IV-A

DIRECTOR’S REPORT FOR MONTHS OF

FEBRUARY - APRIL

 

 

DEVELOPMENT:

·        Brazos River Park - Direction has been received to proceed with development of a Veterans Memorial in the Phase I area of Sugar Land Memorial Park.  Staff has developed draft concepts.  Staff has developed a list of potential City Manager appointees for a task force. Phase II consultant interviews complete and SWA Group has been selected by the interview panel.  Engineering and Parks met to finalize the scope.  Next step is to finalize the scope and receive a proposal from SWA.

 

·        First Colony Park Master Plan - M2L Landscape Architects have completed a revised site preliminary development plan.  Staff has held a progress meeting with M2L and they are working on the design and cost estimate.  Also met with the Dream league and have researched field and facility needs for physically challenged kids.  Next step is to set a meeting with First Colony Little League and the Dream League. (on going).

 

·        Duhacsek Park Project - Bids received on April 24, the low bidder was within budget and has completed other projects for the City. Award of a construction contract is scheduled for the May 6 Council meeting.   The plat is in the process of being filed with Fort Bend County.

 

·        Gannoway Lake Park/Water Facility Plan - Engineering Department will be leading the planning effort with representatives from Parks and Utilities Department involvement.  Proposed schedule February 2008 to June 2008.  The interviews have been completed and Asakura Robinson has been selected by the interview panel.  We are finalizing the scope and will be requesting a proposal from the consultant.

 

·        Recreation Center – Received direction to complete design as soon as possible and get it out to bid.   Value engineering has taken place to assure that we can meet the expectations for the Center and meet the budget. A  Progress meeting was held April 17 to review with all affected City Departments (Public Works, Building Inspection, etc.).  Brinkley Sargent Architects is addressing City comments and is proceeding with design, the next progress meeting was held May 5.  The schedule is to bid in July.

 

·        Memorial Park Mountain Bike Trails - Specifications will be prepared, anticipated bidding in May/June time frame (this is all assuming we can use the remaining fund balance from Sugar Land Memorial Park Phase I). (on going)

 

 

 

·        We anticipate presenting a City Council agenda action item to authorize the 90A streetscape project design contract on May 20th with Clark Condon Associates. Clark Condon is also working to finalize the 90A and Highway 6 design.

 

·        CIP Budget - Identified 2009 and Out Year Projects.  Will be adding a CIP project for parking lot design at Settlers Way Elementary and Colony Bend Elementary to alleviate soccer club parking on Settlers Way Boulevard and Austin Parkway.   This project is in conjunction with the Public Works Traffic Division.

 

·        City Park / Baker Field - Construction is continuing on schedule.  Potential Sugar Land 4B funding has been identified for possible project contingency fund.  Information will be forthcoming prior to proceeding with 4B action.  Processing a purchase order for the plaque recognizing the Rotary Club and Sugar Land Little League.

 

·        Coordinating Serve Sugar Land volunteer group for removal of invasive plants at Sugar Land Memorial.

 

·        Eagle Scout and Venture Scouts (coed branch of boy scouts) - eagle scouts working on distance trail markers at Sugar Land Memorial Park, eagle scout working on trail map at Oyster Creek Park,  venture scouts are working on Owl Boxes at Sugar Land Memorial Park. (on going)

 

·        Participating in Environmental Week, H2O Expo, and Earth Day activities with Public Works and Keep Sugar Land Beautiful.

 

·        Coordinating with Public Works on Tree City USA designation for Sugar Land. Tree City USA is a designation granted by the Arbor Day Foundation and the US Forest Service. ( on going)

 

·        Received an award for the Hike and Bike Master Plan at the Texas Chapter of the American Society of Landscape Architects in Fort Worth.  Also provided information to Communications Department for news releases on this award and the Texas Recreation and Parks Society (TRAPS) award.

 

·        The Canoe launch site will be closed due to the fact that it is not easily accessible.  Will look to be improved in Phase II.

 

·        Attended a meeting with Houston/Harris County and other Park officials from our region to discuss possible regional funding opportunities to enhance the greater Houston area.

 

·        Site visit to Sugar Land Memorial Park resulted in visiting with canoe outfitter using the canoe launch; he agreed to host a canoe trip for staff.  (Also saw 2 bald eagles)

 

·        Slockett Park - Solar power lights are installed, picnic pavilion is complete.  Picnic tales, grills, etc. will be purchased separately and installed by Parks staff.

 

·        University of Houston Sugar Land and Parks Department discussed a potential prairie restoration partnership in the next phase of development of Brazos River Park.

 

·        Reforestation Project, January 26th, 437 volunteers planted approximately 9,000 seedling trees.  The trees are a mix of Oaks, Bald Cyprus, Sumac, Sweetgum, & Mayhaw.  Tree selections were on recommendation of the Texas Forest Service.   Approximately 1,000 seedlings were left over and will be planted at Lost Creek Park by other volunteer groups in February.

 

 

RECREATION:

 

·        Concert in the Park

a.       May 4th had approximately 750-1,000 people in attendance.

b.      May 27th had approximately 750 people in attendance.

c.       May 20th had approximately 1,000 people in attendance.

d.      April 13th had approximately 1,000 – 1,200 people in attendance.

e.       April 6th had approximately 1,000 people in attendance.

 

·        Disc golf course visited by a group from Texas Instruments. 42 players Participated in the event and staff received great comments on course and design.

 

·        Swim team practice started at City Park pool Tuesday, April 28th.

 

·        Teresa Preza, Recreation Coordinator, continues to work on Mayor's Farewell, July 4th, Impact Player Partners Events, City's 50th Anniversary and REI's Paddle Boat Day.  In addition staff attended the Texas Dragon Boat Festival in Houston and staff will be meeting with representatives to evaluate the possibility of bringing their Fall Event to Sugar Land.

 

·        Staff met with other City representatives to discuss improving processes for taking reservations for large events at our parks.

 

·        Heather Beeman, Recreation Coordinator, finalized day camp schedule

a.       Taking registrations for day camp

b.      Staff positions still open

 

·        The Music Masala Festival of Colours event held on Sunday, March 23rd from 11 a.m. - 4 p.m. at Oyster Creek Park was a great success with 6,000 people attending. 

 

·        Teresa Preza is programming and finalizing contracts for Red, White and Bluefest.

 

·        Eggstravaganza was very successful over 5,000 in attendance.

 

·        The Sugar Land Cuban Baseball League had their Opening Day on March 3rd.

 

·        Kelly Penewitt, Recreation Coordinator, working with Maintenance staff on installation of horseshoe pits and washer pits at Imperial Park for the senior citizens.

 

·        Kelly Penewitt has ordered two new Automatic External Defibrillators (AED’s), one for the pool and one for the Senior Center.

 

·        Kelly Penewitt hosted a Super Bowl Party for the seniors on February 3rd and a Sweetheart Dance on February 7th.

 

·        City of Sugar Land 50th Anniversary Planning Committee meeting with Helen Vollmer PR and Teresa Preza.

 

Looking Ahead:

o       May 15 – Sugar Land Superstar Audition – Sugar Land Town Square – 6 p.m. – 8 p.m.

o       May 18 – Mayor’s Farewell – Sugar Land Town Square – 4 p.m. – 7 p.m.

o       May 30 – June 2 - Impact Player Partners Fundraising weekend event locations:

§         May 30 at the Marriott

§         May 31 at Sugar Land Town Square

§         June 1 at the Marriott

§         June 2 at Shadow Hawk Golf Course

o       June 12 – Senior Boogie Bash Dance – Sugar Land Community Center – 5 p.m. – 8 p.m.

o       July 4 – Independence Day (Red, White and Blue Fest) - Oyster Creek Park - 5 p.m.

o       October 26 – Senior Monster Mash - Sugar Land Community Center – 5:30 p.m.

o       October 31 – Boo Bash - Sugar Land Community Center – 5 p.m.

o       December 4 – Christmas Tree Lighting Event - Town Square – 5 p.m.

o       December 4 – Food Drive - Sugar Land Community Center – To Be Announced.

o       December 11 – Senior Holiday Gala - Sugar Land Community Center – To Be Announced.

o       January 2009 - City’s 50th Anniversary – To Be Announced.