Title
Consider/Discuss/Act on a Request for Funding Submitted by Heard Natural Science Museum and Wildlife Sanctuary (Project #20-10) in the Amount of Forty Thousand and NO/100 Dollars ($40,000.00) to Upgrade Trails and to Improve Accessibility at the Facility Located at 1 Nature Place, McKinney, Texas.
Summary
COUNCIL GOAL: Enhance Quality of Life in McKinney
MEETING DATE: August 27, 2020
DEPARTMENT: McKinney Community Development Corporation
CONTACT: Cindy Schneible, President
ITEM SUMMARY:
• Heard Natural Science Museum and Wildlife Sanctuary is seeking funding for a project to upgrade trails that lead to the Heard’s Animals of the World exhibit enclosures and the Native Texas Butterfly House & Garden to improve accessibility.
• The upgrade will feature a 65-foot wide concrete path, equipped with culverts and other soil erosion mitigation methodologies.
• The length of the trail is approximately 6300 feet.
BACKGROUND INFORMATION:
• Founded in 1967 by Miss Bess Heard, The Heard Natural Science Museum and Wildlife Sanctuary is a natural science exploration center focused on interpreting the natural world to people of all ages.
• The mission of the Heard Natural Science Museum and Wildlife Sanctuary is to bring nature and people together to discover, enjoy, experience, preserve and restore our priceless environment through:
o Educational programs emphasizing appreciation and conservation of nature;
o Preservation of a portion of North Texas land with its native vegetation and wildlife, in as near a natural condition as possible;
o Museum exhibits, examples of natural history, nature-related art works and memorabilia from Founder Bess Heard;
o Indoor/outdoor nature experiences geared to all age and educational levels.
• The Heard offers guests the unique experience to understand Collin County’s natural heritage a well as how lifestyle decisions we make today will affect how Collin County will look in the future
• The Heard experience involves both indoor and outdoor activities throughout the 289-acre sanctuary.
FINANCIAL SUMMARY:
• Total estimated cost for the trail upgrade and accessibility improvements is $40,000.
• The proposed project is eligible for consideration by the board under Section 505.152 of the Texas Local Government Code.