City
of Azle
Parks & Recreation Master Plan Update
ACKNOWLEDGMENTS
The City of Azle Parks & Recreation Master Plan Update would not have been possible without the following individuals. Thank you for your guidance and insight throughout the process!
City Council
Alan Brundrett - Mayor
Randa Goode - Mayor Pro Tem
Derrick Nelson - Place 1
Amy Estes - Place, 2
Stacy Peek - Place, 3
Rouel Rothenberger Jr - Place 5
Brian Conner - Place 6
City Staff
Tom Muir - City Manager
Lawrence Bryant - Assistant City Manager
David Hawkins - Director of Planning & Development
Rick White - Director of Public Services
Kyle Culwell - Parks Superintendent
Kristen Pegues - Community & Marketing Specialist
Malinda Nowell - Sr. Administrative Assistant
Parks & Recreation Board
Steven Joy - Place 1
John Ward - Place 2
Roy Carnes - Place 3
Susan Stuart - Place 4
Phillip Stumph - Place 5
Debbie Summarell - Place 6
Chase Barnett - Place 7
Derrick Nelson - Council Liason
Brad Johnson
Brennan Kane, AIA
Raul Orozco, AICP
Maddie Skidmore Halff
Jason Claunch, President Catalyst Commercial
INTRODUCTION
PRINCIPLES OF PARKS & RECREATION
The City of Azle launched this planning initiative to address new priorities necessary for enhancing the city’s park system and meeting the demands of its residents. This updated plan will serve as a roadmap for future improvements, the creation of new parks, recreational facilities, and programs. It revisits the objectives and priorities set by the 2019 Parks and Recreation Master Plan, offering a significant update for both immediate and long-term opportunities in the realm of parks, recreation, and leisure. This chapter outlines citywide principles guiding park planning and provides the community context for the planning area.
WHY PLAN FOR PARKS?
The trust that the local community places in its government is closely tied to the City’s capacity to responsibly manage community assets and financial resources. A plan serves as an invaluable tool to identify enhancements, expansions, and resource allocation. Among these resources, parks are integral city facilities, forming a crucial component of the city’s civic infrastructure, which significantly influences the overall quality of life for both present and future residents. Understanding the role that parks and open spaces play in nurturing a vibrant and attractive community is of paramount importance.
Parks and other civic areas are primary public venues for physical activity, recreation, social interaction, and leisure pursuits, profoundly influencing how individuals perceive the overall quality of their community. The 2024 Azle Parks Master Plan Update has been developed with a deep awareness of this connection and is guided by the following overarching principles: create a sense of community, contribute to the economy, provide a safe haven for youth, to encourage active and healthy lifestyles, promote conservation, and increase tourism.
Create a Sense of Community
Parks serve as gathering spots where people come together for socialization, group activities, and the chance to forge new connections. For example, parents might strike up conversations as their children enjoy the playground at Ash Creek Park, while neighbors may meet to relax at Shady Grove Park. These types of social interactions are instrumental in fostering a secure, closely-knit, and amicable community.
Parks also offer opportunities for community engagement, encouraging participation in group activities and events. Hosting special events and festivals within local parks provides an excellent avenue to acquaint oneself with neighbors and local businesses.
Contribute to the Economy
Parks play a pivotal role in enhancing local economies, primarily through the “proximate principle”. This principle underscores that individuals are willing to invest more in a home situated near a park or green space, resulting in elevated residential property values. These heightened property values, in turn, contribute to increased revenue from property taxes.
The Proximate Principle doesn’t solely pertain to residential property. It extends to private businesses, fostering a positive impact by elevating the demand for their services. Establishments like hotels and restaurants that offer scenic views of parks, lakes, or gardens tend to garner higher customer satisfaction compared to those without such scenic vistas. This often leads to positive customer experiences and reviews, thereby generating more business and tax revenue for the community.
Provide a Safe Haven for Youth
Parks and recreational programs, especially those designed for teenagers and young individuals, hold the potential to create a beneficial social influence. By offering a supervised and secure setting, these programs facilitate both structured activities like organized sports and unstructured pursuits like skateboarding. These opportunities foster increased peer interaction and contribute to the cultivation of essential life skills, including teamwork, leadership, and decision-making.
Encourage Active & Healthy Lifestyles
In the modern lifestyle, many individuals find themselves predominantly sedentary, with limited physical activity woven into their daily routines. Staying physically active now demands a conscious commitment to exercise, as opposed to relying on routine activities for fitness maintenance. Simplifying this transition necessitates a supportive and motivational environment that encourages an active lifestyle. Physical fitness is essential for our overall health, while mental well-being thrives on social connections and time spent in natural surroundings. Parks and open spaces stand as ideal settings that facilitate both physical activity and relaxation. There are two key types of recreation that promote activity and health:
• Active recreation encompasses structured sports and activities requiring designated spaces for organized play. The ballfields at Shady Grove Park are an example of an active recreation feature.
• Passive recreation offers opportunities to engage with the natural world, leaving a minimal impact on the environment. Activities include hiking, biking, kayaking, and wildlife observation. The loop trail along the creek at Central Park is an example of a passive recreation feature.
Promote Conservation
Parks, open areas, and conservation lands serve as poignant reminders of our roles and obligations as caretakers of the environment. Employing effective techniques and strategies for managing stormwater runoff leads to reduced flooding, the prioritization of clean water, and the responsible utilization of resources. The incorporation of native plantings and water reclamation practices holds the potential to establish symbiotic relationships, yielding lower maintenance costs while supporting habitat conservation and creating opportunities for passive recreation. This includes wildlife observation along walking or biking trails.
Furthermore, designating parkland and open spaces harmonizes with a city’s comprehensive development. Recognizing where future parkland and open spaces should be located can encourage new developments that align with broader city objectives and priorities, such as safeguarding ecologically sensitive areas or providing buffers against undesirable land uses.
Increase Tourism
People are drawn to a community primarily due to its local attractions, which encompass parks boasting appealing amenities and distinctive characteristics. Community-owned public spaces often host a wide array of events, including festivals, concerts, sports competitions, and special gatherings. Occasionally, museums and even libraries may find their homes within or adjacent to these parks, thereby enriching the community’s offerings at a central focal point as is the case with Azle’s Central Park and Library. Azle and its surrounding region have already established themselves as destinations for various activities such as music festivals and athletic tournaments, in addition to all the great programs being offered at the local library. Leveraging these existing attractions and elevating the overall visitor experience can boost local revenues.
GUIDELINES FOR PARKS MASTER PLANS
The Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD) offers a framework for developing a Parks Master Plan. This framework aims to assist municipalities in structuring their park planning initiatives in a manner that enhances their prospects of gaining points via the “Project Priority Scoring System.” This system plays a role in ranking projects for funding allocation through a matching grant program managed by TPWD. These guidelines are designed to reinforce TPWD’s commitment to distributing funds fairly among communities throughout Texas. Furthermore, these guidelines advocate for a process that generates locally supported projects and aligns with the specific desires and needs of the community.
A TPWD-aligned plan encompasses several organizational components, including plan goals and objectives, parkland and facility standards, an inventory of existing parks and park facilities, a needs assessment, an implementation strategy, and a prioritized list of requirements. These plan components receive reinforcement from public input and outreach efforts, as well as the inclusion of maps, graphics, and photos that provide additional context and support for the issues addressed within the plan.
PLAN COMPONENTS
Introduction
This introductory chapter defines the purpose of the master plan and establishes overarching parks and recreation principles.
Azle Parks Today
This chapter examines the conditions of Azle’s existing parks system through an inventory and level of service (LOS) assessment. The LOS Assessment provides an evaluation of current park facilities and services to determine their adequacy in meeting the community’s recreational needs.
Physical Conditions Assessment
This chapter provides an examination of the existing conditions of park infrastructure, facilities, and amenities to identify maintenance, repair, and enhancement needs.
Azle Parks Tomorrow
This chapter identifies recommendations for new park facilities, improvements to existing parks, trail development, and operational elements.
Appendices
The appendices contain a number of supporting documents that contain project summary information and additional resources.
AZLE PARKS TODAY
INTRODUCTION TO AZLE’S PARK SYSTEM
This chapter provides a foundational assessment of the current park system, serving as the basis for future park recommendations. The chapter addresses park classifications, existing park properties, and Level of Service tables, providing insight into the function and role of each park. Additionally, it includes an inventory of current park facilities and the identified level of service concerning acreage and amenities. The City of Azle’s Parks and Recreation Department oversees five city-owned parks, managing their maintenance, upkeep, and planned amenities, as well as coordinating community events, recreational programs, and contributing to the city’s development review process.
PARK CLASSIFICATIONS
Organizing parkland into a classification system is important for management and evaluation of the park offerings and services. The Parks Master Plan follows national, state, and industry standards for evaluating and classifying parkland. Parks are grouped into general classifications based on the types of uses, size, and service area.
In Azle, these include:
• Neighborhood Parks
• Community Parks
Neighborhood Parks
Neighborhood parks are compact green spaces strategically placed within walking or biking distance from adjacent neighborhoods and subdivisions. They commonly feature a mix of passive and active amenities, such as trails, playgrounds, pavilions, and benches.
Azle features a pair of neighborhood parks, collectively spanning 3.4 acres, constituting approximately 3.2 percent of the city’s overall parkland. These parks are equipped with playgrounds and open areas, providing versatile spaces for diverse recreational activities. A full inventory of neighborhood park amenities in Azle is located in the Existing Parks System Inventory on page 18.
Azle’s Neighborhood Parks:
• Dusk Park
• Melanie Park Community Parks
Community parks, typically larger in size, provide diverse active and passive recreation opportunities. These parks may feature amenities such as swimming pools, well-lit ball fields for organized sports, playgrounds, and trails. While offering multiple facilities, community parks also prioritize open spaces for unstructured recreation, natural areas, and landscaped sections.
There are currently three community parks in Azle totaling about 102 acres which comprises 96.8 percent of Azle’s total parkland. These parks are located throughout the community. A full inventory of community park amenities is located in Existing Park System Inventory, on page 18.
Azle’s Community Parks:
• Central Park
• Shady Grove Park
• Ash Creek Park
Neighborhood Parks Highlights
Azle’s neighborhood parks include multiple amenities that attract residents from surrounding neighborhoods.
Highlights include:
• Playgrounds
• Picnic tables
• Shaded tables
Community Parks Highlights
Azle’s community parks include multiple amenities that attract residents from across the city.
Highlights include:
• Kayak launch
• Splash pad
• Playgrounds
• Sport courts/fields
• Disc golf holes
• Skate park
• Benches
• Picnic tables
• Pavilion
• Amphitheater
• Grills
• Bleachers
• Public restroom
• Trash cans
• Dog waste stations
Cross Timbers Golf Course
Located in the southwestern portion of Azle, Cross Timbers Golf Course is a par-72, 18-hole course that attracts golfers from all over due to its engaging challenges and excellent conditions. The golf course consistently sustains sound financial standing, ensuring its ongoing success and operation.
While not technically a public park, the Cross Timbers Golf Course contributes a significant amount of recreational acreage to the community. A city department separate from the Parks and Recreation Department maintains the grounds of the course, creating a need for communication and opening up potential opportunities for community use. The Cross Timbers Golf Course is not considered any further in this plan.
Shady Grove Park Melanie
LEVEL OF SERVICE (LOS) ASSESSMENT
This Parks Master Plan includes a Level of Service (LOS) analysis of existing park size, park distribution, and park facilities. These service levels should be viewed as guidance so the city can make decisions on future amenities within parks, or future real estate decisions on parks. The assessments in this section utilize standards established by the National Recreation and Park Association (NRPA) and criteria developed for this project to compare existing parkland and recreation facilities to the projected need based upon the current and future projected population. Three types of LOS-based analyses are described below.
• LOS - Acreage: The LOS analysis for parkland acreage establishes a correlation between the available park acreage and the population. This examination evaluates whether the existing acreage adequately provides for the needs of Azle’s current and anticipated population.
• LOS - Access to Parkland: The LOS analysis for access to parkland examines the placement and distribution of parkland across Azle. This evaluation gauges the ease of residents’ access to parkland and identifies areas where additional parkland may be needed to ensure all residents enjoy sufficient park access.
• LOS – Park Facilities: The facility LOS analysis establishes the quantity of facilities recommended to fulfill specific recreation needs. Facility standards are typically articulated as a ratio, specifying the number of units of a particular facility per population size. For instance, a facility standard for a baseball field might be one field for every 5,000 residents of the city.
To help determine an appropriate LOS, a target level is provided using a range of acreage to determine adequacy. Table 2.1 on the following page provides the current LOS for park acreage and Table 2.2 provides the LOS for park acreage based on 2030 population projections.
The 2023 NRPA Agency Performance Review Report suggests a city with a population size of 14,298 should have at least 10.8 acres of parkland for every 1,000 residents. Currently, Azle sits at 7.37 acres (combined parks acreage LOS) for every 1,000 residents.
Azle is currently meeting the recommended acreage for Community Parks but is at a deficit for Neighborhood Parks.
TABLE 2.1 | PARKLAND LEVEL OF SERVICE (LOS) IN AZLE (2023)
TABLE 2.2 | PARKLAND LEVEL OF SERVICE (LOS) IN AZLE (2030)
Park Service Areas
The NRPA establishes a general service area for different park classifications. The typical service area for the different park types in Azle is mapped on page 16. Note there are several gaps shown on the map, which indicate residential areas that are not within the service areas of parks as defined by NRPA. Key gaps are located in the east and southeastern parts of the city along Eagle Mountain Lake, as well as the northernmost portion of the city, north of Walnut Creek. Using the NRPA’s measure, residents in these gap areas may be considered underserved in terms of park access.
Pedestrian Access to Parks
Many communities have moved towards assessing park service by examining how easy residents can access parks by foot. The Trust for Public Land (TPL) has established a nationwide campaign known as the 10-Minute Walk to a Park Initiative, which encourages communities to identify gaps in park access that exist today and locations where future park development would significantly increase park accessibility. This is based on studies and surveys that show an adult is typically willing to walk five (about a ¼ mile) to ten minutes (about a ½ mile) to get to a destination.
As shown in the map on page 17, a significant portion of Azle’s residential areas are in gap areas that are not within a 10-minute walk of a park. Pedestrian access gaps are observed in the east and southeastern regions along Eagle Mountain Lake. Another notable gap exists in the northern part of the city, specifically north of the Walnut Creek areas. Using the TPL’s measure of park access, residents in these gap areas may be considered underserved in terms of park access.
AZLE PARKS SERVICE AREA
AZLE PARKS PEDESTRIAN ACCESS
PARK FACILITIES
A comprehensive park amenity inventory plays a pivotal role in meeting the demands of the public by providing an organized and detailed assessment of the existing facilities and features within a park. The inventory in the table below serves as a valuable tool for city officials, park administrators, and community stakeholders to understand the current amenities available and identify potential gaps or areas for improvement.
TABLE 2.3 | AZLE PARKS INVENTORY
By cataloging amenities such as playgrounds, sports facilities, seating areas, and green spaces, authorities gain insights into the community’s preferences and needs. This information becomes instrumental in making informed decisions about future park development projects, ensuring that resources are allocated efficiently to address the specific demands of the public.
TABLE 2.3 | AZLE PARKS INVENTORY (CONT.)
DEMAND BASED ASSESSMENT
The community’s opinion is vital to assessing the value of a parks system. Throughout the process of creating Azle’s Parks and Recreation Master Plan, a series of engagement opportunities were offered to the public to gain feedback on the community’s current perception of Azle’s parks, as well as their hopes for the future. Engagement methods included an online survey, interactive exercises at public workshops, and focus groups with stakeholders. The next few pages highlight key results from the engagement process.
Parks & Recreation Online Survey
A community-wide online survey for Azle’s Parks and Recreation system was conducted in an effort to obtain community input on existing issues and future priorities in the park system. Over the 4-week span that this survey was open to the public, 417 people participated in the survey.
Overall Satisfaction
Of survey participants are satisfied or very satisfied with the overall value they receive from Azle Parks and Recreation facilities.
“I think our community is great. The outdoor spaces are great. We really need more public indoor space, like a YMCA where families can go to escape the heat and enjoy themselves regardless of the weather.”
Park Board & Focus Group Input
Two listening sessions were held to gain insight from both the Parks Board and community stakeholders on what Azle is doing well with the existing parks and where there are opportunities for improvement. Through guided discussions, participants shared their feedback related to Azle’s park system, which is summarized below.
Strengths
• Open space
• Central Park
• Community culture & events
• Recent park improvements
• Flexible use facilities
• Accessible and shaded playgrounds
Opportunities
• Recreation center with a pool
• Designated pickleball courts
• Potential partnerships with YMCA
• Trail and sidewalk connections
• Vacant city buildings
• Water sports
• Public art
Room for Improvement
• Floodplain management
• Underutilization of certain parks and amenities
• Connectivity between parks
• Lakeside access and amenities
• Enhance existing parks with more amenities
Public Workshops
Feedback related to Azle’s parks has also been gathered as a result of the city’s Comprehensive Plan update.
TABLE 2.4 | PUBLIC WORKSHOP FEEDBACK
PHYSICAL CONDITIONS ASSESSMENT
The following chapter assesses the existing conditions of the features present at each park in Azle’s park system. The provision of accessible park spaces and amenities requires that assets are maintained and remain enticing to residents and visitors. This Plan measures and ranks the condition of parkland and recreation facilities according to the 15 park system review categories described below. This information helps determine what improvements are warranted at each park and to establish investment priorities.
CATEGORY
Shoreline
PRINCIPAL REVIEW ITEMS
Quality and upkeep of natural or man-made features, erosion control, vegetation and access.
Park Accessibility Bicycle, pedestrian, and ADA access to, from, and within the park space.
Sport Courts
Athletic Fields
Trails
Playing surface, fencing, netting, striping, walls, and other non-removable facilities essential to support the activity and define the area of play.
Playing surface, fencing, netting, and other non-removable facilities essential to support the activity and define the field of play (striping not considered due to differing conditions depending on season).
Surface condition, pathway/trail widths, vertical and horizontal clearance, crossing points, and ADA accessibility. Considers variations in pathway/trail type depending on the type of fitness, recreational, or transportation activities the trail is designed to support.
Gathering Spaces Areas defined for public gathering including seating and shade structures.
Structured Play
Open Play Areas
Playscapes, surrounding surface areas, accessory structures to improve the comfort of users and attendants.
Surface condition, landscaping, and access to shade for open lawn areas intended for random play.
Parking Off-street parking areas and proximate on-street parking areas.
General Site Facilities
Additional Site Amenities
Planting & Trees
Turf
General recreational and accessory structures (enclosed and open air) including pavilions, restrooms, concession stands, bleachers, and special use facilities to support miscellaneous activities (i.e., Shooting sports, skating, archery, etc.).
Accessory amenities serving general visitation including trash receptacles, pet waste stations, water fountains, benches, etc.
Health, maintained condition, and coverage of trees and other landscaping including overgrowth. Strategic placement of vegetation to define park spaces.
Manicured lawn areas. Cumulative - may include surfacing for previously listed categories including athletic fields and open play areas.
Signage Identification, informational, and way finding signage.
Site Lighting Lighting standards, fixtures, and coverage area.
PARK CONDITIONS SCALE
All Azle park properties were assessed across 16 categories, with scores ranging from one to five, where “1” signifies a negative score and “5” signifies a positive one. The average score for each park is computed based on the cumulative results of applicable categories. If a feature is not applicable, it receives a score of “0,” and the category is excluded from the park’s average score. Ratings from 1.0 to 1.99 are deemed “poor,” 2.0 to 3.99 as “average,” and a score of 4.0 or higher is considered “good.” The system-wide results for each of the 15 assessment categories are detailed below and on the following pages. An overview of high-scoring and low-scoring park properties is provided on page 32.
PARK CONDITIONS BY
CATEGORY
Shoreline (Score: 3.0)
The overall conditions assessment for shorelines is 3.00. Shady Grove Park stands as the sole access point to the shoreline within the parks system. The shoreline is characterized by its natural, vegetated features and lacks engineered structures.
Park Accessibility (Score: 3.6)
The overall conditions assessment for park accessibility is 3.6. This slightly above-average score is attributed to the accessibility offered by sidewalks and paths. While walking access might be limited in certain parks due to their distance from neighborhoods, vehicular access is generally satisfactory.
Sports Courts (Score: 3.3)
The system-wide conditions assessment for sport courts is 3.3. There are only three parks that have sports courts. Two of the parks with sport courts are in good condition with no major issues. Both sport courts at Ash Creek Park are in average condition, displaying signs of wear and need for improvements.
Sport Fields (Score: 3.3)
The average condition of athletic fields is 3.3. There are four parks within the system that include baseball, softball, and soccer fields. Scores varied within individual parks, with Central Park & Shady Grove Park featuring those in better conditions.
Trails (Score: 2.3)
The system-wide conditions assessment for park pathways and trails is 2.3. Many of the trails within several of the parks need resurfacing. The quality of pavement in parks with pathways and sidewalks is above average with minimal areas of cracking or heaving. Some trails are of sufficient width, although instances of encroaching vegetation is evident in some areas.
Gathering Spaces (Score: 4.3)
The system-wide conditions assessment for public gathering places is 4.3. The quality of facilities in most formal gathering spaces and casual sitting areas is good or excellent throughout the entire parks system. The park system boasts a sufficient number of pavilions and seating that can accommodate a sizable crowd or significant gathering.
Structured Play (Score: 4.4)
The condition of structured play is 4.4 throughout the Azle parks system. Most play structures are of a high quality and provide diversity in play experiences. Shady Grove Park offers ADA Accessible play structures. All structured play areas present in Azle’s parks exhibit good or excellent condition.
Open Play Areas (Score: 3.3)
The system-wide evaluation of open play areas yields an average score of 3.3. Among the three parks with open play areas, Central Park’s open play areas are in excellent condition. However, the scores from other parks contribute to an overall average condition rating due to drainage issues.
Parking (Score: 3.6)
The system-wide conditions assessment of vehicular parking is 3.6. This score reflects the quality of parking lots, pedestrian access, parking availability in relation to park type, and public transit opportunities. While some parking lots are in excellent condition, others require resurfacing and striping improvements.
General Site Facilities (Score: 3.5)
The condition of general site features varies slightly, with most in good condition. Active recreational facilities such as playscapes and sport court amenities are maintained in good condition.
Additional Site Facilities (Score: 4.0)
The system-wide conditions assessment for additional site amenities is 4.0. While certain amenities like water fountains and benches show slight signs of wear, there’s a recognition that a more permanent solution, especially in terms of seating provision, may be necessary. Most additional site amenities are in excellent condition, with a few falling within the average scoring range.
Planting & Trees (Score: 4.6)
The condition of plantings and trees system-wide is 4.6. Overall, trees and shrubs are maintained in good condition, with minimal trees needing obvious pruning or removal. Trees provide a significant amount of shade in Azle parks and are generally situated in locations that maximize benefits to park users.
Turf (Score: 3.8)
The system-wide assessment of park turf is 3.8. Occasional instances of noticeable bare spots were observed, but they are infrequent. In areas where these bare spots are not present, the turf quality is above average, displaying minimal weed presence and expansive coverage.
Signage (Score: 3.6)
The system-wide assessment of park signage is 3.6. Although some parks have limited signage, where present, current signage is in good condition. Signs exhibit limited or no deterioration, cracking or structural issues.
Site Lighting (Score: 2.6)
The mean condition score for site lighting is 2.6. Both Melanie and Dusk Park lack sufficient lighting onsite, contributing to the lower than average score. Higher lighting scores in some parks result from recent installations around sports courts and fields.
CONDITIONS ASSESSMENT BY PARK
The following table provides a summary of the parks assessment scores earned for each park and amenity in Azle’s park system. Average scores for each park are weighted based on the amount of ranked categories that are present in the respective park. Park acreage is not a factor in determining the scores for the amenities or the final park average.
The scores listed below are not meant to signify whether a park is better or more popular, but are meant to quantify the existing conditions of assets already present at each park. This provides basis for the Parks Department to rely on when prioritizing improvements.
TABLE 3.1 | AZLE PARKS CONDITIONS ASSESSMENT
High Scoring Parks
Parks achieving high conditions scores exhibit one or both of the following characteristics:
• They are relatively new with recent investments; and/or,
• The assets at these parks are experiencing limited deterioration.
Structured play areas, gathering spaces, and recent upgrades are recurrent features that contributed to high conditions assessment scores in Azle parks. Additionally, these parks also recieved high scores in park accessibility and landscaping.
The park with the highest score on the conditions assessment was Central Park. Despite it’s high use and potential for wear and tear, a number of recent improvements including surfacing, lighting and shade structure upgrades contribute to it’s high score.
Low Scoring Parks
Some parks received lower ratings in the conditions assessment for two primary reasons:
• Facility features are outdated or need repair; and/or,
• Availability of existing features onsite is not enough to meet existing demand of park users.
Deficiencies in trails, vehicle parking, sports fields, and site lighting contribute to overall lower scores in Azle’s neighborhood parks. Despite lower overall scores, Azle’s lowscoring parks maintain average or above-average conditions in structured play areas and public gathering spaces.
The park with the lowest conditions assessment score was Ash Creek Park. While the park recieved high scores for structured play and gathering spaces, the park would benefit from improvements made to existing sport courts and faces significant flooding issues that limit use.
AZLE PARKS CONDITION ASSESSMENT
2.0-2.9
3.0-3.9
4.0-5.0
Eagle Mountain Lake
Shady Grove Park
Melanie Park
Dusk Park
Central Park Ash Creek Park
AZLE PARKS TOMORROW
This chapter sets out actions that will help the Parks Department work toward and achieve the five goals established by this plan. Azle’s Parks and Recreation Master Plan has a total of 64 general recommendations and 31 park specific recommendations that are outlined in the following pages. The five overarching goals that categorize these recommendations are defined below.
GOALS
Support Community Needs and Values
Azle strives to provide parks and recreation opportunities that meet the unique needs of the community and improves quality of life for all.
Nurture Azle’s Relationship with the Natural Environment
Azle’s parks department will enhance the relationship between the community and the natural environment and utilize green solutions to promote environmental stewardship and sustainability.
Promote Mobility and Access to Parks
Azle is committed to providing parks and recreation opportunities that are accessible to all ages and abilities and encourage safe connections throughout the community.
Conduct Effective Maintenance and Operations
Azle supports a high-quality parks and recreation department with sufficient funding and staffing required to maintain and operate park facilities and grounds to meet a high level of standard.
Enhance Existing Infrastructure
Azle prioritizes the continuous improvement of existing parks and amenities, taking advantage of strengths and incorporating flexibility, so that parks are utilized to their fullest potential.
GOAL ONE: SUPPORT COMMUNITY NEEDS AND VALUES
Azle strives to provide parks and recreation opportunities that meet the unique needs of the community and improves quality of life for all.
The success of Azle’s park system would not be possible without the community’s interest and involvement. The overarching objective of the first goal in Azle’s Parks and Recreation Master Plan is to enhance the quality of life for residents by providing a rich array of recreational and programmatic opportunities, that align with the diverse needs and preferences of the residents.
Parks play a vital role in contributing to the overall wellbeing of residents by providing spaces for physical activity, relaxation, and social interaction. Access to green spaces enhances mental and physical health, while community events and programs organized in parks contribute to a sense of belonging and community engagement.
Recognizing the significance of community input, Azle’s parks department actively seeks to understand the priorities and desires of the community. This commitment not only makes residents feel heard and valued but also promotes pride for the City of Azle and its parks. By addressing issues raised by residents and meeting unmet needs, the parks department aims to reinforce community values and accurately reflect the culture of Azle.
BIG IDEAS
The following lists key approaches that can improve event programming.
• COLLABORATION: Partner with local cultural organizations, schools, and community groups to design events that reflect the city’s diversity.
• DIGITAL ENGAGEMENT: Employ social media, online registration, and virtual event options to broaden reach, ensuring a wider audience can participate.
• ARTISTIC AND CULTURAL EXPRESSION: Feature local talent, artists, and cultural performers to foster community pride and creativity.
• THEMATIC PLANNING: Event series with distinct themes that span different seasons, celebrating cultural holidays and local traditions.
• FEEDBACK MECHANISMS: Utilize post-event feedback mechanisms to gather insights for continuous improvement in event planning and execution.
GOAL TWO: NURTURE AZLE’S RELATIONSHIP WITH NATURE
Azle’s Parks and Recreation department will enhance the relationship between the community and the natural environment and utilize green solutions to promote environmental stewardship and sustainability.
The access to nature and wildlife in Azle has been identified throughout the planning process as a key component to the city’s culture and values. Recognizing that a healthy ecosystem is integral to a successful parks system, the second goal in Azle’s Parks plan focuses on establishing a harmonious relationship between the built environment and the natural ecosystem. As a lakeside community, Azle is faced with a unique set of opportunities and challenges. By working collaboratively with the natural environment, the connection between Azle’s community and its ecosystem can be strengthened, yielding mutual benefits so that both the built and natural environments can thrive together for years to come.
A mutual relationship with the ecosystem involves prioritizing native species and incorporating nature-based solutions when solving problems and making improvements. Often times, green solutions produce long term benefits, effectively addressing ecological issues with the potential to simplify maintenance and landscaping efforts in the process.
BIG IDEAS
The following lists naturebased solutions that can address drainage and sustainable maintenance practices.
• Rain Gardens & Bioswales
• Detention/Retention Areas
• Dry Wells
• Porous pavement
Resources to learn more about nature-based solutions and green infrastructure are provided below:
• EPA Green Infrastructure in Parks: A Guide to Collaboration, Funding and Community Engagement | www.epa.gov/sites/ default/files/2017-05/ documents/gi_parks playbook_2017-05-01_508. pdf
• NRPA Green Infrastructure in Parks Resource Guide | www.nrpa.org/siteassets/ gupc- resource-guide.pdf
GOAL THREE: PROMOTE MOBILITY AND ACCESS TO PARKS
Azle is committed to providing parks and recreation opportunities that are accessible to all ages and abilities and encourage safe connections throughout the community.
The third goal in Azle’s Parks plan is dedicated to ensuring equitable and convenient access to parks for all community members through strategic development and enhancement initiatives, fostering an inclusive and connected network of recreational spaces. Azle’s Parks department is committed to providing a parks system that can be enjoyed by all community members by understanding and breaking down potential barriers that might deter or inhibit various user groups. Improving equity and access to parks can look like utilization of LOS data, increasing the proximity of parks to users, adhering to ADA guidelines, and fostering safe connections in parks and between destinations.
An important aspect of this goal is on guaranteeing that pedestrian facilities are safe and suitable for diverse user groups. By working in tandem with Azle’s Master Thoroughfare Plan, the Parks department aims to enhance access to parks by providing a network of trails and bikeways that prioritizes safety, walkability, and enjoyment for users of all ages and abilities. Trails were highlighted by the community as a priority for Azle residents throughout the engagement process. Not only do trails provide physical and social benefits to the community, extending the trail and bikeway network to connect with significant destinations across the City can increase foot traffic and even generate a regional draw.
BIG IDEAS
Accessibility
The City of Azle has a responsibility to provide public accommodations that comply with disability rights laws like the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).
Providing a complete listing of park features that contribute to accessibility and promote inclusive play can serve as both a reference tool for local citizens and a benchmark for the City.
Azle’s Master Thoroughfare Plan
The City of Azle initiated the update of its Comprehensive Master Plan, its Master Thoroughfare Plan, and its Parks and Recreation Master Plan in 2023. The Master Thoroughfare Plan will address all modes of transport in Azle and will act as the primary directive for mobility improvement efforts. The Parks department should use the Master Thoroughfare Plan, in addition to this document, when making decisions related to trails and pedestrian facilities.
GOAL FOUR: CONDUCT
EFFECTIVE MAINTENANCE AND OPERATIONS
Azle supports a high-quality parks and recreation department with sufficient funding and staffing required to maintain and operate park facilities and grounds to meet a high level of standards.
The fourth goal in Azle’s Parks plan is centered on optimizing the administration and maintenance of parks, trails, and recreational facilities to ensure their long-term sustainability and optimal community enjoyment. One key aspect of this goal involves improving maintenance standards to guarantee effective upkeep of parks and recreational facilities and tailoring maintenance practices to the specific needs and nature of each facility. It also includes evaluating staffing requirements and identifying additional funding sources to ensure proper maintenance.
Azle recognizes the importance of forging strategic alliances with local businesses, non-profit organizations, educational institutions, and passionate community members. By doing so, the City aims to tap into a diverse array of expertise, funding sources, and volunteer networks, enhancing the overall effectiveness of administration and maintenance efforts. Through these collaborative efforts, Azle aspires to create a sustainable and well-maintained park system that contributes to the community’s quality of life.
BIG IDEAS
There are a number of entities and organizations that can provide funding to finance parks improvements and alleviate local taxpayer burden. Many of these funding sources require preparation and positioning to obtain, therefore it’s important to have a thorough understanding of them ahead of time. Some of these sources include:
• Texas Parks and Wildlife Department
• Land and Water Conservation Fund
• Urban Park and Recreation Recovery Grants
• National Urban and Community Forestry Advisory Council Grants
• Foundation and Corporate Grants
• Trust for Public Land Action Fund
• KABOOM! (Non-profit, geared towards ending playscape inequity, by providing communities with kid-designed playscapes)
• Perk Your Park Grant (NRPA)
GOAL FIVE: ENHANCE EXISTING INFRASTRUCTURE
Azle prioritizes the continuous improvement of existing parks and amenities, taking advantage of strengths and incorporating flexibility, so that parks are utilized to their fullest potential.
Community engagement throughout this process has identified strong support for prioritizing improvements to existing parks as opposed to prioritizing the pursuit of additional parkland. Due to the limited availability of undeveloped land and recent legislation passed by state law related to annexation, the ability to pursue additional parkland is limited. The final goal of Azle’s parks plan aims to enhance existing park areas and cultivate underdeveloped park acreage, playing to the strengths of the existing park system and striving to utilize existing parkland to its fullest potential.
By leaning into what’s working well and improving areas that may not be as successful, the City aims to solve the problems consistently encountered by park users. Actions associated with this goal aim to address some of the broader issues identified by park users throughout the engagement process. The section that follows the Implementation Matrix identifies specific enhancements recommended to improve each individual park in Azle. The City’s commitment to creating a vibrant and cohesive parks system is reflected in the pursuit of these improvements, ensuring that the community continues to benefit from high-quality recreational spaces.
BIG IDEAS
Flexible spaces in public parks offer a myriad of benefits that contribute to maximizing their potential and adaptability to the changing environment.
These versatile areas provide a dynamic canvas for a variety of activities, accommodating diverse needs and preferences within the community. They offer options for improvement that can build upon existing infrastructure and do not require expansion of existing facilities.
Multi-purposed spaces can be designed to adjust to different weather conditions and geological patterns. This adaptability enhances the park’s functionality, ensuring continued use despite seasonal variations.
Embracing flexibility in park design not only enhances user experience but also promotes resilience in the face of changing environmental dynamics, ultimately creating inclusive and vibrant public spaces for everyone to enjoy throughout the year.
IMPLEMENTATION MATRIX
The implementation structure for this plan is displayed in a matrix form, beginning on the following page, that organizes each recommendation by the plan goal it’s associated with. The matrix also outlines parameters for execution including the type of strategy and associated timeframe.
Strategy Type
The recommendations identified in this plan are comprised of a variety of strategy types. In the Implementation Matrix, the information listed in the “Strategy Type” column will guide the city on how to initiate implementation of each recommendation. The following list defines each strategy type.
• Investment - New or adjusted capital or operational expenditures.
• Operational - Requires a new or modified program and/ or staffing arrangement.
• Partnership - Formal agreement or informal pursuit of shared goals with external entity.
• Policy - Requires a new or modified process or policy.
• Regulation - Requires Council approved modification to the city Code of Ordinances.
• Study - Requires further analysis or investigation to determine most appropriate solution.
Timeframe
The timeframes assigned in the Implementation Matrix refer to the time period in which they should be initiated, not necessarily when they should be completed.
• Short-term - To be initiated within the next 1-2 years
• Long-term - To be initiated within the next 2-5 years
• Ongoing - Continually implement these recommendations into the future
TABLE 4.1 | IMPLEMENTATION MATRIX
RECOMMENDATIONS
GOAL ONE: SUPPORT COMMUNITY NEEDS & VALUES | Azle strives to provide parks and recreation opportunities that meet the unique needs of the community and improves quality of life for all.
Consider the development of a dog park or designated off leash areas in existing parks.
Encourage exercise classes such as running/walking groups or yoga to community members to increase recreational program offerings that don’t require facilities or supervision.
Develop programming or community events that align with the new food truck park.
Consider extending the schedule for Music in the Park beyond the summer months.
Identify community representatives (youth, seniors, accessible needs, mothers, low-income, etc.) to actively participate in parks planning processes.
Short-term
Short-term
Short-term
Short-term
Short-term
Engage with special interest groups to determine their role and potential funding sources for special-use facilities. Partnership Short-term
Discuss the potential for joint-use agreements and explore common goals for the development of additional recreation facilities such as sports complexes and aquatic facilities with Azle ISD .
Adopt a parkland dedication ordinance or amend municipal codes to require common areas and recreational amenities as part of new multifamily development.
Include elements such as public art, outdoor education opportunities, and interpretive signage to reflect Azle’s history throughout the parks and trails system.
Explore the feasibility of a multi-generational recreation center that could include indoor sports and workout facilities, potential aquatic amenities, and a senior component. Investigate potential private partnerships with organizations like YMCA.
Short-term
Short-term
Long-term
Long-term
Add additional athletic programming opportunities for adults and seniors. Operational Long-term
Establish an Adopt-a-Park program as a volunteer opportunity to promote community pride and stewardship of Azle’s park system. Operational Long-term
Identify opportunities for partner organizations to run/operate city-owned facilities. Partnership; Operational Long-term
Ensure that all relevant demographic groups are represented during park planning. Operational On-going
Continue to promote information regarding the parks and recreation system to the public through the city website and social media. Operational On-going
TABLE 4.1 | IMPLEMENTATION MATRIX
RECOMMENDATIONS
Continue to promote and expand family-oriented programming, special events, festivals, and concerts in various locations to enhance community identity, activity, and education.
Continue to promote information regarding the parks and recreation system to the public through the city website and social media.
Strengthen partnership with the Senior Center to offer additional programs or enhance existing programs.
Coordinate with community entities to build upon the momentum of existing historic and cultural initiatives.
Periodically offer citizens surveys, workshops, and participation opportunities during Park Board meetings. Incorporate this data while reviewing the Parks Plan.
Provide pilot programs to test new recreational offerings and understand community interests.
GOAL TWO: NURTURE AZLE’S
Operational On-going
Operational On-going
Partnership; Operational On-going
Partnership On-going
Study On-going
Study On-going
RELATIONSHIP WITH THE NATURAL ENVIRONMENT | Azle’s parks department will enhance the relationship between the community and the natural environment and utilize green solutions to promote environmental stewardship and sustainability.
Formalize practices with respect to planting and natural area restoration, including the development of a planting list of appropriate species to be included in parks projects as well as procedures for invasive species removal and planting methods for restoration.
Develop an annual tree planting program for existing parks (e.g., Annual Community Planting Day, Tree Memorial Program, etc.).
Create volunteer workdays to help clean up tree and branch debris at parks in the fall.
Establish an educational program including signage and outreach that addresses best practices for lakeside living and recreation to share with homeowners and visitors.
Consider the incorporation of green and nature-based solutions to improve drainage throughout the park system, especially at Ash Creek Park and Melanie Park. (i.e. rain gardens/biofiltration, retention areas, porous pavement, rain cisterns, stream complexity)
Operational Short-term
Operational Short-term
Operational Short-term
Investment Long-term
Operational Long-term
Adopt an Urban Forestry Plan or contract an arborist to prioritize the planting of trees and greenery to address shading gaps in public parks and recreational spaces. Study Long-term
Utilize educational signage along walkways to encourage “Leave no trace” practices regarding litter.
Implement a volunteer park beautification and environmental education opportunity to create appealing landscaping or build a nature-walking path.
Investment On-going
Operational On-going
TABLE 4.1 | IMPLEMENTATION MATRIX
RECOMMENDATIONS
GOAL THREE: PROMOTE MOBILITY AND ACCESS TO PARKS | Azle is committed to providing parks and recreation opportunities that are accessible to all ages and abilities and encourage safe connections throughout the community.
Develop standard design guidelines for city parks and update park system signage so that all signs and entryways are consistent and recognizable.
Implement a sidewalk fee program to dedicate in-lieu fees to sidewalk construction and repairs in and around public parks to complete sidewalk gaps and promote pedestrian safety.
Identify areas where there are existing safety concerns or barriers in parks and along trails.
Utilize the LOS map on to prioritize parkland acquisition that increases the percentage of residents that are within a 10-minute walk to a park.
Develop a brand and wayfinding program for the Parks system that leverages the character and history of Azle.
Administer enhanced safety countermeasures at key trail crossings and park entrances.
Initiate a bicycle safety awareness program to educate bicyclists and pedestrians on sharing trails.
Using the system brand, develop a marketing strategy and publication to increase awareness of the offerings in the park, recreation, and trails system.
Develop design and construction standards for trails in parks to provide a safer and more comfortable experience for users.
Develop an Active Transportation and Trails Master Plan that will identify opportunities to develop new trailheads and connect trails to neighboring communities, parks, public spaces, and tourist and commercial destinations.
Evaluate ADA compliance at existing parks; develop an implementation and funding plan to update and ensure all existing park facilities are ADA compliant.
Incorporate inclusive play amenities where feasible to address the needs of users of all ages and abilities. Incorporate inclusive play amenities as a standard in all future parks.
Consider potential events and programming that can be held at smaller parks to increase public awareness of all park locations.
Long-term
Long-term
Long-term
On-going
On-going
TABLE 4.1 | IMPLEMENTATION MATRIX
RECOMMENDATIONS
GOAL FOUR: CONDUCT EFFECTIVE MAINTENANCE AND OPERATIONS | Azle supports a highquality parks and recreation department with sufficient funding and staffing required to maintain and operate park facilities and grounds to meet a high level of standard.
Establish a Park Amenities Foundation and Donation Program to generate funding for parks system maintenance and special events.
Implement software solutions, like Work Order Tracking. These softwares can help streamline preventative maintenance, work scheduling, equipment lifecycle tracking, and other features.
Allocate resources for training of parks staff for efficient and effective maintenance practices such as playground inspections, irrigation licenses, and fertilizer applicator licenses.
Identify and develop a long-range plan to replace all playground equipment that does not meet CPSC (Consumer Product Safety Commission) or ASTM (American Society for Testing and Materials) safety guidelines.
Explore the feasibility of utilizing the vacant site that once was the library and City Hall as Parks & Recreation storage and office space.
Implement a plan that ensures the appropriate amount of trash cans and solar trash compactors are present in all park locations to reduce litter.
Update the Parks and Recreation Master Plan every five (5) years.
Develop an official Parks Standards Program to ensure all parks and trails are all consistently maintained across the system. Create a plan for regular upkeep of park conditions and specialized maintenance efforts.
Develop metrics for evaluating the performance of parks staff and facilities/ programs, including regular assessments, feedback mechanisms, and data-driven metrics.
Evaluate the city’s park-related fee structure to ensure that users are adequately offsetting cost of maintenance.
Investigate additional funding sources listed on page 53 to enhance the city’s offerings and maintenance capabilities.
Routinely review the necessary maintenance of individual parks to maintain appropriate staffing levels and funding. Adopt a target staffing ratio requiring park maintenance staff to be concurrent with the number of parkland acres maintained.
GOAL FIVE: ENHANCE EXISTING INFRASTRUCTURE
Operational Short-term
Operational; Investment Short-term
Operational; Investment Short-term
Operational; Study Short-term
Study; Investment Short-term
Study; Investment Short-term
Operational; Policy Long-term
Operational; Policy Long-term
Operational Long-term
Study; Operational On-going
Study; Operational On-going
Operational On-going
| Azle prioritizes the continuous improvement of existing parks and amenities, taking advantage of strengths and incorporating flexibility, so that parks are utilized to their fullest potential.
Develop a plan to address the individual parks enhancements suggested on the following pages. Investment Short-term
TABLE 4.1 | IMPLEMENTATION MATRIX
RECOMMENDATIONS
Install bicycle racks at all city park facilities.
Improve all sand volleyball courts in the park system with applicable enhancements (i.e. reinforced border, new sand, additional seating, rinse stations).
Where possible, replace older lighting technologies with LED lighting to save on energy costs, including the addition of lighting at Dusk and Melanie Park.
Identify areas in need of additional shade at all existing parks and implement a plan provide additional shade structures at gathering spaces such as picnic tables, sports courts, and bleachers.
Identify potential locations for additional water fountains at all parks.
Address maintenance needs and updates to amenities through an asset replacement plan.
Identify and prioritize funding to proactively improve the general site conditions to good by 2030 for at least 50% of parks.
Identify and evaluate opportunities to construct educational features within existing parkland.
Identify funding and resources to improve the provision of additional site amenities throughout the park system.
Pursue state and regional grant opportunities to fund park development and improvement projects. Align grant proposals with the priorities and objectives of both local and higher-level plans.
Short-term
Operations Short-term
PARK ENHANCEMENTS
This section identifies specific improvements identified as a result of the conditions assessment that can be made at each park in Azle to enhance the park system as a whole. Many of these improvements target existing issues, addressing grounds related concerns, safety hazards, park longevity, general maintenance and upkeep, as well as community needs. The following identified recommendations may be incorporated into a more substantial capital improvement project associated with the park, while other recommendations might make more sense to include in an overall maintenance plan.
Ash Creek Park
Ash Creek Park is the third most frequented park based on recent surveys. The park’s strengths include a highly utilized disc golf course and newly upgraded playground facilities. The site struggles with drainage and flooding issues, especially at the open sports fields, but has potential for additional amenities.
• Improve restroom conditions including upgrades that will meet current ADA compliance.
• Investigate the feasibility of redeveloping the southern portion of the park to include regrading and additional amenities.
• Identify opportunities to improve and utilize the BJ Clark Building for both senior citizens and the Parks and Recreation Department.
• Add LED lighting where appropriate.
• Make upgrades to the disc golf course. (i.e. Leash/bag hooks, teepad brooms, directional markers, mounted shoe brushes, mulched paths, additional seating and trash cans)
• Utilize nature-based solutions listed on page 38 to improve drainage and mitigate flooding.
Central Park
Central Park is easily considered the crown gem of Azle’s park system. It receives the most visitors and provides a wide range of amenities including a skate park, multiple sports courts, picnic facilities, and an extensive walking path. The City has made many recent upgrades to Central Park including the addition of shade structures at the splashpad and solar powered light poles along trails. The site struggles with drainage and issues associated with frequent use, and would also benefit from improved access.
• Develop a plan to create trail connections from Central Park to Ash Creek Park, Main Street and City Hall.
• Make improvements to the Stewart Street entrance at Central Park, including lighting and parking lot improvements.
• Improve parking lot conditions (striping, surface, drainage, ADA access).
• Irrigate the area by the splash pad.
• Identify opportunities to add additional shade structures at the splash pad.
• Explore the feasibility of developing an at minimum six foot paved concrete trail throughout the entire park.
• Consider the addition of designated lanes/striping or signage that would improve safety and the relationship between cyclists and pedestrians on paths.
• Utilize nature-based solutions listed on page 38 to improve drainage and mitigate flooding.
Dusk Park
Dusk Park is Azle’s smallest and least frequented park. The site consists of a bench and a small playground, afforded by a Community Development Block Grant (CDBG). Amenities offered at Dusk Park are in good condition, however, additional amenities are recommended to fully utilize the space and encourage more visitors.
• Conduct a citizen survey to investigate potential ways the community would like to utilize the open space at Dusk Park (i.e. Additional swing set, pickleball courts, community garden, flower meadow, picnic facility).
• Add LED lighting where appropriate.
• Develop a maintenance plan that addresses sticker burrs in open space play areas.
Melanie Park
Melanie Park is the second least frequented park in Azle. The site consists of a playground, picnic pavilion, and practice ballfield. A creek and drainage ditch divide the site, contributing to mobility and safety concerns for users who wish to access the practice field.
• Conduct an assessment of the creek to determine extent of erosion and needed improvements.
• Seek funding opportunities to restore and repair the creek erosion and transform the creek into a park feature.
• Explore feasibility of a small pedestrian bridge over the creek to provide access to the practice field.
• Add LED lighting where appropriate.
• Utilize nature-based solutions listed on page 38 to improve drainage.
Shady Grove Park
Shady Grove Park is Azle’s only public access to Eagle Mountain Lake, with a small beachfront and boat ramp. Additional amenities include ballfields, sports courts, and an all-abilities playground. Changing water levels make lake access difficult. The site also struggles with issues related to frequent use but has seen recent upgrades by the City.
• Explore opportunities for pop-up concessions that would allow partnership with schools and leagues for fundraising and volunteer opportunities.
• Replace all lights at Shady Grove Park with LEDs.
• Identify opportunities for another large pavilion or gathering space at Shady Grove Park.
• Put solar trash compactors at Shady Grove Park.
• Work with the Tarrant Regional Water District (TRWD) to make improvements to Shady Grove Park and potentially expand into civic space north of the site.
• Replace and upgrade all ballfields.
• Extend the existing sidewalk at the shoreline to create a loop trail around the ballfields.
• Explore the feasibility of extending or replacing the existing pier with a structure that will adjust to varying water levels.
• Develop a maintenance plan that addresses sticker burrs in open space play areas.
FUNDING
To implement the actions recommended in this Plan, the City of Azle should look to diverse and creative funding sources. Minor enhancements to current parks can frequently be completed using local funds, but larger projects, improvements, and parkland acquisition may require other funding sources. Though the potential sources listed below are not exhaustive, this section describes a variety of common funding sources that could be applied in Azle.
Local and City-Generated Sources
• GENERAL FUND EXPENDITURES: A General Fund is the primary fund used by a city to pay for day-to-day functions. General Fund Expenditures are primarily used for improvements or repairs to existing parks and facilities. Typical general fund expenditures are for smaller repairs and replacement efforts.
• CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT FEES: These fees are on top of the set user rate for accessing facilities such as golf courses, recreation centers and pool facilities and help support capital maintenance for a given facility.
• EDC OR MDD: Economic development corporations (EDCs) or municipal development districts (MDDs), whose mission is to promote economic development within a specific geographical area, have the ability to enter into agreements (per Texas Local Government Code Chapter 380) with entities to finance new and expanded business enterprises through sales tax revenue. The types of projects allowable include parks, museums, and sports facilities.
• PARKLAND DEDICATION ORDINANCE: Parkland Dedication Ordinances are a type of ordinance a city can enact to impose a fee on developers when a new development is built to pay for developing or improving parks. Depending on the structure of the ordinance, the city can require land to be dedicated for parks, cash in lieu of land for park development, or park development fees.
• SALES TAX DEDICATION: The Texas Comptroller allows a maximum local sales tax rate of 2.0% on top of the state tax rate of 6.25%. Cities and counties can allocate sales tax to various city and county improvement districts, some of which could fund parks projects in the future.
• UTILITY BILL CONTRIBUTIONS: In many cities, residents are allowed to electively add a small amount to their utility collection bills to fund park improvements. As an example, the City of Colleyville has a Voluntary Park Fund, which allows citizens to donate $2.00 per month through their water utility bills. This results in approximately $150,000 of revenue per year, which is used to fund park improvements throughout their community.
• TREE MITIGATION FUNDS: These funds are fees that are imposed on developers when they remove trees in excess of what is allowed by development or tree preservation ordinances. The acquired funds are typically used for tree plantings in city-owned open space and park properties.
Tax Support
• GENERAL OBLIGATION BONDS: General Obligation bonds are issued with the approval of the electorate for capital improvements and general public improvements. In this type of funding a city issues a bond, receives an immediate cash payment to finance projects, and must repay the bond with interest over a set period of time ranging from a few years to several decades. General Obligation bonds are the most common form of municipal bond and the primary bond type for park and open space projects.
• REVENUE BONDS: These bonds are used for capital projects that will generate a revenue stream that aids debt service by helping to repay the bond.
• TAX INCREMENT FINANCING (TIF) / PUBLIC IMPROVEMENT DISTRICT (PID): In a TIF the incremental increase in property taxes above a certain threshold are dedicated to improvements within the TIF district. These improvements can include parks features such as plazas, pocket parks, linear parks, and other amenities.
User Fees
• RESERVATIONS: This revenue source comes from the right to reserve specific public property for a set amount of time. Reservation rates are set in advance and usually apply to park assets such as group picnic shelters, and recreation center meeting rooms. The general public is able to reserve these facilities for weddings, reunions, gatherings, and other similar events.
• TICKET SALES/ADMISSIONS: This revenue source is generated by providing access to facilities for selfdirected activities such as pools, ice skating rinks, ballparks, and entertainment facilities. These user fees help offset operational costs.
• USER FEES/CHARGES: This method of financing requires the eventual users to pay a fee for the use of a specific park or facility. User fees can be established to pay for debt service, maintenance, and or operation of the park system.
• RECREATION SERVICES FEES: This is a dedicated user fee, which can be established by a local ordinance or other government procedures for the purpose of constructing and maintaining recreation facilities. The fee can apply to all organized activities, which require a reservation of some type, or other purposes, as defined by the local government. Examples of such activities include adult basketball, volleyball, tennis, and softball leagues, youth baseball, soccer, football and softball leagues, and special interest classes. The fee allows participants an opportunity to contribute toward the upkeep of the facilities being used.
• PERMITS (SPECIAL USE PERMITS): Special permits allow individuals to use specific park property for financial gain. The city either receives a set amount of money or a percentage of the gross service that is being provided.
Franchises and License Agreements
• CONCESSION MANAGEMENT: Concession management generates revenue from retail sales or rentals of soft goods, hard goods, or consumable items. The city either contracts for the service or receives a set amount of the gross percentage or the full revenue dollars that incorporates a profit after expenses.
• ADVERTISING SALES: This revenue source is for the sale of tasteful and appropriate advertising on park and recreation related items such as in the city’s program guide, on scoreboards, boards lining sports fields and rinks, and other visible areas that expose the product or service to many people.
• INTER-LOCAL AGREEMENTS: Sharing costs between local government entities or between a city and nonprofit organizations is possible through the use of inter-local agreements. These could, for example, define a contractual relationship for the joint use and
responsibility to update and maintain, sports fields, regional parks, or other facilities.
External Funding
• IRREVOCABLE REMAINDER TRUSTS: These trusts are set up with individuals who typically have more than a million dollars in wealth. They will leave a portion of their wealth to the city in a trust fund that grows over time and allows for a scheduled disbursement of a percentage of interest gained to help pay for recreation facilities or programs as designated by the trustee.
• PRIVATE DEVELOPERS: These developers enter into license agreements for city-owned land through a subordinate agreement that pays out a set dollar amount plus a percentage of gross dollars for recreation enhancements. These could include a golf course, marina, restaurants, driving ranges, sports complexes, equestrian facilities, recreation centers, and ice arenas.
• PUBLIC PARTNERSHIPS: Partnerships are agreements between two public entities (e.g., adjacent cities), or between a public and a private entity (e.g. a city and a nonprofit organization), to share both the expenses and revenues of a particular park or recreation facility. Partnerships are a very effective method for leveraging Azle’s resources to the greatest extent possible. These partnerships should be based on formal agreements and supported by a policy approved by the Parks and Recreation Board and City Council.
• PARK DONATION FUNDS: Park donation funds can be used for applicable projects, equipment, and general facility improvements.
• CORPORATE SPONSORSHIPS: This revenue-funding source allows corporations to invest in the development or enhancement of new / existing facilities in parks systems. Sponsorships are also highly used for programs and events.
Private Funding
• FRIENDS ASSOCIATIONS: These groups are formed to raise money typically for a single focus purpose that could include a specific park facility or program that will better the community as a whole and the organization’s particular special interest.
• AARP: AARP administers the AARP Community Challenge grant program which is part of the nationwide AARP Livable Communities initiative that helps communities become great places to live for residents of all ages. The program is intended to help communities make immediate improvements and jump-start longterm progress in support of residents of all ages.
• AMERICAN TRAILS: American Trails is a national non-profit organization dedicated to advancing the development of diverse, high-quality trails and greenways for the benefit of people and communities. Each year they provide two grant programs: the Trails Capacity Program and the Legacy Trails Program.
• INTERNATIONAL MOUNTAIN BICYCLING ASSOCIATION (IMBA): IMBA’s mission is to create, enhance and protect great places to ride mountain bikes. The annual Trail Accelerator Grant program provides a jump-start to communities that have the interest and political support to develop trail systems but need assistance to get projects up and running.
State and Federal Sources
• COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT BLOCK GRANT (CDBG): The CDBG program provides resources to communities to address various community development needs with the aims of creating transformative community impact, improving lives, and developing strategies to bring partners and resources together. In particular, the CDBG program seeks to fund projects that improve the lives of residents with low and moderate income levels.
• TXDOT GREEN RIBBON PROGRAM: TxDOT administers the Green Ribbon funding program to allocate funds for landscaping and other enhancements in areas that are in non-attainment for air quality. The funds can be used to add landscaping to state highway right-of-ways to help mitigate effects of air pollution.
• TEXAS PARKS AND WILDLIFE DEPARTMENT (TPWD)
LOCAL PARKS GRANT: The TPWD administers several grant programs in which local governments are eligible to apply. The local parks grant provides communities with 50% matching grants for land acquisition and park improvements. The funds are distributed on a reimbursement basis to local communities each year.
• TPWD BOATING ACCESS GRANT: The TPWD provides matching grant fund assistance to construct new, or renovate existing, public boat ramps that provide public access to public waters for recreational boating.
• LAND AND WATER CONSERVATION FUND (LWCF): The LWCF provides matching grants to states and local governments for the acquisition and development of public outdoor recreation areas and facilities. This program is administered through the TPWD.
• NCTCOG TRANSPORTATION ALTERNATIVE CALL FOR PROJECTS: These funds are intended for eligible projects such as on- and off-road pedestrian and bicycle facilities, shared-use paths, and related pedestrian and bicycle safety countermeasures. The North Central Texas Council of Governments (NCTCOG) looks for projects that align with those identified in their Mobility 2045 plan.
CONCLUSION
The City of Azle has a strong parks system that is heavily enjoyed by its citizens. As the City continues to grow and make improvements, there are many ways for the Parks Department to ensure the parks system lives up to its potential and satisfies the needs of the Azle community. This Plan sets the foundation for potential improvements of all kinds, from minor upgrades at existing parks to new amenities and operational standards. Through continued dedication to the community, Azle’s park system can continue to enrich the lives of generations to come.
