December 2009 Schrickel, Rollins and Associates, Inc. Parks, Recreation and Open Space Master Plan

Page 1 Table of Contents

Acknowledgements

Chapter 1 - Introduction

Chapter 2 - Community Profi le and Park & Recreation Resources

Chapter 3 - The Planning Process and Standards

Chapter 4 - Needs Assessments

Chapter 5 - Environmental Preservation and Open Space Plan

Chapter 6 - Priorities, Reccommendations and Implementation

Bibliography

Appendix

Page 2 Acknowledgements

City Council Ted Reynolds, Mayor Dr. Robert Kelly, District 1 Gayle White, District 2 Dale Sturgeon, District 3 John Warren, Mayor Pro Tem, District 4

Parks and Recreation Board Ben Oefi nger, Chairman Casey Dugger Jeff LeClair Burt Powell Barbara Robinson Randy Stone Mary Ann Wheatley

City Staff Chester R. Nolen, City Manager Rick Holden, Assistant City Manager Max Robertson, Director Parks & Recreation Division Mike Utecht, Superintendent of Parks and Recreation Kristi Dempsey, Parks & Recreation Gina Moore, Recreation Manager Donna Jackson Zimmerman, Director of Development Services Ann Powell, City Planner

Project Team Schrickel, Rollins and Associates, Inc. Linda Jordan, Project Manager Suzanne C. Sweek, RLA, ASLA, Project Coordinator Cathy Acuna, Planner Michael Kashuba, Planner

Raymond Turco and Associates Raymond Turco

Page 3 Page 4 Chapter 1

Introduction This plan has been prepared in compliance Standards developed for Cleburne and discussed with the guidelines for park and recreation in Chapter 3. “Our mission is to enhance the quality of life system master plans established by Texas Parks in Cleburne through people, places, programs & Wildlife (TP&W). TP&W provides a variety Preservation of the City’s natural environment is and partnerships.” - Cleburne Parks and of matching grant programs, and master plans discussed in Chapter 5. Chapter 6 focuses on Recreation Division Mission Statement consistent with their guidelines have a greater the priorities and recommendations of the plan as chance of qualifying for matching grants for the well as implementation strategies. Purpose implementation of projects. The purpose of the City of Cleburne Parks, Seven maps graphically express Cleburne’s Recreation and Open Space Master Plan is City’s Role in Providing Park and physical environment and the fi ndings of this to provide guidelines and strategies for future Recreation Services park planning process: acquisition and development of recreational The City’s Parks and Recreation Department of • Figure 1 - Location Map (Chapter 1) facilities for the City of Cleburne. This plan is Community Services is responsible for acquiring, • Figure 2 - Study Area (Chapter 1) based on recognized park planning principles developing and maintaining parks, with • Figure 3 - Existing Parks (Chapter 2) and standards, and refl ects input from the assistance from the Parks and Recreation Board • Figure 4 - Existing Schools (Chapter 2) citizens of Cleburne, City staff, Parks and and the City Council. The same department • Figure 5 - Neighborhood Park Service Zones Recreation Board and City Council. is also responsible for operating recreational (Chapter 3) programs. The City provides traditional park and • Figure 6 - Community Park Service Zones The City of Cleburne Parks, Recreation and recreational facilities, including eighteen parks, (Chapter 3) Open Space Master Plan focuses on the City’s one municipal golf course and one community/ • Figure 7 - Environmental and Open Space needs analysis through current, fi ve-year and recreation center. Preservation Plan (Chapter 5) ten-year needs and initiatives. It is a community- based document that will aid City staff and Plan Highlights Lake Pat Cleburne Master Plan City decision-makers in providing recreational The goals and objectives of this plan are In 2008, the City engaged Jacobs to prepare a facilities to the citizens of Cleburne and in summarized in this chapter. Chapter 2 describes master plan for Lake Pat Cleburne. The planning preserving the City’s fl oodplains and other open the City’s history and demographic profi les process included a guided tour of similar space areas in an orderly and economical way. and quantifi es the City’s existing park and facilities, photo documentation of existing This plan will address present and future needs recreational facilities. conditions, public input, determination of of the community and may also help the City in opportunities and constraints and establishment leveraging additional fi nancial resources. The results of the public input process are of priorities and recommendations. The Lake Pat summarized in Chapter 3. The Needs Cleburne Master Plan, approved by City Council Figure 1 - Location Map and Figure 2 -Study Assessment in Chapter 4 quantifi es Cleburne’s in June 2009, includes eight general areas for Area are located at the end of this chapter and existing and future parkland and recreational potential lake development as follows: Buddy show the location and limits of this study. facility needs based on public input and Stewart Park, Cultural History Area, Outdoor Learning Area, Hike and Bike Trail Loop, Retail

Page 5 Activity Center, Golf Course, Passive Recreation • Develop additional recreational centers and Objectives: and Other. A copy of the Lake Pat Cleburne community centers in strategic locations • Work in concert with Cleburne Independent Master Plan and list of priorities is included in throughout the City. School District in the joint usage of school the Appendix. • Assure that park facilities are in compliance district land and athletic facilities. with Texas Accessibility Standards, and • Continue to strengthen relationship with Goals and Objectives playgrounds are in compliance with Cleburne Chamber of Commerce in the Goals and objectives are derived from the Consumer Product Safety Commission sponsorship of activities that promote identifi cation of basic issues and problems. (CPSC) guidelines. tourism, especially as they relate to the park Goals are value statements that identify desired • Pursue grants and other resources to provide system. conditions or destinations. They attempt to put supplemental funding for park improvement • Continue to strengthen relationship with into words community-wide impressions of what projects. Cleburne Chamber of Commerce in the is good or bad, safe or dangerous, desired or sponsorship of activities that promote undesired. Objectives identify what needs to Goal Two – Recreational Programming Cleburne as a desirable place to live, work be accomplished in order to produce a desired Promote a sense of community through a variety and play. condition. They highlight measurable actions of recreation programs. • Continue to strengthen and refi ne to be pursued. Together, goals and objectives relationships with local sports organizations provide a foundation for decision-making and Objectives: in the development of youth programs and action over the ten-year life of this plan. • Develop and implement a year-round activities. comprehensive recreational program for • Establish and nurture partnerships with Goal One – Parks and Gathering Places the Booker T. Washington Community & Johnson County, Master Gardeners and other Provide a variety of quality, year-round parks Recreation Center. area organizations and corporations. and recreation facilities and programs to meet • Develop and implement a recreational the recreational, health and well-being needs program at Cleburne Golf Links that of a diverse population with various levels of encourages play by all groups with an ability and skill. additional emphasis for women and children to play golf. Objectives: • Develop and implement a year-round • Retain professional resources to develop comprehensive adult recreational program at master plans for the development and/or Cleburne Senior Center and other locations redevelopment of the City’s parks. as appropriate. • Develop and implement an action plan to construct new recreational facilities in the Goal Three – Development of Programming City’s parks. Partnerships • Plan for the orderly replacement of aging Encourage cooperation and establish park and recreational infrastructure to ensure partnerships with the school district, that existing recreational opportunities are governmental agencies, area corporations and not lost. community organizations to assist with funding, • Where possible, provide the facilities development and maintenance of park and requested in the March 2008 Telephone recreational facilities. Survey.

Page 6 Goal Four – Trails and Connections • Continue development of Winston Patrick Provide a system of trails within the City McGregor Park as the City’s premier of Cleburne with potential connections to botanical facility. neighboring communities and amenities. • Implement a tree planting program where appropriate within the City’ parks and open Objectives: spaces and rights-of-way. • Where feasible, establish pedestrian and • Administer construction and maintenance bikeway linkages and connections between activities consistent with Earthkind TM neighborhoods and open space areas, parks, practices and principles. school sites and downtown. Note: EarthKindTM is a designation • Encourage developers to install trails within developed by Texas A&M that utilizes residential developments that connect to the selection of plants that are appropriate; City’s trail system. conservative use of herbicides, pesticides • Provide public access to the open space and chemicals; conservation of water in fl oodplains and public utility corridors. resources, etc. Utilization of these corridors will provide linear open space and recreational opportunities that do not require major land purchase expense or structural development.

Goal Five – Environmental Preservation Encourage conservation of environmentally signifi cant resources such as native prairies, view corridors, wildlife habitats, wetlands, creek corridors, lakes, ponds and wooded areas.

Objectives: • Preserve the City’s 100-year fl oodplains to provide for conveyance of storm water, preserve wildlife habitats, supply opportunities for nature observation, develop trails systems, create linkages and provide buffers between land uses. • Prepare and administer development and construction guidelines that result in the protection of environmentally signifi cant resources. • Develop the Buffalo Creek corridor as the City’s premier environmental and open space preservation resource. • Implement the development of trails, park systems and nature-based education and recreation around Lake Pat Cleburne. Page 7 City of Cleburne Parks, Recreation, and Open Space Master Plan

FORT WORTH 30 DALLAS FIGURE 1 20 377 67 LOCATION MAP 287

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CLEBURNE 35W BONNO 35E

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GRAPHIC SCALE IN MILES

Page 8 City of Cleburne Parks, Recreation, and Open Space

Master Plan SH 174 SH FIGURE 2

SH 171 STUDY AREA

US 67

BUS 67

SH 174

SH 171

Page 9 Page 10 Chapter 2

Community Profi le and Park & units marching off to war. This facility became with Fort Worth. The cities of Burleson, Godley Recreation Resources a permanent settlement on March 23, 1867 and Joshua are located to the north of Cleburne; when it was chosen as the new location for the Keene, Alvarado and Grandview to the East; History and Setting Johnson County seat. The City of Cleburne was Parker and Rio Vista to the South; and Bono, incorporated in May 1871 and named in honor Nemo and Granbury to the west. For nine years after Texas became a state, Navarro of General Patrick R. Cleburne, who commanded County extended from Somerville to Corsicana. many troops during the Civil War.2 The original The City’s major employers include Cleburne In 1854, the state divided Navarro County into water source on West Buffalo Creek is now a Independent School District, Wal-Mart two smaller counties, Navarro County and historical site known as the Old City Spring. Distribution Center, Johnson County, Wal- Johnson County. William O’Neal donated 80 Mart Supercenter, Tutle & Tutle Trucking, Johns acres for the county seat in 1855 and named Cleburne’s evolution into a transportation center Manville, Rangaire Corporation and Pumpco the town Wardville after Thomas William Ward, continued with the arrival of the Gulf, Colorado Services. 6 a hero of the Texas Revolution. The following and Santa Fe Railroads from Fort Worth in year the county seat was relocated to the town of 1881. The Santa Fe Railroad constructed central 1Handbook of Texas Online, s.v. “,” http://www.tshaonline.org/ Buchanan. handbook/online/articles/JJ/hcj8.html (accessed May 15, 2008). machine shops and a switchyard in Cleburne 2Handbook of Texas Online, s.v. “,” http://www.tshaonline.org/ for the building and repair of railroad cars in handbook/online/articles/CC/hec2.html (accessed May 12, 2008). The site of the original town of Wardville is now 3Ibid. 1898. This contributed to the early industrial and part of the Chisolm Trail Outdoor Museum on 4Handbook of Texas Online, s.v. “,” http://www.tshaonline.org/ population growth of the City.3 Over the years, handbook/online/articles/JJ/hcj8.html (accessed May 15, 2008). the northwest corner of Lake Pat Cleburne in 5Regional Directory, City of Cleburne, compiled by North Central Cleburne has been served by many different Cleburne. The museum contains the restored Texas Council of Governments (NCTCOG), http://www.nctcog.org/rd/ railroads and is currently served by the Fort city.asp?0860. Wardville courthouse, historic artifacts, 6City of Cleburne Economic Development Department, Industry Worth and Western, Burlington Northern Santa Employers, http://www.ci.cleburne.tx.us/departments/econdev/ stagecoach, campsites and recreations of the 4 Fe and Amtrak railroads. industryempl.htm. Wardville cemetery and stagecoach station. Cleburne consists of approximately 30 square Cleburne’s origin and early growth can be miles of land in north central Texas.5 The City attributed to its proximity to the earliest Johnson is strategically located at the crossroads of state County road, an old wagon trail used by soldiers and federal highways including U.S. Highway traveling from Fort Belknap to Fort Graham. 67 (US 67), State Highway 171 (SH 171) and The location offered access to a water source State Highway 174 (SH 174). The City is on West Buffalo Creek that attracted travelers, approximately 29 miles south of Fort Worth, including cattlemen from the nearby Chisholm 60 miles north of Waco, and 11 miles west of Trail and Comanche, Tonkawas, Kickapoo, Highway 35 West. The proposed State Highway Anadarkos, Caddo and Waco Indians.1 During 121 (SH 121) extension from Fort Worth to US the Civil War the site was utilized as a bivouac, 67 in north Cleburne will improve accessibility known as Camp Henderson, for Johnson County

Page 11 Cleburne is located within the Brazos River Basin 7 Table 2.1 and the Grand Prairie natural region of Texas. This region consists of level to rolling terrain with a Population by Decade from 1960-2000 several clear water springs meandering through 1960 1970 1980 1990 2000 densely wooded hillsides and grassy plains. The 15,381 16,015 19,218 22,205 26,005 primary water resources for the City are Buffalo aU.S. Census 2000 Report PL94-171 compiled by North Central Texas Council of Governments Creek, the Nolan River and Lake Pat Cleburne. (NCTCOG). Elevations for Johnson County range from 600 feet to 1,000 feet above sea level. Rainfall in Table 2.2 Johnson County averages approximately 33 8 inches annually. Population Projections b c d d 2000 2008 2013 2018 26,005 30,272 34,691 39,756 Population and Demographics b U.S. Census 2000 Report PL94-171 compiled by NCTCOG. Between 1990 and 2000, the City’s population c NCTCOG Annual Population and Housing Estimates for January 1, 2008. d increased 17.7 percent, compared to a statewide Population projection based on 14.6% average growth rate from U.S. Census 2000 Report PL94-171, compiled by 9,10 NCTCOG. increase of 22.8 percent. The average age of Cleburne’s residents decreased from 35.8 years Table 2.3 in 1990 to 33.2 years in 2000.11,12 Statewide, the e average age in Texas increased from 30.15 years Age of Population 2000 Census to 32.3 years.13 Total Population 26,005 Under 5 yrs 2,143 The following tables depict a history of 5-9 yrs 2,008 Cleburne’s population. Table 2.1 illustrates 10-14 yrs 1,933 Cleburne’s population between 1960 and 15-19 yrs 1,955 2000, based on Census data. Table 2.2 depicts 20-24 yrs 1,753 population projections for 2008, 2013, 2018, 25-34 yrs 3,818 based on information compiled by North 35-44 yrs 3,603 Central Texas Council of Governments. The 45-54 yrs 3,189 City’s projected growth, age distribution of the 1,099 55-59 yrs population, and expanding ethnic diversity will 923 60-64 yrs infl uence the recreational priorities of the City 1,686 65-74 yrs in coming decades (refer to Tables 2.3 and 2.4). 1,347 75-84 yrs Income and poverty levels are shown in Table 85 yrs and over 548 2.5, and household income groups are shown in e U.S. Census Bureau - 2000 Census of Population and Housing Summary File 1; compiled by Table 2.6. NCTCOG. 7Texas River Basins, Major Bays and Streams Map, compiled by 11 1990 Census Population and Housing Characteristics (STF 1) for Texas Parks and Wildlife Department, GIS Lab, www.tpwd.state.tx.us/ Cleburne, Texas, compiled by NCTCOG, http://www.nctcog.org/ris/ landwater/land/maps/map_downloads/map_gallery/hydro/index.phtml. census/1990/stfl .asp?Geo=City&Area=0860. 8The Handbook of Texas Online, s. v. “,” http://www.tshaonline.org/ 12 2000 Census of Population and Housing Summary File 1 (SF 1), handbook/online/articles/JJ/hcj8.html (accessed May 15, 2008). Characteristics for Cleburne, Texas, compiled by NCTCOG, http:// 9 2000 Census Redistricting Data, Numerical and Percent Change in nctcog.org/ris/census/sf1.asp?Geo=City&Area=0860. Population from 1990 to 2000 in Places in Texas, compiled by Texas 13 DP-1. Profi les of General Demographic Characteristics, Census State Data Center and Offi ce of the State Demographer, http://txsdc. 2000 Summary File 1 (SF 1) 100 Percent Data, Texas http://factfi nder. utsa.edu/data/census/2000/redistrict/p194-171/desctab/tot_tab26.txt census.gov. 10Ibid, http://txsdc.utsa.edu/data/census/2000/redistrict/p194-171/ Page 12 desctab/tot_tab1.txt Table 2.4

f Demographic Characteristics 2000 Census Total Population 26,005 100% (Hispanics included in all races) 86.3% White 22,448 Black / African American 1,154 4.4% American Indian or Alaska Native 122 0.5% Asian or Pacific Islander 163 0.6% Other 2,118 8.1% Hispanic Origin (Any Race) 5,175 19.9% f U.S. Census Bureau - 2000 Census of Population and Housing Summary File 1; compiled by NCTCOG.

Table 2.5 2000 Census g Income / Poverty Levels City of Johnson State of Cleburne County Texas Median Household Income $35,481 $44,621 $39,927 Persons Below Poverty Level 13.5% 8.8% 15.4% g U.S. Census Bureau - 2000 Census Profile of Selected Economic Characteristics (SF3); compiled by NCTCOG.

Table 2.6 2000 Census

h Number of Percent of Household Income Groups Households Households Low Household Income (less than $14,999) 1,701 18.2% 4,482 47.9% Medium Household Income ($15,000 to High Household Income (more than $50,000) 3,167 33.9% h U.S. Census Bureau - 2000 Census Profile of Selected Economic Characteristics (SFP); compiled by NCTCOG.

Page 13 Physical Features and Development The Marti Reservoir is located on the north side Creek could provide open space and alternative Within Cleburne’s city limits are 30 square miles of Cleburne. It has 212 surface acres and is an transportation opportunities for workers in north of gently rolling terrain, densely wooded creek oasis in the City’s industrial district. These two Cleburne. corridors and open, fertile agricultural land that lakes represent approximately 13 percent of the distinguishes it among the communities in north total area within the city limits. central Texas. Cleburne’s historic downtown is a center of commerce and an attractive asset Residential, commercial and industrial have to the community. The unique character of the been the dominant development sectors in homes, shops, offi ces, restaurants, and the newly Cleburne. Completion of the proposed SH renovated Johnson County Courthouse attract 121 extension and the redevelopment of the travelers and local residents. downtown business district will likely stimulate commercial and industrial developments in these Cleburne has fl oodplain land within the city areas of the City. Commercial and residential limits, desirable for open space preservation developments are also anticipated to the north of and the development of trails and parkland. the City along the US 67 Loop.15,16 Although fl oodplain land is generally unsuitable for community development due to the potential Impacting Land Uses for fl ooding, these areas provide natural Cleburne’s major transportation routes, industrial corridors of open space, woodlands and wildlife and commercial areas, landfi ll, airport, lakes, habitat throughout the City. creek and fl oodplain corridors and gas well sites will impact park and recreation planning and Several creeks fl ow through Cleburne, including utilization. East Buffalo Creek, West Buffalo Creek and McAnear Creek. West Buffalo Creek fl ows The north side of the City is heavily from the Marti Reservoir through the center industrialized. While neighborhood parks of Cleburne forming a picturesque greenway are not recommended in this area, athletic through the City’s urban core. Potential complexes, linear parks and special use facilities exists for additional park, trail and greenway may be appropriate. In this setting, the athletic developments along the West and East Buffalo fi eld lighting and high traffi c volumes would not Creek corridors, especially within the relatively affect residential neighborhoods. This is would undisturbed southern reaches of the creeks. also apply to potential park tracts in the vicinity McAnear Creek also offers potential for a of the airport. greenway and trail connection between the City’s established western neighborhoods and George Marti Lake, located in the heart of the McAnear Park to the northeast. See Figure 7 – industrial north side, provides fl ood control for Environmental and Open Space Preservation Buffalo Creek and has signifi cant potential for 14 Lake Characteristics, Lake Pat Cleburne, Texas Parks and Wildlife Plan. Department, http://www.tpwd.state.tx.us/fi shboat/fi sh/recreational/ future park and recreational use. Future SH lakes/pat_cleburne/. 121 will adjoin the west side of this site and 15North Texas’ Best Value Commercial & Industrial Sites, Economic Lake Pat Cleburne, with 1,545 acres of surface could be developed as a city gateway. There is Development Department, City of Cleburne, Texas, 2007. 16“Fitch Rates Cleburne, Texas 2008 GO’s ‘A+’; Revises Outlook to area, is a signifi cant physical feature of the City a precedent for linear parks through industrial Positive”. www.allbusiness.com/banking-fi nance/fi nancial-markets- and forms the southwestern edge of the City.14 areas, and additional development of Buffalo investing/10517830-1.html (accessed June 27, 2008).

Page 14 Cleburne’s major transportation corridors Natural Environment include US 67, Business US 67, SH 174 and A full discussion of Cleburne’s environmental SH 171. The proposed SH 121, which will assets and related issues can be found in provide an additional route from Fort Worth Chapter 5 – Environmental Preservation and and other points north, is in the planning stages. Open Space Plan. Signifi cant commercial and residential growth is expected to occur along this corridor, increasing Park and Recreational Resources demands on the existing park facilities. Future The park and recreational facilities available to growth may necessitate either the renovation Cleburne residents are quantifi ed in this section. or expansion of existing park facilities or the These include the facilities provided by the purchase of land for additional park facilities. City, those available on school sites, and nearby facilities such as state parks. The City staff and Parks, like other types of land uses, produce consultant observations supplied the information both peak and off-peak volumes of traffi c. provided in this section. Private subdivision Athletic complexes such as the Cleburne Sports parks or recreational facilities are not included in Complex can generate substantial traffi c during the park inventory because they are not open for competitive events, tournaments and playoffs. use by the general public. Four-lane streets are recommended adjacent to athletic complexes or multi-fi eld installations. City Facilities The minimum street classifi cation recommended City of Cleburne recreational facility inventories adjacent to a community park site is a minor are changing constantly as the City develops. collector. Tables 2.7 and 2.8 list Cleburne’s park and recreational resources, including parkland, Neighborhood parks are best located on local recreational facilities and support facilities, streets where the low-traffi c volume allows for and provide the basis for assessing the City’s safe routes for pedestrian travel to these parks. present and future quantitative needs. Support Sidewalks in adjacent neighborhoods generally facilities are non-recreational but necessary to promote walking to these parks rather than the function of these sites. The City’s existing driving. Neighborhood parks typically have few parks are shown on Figure 3 – Existing Parks or no parking spaces. and schools are shown on Figure 4 – Existing Schools. Critical Residential Environments The recreational needs of senior and disabled residents are specialized and should be addressed as future parks are planned. Additional passive recreational activities, as well as accessible athletic facilities and playgrounds, should be considered to encourage the use of park facilities and participation in park programs by these populations. Texas Parks & Wildlife has identifi ed recreational services to these populations as a critical issue. Page 15 Table 2.7 Approximate Acres Totals

on

D

ng di u

l

nc (I

k ar

P en l u Moore Field and Splash Station) Kirtley Park Park P. D. Lacewell McAnear Park Old Sports Complex J. E. Standley Park Byron Stewart Park Booker T. Washington Community & Recreation Center West Buffalo Creek Linear Park Westhill Park West Lake Pat Cleburne Boat Ramp Winchester Park Winston Patrick McGregor Park H Inventory of Existing Parkland John P. Bradshaw Park John S. Butner Park Carver Park Cleburne Golf Links Cleburne Sports Complex East Buffalo Creek Linear Park

Park Classification

Neighborhood Park 0.25 1.2 0.6 2.2 0.5 4.75

Community Park 10.55 10.55

City Park 28.7 120.6 149.3

Linear Park 0.85 9.85 31.0 4.1 9.07 54.87

Special Purpose Facility 210.090.0 24.8 4.94 7.9 10.0 347.64

Total 567.11

Page 16

Table 2.8 Park Name Totals

Inventory of Recreational

Facilities - Parks John P. Bradshaw Park John S. Butner Park Carver Park Cleburne Golf Links Cleburne Sports Complex East Buffalo Creek Linear Park Hulen Park (Including Don Moore Field and Splash Station) Kirtley Park Park P. D. Lacewell McAnear Park (Undeveloped) Old Sports Complex J. E. Standley Park Byron Stewart Park Booker T. Washington Community & Recreation Center West Buffalo Creek Linear Park Westhill Park West Lake Pat Cleburne Boat Ramp Winchester Park (Undeveloped) Winston Patrick McGregor Park RECREATIONAL FACILITIES Baseball Diamond 3 5 8 Baseball/Softball (Backstops only) 2 2 4 Basketball Court (Outdoor) 1 1 1 1 4 Batting Cage 2 2 4 Boat Dock/Pier 1 1 Boat Ramp 2 1 1 4 Camping Site (Primitive) 15 2 17 Community/Recreation Center 1 1 2 Football Field 2 1 3 Gazebo 1 1 1 3 Golf Course (18 holes) 1 1 Grill 1 1 4 9 1 3 1 20 Horseshoe Pit 6 6 Pavilion 1 4 3 2 2 1 13 Picnic Shelter 1 1 1 3 9 15 Picnic Table 2 1 17 66 4 1 1 14 1 107 Playground 1 2 1 1 1 6 Sand Volleyball 1 1 Soccer Field 20 14 34 Softball Diamond 1 4 1 1 7 Splash Pad 1 1 2 Swimming Pool 2 2 Tennis Court 2 2 Trail, Multi-purpose (Paved) in Miles 0.5 0.55 0.77 1.0 2.82 Trail, Natural Surface in Miles 0.5 0.5 SUPPORT FACILITIES Bench 2 2 6 13 3 8 10 44 Concession Building 4 1 5 Drinking Fountain 1 1 4 2 1 9 Parking (on-site) ¥ ¥ ¥ ¥ ¥ ¥ ¥ ¥ ¥ ¥ ¥ Parking (on-street) ¥ ¥ ¥ ¥ ¥ ¥ Restroom Building ¥ ¥ ¥ ¥ ¥

Page 17 Neighborhood Parks - John P. Bradshaw Park

General Impressions & Observations of Cleburne’s Parks As a part of this master plan update, the consultant visited each of Cleburne’s parks. Two parks are currently undeveloped including McAnear Park and Winchester Park. Overall, Cleburne’s parks appear uniformly clean and well maintained. A general description of each park follows:

Page 18 John P. Bradshaw Park Classifi cation: Neighborhood Park Size: Approximately 0.25 acres Location: 600 North Brazos Street

Bradshaw Park is located in an older residential neighborhood. There are a few abandoned commercial buildings on Brazos Street across from the park. Bradshaw is a small park with beautiful shade trees, basketball court, picnic tables, and a non-functional drinking fountain. There is an unpaved area of the park along Robbins Street where it appears people are parking. The fenced basketball court appears to be in fair condition, but has been vandalized with graffi ti.

Existing Development Includes: • Basketball court • Drinking fountain • Parking (Unpaved) • Park sign • Picnic tables

Page 19 P.D. Lacewell Park

Page 20 P. D. Lacewell Park Classifi cation: Neighborhood Park Size: Approximately 1.2 acres Location: 700 Granbury Street

P. D. Lacewell Park is situated in a residential neighborhood. The park contains large shade trees and a garden area on the northwest side of the park. A circular driveway provides access and parking within the site. The former ground storage water tank has been used as a composting demonstration facility with a gazebo placed inside as a teaching station. However, this facility is no longer being used and the gate into the tank and gazebo is locked because of safety concerns.

A cinder block building houses restrooms and maintenance facilities. A small playground is situated to the south of the tank in an open grassy area. A gate at the southeast corner of the park allows for access to the park from Warren and Baird Streets.

Existing Development Includes: • Benches • Gardens • Gazebo (Inaccessible) • Parking • Park sign • Picnic table • Playground • Restroom/maintenance building

Page 21 J.E. Standley Park

Page 22 J. E. Standley Park Classifi cation: Neighborhood Park Size: Approximately 0.6 acres Location: 913 Westhill Drive

Standley Park is located in a residential neighborhood adjacent to McAnear Creek. The park has beautiful shade trees, open grassy areas and frontage along McAnear Creek. The park’s location next to the creek is attractive, but vehicular access to the park is diffi cult because there is no parking or safe place to pull off of Westhill Drive. Although there is no sidewalk along Westhill Drive, a fl agstone path leads into the park from the street curb. The site has potential as a demonstration garden and small picnic area with a pavilion.

Existing Development Includes: • Creek access • Picnic table • Park sign

Page 23 Westhill Park

Page 24 Westhill Park Classifi cation: Neighborhood Park Size: Approximately 2.2 acres Location: 1228 Hilltop Drive

Westhill Park is located in a residential neighborhood and has some large shade trees along the edges of the park. It is surrounded by streets on three sides and residential side yards on the fourth side, forming an attractive neighborhood “square” with houses facing the park. The large grassy open area contains two backstops, a drinking fountain and a park sign. The half basketball court is in poor condition and is missing the basket.

The playground has some new equipment and some outdated equipment, including a whirl and a galvanized metal swing set. The edging around the playground needs to be adjusted to prevent the pea gravel from spilling into the grass.

Existing Development Includes: • Baseball/softball (Backstops only) • Basketball court (Lighted; half court) • Drinking fountain • Grill • Picnic table • Playground • Park sign

Page 25 Winchester

Page 26 Winchester Park Classifi cation: Neighborhood Park (Undeveloped) Size: Approximately 0.5 acres Location: 1411 Hyde Park Boulevard

Winchester Park is located in a residential neighborhood. The park is small, generally level with a few large shade trees and a drainage swale on the south side of the site. It is located between two single-family homes and is currently undeveloped.

Page 27 Community Parks - Carver Park

Page 28 Carver Park Classifi cation: Community Park Size: Approximately 10.55 acres Location: 600 Park Street

Carver Park is tucked behind a residential neighborhood at the end of Park Street. East Buffalo Creek provides the boundary for the park’s eastern edge. The segment of East Buffalo Creek in Carver Park is beautiful but is diffi cult to see upon entering the park as it is located behind the park’s main recreation facilities. This may cause this beautiful natural area of the park to be under utilized by citizens. Carver has large shade trees and a variety of old and new recreation facilities. The trail within Carver Park connects to East Buffalo Creek Linear Park trail. The park is well maintained, but some of the facilities are outdated and in need of repair or replacement. The parking lot appears to have some circulation or safety issues due to obstacles within the lot. Some of these issues could be corrected by re-striping the lot.

Existing Development Includes: • Basketball court • Benches • Drinking fountain • Grills • Park sign • Parking • Pavilion • Picnic shelters • Picnic tables • Playground • Restrooms • Softball diamond (Lighted) • Splash pad • Trails (Lighted)

Page 29 City Parks - Byron Stewart Park

Page 30 Byron Stewart Park Seven campsites are located adjacent to the Classifi cation: City Park Nolan River near the south end of the park Size: Approximately 120.6 acres within a large grove of shade trees. These Location: 2424 U. S. Highway 67 campsites are also primitive, so self-contained sanitary facilities are required for camping. Byron Stewart Park is a large park located at Support facilities offered in this area of the park the north end of Lake Pat Cleburne, north of include a bird observation station, pavilion, US Business 67. The park features wooded picnic shelters, picnic tables and trashcans. and open areas on both sides of the lake and the Nolan River. Many large trees shelter an Existing Development Includes: extensive, pleasant picnic grove along Nolan • Bird observation station River. The park road is paved and in good • Boat ramp condition. A single lane boat ramp with parking • Camping sites (Primitive) is located on the west side of river mouth. Large • Grills open grassy areas within the park are used for • Parking practice soccer fi elds. Two dilapidated boxcars • Pavilions near the entrance of the park are no longer in use • Picnic shelters as soccer concessions and should be removed. • Picnic tables Eight campsites are located off of a loop road at • Soccer the north end of the park. These campsites are primitive, so self-contained sanitary facilities are required. There is little to no shade in this area, and these campsites share only two picnic shelters with tables. There are no other support facilities such as tables, grills, trashcans or restrooms available for these campsites.

Page 31 Hulen Park

Page 32 Hulen Park (Including Don Moore on the bleachers states, “Hulen Tennis Courts, • Pavilions Field and Splash Station) a Land and Water Conservation Fund Project • Picnic shelter Classifi cation: City Park sponsored by the City of Cleburne and Texas • Picnic tables Size: Approximately 28.7 acres Parks and Wildlife, dedicated January 1, 1974, • Playground Location: 301 Westhill Drive Bureau of Outdoor Recreation, U.S. Dept. of • Restrooms Interior.” Two lighted tennis courts are situated • Softball fi eld (Lighted – Don Moore Field) Hulen Park is one of the City’s most intensively inside the bleacher ell. Court surfacing appears • Tennis courts (Lighted) developed and heavily used parks. It is the to be in good condition but both nets are • Trails site of many community activities including missing. A lighted basketball court is adjacent to band concerts and the annual Whistle Stop the tennis courts. Christmas Light Display. Many trees in the park have conduit with electrical outlets mounted Facilities at Don Moore Field consist of a lighted to tree trunks, facilitating the Christmas light softball fi eld, restrooms, maintenance building displays. An old steam locomotive, the “Spirit of and gravel parking. Cleburne” is a park feature. This park is home to the City’s aquatic center, Splash Station, Don Facilities at Splash Station consist of two pools: Moore Field, practice ball diamonds, tennis an indoor/outdoor eight-lane fi tness pool with courts, basketball court, horseshoe pits, gazebo two one-meter diving boards; and a zero- and pavilions, picnic tables, grills, benches, large entry leisure pool with splash pad, lazy river, shaded playground, trails and restrooms. water slides and play features. There is a rental pavilion, numerous picnic tables and shade West Buffalo Creek bisects the park, creating an structures. Two buildings house the offi ce, gift important link on the linear park planned for this shop, concessions, restrooms, showers and waterway. A small pedestrian bridge connects mechanical equipment. Don Moore Field to the main part of Hulen Park. The pedestrian bridge has no railing and Existing Development Includes: is in a state of disrepair. It should be replaced • Aquatics center/swimming pool (Splash immediately. The two dams located in the park Station) in West Buffalo Creek were recently repaired. • Baseball/softball (Backstops only) • Basketball (Lighted) The large playground, sheltered under Mesquite • Benches and Cedar Elm trees, was recently updated and • Gazebo new fall zone material added. Concrete picnic • Grills tables appear old and some need repair or • Historic site (“Spirit of Cleburne” steam replacement. engine) • Horseshoe pits L-shaped stone and concrete bleachers defi ne • Interpretive signs the southeast corner of the park. The backside • Maintenance building (street-side) of the bleachers consists of fl agstone • Parking with unique raised mortar joints. A plaque • Park sign

Page 33 Linear Parks - John S. Butner Park

Page 34 John S. Butner Park Classifi cation: Linear Park Size: Approximately 0.85 acres Location: 600 Buffalo Street

Butner Park is located along West Buffalo Creek near downtown Cleburne, adjacent to West Buffalo Creek Linear Park. Butner is a small park with beautiful shade trees along Buffalo Street, large open grassy areas, picnic shelter with table, grill and benches. The park is well maintained, but the picnic shelter, table, grill and benches are outdated and should be replaced.

Existing Development Includes: • Benches • Grill • Park sign • Picnic table

Page 35 East Buff alo Creek Linear Park

Page 36 East Buffalo Creek Linear Park Classifi cation: Linear Park Size: Approximately 9.85 acres Location: 800 Olive Street

East Buffalo Creek Linear Park is a linear park located on the east side of Cleburne. Currently, the only facility in the park is a six-foot wide ½-mile concrete trail, which connects to the trail in Carver Park.

Existing Development Includes: • Trail

Page 37 McAnear Park

Page 38 McAnear Park Classifi cation: Linear Park (Undeveloped) Size: Approximately 4.1 acres Location: Near the intersection of Roberts Avenue and McAnear Street

McAnear Park is currently a small, undeveloped park adjacent to McAnear Creek, west of McAnear Street. In its present confi guration, the park is inaccessible to the public. The Parks Department is considering expansion of this park by acquiring fl oodplain land along McAnear Creek. The proposed expansion would include property between Kilpatrick Street and Woodward Avenue and increase the City’s linear parkland by approximately 75 to 90 acres. Proposed facilities may include trails, playgrounds, picnic facilities and possibly a nature center.

Page 39 Kirtley Park

Page 40 Kirtley Park Classifi cation: Linear Park Size: Approximately 31 acres Location: 1900 – 2500 Lakeshore Drive

Kirtley Park is one of Cleburne’s lakefront parks, situated between Lakeshore Drive and the east shoreline of Lake Pat Cleburne. It provides a swimming beach, picnic facilities, two boat ramps and one small dock/pier. Small jetties protect the ramp and dock. The park is just north of the dam and can be reached by Country Club or Nolan River Road. It affords excellent views of the lake, dam, and undeveloped western shoreline. The lake is the site of annual community events including fi reworks.

Existing Development Includes: • Boat dock/pier • Boat ramps • Grill • Parking • Pavilions • Picnic shelters • Picnic tables • Sand volleyball • Swimming beach

Page 41 West Buff alo Creek

Page 42 West Buffalo Creek Linear Park Classifi cation: Linear Park Size: Approximately 9.07 acres Location: 9 North Buffalo Street

West Buffalo Creek fl ows through the historic heart of Cleburne and is one of the City’s most signifi cant environmental and cultural features. Its fl ow is supplemented by several natural springs and is believed to be a place of human activity since prehistoric times. Limestone walls and small dams built by the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) and Works Progress Administration (WPA) are still in place after 70 years, with some damage caused by fl ooding. Construction of the Marti Reservoir on the north side of the city has alleviated some of the fl ooding. The City Spring, with its stone wall and Texas historical marker, is still active.

Trees along the waterway’s downtown section include native and non-native species: Hackberry, Chinese Pistachio, Bald Cypress, Bur Oak, Pecan, ornamental Pear, and Crape Myrtle. Grassy banks slope to the stone walls in some sections; the steeper west bank has ground cover.

Long-range plans for West Buffalo Creek Linear Park include creation of a linear park from the Marti Reservoir to Country Club Road – at the southern edge of Hulen Park. This will include acquisition of land and conservation easements and development of walking and biking trails to connect neighborhoods, downtown businesses, three city parks, and other community facilities.

Existing Development Includes: • Benches • Grill • Trails (Lighted in some sections)

Page 43 Special Purpose Facilities - Cleburne Golf Links

Page 44 Cleburne Golf Links Classifi cation: Special Purpose Facility Size: Approximately 210 acres Location: 2500 Country Club Road

Cleburne Golf Links is a municipal golf course located on the east side of Lake Pat Cleburne. The golf course reopened for business July 4, 2009 following reconstruction. Cleburne Golf Links is designed to be an eighteen-hole links-style golf facility with driving range, practice grounds, clubhouse and cart storage facility. A unique feature of this course is the addition of a children’s tee at each hole. The newly designed course will encompass the beautiful rolling terrain and lake views of this pristine location on Lake Pat Cleburne.

Page 45 Old Sports Complex

Page 46 Old Sports Complex Classifi cation: Special Purpose Facility Size: Approximately 24.8 acres Location: 300 South Washington Street

The Old Sports Complex is a small athletic complex that provides batting cages, practice baseball/softball fi elds and a pee wee football fi eld. Recent renovations include the removal of the playground and removal of fi eld light poles on all but two of the practice baseball/ softball fi elds due to safety concerns. All fences and backstops have been replaced and minor improvements have been made to the fi eld surfaces. In addition, the restroom building has been repaired.

Perhaps the park’s greatest functional defi ciency is the lack of paved sidewalks between the parking lot and athletic fi elds. Sidewalks could provide accessible routes and a mud-free walking surface when the ground is wet.

The Old Sports Complex is located Cleburne Memorial Cemetery land. It is currently estimated that this land will revert back to use by the Cemetery in fi fteen to twenty years. Because this park currently supplies most of the practice ball fi elds for the community, the City must begin planning for the relocation of these fi elds in anticipation of the future land use conversion.

Existing Development Includes: • Baseball/softball fi elds (Two lighted) • Batting cages • Pee wee football fi eld • Parking

Page 47 Cleburne Sports Complex

Page 48 Cleburne Sports Complex Classifi cation: Community Park Size: Approximately 90 acres Location: 900 All Star Parkway

Cleburne Sports Complex is a 90-acre site located in southeast Cleburne. It opened to the public in 2005 and provides baseball fi elds, softball fi elds, soccer fi elds and football fi elds. The support facilities include batting cages, concession/restroom buildings, playgrounds, pavilions and a maintenance building. The complex is gated and inaccessible to the public except during scheduled games and/or tournaments.

Existing Development Includes: • Baseball/softball fi elds (Lighted) • Batting cages • Concession buildings • Drinking fountains • Football fi elds (One lighted) • Maintenance building • Pavilions • Playgrounds (One shaded) • Restrooms • Parking • Park sign • Soccer fi elds (Some lighted)

Page 49 Booker T. Washington Center

Page 50 Booker T. Washington Community and Recreation Center Classifi cation: Special Purpose Facility Size: Approximately 4.94 acres Location: 400 Mansfi eld Road

Booker T. Washington Community and Recreation Center opened on April 17, 2009 and is located near Carver Park. The building is approximately 14,000 square feet and includes a gymnasium, exercise room, classrooms, offi ces, computer room, kitchen and banquet hall.

Page 51 West Lake Pat Cleburne Boat Ramp

Page 52 West Lake Pat Cleburne Boat Ramp Classifi cation: Special Purpose Facility Size: Approximately 7.9 acres Location: 2900 Spur 1434

West Lake Pat Cleburne Boat Ramp is a public boat ramp located in a secluded, relatively shallow cove on the west side of Lake Pat Cleburne at the end of F. M. 1434. The park consists of a single-lane boat ramp and paved parking lot. This is a pleasant site with views across the lake toward the golf course and Kirtley Park. Additional recreational facilities could increase use of this area and possibly reduce vandalism. This may be dependent on increasing population west of the lake and demand for facilities.

Existing Development Includes: • Boat ramp • Camping sites (Primitive) • Parking • Park sign

Page 53 Winston Patrick McGregor

Page 54 Winston Patrick McGregor Park Existing Development Includes: Classifi cation: Special Purpose Facility • Arbor Size: Approximately 10 acres • Benches Location: 1628 West Henderson Street • Boardwalk • Children’s garden and maze The land for Winston Patrick McGregor Park was • Community center/meeting rooms (Renovated bequeathed to the City of Cleburne by Frank house) Scott who lived on the property for many years. • Composting education center The bequest included his residence which has • Gardens been restored and is used for meetings and • Maintenance building events. The park is named for Mr. Scott’s English • Memorial grove bulldog, at his request. It was Mr. Scott’s wish • Parking that the park be attractive for children, and • Pavilion should not include any active sports facilities. • Re-circulating pond and stream system with fountain and waterfall The park’s master plan envisions a botanical • Windmill garden, with several other features. Phase I • Trails improvements in the park, completed in 2009, include a pavilion and great lawn, arbor, memorial grove, pond with fountain and boardwalk, children’s garden and maze and a half mile of natural surface walking paths. The park is lighted and has parking accessible from Henderson and Colonial. The Johnson County Master Gardener Association, in cooperation with Texas A & M and the City of Cleburne, installed a National EarthKind Rose Trial Garden and other plantings.

Page 55 Other Facilities Existing Development Includes: Major Nearby Recreational Facilities Cleburne citizens also have access to other • Benches Residents of Cleburne also have access to several facilities not currently owned or operated by the • Grill/smoker recreational facilities in or near Cleburne, some of Parks Department, including the Chisholm Trail • Historic building/site which are listed below: Outdoor Museum and the Cleburne Senior Center. • Interpretive signs A general description of each facility follows: • Blacksmith’s shop Cleburne State Park - Cleburne State Park is • Pavilion located approximately ten miles southwest of Chisholm Trail Outdoor Museum • Picnic tables Cleburne. This 528-acre park has a 116-acre Size: Approximately 10 acres • Stagecoach spring-fed lake created by an earthen dam Location: 101 Chisholm Trail • Stagecoach station (Johnson Stage Line constructed by the Civilian Conservation Corps Station) with a community room, gift shop and (CCC) and opened in 1938. Facilities at this park The Chisholm Trail Outdoor Museum is located on concessions include a wide range of camping, boating and City property on the south side of US Business 67 • Tee Pees recreational opportunities and support facilities. along the shores of Lake Pat Cleburne. According • Trail to an article in the Fort Worth Star Telegram (dated • Windmill Lake Whitney State Park – Lake Whitney State August 5, 2008), the museum tells the story of Park is located approximately 30 miles south of Johnson County’s early history and of Cleburne’s Cleburne Senior Center Cleburne. The 955-acre park offers picnicking, place on the Chisholm Trail as an important water Location: 1212 Glenwood Drive swimming, camping, hiking, biking, boating and stop before cattle drives reached Fort Worth. The fi shing facilities. site contains artifacts reportedly from the original The Cleburne Senior Center is owned by the City town site known as Wardville (now Cleburne). of Cleburne and managed by the Civic Center Dinosaur Valley State Park - The 1,524-acre park This site not only creates a wonderful landmark Department. The center offers a variety of free displays a variety of dinosaur footprints embedded and entry feature with the cattle drive silhouettes, activities to citizens age fi fty and older such as in stone along with picnicking, camping, hiking, but also provides educational opportunities cards, dominos, bingo, quilting and dances. biking and equestrian areas. of cultural signifi cance. Future development includes a school, jail, church, trading post and a 500-seat amphitheater.

Page 56

Public School/Joint Use Facilities Table 2.9 School Name Cleburne Independent School District (CISD) recreational facilities, which may be available to the public during non-school hours, are listed in Table 2.9. They are not included in the City facilities because school district needs and programs take priority over general public needs.

Agreements between cities and school districts are common in north Texas, and they raise the level of service for the facilities listed in the agreements. Inventory of Recreational They reduce the need to duplicate facilities and foster a sense of community spirit in such cities. Facilities - Schools Adams Elementary Coleman Elementary C. C. CookeElementary Elementary Gerard Elementary Irving Marti Elementary Elementary Fe Santa Middle School Smith Lowell Wheat Middle School Cleburne High School Fulton Education Center Team School Yellow Jacket Stadium Totals These agreements can be included as part of the Baseball Diamond 1 1 implementation of this plan. Baseball/Softball (Backstops only) 3 1 4 Basketball Court (Outdoor) 1 1 2 4 Currently, there are joint use agreements between Football Field (Game) 1* 1 the City of Cleburne and the CISD for use of facilities at Splash Station in Hulen Park, Cleburne Football Field (Practice) 1 2 2 5 Golf Links and the Cleburne Sports Complex. Gazebo 11 Preliminary discussions are also in progress Pavilion 21 3 regarding a joint use agreement for development Playground 1123111 1 11 of the district-owned land adjacent to C. C. Cooke Soccer Field (Practice) 5 5 Elementary School as a community park. Softball Diamond 1 1 Tennis Court 8 6 12 26 Track 1 1 1 1 4

*The football field at Yellow Jacket Stadium is not available for use by the general public.

Page 57 Page 58 City of Cleburne Parks, Recreation, and Open Space

Master Plan SH 174 SH FIGURE 4

SH 171 EXISTING SCHOOLS

LEGEND

US 67 7 WATERBODY SCHOOLS 8 9 4 SCHOOLS 1. Adams Elementary 2. Cleburne High School 3. Coleman Elementary 12 2 4 Cooke Elementary 5 13 1 5. Fulton Special Education Center 11 3 6. Gerard Elementary 7. Irving Elementary BUS 67 8. Marti Elementary 9. Santa Fe Elementary 10. Lowell Smith Middle School SH 174 6 11. Team School SH 171 12. Wheat Middle School 10 13. Yellow Jacket Stadium

Page 59 Page 60 Chapter 3

Planning Process and Standards Recreation and Open Space Master Plan Survey of Park and Recreational addressed Goals and Objectives relating to the Attitudes As with any planning process, public provision of recreation facilities. A detailed public opinion survey of recreational involvement was a critical component of this attitudes of Cleburne residents was made by project. A successful plan depends on accurate In August 2001, the citizens of Cleburne Raymond Turco & Associates, and the data identifi cation and inclusion of the needs and approved a one-half percent sales and use tax for from this survey has been incorporated into wants of the population the plan is intended to the purposes of funding additional recreational the needs assessment and priorities outlined in serve. The identifi cation of these needs and wants facilities. The following facilities have been this document. A copy of the questionnaire is is important to the citizens because a master constructed as a result of the revenues generated included in the Appendix. plan provides community supported goals and from this tax: objectives for future action by the City staff and • Cleburne Sports Complex Survey Methodology elected offi cials. Representation of the diverse • Booker T. Washington Community and Raymond Turco & Associates conducted 400 population to be served by the plan assures the Recreation Center telephone interviews with Cleburne residents in credibility of the planning process and its results. • Splash Station March 2008. The sample was constructed using • Capital Improvements to East Buffalo Creek a geographical segmentation scheme that divided The planning process for this project began in Linear Park the study region within the city boundaries February 2008, with a meeting of City staff and • Capital Improvements to West Buffalo Creek into four areas. The responses of the randomly consultants to review the project schedule, the Linear Park selected respondents are considered to mirror data needed, review the telephone questionnaire • Partial funding of West Buffalo Creek dam those of a poll of all residents with the chance of for the random citizen telephone survey and restoration in Hulen Park variance at plus or minus fi ve percent. customize questions unique to the City of • Trail at Hulen Park Cleburne. • Trails at Carver Park Results of the public opinion telephone survey • The maintenance and operation expenses of were presented to the Parks and Recreation City staff supplied base data for mapping, these projects Board on September 8, 2008 by Raymond Turco descriptive information on the city, parkland and and Associates. The complete survey report facilities inventories as well as school facility These facilities are discussed in greater detail in with further discussion of its accuracy level is inventories. The consultant collated the data, Chapter 2 – Community Profi le and Park & available in the Parks and Recreation Department organized the information, prepared maps and Recreation Resources. offi ce. charts, and together with City staff and citizens developed the standards, needs assessment and The following facilities were also approved for Summary of Key Findings priorities. funding by the Section 4B sales tax in 2001 and The following graphs represent a compilation are planned for future construction as additional of overall responses to the telephone survey. Previous Parks and Recreation Master revenues are realized: (Because of the nature of many of the survey Planning • A convention/civic center questions, responses will not always total 100 • A working railroad museum A review of earlier planning projects shows percent.) • Renovation of the “Old Esquire Theater” for that the 2002 City of Cleburne Master Park, use as a performing arts center

Page 61 Quality of Parks and Recreation Satisfaction with Cleburne Parks and This table represents the response to how the Recreation citizens of Cleburne feel about the quality of the The responses to this question indicate the parks and recreation facilities in the City. Results satisfaction/dissatisfaction levels of the residents are shown with comparable results of the 2002 with Cleburne’s park and recreation facilities and survey. programs. The residents indicated the highest level of satisfaction with the number of recre- ational facilities, quality of recreational facilities, Graph 3.1 availability of athletic fi elds for use and amount Quality of Parks and Recreation of open space/passive parkland. 2008 Survey 2002 Survey

17% Graph 3.2 Very Satisfield 8% Satisfaction With Cleburne Parks and Recreation Satisfied Dissatisfied

61% Satisfied Quality of Recreational Facilities 14% 83% 61%

Number of Recreational Facilities 19% 80% 16% Amount of Open Space/Passive Dissatisfied 18% 72% 22% Parkland

Number of Baseball Fields 9% 72% 3% Very Dissatisfied Availability of Athletic Fields for Use 16% 69% 5%

Availability of Pavilions for Use 19% 67% 0% 20% 40% 60% 80% 100% Overall Recreational Programs 15% 67%

Number of Softball Fields 10% 66%

Number of Programs Offered 19% 65%

Quality of Programs Offered 13% 65%

Number of Soccer Fields 9% 65%

Number of Practice Fields 16% 61%

0% 20% 40% 60% 80% 100%

Page 62 Favorite Recreational Activities or Most Frequently Visited Parks Participatory Sports The residents were asked to name the City parks Residents were asked to indicate the recreational they most frequently visited. Due to the cur- activity or sport in which they most enjoyed rent construction and renovation of various park participating. Walking/running was rated as the facilities, the results may not refl ect the total most preferred activity by respondents. distribution of all parks.

Graph 3.4 Graph 3.3 Most Frequently Visited Parks Favorite Recreation or Sport

Hulen Park 90%

Walking/Running 22%

Byron Stewart Park 10%

Fishing 12% Carver Park 7%

0% 20% 40% 60% 80% 100% Swimming 9%

0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50%

Page 63 Most Popular Activities of Residents Importance Rating of Recreational Who Visited a City Park Facilities Residents were asked to identify the activities The residents were asked to rate the importance they participated in while visiting a City park. of a number of parks and recreation facilities Results are shown with the comparable results when planning for additional facilities or ser- of the 2002 survey. The activities of walking vices. The list included 23 items that the citizens animals, biking, swimming and other were not rated as very important, important, unimportant, addressed in the 2002 survey. Due to the cur- very unimportant, or no opinion. Seven items rent construction and renovation of various park were considered important or very important by facilities, the results may not refl ect the total 80 percent or more of the respondents: multi- distribution of all facilities at City parks. use trails, pavilions/shelters, playgrounds, picnic areas, gardens, recreation center, and natural Graph 3.5 habitat/nature areas. Most Popular Activities of Residents Who Visited a City Park 2008 Survey 2002 Survey Graph 3.6 Importance Rating of Recreational Facilities Important Unimportant 79% Appreciate View 58% Picnic Areas 9% 89%

71% Playgrounds 9% 88% Walk/Hike 57% Multi-Use Trails 12% 86% 68% Children's Play Recreation Center 13% 84% 62% Pavilions or Shelters 13% 83% 63% Picnic 63% Natural Habitat/Nature Areas 16% 82%

37% Gardens 18% 80% Swim Outdoor Basketball Courts 18% 76% 33% Walk Animals Off-Road Bicycle/BMX Trails 27% 70%

Sand Volleyball Courts 26% 67% 29% Non-Organized Sports 20% Tennis Courts 33% 66%

22% Practice Soccer Fields 32% 64% Biking Practice Baseball Fields 29% 64% 20% Organized Sports Football Fields 29% 63% 23% Softball Fields 31% 62% 17% Other Skateboard Park 35% 61%

Horseshoe Pits 37% 60% 0% 20% 40% 60% 80% 100% Inline Skate Park 32% 60%

Competition Baseball Fields 34% 59%

Competition Soccer Fields 36% 56%

Racquetball/Handball Courts 39% 54%

Disc (Frisbee) Golf Course 43% 48% 43% Radio Controlled Model Airplane Fields 50% Page 64 0% 20% 40% 60% 80% 100% Most Important Recreational Facility Satisfaction with Splash Station to Construct The responses to this question indicate the Residents were asked which single facility they satisfaction / dissatisfaction levels to operations considered to be the most important for the City of Splash Station in Hulen Park. The general to construct. Using the same list of 23 items, response was that of satisfaction, while a multi-use trails, a recreation center, playgrounds, signifi cant population had no opinion on this natural areas and a skateboard park were question. considered most important. Results are shown with the comparable results of the 2002 survey. Figure 3.8 Satisfaction with Splash Station Satisfied Dissatisfied No Opinion

Graph 3.7 67% Most Important Recreational Facility to Construct Open Year-Round 8% 2008 Survey 2002 Survey 26%

56% 14% Hours of Operation 9% Recreation Center 12% 35%

13% 53% Multi-Use Trail Admission Fee 12% 9% 36%

10% Playgrounds 48% 10% Party Facility Fee 11% 42% 9% Natural Areas 12% 0% 20% 40% 60% 80% 100%

8% Skateboard Park 0%

0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50%

Page 65 Support for Additional Recreation Figure 3.10 Center Support for Recreational Facilities on Lake Pat Cleburne The Booker T. Washington Community and Important Unimportant

Recreation Center opened in 2009 on Mansfi eld Picnic Areas 4% 96% Road in east Cleburne. Residents were asked if they would support the construction of an Concession/Restroom Building 6% 94% additional recreation center for the City in the Pavilions 7% 92% future. As indicated in the chart, respondents indicated support for an additional recreation Fishing Piers/Platforms 6% 92% center. Playgrounds 7% 91%

Hike/Bike Trails 12% 87%

Figure 3.9 Swimming Beach 14% 85% Support for Recreation Center Boat Ramps 13% 85%

Day Camp 14% 83%

Dock for Rowing Access 77% Support 72% 19% Overnight Camping 24% 75%

Paddleboat Area 25% 72%

Canoe Launch 25% 71% Oppose 19% Environmental Center 24% 68%

Environmental Learning Stations 27% 67% 0% 20% 40% 60% 80% 100% Amphitheater 31% 65%

RV Camping 34% 63% Support for Additional Recreational Marina 35% 62% Facilities on Lake Pat Cleburne Bike Rental 38% 59% The residents were asked to rate the importance of Indoor Fishing/Crappie House 38% 58% a number of parks and recreation facilities when 47% planning for additional facilities or services on Boathouse/Storage Facility 50% 43% Lake Pat Cleburne. The list included 22 items that Remote Control Boat Area 49% the citizens rated as very important, important, unimportant, very unimportant, or no opinion. 0% 20% 40% 60% 80% 100% 120% There were nine items that were considered very important or important by 80 percent or more of the respondents: hike/bike trails, day camp, fi shing piers/platforms, boat ramps, playgrounds, picnic areas, pavilions, concession/restroom building and a swimming beach. Page 66 Most Important Recreational Facilities Support for Potential Park and Recre- to Construct on Lake Pat Cleburne ation Capital Needs Residents were asked which single facility they The survey asked respondents to indicate the considered to be the most important to construct importance of building new or additional on Lake Pat Cleburne. Using the same list of park and recreation facilities in Cleburne. 22 items, concession/restroom building, multi- Respondents rated their degree of importance use hike and bike trails, fi shing piers/platforms, for each project on a scale of very important, picnic areas and playgrounds were considered important, unimportant, and very unimportant. most important. As shown in the following chart, residents indicated the highest level of support for the Figure 3.11 following projects: renovate/upgrade City parks, Most Important Facility to Construct on purchasing land for new parks, expanding Lake Pat Cleburne walking paths at City parks, developing neighborhood parks, median and entryway beautifi cation, greenbelts and natural habitat, Conc ession/Restrooms 13% planting trees, picnic areas and a recreation center. Hike and Bike Trails 11% Graph 3.12 Support for Potential Parks and Recreation Projects Fishing Piers/Platforms 9% Support Oppose

Picnic Areas 8% Renovate/Upgrade City Parks 9% 91%

Expand Walking Paths at City 12% 87% Parks Playgrounds 6% Picnic Areas 11% 87% 0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% Plant Trees 14% 85%

Develop Neighborhood Parks 13% 84%

Greenbelts and Natural Habitat 12% 84%

Recreation Center 15% 82%

Median and Entryway 19% 80% Beautification

Purchase Land for New Parks 17% 80%

Rental Picnic Pavilions 22% 75%

Large Community Parks 25% 73%

Construct a Skateboard Park 36% 59%

Splash Pads 24% 53%

0% 20% 40% 60% 80% 100% Page 67 Community Input • Participants felt the most critical short-term The Parks and Recreation Department scheduled (0-5 years) park and recreation issues to one community meeting to which all citizens address include: were invited. The purpose of this gathering was • Restrooms at Lake Pat Cleburne. to obtain perceptions, opinions and priorities • Skateboard park. from the citizens of Cleburne about current and • New park in northwest Cleburne. future parks and recreation needs. A summary of • Renovate existing parks. the meeting follows: • Participants felt the most critical long-term The meeting was held at the City Council (6-10 years) park and recreation issues to Chambers on September 21, 2009. address include: Approximately 22 people attended the meeting • Facilities at Lake Pat Cleburne. including three Parks and Recreation Board • New park in northwest Cleburne. members, seven City staff members and the • Recreation center in northwest Cleburne. City’s consultant. After a presentation by the • System-wide park maintenance. City’s consultant, comments were taken from the • Facilities and/or renovation of facilities at citizens. These comments included: Byron Stewart Park. • Trail facilities and connections/linkages. • Participants felt the strengths of parks and • Joint use agreements with school district recreation in Cleburne include: to share facilities. • Recent improvements to the park system • Land acquisition. (including Cleburne Sports Complex, Cleburne Golf Links reconstruction and • Participants felt the most desired facilities to Booker T. Washington Community and construct in Cleburne include: Recreation Center). • Restrooms at Lake Pat Cleburne (ranked • Hulen Park and Splash Station. #1 most important). • Winston Patrick McGregor Park. • Pavilions (ranked #2 most important). • Sand volleyball court at Kirtley Park. • Trails and trail connections (ranked #3 most important). • Participants felt the weaknesses of parks and • Facilities for teenagers. recreation in Cleburne include: • Amphitheater. • Lack of facilities at Lake Pat Cleburne • Skate park. (including restrooms, playgrounds, pavilions, picnic facilities, fi shing piers, • Participants felt the most desired facilities to lighting in parking areas and boat construct at Lake Pat Cleburne include: ramps). • Restrooms (ranked #1 most important). • Need for updated facilities and better • Pavilions (ranked #2 most important). maintenance in neighborhood parks. • Playgrounds (ranked #3 most important). • Lack of facilities for teenagers. • Fishing piers. • Some residents are unaware of the • Lighting in parking areas. facilities offered in the park system. • Boat ramps.

Page 68 Standards and Concepts Acres of Parkland Per 1,000 Residents The acreage and facility standards contained Table 3.1 in this report are refl ective of the local needs, trends, National Recreation and Parks Association (NRPA) standards, demand levels in Parkland Existing Level of NRPA Recommended Cleburne, comparative data from other Dallas/ Level of Service Standards Service for 2008 Level of Service Level of Service Fort Worth Metroplex cities, and the consultant’s Park Classification 21 experience and observations in over forty years Pop. 30,272 Guidelines Standards of park planning and design, primarily in north Neighborhood Park 0.2/1,000 1.0 – 2.0/1,000 0.5/1,000 central Texas. Community Park 0.3/1,000 5.0 – 8.0/1,000 1.5/1,000 Standards are useful criteria for quantifying the land and facility requirements of a parks and City Park 4.9/1,000 5.0 – 10.0/1,000 5.0/1,000 recreation system. However, these standards should be viewed as guidelines rather than Linear Park 1.8/1,000 Variable 2.5/1,000 rules. The needs assessment must refl ect the Special Use Facility 11.5/1,000 Variable 11.5/1,000 unique needs and desires of the community in establishing any local standards, and should be Totals 18.7/1,000 11.0 - 20.0/1,000 21.0/1,000 updated as the community builds out.

Land Standards by Park Type The City has approximately 18.7 acres of parkland per 1,000 residents, based on the estimated population for 2008. According to Cleburne’s local needs and the desires of the citizens, this plan recommends the standard for parkland acreage be 21.0 acres per 1,000 residents.

The average standard for parkland in the Dallas/ Fort Worth area is approximately 15.0 acres per 1,000 residents. The statewide standard for local parkland established in the Texas Parks & Wildlife Plan for the 21st Century, published in 2001, is 25 acres per 1,000 residents.

Land standards by park type are shown in Table 3.1 – Parkland Level of Service Standards and standards for recreational facilities are shown in Table 3.2 – Recreational Facility Level of Service Standards. 1Roger A. Lancaster, Ed., Recreation, Park and Open Space Standards Page 69 and Guidelines, National Recreation and Park Association, 4th Printing 1990. NOTES Table 3.2 2008 City 2008 Level NRPA Recommended Level of Level of 1. This standard is based on other facility Recreational Facility Facility of Service Service Service requirements: Four benches for each playground; Level of Service Standards Inventory Pop. 30,272 32 Guidelines Standards one bench for each ¼ mile of trail; and two Baseball Diamond 8 1/3,784 1/5,000 1/4,000 benches for each tennis court and basketball court. Baseball/Softball (backstops 2. This standard is based on other facility 4 1/7,568 - 1/7,500 only) requirements: Two grills for each pavilion; one grill Basketball Court (Outdoor) 4 1/7,568 1/5,000 1/7,000 for each picnic Batting Cage 4 1/7,568 - 1/10,000 Bench 44 1/688 - See Note 1 Boat Dock/Pier 1 1/30,272 - 1/30,000 Boat Ramp Facilities 4 1/7,568 - 1/10,000 Camping Site (Primitive) 17 1/1,781 - 1/2,000 Community/Recreation Center 1 1/30,272 - 1/20,000 Football Field 3 1/10,091 1/20,000 1/20,000 Golf Course 1 (18 holes) 1 course/30,272 1/50,000 1/50,000 Grill 20 1/1,514 - See Note 2 Horseshoe Pit 6 1/5,045 - 1/5,000 Pavilion/Gazebo 16 1/1,892 - 1/2,000 Picnic Shelter 15 1/2,018 - 1/2,000 Picnic Table 107 1/283 - 1/500 Playground 6 1/5,045 - 1/5,000 Sand Volleyball 1 1/30,272 - 1/30,000 Soccer Field 34 1/890 1/10,000 1/1,500 Softball Diamond 7 1/4,324 1/5000 1/4,000 Splash Pad 2 1/15,136 - 1/10,000 Swimming Pool 2 1/15,136 1/20,000 1/20,000 Tennis Court 2 1/15,136 1/2,000 1/20,000 Trail, Multi-purpose (Paved) 2.82 Miles 1 Mile/10,735 1 System/Region 1 Mile/7,500 Trail, Natural surface 0.5 Miles 1 Mile/60,544 - 1 Mile/10,000

2Roger A. Lancaster, Ed., Recreation, Park and Open Space Standards and Guidelines, National Recreation and Park Association, 4th Page 70 Printing 1990. Park Classifi cations Typical Facilities Carver Park is an example of a community park. Park sites and their facilities are classifi ed in • Playgrounds Cleburne as neighborhood park, community • Level, open spaces for team practice and Size and Location park, city park, linear park and special purpose neighborhood pick-up games of baseball, The size standard for the community park ranges facility. The multi-purpose function of certain softball, football and soccer. Such fi elds are between twenty and eighty acres. Community parks is possible with the overlapping of facilities usually not lighted due to the proximity to parks should be located on arterial streets so as noted below. residential areas that park traffi c and athletic fi eld lighting does • Sport courts for tennis, basketball, volleyball not intrude upon surrounding neighborhoods. The Neighborhood Park or badminton. Such courts may be lighted It is desirable to locate future community parks The neighborhood park provides an attractive if adjacent residences are not adversely adjacent to a middle school or high school open space within easy walking or biking impacted so that park users could take advantage of distance of residents in its service zone, • Trails the existing parking areas of these facilities. so parking lots and restrooms are usually • Benches Adjacent churches may provide shared parking not provided. It can be the focal point of a • Picnic facilities including picnic tables and arrangements. neighborhood and a source of pride for the picnic shelters residents. It is also the place where varied age • Grills Typical Facilities groups can relax and enjoy both passive and • Trash receptacles In addition to neighborhood park facilities, active recreation. Playgrounds for pre-school • Security lighting community parks may include the following and elementary school-age children are the basic • Drinking fountains facilities: neighborhood park facility. Above all else, the • Parking • Lighted athletic fi elds and sport courts that neighborhood park should be a place of fun and meet competitive standards for baseball, relaxation for the entire family. The Community Park softball, football, soccer, tennis, basketball The typical community park serves several and volleyball Size and Location neighborhoods located within a 1½-mile radius • Competitive swimming pool and/or family The standard size of a neighborhood park is six of the park. The community park provides more aquatics center to ten acres. When adjacent to an elementary specialized and elaborate facilities than the • Large lighted parking areas to serve the school the park should be at least six acres. In neighborhood park. Most users reach this park athletic fi elds and sport courts the ideal location the neighborhood park will by automobile. The community park can also • Group shelters and/or picnic pavilions with serve residents within a ½-mile radius of the provide neighborhood park amenities for the tables, cooking grills and litter receptacles park and be connected to or be part of a linkage neighborhoods immediately adjacent. • Restrooms, drinking fountains, concession park system. In smaller cities such as Cleburne, buildings, and security lighting neighborhood parks are frequently given less A primary function of the community park is to • Multi-purpose trails for jogging, walking, emphasis in favor of larger multi-purpose provide facilities for organized, competitive sports cycling, skating, and nature study facilities that serve the entire community. such as tennis, soccer, football, softball, baseball, Neighborhood parks are often smaller in such volleyball or swimming. These sports are usually situations, averaging about fi ve acres each and sponsored or co-sponsored by the City. Such fewer in number. Community and linear parks facilities require a fairly open site of adequate can provide neighborhood park facilities. The size and gentle gradient. Lighted athletic fi elds critical issue is that each residential area has and parking areas should be sited for minimum access to neighborhood park facilities. disturbance to any adjacent residential areas.

Westhill Park is an example of a neighborhood park. Page 71 The City Park fabric of urban development. They serve the fl ood hazard, and the linear nature of the space. The city park serves the entire city. It is usually entire city. They preserve valuable vegetation Linear parks are especially suited to activities the largest of the parks in a municipal system. and habitat and limit erosion and fl ooding, that are linear in nature; therefore, the most This park may provide spacious natural areas a common problem in urban environments. commonly found facilities are trails. Other and specialized attractions such as lakes, Although they may be very narrow, the linear facilities suitable for linear include: botanical gardens, historical areas, or geological park’s length can provide the appearance of • Landscape development and beautifi cation features. Sites with a variety of topographic and expansive open space particularly when the park • Nature centers vegetative conditions are ideal for city parks. parallels a street. Linear parks establish links • Wildlife observation areas Neighborhood and community park facilities are between neighborhoods, schools, parks and • Picnic areas often found in city parks as well. other community facilities. Ideally, these parks • Playgrounds are developed into a comprehensive system that • Carefully planned, low-impact multi-purpose Hulen Park is an example of a city park. links together all the parks within the city. athletic practice fi elds • Off-street parking in selected areas Size and Location Linear parks usually follow creek corridors The size and location of a city park ranges or utility and drainage easements. This is the The Special Purpose Facility from fi fty acres and up. Such parks are usually one park category for which fl oodplain land The special purpose facility is usually limited located on sites with special natural amenities. is acceptable and appropriate. Such land is to one or two uses and serves the entire city. It City parks should be located adjacent to major generally considered undesirable for residential is sized, located, and developed to best serve thoroughfares in order to accommodate the large and commercial construction, and developers its function. Acreage standards are dictated by numbers of visitors that may be expected to are often eager to donate it for park purposes. the function of the facility. Some examples of arrive by automobile. If a donation of land is unavailable, the cost of special use facilities include: acquiring property for linear parks is usually less • Aquatics center Typical Facilities than normal land costs. • Arboretum It is desirable to leave much of the site in a • BMX track natural or minimally developed state. In addition West Buffalo Creek Linear Park is an example of • Community Center/Recreation Center/Senior to neighborhood and community park facilities, a linear park. Center city parks could include: • Golf course • Internal road system and parking facilities Size and Location • Historical site • Viewpoints or overlooks A linear park has no particular size requirement • Inline skate/skateboard park • Nature center and/or trails and interpretative or limitation. It is important that linear parks • Nature preserve areas have adequate street frontage for public access, • Tennis center • Equestrian trails and associated facilities maintenance and sight lines in the park for • Pond or lake with fi shing pier and boating/ security. Where fl oodplains and easements Cleburne Golf Links is an example of a special canoeing are not available, linkage can be developed purpose facility. • Amphitheater along existing streets and thoroughfares using • Family aquatics center sidewalks or trails with landscaping. • Tournament level sports facilities • Botanical gardens Typical Facilities The addition of permanent recreation facilities in The Linear Park drainage easements and fl oodplains is restricted Linear parks consist of greenbelts and open because of the dense vegetation, the potential space, and introduce corridors of green into the Page 72 Park Service Zones Establishment of neighborhood and community park service zones is a means of assuring equitable distribution of recreational facilities throughout the city. Figure 5 – Neighborhood Park Service Zones and Figure 6 – Community Park Service Zones graphically depict the neighborhood and community park service zones.

Neighborhood Park Service Zones The ideal neighborhood is said to be approximately one mile square (640 acres) with a population of 3,000 to 5,000 3, and is defi ned by major streets and/or physical barriers. Thus the radius standard for neighborhood parks is one-half mile. The circles on Figure 5 - Neighborhood Park Service Zones represent a ½ -mile radius. Ideally, each neighborhood will have an elementary school and a neighborhood park. Neighborhood parks are generally designed for families and children, and accessed by walking or bicycling.

Community Park Service Zones Community parks are designed to serve several neighborhoods. The normal service radius is one to 1½ miles. The circles on Figure 6 - Community Park Service Zones represent a 1½ -mile radius. Because it is assumed that most park users will travel to community parks by automobile, location of thoroughfares adjacent to these parks is desirable. The remaining park categories – city park, linear park and special purpose facilities – serve the entire city.

3Roger A. Lancaster, Ed., Recreation, Park and Open Space Standards and Guidelines, National Recreation and Park Association, 4th Printing 1990.

Page 73 City of Cleburne Parks, Recreation, and Open Space Master Plan

FIGURE 5

NEIGHBORHOOD PARK SERVICE ZONES

LEGEND

WATERBODY MUNICIPAL PARKS SCHOOLS EXISTING NEIGHBORHOOD PARK SERVICE ZONE R = 0.5 Mile PROPOSED NEIGHBORHOOD PARK SERVICE ZONE R = 0.5 Mile

Page 74 City of Cleburne Parks, Recreation, and Open Space Master Plan

FIGURE 6

COMMUNITY PARK SERVICE ZONES

LEGEND

WATERBODY MUNICIPAL PARKS SCHOOLS EXISTING COMMUNITY PARK SERVICE ZONE R = 1.5 Mile PROPOSED COMMUNITY PARK SERVICE ZONE R = 1.5 Mile

Page 75 Page 76 Chapter 4

Needs Assessment following three approaches as acceptable for how much of the population wants certain types park and recreation master plans that meet the of facilities. Recreational demand in Cleburne Level of service standards are based on department’s guidelines. A plan that meets the is expressed in the Cleburne 2008 Parks & population; that is, parkland requirements guidelines will enhance Cleburne’s prospects Recreation Survey prepared by Raymond Turco & are expressed as number of acres per 1,000 of obtaining matching funds for parkland Associates, April 2008 described in Chapter 3 – residents, and recreational facility needs acquisition and construction. Planning Process and Standards. are expressed as number of facilities per an identifi ed population. By establishing a Standards Based Needs Resource Based Needs standard or guideline, the City can apply this The standards-based approach land uses The resource-based approach examines natural to populations projected fi ve years and ten established standards or guidelines to determine and cultural resources of the area for open space, years into the future and plan for needed land the quantities of recreational facilities and parks, and recreational facilities, and defi nes acquisition and facility development. For parkland needed to meet the needs of a given how these resources can be utilized. These example, the projections may be useful in population size. It is based on a mathematical include woodlands, wetlands, stream corridors, developing action plans and/or planning for process that determines the quantitative fl oodplains, historic sites, and cemeteries. bond issues. requirements for recreational facilities and Cleburne has several streams, as described parkland. The standards may be based on in Chapter 5 – Environmental Preservation National Recreation and Parks Association studies of demand, or the professional judgments and Open Space Plan, which along with Lake (NRPA) level of service guidelines, where they of parks and recreation planners and designers. Pat Cleburne, are the City’s primary natural have stated them, are included on the standards The guidelines for Cleburne in Chapter 3 resources. as set forth in Chapter 3 – Planning Process – Planning Process and Standards are the and Standards. It is noteworthy that of the standards applied in the needs assessments. The Parkland and Recreational Facility 25 recreational facilities listed for Cleburne, guidelines refl ect National Parks and Recreation Needs Assessments NRPA has guidelines for only nine of them. Association standards, regional practices and Tables 4.1 and 4.2 show parkland and Comparable practice in peer cities contributed available resources. recreational facility needs for Cleburne. Based to standards establishment, but “demand,” as on responses from public input, the recreational discussed below, was the most infl uential factor Figure 5- Neighborhood Park Service Zones facility needs assessment is both the more in establishing parkland and recreational facility and Figure 6 – Community Park Service Zones realistic and the more critical of the two. standards for Cleburne. show standard distribution of neighborhood and Recreational facility needs will likely change community park services, respectively. over the next ten years, as the City’s population

Discussion of Methodology grows and recreational trends change. Demand Based Needs The needs assessment compares existing land Recreational needs will therefore require The demand-based approach relies on and facilities in Cleburne’s park system with a frequent updating throughout the life of this plan. variety of data in order to determine the city’s information gathered from participation rates, needs. Texas Parks & Wildlife has specifi ed the surveys, and other information that indicates

Page 77 Acres Table 4.1 2008 2013 2018 Recommended 2008 Parkland Parkland Parkland Parkland Needs Parkland Standards Existing Needs for Needs for Needs for Assessment (Acres/1,000 Pop.) Parkland Pop. 30,272 Pop. 34,691 Pop. 39,756

Neighborhood Park 0.5/1,000 4.75 15.1 17.3 19.9

Community Park 1.5/1,000 10.55 45.4 52.0 59.6

City Park 5.0/1,000 149.3 151.4 173.5 198.8

Linear Park 2.5/1,000 54.87 75.7 86.7 99.4 Special Use Facility 11.5/1,000 347.64 348.1 399.0 457.2

TOTALS 21.0/1,000 567.11 635.7 728.5 834.9

Page 78 Needs NOTES 2008 2008 2013 2018 1. This standard is based on other facility Table 4.2 Recommended Existing Projected Projected Projected requirements: Four benches for each Level of City Facility Facility Facility playground; one bench for each ¼ mile of Recreational Facility Service Facility Needs Needs Needs trail; and two benches each for tennis court Needs Assessment Standard Inventory Pop. 30,272 Pop. 34,691 Pop. 39,756 and basketball court. Baseball Diamond 1/4,000 8 8 9 10 2. This standard is based on other facility Baseball/Softball (Backstops) 1/7,500 4 4 5 5 requirements: Two grills for each pavilion; Basketballl Court (Outdoor) 1/7,000 4 4 5 6 one grill for each picnic shelter; and one Batting Cage 1/10,000 4 3 3 4 grill for every four picnic tables. Bench See Note 1 44 64 74 85 Boat Dock/Pier 1/30,000 1 1 1 1

4 3 3 4 Boat Ramp 1/10,000 17 15 17 20 Camping (Primitive) 1/2,000 2 2 2 2 Community / Recreation 1/20,000 1/20,000 3 2 2 2 Football Field 1/50,000 1 (18 holes) 1 1 1 Golf Course See Note 2 20 60 69 80 Grill 1/5,000 6 6 7 8 Horseshoe Pit 1/2,000 16 15 17 20 Pavilion/Gazebo 1/2,000 15 15 17 20 Pic nic Shelter 1/500 107 61 70 80 Picnic Table 1/5,000 6 6 7 8 Playground 1/30,000 1 1 1 1 Sand Volleyball 1/1,500 34 20 23 26 Soccer Field Softball Diamond 1/4,000 7 8 9 10 Splash Pad 1/10,000 2 3 3 4 Swimming Pool 1/20,000 2 2 2 2

Tennis Court 1/20,000 2 2 2 2

1 Mile/7,500 2.8 Miles 4.0 Miles 4.6 Miles 5.3 Miles Trail, Multi-purpose (Paved) Trail, Natural surface 1 Mile/10,000 0.5 Miles 3.0 Miles 3.5 Miles 4.0 Miles

Page 79 Page 80 Chapter 5

Environmental Preservation and Open Disturbance to Cleburne’s natural resources has • Open space land or a body of water that Space Plan been largely due to cultivation and construction. is relatively free of structures, such as a Recent local interest has emerged regarding the creek or river corridor, pond or lake, or Background and Purpose impacts of natural gas well construction upon fl oodway or fl oodplain suitable for human the local environment. While an environmental use. Examples include wooded areas with Many community leaders feel they must impact assessment was beyond the scope of this or without under story growth, grasslands, choose between economic growth and open study, consideration should be given to minimize and bodies of water such as a lake, pond or space protection. But no such choice is impacts of natural gas production and the traffi c waterway. necessary. Open space protection is good for a generated by the production of gas on sensitive community’s health, stability, beauty and quality natural habitats and resources in Cleburne. Soils of life. It is also good for the bottom line.1 The Soil Survey of Johnson County, Texas (Issued Preservation of the areas shown on Figure 7 – October 1985) describes the terrain in Johnson The purpose of this chapter is to identify Environmental and Open Space Preservation County as nearly level to hilly. Drainage of the environmentally and culturally valuable land Plan as open space preservation areas, which portion of the county that includes Cleburne is for preservation as open space in Cleburne. are not already in the park system, could through tributaries of the Brazos River. The soil Texas Parks and Wildlife Plan for the 21st help to restore the native habitats to near associations in Cleburne are known as “Ponder- Century identifi es open space preservation as original condition prior to pioneer settlement. Sanger-Slidell”, “Crosstell-Gasil-Radar” and one of the State’s highest priorities. This chapter Preservation and/or restoration of these areas “Sanger-Slidell-Bolar”. All three of these soil provides preliminary guidance to the City’s will also provide opportunities for nature associations are related to upland areas and are decision-makers concerning the identifi cation, study and observation, and space for passive moderately to well-drained. designation, and acquisition of natural, cultural recreation such as walking, hiking, fi shing and and/or visual resources and open space property. bird watching. The Ponder-Sanger-Slidell association takes in the majority of Cleburne in a north/south pattern, Cleburne’s Natural Environment Natural Resources and is described as nearly level to gently sloping, Within the City and its Extraterritorial Jurisdiction Natural resource areas suitable for acquisition deep loamy and clayey soils. The Crosstell- (ETJ), there are natural areas that are valuable for and preservation as open space in Texas may be Gasil-Radar association is located in the far their beauty and/or vulnerable to development described2 as follows: eastern portions of the City, and is described as impacts, which include rivers and streams, • A natural area that has valuable or nearly level to sloping, deep loamy and sandy riparian zones, fl oodplains, wetlands, ponds, vulnerable natural resources, ecological soils. The Sanger-Slidell-Bolar association is woodlands and prairies. Generally, the natural processes or threatened vegetative or wildlife located in the western portions of the City near areas that have been identifi ed for preservation species. Lake Pat Cleburne, and is described as nearly and/or restoration are close to Lake Pat Cleburne, • Wetlands recognized by Texas Parks & level to sloping, moderately deep to deep loamy Marti Reservoir, East and West Buffalo Creeks, Wildlife which are usable for recreation and and clayey soils. McAnear Creek and Nolan River. Habitat and which meet at least one “threshold criteria” natural resources are described in further detail as defi ned by the Natural Wetlands Priority 1The Impact of Parks and Open Space on Property Values and the Property in the following paragraphs of this chapter. Tax Base. John L. Compton. Conservation Plan. 2 Developed in consultation with Texas Parks & Wildlife biologists.

Page 81 Cross Timbers Ecoregion of the Metroplex.7 At the beginning of the 21st Aquatic vegetation includes fl oating lilies, other Cleburne lies in the approximate center of Century, the historic Cross Timbers occupy only a fl oating plants such as algae, and emergent Johnson County within the Cross Timbers fraction of their original area. For these reasons, plants along the banks. Riparian areas provide Ecoregion of Texas, also known as The Cross Cross Timbers are considered a valuable and protective pathways of migration for birds, small Timbers and Prairies Ecoregion. According to vulnerable natural resource. Identifi cation of mammals and many other animal species. Texas Parks and Wildlife, this region consists of specifi c Cross Timbers woodlands or remnant alternating bands of wooded habitat scattered prairies were beyond the scope of this study; Rivers and streams also perform important throughout a mostly prairie region.3 The Cross however, the largely undeveloped areas around hydrologic functions including improving water Timbers forests consists of belts of timber Byron Stewart Park, Lake Pat Cleburne, Nolan quality, conveyance and fl ood control.8 Proper varying in width from fi ve to fi fty miles wide, River and all of the City’s creeks and tributaries management of this important natural resource comprised of Pecan, Black Walnut, Sycamore, may contain such natural resources and is necessary not only to ensure the continued Eastern Cottonwood, Plateau Liveoak, Bur Oak, should be acquired and preserved as valuable health of creeks and streams, but the health of Blackjack Oak, American Elm, Texas Persimmon, natural resources that refl ect the community’s the bodies of water downstream as well. When Little Walnut, Honey Mesquite, Lance-leaf environmental heritage. modifi cation of the natural channel is required, Sumac, Mexican Plum, Ashe Juniper and Eastern re-vegetating exposed soils along the banks with Red Cedar. Grassland species such as Little Rivers and Streams - Riparian Habitat native grasses and fl owers can help stabilize Bluestem, Indiangrass and Big Bluestem are The riparian zone of a river or stream consists of the soil, reduce erosion and provide food for common. 4 the riverbanks plus the low-lying plain subject wildlife. Replanting of fruit-bearing plants such to fl ooding. In Cleburne, riparian zones may be as oak, hickory, walnut and wild plum can To the early settlers, the Cross Timbers forests found near Lake Pat Cleburne, Marti Reservoir, provide sustenance and encourage the return of were the defi ning feature of the north central Nolan River and the numerous creeks and wildlife to the area. Texas region from the Red River to south of the tributaries that traverse the City. Rivers and present day Hill/Johnson County lines. Although streams play many important roles in the North the origin of the name “Cross Timbers” is lost Central Texas ecosystem. They provide rich in antiquity, several ideas have been proposed. soils for agriculture and a habitat for a variety of One suggests that because the forests extended wildlife. north and south, and therefore crossed, rather than ran alongside the rivers and streams of the Floodplains are the relatively level areas area, which tend to run east to west. Another is immediately adjoining a waterway that are that these forests were a “barrier” confronted by subject to periodic fl ooding. The 100-year westward travelers as they crossed the prairies.5 fl oodplain is the area that has an estimated The post oak forests were thick with closely chance of fl ooding once every one hundred spaced trees, heavy underbrush, and thorny, years. Preserving the City’s fl oodplains for wire-like vines; in other places the woodlands conveyance of storm water and as preserved open were park-like savannahs. No doubt alluding space is an important fi rst step toward preserving 3TPWD: Plant Guidance by Ecoregions – Ecoregion 5 – Cross Timbers to the fi rst vegetative condition, they were riparian zones and reducing the overall threat of and Prairies. http://www.tpwd.state.tx.us/huntwild/wild/wildscapes/ immortalized by the author Washington Irving as fl ooding to the community. guidance/plants/ecoregions/ecoregion_5.phtml?print=true 6 4Ibid. “forests of cast iron.” 5Richard V. Francaviglia, The Cast Iron Forest 2000, Austin: University The aquatic environment of rivers and streams of Texas Press, p. 73. 6Ibid. p. 57. Of all the ecoregions in Texas, the Cross Timbers (the habitat below the water surface) is home to 7 2005 Land and Water Resource Conservation and Recreation Plan, Ecoregion ranks the lowest in the amount of a richly varied plant and animal life including Texas Parks and Wildlife Department, Austin, TX. 2005. 8State of Texas. Texas Parks & Wildlife. Ecologically Signifi cant River conserved land. Cross Timbers forests are now catfi sh, trout, crawfi sh, and fresh water clams. and Stream Segments, 2001. being cleared to accommodate the urban sprawl Page 82 Recent advances in bioengineering have made Wetlands that occur along stream corridors or Endangered or Threatened Species in Johnson it possible to restore and preserve the habitat greenbelts are called riparian wetlands. These County value while enhancing the hydraulic function of areas provide habitat for many animal and plant According to the Annotated County Lists of many small rivers and streams. These techniques species, help improve the quality of water in Rare Species (revised May 4, 2009) prepared are directed toward promoting aquatic diversity, streams and rivers as they fi lter sediment and by Texas Parks & Wildlife, several endangered improving water quality, restoring wildlife habitat metabolize nutrients, and reduce local fl ooding and threatened species have been reported in and enhancing general aesthetic value. by providing temporary storage of storm waters. Johnson County as follows:

Wetlands About 35 percent of all endangered, rare and Endangered Species: Wetlands occur along the fringes of lakes, ponds, threatened species, such as many Johnson • Black-capped Vireo (Vireo atricapilla) streams and rivers. They may also occur naturally County species, are dependent upon wetlands • Golden-cheeked Warbler (Dendroica at springs or groundwater seeps. Some wetlands for food or habitat at some point in their life chrysoparia) are perennially moist whereas others are wet only cycle. Wetlands provide protective pathways for • Interior Least Tern (Sterna antillarum during the rainy season. Wetlands are generally migrating birds and small mammals and critical athalassos) identifi ed by any or all of the following criteria: habitat for a variety of amphibians, whose • Whooping Crane (Grus americana) • Soils saturated with water for at least part of populations are declining worldwide. • Gray Wolf (Canis lupus) the year. • Red Wolf (Canis rufus) • Plants especially adapted to live in wet Wetlands provide important recreational environments. opportunities in urban settings, particularly when Threatened Species: • Hydric soils, which are water saturated, they are located in park or open space areas. • American Peregrine Falcon (Falco peregrinus exhibit special characteristics because they Rare opportunities to observe a diversity of plant anatum) are depleted of oxygen. 9 and animal life are afforded. For this reason, • Peregrine Falcon (Falco peregrinus) wetlands are among the most popular features • Bald Eagle (Haliaeetus leucocephalus) in many parks. Of the 25 most visited National • White-Faced Ibis (Plegadis chihi) Wildlife Refuges in the United States, 19 have • Brazos Water Snake (Nerodia harteri) signifi cant wetland areas.

Although investigation of the City for wetlands was beyond the scope of this study and no wetlands were identifi ed by the consultant in any of the existing parks, the City of Cleburne should consider acquisition of any existing sites as they refl ect the community’s environmental heritage. Long-term conservation of wetlands is essential in developing wildlife habitat, fl ood storage and improvement of water quality.

9U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service. 660 FW4. National Wetlands Priority Conservation Plan. Page 83 According to Texas Parks and Wildlife, there Cultural Resources Constructed Landscapes - Farms and Ranches are no specifi c plant species considered rare or Cleburne’s cultural resources represent the built Many working farms and ranches still exist in endangered in Johnson County, although prairie environment, and include historic/archeological the Cleburne area. Communities in other states plant communities are of concern. Although sites and structures, educational environments have established protective zoning to encourage outside the scope of this study, all efforts should and constructed landscapes, such as farms, preservation of the agricultural production and be made to preserve and restore the habitat of ranches, railroads, ponds and lakes. Cleburne’s visual quality of these tracts. Consideration these endangered and threatened species. historic downtown refl ects its late 19th Century should be given to preserving Cleburne’s to early 20th Century heritage. Other structures agricultural heritage by incorporating examples Tall trees, riparian zones and fl oodplains of the same era are scattered throughout the of farms, ranches and other rural landscapes into associated with the Lake Pat Cleburne, Marti older sections of the City. the open space plan. Reservoir, Nolan River, East and West Buffalo Creeks, McAnear Creek and other area creeks Compatible park structures in historic Constructed Landscapes - Railroads and fl oodplains may provide appropriate areas will reinforce Cleburne’s character Cleburne currently has three active rail lines, habitat for several endangered or threatened and distinctiveness. Interpretive signage in the Fort Worth and Western, Burlington species, including the Interior Least Tern, the parks, such as the Texas Historical Marker in Northern Santa Fe and Amtrak. Like many Bald Eagle and the Brazos Water Snake. Ponds, West Buffalo Creek Linear Park, enriches the of Cleburne’s roadways, the rail lines create lakes and various fl oodplain lands may provide experience of the park visit. Cultural themes physical or perceived barriers within the City. appropriate habitat for the White-faced Ibis and expressed in park architecture can enhance the Parks and active rail lines are generally not the Whooping Crane, due to their preference distinctiveness of a park. Although investigation considered compatible land uses due to noise, for shallow standing water habitats, such as of the City for any historic or archeological traffi c confl icts and potential safety hazards. wetlands, marshes or prairie ponds. If preserved site was beyond the scope of this study, the Safety should be a key factor of park design and managed responsibly, these habitats can City of Cleburne should continue to preserve for any parks located near active rail lines. provide a favorable environment to attract existing sites and structures, as they refl ect the Consideration should be given to provide safe various species by providing the basic needs for community’s cultural heritage. pedestrian and bicycle trail crossings of the wildlife: food, cover and water. rail lines incorporated into the open space Educational Environments preservation plan. Ideally, Cleburne will eventually have an environmental education area(s) that will help bring nature and people together with exhibits and educational programs. Some examples of environmental education opportunities include outdoor classrooms, fl oodplains or wetlands with wildlife observation and interpretive signage, a nature center, a wildlife sanctuary, trails throughout a diverse ecosystem of bottomlands, woodlands, prairies and wetlands. The City should consider areas for nature observation and study within Carver Park, Hulen Park, Byron Stewart Park, East and West Buffalo Creek Linear Parks, Winston Patrick McGregor Park, Lake Pat Cleburne and the proposed expansion of McAnear Park. Page 84 Constructed Landscapes – Ponds Natural or constructed bodies of water are among the most attractive features in any park system. Flood control and water supply reservoirs throughout North Central Texas provide water-based recreation and scenic values for the entire region. Although ponds serve functional uses, such as impounding storm water and controlling fl oods, they can also serve as wildlife habitat, areas for scenic observation, education and recreation.

Historically, ponds have been built on farms to serve a variety of needs, such as fl ood and erosion control, irrigation, watering livestock, pollution control and fi re control. In densely populated areas, detention ponds act as temporary storage for storm water, reducing peak fl ows that can cause fl ooding. Ponds can serve to fi lter fertilizer and metabolize petroleum runoff from storm water. However, extensive nutrients in the form of fertilizer-laden runoff can degrade ponds. Ponds also suffer from excessive heat when shade trees are cleared from around their shores. Ponds must be appropriately maintained to promote proper functioning conditions.

The City of Cleburne should consider acquisition of any available ponds for preservation of their fl ood control functions and the attractive open space they provide. These water bodies are a valuable resource for Cleburne as they refl ect the community’s cultural heritage and provide critical habitat to a variety of wildlife species.

Page 85 Visual Resources As a result of this survey and other factors, Texas Cleburne’s visual resources represent landmarks, Parks & Wildlife adopted ambitious goals for the scenic views and/or areas of signifi cant visual acquisition of open space and parkland for the impact and quality within the natural or built State.10 environment. Some examples of visual resources in Cleburne include entry features into the City, such as the Chisholm Trail site on US Business 67, 10Texas Parks & Wildlife for the 21st Century. parks and trails, and various natural or built scenic landscapes. Consideration should be given to site selection for future parks, trails, sidewalks and streets to take advantage of potential scenic views or landmarks. Visual resources, if preserved or enhanced properly, can help establish an identity for the City that projects a positive image. The City of Cleburne should consider visual resources when acquiring land for trails, parks and opens space and when considering development of property.

Conclusions Areas identifi ed for environmental and open space preservation and/or restoration in this section and on Figure 7 – Environmental and Open Space Preservation Plan possess to varying degrees environmental, cultural and/or visual assets worthy of acquisition and preservation for existing and future generations. These areas can provide spaces for enjoyment of the natural and built environments, including nature observation, education, views, visual identity and recreational opportunities.

Acquisition of these sites is supported by the results of the recent statewide survey of Texans: that preservation of open space is more important to Texans than developing facilities in parks. “Texans have strong opinions about recreation and conservation issues, based on their love of their outdoors and their belief in the importance of protecting natural resources.”

Page 86 City of Cleburne Parks, Recreation, and Open Space Master Plan

FIGURE 7

ENVIRONMENTAL AND OPEN SPACE PRESERVATION PLAN

LEGEND

WATERBODY MUNICIPAL PARKS PROPOSED OPEN SPACE PRESERVATION

Page 87 Page 88 Chapter 6

Priorities, Recommendations & Table 6.1 Implementation Project Priorities Parkland and Recreational Facility Priorities Rank Priority Schedule Potential Funding Source(s) The distillation of information acquired during 1 Improvements at Lake Pat Cleburne 2010-2012 Grants, Energy Funds, Donations the planning process – the public opinion Transportation Enhancement Program, 2 Park trails and linkage trails 2010-2019 telephone survey, the public meeting, staff and 4B, Grants, Energy Funds, Donations park board input, application of national and 3 Restroom(s) at Lake Pat Cleburne 2012-2014 Energy Funds, Donations local standards and consultant experience with Acquire parkland in the City’s northwest Transportation Enhancement Program, park and recreation needs – has resulted in the 4 2012-2014 quadrant Grants, Energy Funds, Donations project priorities and recommendations outlined in this chapter. 5 Improve neighborhood parks 2010-2019 4B, Grants, Energy Funds, Donations 6 Fishing piers 2012-2013 Grants, Energy Funds, Donations The priorities listed in Table 6.1 strongly refl ect 7 Pavilions/shelters 2010-2014 4B, Grants, Energy Funds, Donations the public’s input in this process that led to 8 Playgrounds 2012-2019 4B, Grants, Energy Funds, Donations the development of this plan. Throughout the 9 Acquire parkland 2014-2019 Grants, Energy Funds, Donations planning process, universal themes emerged: Preserve natural habitat and provide 10 2015-2019 Grants, Energy Funds, Donations improvements at Lake Pat Cleburne; acquire environmental interpretation additional parkland; provide playgrounds, trail 11 Shade/shade structure at Splash Station 2015-2019 Grants, Energy Funds, Donations and picnic facilities. A discussion of each of the 12 Skate park 2015-2019 Grants, Energy Funds, Donations seventeen priorities follows the chart. 13 Construct second recreation center 2015-2019 Grants, Energy Funds 14 Renovate Byron Stewart Park 2015-2019 Transportation Enhancement Program 4B, Grants, Energy Funds, Buffalo 15 Water feature in Hulen Park 2015-2019 Creek Organization 16 Boat docks 2015-2019 Grants, Energy Funds, Donations 17 Improve boat ramps 2015-2019 Grants, Energy Funds, Donations

Page 89 Priorities Discussion Priority 4 – Acquire parkland in the northwest Priority 8 – Playgrounds. Playgrounds are the quadrant of Cleburne. In the telephone survey, base facility for neighborhood parks. The City Priority 1 – Improvements at Lake Pat 80 percent of respondents supported or strongly has renewed and added several playgrounds Cleburne. Lake Pat Cleburne has both the supported acquisition of more parkland. This in recent years and should concentrate on greatest potential and the least amount of opinion was echoed at the public input meeting. replacing outdated equipment as listed in recreational development of any major park in Staff is particularly interested in acquiring the recommendations that follow. Particular Cleburne, a fact that was noted in the telephone parkland in the northwest quadrant of the City attention should be given to providing a survey and at the public input meeting. because of limited availability of parkland in that variety of playgrounds for various age levels Additionally, the lake study prepared by another area. and abilities. New or renovated playgrounds consultant simultaneously with the park master should meet equipment, safety surfacing and plan noted a long list of facilities desired by Priority 5 – Improve neighborhood parks. maintenance standards in compliance with citizens at the lake (located in the Appendix). Strong opinions were expressed at the public Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and the The highest priorities on all lists include input meeting that the City’s neighborhood Consumer Products Safety Commission (CPSC) trails and restrooms at the lake. In addition, parks need improvement. Although the parks guidelines. playgrounds, group pavilions, picnic areas, are generally well maintained, some of the and fi shing piers/platforms were highly desired parks are in need of updated facilities. In the Priorities 9 and 10 – Acquire parkland improvements at the lake. All new facilities telephone survey, 84 percent of respondents and preserve natural habitat and provide should be fl ood and storm-rated. supported or strongly supported development of environmental interpretation. The need to neighborhood parks, and 87 percent supported acquire parkland is ongoing for any community Priority 2 – Park trails and linkage trails. Park or strongly supported construction of additional with a growing population. There is a need to and linkage trails were the highest priorities for picnic areas, which are considered a base facility acquire parkland in the northwest quadrant of all parks in the master plan surveys mentioned in neighborhood parks. the City as mentioned in Priority 4. In addition, above. Paved trails provide a nearly universal there is a need to acquire more parkland recreational facility for all ages and abilities, and Priority 6 – Fishing piers. Fishing piers were adjacent to McAnear Park to preserve a large are generally heavily used for both recreational mentioned in connection with Lake Pat Cleburne natural/open space area with potential for and health reasons. Natural surface trails are improvements as referenced in Priority 1. environmental interpretation and/or education. appropriate for hiking and nature observation Fishing piers provide more than facilities for Preserved natural environments are high priority and should be included in the mix of planned fi shermen; they also are places to view and enjoy with Texas Parks and Wildlife Department, and trails. Trails/sidewalks to link existing and future the lake. ranked fourth highest in the telephone survey for park trails could provide desirable linkages most important facility to construct in Cleburne. throughout the community, as was mentioned at Priority 7 – Pavilions/shelters. Pavilions were the public input meeting. high priority items in both the lake study and Priority 11 – Shade/shade structure at Splash the park master plan telephone survey. Users Station. The need for more shade at Splash Priority 3 – Restroom(s) at Lake Pat Cleburne. appreciate the opportunity to reserve pavilions Station was expressed in meetings with Staff. A restroom/concession building was listed as the for special events. Several pavilions located Options for providing additional shade may most important facility for the City to construct throughout the system are recommended in include tree plantings and/or shade shelters. at the lake in the telephone survey. Attendees at order to meet the high demand for both planned the public input meeting frequently mentioned and informal use. Priority 12 – Skate park. A skate park was the need for restrooms at the lake, especially for the fi fth highest-ranking facility to construct in events such as the annual July 4th fi reworks. Cleburne in the telephone survey. A skate park and facilities specifi cally developed for teens were also frequently mentioned at the public Page 90 input meeting. Priority 13 – Construct second recreation General Recommendations Recommendations for John P. Bradshaw Park center. At the time the telephone survey was • Acquire parkland. • Add grill to picnic area. conducted, Booker T. Washington Community • Add park(s) in the City’s northwest quadrant. • Repair or replace drinking fountain. and Recreation Center was under construction. • Construct a second recreation center. • Remove graffi ti from basketball court. However, many respondents mentioned a second • Construct trails and trail linkages. • Provide pull-off or parallel paved parking on recreation center as the most important facility to • Provide facilities for all age groups, including Robbins Street. Provide an accessible route construct in Cleburne. teens. to all recreational facilities in the park. • Provide a variety of sports facilities in park • Recruit a group or groups (service club, Priority 14 – Renovate Byron Stewart Park. system. Crime Watch or school) to “adopt” the Byron Stewart Park is located at the north end • Provide an amphitheater. park and assume responsibility for routine of Lake Pat Cleburne, and has great potential as • Add way-fi nding signage for all park and trash removal and reporting damage and a natural area. It is currently used for primitive recreation facilities. inappropriate behavior to City staff.* camping, RV camping and soccer. Existing • Improve communication with the public facilities need updating. Natural surface hiking regarding available park facilities and Recommendations for P. D. Lacewell Park trails with interpretive signage, campsites and recreation programs. • Remove ground storage water tank. picnic facilities should be constructed. • Develop a park system maintenance program • Relocate and repair existing gazebo so it can to improve the equitable distribution of be used by park visitors. Priority 15 – Water feature in Hulen Park. A maintenance, renovation of facilities and • Provide an accessible route to all recirculating pump with fountain would improve addition of new facilities among all parks. recreational facilities in the park.* water quality in the Buffalo Creek pond and add • Develop a plan and schedule to bring all an aesthetic element to the park. parks into compliance with the requirements Recommendations for J. E. Standley Park of the ADA and CPSC guidelines.* • Add a small demonstration garden to the Priorities 16 and 17 – Boat docks and improve • Develop linkages along creeks corridors and park. boat ramps. Boat docks and improvement of power line right-of-ways.* • Add erosion along the banks of McAnear existing boat ramps are two projects desired for • Anticipate growth from SH 121 and be Creek. Lake Pat Cleburne. Boat docks would provide proactive in planning for and providing • Provide pull-off or parallel paved parking on lake access for kayaks, canoes, motorized model needed park and recreational services.* Westhill Drive.* boats, etc., as well as access for those who merely • Plant additional native trees in parks • Add picnic tables and litter receptacles.* wish to enjoy the lake from a close vantage point. as necessary for shade, environmental • Provide an accessible route to all Some of the existing boat ramps need updating improvement and aesthetic enhancement. recreational facilities in the park.* and/or expansion. • Potential future trail connection along McAnear Creek. Recommendations As a part of this master plan, the consultant visited Recommendations for Westhill Park each of Cleburne’s park sites. Recommendations • Replace outdated playground equipment. for improvements to each site are outlined • Adjust playground edging to prevent pea below. The City has completed several major gravel from spilling onto grass. park improvement projects recommended in • Assess basketball court to determine if the 2002 master plan. However, many “smaller” court should be removed or relocated recommendations from the 2002 master plan have away from the street. yet to be implemented. These recommendations, indicated with the asterisk symbol (*), are also included in the following recommendations. Page 91 Recommendations for Carver Park Recommendations for Byron Stewart Park Recommendations for John S. Butner Park • Restripe parking lot to achieve safer, more • Remove boxcars near park entrance. • Replace outdated facilities. effi cient circulation. • Upgrade campsites with minimum facilities • Incorporate this small site into the Buffalo • Add benches along walking trail. for each site: picnic table, grill, tent pad and Creek linear park trail system. It could serve • Replace outdated facilities. litter receptacles. as a trailhead for the system, and as such, • Provide an accessible route to all • Preserve or create open space areas for should include more benches, a bike rack, recreational facilities in the park.* informal use. and directional/distance signage.* • Consider installing shade structures for • Provide natural surface hiking trails bleachers.* throughout the park. Recommendation for McAnear Park • Create open space and trail linkages to • Add playground and fi shing pier to park. • Acquire additional parkland. Booker T. Washington Community and • Prepare a master plan for future development Recreation Center. Recommendation for East Buffalo Creek of the park. Linear Park Recommendations for Hulen Park (Including • Establish a program to remove trash from Recommendations for Kirtley Park Don Moore Field and Splash Station) the creek such as an annual or semi-annual • Add boat dock. • Replace or remove hazardous pedestrian volunteer “trash day.” • Add fi shing pier/platform. bridge between Hulen Park and Don Moore • Preserve and enhance the natural • Add trails, playground, picnic facilities, Field. environment of the creek corridor. pavilion(s), grills and restrooms. • Provide shade/shade structure at Splash • Restore riparian habitat in the creek’s natural • Improve parking areas and add lighting for Station. areas. safety. • Upgrade electrical service and facilities • Provide interpretive signage illustrating the • Provide an accessible route to all recreational for holiday lighting display to meet current corridor’s geology, hydrology, fl ora and facilities in the park.* code. fauna. • Plant additional trees for shade. • Replace nets at tennis courts.* • Restore and enhance landscape with plants • Erosion control for lake shoreline stability. • Replace deteriorated picnic tables.* native to Johnson County. • Improve parking surfaces at Don Moore Field • Add special pedestrian lighting throughout Recommendations for Booker T. Washington with crushed stone or pavement.* the corridor and/or at key locations. Community and Recreation Center • Provide accessible parking spaces that meet • Add benches, mile markers, picnic facilities, • Create open space and trail linkages to code at all locations.* pavilion(s) and playground(s) at appropriate Carver Park. • Provide accessible routes from the parking locations along the corridor. lot to Don Moore Field and between the • Plan all facilities to withstand periodic Recommendations for West Buffalo Creek fi eld and restroom.* fl ooding. Linear Park • Pave areas around backstop fencing, • Seek matching grants from the Texas Parks & • Complete a master plan for the corridor, dugouts, and under bleachers to improve Wildlife Recreational Trails Program and any including phasing options.* accessibility and ease of maintenance.* future Texas Department of Transportation • Preserve and enhance the natural • Consider shade structures for the bleachers.* Enhancement Programs if appropriate for environment of the creek corridor.* • Upgrade electrical service at Don Moore future development and/or expansion of the • Restore riparian habitat in the creek’s natural Field with underground wiring, equipment corridor. areas.* enclosures, and metal or concrete light • Provide interpretive signage illustrating the poles.* corridor’s geology, hydrology, fl ora and fauna.*

Page 92 • Restore and enhance landscape with plants least one picnic table.* native to Johnson County.* • Utilize vandal and graffi ti resistant materials • Restore walls in accordance with the master in future park improvements. plan.* • When residential development west of the • Plan for grade-separated crossings for lake warrants, this site should be developed pedestrians and cyclists where possible.* as a neighborhood park with a playground, • Plan for safety signage and other warnings informal play area, and picnic shelter in such as colored, scored pavement at at- addition to the above facilities.* grade pedestrian crossings.* • Plan for special pedestrian lighting Recommendation for Winston Patrick throughout the corridor and/or at key McGregor Park places.* • Continue development of future phases of • Plan for benches, mileposts, and picnic the park’s master plan. tables – even a playground and/or pavilion at an appropriate location - along the corridor.* Implementation • Plan all facilities to withstand periodic This section outlines considerations for fl ooding.* implementing the City of Cleburne Parks, • Use banners, special streetlight standards, Recreation, and Open Space Master Plan. and other devices to alert motorists that they Implementation of the projects described in are crossing the creek.* Table 6.1 will help meet the needs identifi ed • Secure additional Texas Historical Markers in this plan to provide the recreational facilities throughout the corridor as appropriate. the City’s residents say they want and need. Their text informs users of the area’s history.* These new facilities will increase local pride in • Seek matching grants from the Texas Parks & the parks and the community. Moreover, parks Wildlife Recreational Trails Program and any have been shown to be a factor in economic future Texas Department of Transportation development and increased property values in Enhancement Programs.* many communities.

Recommendation for Old Sports Complex The Park and Recreation Department should • Provide a paved accessible route to all consider adopting an annual action plan, based recreational facilities in the park. on anticipated available resources, to implement • Remove concession building. priorities and other needed improvements. Annual funding from fi nancial resources is Recommendations for West Lake Pat beyond the Park and Recreation Department’s Cleburne Boat Ramp control, but an annual action plan would • Improve/expand existing boat ramp. provide the most effi cient way to implement • Maintain a minimum six to eight-foot buffer projects when funding is available. strip of mowed vegetation on all sides of the parking lot.* • Replace sign next to boat ramp and add new park sign at driveway.* • Add picnic tables near the water.* • Provide a paved walk from parking area to at Page 93 Implementation of the projects described in this Most of the projects listed above have been competition for bond funding from street, police section would begin to fulfi ll the next tier of completed. Upon the recommendation of and fi re protection improvements. improvements, just as the 4B sales tax assisted the board of directors of the 4B Development the City with the development of substantial Corporation, and required public hearings, Revenue Bonds are used to fi nance projects facilities over the last seven years. this tax can be used to fund additional projects that produce revenue to retire their bond debt. to better the quality of life for the residents Examples of applicable projects include utility Parkland Dedication Ordinance of Cleburne, as well as the maintenance and improvements and special community facilities Establishment of policies and ordinances to operations expenses of those projects. Revenue such as golf courses, convention centers and acquire parkland and to protect, preserve and/ generated from this tax is intended for quality of coliseums. or enhance fl oodplain land is recommended. life purposes and is expressly prohibited from The policies and ordinances should establish being used for manufacturing and industrial The developments and success of a bond the amount of land required to be dedicated to purposes. This cash fl ow will be a valuable program is affected by several factors including the City during the development and platting resource in the implementation of this plan. the following: processes, and should also provide for the option • The local atmosphere at the time the bond for the payment of money to the City in lieu of Land acquisition and capital improvement program is presented; that is, the economic dedication of parkland. projects anticipated by this plan will be costly and social perceptions of the voting public – for the City to implement. City leaders and are we in good times or bad times? Potential Funding Sources Staff should be alert to ways to leverage local • The current level of bonded indebtedness of funds with grants, donations, and corporate and the city. Dedicated Sales Tax foundation support. • The past, current and anticipated bond rating In 2001 Cleburne residents approved a of the city. referendum for a one-half cent City sales Bonds and Bond Programs • The strength of the bond market. tax dedicated to supporting development of Bonds are used to fi nance capital improvements • The willingness of the city to place park community projects. The proposition stated that cannot be readily funded through the and recreation improvements on a bond below indicates the scope of these projects: general fund. The issuance of the bonds is issue in which they might be viewed as approved by referendum. Two types of bonds, competing with other proposed municipal The adoption of a sales and use tax within the general obligation and revenue, are commonly improvements, such as utilities and police City of Cleburne at the rate of one-half of one used. and fi re protection. percent, pursuant to V.A.C.T.S. Article 5190.6, Section 4B, for the purposes of: General Obligation Bonds fi nance capital Cleburne does not presently utilize bond • A youth sports complex improvements for which general fund monies programs as a funding source for park • A convention/civic center are not wholly available and for projects that improvements. • An East Cleburne community center do not produce enough revenue to cover the • Swimming pool improvements, including the cost of bond retirement. These bonds are based Texas Parks and Wildlife (TP&W) Grants possibility of new pools or the renovation of on the ‘full faith and credit’ of the issuing city Texas Parks & Wildlife has several matching grant existing pools and are, therefore, primarily based on the city’s programs for the acquisition and development of • A working railroad museum tax revenues in order to retire them. Examples park and recreations facilities, including: • Improvements and development of parks, of such improvements include streets, public • Outdoor Grant – provides a maximum of including Buffalo Creek beautifi cation safety facilities and certain park projects. As $500,000 in funding, and requires a 50/50 • Renovation of the “old Esquire Theater” for in the case of general fund expenditures, parks match. use as a performing arts center and recreational projects may encounter intense • The maintenance and operations expenses of these projects Page 94 • Indoor Grant – provides a maximum of • Preservation of abandoned railway corridors, to grant applications when qualifying $750,000 in funding, and requires a 50/50 including conversion and use for pedestrian arrangements exist. The City of Cleburne must match. and bicycle trails. be entrepreneurial, organized and proactive in • Recreational Trails Grant – provides a order to develop productive partnerships for maximum of $200,000 in funding, and Energy Funds the benefi t of the City’s parks. Some potential requires an 80/20 match. (Note: The 20% Since 2005, drilling for natural gas in the Barnett partners for Cleburne may include: match for this grant is a minimum amount.) Shale formation has provided income to the City, • The Trust for Public Lands • Boating Access Grant – provides a maximum although market fl uctuations make the annual • North Central Texas Council of Governments of $500,000 in funding and requires a 75/25 revenue unpredictable. Highest receipts were (NCTCOG) match. in 2006-2007 when revenue exceeded $3.7 • Johnson County million, but proceeds in the most recent year • Cleburne Independent School District North Central Texas Council of Governments were $138,450. Some of these proceeds have • Corporations (NCTCOG) Grants been spent on the Cleburne Golf Links (about $3 • Developers North Central Texas Council of Governments million) and at Winston Patrick McGregor Park, periodically sponsors grant programs related but there are no dedicated proceeds specifi cally Corporations to sustainability, use of recycled materials and for parks. At the time this plan was completed Retail stores such as Home Depot, Lowe’s, improvement of transportation corridors, such there were 210 wells permitted within the city Wal-Mart, Target and Kroger have all made as trails. As these are not offered on a typical limits, of which 118 produce income to the City. contributions to community projects in north schedule, the department will need to stay in Texas and many of these projects have included contact with NCTCOG to determine funding Special Congressional Grants (‘Earmarks’) parks. Donations may take the form of materials, availability. Although politically controversial, these grants cash, project sponsorship and employee labor/ have supported many local park projects in in-kind services. Signage crediting these Transportation Enhancement Program Funds north Texas, including the Booker T. Washington contributions should be located within the park. In recent years, ten percent of federal Community Center in Cleburne. Maintaining transportation improvement funds have been good communication with the local U. S. Foundations dedicated to enhancement projects. Texas Congressman or U. S. Senator and discerning the The establishment of a parks foundation is Department of Transportation administers types of projects they might be willing to sponsor a means to promote the park system and programs in the state, and issues periodic calls is the key to securing funding from these sources. establish partnerships to aid in park funding for nomination of potential projects. Funding projects. A parks foundation may be composed is completely dependent on actions of the Partnerships of professionals who can identify potential US Congress, and future funding rounds are Establishing partnerships is essential to park park dedications from developers, citizens, unpredictable. When available this program planning and development. Public entities are and companies in the form of land trusts and requires an 80/20 match. discovering the value and benefi ts of establishing easements, bequests, donations, etc. The parks both traditional and non-traditional alliances foundation should be organized as a Ten types of projects qualify under this program, with private and institutional entities. 501(c)(3) philanthropic organization to but those of interest to parks departments include: Establishing interagency partnerships can • Provision of facilities for pedestrians and reduce the total number of facilities required, bicycles. which may result in savings to the community’s • Provision of safety and education activities taxpayers. Texas Parks and Wildlife rewards for pedestrians and bicyclists. interagency cooperation by awarding points • Landscaping and other scenic beautifi cation. Page 95 encourage donations. This type of group has • Construction or reconstruction of streets, proven to be very effective in fund raising, water and sewer facilities, neighborhood establishing partnerships and promoting parks in centers, recreation facilities and other public many other communities. works. In addition, other local foundations oriented • Demolition. to community improvement may have funds • Rehabilitation of public and private available for park projects in Cleburne. Those buildings. foundations located in Johnson County, and • Public services. those making funds available to Johnson County • Planning activities. entities should be contacted by the City. • Assistance to non-profi t entities for community development activities. Donations • Assistance to private, for-profi t entities to Many communities have “Friends of the Parks” carry out economic development activities. groups that often support the park system fi nancially. If they achieve 501(c)(3) status, Updating the Master Plan donations to the group are tax deductible to Master planning should be viewed as a the donors. They may raise funds through continuing process rather than the result of campaigns, events or memberships. Other a study undertaken at a particular time. This community groups such as Rotary, Junior League, master plan was completed in November and Kiwanis often support park projects. 2009, but it will need to be reviewed and updated to refl ect changes in available Trees, benches and engraved pavers or bricks are resources, the changing needs and desires of popular items for individuals and/or groups to Cleburne’s residents, unexpected challenges donate to a specifi c park development project. and opportunities, and the City’s changing Donors should be recognized by small individual population and demographics. This plan plaques such as on trees or benches, or on a has been prepared in compliance with the large plaque at a central location in the park. guidelines for park and recreation system master plans established by Texas Parks and Community Development Block Grant Wildlife (TP&W). TP&W requires that plans be (CDBG) updated every fi ve years to remain eligible for The CDBG program is a fl exible program that grant funding as well as refl ect the changes in a provides communities with resources to address growing city. A completely new plan is required a wide range of unique community development every ten years to remain eligible for grant needs. The primary statutory objective of the funding. CDBG program is to develop viable communities by providing decent housing and a suitable living environment and by expanding economic opportunities, principally for persons of low- and moderate-income. Communities receiving CDBG funds from the State may use the funds for many kinds of community development activities including: • Acquisition of property for public purposes. Page 96 Bibliography

AllBusiness web site, http://www.allbusiness.com Schmidly, David J., Nick C. Parker and Robert J. Baker, Texas Parks and Wildlife for City of Cleburne Comprehensive Land Use Plan, the 21st Century, An Overview of the Texas Municipal Planning Resources Group, 1998 Tech University Studies in Conservation and Recreation for the Coming Decades, Lubbock City of Cleburne Development Services Texas: Texas Tech University, November 2001 Department Texas Parks and Wildlife Department, 2005 City of Cleburne Economic Development Land and Water Resource Conservation and Department Recreation Plan

City of Cleburne Parks and Recreation Texas Parks and Wildlife website, http://www. Department tpwd.state.tx.us/

City of Cleburne website, http://www.cleburne. Texas State Data Center and Offi ce of the State net/index.htm Demographer website, http://www.txsdc.utsa. edu Crompton, John L., The Impact of Parks and Open Space on Property Values and the Property United States Census Bureau, 1990 Census Tax Base, Division of Professional Services National Recreation & Park Association, 2000 United States Census Bureau, 2000 Census

Handbook of Texas Online web site, http://www. United States Census Bureau, American tshaonline.org/handbook/online/articles.html Factfi nder website, http://www.factfi nder.census. gov Lancaster, Roger A., Ed., Recreation, Park and Open Space Standards and Guidelines, National U. S. Department of Agriculture Soil Recreation and Park Association, 4th Printing Conservation Service, Soil Survey of Johnson 1990 County, Texas, October 1985

North Central Texas Council of Governments U. S. Fish and Wildlife Service, National website, http://www.nctcog.org/ Wetlands Priority Conservation Plan

Raymond Turco and Associates, Cleburne 2008 Parks and Recreation Survey, April 2008

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Page 98   

VERY HIGH PRIORITY Multi-Use Trail Network (Walk/Hike/Bike/In-Line Skating) Fishing Piers / Platforms Group Pavilions Playgrounds

HIGH PRIORITY SOME INTEREST Parking (lighted) Horseshoe Pits Boat Ramps Exercise Hubs Individual Picnic Stations Overlooks and Boardwalks Amphitheater/Performance Area Wildlife Preservation Area Restroom Facilities Extreme Youth Center Equestrian Trails Sprayground MODERATE PRIORITY Wetlands Preservation Area Environmental Learning Center Open Green/Open Space Swimming Beaches Floating dock Special Events Buildings Day Camping (Meeting/Hospitality Rooms, etc.) Hotel Wildflower Area Rental Station (Paddleboats, Canoes, Bicycles, etc.) Marina/Dry Dock Facilities Riverboat Restaurant/Water Taxi Birding Trails Native Tree Plantings near Golf Course Group Camping Areas Frisbee Golf Restaurant/Food Service Pedestrian Bridges

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