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Council, Sul Ross and staff map restoration plans for Coconut Lodge and a July concert series
Summary
Council heard multi-department updates on a 2021 Sul Ross State University MOU for Coconut Lodge/Coconut Park restoration, water-reuse options to refill ponds and a modest July concert series tied to a Smithsonian exhibit; staff will pursue TCEQ approvals and near-term cleanup and volunteer coordination.
Mayor Katherine Eves and staff led a time-sensitive discussion of a 2021 memorandum of understanding between the city and Sul Ross State University covering Coconut Lodge and adjacent parkland, a 30‑year agreement that allows joint restoration and use.
Adalina Bell, environmental services administrator, said the city incorporated water-conservation strategies into a Texas Water Development Board plan and is therefore eligible to pursue funding. “We did successfully add them to the plan. So we’re eligible to get funding,” Bell said, describing proposals to route reclaimed wastewater to on‑site tanks and ponds and to pursue aquifer-surface recharge over time.
Mike Mas, utilities director, confirmed reclaimed or “effluent” water supplies are feasible and said the city already supplies treated effluent to the golf course. He told council he would contact the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality about requirements and estimated approval could take “a couple months” if staff begins promptly; he cautioned that reclaimed water must be secured because it is not potable.
Chris Rouia and Heather Aiden, tourism staff, described a dual vision for the site: recharging ponds to create riparian habitat for migrating birds and restoring grassland areas for grassland species, while repairing the rock amphitheater for small music events. Aiden said the Museum on Main Street Smithsonian exhibit (Spark: Places of Innovation) is coming to Alpine in July and staff propose a Tuesday-evening, low‑impact concert series (8–10 p.m.) under the stars to coincide with the exhibit and regional tourism events.
Sul Ross administrators attending the meeting said the university supports restoration work and sees educational and student-involvement opportunities. Council and staff discussed site prep needs—vegetation removal, capping old water lines, repairing or relocating electrical panels and checking restroom plumbing—and identified volunteer partners (university groups, local volunteers and an army unit). Staff proposed a June cleanup to make the site usable for casual July events while longer-term restoration proceeds.
Next steps: staff will pursue TCEQ guidance for reclaimed-water use, coordinate with Sul Ross technical staff (hydrology/percolation expertise was requested), inventory costs for professional grassland restoration and pursue grant opportunities through the Texas Water Development Board and other programs. The council did not take a formal vote on policy at the meeting but directed staff to continue planning and to bring more detailed cost and permitting information back to council.
