Title
Consider/Discuss a Request for the use of a portion of the Gray Branch Parkland for a Community Farm
Summary
COUNCIL GOAL: Enhance the Quality of Life in McKinney
(5A: Create affordable recreational and cultural arts activities for all ages throughout the city)
(5B: Develop Parks strategy to preserve green space for future park land)
(5E: Develop sustainable quality of life improvements within the City of McKinney)
MEETING DATE: October 15, 2024
DEPARTMENT: Parks and Recreation
CONTACT: Amy Kinkade, Director of Parks and Recreation
RECOMMENDED CITY COUNCIL ACTION:
• Discussion of the item.
• Staff cannot recommend approval of this request due to concerns, including but not limited to:
o Proposed use is not consistent with the Parks Master Plan (i.e. a contemplated use of public parkland); and
o Proposed use is not an appropriate use of public parkland; and
o Facilities and proposed use would be in the floodplain; and
o Lack of adequate utilities onsite; and
o Existing City building needed for storage of Parks Maintenance equipment; and
o Potential need for satellite offices for Parks Maintenance due to existing space needs; and
o Potential length of license agreement as a restriction on future park development.
• If Council is in favor of exploring a partnership, staff recommends the request first go before the Park Board for discussion and formal recommendation to Council.
• If the proposed use is ultimately approved, by law it would need to include public use/benefits including, but not limited to:
o Public parking for patrons;
o Adequate lighting;
o Compliance with Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA);
o Adequate hours of operation/use by the public;
o Code compliance;
o Adequate signage, both safety and directional/wayfinding; and
o Adequate safety measures for any housed livestock.
ITEM SUMMARY:
• The City has received a request to utilize approximately 40-60 acres at Gray Branch Park to construct an urban farm to provide sustainable food systems and support healthier lifestyles.
• This request includes the construction of a building to house a processing area for produce and eggs, seed room, lab, farm office, kitchen learning center and a community space.
o Current CIP plans for Gray Branch Park include an extension of a 10’-12’ wide concrete hike and bike trail to and through the site and a trail head with associated parking and signage.
• In July 2024, Parks submitted a grant request to the Collin County Open Space Board for funding of land acquisition and design of a trail which will provide a below-grade crossing of US 380 and connect both the north and south sides thereof.
o The trail grant is recommended for approval and expected to be voted on at the next Collin County Commissioners’ meeting.
• The below-grade trail is the only planned grade separated trail connection of US 380 that safely separates vehicles and pedestrians, and it is critical to the City’s Trails system. The extension of 10-12’ wide concrete trails through Gray Branch along Wilson Creek is the spine of the City’s overall Trail system, connecting the City from northwest to southeast.
• In addition to the planned CIP trail project, there are over 3.2 miles of natural surface trails on the subject site. There is also a maintenance barn that is storage for parks maintenance supplies and equipment.
• The current Master Plan for Gray Branch covers only 100 acres, not the entire 212 acres, as additional land was added to the park after its initial planning.
o This Plan is still in effect, which includes a recreation center, sports fields, trails, parking and passive uses, and as such, it is still the current vision for this portion of Gray Branch Park.
BACKGROUND INFORMATION:
• Gray Branch Park is 212 acres of city parkland located south of 380, between Ridge Road and Lake Forest Drive.
o It was purchased in 3 separate transactions.
1. 101 acres purchased in 2009 for $2,600,000
2. 50 acres purchased in 2013 for $1,300,000
3. 62 acres purchased in 2016 for $3,500,000 (the subject area)
• Much of the parkland is within the 100-year floodplain.
• The Master Plan for Gray Branch Park was completed in 2012 which covered only the original 101 acres.
• After acquiring the additional parcels, the Master Plan was revisited in 2017 to include the additional two parcels of land.
o The Master Plan update included a public input session as well as online surveys.
o At that time, public surveys/input polled strongly for utilizing Gray Branch more as a passive park with trails. Demand for active recreational uses has increased significantly since 2017.
o The Master Plan revision was never finalized as City priorities and funding shifted to other CIP projects.
FINANCIAL SUMMARY: N/A
BOARD OR COMMISSION RECOMMENDATION: N/A