Parks and open spaces provide valuable benefits to a community. They create a sense of "place," and they improve the quality of life in a city. Outdoor spaces for physical activity, family gatherings, and community functions are integral parts of the built environment. They contribute strongly to the city's image, attract tourism, and lure prospective industries, businesses, and residents. Parks facilities produce revenue through user fees and through sales taxes generated by parks-related purchases. Visitors to Fredericksburg's parks often shop in the city and thereby contribute to the local economy. Municipal spending on parks, therefore, repays itself in several ways. For these reasons, the City of Fredericksburg has made Parks and Recreation planning a priority for many years.

The 1967 Comprehensive Plan established the framework for Fredericksburg's Parks and Recreation system. At that time there were 1.8 acres of parkland in the entire planning area. This plan recommended extensive enhancement of the city's park system. Proposals included (1) cooperation between the City and schools to coordinate use of facilities, (2) retention of the Town Pool, (3) development of a city park (at the site of Lady Bird Johnson Municipal Park), (4) preservation of Baron's and Town Creeks, and (5) redevelopment of Marktplatz (Market Square). The plan stated, "The park system proposed for Fredericksburg represents a combination of facilities which will meet the preponderance of the Community's recreational needs and enhance the total living environment of the area. The various elements of the system can be improved or added as the need and ability to finance them arises and each element added would become a meaningful part of the Community's Comprehensive Plan."

The 1985 Comprehensive Plan proposed several improvements and additions to the 1967 Plan. Many of the goals delineated in the 1967 Plan had been accomplished, and the population had grown and diversified to necessitate further work. Policies included (1) development of drainage ways for recreational purposes, (2) provision of recreational acreage to match national standards, (3) assurance of safety for visitors and workers, and (4) continuing cooperation between the City and the School Board. The 1985 Plan also noted, "As the population of the City increases through the planning period, City facilities will have to be increased, especially park space and amenities."

The City pursued these goals and continued its commitment to its parks and recreation system. Fredericksburg has clearly demonstrated its ability to plan effectively. It now stands ready to face the new challenges of the next century.

This Parks and Recreation Master Plan is an outgrowth of the 1996 Fredericksburg Comprehensive Plan. The 1996 update began on August 14, 1995, and two weeks later the City authorized work on open space planning. Hankamer Consulting, a private planning firm based in Austin, began the Parks and Recreation Master Plan on August 28, 1995 under contract from the City of Fredericksburg.

An inventory of public, semi-public and private resources in Fredericksburg was undertaken early in the planning period. Hankamer Consulting worked closely with City staff to complete the inventory within Fredericksburg and its extra-territorial jurisdiction. An inventory of resources outside Fredericksburg’s jurisdiction was also completed with help from the Texas Department of Transportation’s Travel and Information Division as well as the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department. All information was field-checked for accuracy.

Prior to the planning period, a survey was administered to over 4,500 Gillespie County residents to identify their top health and quality-of-life concerns. The 1,200 surveys returned resulted in a response rate of over 25%. A pubic meeting on May 16, 1995, prioritized the top concerns identified in the survey. The results were distributed in the Community Partnership for Health’s Report on the Health Status of Gillespie County. Five subcommittees met to address the concerns raised in the report. The Youth Subcommittee’s meetings discussed parks and recreation planning heavily.

On October 17, 1995, Hankamer Consulting facilitated a "Visioning Workshop" in Fredericksburg. This public meeting sought to establish a future vision for the city. A group 57 residents identified and prioritized parks and recreation needs as well as the "Best" and "Worst" things about living in Fredericksburg. A nominal group process was used to develop a list of 27 "Parks Desires," as well as 41 "Bests," and 40 "Problems." From these lists, each participant ranked his or her top five choices in each category. These choices were assigned a score, and a ranking was established for all 27 parks elements, 41 bests and 40 problems. City staff reviewed the rankings and published each of the top ten lists in the local weekly newspaper.

A joint working committee of Fredericksburg’s City Council and Planning & Zoning Committee met two or three times per month for several months to discuss the priorities further. The committee decided that broader input was necessary, so a list of the top seventeen "Parks Desires," "Bests," and "Problems" was mailed to 3,977 postal patrons. Respondents were asked to rank the five "most needed" parks facilities, "best" things, and "worst" problems. The response rate to this direct mail survey was approximately 13%. Votes were tallied and the factors were re-ranked based on this increased input.

Then members of the recreation community were invited to a special meeting of the joint committee. Service providers, organizers, and concerned citizens were asked how to best implement the policies. Representatives from several of the diverse age, income and interest groups attended the meeting, and they offered vital input. Data from youth sports leagues was particularly valuable. Fredericksburg's Parks and Recreation Director stayed in contact with these representatives throughout the planning process.

Hankamer Consulting also conducted a formal analysis to identify potential needs. City attendance rates helped define local standards for an Outdoor Recreation Capacity Analysis following guidelines in the 1990 TORP Assessment and Policy Plan. This analysis helped quantify the City’s intentions further.

Priorities for Fredericksburg's Parks and Recreation System are listed in the final section of this chapter. Formulating this final list of goals and priorities was a cooperative local effort. The consultant coordinated input from the health survey, the visioning process, the community representatives, the Planning and Zoning Committee, the City Council, and the city staff. Thus, entire planning process was one of continuous open communication among citizens, the City government, and the consultant. A unified parks and recreation master plan with a clear vision is the result of this process. The Fredericksburg City Council adopted the final draft of the plan on May 1, 1996.

In 1996, Fredericksburg celebrates its 150th anniversary. The 1996 Fredericksburg Parks and Recreation Master Plan will carry the city past that benchmark and into the next millennium. But this plan is not the final word; it is the next step in a continually evolving process. As in the past, updates will be necessary as future circumstances require them. Ongoing improvements and enhancements will ensure that the park system serves the community's needs for the next 150 years.

Existing parks and recreation facilities in and around Fredericksburg provide a wide range of opportunities for the current local population. They also attract visitors from elsewhere. This section breaks down areas by public, semi-public and private ownership. Facilities described in this section are generally accessible to all income groups.

Approximately 286 acres of developed city-owned public land comprise the park system for the City of Fredericksburg. Private facilities, recreational facilities at local schools, and other public agencies that provide additional recreational open space are not included in this acreage. These facilities are treated separately in the analysis of local parks and recreation capacity.

Lady Bird Johnson City Park, southwest of downtown on SH 16, is Fredericksburg’s largest facility. The park covers over 260 acres. Wooded areas border the 17-acre fishing lake that runs the length of the park. One of the main attractions is the park’s 18-hole golf course and driving range. Other sports facilities include three baseball fields, six tennis courts, one sand volleyball court and one concrete volleyball/basketball court. Swimming areas include one 750 square yard pool and one 25 square yard wading pool. Two acres of the park are developed as playground with children's play structures. Other structures include a converted farmhouse and patio, one large enclosed pavilion, and five open-air pavilions. The park also offers 150 picnic tables and 113 R.V. camping hook-ups. A bike lane along SH 16 connects Lady Bird Johnson Municipal Park to the city.

Market Square is centrally located along Main Street. Market Square, or Marktplatz, is a 5.5-acre downtown plaza housing several municipal buildings. In addition to these structures, this large complex offers three open-air pavilions, 40 picnic tables, a playground and restrooms. A grassed volleyball area is also available. Veirens Kirche, also on Marktplatz, is owned by the city and is operated by the Gillespie County Historical Society.

The Town Pool offers a 450 square yard pool and a 32 square yard wading pool. A combination restroom/changing room is on the one-acre site as well as a grassy area with benches. The facility is near the central business district between Travis, Schubert, Adams and Crockett Streets. A path creates linkage across Town Creek between Market Square and Town Pool; the path continues north to the Middle School.

Frantzen Park is on the southern bank of Baron’s Creek at Ufer and South Orange Streets. A footbridge connects Frantzen Park to the central business district. Four picnic tables and a swing set are the only enhancements to this two-acre site.

Old Fair Park is on the site of the old Gillespie County Fairgrounds. It lies between Ufer, Park, Lincoln and Adams Streets south of Baron’s Creek and the central business district. Old Fair Park’s six acres offer two lighted baseball/soccer fields, a separate soccer field, and a play structure as well as a concession/restroom building.

Oak Crest Park is on 11 acres near the Gillespie County Fairgrounds. Oak Crest Park has one lighted baseball field, three baseball practice fields, restrooms and a concession area.

Fort Martin Scott is owned by the City, and it is operated by the Fredericksburg Heritage Federation. This 127-acre complex is southeast of downtown on US 290. This acreage is not included in the city total of 286 acres, because the City does not currently operate the facility. Established in 1848, it was the first federal fort in Texas. The only original structure still standing is the restored post guardhouse; it is complemented by several other buildings including a visitor center.

Many of Fredericksburg’s public streets have sidewalks. Some streets are wide enough to accommodate walkers or bikers along with vehicular traffic. A few offer dedicated bike lanes.

Other public facilities are available within the City of Fredericksburg’s jurisdiction that are not operated by the City. County and State facilities offer additional recreational opportunities.

The County owns an in-town park near Market Square with a gazebo, a small practice ballfield, a play structure and several picnic tables. Across San Antonio Street is the historic Old Jail building which the County currently uses for storage.

Gillespie County Airport abuts Lady Bird Johnson City Park and the Gillespie County Fairgrounds. Four soccer fields and a concession area sit on airport land. The Pedernales Youth Soccer Association developed and maintains the fields. Access to the fields is provided by the City through Lady Bird Johnson Park.

Admiral Nimitz Museum and Historical Center is in the central business district. According to the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department, "Named for Admiral Chester A. Nimitz [born in Fredericksburg in 1885] the museum was established . . . in order to 'foster and commemorate the memory of the era of supreme United States Naval Power upon the seas, dedicated to the men and women in the armed forces.' . . . At Admiral Nimitz' request it was dedicated 'to all who served with him' in the Pacific." The seven-acre center is divided into three main parts. The restored Steamboat Hotel houses the Museum of the Pacific War. The Garden of Peace was a gift from the people of Japan. The History Walk of the War in the Pacific features military equipment from the war. The George Bush Gallery of the War in the Pacific will be a fourth attraction. The entire facility is operated by the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department.

Fredericksburg’s schools offer several recreational opportunities. Generally, recreational and open space facilities at local schools, with certain exceptions, can be used by the community after hours on school days and weekends when school activities do not preempt their use.

Fredericksburg High School and Primary School are southwest of downtown on SH 16. The complex has two lighted stadiums for football and baseball, four lighted tennis courts, and four unlighted tennis courts. There are also two football practice fields and one acre of children's playground. Four basketball goals are available on one side of a sloping parking lot. Another baseball field--developed and maintained by the Fredericksburg Youth Baseball Association--is on school property.

Fredericksburg Middle School is immediately north of the central business district. It has a track, a basketball court, a multi-purpose field, and one acre of children's playground. The Town Pool is across Travis Street from the Middle School; a path creates linkage between the Middle School and Market Square.

The Elementary School is at North Adams Street and Lower Crabapple Road. It currently offers playground equipment, and it is adding three ball practice fields.

Flood-prone areas are common in Fredericksburg along the City’s many creeks and streams. Land along Baron’s Creek, Town Creek, Live Oak Creek, and local tributaries of the Pedernales River offers recreational potential. This flood-prone land has already been set aside as open space under the city's zoning ordinance. Creekwalks, jogging/walking paths, hike/bike trails are possible uses for such areas. Frantzen Park already takes advantage of a creekside area; linkage along creeks would integrate the existing parks system.

Developed open space also exists outside of flood-prone areas. Several vacant lots can be found in residential neighborhoods. A large tract lies vacant adjacent to Old Fair Park on the site of old Gillespie County Fairgrounds. Another large parcel is north of the Elementary School. Fort Martin Scott is not used to its fullest potential. Cross Mountain has not been fully adapted for recreational use. Many opportunities exist.

Undeveloped open space characterizes the rural setting of Fredericksburg. Large privately owned agricultural holdings surround the city. Such lands do not have an immediate recreational function, but some parcels are in prime areas. The City owns a large parcel of undeveloped land in the southeastern part of town near the wastewater reclamation plant.

Fredericksburg is at the northern edge of Texas Parks and Wildlife Planning Region 18; Gillespie County borders Regions 10 and 12. A wealth of recreational opportunities surround the City. Region 18, the Alamo Area, is "rich and varied in regional attractions: historic sites such as the Alamo, natural areas, access to lakes and rivers, numerous festivals and events" according to the Parks and Wildlife Department. Region 10, the Concho Valley, offers nearly 21,000 acres of recreation land and 36,000 surface acres of lakes. Region 12, the Capital Area, offers a tremendous diversity of land, facilities and water resources. Table VI-1 notes nearby State Parks and their locations.

Enchanted Rock State Natural Area is 18 miles north of Fredericksburg on FM 965 on the border between Gillespie and Llano Counties. The Rock is a pink granite dome that rises 500 feet above the ground and covers 640 acres which makes it the second largest granite formation in North America. In 1970 it was designated a National Natural Landmark, and in 1984 it was placed on the National Register of Historic Places. Hiking, rock climbing and rappelling are available in the 1,643.5-acre park as well as picnicking and primitive camping in designated areas. Many visitors to Enchanted Rock travel through Fredericksburg; these visitors increase the City’s "daytime population" and impact parks and recreation planning.

Parks, recreation, and open space standards for Fredericksburg are unique for a town of its size. The beauty of the Hill Country and the town itself has attracted a diverse resident and tourist population. This diversity translates into standards specific to the City of Fredericksburg. Comparisons to towns of similar size ignore special differences in economic and natural resources; instead, Fredericksburg should be compared to cities of larger size. This section defines local standards based on local factors.

The diversity of local residents’ age and income are major demographic influences. (Demographics are detailed in Chapter II.) Fredericksburg has a mature, active population that has grown steadily over the years. Retirees account for much of the population, but current trends point to an increase in the number of larger, younger families. Although seniors and children have very different recreational needs, they do share many mobility concerns. The old and the young should be considered especially in planning for neighborhood parks. The "daytime" tourist population is another major factor. Both organized leagues and casual users must be accommodated in planning facilities. Projections indicate that the population will grow rapidly through the year 2020. Parks planning must address this growth as well.

Local consensus holds that facilities are running at or near capacity. (They are inventoried in the previous section) The following table (Table VI-2) shows the number of facilities per current city resident; many residents who live outside the city limits use Fredericksburg's facilities. Existing parks and recreation facilities establish a base standard for the current population. Current use of existing City-owned facilities is heavy. Notes following the table highlight important usage statistics. Future residents should be served according to the prevailing standards. The following section applies these standards to assess and identify future needs.

Basketball

According to the Community Partnership for Health's survey, over 40% of youth who exercise 3 or more times per week play basketball.

Camping

During 1994-95 the City of Fredericksburg’s Parks and Recreation Department facilitated 22,100 recreational vehicle camping nights. Although most customers are from outside Fredericksburg, this figure translates into 3 nights per resident. Between October and March, two-thirds of the RV hookups are devoted to Winter Texans. The City experienced 15 entirely full weekends (100% occupancy) when potential campers had to be turned away.

Golf

Lady Bird Johnson Golf Course draws players from far beyond the city limits. A recent listing in Golf Digest Magazine ensures wide exposure. The course serves local, regional, and even national needs.

Facility Units	Existing Facilities*	Units per 1,000 City Residents
Baseball Fields	8.5	1.15
Basketball Goals	4	0.5
Bike Lanes (mi.)	3	0.4
Campsites	200	27
Children's Playgrounds	18	2.5
Football Fields	1.5	0.25
Golf Holes	18	2.5
Picnic Tables	194	26
Soccer Fields	7	1
Softball Fields	1	0.1
Swimming Pools (sq. yds.)	1200	162
Tennis Courts	10	1.35
Volleyball Courts	1	0.1
Walking Trails (mi.)	0.25	0.03

Baseball/Softball/T-Ball

Organized leagues use Fredericksburg’s baseball, softball and T-ball fields on most nights during the summer months. In 1995, Fredericksburg Youth Baseball Association had 478 players between 8 and 15 years old. The Optimists Club sponsors T-Ball for younger children. Adult leagues also play softball. The following table shows usage by location and month.

Location	Months	Usage
LBJ	May-September	4 nights
LBJ	June-July	2 nights
Oak Crest	May-July	4 nights
Old Fair Park	April-July	4 nights + Saturday

Source: City of Fredericksburg Parks and Recreation Department

Picnic Tables

One hundred fifty of the City's picnic tables are located at Lady Bird Johnson Municipal Park. Tables there are 100% occupied by residents on most weekends according to city staff. The forty tables at Market Square are also heavily used by the daytime tourist population.

Soccer

During the months of September and October 1995, soccer leagues played 304 games on

seven fields. In two months, each field was used for nearly 44 official games plus additional practices and scrimmages. In 1995 the Pedernales Youth Soccer Association had 550 members.

Swimming

Fredericksburg’s two swimming pools experienced 14,800 individual visits during the last season. Current facilities offer 0.162 square yards of swimming pool per City resident. The two pools are open 100 days each year and average 148 attendees per day between them. This attendance translates into two visits per season per resident. Obviously more people than live in Fredericksburg use the pools.

Walking/Biking/etc.

Table VI-4 shows youth participation levels in activities that are safest on trails, paths, or tracks away from cars and trucks.

Activity	Percent participating*
Biking	58.19%
Walking	40.68%
Rollerblading	31.64%
Jogging/Running	25.99%
Hiking	6.78%

Source: Gillespie County Health Report. *Percentage of children who exercise 3+ times/week. Total exceeds 100% due to multiple participation.

The land use element of the Comprehensive Plan addresses location criteria for all types of development including parks and recreational open space. Location criteria for parks overlays local conditions with state standards. The following standards are also printed in the Comprehensive Plan.

For a city the size of Fredericksburg, geographic criteria, land availability, and local financial capacity tend to override quantitative criteria for minimum acreage, service area, and population served. Within that context, Fredericksburg should have at least one community park for each geographic area roughly determined by major roadways and one park serving the entire city. Community and city parks are defined by the following criteria based on locally determined standards and consistent with state and national standards:

1. Community Parks. Community parks should be 7 to 15 acres in size, should have a service area radius of approximately a half mile, and should be developed in locations that do not require the crossing of a major highway for access. Wherever possible, community parks should be located adjacent schools. Combined school/park sites should be approximately 25 acres for an elementary school, 50 acres for a junior high school, and 75 acres for a high school.

2. City Parks. A city park should be at least 25 acres in size, should serve the current and future needs of the entire city, and should be developed in a location accessible by major roadways. City parks in rural communities often double as regional parks within the county.

 

Table VI-5 lists these standards along with acreage per resident and typical facilities for each level of park.

Based on these standards, the City of Fredericksburg, with a 1995 estimated population of 7,420 persons, should have a minimum of approximately fifty acres of city park land. Lady Bird Johnson Municipal Park’s 260 acres surpass this minimum. This acreage includes the golf course and lake, so the total area for general recreation is lower than 260. Multiple use of park land minimizes the number of sites needed to provide various recreation facilities, and it means efficient use of land and minimized maintenance and operations costs; multiple use also accommodates seasonal activities for sports leagues. Lady Bird Johnson Park offers many facilities and opportunities, but it is located three miles southwest of downtown, so it does not serve residents as immediately as community parks.

Although standards for community parks dictate twenty-five acres of community park land, size is less important than accessibility at the community level. Parks and playgrounds near residential areas are important for their accessibility. The old and the young should not travel great distances or cross busy thoroughfares to reach a park. Thus, accessibility concerns override multiple use considerations. Some form of park should be within a half-mile of every residence. Fredericksburg falls short of this standard; many residents do not have convenient or safe access to recreational opportunities. Planning Areas 4, 7, 9, 11 and portions of 2, 3, 8 and 10 have limited access to recreational facilities due to barriers of highways, natural features, or distance. Specific recommendations for community parks are made in later sections.

projects future conditions. Three methods have been combined to assess and identify the city’s parks and recreation needs. Demand-, standard-, and resource-based approaches all work together. Surveys, public meetings, and meetings of the recreation community ascertained how much of the population wants certain types of facilities. The consultant also conducted a modified TORP analysis to determine the amount of facilities and park areas needed to meet the needs of a given population size. Finally, specific assets were examined to define how these resources could be used. The synthesis of these approaches provides a comprehensive look at the city's needs over time.

The first section of this chapter outlines the lengthy planning process. It identifies the diverse constituencies and representatives of the community. Demand is gauged by public opinion and participation.

The second section of this chapter lists special resources in Fredericksburg. Some are major attractions like Lady Bird Johnson Golf Course. Others have not been fully utilized. Cross Mountain, Fort Martin Scott, Frantzen Park, and certain creekside areas are all examples of resources that can be enhanced for parks and recreation use.

The preceding section of this chapter defines local standards. The 1990 Texas Outdoor Recreation Plan (TORP) states that "this method only provides an indicator of the recreation needs and priorities of the area. These needs may not reflect the social values and preferences of each and every community." For these reasons, Hankamer Consulting infused local conditions and preferences into the analysis. The "calculated standard" reflects current levels of service; the current population is used as a base for the future needs. The numbers of "new facilities needed" are required to maintain the current levels of service at greater populations. "Acres per facility" generally follow the state standards.

Short and long-term needs were calculated to maintain current service levels in the future based on 1995 usage. Additional capacity needed is identified by population rather than date so that the City can monitor its growth and schedule improvements accordingly. It is anticipated that the short-term needs will occur within 10 to 15 years from 1995 (Table VI-6). At least half of the short -term capacity needs should be added within five to seven years, depending on actual growth. The long-term capacity needs should be added within 15 to 20 years, depending on growth (Table VI-7).

When the population reaches 10,000 the city should have three more baseball fields to maintain its current level of service. As the population exceeds 12,500 the city should have 6 more to maintain its current level of service. The city does not necessarily need to purchase additional acreage. The city can meet demand in other ways. For example, currently unlighted fields could be lighted to maximize daily use; if twice as many games can be played on a single field, then a second field is not necessary. Continuing cooperation with the Fredericksburg Youth Baseball Association is vital.

When the population reaches 10,000 the city should add at least one basketball goal for half-court play to maintain its current level of service. When the population reaches 12,500 the city should have at least one full basketball court to maintain its current level of service. The city does not necessarily need to construct new courts, however. Maintenance agreements with schools can maximize existing resources and provide acceptable alternatives to new construction.

Over two miles of bike lanes should be added as the population reaches 12,500 to maintain current levels of service.

R.V. campsite rentals are an important revenue generator for the City. They are also an important revenue generator for the private sector. Additional demand for campsites can be absorbed by either the public or private sector. Local population, however, does not necessarily dictate the number of campers from outside the immediate area. Regional and national factors can affect R.V. campsite demand.

Fredericksburg will require over 24 total acres of children's playground to serve a population of 10,000 at current levels. The city will need over 30 total acres of children's playgrounds to serve a population of 12,500 at current levels. Again, the city, the county, schools, churches, and private interests can cooperate to maintain the current service level.

To maintain the existing facility-per-resident ratio in the future, football field playing capacity should be doubled.

Golf course fees are another important revenue source for the City. There are currently 2.5 golf holes per 1,000 residents. To maintain this ratio, an additional nine holes should be built for a population of approximately 11,000, and eighteen additional holes should be built for a population of approximately 15,000. However, public opinion did not target golfing as a priority. Furthermore, regional and national forces influence golf course demand. If additional holes were desired, they do not have to be at Lady Bird Johnson Golf Course, and they do not have to be city-owned.

To maintain current capacities, 67 more picnic tables are needed to serve a population of 10,000, and 133 more picnic tables are needed to serve a population of 12,500. Currently, most of the city's picnic tables are concentrated at Lady Bird Johnson City Park. Distribution of picnic facilities must also consider Fredericksburg’s dispersing local population and its large tourist population. Dispersed picnic tables would satisfy dispersed demand, and private picnic areas would complement the city's offerings.

When the population reaches 10,000 the city should have three more soccer fields to maintain its current level of service. At a population of 12,500 the city should have 6 more (for a total of 13 including school facilities) to maintain its current level of service. The city does not necessarily need to purchase additional acreage. The city can meet demand in other ways. For example, currently unlighted fields could be lighted to maximize daily use; if twice as many games can be played on a single field, then a second field is not necessary. Continuing cooperation with the Pedernales Youth Soccer Association is vital.

To maintain existing levels of service, the city may need another softball field as the population exceeds 14,000. It may be possible to use existing baseball fields or develop a rotating schedule for use.

There are currently 162 square yards of swimming pool surface area for every 1,000 city residents. To maintain this allocation, there should be approximately 420 additional square yards in the short-term and 825 additional square yards in the long-term. An indoor pool scored highly in the mail-out public opinion survey. The Hill Country Memorial Hospital was building an indoor heated swimming pool at the time of writing this plan. This private addition will satisfy much of the future demand.

RECREATION AND OPEN SPACE RECOMMENDATIONS

a. Acquire and develop land for community parks. Some level of park should be available to each of the eleven planning sub-areas of Fredericksburg. Potential park land exists in areas prone to flooding along local creeks and in many other areas. Opportunities for donations of vacant land should be sought.

Community parks should be located to meet the following criteria:

1) Area should range from 7 to 15 acres.

2) They should be accessible by foot or bicycle from surrounding residential areas generally without crossing major collector or arterial streets; major streets are not necessarily an obstacle if they can be crossed safely at controlled points.

3) They should be general use parks for all ages with specific uses for small children, such as playscapes and swing sets, and with facilities such as a backstop, a basketball goal, and a tennis court available for spontaneous play; public restrooms could be added as use and resources dictate.

4) Parcels smaller than seven acres may be developed as playgrounds or tot-lots if larger sites are not available in the neighborhood or if such a site is donated or is otherwise readily available provided that the smaller site fills a neighborhood need.

b. Locate new community parks adjacent to existing and proposed school sites whenever possible. Locating parks next to open space and sports fields at schools will increase the utilization of both resources.

c. Ensure cooperation among the City, County, schools, private associations, and other interests. Integrated management of existing facilities will maximize recreational opportunities for the community without the expense of constructing new facilities. Where city parks are located adjacent to school sites or open space owned by other entities, each entity should offer reasonable support and resources to develop and maintain the full recreational potential of these sites.

2. Continue regular maintenance of existing parks. Continued maintenance will maximize the usability of existing parks. Deterioration causes people to stop using facilities and creates the impression of a lack of facilities. A few well-maintained parks provide better recreational opportunities than scattered, poorly maintained parks.

3. Conduct a periodic recreational needs assessment of the City of Fredericksburg. The planning process is ongoing. The City must be able to respond to new needs of its public both local and visiting. An update of the Parks and Recreation Master Plan should be done as part of each subsequent update of the city’s Comprehensive Plan.

PROGRAM PRIORITIES

1. Obtain and Develop Parks through Implementation of the Subdivision Ordinance. A park land dedication provision should be included in Fredericksburg’s subdivision ordinance. The number of acres required for dedication may be linked to total subdivision acreage or number of lots. The option of donating fees in lieu of land should be included, also, so that the City can pool the funds to acquire adequate amounts of park land in the appropriate locations. Addition of this requirement to the subdivision ordinance already enjoys local support.

2. Help establish a recreation coordinator to serve as a clearinghouse of information about the availability of facilities and services both publicly and privately owned. The City is but one provider of recreation services. Churches, private leagues, private businesses, and other entities also have facilities and services that are available with membership or by paying a fee. Coordination of these facilities and services could save the City money by not duplicating services or facilities.

3. Help promote programs to fill needs not being met by other service providers. To the extent that certain segments of the population are not being reached currently by existing public and private recreation opportunities because of cost or the types of activities offered, the City should support the efforts of organizations that promote low-cost or free activities to reach these people. Such activities should extend beyond sports to include art, crafts, music, dance, theater, and martial arts, for example.

PARK PRIORITIES

1. Develop Walking Trails. Walking trails are high local priorities. Sidewalk improvements can begin to address these needs. Footbridges can link divided areas. The city has already begun linkage between some areas. Trails would facilitate access to many recreational areas including Cross Mountain.

2. Community Park at Cross Mountain. Construction of a community park in the Cross Mountain area enjoys citywide appeal. The Historical Society, which owns Cross Mountain, should be encouraged to develop Cross Mountain with trails and other park facilities to complement an adjacent city-owned park. Should the Historical Society wish to convey Cross Mountain to the City, Cross Mountain could be incorporated into a larger community park that could include such facilities as an amphitheater and pavilions. This park would serve the unmet need in portions of Planning Areas 2, 3, 10, and 11.

3. Community Park at Old Fair Park. The city already owns land adjacent to Old Fair Park. Expansion of this site will satisfy the need for a community park in the area. Additional facilities could include picnic pavilions or playing fields.

4. Community Park on North Side of New Elementary School South of the Proposed Extension of Morning Glory. This site is adjacent to a school. This park would serve unmet need in portions of Planning Areas 2 and 3. The City should pursue a working arrangement with the FISD make this project feasible.

5. Frantzen Park. Additional picnic tables, landscaping, and other amenities at this park would enhance this site. This site can be a west side anchor for future creekside development.

6. Community Park in Southeast Part of Town. This part of Fredericksburg is least served by existing parks, and its residential areas continue to grow. A park north of Friendship Lane and east of S. Washington Street could satisfy current and future demand. Provisions of the subdivision ordinance will aid parkland acquisition in this area. This park would serve unmet need in portions of Planning Area 4.

7. Community Park in Northwest Part of Town. As this area continues to expand, recreational opportunities grow more distant. A park in the vicinity of N. Cherry Street and Town Creek could satisfy current and future demand. Provisions of the subdivision ordinance will aid parkland acquisition in this area. This park would serve unmet need in portions of Planning Areas 9, 10, and 11.

8. Develop Fort Martin Scott. This unique area should be developed as a historical/archaeological attraction supported by park amenities.

9. Community Park in Southwest Part of Town. A community park in this area would provide opportunities not found at Lady Bird Johnson City Park, Frantzen Park, or Old Fair Park. This park could serve unmet need in portions of Planning Areas 7 and 8.

10. Creekside Preservation. Trails in or along flood plains complement sidewalk improvements. They provide opportunities to utilize land that would otherwise be unusable. They facilitate linkage among residential, commercial, and other park areas. They allow walking/jogging/hiking/biking to occur away from cars and trucks. Frantzen Park serves as a west side anchor for creekside development; a vacant parcel on Town Creek could serve as an east side anchor. Future creekside development along portions of Baron's and Town Creek would help define the historic district and link other parts of the city to it.

MAP VI-1: POTENTIAL PARK SYSTEM