HomeMy WebLinkAboutResolution 3765-07-2009A Resolution
NO 3765-07 2009
SUPPORTING IMPLEMENTATION OF THE NATURE CENTER
MASTER PLAN THROUGH ESTABLISHMENT OF A PERMANENT
FUND DEDICATED TO THE NATURE CENTER WITH FUTURE
MINERAL LEASE PROCEEDS UP TO $62 MILLION
WHEREAS, the Fort Worth Nature Center and Refuge ("Nature Center") is comprised of 3 621 acres of
preserved wildlife habitat on the shores of Lake Worth to be enjoyed by citizens and visitors of Fort Worth, and
WHEREAS, the Nature Center is the largest park m the City of Fort Worth s municipal system and one
of the largest City-owned facilities of its kind m the United States, and
WHEREAS, the Nature Center is a hidden jewel, a wilderness comprised of forests, prairies and
wetlands rermmscent of how much of the Fort WorthlDallas metroplex once looked, and
WHEREAS, the Nature Center provides over 20 miles of hiking trails with easy access to a myriad of
natural wonders, and
WHEREAS, the Nature Center houses the Hardwicke Interpretive Center with staff naturalists to
facilitate exploration and the Refuge Service Center team that provides care for all natural and enhanced
amenities, and
WHEREAS, on April 15 2003 the Parks and Community Services Advisory Board endorsed the
adoption of Preserving Native Texas A Master Plan for the Fort Worth Nature Center & Refuge (Nature Center
Master Plan) and on June 17 2003 the City Council adopted the plan (M&C G 13998), and
WHEREAS, on February 24 2004 the Nature Center Master Plan was incorporated mto the 2004
Comprehensive Plan for the City of Fort Worth (M&C G 14276) and
WHEREAS, two non-profit groups, The Fort Worth Nature Center and Refuge Conservancy and Friends
of the Fort Worth Nature Center and Refuge, have incorporated solely to provide support and resources for the
Fort Worth Nature Center and Refuge and have endorsed the Nature Center Master Plan, and
WHEREAS, development of the minerals associated with the Nature Center will allow establishment of
a permanent fund for long-term maintenance and operation of the facility and the implementation of the Nature
Center Master Plan including trail and facility improvements, equipment purchases, a Visitors Center canoe
launch areas, an educational camp and roads, among others, and
WHEREAS, the current City Council has adopted a financial policy for rmneral proceeds that commits
$62 mullion (Exhibit A) based on current costs over an anticipated 15-year time period to the implementation of
the Nature Center Master Plan and the establishment of the Nature Center Permanent Fund, and
WHEREAS, the projected need and commitment of funds should be adjusted throughout implementation
to reflect inflation and guarantee that the full vision of the Nature Center Master Plan can be achieved,
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RESOLUTION NO 3765-07 2009
NOW THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE CITY OF FORT WORTH, TEXAS, THAT
The City Council of the City of Fort Worth, Texas, respectfully requests and urges future elected officials
and citizens to continue to support the dedication of mineral lease funds to the Fort Worth Nature Center and
Refuge to implement the Nature Center Master Plan and provide a permanent source of maintenance and
operations funds so that the park continues to be an asset to future generations of Fort Worth residents.
PASSED AND APPROVED by the City Council of the Crty of Fort Worth, Texas, on this the 21st
day of July 2009
TO FORMtAND LEGALITY
G~:l.~-~
City Attorney
JUL 2 1 2009
City Secretary of the
City of Fort Worth, Texas
ORT WORT
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Proposed Costs for Nature Center Master Plan
RESOLUTION NO 3765-07 2009 Exhibit A
Endowment $10,000,000 16.1
Acquisition $22,000,000 35.5
Lakeland Addition Jacksboro Hwy and surrounding
properties/demolition
Deferred Maintenance $ 12,447,188 201
Trail Maintenance $3, 052, 085
Marsh Boardwalk, Cross Timbers Levee, Greer Island access
causeway
Facilities Maintenance ($9, 395,103)
Refurbish CCC structures at Broadview Park, resurface existing
roads and install cabling along roadsides, install comprehensive
wayfinding and educational signage program, plat and fence
property boundary for security and to deter poaching, remodel
Hardwicke Center to provide adequate office space, appropriate
animal care and exhibit facilities, classroom and storage,
improvements to bison range to include fencing, wells, public viewing
area, handling equipment
Purchase of New Equipment $ 560,000 0 9
Outreach vehicle, large tractor implements for skid steer loader off-
road vehicles, etc.
Subtotal $45,007,188 72.6
New Capital Improvements
Visitor Center Gold LEED Certified $ 10,000 000
Canoe launch areas (2) $ 200 000
Educational camp in collaboration with partners $ 2 500 000
New entry portal at Love Circle $ 1,000,000
Greer Island entrance improvements repair parking lot, construct
shade pavilion roadway renovation
$ 105,284
Reconfigure road system to improve traffic circulation and visitor
experience while still considering wildlife habitat conservation
$ 2,000,000
Renovation of existing structure on site or new construction for
maintenance center office space, intern quarters and storage facility,
),
$ 1,200,000
Subtotal $ 17,005,284` 27.4
a~
Assumption Continue General Fund Budget at current level once endowment achieves
capacity Nature Center can assume operating budget.
Exhibit A Nature Center Master Plan cost estimates 2 09 final