Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAboutDocuments Related to the City's Park Board (1939)Yr. R. R, Lancaster Extension Service College Sta ti an, Texas ~~ ~~ +~ ~; ,~-~ ~. Stay 28 , 2939 Deer ~~r. I~nce9ter: ,;, ~"J ,,, At th®• last meeting of the City Counoi2, sA ardinenoe was passed oreating a City Perk hoard. A coca;; of th® ordinancse is enclo®ed heree~ith. Purqu~:nt to that notion. ~r. Hersel ~aac eppainted Gh~~rmen end you end fir, Langford members of the Beard This is to notify yob, of your appoint;.,snt end to e.cpress the Nape tY~t you will see fit to s®rve. Just whet v~ork the Beard will ha 4e to do ie depend®dt upon the erase for p~rg purposes that may later oom® under the control of the City end th® funds en8 other Fid that rney became avails ble tar beautif'ioeti on and improver~~ent. Sincerely yours, Sidney L, Loveless. City 5®cretay. i' ~,.; _.. .,~•. ;.C , Yay 29~ 1939 Mr. Erne at Langford College Station Texa a D~a r fir. L~ ngPa rd t At the • last meeting of the City Counoil~ an ordinanoa urea passed creating a City Perk Board. A Dopy of the ordinanoe is enol•~•sed herevrith. Pursuant to th&t action Mr. Hensel was appointed Chairman end you and fir. ~enoaeter ma~*iberra of the Boerdr This is to notify you of your appointment • and to express the hope that you will gee Pit to serve. Just what work the Eosrd will. have to do ie depen.. dent upon the &reas for park ntxrposes that aiay dater come under the oontrol of the amity and the funds and ©th+~r QtA that me;~ beea~:e a~rEilehle for beeutifieetion and imps~mrver.ent . Sinoprely yours, Sidney L. Loveless. City Seoretary. t Y day 29, 1939 ]fir. F. X, Hensel College Station • Texas Dear fir, Aensels At the.last meeting of the City Council, en ardin~nce was pa$~ted creating a City Park Board. ~± Dopy of the ordinanoe is enclos©d herewith. Pursuant to that aotion, ~~ were epnainted Chairmen and Messrs. Langfa rd and Lsnoaster members of the Board. This is to notify y©u of your apnaintwent and t o ex_prees the Nape ths.t you will +eee fit t0 serve. Just what work the Board will have to do is dependent upon the areas for park purpose that may later come under the control of the City anfl th® fund a and other aic~ that may be~ Dome available for beautification and improve» merit. Sinoerely yours. Sidney L. Loveless. City Secretary, w ~~ ,~ ~ -5....,~......, ~ ~~ ~ ~, ~ ~ ~--!''.,~ .cam s~W ~ '~-u~. ~v~,- ,~-~, o~'.`~C'~.'°r ~~-~" ~~ ~--~-g ~. ~ ~~ s ~--- - - COLLEGE A~I.TNICIPAL PARK DE`TELOP~FEl~?T By Levi L. Dixon College Station, Texas May 1, 1939 TABLE OF CONTENTS I. Description II. Function, Administration and Maintenance III. Developed Area IV. Utilities V. Facilities VI. Details VII. Specifications VIII. Miscellaneous IX. Conclusions COLLEGE ~UIvTICIPA.L PARK DL~'ELOPIt~;~T'I' I. Description College Municipal Park, as this area will be tentatively designated in order to distinguish it from College Park, a subdivision of College Station, Texas, comprises approximately eleven acres of land and is located about one-half mile southeast of the Agricultural and Mechanics 1 College of Texas at College Station, Texas, which has recently been incorporated into a municipality. The park acts as a natural boundary between Oakwood and College Park and is rather centrally located with zespect to the two subdivisions. It is readily accessible by a black-top road which extends from College Station to College Park and Oakwood Addition and terminates at the park entrance. From this point the area is encircled by a gravel drive (Dexter Drive) with minor drives and connecting roads bringing about complete circulation. The park land is typical of the post oak area found in this region, but at the same time has an added attraction in the form of a lake which at the present comprises approximately three acres. The topography is relatively flat to rolling with a gradual drop in the center characterized by the lake. A small inter- mittent drainage stream that empties into the lake enters th area about one hundred feet northwest of the present entrance. '"` At the northeast corner of the da m a spillway is located, causing overflo~r waters to be directed through a ravine into a small stream that flows through the middle lower east portion and out of the park. This outlet is badly eroded and should be corrected. The lake, at the present, is being drained prior to a clean up program, and whether or not it is to be refilled is not as yet definitely known. The area constituting the park is owned privately by two individuals, but it is assumed that the land can be purchased by the city of College Station at a reasonable price and that taxes will cover expenditures. These assumptions sh ould be kept in mind as the discussion continue s. As a result of the drainage of the lake in preparation for the cleanup program, the lake i s now abo ut one-half dry . g dam exists on the southeast part of the lake. This dam serves as passageway (foot traffic) between Oakwood and College Park. Several areas are relatively secluded because of a comparatively rank undergrowth comprised mainly of shrubs and small trees. In other parts good views hsve been opened up and improvements along the lake front have been made and t~ ed as outdoor living rooms by those living dust across the drive. Especially is this true on the west sid® where some thought has been devoted to landscaping. .-~, Two dwellings hav area. These dwellings They are located al the park boundary - one at road, and the other at Galloway Avenue. Below the dam and e been built within the road enclosed take up about 22,500 sq. ft. apiece. northwest and north extremities of the the entrance dust off the black-top the intersection of Dexter Drive and dust across Dexter Drive between streets A and D is a small area roughly comprising 2.9 acres, one-half of which consists of private property (homes) and the other half about equally divided between the drainage outlet from the late with fairly thick vegetation, and a small open area (100' z 75') that slopes gradually downward toward the intermittent stream. The natural vegetation consists mainly of trees--post oak, 3 water oak, black willow, hackberry, prickly ash,. elm, pecan, mesquite-- and shrubs--yaupon, coralberry, dewberry, chittam wood, black haw--mingled with poison ivy, smilax, wild grapes and wild flowers. Some of the wild flowers to be found are wine cup, larkspur, false indigo, false dandelion, vetch, vervain, evening primrose, beggar's lice, Indian paint brush, wild onion, wild phlox, wood sorrel, and day lilies. These were in bloom at the time of inspection (A.pril 22, 1939). Ih. Function, Administration and P,~aintenance College Municipal Park will be for use to only those people subject to city taxation and will be of greater benefit to residents of College Park and Oakwood subdivisions. The park will accommodate approximately 440 people as based on recreational acreage needed for different size citiesl. The majority of the park users will be children from two or three years old up to fifte®n o r sixteen years and to some extent, older persons. Some usage will permit adult recreation as noted on plan. The larger portion of residences around the area is inhabited by persons employed by the Agricultural and Mechanical College of Texas, largely teachers. Time devoted to recreation will usually be in the afternoons with maximum participation between 5 o'clock and dark, depending on the seasons. The time of year that the park will be used most will be during spring, fall and summer. However, because of the climatic variation of this region, some ideal days for recreation will be found in the winter months. Special emphasis should be given the scout lc3 dge . Other recreational centers available to residents of College Park and Oakwood include Hensel Park, College Station, 1 Recreational Use of Land in the United States, November 1934, p. 104. Part X, Report on Land Planning. ~,., 4 r: Bryan Country Club, Haswell Park, Bryan, and some facilities furnished the teaching staff on the A. & I~. Campus. None of these are designed to meet the need for recreation such as this area s'_zould hav®, especially for the younger group. The land, v~ich is owned privately, should be purchased 5 by the city of College Station and provisions made through local taxes for expenditures on construction and maintenance. Furthermore, the city cou~aci 1 should appoint one of its members to have the responsibility of the park-- a park official. This duty probably could be handled jointly with the street commission. Thus all maintenance would ba carried on through th~schannel. III. Developed Ares A. Existing Undeveloped areas in th~~ true sense of the work do not exist in this park. 3ovaever, in the northwest ,part no improvements have been made and only a few foot trails tra~~verse the area. B. Proposed As the base map indicates, practically all of the wooded area will remain unmolested and that area mentioned above will remain the same except for underground channel, a fill, and the introduction of picnic units. Therefore, -phis part of th e park '~ 6 cannot be called an undeveloped area. Nevertheless it will be bordering on that as compared to mass construction in all other areas. C. Developed Area Much of the present park area will come under this heading with the main accent of development falling on the formal wading pool and scout lodge. Also, practically all of the southeastern portion of the park below the proposed retaining wall designed as play area will naturally come under this.cat~gory. IV. Utilities A. Existing None B. Proposed 1. t`dater system a. As shown. on map to provide water for wading pool b. For shower and kitchen use in scout lodge c. Drinking fountain near pool 2. Sewerage disposal, water flush toilets in the scout lodge 3. 'G`arbage disposal. 7tvo receptacles have been placed to serve the four proposed picnic units. will be haled away at the proper time, depending on use. 4. Telephone. None 5. Power. Lights at present to be installed only in the scout lodge. 6. Fuel. Wood to be provided as needed. Placed near garbage disposals ~* V. Facilities A. Existing None B. Proposed 1. Scout lodge. To contain large porch and lounge room, dining room, museum display, toilets, showers, bunk rooms for boys. and girls, and combination counter service and office. 2. dTading pool. Designed not only for wading but should have some esthetic value with formal design as proposed. 3. Out-door theater. No construction, but carried out through proper grading and judicious planting. 4. Play area a. Three badminton courts b. Truro volley ball courts c. Two tennis courts d. Horse shoes and croquet e. Swings and see-saws 5. Camp fire circle. Arrangements made before hand for use 6. Picnic units. It is probable that concentrated future use of this park will .prohibit use of picnic units, but for the present their introduction is justified. 7 e ~_ t VII. Brief Specifications A. Scout Lodge 1. Rough timber, stained brown after being treated. 2. Designed after Trail Lodge, Blue Mountain County Reservation, New Y ork. B. Pool 1. Concrete curbing and foundation 2. Center drain and fountain spray refill unit C. Shrine 1. Set in wall curve back of fountain 2. Metal with inscribed lettering D. Guard Rail e Rough timber, treated and reinforced E. Table s Same type of lumber with more of a finish. Anchored in ground. F. Grill As specified on detail sheets with hot type grill. G. Refuse pit See details. 8 L 8uulc-+S ~ F a __ - -- ---- ---.____.. _ 1 F3uw~14~ ~- -~- ~~- -.. _.w.~_... 6 ~.~..., ~ ~ c ~ ~r,~A~.,.c, ~ ~U•...11L '~ r ~u ~1G~ SG ,~ i..,~ 1„ = 10 ~ TY P p= o *` ~~YE,.L-~~ a+.+.p ~,-~~~.~ m ~ /i-1L-c.~tTF~c,`~t~~ ~--~-~.~1~ C ~~~t;v ~-- O OG ~ R1..u~ ~^~-~ Ca u~TY ~e.s~ti...ve~.,-~ owl , ~`,` ~~~ - r \ti ~.o \ N. Cy- ~ o m L„ ~ ~~ r ~ F ~ ~ ~~ p Q,t~a t.~l N.cf- ~IIM1/~ ~ ~~ ~ tl To c. t ~ a ~ ~ ~ ~. ~ '; J < ~ ~ ~, x ; C, U'0.~ .. 4" bs. ~GN 4' ~ r, C ~~ P •~ ___ ,___~ _- .. e ~ ~~.. ~ S.'P4.la~ Pby~ari ~-o c. ~ r~ ~t ~~ ~ ~Cr't~1 V ad ~, ~, ~ ~ ~ i, ~,~ ® ~ 3 ~ .~ ~ ~ / ~r l` cj~„ D \~ ;~ _- _, _ _ ~ ~ ___ ~_ _. ~~ _ ~ '' t---- ~, ~ I ~ N oEer~~ : 4' opF N -r we Q ~~M. .z ~`P 3-~, I - ---- - i ~~ ~ f i~i ~~ _ a ~ ~ ~, ~-lT ~ cz tr~~ ~~'E~-'~-~ Q~~ ~, ~ U N R e ~ ti1 T'Y P r 3 - c o vice ~- r-,~ coU~,-~S) O Cr v tit s~-~U L~`~ p ~1 i~..X V~ ~ ( ~ S T' ,--.~~ ~ tom. ~ G ~ z-~' r1t ~ R.. S c. ~ ~ ~, '~i ~ G C, v C H ~ o ~.~. S A. -..~, t~ 4 ~ i" o -.- C,,.. e,.ta s S ,_ G A.. T2. E P ~l lam. ~ 1~. -a ty ~ N. Cr ~ ~ ~-- f~RJ.~- t ~•a G- M U S i ~ ~ O o ~.i 4=-,r ~~~~, n~ -i ~~ T ST' ~D S- L v ate. B 1 N IL~"~ Q u~- J ~~ ` _ c ~ ~~ C ~ ~% t,'_ ` ' -~ ~-~-1. ~.~.. E?.~-'~.. ~~.a--~ t..~,~.. ~.,. l.a x.1,0 ~cL G-~-u-u.-~ ~ - l G e 4.,t.,e~ a-~~--c D I ~, .. / ~ ia... '~ Cs Re. Q-- LU ~, '•5 ! ~ ~ ._ v ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ tc~ tta ~ ~ou ~Z-n ~ N- ~IJ Vii,,, l~ ~ ~ A-a,k, s _~ ~~ t ..~ 1 ~ G V~t3 p ° c~ ~„"' --.e~Y.~ .~.._ ~_ -.:_~ , .~_.n~ .¢ - ~ ~....~-z vv•-~, vim.-~-1c... _. _: " ~:-~„~--t ter. - . ~-.~,,~a.~ ~.~, t N.G. W a.ti,, ~..._ ~C-~. R.. ~ l `0_ W ~~.~ C-~.~-a ~~ L u 1LC3 ~ r p° `~ F ~--~ b~'0 "~'- __T j ~. - ~ rw c. ~ ' 3 _~__ ~ 1"'+~.-•,_ _ _ .. ~ G ~ ~~, tat-. (L.. ~~e.~ ~ ~-1`P1 C ~ 1 I~~'1~.-~ ~~ ~ = - ~ ''~ x~.a `~ ~ ~ f' } _', R G- ~ -a z D ~, a. , ~e,~wL~~! IaT PARru.~iuaG- P@,L°aS' - ~ G to ~~ b...Z F D i... ~ e ua S ~-- " ~ ij o r-T ` I `~~ \P ~TY P ~ c, o -..~ .~, oNrs ~ ~5, o ":..a ~. X 4 G ~ ~ aT 17M~ QoLTs "p w ~k. ~ ~ ~,~ + Zxa f3~wl _ ._ __ ~ ~. .._..._~_..~ R-,o u t~..l ~ l.. • r.1 ~ ~' ..___. _...,.4x4 ' I7o STS ' / ~ U a.l tom, ~---~ _. '~V(~ ~I.•E~r4T~ ~N _, ~..._. '~ ~! z,~ ~~y __ , 3" ~---_ ' 3 f' l ~ ~ ,, C p.t='C'E.Q.. ~~ c~k.~t'i" STart~. F ORr~s ST ~C IJ 1..1., A. ~, ~.., Gnat-C t3 ~R,S ~Q ••X 3 ~~ ' ~ EGc~ Q~ ~ vt ~ r-+~ ~a u ~.cc ~ il.. S u sl k. '~ ~ v ne- S .. ~~ ~'~ X ~ U ~ -.~~,i-t o Q,, Fb n ~.-r ,r~,~r G ~+v ~.~ T' a v av ca.~ ~ ~~~ 13'¢~~c.~C. ~.. ~ rt ~ na6r, d.~Q ~t~GK, 'l~~o~(~..T1+1 O o T._~~ V La i- G O vL+ 1L„~ }- ~ U G ~p TO O~ 3i 3 __ ._ a« OtU.t-~ .a...crVRr~ F ireN G+1 Q ~ ~..~ R.. o c.µ., 0 4.. ri rt.sv ~ (,. C~ ~ D ~. ~ ,~ tc. 1-a-~- ~o a ~..~~=a t ~ ~u~P!~~ z, ~ ~. 3- ~ `l V ~ l 1~ \ b ~ ~ ~ QJO C.1L, ~ G S t Cpl S i v< ty~'+-~p. ~v {-e w . ~ ~ G s.. ~s Q..«. 'J T0.7'F ~A~iL~C.., V.10.~4+ M 4-`r'Lb t A. 1,. 4~-0 .}.+ c~.J ~R3 ~ 5 R'G'Uk' ~F v a r -... E u~ R. (~~ ~2 ~ i OG E (~•~~c~ t\.E,w ~ a ~ G t.ae...~. ~ ~r-,o.~ ~v.~.K ~ VJ~as N~ ,: yv~Az'N t4~ _``~ BEN 6'rt1 Z'4' _ _;,n,,,•-a;,a (Q G, c-v w Po ~-- ~ ,aT n u e' ~, ~ T {~, t U P t P e ~ ~ ~., ~ R..~• n ~,, ~ ~ ~ ;~ .~m l - -•e!,~:~r _,.,._ a ~, ~.a,4 ......._ Cs1\. v ~---~- t Q.~o ~, p \tit t t-,.. ~. t~, c C.~ a ,.a..~ F..c.T ~ ~ ~, ~ ,- rf 't~k~ g K t r_ w 1 ~ m N N• 9 2T ~ ~~- o l~~ c r_ - _ __ - - - ---- - -- - --- _ - 15 TJIII. miscellaneous 1. Structures painted brown - buff; rough timber but finished iri a crude stye. All rock structures are designed along the formal style, blending, of course, with the flagstone to be used in the walks. 2. Uiuch planting must be done, yet while the problem as a whole tends toUra.rd formality, plants as much as possible should be chosen that do not have those exact formal characteristics (such as Italian Cypress). Native material can be used to a good a?vantage in many cases. A good lawn and well kept flower beds are advocated. 3. Drainage, grading (cut and fill) and proper sloping, while listed under the miscellaneous group, should in -themselves be a separate discussion as this problem will dame: meet with the proposed requirements. the play area below the present dam, west end of existing lake constitute The scout.. lodge will require ~ ~~''. ~e*i boys and girls are both present ad much attention and good work to 'Phe sunken basin area (wading pool), and the proposed. fill on the north- the mayor portion of this work. supervision at times, especially for t'tleir res;~ective activities. It is intended that the museum display unit be made up of studies and work done by the scouts, suc}i as leas" mounts, wild flowers, and bird studies s.long with some handicraft work. The lodge will function not only for scout activities, but as a community house for some occasions. Perhaps more detailed planning and the services of a custodian would permit use of toilets for all park users. IX. Conclusion Much construction has been a dvocated for present usage, but possibly much should be left for future development. Aside from proposed immediate development, little will be left for future planning. In this report, however, included in said future development will be a by~nnasium to be erected north of scout lodge, midway between lodge and road. Later the proposed picnic area may have to be removed, depending on its value and usage. On the plan the only lighting facilities will be restricted to the lodge. Later it may be necessary to install lights at other units, but for the present the lode installation will suffice. The beautified front, existing on the west side of the present park between Dexter Drive and the lake is rather nleasir_g and the plan specifies a continuation of the set-up, not only on this side of the park, but also a continuation and a duplication on the other side. Proper clean-up work and a good grading job plus some planting will be a good start in the park. This will interest the people and open their eyes so that cooperation, willingness and interest will be an asset toward future park development. 16