Title
Consider/Discuss/Act on a Recommendation to City Council Authorizing the Applications and Acceptance, if Awarded, of a Collin County Parks and Open Space Project Funding Assistance Program for the Gray Branch Trail and Cottonwood Creek Trail @ 121 Projects
Summary
COUNCIL GOAL: Enhance the Quality of Life in McKinney
(5A: Create affordable recreational and cultural arts activities for all ages throughout the city)
(5C: Develop sustainable quality of life improvements within the City of McKinney)
(5E: Enhance connectivity to parks & civic facilities, school/education centers, libraries, health care providers, commercial corridors, etc.)
MEETING DATE: June 13, 2024
DEPARTMENT: Parks and Recreation
CONTACT: Amy Kinkade, Director of Parks and Recreation
RECOMMENDED PARK BOARD ACTION:
• Approval of the Recommendation.
ITEM SUMMARY:
• This item authorizes two applications for and acceptance of, if awarded, a Collin County Parks and Open Space Funding Assistance Program grant for the Gray Branch trail project and Cottonwood Creek Trail @ 121 project.
• The application submission deadline to Collin County is July 8, 2024, with an award announcement in October of this year.
• The Gray Branch trail project will include land acquisition and improvements along Wilson Creek for a 12’ concrete trail undergrade crossing at US380 and Wilson Creek. The trail will connect to the existing hike and bike trails through Auburn Hills and provide a trail through the box culvert at US380 into Gray Branch Park. The concrete trail will terminate at a parking lot that will be designated as a trail head for the Wilson Creek trails.
• Together the undergrade crossing and proposed trail head parking will provide patrons a trail connection to the existing hike and bike trails within Auburn Hills and provide the residents of Auburn Hills pedestrian access to the nature trails within Gray Branch.
• The Gray Branch trail project will continue the linear park and trail system along Wilson Creek, the spine of our parks and trails.
• The Cottonwood Creek Trail @ 121 project will include land acquisition and improvements along Cottonwood Creek for a 12’ concrete trail connection. The trail will provide a connection under SH121 bridge at the City of Allen’s constructed trail and extend north to Collin McKinney Parkway to connect to McKinney’s existing trail.
• The Cottonwood Creek trail project will fill a gap and create a significant regional connection for Collin County between Allen and McKinney.
BACKGROUND INFORMATION:
• Upon award, each project will be ready to begin negotiations to acquire the needed pedestrian public access easements. Followed by the design of the trail project utilizing a landscape architect from the City’s approved vendor list.
• The Trails Master Plan identifies both trail connections as key trail catalyst projects.
• Additionally, the Wilson Creek trail system was designated in 2023 as a National Recreation Trail by the Secretary of the Interior. This was one of 9 national trail designations and the only one in Texas.
FINANCIAL SUMMARY:
• This funding program requires a 50% match from the City. Staff is still evaluating the exact grant request amount, which will be determined when this item goes to Council.