Historical parks program posts revenue gains; master plan and Log Culture Area rebuild tied to budget and tourism‑fund limits

Staff reported that Farmers Branch’s historical parks program saw year‑to‑date revenue increases and stronger rentals, but officials said the master plan and a proposed Log Culture Area rebuild are on hold pending budget decisions and tourism‑fund rules.

“You should have in your packets … overall revenue has increased by 28%,” a staff member said, summarizing first‑quarter figures for the fiscal period that covers October through December 2024. The presenter said bridal‑related revenue rose from about $82,000 in the prior year’s first quarter to roughly $104,000 in the current first quarter, and that rental revenue increased 93% to $9,442 compared with about $4,800 the previous year.

The presenter credited programming changes — including switching the Day of the Dead event from a ticketed format to a free community celebration — for part of the growth. “We had over 500 attendees,” the staff member said when describing the Day of the Dead turnout. The report also listed ten rentals in the quarter (five weddings, two baby showers, a photo shoot and two corporate events) and noted 28 hotel rooms tied to events helped generate hotel‑occupancy tax revenue.

Expenses rose as well: the presenter reported a roughly 16% increase in first‑quarter expenses — about $218,000 compared with about $188,000 in the prior year — citing building repairs (including work on the church) and a new commercial dishwasher among the larger costs.

On planning, staff said the historical parks master plan is effectively on hold while they reassess what expenses may be charged to tourism/hotel‑motel funds. “There’s a state legislature law that you can only use tourism funds for historical park up to a certain percentage, and we’re getting very close to it,” the presenter said. The Log Culture Area rebuild — including whether to restore one, two or three cabins and where to site them — will be evaluated as part of the upcoming city budget process, staff said. Staff has reviewed deeds, deed restrictions and flood‑plain issues as part of that preparatory work.

Staff cited several upcoming programs and community activities in the packet: a spring break sewing camp (March 17–20), a Gateway to the Globe event on March 29, a boards and commissioners banquet, and ongoing donation drives for a birthday box program. Staff also said the Friends group will operate a booth serving paletas at the Gateway event.

The meeting did not produce votes or formal approvals on the master plan or Log Culture Area rebuild; staff said these items will return to the Council budget process for direction.