1. Lick Creek Park
Nature Center
City Council Meeting
September 13, 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 2008
• 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
• In June 2012 Staff provided the Council with a
summary of the programming alternatives

4. Public Input
• Staff conducted two public meetings to gather
input
• October 19, 2011
• November 7, 2011
• Education and Sustainability were identified by
the meeting attendees as the most critical
elements to be included in the nature center.

5. Scenario A

6. Scenario B

7. Outdoor Classroom

8. Outdoor Classroom

9. Orientation Center

10. Orientation Center

11. Scenario C

12. O&M Cost
• Scenario A: $231,650
• Staff: 2 FTE + seasonal employee
• Scenario B: $116,400
• Staff: Seasonal employee
• Scenario C: $160,425
• Staff: 1 FTE + seasonal employee

13. Advisory Committee Recommendation
At an Advisory Committee meeting on May 30,
2012 the committee members in attendance
voted unanimously to endorse Scenario C to take
forward as their recommendation to the City
Council.
Staff supports this recommendation

14. Facility Summary
• Scenario A:
• Main Bldg - 2,850 SF
• Support Bldg - 1,310 SF
• Total Scenario A: 4,160 SF
• Scenario B:
• Orientation Center - 1,850 SF
• Support Bldg - 1,310 SF
• 4-Outdoor Classroom - each 1,100 SF
• Total Scenario B: 7,560 SF
• Scenario C:
• Main Building - 3,100 SF
• Support Bldg - 500 SF
• Outdoor Classroom - 1,100 SF
• Total Scenario C: 4,700 SF

15. Reference Material

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

17. 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

18. 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