Title
Update on Bonnie Wenk Park Phase 2 and Discuss and Provide Direction on a Potential Park Amenity
Summary
COUNCIL GOAL: Enhance the Quality of Life in McKinney
Direction for Strategic & Economic Growth
MEETING DATE: October 16, 2017
DEPARTMENT: City Council
CONTACT: Michael Kowski, AICP CUD, Director of Parks and Recreation
RECOMMENDED CITY COUNCIL ACTION:
• Receive a progress report on the construction status.
• Discuss and provide direction on the addition of a new park amenity. No formal action is being requested.
ITEM SUMMARY:
• Bonnie Wenk Park Phase 2 consists of three play pod areas, lighted sports fields, parking, hike and bike trails, pavilions, restrooms, and a park road that connects Phase 1 to Hardin Boulevard.
• A concept that originated during the design of the all abilities play area was an elevated walkway that would extend from the restroom area out to and over the playgrounds.
• The idea behind it was to provide an elevated amenity with views overlooking the play areas and park in general.
• The attached rendering is conceptual only. A comparable example of what this could look like is at the Dallas Arboretum Children’s Garden.
• It was not included in the project’s original design scope and is not currently part of the construction documents.
• However, staff has since revisited this concept and is requesting input from the Parks Board and City Council on whether or not this amenity is something that should be added to the current project.
• If it is, the next step would be to authorize a design contract and associated construction change order.
• By adding the skywalk now, there would be an expected cost savings as opposed to building it at a future time, as construction equipment is already mobilized on site.
BACKGROUND INFORMATION:
• Cooper General Contractors is the general contractor on site. The park was designed by la terra studio, inc.
• A partnership was developed with the Rotary Clubs of McKinney to design and fund an all abilities play structure. This is the first of its kind in this area and will provide recreation for people of all ages and types of disabilities.
PARKS, RECREATION & OPEN SPACE ADVISORY BOARD DISCUSSION:
• This item was presented to the Board for discussion on October 12, 2017. The overall response was very positive. Although no official action was requested of them, they collectively forwarded their enthusiastic support for the incorporation of the skywalk feature into the Phase 2 of the Bonnie Wenk project.