Title
Consider/Discuss/Act on a Resolution Authorizing the Application and Acceptance, if Awarded, of a Collin County Parks and Open Space Project Funding Assistance Program for the Gray Branch Trail Project and Other Improvements
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 18, 2024
DEPARTMENT: Parks and Recreation
CONTACT: Amy Kinkade, Director of Parks and Recreation
RECOMMENDED CITY COUNCIL ACTION:
• Approval of the Resolution.
ITEM SUMMARY:
• This item authorizes the application for and acceptance of, if awarded, a Collin County Parks and Open Space Funding Assistance Program grant for the Gray Branch trail project and other related improvements.
• The application submission deadline to Collin County is July 8, 2024, with an award announcement in October of this year.
• This project will include land acquisition 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.
BACKGROUND INFORMATION:
• Upon award, the project will be ready to begin negotiations to acquire the needed pedestrian public access easements or land. Once acquired the design of the trail project will begin utilizing a landscape architect from the City’s approved vendor list.
• This project will continue the linear park and trail system along Wilson Creek, the spine of our parks and trails.
• The Trails Master Plan identifies this connection as a key trail catalyst project.
• Additionally, the Wilson Creek trail system was recently designated 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:
• The Parks and Recreation Department is requesting assistance in the amount of $500,000.
• This funding program requires a 50% match from the City, which is due upon award notification this October.
o There is currently $589,955 available in PK2348 to cover the City’s match requirement.
BOARD OR COMMISSION RECOMMENDATION:
• The Board unanimously approved this item at the June 13th meeting.