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HomeMy WebLinkAboutR-2408-6-05RESOLUTION NO. 2408-&05(R) ' A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF ALLEN, COLLIN COUNTY, TEXAS, HEREINAFTER REFERRED TO AS ''CO -APPLICANT," DESIGNATING CERTAIN OFFICIALS AS BEING RESPONSIBLE FOR THE CO - APPLICANT, ACTING FOR AND ON BEHALF OF THE ARTS OF COLLIN COUNTY COMMISSION, INC., HEREINAFTER REFERRED TO AS THE "REC PIENT" IN DEALING WITH COLLIN COUNTY, HEREINAFTER REFERRED TO AS "GRANTOR," FOR THE PURPOSE OF PARTICIPATING IN THE COLLIN COUNTY PARKS AND OPEN SPACE PROJECT FUNDING ASSISTANCE PROGRAM, HEREINAFTER REFERRED TO AS THE IRROGRAM"; CERTIFYING THAT THE RECIPIENT IS ELIGIBLE TO RECEIVE PROGRAM ASSISTANCE; CERTIFYING THAT THE RECIPIENT MATCHING SHARE IS READILY AVAILABLE; DEDICATING THE PROPOSED SITE FOR PERMANENT PUBLIC ARTS AND OPEN SPACE USES; AND PROVIDING FOR AN EFFECTIVE DATE. WHEREAS, the Recipient is a tax exempt non-profit corporation fully eligible to receive assistance under the Program; and, WHEREAS, the Cities of Allen, Plano and Frisco have established a local government corporation known as the Arts of Collin County Commission, hrc. (the "ACC") for the development of a regional arts and open space facility; and, ' WHEREAS, each of the foregoing cities intend to adopt a resolution requesting that the Recipient receive assistance under the Program for the benefit of the ACC and authorize an official to represent and act for the Co -Applicant and, WHEREAS, the Co-Applicam intends to adopt a resolution requesting that Recipient receive assistance under the Program for the benefit of the ACC and to authorize an official to represent and act for the Co - Applicant. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF ALLEN, COLLIN COUNTY, TEXAS, THAT: SECTION 1. The Co -Applicant hereby certifies that the Recipient is eligible to receive assistance under the Program. SECTION 2. The Co -Applicant hereby certifies that Recipient's matching share for this application is readily available at this time. SECTION 3. The Co -Applicant hereby authorizes and directs its City Manager to act for the Co -Applicant in dealing with the Grantor for the purpose of the Program, and Peter H. Vargas is hereby officially designated as the representative in this regard. SECTION 4. The Co-Applicam hereby specifically authorizes the designated representative to make application to the Grantor for Program assistance for and on behalf of the Recipient concerning the site to be ' known as the Arts of Collin County Regional Art Park for use as a performing arts and open space site that is owned or to be acquired by the Recipient. SECTION 5. The Co -Applicant hereby confirms that Arts of Collin County Regional Art Park is to be dedicated upon completion of those certain open space enhancements for public arts and open space purposes ' in perpehuty. SECTION 6. This Resolution shall become effective immediately from and after its passage; provided however, the Cities of Plano and Frisco adopt similar resolutions and request the Grantor provide the Program assistance to the Recipient, and the Recipient adopts a resolution and requests the Grantor provide the Program assistance for this project. DULY PASSED AND APPROVED BY THE CITY COUNCIL. OF THE CITY OF ALLEN, COLLIN COUNTY, TEXAS, ON THIS THE 14M DAY OF JUNE, 2005. APPROVED: 4Q r�� tephen Terrell, MAYOR ATTEST: C,She ley B. Geo TRMCITYTARY Resolution No. 24082408-605(R), Page 2 RESOLUTION N0. 2005-6-10(R) A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PIANO, COLLIN COUNTY, TEXAS, HEREINAFTER REFERRED TO AS "CO -APPLICANT", DESIGNATING CERTAIN OFFICIALS AS BEING RESPONSIBLE FOR THE CO - APPLICANT, ACTING FOR, AND ON BEHALF OF THE ARTS OF COLLIN COUNTY COMMISSION, HEREINAFTER REFERRED TO AS THE "RECIPIENT - IN DEALING WITH COLLIN COUNTY, HEREINAFTER REFERRED TO AS "GRANTOR", FOR THE PURPOSE OF PARTICIPATING IN THE COLLIN COUNTY PARKS AND OPEN SPACE PROJECT FUNDING ASSISTANCE PROGRAM, HEREINAFTER REFERRED TO AS THE 'PROGRAM'; CERTIFYING THAT THE RECIPIENT IS ELIGIBLE TO RECEIVE PROGRAM ASSISTANCE; CERTIFYING THAT THE RECIPIENT MATCHING SHARE IS READILY AVAILABLE; AND DEDICATING THE PROPOSED SITE FOR PERMANENT PUBLIC ARTS AND OPEN SPACE USES; AND PROVIDING AN EFFECTIVE DATE. WHEREAS, the Recipient is a tax exempt non-profit corporation fully eligible to receive assistance under the Program, and, WHEREAS, the cities of Plano, Allen, and Frisco have established a local government corporation known as the Arts of Collin County Commission (the "ACC") for the development of a regional arts and open space facility; and WHEREAS, each of the foregoing cities intend to adopt a resolution requesting that the Recipient receive assistance under the Program for the benefit of the ACC and authorize an official to represent and act for the Recipient; and WHEREAS, the Recipient will by agreement with the ACC be obligated to provide the Program assistance funding to the ACC for the project described herein; and WHEREAS, the Recipient intends to adopt a resolution requesting that Recipient receive assistance under the Program for the benefit of the ACC and to authorize an official to represent and act for the Recipient; and NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE CITY COUNCII. OF THE CITY OF PLANO, COLLIN COUNTY, TEXAS, THAT: Section I. The Applicant hereby certifies that the Recipient is eligible to receive assistance under the Program. Section II. The Applicant hereby certifies that Recipient's matching share for this application is readily available at this time. Section III. The. Applicant hereby authorizes and directs its City Manager or his designee to act for the Applicant in dealing with the Grantor for the purpose of the Program. RESOLUTION NO. 2005-6-10(R) Page 2 Section IV. The Applicant hereby specifically authorizes the official to make application to the Grantor for Program assistance for the Recipient for and on behalf of the ACC concerning the site to be known as the Arts of Collin County for use as a performing arts and open space site that is owned by the ACC, or to be acquired by the ACC. Section V. That the Applicant hereby confirms that Arts of Collin County Regional Art Park is to be dedicated upon completion of the certain open space enhancements for public art and open space purposes in perpetuity. Section VI. This Resolution shall become effective immediately from and after its passage; provided however the Cities of Allen and Frisco adopt similar resolutions and request the Grantor provide the Program assistance to the Recipient, and the Recipient adopts a resolution and requests the Grantor provide the Program assistance for the project. DULY PASSED AND APPROVED this the 13th day of June ,2005. APPROVE Pat Evans, MAYO ATTEST: Elaine Bealke, CITY SECRETARY U 2 U GI91L o) DYML 063 a] R i p AM, //" Diane Wetherbee, CITYATPORNEY CITY OF FRISCO, TEXAS RESOLUTION NO. Z' a ' I U.. A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF FRISCO, COLLIN COUNTY, TEXAS, HEREINAFTER REFERRED TO AS "CO -APPLICANT," DESIGNATING CERTAIN OFFICIALS AS BEING RESPONSIBLE FOR THE "CO - APPLICANT," ACTING FOR, AND ON BEHALF OF THE ARTS OF COLLIN COUNTY COMMISSION, HEREINAFTER REFERRED TO AS THE "RECIPIENT," IN DEALING WITH COLLIN COUNTY, HERINAFTER REFERRED TO AS "GRANTOR," FOR THE PURPOSE OF PARTICIPATING IN THE COLLIN COUNTY PARKS AND OPEN SPACE PROJECT FUNDING ASSISTANCE PROGRAM, HEREINAFTER REFERRED TO AS THE `PROGRAM'; CERTIFYING THAT THE "RECIPIENT' IS ELIGIBLE TO RECEIVE "PROGRAM" ASSISTANCE; CERTIFYING THAT THE "RECIPIENTT" MATCHING SHARE IS READILY AVAILABLE; DEDICATING THE PROPOSED SITE FOR PERMANENT PUBLIC ARTS AND OPEN SPACE USES; AND PROVIDING FOR AN EFFECTIVE DATE. WHEREAS, the "Recipient" is a tax exempt non-profit corporation fully eligible to receive assistance under the "Program'; and, WHEREAS, the Cities of Allen, Frisco and Piano have established a local goverment corporation known as the Arts of Collin County Commission (the "ACC') for the development of a regional arts and open space facility; and, WHEREAS, each of the foregoing cities intend to adopt a resolution requesting that the "Recipient" receive assistance under the 'Program" for the benefit of the "ACC' and authorize an official to represent and act for the "Recipient'; and, WHEREAS, the "Recipient" will by agreement with the "ACC" be obligated to provide the "Program" assistance funding to the "ACC' for the project described herein; and, WHEREAS, the "Recipient" intends to adopt a resolution requesting that "Recipient" receive assistance under the "Program' for the benefit of the "ACC" and to authorize an official to represent and act for the "Recipient." NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF ALLEN, COLLIN COUNTY, TEXAS, THAT: SECTION 1. The "Applicant" hereby certifies that the "Recipient" is eligible to receive assistance under the'Program." SECTION 2. The "Applicant' hereby certifies that "Recipient's" matching share for this application is readily available at this time. SECTION 3. The "Applicant" hereby authorizes and directs its City Manager to act for the "Applicant" in dealing with the "Grantor' for the purpose of the "Program," and George Purefoy is hereby officially designated as the representative in this regard. SECTION 4. The "Applicant" hereby specifically authorizes the designated representative to make application to the "Grantor" for'Program" assistance for the "Recipient" for and on behalf of the "ACC' concerning the site to be known as the Arts of Collin County for use as a performing arts and open space site that is owned by the "ACC," or to be acquired by the "ACC." SECTION 5. The "Applicant" hereby confirms that Arts of Collin County Regional Art Park is to be dedicated upon completion of the certain open space enhancements for public arts and open space purposes in perpetuity. SECTION 6. This Resolution shall become effective immediately from and after its passage; provided however, the Cities of Allen and Plano adopt similar resolutions and request the "Grantor' provide the "Program" assistance to the "Recipient," and the "Recipient" adopts a resolution and requests the "Grantor" provide the "Program' assistance for the project. DULY PASSED AND APPROVED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF FRISCO, COLLIN COUNTY, TEXAS, ON TH W0.*,% Y. OF JUNE, 2005. APPROVED: c � E. Michael Sim son, MAYOR ATTEST: Nan Parker, CITY MEMO TO: Arts of Collin County Board of Directors FR: Mary Vail Grube and Kelly McGinnis RE: Collin County Open Space Project Grant Program DATE: May 25, 2005 The Collin County Parks Foundation Advisory Board currently has a multi-year grant program to provide funds for the acquisition and improvement of land for parks and open space projects. The cities of Allen, Frisco and Plano, as the owner cities of the Arts of Collin County, have agreed to serve as co -applicants for the ACC to apply for grant funds to develop, as part of the Arts of Collin County Regional Arts Park, the Six Cities Regional Trail along Rowlett Creek from Ridgeview to SH 121, an open space Festival Meadow, pedestrian trails providing access from the art facilities to the festival meadow, the regional trail and forest/creek restoration along the western tributary "no name creek', and related landscaping. The Design Team has developed plans for the improvement of these trail and open space areas along with a budget for this portion of the project. The ACC is requesting $3,000,000 over a four year period ($750,000 per year) to fund the design and construction of the improvements. A requirement of this grant program is that land used to develop new parks or open space must be newly acquired and dedicated for this purpose; it cannot be land the applicant already owns. In order to meet this requirement the contract for the land donation from Briar Ridge will be structured to allow the Arts of Collin County Foundation to take possession and hold in trust the portion of the land to be used for this dedicated open space, until the appropriate time for it to be donated as a match for these grant funds. Arts of Collin County will enter into a separate agreement with the Foundation with regard to this aspect of the land donation. We are also working with the Collin County Parks staff to determine that ACC, as a non-profit local government corporation, is eligible to receive the grant funds directly, since this program is structured to fund city projects. Kelly McGinnis, of the City of Allen Parks staff has spent a great deal of time working with ACC to develop the grant application and we greatly appreciate all of her time and assistance. It is included here for your review prior to discussion at the meeting. Project Narrative 1. Project Description: Issues covered by the Collin County Open Space Plan Land Acquisition and Preservation of Open Space: As stated in the Collin County Parks and Open Space Strategic Plan, acquisition of additional park land and preservation of open space is essential to meet the recreational needs of Collin County's rapidly growing population and to create quality of life for future generations. Briar Ridge Investment's 118 acre donation of land in northwest Allen to the Arts of Collin County Commission provides additional open and passive recreational space in which a regional art district is to be located. The regional art district, which will host a 2100 seat theatre comparable to Fort Worth's Bass Performance Hall and Dallas' Morton H Meyerson Symphony Center, is being designed as a world-class art related park with extensive pedestrian trails, open space along Rowlett Creek, creek overlooks, open meadow, and an open-air amphitheater. When combined with the City of Allen community park directly to the south along Rowlett Creek, approximately 200 acres of recreational park and open space are preserved as shown in the Collin County Open Space Plan (page 8) as a proposed regional park. This land will serve all residents of Collin County and the theatre will host performers from around the world. It will become, in effect, Collin County's "Central Park". The Six Cities Regional Trail will provide access to the land, allowing trail users from Garland, Richardson, Plano, Allen, McKinney, and Frisco to ultimately benefit from the proposed open space enhancements. In addition, with the proximity of the proposed land to U.S. Highway 75 and S.H. 121, the property will be easily accessed by all Collin County residents and regional visitors. Also stated in the Collin County Parks and Open Space Plan, the actions of the existing population will determine the quality of life that future residents of the county will experience. According to John Crompton of Texas A & M University, "Evidence is mounting that quality of life is the primary factor in choosing where to locate a business and that access to parks and recreational opportunities is central to quality of life. This is especially true of high tech, research and development industries, and corporate headquarters. Communities with excellent park systems have a distinct advantage when it comes to luring these companies." Construction of a world-class art district with enhancements to the associated open space along S.H. 121 will serve to improve the quality of life for county residents as well as companies looking to locate or re -locate in this area. This, in turn, promotes economic development throughout the County. Regional Art Park Open Space Enhancements 9 Issues covered by the Collin County Open Space Plan (continued): Diversity: Combining enhanced passive open space with outdoor visual art and indoor art performances in the Arts of Collin County's 2100 seat and 650 seat theatres will provide County residents with diverse recreational opportunities currently not offered in Collin County or the North Texas region. The site will be family-oriented, and will provide both environmental and artistic educational opportunities for people of all ages, ethnicities, economic backgrounds, and physical abilities. The Six Cities Regional Trail will provide pedestrian access to the passive open space as well as to the planned art district. Enhanced open space will offer Collin County's growing population opportunities for walking, bicycling, nature watching, and enjoyment of outdoor art sculptures and visual arts. Soil stabilization and stream and forest restoration along Rowlett Creek's western tributary will improve the Rowlett Creek riparian habitat. Enhancement of the property will also improve the viewshed in the development planned along the S.H. 121 corridor. Interconnected, Multi -Functional System: The Arts of Collin County site is an important link to McKinney on the Six Cities Regional Trail system. The Six Cities Regional Trail Plan identifies this link as Trail Connection Point 12 and will offer County residents access to the arts as well as to the proposed sports facilities planned for Frisco and McKinney including the planned Tournament Players Course at Craig Ranch Golf Club and the planned North Texas Athletic Center in McKinney. Please see Trail Connection Point 12 (extracted from the Six Cities Trail Plan) included at the end of this document. To the south along Rowlett Creek lies the west Allen community park in which a new 50,000 s.f. recreation center, extension of the Six Cities Regional Trail, and other recreational amenities are planned. The Six Cities Regional Trail will link to Plano, other parts of Frisco, and to other County communities. Protect Important Natural, Cultural, and Visual Resources: The Arts of Collin County site is heavily wooded along Rowlett Creek. The riparian greenbelt along the main creek channel will to a large degree be left undisturbed, thereby protecting not only the woods and wildlife habitat, but also the visual beauty of the property. A smaller, unnamed tributary on the west side of Rowlett Creek will be enhanced by clearing of debris and dead vegetation, stabilizing the soil, then reseeding grasses and planting new native shrubs and trees. A water circulation system to create artificial flow in the tributary may also be included to enhance the dry tributary. These enhancements along the western tributary will be beneficial to Six City Regional Trail users, art patrons, and wildlife. A large, open meadow is planned for what is now abandoned crop land. This open meadow is the central focal point around which the art facilities are planned. This design feature provides for protection of both natural and visual resources and will provide a natural viewshed from the Six Cities Regional Regional Art Park Open Space Enhancements 10 issues covered by the Collin County Open Space Plan (continued): Trail, S.H. 121, Exchange Parkway, and Ridgeview Drive. In today's rapid growth and development, preservation and enhancement of open space along major thoroughfares allows for rare opportunities to preserve viewsheds of native Collin County for future residents. Provide Appropriate Opportunities for Recreation: The Cities of Frisco, Allen and Plano have focused on providing active recreational opportunities for our relatively young populations. Development of the art park provides passive recreational opportunities for all ages. The Six Cities Regional Trail will parallel Rowlett Creek with secondary interpretive trails leading to the arts facilities within the adjacent art district. When combined with the City of Allen's planned community park to the immediate south along Rowlett Creek, the site will contain many active and passive recreational opportunities. Define Community Form: The Cities of Frisco, Plano and Allen have created a partnership unique in Texas and the United States to create the Arts of Collin County Commission. The Commission is creating a one -of -a -kind art park which will define the S.H. 121 corridor as a worid-class destination for arts and passive recreation. Among Collin County's most distinctive landscape features are the heavily treed fence rows and the Rowlett Creek greenbelt and its associated scenic woods. By preserving the fence rows, enhancing the greenbelt, and creating a large central open meadow within the Arts of Collin County art park, we will buffer Rowlett Creek from encroaching office, commercial, and retail development along S.H. 121 as well as preserve open space for both humans and wildlife. Refer to the Arts of Collin County Land Future Use Plan and Site Map provided under Location Maps, Preserve Community Character: Frisco, Plano, and Allen were originally founded as rural, agricultural communities along historic rail lines. Preservation and enhancement of open space within the art park will preserve and protect the heavily wooded riparian habitat along Rowlett Creek. Creation of the open meadow will preserve the open character of the agricultural land in the rapid development of the area along S. H. 121. Reflect Sustainable Financial, Cultural, and Environmental Objectives that Promote the Conservation of Natural and Human Resources for Current and Future Citizens: Enhanced open space will provide a buffer between the art facilities and Rowlett Creek. in preserving this property, the habitat and migratory needs of existing wildlife within the creek corridor will be sustained as will the natural surface runoff cleansing and filtering mechanism embodied in the vegetated understory carpeting the wooded banks. The greenbelt will remain natural. The Arts of Collin County Commission will actively manage the open areas regularly to sustain enjoyable and functional facilities. Regional Art Park Open Space Enhancements t Issues covered by the Collin County Open Space Plan (continued): Include Public I Private Coordination, Cooperation, and Partnering: The Cities of Frisco, Plano, and Allen have partnered to create the Arts of Collin County Commission for development of the art park. The Arts of Collin County Commission is comprised of committee members assigned by each of the three cities and is now a local government non-profit entity which represents the residents of the three partnering cities. The Arts of Collin County Commission meetings are open to public input. As published in The Allen American recently, the Town of Fairview has shown interest in becoming the first member city to support the project by contributing toward the operating expenses of the art facilities (See article entitled `Fairview stepping up to support arts hall" at the end of this document). Private donors, Craig and Ambassador Kathryn Hall, have given $1, 000, 000 toward development of the art park. Several other donations have also been received. Additional donations will be actively pursued by the Arts of Collin County Foundation, a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, throughout the design and development of the project. Private donations are projected at $16 million. Acreage, County Assistance Requested and Method of Acquisition Briar Ridge Investments has committed to donating 118 acres to the Arts of Collin County for development of the art park. This donation will be used as the Arts of Collin County's matching funds. Please see the Letter of Land Donation from Briar Ridge investments (Page 22). On behalf of the Arts of Collin County Foundation, the Cities of Plano, Frisco and Allen request funding assistance from the Collin County Project Funding Assistance Program in the amount of $3, 000, 000, or $750,000 per year for the next four years. Awarded funds will be applied toward the construction of Phase 1, which includes: construction of the Six Cities Regional Trail from Ridgeview Drive to S.H. 121 along Rowlett Creek, clearing, grading and grassing of the central open meadow, forest and creek restoration of portions of the western tributary to improve its ecology, including clearing of debris and dead vegetation, reseeding grasses, planting new shrubs and trees, and installation of a water circulation system to enhance the dry tributary, installation of specimen/shade trees and appropriate landscaping to enhance the experience of visiting the art pads and its open spaces, and construction of both hard- and soft -surface trails within the art park. Regional Art Park Open Space Enhancements 12 Proposed Development The extension of Exchange Parkway to S.H. 121 will divide the site into two parcels. Exchange Parkway is being designed to blend into the green environment (similar to West Bethany Drive in Allen), with a visual arts and education area to the east side. Approximately 55 acres east of Exchange Parkway will remain as open space in Phase i with the construction the Six Cities Regional Trail along Rowlett Creek. West of Exchange Parkway, construction of the 2100 seat theatre, a 200 seat education center/gallery, associated parking and infrastructure, clearing, grading and grassing of the large central open meadow, pedestrian trails connecting the art facilities to the Six Cities Regional Trail, and forest/creek restoration enhancements of the western tributary are to be constructed in Phase 1. Construction of Phase I is expected to begin in Spring 2006 and be completed in Fall 2009. Future phases of development east of Exchange Parkway will include visual arts such as an outdoor sculpture garden, interpretive signage, an outdoor amphitheatre, other arts -related facilities, and possibly some commercial such as a restaurant to assure broad amenities within the art park. Rowlett Creek and its associated floodplain will be preserved. The first specific goal listed in the Six Cities Regional Trail Plan is 'To define specific high priority corridors that connect two or more of the participating cities, so that these could be planned in an interjurisdictional manner'. Page 33 of the Six Cities Regional Trail Plan identifies the Arts of Collin County land as "a key linkage to the proposed sports facilities planned for the Frisco / McKinney area and planned Tournament Players Club Course in McKinney'. Construction of the Six Cities Regional Trail along Rowlett Creek will provide pedestrian access to the 55 acres of open space east of Exchange Parkway as well as to the art district, McKinney and Frisco sports facilities, and Allen's community park to the south. The trail, in turn, will connect to Plano and other communities in the County. In Allen alone, additional Six City Regional Trail segments are scheduled for construction in the same timeframe as is Phase/ of the art park. Trail connection to Plano's Oak Point Park can be made upon donation of Mrs. Margaret McDermott's floodplain to either the City of Allen or the Connemara Conservancy. Regional Art Park Open Space Enhancements 13 On-going Program Plans The regional art park is to be constructed in phases. Phase I will (funds permitting) include: - a 2,100 seat Performance Hall comparable to Fort Worth's Bass Performance Hall and Dallas' Morton H Meyerson Symphony Center with support parking, - a 200 seat rehearsal/ performance theatre with multiple classrooms, gallery, administrative offices, food service, and storage with support parking, - construction of the Six Cities Regional Trail from Ridgeview Drive to S.H. 121 along Rowlett Creek, - clearing, grading and grassing of portions of the central open meadow, - forest and creek restoration of portions of the western tributary to improve its ecology, including clearing of debris and dead vegetation, reseeding grasses, planting new shrubs and trees, associated irrigation, and installation of a water circulation system, - informal outdoor facilities such as creek overlooks, - landscaping including installation of specimen/shade trees with associated irrigation, and - construction of both hard- and soft -surface trails within the art park. Future phases are currently planned to include: - additional pedestrian trails, - outdoor visual arts such as a sculpture garden, - a "black box" theatre, - art gallery, - art education center, - outdoor amphitheater (# of seats yet to be determined) linked by pedestrian trails, and - additional landscaping. Regional Art Park Open Space Enhancements 14 2. Objectives and Need for Project: Recreational Needs Since the 2000 Census was taken, Collin County has grown in population from 491,675 to over 615,200 people (2004 NCTCOG population estimate) representing over 25% population growth in four years. Following Fort Worth and Dallas, the cities of McKinney, Frisco, and Allen were in the top five cities in the North Central Texas Council of Govemments' 2003 total population growth. The North Central Texas Council of Govemments has made projections indicating steady growth for a total Collin County population of 1,166,645 by 2030. At the current rate of development in Collin County, passive recreational needs of our rapidly growing population will far exceed the current facilities without planned acquisition of additional open space in the near future. As development spreads northeast, cities must act in a timely manner to accuit development of the Arts of Collin County property will provide culturally - related park land for Collin County residents as well as all those visiting the Arts of Collin County art district. Combining the art park with Allen's community pads to the south will serve the recreational needs of County and Regional residents regardless of race, age, economic status, or physical ability. Population statistics and projections published by the North Central Texas Council of Governments may be reviewed at., htto://www. dfwinfo. com/ris/000ulationlindex. html. Brief History of the Project In 2002, the Cities of Frisco, Allen, and Plano passed bond elections for the construction of an art district. The three cities will contribute a total of $57 million ($19 million each) for land acquisition and construction. However, voters in the City of McKinney rejected the bond election by 73 votes, leaving the project with $19 million less than originally planned. The three participating cities then formed the Arts of Collin County Commission, a local government non-profit organization. The Arts of Collin County Commission identified two finalist locations, the Briar Ridge property in Allen and the Gartner property in Frisco. The targeted "center of gravity" for site selection was the intersection of S. H. 121 and Custer Road, where the three participating cities' limits converge. Good, Fulton & Farrell Architects, Inc. was then contracted to perform a study to provide a more thorough physical site analysis of the two sites. A ranking of the two sites was performed based on evaluation of weighted site assessment criteria. Following offers of donation on both sites, the Arts of Collin County Commission selected the Briar Ridge site along S. H. 121 in Allen as the most desirable location for the art district. Regional Art Park Open Space Enhancements 15 Brief History of the Project (continued): This property, once agricultural land owned by Charles 8 Bush, is being donated by Briar Ridge Investments Incorporated who purchased the land in 1991 and is developing the Twin Creeks subdivisions. Who Will Benefit? Recreational benefits of the Arts of Collin County art park will not only be realized by the residents of Plano, Frisco, Allen, McKinney and surrounding Collin County communities, but also by regional visitors and world-class performers and musicians. Benefits will also be realized by users of the Six Cities Regional Trail which will extend from Garland into McKinney and Frisco, linking other Collin County communities into this recreational resource. The property will provide a natural open space viewshed for all persons traveling through Collin County along S.H. 121. This land will be easily accessible to all Collin County residents due to its proximity to U.S. Highway 75 and S.H. 121. The positive economic impact of the arts on cities large and small has been proven conclusively. Concerts, drama and dance performances, and art exhibits attract visitors who stimulate the local economy. Equally important, a vibrant cultural environment is necessary to lure not just people but also companies to locate or re -locate in a particular city, as Dallas has learned all too well in recent years. Try to imagine Dallas without the Meyerson or Fort Worth without the Bass. Think of the excitement surrounding the new Fort Worth Museum of Modem Art and the opening of the Nasher Sculpture Garden. Smaller cities like Irving and Mesquite have their own cultural centers now. Richardson will benefit for decades from the wise decision of its leaders to create the Eisemann Center, a jewel of a building that has already attracted the admiration and attendance of many a resident of Collin County. Unique or innovative Features Begun as a joint effort between the cities of Frisco, Allen, and Plano, the Arts of Collin County Commission is a unique partnership with a vision to create an art district in a park setting. The regional art park will be unique in Collin County as we do not currently have a major performing arts facility in a park setting within North Texas. At this time, a schematic design of Phase 1 has been selected and public forums will be held May 4th and June 2nd for public input on the final Phase 1 design and preliminary facility designs. The Arts of Collin County Commission and the Foundation will hold the property until formal plans and designs have been accepted by the Commission and three participating cities. Regional Art Park Open Space Enhancements 16 Unique or Innovative Features (continued): With the heavily wooded creek habitat, a large portion of the 118 acres will be preserved for passive recreation as open space associated within the arts district in Phase I. Facilities are being designed around a large open meadow, which will provide for natural viewsheds from each facility. In addition, the enhanced open space will provide viewsheds of native Collin County along S.H. 121 and the extensions of Exchange Parkway and Ridgeview Drive. Rowlett Creek on which the Six Cities Regional Trail is to be constructed runs directly through the property. The Six Cities Regional Trail Plan identifies this property as Trail Connection Point 12, connecting Allen to McKinney. Residents of Plano, Frisco and all future Six City Regional Trail users will have direct access to this property as well as the arts facilities via connecting pedestrian trails. Special Land Uses The Arts of Collin County Commission and Cities of Frisco, Allen and Plano are committed to preserving the natural features of the land. The heavily wooded areas within the Rowlett Creek floodplain shall be maintained in a natural state as passive open space in keeping with the intent of the Allen Land Development Code. The location of the art park allows for multi -functional uses, combining passive recreation, visual art appreciation, protection of the heavily wooded Rowlett Creek corridor, protection of the property's natural resources, stormwater management, erosion control, drinking water quality protection, and safeguarding of the public's health and safety within the floodplain, as well as preservation of nature in the rapid urban development of the area. Planning and Community Involvement The Arts of Collin County Commission was initiated by the mayors of the cities of Allen, Frisco, McKinney and Plano to explore the feasibility of an arts district supported by all four communities. A steering committee was appointed with one representative from each city. This Committee established ten subcommittees with more than 100 citizens from all four communities to study the different issues through more than 150 meetings. Additionally, the Committee visited local theatres and contacted other communities across the nation. Two theatre planning and management consultants were hired to assist the subcommittees. Eight public forums were held, and scores of arts groups, individuals and community leaders were interviewed. The Committee's Final Report is the result of this impressive, community -wide effort. The Arts of Collin County Commission, Inc. is now a Regional Art Park Open Space Enhancements 17 Planning and Community Involvement (continued): local government non-profit corporation chartered under the laws of the State of Texas. In 2002, the Cities of Frisco, Allen, and Piano passed bond elections for the construction of the Collin County theatre district. The three cities will contribute a total of $57 million ($19 million each) toward construction. Public Hearings To date, numerous public forums have been held which have been well attended. As with all public facilities, we will facilitate and document public meetings at which public input for the planning and design of the park elements and art facilities will be received. Each step of the design process will be carefully monitored and subjected to public input. Please see the newspaper articles included at the end of this application for documentation of public hearings. Population Served Frisco's, Allen's, and Plano's parks are designed to meet the needs of all citizens regardless of age, race, or economic status. Parks and trails within Frisco, Allen and Plano are constructed to meet the requirements of national safety and accessibility standards. The proposed project will serve the residents of Collin County as open space enhancing the regional art park. This property will also extend the community park acreage in northwest Allen into a regional park and provide the needed link along Rowlett Creek for the Six Cities Regional Trail. It will ultimately be used by residents of McKinney, Frisco, Allen, Plano, Richardson and Garland via the Six Cities Regional Trail system. The property's proximity to U.S. Highway 75 and S. H. 121 allow easy access to this property for all Collin County and regional residents. Recreational Diversity Open space enhancements within the regional arts center will provide County residents with passive park land along the Six Cities Regional Trail as well as pedestrian access to the arts facilities. The property will offer Collin County's growing population opportunities for walking, bicycling, nature watching, and protection of the Rowlett Creek riparian habitat. Minimal impact on the riparian habitat while maximizing passive recreational opportunities will Regional Art Park Open Space Enhancements is Recreational Diversity (continued: be our commitment in design. Enhancement of the property will protect and offer a viewshed of native Collin County in the development planned along the S.H. 121 corridor. The Arts of Collin County Commission will create an environment where all residents can share and enjoy the full diversity and vitality of the arts. The Arts of Collin County Commission is committed to: • Supporting and nurturing non-profit art groups, as they are the foundation for the cultivation of arts in our community. • Understanding our users are our customers; we will know their needs and support their success. • Educating in the form of collaboration with teaching institutions and programs offered by the facility. • Building an arts -related park and facilities that are recognized for distinctive appearance, outstanding functionality and especially the ability to promote the arts. • Recognizing and valuing our citizens as our ultimate customers and shareholders. We will provide opportunities for understanding, education, diversity, appreciation of and participation in the arts. • Improving the overall quality of life in our community. • Providing excellent management and strong fiscal responsibility of the park, its facilities, programs and personnel. • Organizing and scheduling quality and diverse programs that reflect the needs of the community and local arts groups. Conservation of Natural Resources The regional art park site has remained natural and agricultural to date. The Arts of Collin County Commission and Cities of Allen, Frisco and Plano are committed to preserving the natural character of Rowlett Creek. As shown in the accompanying location maps, the proposed land is located in the path of office, commercial and retail development. Enhancement of the open meadow, western tributary, and preservation of the Rowlett Creek habitat will create a green oasis in the sea of development on S.H. 121. An environmental assessment is currently being performed to identify any environmental hazards or liabilities on the site. All environmental and/or floodplain concerns will be addressed in accordance with City of Allen Land Development Code. Regional Art Park Open Space Enhancements 19 3. Funding Mechanism: The Arts of Collin County Foundation will fund the entire amount needed for the proposed open space enhancements until the Collin County grant funds are reimbursed. Every dollar of Collin County Parks and Open Space funding assistance will be matched by the value of land donated to the Arts of Collin County. 4. Implementation and Maintenance: The Arts of Collin County Commission is currently working with Boora Architecture and Hargreaves Associates in designing Phase 1. The Arts of Collin County Foundation will hold the donated property until formal plans and designs have been accepted by the Commission and three participating cities. The Arts of Collin County Commission will proceed with the proposed open space enhancements only after funding announcements from the Collin County Parks Foundation Advisory Board, approval by Commissioner's Court, and execution of an Interlocal Agreement. The Arts of Collin County Commission and Cities of Frisco, Allen and Plano are prepared to assume all maintenance costs associated with this project. Maintenance costs will be divided proportionately using North Central Texas Council of Governments' population figures. Additional maintenance funds may be realized from a four -tiered participant level which includes the owners (3 cities), members, supporters, and patrons. As mentioned previously, the Town of Fairview is already discussing contributing to the facility operating costs. Location Maps The following maps illustrate the relationship of the regional art district to the three cities as a whole area as well as show how this property provides the link between Allen and McKinney on the Six Cities Regional Trail system. Note that Rowlett Creek on which the Six Cities Regional Trail is to be constructed runs directly through the site. As described, property in the S.H. 121 corridor is zoned for office, commercial, and retail development, making preservation of this treasured property's natural resources critical in the economic development of Collin County. Regional Art Park Open Space Enhancements 20