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Park board hears master‑plan update; public input favors natural park at Ben A Klutz
Summary
Staff told the board the in‑house five‑year update to the parks master plan is nearly complete and summarized two recent public input meetings for Ben A Klutz and Alma Williams; Ben A Klutz attendees favored a nature park while Alma Williams feedback prioritized restrooms and sports fields.
Parks and Recreation staff updated the Rockwall Park Board on the parks master plan and recent public input for two large proposed community parks.
Staff said the 2021 parks master plan is a 10‑year guiding document and that the department is completing a five‑year update in‑house. Staff reported public‑input meetings for the Ben A Klutz and Alma Williams sites drew roughly 30–50 participants and that the consultant and staff are refining designs before sending the update to Council.
For Ben A Klutz, staff said topography and site conditions are lending the site toward a nature‑oriented park with a pond, fishing pier, granite walking trails, butterfly garden and open meadows; attendees largely placed stickers indicating opposition to sports complexes and lighting, preferring a natural setting. For Alma Williams, public feedback leaned toward restrooms, picnic pavilions and sports fields; staff said Alma Williams may include amenities such as a skatepark, BMX pump track and possibly a BMX race track depending on funding.
Staff gave order‑of‑magnitude cost estimates for planning purposes only, saying Ben A Klutz could be in the range of $20,000,000 and Alma Williams could be as high as $75,000,000 depending on scope and timing. Staff emphasized funding availability is uncertain and that these are planning estimates.
Staff said the updated master plan will come back to the board as a first step before it proceeds to City Council for approval.
