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Parks board backs developer-built trails, interim amenities for Park Place and Prosper Hills, 6-0
Summary
The Prosper Parks and Recreation Board voted 6-0 Feb. 13 to recommend that town council approve park improvement agreements allowing developers of Park Place and Prosper Hills to build trails, a gravel parking area and other interim amenities and receive credits against park improvement and parkland dedication fees.
The Prosper Parks and Recreation Board voted unanimously Feb. 13 to recommend that town council approve park improvement agreements with the Park Place and Prosper Hills developments, allowing the developers to construct trails, interim parking and other amenities and receive fee credits.
Staff said the town’s ordinances permit developers to meet park requirements by dedicating land, paying fees or building improvements that the town values and credits against the fees. Dan Baker, a parks staff member, told the board, “It’s really a win win for both parties” as developers can build at lower unit cost while receiving credit for work completed.
Kurtz Billharts, a parks staff member who walked the board through the proposal, reviewed the ordinances and fee structure. “It’s $1,500 for each single-family unit and $2,000 for each multifamily unit,” Billharts said, and noted the parkland dedication standard of one acre per 35 units or cash in lieu of land at fair market value.
The two developments are adjacent to the Windsong Community Park site. Because an existing park sits across the street, staff negotiated construction of the 12-foot Bella Webb Trail, several soft-surface trails, a gravel interim parking area and widened walkways that the town will partially subsidize (the developer pays for a standard 6-foot walkway and the town pays the additional width). Staff said the developer will perform the work, document costs, and the town will credit those costs against the developer’s fee obligations; any remaining balance will be paid in cash and fees are held in escrow.
Board members asked about maintenance and timing. Billharts said developers will perform interim maintenance (mowing and clearing) for a finite period until the town has funds to fully develop the park; maintenance responsibility will transfer to the town once the park is fully developed.
Valerie Little moved to approve the park improvement agreements as the board’s recommendation to council; John Metcalfe seconded. The board chair called the vote and recorded a 6-0 passage.
The board’s approval is a recommendation; Dan Baker said council consideration is the next step and the item will be scheduled with town council as soon as possible.
