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Parks board approves Bill and Lila Center Memorial Arboretum at Kirby Lake Park
Summary
The Abilene Parks Board voted to approve the Bill and Lila Center Memorial Arboretum and Picnic Area at Kirby Lake Park and to allow staff to advertise the project for bids; proponents say about $100,000 has been raised and the team aims for construction in late April or early May if council approves.
The Abilene Parks Board on Feb. 17 approved the Bill and Lila Center Memorial Arboretum and Picnic Area at Kirby Lake Park and authorized staff to move the project into the fundraising and bidding phase.
Leslie Andrews, director of parks and recreation, introduced the proposal and invited landscape architect Mitch Wright to present the concept and timeline. Wright told the board the project team has reached "slightly over a $100,000" in fundraising and that the bid package will be scaled to match that level of funding. He said he is asking the city to fund sidewalks and ADA parking and that some elements — including a softer trail through the pollinator garden — may be delayed if bids come in over budget.
Wright described the planned elements as tree plantings, trails, a bird blind and plant identification markers. He told the board that, if approved, staff will advertise the project (including two public notices) and that the package would likely go to City Council in the April timeframe; "we could be having shovels in the ground late April, early May," he said.
Board members asked for clarification about the $100,000 figure and what it would pay for; Wright said the amount is a "back-of-the-napkin" estimate and listed irrigation, picnic elements, and tree purchases among primary costs, noting there are options to scale back (for example, selecting smaller-caliper trees or postponing the pollinator trail).
The board moved and seconded approval of the project and the requested name. Leslie Andrews noted the parks board policy prevents a naming change for 50 years once a name is approved. The board voted in favor; Chair announced the motion carried.
Next steps are for staff to prepare the bid package, coordinate any required city-funded sidewalk or ADA work, and present the project to City Council for final approval. Mitch Wright said additional private donors have expressed willingness to cover shortfalls if bids exceed current fundraising.
