Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAbout02/10/1998 - Regular Agenda - Parks BoardCITY OF COLLEGE STATION PARKS AND RECREATION BOARD REGULAR MEETING FEBRUARY 10, 1998 ®- 7:00 P.M. CENTRAL PARK CONFERENCE ROOM 1000 KRENEK TAP ROAD AGENDA 1. Approval of Minutes: January 13, and January 27, 1998 2. Hear Visitors 3. Discussion of Proposed Parkland Dedication - Clarance Ebner 4. Presentation and Discussion of the Brazos Valley Boy's and Girl's Club - Kevin Bingham 5. Presentation of TAMU Class Project Report Concerning Residents' Attitudes Towards College Station Parks & Recreation Department - Stacey Baker 6. Consideration of Subcommittee Recommendation for Naming Wayne Smith Baseball Fields and W. A. Tarrow Park 7. Discussion of Parks in Park Zone 1 - Northgate Area 8. Approval of Conference Center Advisory Committee Bylaws 9. Capital Improvement Program Report 10. Discussion of Board Goals 11. Committee Reports: a. Lincoln Center - Mike Manson b. Lick Creek Park John Crompton c. Parkland Dedication - John Crompton 12. Board Concerns/Other Business 13. Executive Session a. Land acquisition (551.072) 14. Action on Executive Session 15. Adjourn This building is wheelchair accessible. Handicapped parking spaces are available. Any request for sign interpretive services must be made 48 hours before the meeting. To make arrangements call 409-764-3547 or (TDD) 1-800-735-2989. P. O. Box 9960 • 1101 Texas Avenue • College Station, TX 77842 Tel: 409 764 3500 February 3, 1998 TO: Parks and Recreation Board FROM: Steve Beachy, Parks and Recreation Director SUBJECT: Items oflnterest 1. ANTIQUE LIGHTS AT LUTHER JONES PARK AND BRISON PARK are currently being installed and connected. Eight light poles have been installed in each park. These amenities were made possible by the College Station Historic Preservation Committee. The lights at Luther Jones were purchased out of Community Development Block Grant funds and the lights at Brison were funded with Hotel/Motel tax revenue. City crews installed the lights that allowed the maximum amount of light to be purchased with the available funds. 2. TEEN CENTER architect requests for proposals will be opened February 4, 1998. The staff recommendation will be sent to council on the February 26, meeting. The latest schedule for implementation is included in the 1998/99 Board Goals. 3. CHRISTMAS TREE RECYCLING PROJECT — Over the weekend of 1/10 and 1/11, the Brazos County 4-H Equestrian Club and the Forestry Division took in 775 Christmas trees at Central Park. In Haswell Park, the 4-H Club and the Bryan Sanitation Division took in 930 trees that were taken to the compost facility. The trees taken in at Central Park were chipped on site, and spread throughout the picnic area by the ponds. The chips will help alleviate soil compaction caused by foot traffic, reduce soil erosion, and will provide nutrients to the soil. In addition to these benefits in the park, the recycling project's major goal is to help save landfill space by diverting the Christmas trees to other uses. Prior to the recycling project, Christmas tree lot operators were notified by the College Station and Bryan Sanitation Divisions of the chance to dispose of their left over stock at no cost at the compost facility. Roll -off containers were made available to some tree lots at their request. In addition, both city's Sanitation Divisions picked up Christmas trees on their normal yard waste routes (duplex and single family residences) and were taken to the compost facility. Between December 29 and January 9, a total of 816 trees were picked up curbside in College Station, and 625 in Bryan. This gives a total of 3,146 trees taken in by the recycling project. No flocked trees were to be taken to the compost facility or were accepted at Central Park. When flocked trees were .picked up curbside, they were taken to the landfill. The best measure of success for this year's recycling effort is that for the 12/29 to 1/9 time frame, only 102 flocked trees were taken to the landfill. Sponsors of the event were: Advanced Tree .Care; Brazos Beautiful, Inc.; Texas Forest Service; Brazos Co. 4-H Equestrian Club; the Bryan College Station Eagle; and Cities of Bryan and College Station Home of Texas A&M University 4. 1998 YOUTH BASKETBALL — Youth Basketball registrations exceeded last year's by 41 participants, for a total of 797 youth. Games and practices are held at various gyms. The league began January 10, and will run through March 5, 1998. A total of 529 boys (538 in '97)) and 268 girls (218 in '97) are participating in this year's program. 5. NATIONAL RECREATION & PARK ASSOCIATION ECONOMIC IMPACT STUDY - The first survey, in a series of eight local events, was conducted during the "Aggieland Open" swim meet on January 23-25. We are participating in this nationwide study along with several other cities to determine the economic impact of athletic events in communities. The project is being coordinated by the TAMU Department of Recreation, Parks and Tourism Sciences Department. 6. BREAKFAST WITH SANTA - DELTA SIGMA THETA TAMU: This annual community service project at Lincoln Center is planned and coordinated by this notable sorority. Approximately 250 children participated this year. The sorority prepared and served breakfast for the children and then the kids visited with Santa Claus. Each child received a gift, which was donated by the efforts of the Delta organization and local merchants. 7. KWANZA — Cultural "A Celebration of Life". Efforts of this outstanding organization was remarkably organized within the span of two months. Considered a special project, the outcome was a great success. Approximately 200 people attended the first annual Kwanza which was held in the Lincoln Center gym. Kwanza activity was operated mainly by donations. The following contributed to the success of Kwanza: Holze Music, Willie Bennett, Nkenge Shiminege, Lance Jackson, Kelly McCrary, Cheletia Johnson, and Cafe Eccel. 8. The MARTIN LUTHER KING JR., CELEBRATION was held on January 10, at Lincoln Center. The theme was "A Dream Deferred" and approximately 300 people attended. The following contributed to the success of the program: Gwen Phillips, Kylie Byrtle, Andre Heard, and guest speaker - Dr. Laura Burrell. 9. 1998 FISHING EVENTS February 6, 7, 8th (no license required) February 13th (trout stamp & license required 17-64 yrs.) April 4th (license required 17-64 yrs.) May 23th (license required 17-64 yrs.) June 6th (kids 16 and under) Adamson Lagoon Pool Fishout Central Pond Central Pond Pathways to Fishing Central Pond Kidfish '98 Cy Miller Pond Kid's Fishing Derby Copies: Skip Noe, City Manager Tom Brymer, Assistant City Manager Rainbow Trout Rainbow Trout Channel Catfish Channel Catfish Channel Catfish -- MINUTES -- CITY OF COLLEGE STATION PARKS AND RECREATION BOARD REGULAR MEETING TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 10, 1998 - 7:00 P.M. CENTRAL PARK CONFERENCE ROOM 1000 KRENEK TAP ROAD MEMBERS PRESENT: Elizabeth Cunha, Chair; Debra Anderson, Vice Chair; Bob DeOtte; and John Crompton MEMBERS ABSENT: Mike Manson and Gary Halter STAFF PRESENT: VISITORS: Steve Beachy, Director; Peter Vanecek, Senior Parks Planner; and Pamela Einkauf, Senior Secretary Texas A&M RPTS: Stacey Baker, Geraldine Marsh, Eric Lorenz, Guy Hunter, Julie Traweek, Michael Cerha, and Jennifer Downing The meeting was called to order at 7:00 p.m. I. Approval of Minutes -- January 13, and January 27, 1998 — Corrections: On the January 13, minutes, Mr. Szabuniewicz's proposal for his parkland dedication requirement excluded the floodplain. On discussion of 1998 user fees, Elizabeth and Bob did not abstain from the motion, they opposed the two motions to approve the fees. On the January 27, minutes, regarding John's motion to allow bikes limited access within Lick Creek Park, Bob, Elizabeth, Mike, Debra, and Chris did not abstain from the motion, they opposed it. The minutes were approved as corrected. II. Hear Visitors - No unscheduled visitors present. III. Discussion of Proposed Parkland Dedication — Clarance Ebner: Mr. Ebner was not present. IV. Presentation and Discussion of the Brazos Valley Boy's and Girl's Club — Kevin Bingham: Mr. Bingham handed out a letter which stated the highlights of their organization. He stated that their new program coordinator, Cheletia Johnson, has been in her position for about six weeks now and works 30-40 hours a week at the Lincoln Center. They also hired a gym instructor, 20 hours per week, to run club programs at Lincoln. Mr. Bingham also mentioned that they hold meetings at least once every two weeks to address the needs of the staff and club members at Lincoln. Their organization also provided "Smart Moves" training to Lincoln staff members. Smart Moves is a drug and alcohol abuse prevention program that teaches young people the negatives that drugs and alcohol bring to their lives. Mr. Bingham stated that the Lincoln Center had 39 kids per day the previous month and believes that they could provide programming to 70. He stated that they are working towards developing more structured programming for the kids. Mr. Bingham mentioned that some of the programs he intends to provide at the Teen Center include job skills training, tutorials, SAT preparation training, etc. He mentioned that since teens travel in packs, sometimes there will be 2-3 at the center and sometimes there will be large groups. V. Presentation of TAMU Class Project Report Concerning Residents' Attitudes Towards College Station Parks and Recreation Department — Stacey Baker: Ms. Baker stated that they developed a survey instrument that they used to survey College Station households to find out about their usage patterns and satisfaction with the parks and programs. She stated that they divided the area into four zones, and 17 students went to over 400 homes. They got a 71 % response rate. She mentioned that 63% of the households did not have children under the age of 18. Geraldine Marsh, one of the students who participated in the surveying, stated that after compiling the results of the survey, the students developed seven main recommendations for the department. 1) Program information distribution N 25% stated that they were not aware of the programs offered, 42% got their information from the newspaper. Most requested that programs be advertised on the television. 2) Program registration — most liked registering in person, but registering by phone was also recommended. 3) Parks Master Plan — most were unaware of the master plan or any new development. Most did not know about the new athletic complex. 4) Park Usage — most stated that they had a lack of time. 5) Senior citizens N they were not responsive to the survey. Students felt that maybe the senior citizens weren't being considered for programming. 6) Beautification of the parks — ranked number one and they were willing to spend money to keep it up. 7) Trails — interest for more trails around the community was identified, but they were not willing to pay for them. VI. Consideration of Subcommittee Recommendation of Naming Wayne Smith Baseball Fields and W. A. Tarrow Park — John presented the members with a letter of recommendation for the naming of the facilities and made a motion to accept the subcommittee's recommendation. The motion was seconded by Chris and the motion passed. VII. Discussion of Parks in Zone 1 Northgate Area: Mike was not present, so this item was tabled until the next meeting. VIII. Approval of Conference Center Advisory Committee Bylaws: Elizabeth suggested to leave in "The committee shall semi-annually submit a report to the Parks and Recreation Advisory Board." Bob suggested to change it to "annually." Chris motioned to accept the bylaws as amended. Debra seconded and the motion passed. IX. Capital Improvement Program Report: Peter reviewed the CIP report. X. Discussion of Board Goals: Steve reviewed the goals and reported some changes. John asked Steve for a list of items that needed to done in order to complete the Parks and Recreation Master Plan. He stated that if a list was developed the Board could request assistance from various resources to help complete the process. Steve stated that the silt study at Wolf Pen Creek will go to Council on February 26. John reported that the Parkland Dedication Ordinance will be revised and will not include community parks in the requirements. He stated that the developers felt that neither they, nor the homeowner's, should have to provide the funding for community parks. Parks Board Minutes February10, 1998 Page 2 o13 XI. Committee Reports: a. Lincoln Center Advisory Committee: Steve stated that Larry Johnson requested that the Board not send a liaison to their meetings. They feel like they can conduct the meetings on their own. b. Lick Creek Park - John Crompton: No report. c. Board Chair - Elizabeth Cunha: No report. XII. Board Concerns / Other Business: The Board decided to leave the original bylaws as submitted by the Conference Center Advisory Committee and not ask for an annual report. Instead, Elizabeth and Debra requested minutes for both the Conference Center and Lincoln Center Advisory Committees. XIII. Executive Session: a. Land acquisition (551.072) XIV. Adjourn: The meeting adjourned at 9:22 p.m. Parks BoardMlnutes Februery10,1998 Page 3 of Board Members: Advisory Members: Visitors: CITY OF COLLEGE STATION PARKS AND RECREATION BOARD AND LICK CREEK PARK ADVISORY COMMITTEE SPECIAL MEETING TUESDAY, JANUARY 27, 1998 ^- 7:00 P.M. COLLEGE STATION CONFERENCE CENTER 1300 GEORGE BUSH DRIVE, ROOM 106 Elizabeth Cunha, Chair; Debra Anderson, Vice Chair; Mike Manson; John Crompton; Gary Halter; Chris Barzilla, and Bob DeOtte; Jim Manhart, Stephan Hatch, Lynn Allen, and Mark Shavers Scott Shafer, Bob Wharton, and U. R. Stack The meeting was called to order at 7: 07 p.m. 1. Discussion and Consideration of a Master Plan for Lick Creek Park: Steve presented the proposed master plan as developed by the TAMU Recreation, Parks and Tourism Sciences 402 class and the Lick Creek Park Advisory Committee. He stated that he would like to have an archaeological study done and presented to Council before any development begins. He mentioned that Alston Thoms presented a proposal last year but was unable to do proceed with it. Steve stated that he would like to include the development of the plan, or a portion of it, in the next Capital Improvement Program in 1999. He stated that he also believes the City could receive a grant from the Texas Parks & Wildlife Department, or possibly other entities, for additional funding. Steve pointed out the wastewater treatment plant site, and the area around it that was previously identified for future plant development. He stated that future development may or may not occur at that site, which is adjacent to the park. Gary stated that the park was envisioned as a wilderness park when it was purchased in 1984, and he recommended to not allow bikes in the park. He stated that bikers will go on trails other than those specifically designated for bikes. Lynn Allen stated that if maps are provided at the bike shops that show trails at both Lick Creek Park and Lake Bryan, she believes that most bikers will go to Lake Bryan. She stated that Lake Bryan has many more trails than Lick Creek. She also informed the Board that less and less bikers are going to Lick Creek Park and more are patronizing Lake Bryan. John stated that initially the subcommittee agreed to recommend no bikes at Lick Creek Park. However, the use of bikes was reintroduced to encourage alternative ways to get to the park other than in cars, but not for the use of bikes within the park. He stated that they also wanted bikers to be able to get to the Visitor's Center which was across the park from where the entrance would be located. Therefore, a bike access through the park was proposed that runs along the sewer line. John stated that he agrees with allowing bike access into the park and to the visitor's center, but does not support allowing bikes on the multi -use trails. John motioned to accept the proposal limiting bicycles access up the west side of the park, along the sewer line, and towards the visitor's center and no where else in the park. The motion was seconded by Gary. Bob stated that the motion would not be serving the majority of the community by excluding certain citizens. Elizabeth stated that she thought it was unfair to make the motion, excluding bicycles, at this meeting instead of at the last meeting where a substantial number of bikers were present. She stated that at that meeting, the preliminary plan that was presented included a "multi -use trail" which included bikes, horses, and pedestrians. Chris voiced his concern about allowing bikes and horses on the same trails as pedestrians. After further discussion, Bob, Elizabeth, Mike, Debra and Chris abstained and the motion died. John asked Steve to incorporate an ecological and an access point of view for Lick Creek Park in the plan. He also wanted to see fencing added to the proposal so that people don't get lost and end up in Pebble Creek. John also recommended having a managerial presence on site and to incorporate an operational budget into the proposal. Steve stated that they could possibly also have a junior or senior Parks and Recreation major to live at the park rent-free, in exchange for supervising activities at the park. John asked Steve to look at what would be reasonable to expect from grants and put in a lower monetary amount in the bond election. Bikes will be allowed on Deer Run Trail, along the sewer line to the wastewater treatment plant, and to the visitor's center. The Board discussed the enforcement issues regarding trail usage. They discussed the need to have supervision of the park at all times, not just 8 to 5. Mark Shavers commented that in the proposal a significant amount of funds was allotted for asphalt parking lots and roadways. He suggested doing those in phases instead of all up front or using an alternative material. He also suggested putting the visitor's center closer to the main road instead of further in the park to save funding on the length of the road. He also mentioned that at the previous meeting only one person was interested in allowing horses at Lick Creek Park and was not sure it was worth spending the money on an equestrian parking lot for one interested person. John motioned to adopt the plan as presented with amendments to include buffer zones and corridors, fencing, annual operational cost, three bike racks and also to get the funding down to $400,000 - $500,000 with phasing of the project. Mike seconded and the motion carried. 2. Adjourn: The meeting adjourned at 8:40 p.m. February 4, 1998 Parks & Recreation Board 1998/99 GOALS Action Plan 1. Complete parks master plan A. Review results of citizens survey RPTS 336 class project (Feb.,98) B. Inventory potential areas for future parks and greenbelts. C. Analysis of survey data, comprehensive plan recommendations and inventory results. D. Develop recommendations for implementation including financial impact. E. Prioritize recommendations and develop timeline strategies. 2. Complete acquisition of the athletic park site and develop development master plan A. Complete property acquisition (Feb., 98) B. Conduct site visits to selected athletic parks in Texas (Spring, 98) C. Conduct needs assessment with the Sports and Recreation Association Recreation Board (Spring, 98) D. Concept preparation by Parks Planning (Summer, 98) E. Develop budget estimate by Parks Planning Staff or consulting firm (Summer, 98) a long term and Parks and if funds allow . Revision of the master plan for Wolf Pen Creek (City Council Issue #8) G. H. I. J. K. L. ?leers wwn trpn ria n Gpnsztl tr TI1r'Ba z:df r to l le Present silt study recommendations to City Council (Feb. 26, 1998) Incorporate findings and recommendations into the revised WPC Master Plan (Feb., 98) Develop implementation plan for proposed improvements (Feb., 98) Present recommendation to Parks and Recreation Board (Mar. 10, 1998) Present recommendation to Planning and Zoning Commission (Apr. 2, 1998) Submit revised Wolf Pen Creek Master Plan and recommendations to City Council for consideration (Apr. 25, 1998) Youth programming for teens (City Council Issue # 10) . City Council approval of contract for design services (Feb. 26, 1998) J. City Council approval of completed design/Authorization to bid project (Jun., 98) K. Bid approved by City Council (July 24, 1998) L. Construction complete (Jan. 1, 1999) mtilementation of the Lincoln Center/Wayne Smith Park Master Plan !c axtsi eratio of for r►al name fo p rl and basek F. City Council approval of name recommendations (Mar. 12, 1998) G. Begin first season (Summer 98) H. Develop recommendation for future improvements (Summer, 1998) Conduct public hearings and oversee design process for Woodway Park A Aceep a ree afp kJand de Cation h vm Melrose .Apa2 tmen B. Acceptance of parkland dedication from Holleman Arms Apartment project (1998) C. Conduct public hearings, develop conceptual designs (Fall, 1998) D. City Council approval of plans and authorization to begin construction (Fall, 1998) Develop a Master Plan for Lick Creek Park onsif7l'1' H. Council approval (Feb. 26, 98) I. Appoint Standing committee (April, 1998) J. Request funding for archaeological survey of site (May, 1998) Madelev Park Development B. C. D. E. F. min City Council approval of funding. Conduct public hearings concerning potential improvements (Summer, 1998) Board consideration of Park Master Plan (Fall, 1998) City Council approval of Park Master Plan (Fall, 1998) Develop construction documents and solicit bids. (Spring, 1999) Design small park that serves the Spring Loop residents ermine t s1 ................................................... . B. Obtain population density estimates and demographic information (Spring Page 2 of 3 C. Develop potential alternatives and recommendations and present findings to the Board (Summer 98) D. Include in future Capital Improvement Program funding request. (1999) 10. Consider revisions to the Parkland Dedication Ordinance ................. ................. .................. .................. .................. ••••••••••••••-••• ................... ................... ............... ................ ............. .............. ............. .............. .......... ......... ......... .......... ......... .......... ......... ............ ............. ............. ............. ............. ............. ............. .............. ............ ............ F. G. H. J. K. ))• • • • P •.•. ....... ....... . .9 . MA- egetiu ,,,:,.:.:i,i,:.;,i,,i,:,:, A Allllk ii...................,:), ... ,......))))))))))),... at/ .).)) .. .,))) i)))))))))))))))))))) ....t S II I Revise draft ordinance based upon focus group input (Feb., 1998) Review draft ordinance by Parks and Recreation Board (Mar., 10, 1998) Presentation of revised draft ordinance to focus group (April, 1998) Approval of draft ordinance by Planning & Zoning Commission (May, 1998) Workshop and presentation to City Council (June, 1998) Approval of revised ordinance by City Council (June, 1998) 11. Develop a Greenways Plan A. Appoint of an advisory board for greenways oversight. (Feb., 1998) B. Inventory of potential greenway locations. C. Develop methodology for greenway acquisition. D. Prioritize greenways on the basis of expendiency and importance. E. Identify ownership of land in the priority greenways. F. Develop time lines for implementing stages of each of the priority greenways. G. Develop mechanism/strategies for building public support for greenways. 12. Develop a structure with the school board for joint development of indoor athletic facilities. B. Committee meets to develop potential short-term projects (Feb., 98) C. Synchronize a long-term plan that ensures bond money from both entities is available when needed to bring the projects to fruition. D. Develop model/briefs/specifications/set of elements for each type of school projects that show desired extent of city involvement. E. Discuss with Teen Board the potential for integrating teen center development into these proposals. 13. Develop an Urban Forestry Plan A. Inventory of trees on streets and develop recommendations on which new tree planting efforts should focus. FRSC 420 Arboriculture Class (Fall, 1998) B. Develop a proactive planting initiative based on city -resident partnerships similar to the NeighborWoods program in Austin. C. Establish a committee to develop a City Tree Ordinance after reviewing those adopted in other Texas cities. Page 3 of 3 ORDINANCE NO. 1723 2009 AN ORDINANCE AMENDING CHAPTER 1, SECTION 28, OF THE CODE OF ORDINANCES OF THE CITY OF COLLEGE STATION. WHEREAS, the City Council of the City of College Station has decided that the Conference Center Advisory Committee should advise and recommend to the Parks and Recreation Advisory Board; and WHEREAS, the City Council desires that the Code of Ordinances of the City of College Station reflect this; NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT ORDAINED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF COLLEGE STATION THAT: I. Chapter 1, Section 28, of the Code of Ordinances of the City of College Station, Texas is hereby amended to read as follows: "SECTION 28: CREATION OF A COLLEGE STATION CONFERENCE CENTER ADVISORY COMMITTEE A. PURPOSE The College Station Conference Center is an establishment owned, operated, and maintained by the City of college Station for use and enjoyment by the visitors to this City, and also by the residents of this community. It is therefore to the advantage of the City of College Station that a citizens' committee serve to advise the City Council in matters relating to said Conference Center -and -its related—T-een-Genter. B. MEMBERSHIP The committee shall consist of seven-(7-)- five (5) members, to be appointed by the Parks and Recreation Advisory Board. Committee me.. be.s s'h" s__ . _ __o _____e tha two (2)-f full-consecutive-terms:- C. 'PERM OF OFFICE The term of office shall be for two (2) years and the Parks and Recreation Advisory Board shall appoint members on a staggered basis with three (3) terms expiring in odd - numbered years and two (2) terms expiring in even -numbered years. ORDINANCE NO. 2009 Page 2 A member of the Committee shall be appointed annually by the Parks and Recreation Advisory Board to serve as committee chairman for a term of one year. A vice-chairman shall be selected by members of the Committee. A vacancy occurring on the committee prior to expiration of the term of office for that position shall be filled by appointment by the Parks and Recreation Advisory Board. A member so appointed shall be designated to serve the remainder of the term of his/her predecessor. D. DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES The duties of this committee shall be to advise and recommend to the Parks and Recreation Advisory Board on matters relevant to the operation, use, and promotion of the College Station Conference Center -and -the -Teen -Center. The committee shall also carry out other duties and responsibilities as may be assigned by the Parks and Recreation Advisory Board or other City Departments. mod. E. MEETINGS The conference Center Advisory Committee shall provide for regular and special meetings as necessary to carry on its business, and is authorized to establish its own rules, regulations, and by-laws subject to ratification by the Parks and Recreation Advisory Board." II. This ordinance shall become effective from and after its passage in accordance with the City Charter of the City of College Station. PASSED, ADOPl'ED, and APPROVED this APPROVED: Lynn Mcllhaney, Mayor ATTEST: City Secretary - Notice - PRESCRIBED BURN OPERATIONS at LICK CREEK PARK College Station, Texas On February 13, 1998, the City of College Station, in cooperation with the Texas Agricultural Extension Service, will begin an on -going program of prescribed burning at Lick Creek Park . This 515 acre natural area is located on east Rock Prairie Road and has been the subject of numerous research projects over the past decade. One conclusion is that the existing post oak savannah habitat and native grasslands are being replaced by the encroachment of brush and other woody plants. Fire had been a part of the natural land management process in this region for thousands of years prior to European settlement in the early 1800's. The prescribed burn process is an ecologically sound management practice that is currently being utilized in selected areas by many state and federal agencies as well as private landowners to restore native grasslands. Prescribed burning also reduces the potential for uncontrolled wildfires in forests and grasslands. Training in proper methods of prescribed burning will be conducted by specialists from the Texas A&M University Department of Rangeland Ecology and Management. In the future, this training will be scheduled on an annual basis during winter months and will use selected areas in Lick Creek Park as demonstration sites. This practice has been endorsed by the College Station Parks & Recreation Board with support from the Lick Creek Park Advisory Committee. The prescribed burn concept is endorsed at the state and national level by the Texas Parks & Wildlife Department, Texas Forest Service, US Forest Service, US Army Corps of Engineers and the Nature Conservancy. The burning operations will be conducted with the assistance of the College Station Parks & Recreation Department, College Station Fire Department and the South Brazos County Fire Department. Dr. Larry D. White and Dr. Barron Rector, Extension Range Specialists, will conduct the training and supervise the burn operations. The indoor training workshop will be conducted starting at 9:00am rain or shine in the College Station Public Utilities Department Training Room, 1601 Graham Road. The prescribed burn is scheduled to start at approximately 11:30am at the park. If weather conditions are not favorable at that time, it will be rescheduled for another day. Anyone who is interested in participating in this training or needs additional information should call the College Station Parks & Recreation Department at 764- 3773.