The City Council is considering three site plan scenarios for a proposed Lick Creek Park Nature Center. An advisory committee unanimously recommended Scenario C after public input on priorities. The nature center would offer self-guided and programmed activities but there are concerns about operations, maintenance, security, and long-term sustainability.

1. City Council Meeting
June 14, 2012

2. Project Background
 Included in the 2008 Bond Authorization
 “Environmental Education Center”
 Approximately 10,000 SF Building
○ Classrooms
○ Exhibit space
○ Office space
 A complete facility and activity program did not
exist
 In 2010 staff received direction from the
Council to begin planning and programming for
the facility in FY2011

3. Project Background
 Staff selected a design team through the RFQ
process
 In October 2010, the Council approved a design
contract with Ray+Hollington Architects
 In June 2011 the Lick Creek Park Nature Center
Advisory Committee was established by Council

4. Public Input
 Staff conducted two public meetings to
gather input
 October 19, 2011
 November 7, 2011
 Attendees were asked to rate in terms of
priority the five most critical needs that the
proposed Lick Creek Park Nature Center
should satisfy.

5. Public Priorities

6. Scenario A Site Plan

7. Scenario A

8. Scenario B Site Plan

9. Scenario B

10. Outdoor Classroom

11. Outdoor Classroom

12. Outdoor Classroom

13. Orientation Center

14. Orientation Center

15. Scenario C Site Plan

16. Scenario C

17. Advisory Committee Recommendation
At an Advisory Committee meeting on May
30th, the committee members in attendance
voted unanimously to endorse Scenario C to
take forward as their recommendation to
the City Council.

18. Nature Center Programming
 General Public
 “Self Serve” Nature Trails & Educational Signage
 Participation In Scheduled Programs
 Come & Go At Their Leisure
 Outdoor Education
 Supervised Trail Hikes
 Nature Discovery Days
 Jr. Trail Rangers
 Hands-On Nature Events & Activities

19. Nature Center Programming
 CSISD (Elementary Through High School)
 Outdoor Education Classes
 Field Trips
 Nature Projects
 Organizations & Volunteers
 Host Events (Nature Tours, Trail Walks, Etc.)
 Assist With Outdoor Education & Nature
Programs
 Conduct Meetings & Gatherings

20. Nature Center Programming
 Concerns
 Operations & Maintenance
○ Programming
○ Staffing Levels
○ Building With Conditioned Space
 Security & Vandalism
 Public Accessibility / Operating Hours
 Long Term Sustainability