffing costs.

Phil, a city parks staff member, reviewed criteria the department uses to prioritize projects: whether a project is already in process, community need, budget impact and available funding (operating versus bond), recurring costs and whether additional full‑time employees (FTEs) would be required. He said projects that can be absorbed by the operating budget or that qualify for grants are preferred.

Examples given: Unity Park athletic‑field repairs were funded through a 2022 bond sale; teen programming and nature programs were funded from operating allocations and program funding; Pilot Knoll and cabins were listed as candidates for grant eligibility. Phil noted the city aims to avoid adding FTEs where possible and to use part‑time staff and in‑house work to control costs.

On the indoor recreation center identified in the plan, Phil said the city lacks a feasible operating model at this time. “I don't see that happening,” he said, adding that energy, lifecycle replacement and staffing costs would be substantial.

Staff reported work continues on priority items identified in the plan: trail connections, Pilot Knoll access, Coppers Branch natural area and continued landscaping improvements at multiple park trailheads. Phil said the city will revisit the comprehensive plan every five years and that the plan provides a trajectory rather than a binding schedule.

","City parks staff reviewed priority projects drawn from the comprehensive master plan, citing trails and water access as top community wants and saying an indoor recreation center is unlikely given operating costs and staffing requirements.",{"_33":100,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":101,"_41":102,"_43":103,"_45":104,"_47":105,"_49":106,"_51":107,"_53":108,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":109,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":110,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6579648,"Advisory board reviews draft RFP for art tunnel project, recommends outreach to schools and groups",822,1493000,2315000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3074671-e4f78547046707ff2b686c89f0587f7c&start=1493&end=2315","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3074671-e4f78547046707ff2b686c89f0587f7c/thumbnail_1493000.jpg","/articles/6579648/Texas/Advisory-board-reviews-draft-RFP-for-art-tunnel-project-recommends-outreach-to-schools-and-groups","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6579648-e1a13b01ace7f2cf3ed0701f7af616eb/orig.mp4?Expires=1770498158&Signature=CymzI2NSu8-jy8wkMJ-lGdlAqSbPYP3IBNJJ1AjXMaVU4h~z-0s~TXTO~xiv~FNhdLkRzRkafIUg5RPwl38Wu1riQEsZVX6JjyyGgpQnuwrD16tALOvDaOsGl0jtuq1SgbFvMzubrYYrqaBly9WL9TLmsMmxblXswucPg2ZX0Yyk2ZP57NAyNDuVQtJ3jpD0ZkQEPho1UYmB5BsWrMa9kXCqtzGy0Lvs5ZuKMGyx3cpn~S7ZhaIgkRf6UO3pR4DPJE0lJjkfRvqkqSPAc31IoEWyjAkS4qJTZ~dildvb00XOdzht~F8BuvMsXg7RxWyXy7p4lNBTKT1IuX9jXB8wbA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Parks and Recreation Advisory Board on April 21 reviewed a draft request for proposals (RFP) for an art installation in a park tunnel and suggested clarifying language to allow groups, schools and multi‑artist teams to apply.

Phil, a parks staff member who presented the draft RFP, said the city has not yet sent the document to the attorney and that the schedule aims to have work substantially completed by the art festival on May 3, 2026. Board members recommended advertising to local artists, sending the RFP to school art teachers and to the festival vendor list to broaden interest.

Board members urged the RFP to explicitly allow collaborative proposals. “Open to professional and emerging artists, or groups,” a board member said, and the group discussed whether the city should reserve the right to award work to multiple artists if submissions complement one another. Phil said the board will develop selection metrics after the RFP is finalized and that the board should present top recommended proposals to City Council, ideally with the chair or co‑chair present.

The board noted two timeline items to reconcile in the draft: one section listed a June 1 proposal due date while another listed July 12; staff acknowledged the discrepancy and said they would set a clear schedule. Members advised starting outreach as early as possible to attract proposals and said providing the vendor list and social media contacts should help recruitment.

Board members also discussed geographic eligibility and suggested limiting primary consideration to North Texas while keeping the call open for broader responses; staff said proximity could be a scoring criterion but did not propose a strict county list. Members recommended presenting three to five top proposals to City Council so council has options that vary by cost and style.

","Highland Village Parks and Recreation Advisory Board reviewed a draft RFP for a tunnel art project, recommended language clarifying that groups and school partnerships are eligible, and discussed outreach timing tied to next year’s May art festival.",{"_33":112,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":113,"_41":114,"_43":115,"_45":116,"_47":117,"_49":118,"_51":119,"_53":120,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":121,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":122,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6579652,"Highland Village board outlines Wichita Forest trail updates, seeks Corps approval for changes",869,647000,1516000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3074671-e4f78547046707ff2b686c89f0587f7c&start=647&end=1516","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3074671-e4f78547046707ff2b686c89f0587f7c/thumbnail_647000.jpg","/articles/6579652/Texas/Highland-Village-board-outlines-Wichita-Forest-trail-updates-seeks-Corps-approval-for-changes","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6579652-6462756fc35e2bbf6569fc2d5ea96241/orig.mp4?Expires=1770498159&Signature=EHCdGUNTi3WS-G7xG8mOAxseUfPVVAkRGmgnVMwMItZorgWt~5Ht04q~GtDeqSJjw3brxFHdrJKeVY-Y~BfhgSRgauHuofVSI~~jAzB~uYmZiUSZ5OqgvHyUAeMuV~PCff~Br7tB08vQLvtFZOVcy4WTLLrJOocHP~iEyXLDzAcIzxUNZprSlLASPXR6AiDJGDULzH5R7oBNrYY4TtlUC6-bUiKObKdmjI71GUMH-kYS9-rM8YlsHc7m4Nuin8bHBjjRUlJGB2i1qWpdCAh41dgBmpATcdlGCYPtUu-ZnzD51hcVWJbRY~uAarO1HEnlzcnV-yL93J-7QO3JEiEZDA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Parks and Recreation Advisory Board on April 21 received a progress report on improvements to Wichita Forest, including new trail markers, removal of invasive plants and plans for a possible steel pedestrian bridge, members and staff said.

Board members Hogan Hevington and Tyler led the volunteer initiative and worked with city staff and community volunteers to install marker posts and reflective stickers, remove invasive species and propose clearer trail alignment, according to staff. Gabe Doria served as the city point person on the project.

Staff said the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers asked the city not to clear‑cut or disturb sensitive habitats and that the city will submit the updated trail configuration to the Corps for review. Phil, a city staff member who presented the update, said the submission for Corps approval is the next formal step.

The work completed so far includes removing dozens of older posts, installing about 40 new trail posts and placing roughly 200 reflective stickers (about 20 stickers remain to be applied to two additional trails), staff said. Phil described the installed posts as standard trail markers commonly used on state and national park lands and said new metal trailhead maps with brighter graphics are planned to replace an older weathered wooden map created as an Eagle Scout project.

The board discussed additional improvements: designating two new color loop routes and “Explorer” side trails, clearing fallen trees and debris that create washouts and erosion, and removing invasive plants identified during the walk‑through (privet, nandinas and kudzu were mentioned). Phil said volunteers and scouts helped on a recent service day to remove old markers and invasive species.

Board members and staff also discussed a proposed steel bridge to replace an existing informal wooden crossing over a wash; Phil noted wooden structures are unlikely to survive heavy rains and said a more permanent engineered crossing would require design work to meet load and erosion‑control needs.

On maintenance and outreach, staff said the project is phased and will continue over multiple years, with future volunteer work days and potential outreach to local scout troops, school groups and community or corporate volunteer teams. Phil invited residents to report trail issues through the Highland Village app so staff and volunteers can address them.

Board members and staff encouraged residents to walk Wichita Forest and said the updated markers aim to improve navigation and reduce confusion for trail users.

","The Parks and Recreation Advisory Board received an update on trail re‑alignment, new trail markers, invasive‑species removal and proposed infrastructure improvements at Wichita Forest, with staff saying U.S. Army Corps of Engineers approval will be sought before larger changes.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Parks board approves minutes for Feb. 17 and March 17 meetings

Staff reports progress at Village and Unity parks and early planning for FM 407 trail connections

Parks staff outline top comprehensive‑plan priorities; indoor rec center deemed unlikely now

Advisory board reviews draft RFP for art tunnel project, recommends outreach to schools and groups

Highland Village board outlines Wichita Forest trail updates, seeks Corps approval for changes