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Parks board votes to remove flood-damaged Northside Recreation Center building
Summary
After reviewing July 4 flood damage and a staff assessment of recurring flood risk and health hazards, the Parks & Recreation advisory board voted to remove the Northside Recreation Center building and stabilize the open space; board members discussed alternatives for programming and gym space.
The Parks & Recreation advisory board voted to remove the flood-damaged Northside Recreation Center building after staff described extensive water intrusion, mold and other hazards following the July 4 flood.
Parks staff (Speaker 4) told the board the site has limited stormwater infrastructure, drains into a low-lying “pit” and has flooded before; staff said the private adjacent property owner revoked permission to pump water onto their land and that Texas Municipal League risk managers were coordinating an assessment of the building. Staff presented a recommendation to stabilize the site and remove the structure rather than pursue costly repairs that would be vulnerable to repeat flooding.
Board member Speaker 2 moved to remove the building; Speaker 3 seconded the motion. After discussion about recent program use, alternative gym locations and site access, the chair called the vote and the motion carried.
Board members and staff discussed short-term options to continue winter basketball and other programs formerly based at Northside, including using elementary school gyms through the independent school district, partnering with churches that have full-size courts, and restructuring schedules. Staff said the boxing club and prior lessee Paul Ann Baptist Church had used the facility in the past; the church’s three-year lease was terminated around 2009–2010.
Staff emphasized that, unless the site’s stormwater situation changes, substantial rebuilding would likely be costly and vulnerable to future floods. The board’s action authorized removal of the building and directed staff to pursue stabilization and next steps.
The next procedural steps the board discussed included coordinating with risk management and TML on a building assessment and identifying alternative indoor locations for affected programs.
