Katy Council approves contract for Thomas Park public engagement and conceptual master plan
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Summary
The City of Katy authorized MHS Planning and Design LLC to develop a public engagement process and conceptual master plan for Thomas Park and adjacent properties; council discussed timeline, early budget set-asides and that implementation funding will be considered later.
The City of Katy on March 24 approved a contract with MHS Planning and Design LLC to lead public engagement and produce a conceptual master plan for Thomas Park and adjacent properties.
The council authorized the mayor to sign the proposal during a unanimous vote. Hunter Rush, with MHS Planning and Design, told the council the firm will run town halls, focus groups and a community survey and “we really want to showcase the intrinsic value of Thomas Park and the adjacent properties and the history that it really shows and what it means to the community.”
Why it matters: the property set includes contiguous parcels near the historic downtown square the city purchased in prior years; council members said the work aims to better connect the park and the square and guide future capital investment decisions.
In discussion, Byron Abier, city administrator, said the city set aside funds in the current-year capital reserve for the planning work. Abier said the original budget amount for the planning phase was $60,000, which rose to about $72,000 after the scope expanded to include adjacent parcels acquired this fiscal year. He also said savings of roughly $16,000 from recent equipment purchases could offset part of that increase.
Council members asked about timeline and public outreach. Hunter Rush said the consultant expects to complete the process in about six months, with a staff/council update roughly two months after work begins and another update at four to five months. Rush reiterated that the team will solicit public feedback and host specific focus groups to shape the final recommendations.
Council members stressed that the planning contract covers the study and design phase only; actual construction or implementation would require additional budget approval. Abier said the city has not budgeted for implementation and expects to discuss cost estimates and funding strategies during upcoming strategic budget sessions.
The contract was described to the council as a capital improvement project (CIP) and was previously recommended by the Parks and Recreation Advisory Board. Council members asked that the consultant use the recent parks master plan as background while treating the site with an open process for site-specific ideas.
The vote to authorize the mayor to sign the proposal was unanimous.
