Parks board renews water-lily contract, discusses LilyFest and marketing

The San Angelo Parks and Recreation Board voted to renew its operating agreement with the San Angelo International Water Lily Collection LLC, approving a three-year term with options for additional years.

City staff described the existing arrangement, which began April 1, 2023, and runs through March 31, 2026. Under the contract the contractor operates and maintains the collection while the city supplies water for the basins and one greenhouse and handles major maintenance. Staff recommended a longer term to provide stability for both parties.

Contractor Chase Tom Lee, who the record shows has worked with the collection since about 2004, described his approach as ecological and said the collection uses roughly 300,000 gallons of water. "I cannot see expanding the footprint without — I mean, we do live in a semi arid dry desert," he said, noting that expansion would require additional water and infrastructure. He suggested improving visitor amenities instead of increasing water acreage.

Chase also detailed LilyFest plans: "It is on September 20. It runs from 9AM till noon," and said the event is being positioned as a family-friendly day with activities, entertainment and arts-and-crafts to draw visitors beyond horticultural displays.

Board members and staff debated whether event coordination should be formalized in the contractor’s scope. A board member noted event hosting currently is not written into the operational agreement; staff said the contract is focused on operations but that language could be added if the board chooses. Chase said he was open to supporting events if the terms are included.

The board discussed promotion and sponsorship. Chase said outreach to the International Water Gardening Society and local retailers produced mixed results but pointed to a growth in online engagement: "We went from about 2,400 followers to, last night, we hit 5,100 followers," he said. Board members recommended coordinating with the destination marketing organization and chamber to expand promotion and explore corporate sponsorships for activities such as DJs or themed attractions.

Heather Hegwood moved to accept the three-year agreement with an option for two additional years; the motion passed. Staff said the contract includes a monthly payment and a 2.5% annual escalator. No detailed vote tally was recorded in the transcript.

The action returns the collection to a multi-year operating arrangement and keeps LilyFest scheduled for Sept. 20 while prompting follow-up work to define marketing roles and whether event hosting should be added to future contracts.