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City seeks master plan and RFQ finalists for downtown river parks and large sculpture project
Summary
Staff outlined an RFQ for a downtown river parks master plan integrating the Concho River Legacy Trail sculpture project, explained zones A–D, community engagement plans and a timeline that includes finalists presentations Sept. 24 and council action expected in October.
City parks staff presented a request for qualifications (RFQ) to develop a master plan for the downtown river parks that would integrate the Concho River Legacy Trail sculpture project, a multi-site public-art proposal.
The master-plan scope covers multiple park parcels organized into zones A through D, including Santa Fe Park, Civic League Park and adjacent parcels; staff described conceptual planning to balance open space, trails, landscaping and a narrative bronze-sculpture installation comprising roughly 110–120 pieces in groups. The plan will also examine how the sculpture trail might affect existing uses such as the golf course and Kids Kingdom playground.
Staff said the RFQ was issued July 31, that selection-committee finalists are scheduled to present on Sept. 24, and that the committee would recommend a finalist to council likely in October. The presentation emphasized monthly community engagement and named stakeholders to be included (Santa Fe Park Commission, Santa Rita Homeowners Association, Parks and Recreation Advisory Board, Public Art Commission, Santa Fe Museum of Fine Arts, the school district and Downtown San Angelo representatives).
Staff noted the sculpture project is ambitious and estimated a planning-level cost “at least $20,000,000, probably $30,000,000,” though an exact funding plan was not presented at the meeting. Staff temporarily tagged “DJ” as the board’s representative to the selection committee and the board confirmed a representative and alternate arrangement.
Board members asked where the sculpture route would start and whether it would displace golf; staff said routing and specific placement would be decided during the master-plan process and acknowledged some existing uses—such as the golf lease—would continue at least through the immediate term (a two‑year lease extension was approved and needs execution in September). Staff said the master-plan process would include community meetings and periodic reports to the board.
Staff expects services to begin after selection and council authorization.
