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 ...
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