Council OKs master plan work order; Master Gardeners outline Ron Pede community garden revival

The council authorized the city manager to execute a work order with Kimley‑Horn (Kimley and Horn) for master planning services to guide renovations and improvements at Veterans Park and Nimitz Park. The scope includes public outreach, site assessment, concept plans and probable cost estimates; staff said the first phase will include public engagement and an approximate five‑month schedule for data collection, stakeholder workshops and concept development.

Austin (Kimley‑Horn representative) and staff described a process of public charrettes, on‑site stakeholder outreach, surveys and coordination with the parks and recreation commission. Staff said the Parks & Recreation Commission will be involved, consultant deliverables will be presented to the commission and then to council, and further prioritization and construction design will be phased per council direction and available funding. Council approved the work order by unanimous vote.

Separately, Rachel (representing Guadalupe County Master Gardeners) described a community garden plan for the Ron Pede site (behind a local H‑E‑B). The Master Gardeners plan to clear existing beds, implement drought‑tolerant and native plantings, add composting and education programs, create plots for schools and community groups, and consider a small orchard and greenhouse long‑term. They requested that access be managed (combination lock/gated entry during open hours), staff support for initial coordination, and signage to publicize the garden’s location. City staff said gates and an existing shed are in working order, that the city will coordinate access codes and public hours, and emphasized initial work will involve cleanup and volunteer coordination.

Why it matters: The master plan contract will set the design direction for two parks identified in the city’s CIP, shaping recreation, passive‑use and event programming. The garden project is a community‑led effort that staff said can provide educational programming, volunteer opportunities and limited local food production.