Title
Conduct a Public Hearing and Consider/Discuss/Act on a Project Grant Request Submitted by Heard Natural Science Museum and Wildlife Sanctuary (#22-01) in the Amount of Thirty Thousand and NO/100 Dollars ($30,000.00) for Expansion of and Updates to the Ropes Course to Provide Additional Program Offerings, Update Equipment and Improve Accessibility. Amount Requested Represents 75% of the Total Project Cost.
Summary
COUNCIL GOAL: 5: Enhance Quality of Life in McKinney
(5A): Create affordable recreational and cultural arts activities for all ages throughout the City of McKinney
(5E): Develop sustainable quality of life improvements within the City
MEETING DATE: January 27, 2022
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 expand and update the ropes course.
• This project expansion will address a demand for growth while providing additional program offerings.
• The ropes course was originally built in 2009 and requires updates as it has incurred usual wear and tear.
• Course improvements will include:
o adding lead anchors and replacing handholds for the climbing wall;
o replacing cables for challenge pole and two-line bridge;
o adding a staircase for the zipline to increase accessibility;
o adding hardware to the “Big Bessie” bur oak tree for climbing; and
o adding an obstacle course (The Flight Cage).
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; and
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:
• Funds allocated for FY22 for discretionary Project Grants is $1,749,025. The request is eligible for MCDC consideration under Section 505.152 of the Texas Local Government Code.
SUPPORTING MATERIALS:
• Application Packet
• Presentation