Parks board unanimously backs discovery-phase agreement for Blue Hole Nature Center

The Wimberley City Parks Board voted unanimously to recommend that City Council execute a discovery-phase agreement to advance planning for the Blue Hole Nature Center.

The board’s vote on the agreement — which reduces the consultant discovery-phase fee from $122,896 to just over $58,000 — directs the design team to produce conceptual-level cost estimates, targeted public engagement, data collection and programming recommendations before moving into detailed design.

The discovery-phase scope was scaled back from an earlier draft, removing an integrated design workshop and shifting more stakeholder engagement work to city park staff to reduce consultant fees. Richard, Parks Director, told the board the reduced scope “front loaded the cost assessment” so the project team would have clearer line-item estimates early. He said the first payment for the discovery phase “will be immediately reimbursed from the county.”

Board members and staff said the reduced scope aims to deliver a granular, a la carte cost breakdown the city can use to pare or phase elements. The design team will provide itemized cost estimates for each program element so the city can select which pieces to include within its budget targets. Board discussion reiterated previously stated city cost ceilings: roughly $4 million for construction and $1 million for architectural fees, with a stated fundraising goal of $2 million toward a $5 million total target.

Lisa moved the recommendation that City Council approve the discovery-phase agreement; Laurie Olsen seconded. After discussion, the board voted unanimously in favor. The board recorded no opposing votes. The item will be placed on the City Council agenda for consideration at its next regular meeting; if the council approves, the parties will execute the agreement and the consultant will adjust the timeline based on the start date.

Board members noted other procedural points: consultant Fennec (identified in the packet) is included for cost estimation in the discovery scope, additional consultants could be added later if needed (with additional fees), and the city is prepared to handle a larger share of public-facing outreach to contain fees. Staff also said a phased-implementation approach remains on the table in case full scope costs exceed local funding.

What happens next: City Council consideration, contract execution if approved, immediate submission of the first payment for the discovery phase (staff said it would be eligible for near-term county reimbursement) and then a discovery-phase schedule and public engagement plan to follow.