Title
Resolution - A Resolution to Award a Design Services Contract to Graham Associates, Inc. for Design and Construction Documents for Pond Branch Linear Park in Historic Downtown Mansfield for an Amount Not to Exceed $194,590
Requested Action
Consider Approving a Resolution for a Design Services Contract with Graham Associates, Inc. in the amount of $194,590 for Pond Branch Linear Park in Historic Downtown Mansfield.
Recommendation
Approve a Resolution for a Design Services Contract with Graham Associates, Inc. in the amount of $194,590 for Pond Branch Linear Park in Historic Downtown Mansfield.
Description/History
The 2009 Parks, Recreation, Trails and Open Spaces Master plan included a spine trail phasing and prioritization plan with the Pond Branch creek corridor shown on the map however, it is not delineated as an improved linear trail. The on-street connection with Town Park is shown as segment 12 in the spine trail phasing and prioritization plan and has been submitted as a Transportation Alternatives Program funding request. Staff was directed by the downtown TIRZ sub-committee to explore a feasibility analysis and provide opinion of costs to develop a connection from Rose Park to the east side of the Historic Downtown area along the Pond Branch corridor. This connection would utilize an existing drainage culvert under the Union Pacific Railroad as pedestrian access only. The trail will then follow the west upper bank of the creek and terminate at Dallas Street. The initial thoughts are as development occurs along the creek the trail would provide additional benefits and connections to other venues in the downtown area with improved pedestrian access. Graham and Associates was retained in July 2014 to formulate a feasibility analysis and opinions of cost. The feasibility report has been funded through the drainage program and the report is complete. The TIRZ sub-committee directed staff to retain a proposal from Graham Associates, Inc. for design services for Pond Branch linear trail and to ask the MPFDC to fund the design services. Staff presented the design proposal to the MPFDC at their October 16th meeting, and the MPFDC voted unanimously to approve the funding for design services.
Justification
The Historic Downtown TIRZ committee directed staff to procure a feasibility analysis and opinion of cost for a Linear Park along the Pond Branch Creek Corridor to aid in the potential economic development of the Historic Downtown while providing additional Park and Recreation opportunities as outlined in the Parks Recreation Open spaces and Trails Master Plan.
Funding Source
MPFDC ½ cent sale tax
Prepared By
James Fish, rla, cpsi, Sr. Park Planner, Community Services
817-804-5794