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Council hears update on Parks and Pathways master-plan revisions focusing on three parks
Summary
Staff and consultants presented updates to the city’s Parks and Pathways master plan, highlighting proposed improvements at Irene Stern, Frances Smart and Bessie's Creek parks and discussing timelines and funding constraints.
Fulshear — City staff and Burdick consultants briefed the Fulshear City Council on proposed updates to the Parks and Pathways master plan on March 4, focusing on Irene Stern Park, Frances Smart Park and Bessie's Creek Park.
Staff said the master plan — last updated in 2022 — was revised after public input gathered through an online survey and Parks and Recreation Commission meetings. Proposed features for Frances Smart Park include a veterans memorial playground, plaza space and parking. Irene Stern concepts include basketball, tennis and pickleball courts, a pavilion, walking paths and a playground; staff noted the existing butterfly garden was discussed but not removed from consideration, although its final location remains unsettled among board members.
Bessie's Creek Park concepts include a walking trail, outdoor fitness stations, a boardwalk and overlook with a pier and potential parking. Staff said the city is working with a developer on proposed lots identified for parking and that the Bessie's Creek rendering had not yet been presented to the Parks and Recreation Commission because of timing with the developer; staff plans to present the rendering at the next commission meeting.
Councilmembers asked whether existing playground equipment could be repurposed, about maintenance and vandalism budgets for new courts, operational cost estimates and timeline expectations. Staff said the full master plan will include anticipated operational costs and that park-fee revenue from new development has been limited: staff gave an example that 120 lots generated about $155,000 in park fees, an amount staff said buys little beyond small equipment or a single court. Staff said Primrose phase work remains the near-term priority and that other park builds will follow as funding allows.
No council action was taken; staff will continue to refine renderings, present Bessie's Creek concepts to the Parks and Recreation Commission and include lifecycle and operational cost estimates in the full master-plan update.
