BEND OF THE RIVER BOTANIC GARDEN Master Plan Volume 2: Fundraising
City of Temple, Texas March 2017
BEND OF THE RIVER 1
Contents
So many of our dreams at first then they seem improbable they soon Executive Summary A Walk Through The Garden Master Plan Scope Garden Potential Site History Site Elements Inspired Design Becoming A Garden Community Culture Design Plan Design Framework Garden Layout Plan Phases Program Areas Site Circulation Cost Summary Revenue Generation Guiding Principles
Master Plan Throughout the Garden Environmental Stewardship Artful Finishings Botanic Programming Community Gathering Spaces Wellness Education and Research Nature and Gardens Reflection and Solitude Around The Garden Recreation and Leisure In the Garden Arrival Gardens Parking Garden Entry Gardens Event Lawn and Event Pavilion Plaza and Plaza Pavilion Trial Garden River Deck Named Garden Rooms Family Adventure Garden Family Kitchen Garden AllĂŠes Pollinator Garden Woodland Preserve Canopy Walk
seem impossible, and then, when we summon the will, become inevitable. ~Christopher Reeve Public Engagement Process Garden Visits and Community Outreach Community Involvement
Acknowledgements Talasek Family City Council City Steering Committee Parks Foundation Parks Advisory Board Public Steering Committee Public Input Garden Mentors
Appendix Site History Illustrative Perspectives
Bend of the River Botanic Garden Š City of Temple March 2017
Master Plan, Volume 2: Fundraising by: Bend of the River Botanic Garden Foundation and City of Temple
Master Plan Design by: 1245 West 18th St. Houston, TX 77008
Twenty years from now you will be more disappointed by the things you didn’t do than by the ones you did. So throw off the bowlines. Sail away from the safe harbor. Catch the trade winds in your sails. Explore. Dream. Discover. ~Mark Twain
Executive Summary
Master Plan Scope The Bend of the River Botanic Garden will provide Central Texas with a natural space for learning, cultural enrichment, research and recreational activities. The Garden will offer venues for public and private events, opportunities to improve health and wellness in a natural setting, cultural and educational programming and research, and serve as a destination location for the enjoyment of nature and outdoor recreation. The Bend of the River site has a rich history as a community gathering place of celebrations, and its transformation into a botanic garden will continue this tradition for people of all ages. A feasibility study commissioned by the City of Temple and completed in April 2016 concluded a botanic garden in Temple would significantly improve the quality of life for both residents and visitors. Botanic gardens are recreational, cultural, educational and scientific institutions all in a single entity. This gives them an almost unparalleled ability to appeal to all segments of the population and touch lives of residents and visitors in very positive ways. They provide a safe place for families to bond together; they provide respite from busy lives and are a place of reflection and contemplation; they connect people with the natural world; they inform and educate people about a sustainable environment, a priority for the City of Temple; they augment educational programs for children; they are a living laboratory for high school and college students; and they can be a place of scientific research advancing knowledge for the public good.1
As Temple and the surrounding communities are rapidly growing, the time is right to add an inspirational outdoor destination that will serve the entire region and beyond. Designed by SWA Group, a world design leader in landscape architecture, planning and urban design, this Master Plan was informed by members of the community and businesses who participated in the public engagement opportunities, by City leadership and their Parks advisory groups, feedback from presentations to over 20 civic organizations, as well as leaders of successful Botanic Gardens throughout Texas and around the country. This master plan is a conceptual vision for the Bend of the River Botanic Garden that includes designated spaces for art, family interactions, wellness, relaxation and recreation, plant collections, and educational opportunities. The master plan also addresses the importance of nature and natural materials, shapes and forms, and the desire to demonstrate an environmentally responsible operation – all to establish a particular feel to the experience by providing guiding principles for design, not construction documents. Fine tuning of the design plans for construction and phase development will depend on several factors including site conditions and especially private fundraising efforts. This Master Plan is an important step towards making Bend of the River Botanic Garden a reality in Central Texas.
1
Botanic Garden Feasibility Study, City of Temple. April 4, 2016 by Rick Daley, emdconsulting
Garden Potential
Use plants to bring life.
~Douglas Wilson
Parks and Recreation Facilities in Temple, Texas The City of Temple has demonstrated an extraordinary commitment to building and maintaining a variety of park facilities. With extensive athletic fields, pocket parks, community centers, hike and bike trails, as well as developing a native prairie park, splash pads, a visitor and convention bureau, and event spaces, the City will include the Bend of the River Botanic Garden as another gem in their crown of parks and recreational facilities.
Texas has a number of botanic gardens and arboreta of all sizes across the state and Texans and visitors to Texas have made them very successful and so provide a ready audience for Bend of the River. Temple is ideally situated between the largest populated areas of Texas, each of which has botanic gardens or arboreta with people who already know about and visit botanic gardens. Garden visitors often enjoy other types of cultural amenities so Bend of the River Botanic Garden will seek to partner with symphonies, performing art theaters, museums, state parks and/or the area zoo to highlight a destination package across Central Texas.
Regional Gardens and Arboreta BOTANICAL GARDENS HERITAGE PARK
CLARK GARDENS
DALLAS ARBORETUM & BOTANICAL GARDEN
FORT WORTH BOTANIC GARDEN 126 MILES CARLEEN BRIGHT ARBORETUM 35 MILES
TEMPLE 70 MILES ZILKER BOTANICAL GARDEN
MERCER ARBORETUM & BOTANIC GARDENS 255 MILES SHANGRI-LA BOTANICAL GARDENS & NATURE CENTER
SAN ANTONIO BOTANICAL GARDEN
HOUSTON ARBORETUM & NATURE CENTER JAPENESE TEA GARDEN
BEND OF THE RIVER 7
Site History
There are still many causes worth sacrificing for, so much history yet to be made.
~Michelle Obama The Bend of the River Ranch is a property in Temple that many consider a “gem� at the southernmost gateway of the City. Thirty acres of riverfront property along Interstate 35 belonged to Reuben and Bernice Talasek and was used to host many community events, famous dignitaries and celebrities. It is a magnificent site with river views, large pecan trees scattered throughout the property, adjacent interstate access, and iconic memories of the Budweiser Clydesdale that once lived onsite. In 2011, the Talasek family donated the 30 acre property to the City of Temple to be used as a park or park-like facility. Quickly, the idea of a botanic garden was brought forward and in 2012 a nonprofit organization was chartered to promote the potential fundraising and construction of a botanic garden on the property. Soon after the Talasek’s gift, a neighboring property owner expressed interest in donating an additional 58 acres that adjoins the original 30 acres adding more river frontage. This gave the City almost 90 acres with which to develop a sizable botanic garden with enough space for wide open event spaces and buffer areas. Since the original gift in 2011, the City of Temple Parks Department has been maintaining the property, hosting community events and renting it for weddings, dinners, retreats, concerts, festivals, fundraisers and other special events so that thousands have been to the site.
A historic family retreat will soon become an inspiring public venue.
Site Elements
Major constraint and opportunity considerations for the layout of the Botanic Garden site include the proximity to I-35 in terms of both good access and visibility, but also noise, the proximity to the Leon River, the overall flat nature of the site, with a few plateaus and depressions. Vegetation consists of a scattering of mature pecan and oak trees and Bermuda grass on the western 30 acres and agriculture row crops and the woodlands on the east parcel. There are heavy woods and undergrowth along the full length of the river frontage. Atmos Energy has a high-pressure gas line that crosses from northeast to southwest across on the western side and a high-tension power line on the eastern side. These easements have been incorporated into and considered in the design of the features they cross. From the mid-1950’s until 1987 Rockwool Industries manufactured mineral wool insulation across the river. Waste from this process was piled onsite along the river which caused the deposition of airborne dust containing antimony and arsenic. This resulted in soil contamination on the 30 acre parcel at the front of the Bend of the River property. Extensive soil samples and a limited number of groundwater samples were analyzed by EPA Region VI Brownfield Program as well as the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality. A toxicological review of the data in 2014 by Pastor, Behling & Wheeler, LLC concluded that the soil contamination did not pose health threat to recreational users or maintenance workers at the site. Additional characterization of the soil was submitted to TCEQ in early 2017 and the agency agreed that this site-specific information indicated the sitebased Protective Concentration Level would not require removal of the soil.
Just living is not enough... one must have sunshine, freedom, and a little flower. ~Hans Christian Anderson
BEND OF THE RIVER 9
Inspired Design Becoming a Garden
If you have a garden and a library, you have everything you need.
-Cicero
As news spread through Central Texas of the City’s commitment to a Botanic Garden, there was a flurry of requests for presentations to Central Texas civic organizations, including nature and garden-related groups, philanthropic groups, and service organizations as well as from business and community leaders. There have been over 20 presentations made throughout Central Texas to a combined audience of over 3000. The excitement generated from these presentations helped fill the room at the Master Plan public meetings.
This high level of interest led to an opening event that allowed the public to visit the land and imagine the possibilities for the Garden. The one day Imagine If festival and the private party held the evening before attracted over a thousand. Since the festival, the City has availed itself of federal grant opportunities to complete the environmental studies, and has adhered to grant cycles and timelines. The feasibility study encouraged City Leaders to move ahead with a Master Plan and a 501(c)3 Foundation was established to begin fundraising. Led by City Staff, a core group of volunteers have shepherded the project to the Master Plan stage by making public presentations, studying inspirational gardens, meeting with garden advisors, managing a network of environmental agencies and consultants, attending state and national conferences and providing insight and input into the planning process. With 13 Garden visits in Texas, 7 visits around the country, and 5 internationally, the professional garden community has welcomed the opportunity to assist. Each visit allowed volunteers to meet with the Garden Director, take a behind-the-scenes tour with honest discussions about what worked or didn’t work in their garden, and review their master plan process and specific operating procedures.
Inspired Design Community Culture
Flowers always make people better, happier, and more helpful; they are sunshine, food and medicine for the soul.
~Luther Burbank Foremost among the values expressed by the public for the Botanic Garden were to provide a beautiful community gathering place, promote health and wellness, highlight the arts, and offer a wide variety of educational opportunities, all within the context of nature. Temple has a strong medical community so healthy lifestyles, nutrition, exercise, and access to nature are all desired to be promoted within the garden site. Arts are also a strong component of the region and can be celebrated by the inclusion of works of site-specific art and temporary and seasonal installations, as well as by incorporating arts programming, from the performing arts, facilitated by the Event Lawn stage, to photography, drawing, and painting classes. Site furnishings, such as lighting, signage, benches, drinking fountains, and trash receptacles, are all opportunities to integrate art as thoughtful design. The garden can also facilitate educational experiences, from informal signage describing plant collections to formal classroom activities, lectures, cooking demonstrations at the Family Kitchen Garden and walking tours. Many of the garden spaces can serve as Home Demonstration Gardens which provide visitors with ideas and information on design and plant materials that would work in their own yards. There are several long-standing garden clubs in the area and very active Master Gardener and Master Naturalist organizations in Bell and surrounding counties that have not only expressed interest in helping at the Botanic Garden but have indeed already spent time working at the site. Design and practices that model environmental sustainability and natural resource conservation will be implemented throughout the site. Rain water harvesting, stormwater management, composting, preservation of wildlife habitats, and native plantings can be showcased for home use and point to a larger stewardship initiative. Research capabilities in natural resource management will be an integral function of the garden. In concert with environmental sustainability, a design goal is to preserve existing natural site assets, preserving as many of the mature trees as possible. Existing features, such as the woodlands and the wet weather waterway on the east side, are preserved for providing an experience with nature. This area is also the genesis from which a Nature Walk extends out through the site.
BEND OF THE RIVER 11
Design Plan With opportunities to hear from Central Texas civic organizations during presentations over the last several years, and from business leaders and representatives from the community during the series of Master Plan public meetings, priorities for the garden emerged as well as how those priorities could connect with garden guests throughout the year. The foundational elements the garden should offer are Community Gathering Places, Wellness, Education and Research, and Nature and Gardens. And in each of those elements, the community and regional culture easily lends itself to engaging activities, the arts, children and family activites, and plant collection experiences. Many examples of garden offerings can be found in the Botanic Programming section.
Design is not making beauty. Beauty emerges from selection, affinities, integration, love.
~Louis Kahn
BEND OF THE RIVER 13
Design Framework Layout of Gardens
Everything that slows us down and forces patience, everything that sets us back into the slow circles of nature, is a help. Gardening is an instrument of grace. ~May Sarton
Within and along this Nature Walk, conceptual zoning of the site places more active and use-intensive programs closer to the freeway and more passive and quiet programs deeper in the site and farther from the freeway.
ENTRY BERM KAYAK LAUNCH
Zoe Writes Zones and Areas Jennifer add map with grouped labels and PARKING circles on p. 97
EVENT PLAZA
tRIAL/ COMPOST PHASE 1
pLAZA GARDEN & PAVILION
CANOPY WALK & NATURE ZONE
Trial Garden/Greenhouse
GARDENS GARDENS GARDENS
SITE DESIGN: ‘NATURE WALK ZONE’ CREATES ZONES FOR GARDEN PROGRAMS, SERVING AS BACKDROP FOR VARIOUS ACTIVITIES
GARDENS
MULCH / COMPOST GARDENS
GARDENS
A dedicated Nature Walk zone extends out from the preserved woodland on the east side, and along the elevated topography of the site to the west. This zone has paths and trails that provide visitors a quiet and serene experience with a combination of new and existing tree species.
WOODLAND AND BIRD PRESERVE
SITE DESIGN: ‘NATURE WALK ZONE’ EXTENDS FROM WOODLAND ZONE AND FOLLOWS THE NATURAL TOPOGRAPHY OF THE SITE
Entry Zone: The Garden experience begins at the property entry, near the kayak launch open to the public outside the garden fence, to the Arrival Gardens passing through a landscaped berm area, and then to the Parking Garden equipped for both cars and buses and incorporating environmentally sensitive stormwater management practices. A Trial Garden will be near the parking lot where plants are tested and studied. Guests will head to the spacious Entry Plaza where events can be held and a building housing the ticket booth, visitor center, classrooms, offices, restrooms and gift shop will reside. The Plaza is adjacent to the Event Lawn, a large open, grassy area for concerts, festivals and community celebrations located near the entry where Garden Collections won’t be disturbed. Garden Collections: A Family Kitchen Garden and a Family Adventure Garden will introduce the Garden Collections – a series of gardens of many styles that wind through the site. Many types of themed gardens could be installed as funding for them is received. These can be large garden areas such as The Meadow and small spaces such as the Hidden Garden. There will be art installations and water features scattered through the garden. Later phases of development could include another pavilion and a conservatory. Woodlands and Bird Preserve: As the pathways take visitors further from the busy front entry, they will pass The Grove, an arboretum, and arrive at the Woodland and Bird Preserve: a natural area of trees, understory plants and riparian areas that will host wildlife and humans alike. A Canopy Walk through the Woodlands will afford visitors an opportunity to see the garden from a different perspective. And spilling forth from the Woodlands will be a tree-lined Nature Walk which will extend back towards the front entry. Service Areas: Maintenance buildings, greenhouses, compost and mulch operations, and eventually a relocated Trial Garden will fill the space at the back of the garden property but will be accessible by paths wide enough to support delivery truck traffic.
BEND OF THE RIVER 15
Design Framework Plan Phases
Using the strengths of the site, mitigating noise and addressing soil remediation, Phase One will establish the garden, provide programming and rental opportunities, and create excitement to generate additional funding. The Family Kitchen Garden and Adventure Garden will be the first gardens built outside of the entry and Plaza areas.
Like the Arrival Gardens, these initial gardens need to be spectacular in their beauty, color, fragrance and show-stopping elements to highlight the site as a public amenity and encourage continued donor funding.
PHASE 1A: Arrival, Parking, Trial Garden, Event Lawn, Pavilion
PHASE 1B: Family Kitchen Garden and Family Adventure Garden
Phase Two will proceed as funding allows to build-out the Garden Collections from the Plaza back towards the Woodlands. Maintenance funds should be in place for each funded garden before construction.
PHASE 2A: Garden Collection expansion as funding allows
PHASE 2B: Garden Collection expansion as funding allows
No serious-minded man should have time for the mediocre in any phase of his living.
~James Cash Penney
Phase Three includes the Woodlands and The Grove. Since this area is a different landscape than the previous phases, it can come before, after or during Phase Two as garden funding and ongoing maintenance funds are acquired. Future phasing would include additional parking and maintenance facilities and relocation of the Trial Garden. PHASE 3: Woodlands Preserve, Canopy Walk, Nature Walk
PHASE 3: Greenhouse, The Grove, Conservatory BEND OF THE RIVER 17
INT’L GARDEN
C P RO ON GT ER XA TM
GLOBAL GARDEN
NATIVE GARDEN
FORMAL GARDEN
NATIVE GARDEN
NATIVE GARDEN NATIVE GARDEN FORMAL GARDEN
KAYAK LAUNCH
NATIVE GARDEN
FAMILY KITCHEN GARDEN
CEDAR CREEK WILDLIFE MANAGEMENT AREA
KAYAK LAUNCHEVENT
FOOD GARDEN PAVILION
EVENT
PAVILION
ENTRY
HOUSE
SERVICE TRAIL
TRIAL GARDEN
BELTON LAKE
PLAZA
ENTRY
HOUSE
COTTAGE
TRIAL /GROW
PLAZA
TEMPLE
GARDEN ENTRANCE
CABIN
GARDEN ENTRANCE GARDEN TRAILS
MA
IN
SCOTT AND WHITE MEMORIAL
UNIVERSITY OF MARY HARDIN-BAYLOR
ACTIVE PROGRAM
PASSIVE PROGRAM
BELL COUNTY EXPO CENTER
N TR
AIL
SERVICE TRAIL
ART
GARDEN BEND O’ADVENTURE THE RIVER GARDEN
KID’S GARDEN
ART GARDEN
Conservatory
NATURE WALK
PAVILION
FLORAL EXOTIC GARDEN GARDEN
WELLNESS gARDEN
PAVILION
MASTER PLAN
MAI
SERVICE
PRESERVETRAIL TREES
PAVILION
GARDEN PROGRAM
VA HOSPITAL
PAVILION
PRESERVE TREES
FAMILY
NATURE WALK
AIL
TEMPLE COLLEGE
PAVILION
BELTON
TR
MEDICINA GARDEN
Program Areas In addition to the plant collections typical of a botanic garden, many activities have been considered for the site to continue its function as a social gathering place and center for learning for Central Texas while creating a regionally prominent botanic garden. The Bend of the River site integrates the functioning of a botanic garden with a larger goal of offering cultural and educational programming especially for children, and utilizing regional assets for research and scientific exploration.
NATURE WALK
CANOPY WALK
Development of a wide variety of programming opportunities must be innovative, targeted, affordable, accessible and flexible to meet the needs and desires of guests.
POLLINATOR GARDEN
GREENHOUSE
The Meadow SERVICE DRIVE
PRESERVED WOODLAND
LIFT STATION TRIAL /GROW
MULCH / COMPOST
cOTTAGES
THE GROVE ECOLOGICAL LANDMARK
BEND OF THE RIVER 19
Design Framework Site Circulation The Botanic Garden entry should be a beautiful and inviting doorway to a seamless visitor experience that delights the spirit from the highway, through the gate, to the back of the garden.
Circulation and Access: Site circulation is composed of primary, secondary, and tertiary pathways. The primary pathway serves as the vehicular entry and leads to the parking area, and also extends as a loop through the site to allow emergency, service, and delivery vehicles access through the gardens. The path is shown as 24’ wide where it services the parking lot and 18’ wide where it forms the interior loop. Removable control bollards should provide a barrier to the service portion of the path from the visitor vehicular entry. The primary path can also serve as pedestrian circulation within the garden. Eighteen wheelers may need to access this primary path in the distant future, so it should be designed to accommodate them in terms of width, vertical clearance, turning radius, and bearing capacity.
IVE
DR
T N LIF ATIO ST
Y TR EN
PARKING DROP OFF
IT
UR
ER
CE EN F Y
C SE
ET
M RI
TICKETING
PE
ER
SITE CIRCULATION: ENTRY SEQUENCE AND PERIMETER FENCE
ICE
RV SE IN MA VE I DR
SITE CIRCULATION: MASTER PLAN PATHS Primary Path Secondary Path SITE CIRCULATION: Main Service Drive MASTER PLAN PATHS
T ME
RI
PE
Y NDAR SECO S PATH
TY
RI
ENTRY TO GARDENS
ATHS ARY P
PRIM
S
U EC
The outer loop path is laid out to form this loop such that a vehicle can enter the site at the main entry and traverse through the site and exit back to the freeway feeder road along the east side of the entry mound without having to perform backing or other complex turning maneuvers. Trams may operate on the primary path to move people between the parking and events within the garden. Narrower secondary pathways that meander along the gardens set the pace of how one experiences the garden collections, contributing to a sense of discovery. These pathways encase the individual garden zones that are designed on a berm, and screen views from main circulation paths with vegetation for added sense of discovery and suspense. Tertiary pathways happen within individual gardens to create unique experiences.
)
P OO KL
(4X
5
CITY HIKE / BIKE TRAIL (OUTSIDE OF THE PERIMETER FENCE)
SITE CIRCULATION: ASSIGNED TRAILS
Beauty surrounds us, but usually we need to be walking in a garden to know it. ~Rumi
SELECT TREE REMOVAL SELECT TREE REMOVAL FOR PATHS
CON ZON TAMIN AT E
ION
SITE CONSIDERATION: PRESERVE TREES AND WOODLAND BEND OF THE RIVER 21
Design Framework Cost Summary
Design concepts presented in this Master Plan are preliminary based on strong community interest and will evolve as fundraising efforts proceed. The zones are relatively discreet and various startup scenarios are available to ensure the first phase of construction delivers a beautiful and inspiring public garden space for Central Texas. With anywhere from a few to several phase options, this Master Plan is designed for build out in 10-15 years depending on funding. The size of the property will allow many future opportunities to enhance the garden with additional structures, water features, more fully developed garden spaces, technology and art even after this plan is implemented in full. The estimate of probable construction costs for complete finish-out of entire site is about $78M. Detailed estimated costs - divided by Zones - for construction, maintenance, staffing, and design fees, including art and water feature allowances, can be found in a separate cost summary document.
The greatest business people I've met are determined to get it right no matter what the cost.
~Michael Gerber
Around the Garden Revenue Generation
It is only the farmer who faithfully plants seeds in the Spring, who reaps a harvest in the Autumn. ~B.C. Forbes The Bend of the River Botanic Garden will be as grand as funds allow. The garden itself will be a perfect backdrop to the many events that will draw visitors, feed the imagination of donors, and ignite the passion for the natural environment in its most lovely settings. Those who appreciate and are inspired by beauty will become members of the garden, allowing them unlimited access, discounted parking, and invitations to special events. Weddings, children’s parties, festivals and other personal, family and community events will raise revenue through space rental. Concerts, plant sales, a gift shop, classes, activities and programs, along with general admission and membership fees, will allow the garden to grow itself through commerce, creativity, and community support. Private donors, civic organizations and the corporate world will have the opportunity to literally change the landscape of Central Texas with their gifts to the Bend of the River Botanic Garden.
BEND OF THE RIVER 23
Guiding Principles
There is a certain logic to events that pushes you along a certain path. You go along the path that feels the most true, and most according to the principles that are guiding you, and that’s the way the decisions are made.
~Michael Nesmith
Buildings, structures, plazas and other constructed elements should be casual and simply detailed, and use natural materials that reinforce the landscape and the region. Interiors should form strong relationships with the adjacent exterior spaces incorporating porches, patios, and overhangs so that programming and social space can flow between them. This interiorexterior relationship should be configurable for multiple types of events to produce the most flexibility and revenue-generating potential. The operations and structures on site will be designed and operated in a manner that is environmentally responsible and models stewardship for guests and other businesses. These practices will not only benefit the environment, but also serve as learning opportunities for students, research projects and demonstration sites. So as not to contribute to light pollution and its effects on urban ecosystems, outdoor site lighting systems should be International Dark-Sky Association “dark-sky friendly.� This will also allow the botanic garden to serve as a new location option for Bell County Star Parties. Every facet of the garden should express the beauty and wonder in nature whether it is thoughtfully designed plantings, appealing structures or exciting programming activities. All of these things are intended to provide a place to explore, be inspired and share experiences.
Explore. Inspire. Experience.
BEND OF THE RIVER 25
In every walk with nature one receives far more than he seeks.
~John Muir
A Walk Through The Garden BEND OF THE RIVER 27
MASTER PLAN Foremost among the values expressed by the public for the botanic garden were to provide a beautiful community gathering place, promote health and wellness, highlight the arts, and offer a wide variety of educational opportunities all within the context of nature.
9
I-35
1 6 3
5
2
35
7
4 10
12
14
8 11
19
12
12 19 19 15
19
20 16
41
22
40
36 13
17
42
21
GAS LINE
22 18
22
19
3
CONTAMINATION ZONES LEO N
RIV
ER
POWER LINE
0’
100’
200’
22
1 ARRIVAL
15
TRIAL GARDEN AND MULCH/COMPOST PHASE 1 ENTRY PLAZA
16
PLAZA PAVILION
17
ENTRY TO THE GARDENS
18
RIVER DECK
19
NATURE ZONE
20
22
FAMILY KITCHEN GARDEN FAMILY ADVENTURE GARDEN GARDEN COLLECTIONS
14
2 KAYAK LAUNCH DRIVE 3 ARRIVAL GARDEN 4 DROP OFF & TICKETING 5 PARKING GARDEN 6 GAS LINE EASEMENT
26
CANOPY WALK
35
PRESERVED TREES
27
BIRD BLINDS
36
SERVICE LOOP / TRAIL
28
COTTAGES
37
PRIMARY TRAILS
29
CONSERVATORY
38
GARDEN TRAILS
30
NATURAL LANDMARK 39 THE MEADOW
31
THE GROVE
32
MULCH / COMPOST
33
TRIAL GARDEN
34
GREENHOUSE
40
7 SERVICE AREA 8 KAYAK LAUNCH
21
9 CITY HIKE/BIKE TRAIL 10
EVENT LAWN
23
POLLINATOR GARDEN
11
EVENT PAVILION
24
WOODLANDS AND BIRD PRESERVE
12
SECURITY FENCE 25
13
ORIGINAL STRUCTURES
WET WEATHER WATERWAY
39
NATURE TRAIL
41
POWERLINE EASEMENT
42
GARDEN LANDMARKS
43
WATER FEATURE
44
LIFT STATION
45
WASTEWATER LINE
46
CASCADE
38
9
44
36
25 36
33 24
40
19
26
9
34 45
24
35 25
22 38
32
28
43
23
37
22
38
30
23
22
7
27
25
22
22
31
9
35
22
12
35 38
29
19
46
36 19
19
BEND OF THE RIVER 29
Throughout the Garden Environmental Stewardship
Site Systems As a municipal facility and a regional destination, the botanic garden desires to be a responsible manager of natural resources and, with local scientific expertise available, has an opportunity to be a model of informed stewardship of the environment. There is a growing trend, if not a demand, for environmental awareness and sensitivity to protecting natural systems. Water: Rainfall, Floodplain, Leon River, Woodland Basin Water conservation is a significant responsibility and challenge in Texas. As the Botanic Garden is developed, the amount and sources of water should be carefully considered. A large expanse of irrigated plantings, fountains or pools often are scrutinized by the public because of the perception of excessive water use. As part of the development of the Botanic Garden, proven cost-effective Best Management Practices for water conservation in botanic gardens should be incorporated into design and operations. According to the Texas Water Development Board, this would include the use of staff trained in proper water management techniques to meet plant needs, proactive leak detection and repair, installation of low-water-use demonstration gardens, and the use of rainwater harvesting or alternative water supplies as possible. Onsite stormwater management should address erosion, riparian areas, and water quality. The natural drainage pattern of the site means that much of the storm water that falls on the site will end up in the river so sediment deposition and potential pollutants should be addressed. The primary sources of pollutants include the parking lot as well as fertilizer used for the garden collections. Water features could be designed at strategic locations that function to slow down and filter water before reaching the river. Coordination with a civil engineer and green infrastructure specialist will produce strategies for locating subsurface drainage to work in concert with filtration capabilities and determine if drainage goes to the river or to a city storm sewer system. In terms of irrigation, a rain water capture and re-use system would only supply a small portion of the landscape in this climate. However rainwater harvesting DIY workshops have been helping conservation-minded homeowners build systems in this region for a number of years so there is value in demonstrating these techniques as more homeowners and businesses are installing them. Using run-off from parking lots is not advisable as an irrigation source because it would be far short of the landscape needs but it should be carefully managed and is a good demonstration project for biofiltration, rain gardens, reuse and other stormwater management practices. Additionally, using open ponds for collecting rainwater for irrigation is not advisable because evaporation loss and the drawdown that occurs during the irrigation process does not maintain an aesthetically pleasing water feature. Due to the size of the site, irrigation needs and a somewhat limited area for rainwater recovery and reuse, City water will likely be the main source of water for irrigation.
The proximity to the river suggests that much of the site will be in a floodplain. The floodplain map for the area shows small portions of the site in the floodway and 100-year (1% chance per year) zones, which do not create planning issues given their small size and location, while a majority of the site lies within the 500-year (0.2% chance per year) flood zone. This suggests that a 500-year flood event would flood most of the site; however, a topographic analysis shows that this is not the case. Using the flood profiles for the 100-year and 500-year events to determine water surface elevation for these events and then extrapolating them to the plan shows that most of the site is indeed topographically above the 500-year flood elevations along the river. The river is controlled by a dam at Lake Belton. The horseshoe-shaped depression in the Woodland on the east parcel currently seems to function as a temporary holding basin for stormwater until it evaporates and leaves the feature dry. Drainage patterns that originate off-site (which extend north of I-35 and enter the site through the property north of the site through a culvert under I-35) suggest this basin could resolve drainage and ponding issues that affect the west parcel. By extending one or two swales as suggested by the existing topography from the basin north to the low area that receives the storm water from the north properties, the basin could likely remain filled for longer periods of time while simultaneously resolving the natural tendency for ponding on the site immediately north. Once the Woodland is slated for its upgrade into the garden, the horseshoe basin can become a wet weather pond or creek where riparian habitat and its benefit to wildlife as well as a water filtration system can be highlighted. The pond edges should also be profiled to encourage the growth of emergent and aquatic vegetation which will promote more biodiversity and filtration capabilities for the water body. An existing corridor of trees that extend south from the Woodland to the riparian edge can become a shady cascade water feature garden that directs overflow from the horseshoe area to the river during storm events. Garden collections to the west could also drain through a green infrastructure filtration system to the horseshoe area, thereby reducing contaminants and fertilizer before being discharged to the Leon River. Further study will need to be made to determine the impact of heavy storm events on this area of the site. Planting: Blackland Prairie, Botanic Collections, Preserving Mature Trees, Woodland Evaluation The Bend of the River Botanic Garden presents opportunities to intermingle two seemingly contradictory objectives: to enhance native ecosystems on the site and also to present collections of plants not normally found in Central Texas. Members of the community have expressed a desire to see native plants at the site. While the aim of a botanic garden in general is to provide collections of species for both study and enjoyment, the large size of the site ensures both objectives can be met. Additionally, the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center, an hour away, focuses solely on native plants, so collections within Bend of the River Botanic Garden should complement, not compete with, the Wildflower Center. The riparian zone along the river should be preserved to the greatest extent possible. Other than removing invasive species and supplementing with natives, removal of vegetation should be very limited. The riparian zone functions to both stabilize the river banks as well as provide an area of high biodiversity and add further filtration capabilities to the overland flow before discharge into the river. A small area adjacent to the proposed main plaza is proposed to have an overlook to provide views of the water. Approval from the Brazos River Authority and the US Army Corps of Engineers may be required for this structure depending on its proposed design. Existing mature trees should be preserved wherever possible on the site. Each tree should be evaluated for overall health, and, as a general rule, any design interventions should remain outside of the dripline of the canopy to preserve the root system. The existing Woodland on the east parcel should be evaluated for desirable species and any non-natives should be removed. The Woodland can then be supplemented with native Woodland species to create a species mix approximating a native river bottom Woodland. An arboretum is located on the easternmost portion of the site immediately south of the mulch area for planting and studying non-native as well as native trees. BEND OF THE RIVER 31
Throughout the Garden Artful Finishings
There are many opportunities for engaging and promoting the arts within the botanic garden site, from installations to performances. The site entry mound itself should be a work of monumental landform art that creates a striking visual impression upon approach from I-35 and simultaneously creates mystery and a desire to pass through its gateway to discover what is on the other side. The zone between the mound and the freeway is an opportunity to implement a family of large-scale iconic artworks that are experienced from the freeway and give a hint of what lies inside the botanic garden. A second family of art pieces that have a smaller scale from the iconic pieces could be placed along the freeway and the citywide bike trail that runs along the top of the mound, or the iconic art pieces can migrate onto the mound to give the trail users a different, closer experience of the art as they walk, run, or cycle by or through them. This gives the opportunity to consider two different scales of experience to the art pieces: a vehicle will experience the art from farther away and at a faster speed, and the trail user will experience the art closer up, and at a slower speed. These factors should be incorporated into the final parameters for the implementation of these artworks. Additionally, with the citywide bike trail creating a bridge over the entry drive, the vertical clearance at this location should be able to eventually accommodate the passage of an 18-wheeler for large deliveries to the site. The citywide hike and bike trail will likely incorporate a trail lighting system, and this is another opportunity for art integration, especially where it is located on the entry mound. Here the trail lighting system could either include elements within the same family of poles and fixtures as the rest of the trail or could deviate from these to become integrated within a site-specific lighting scheme unique to the mound and its monumental art pieces. Inside the botanic garden are further opportunities for the implementation of art. The various garden collections present opportunities for art integration. The relationship of the planting to the art should be considered; the planting can serve to frame the art as a focal point, or art may be scattered more informally through the collection, or operate as landmarks for guiding circulation. Site systems offer another opportunity. Signage, lighting, seating, trash receptacles, and hardscape all have possibilities for integrating art ideas, whether overt or subtle. These could also align with funding opportunities. The design and final use of the piece should be carefully considered if an art concept is in play; ultimately the function of the site system should be reinforced by the art rather than simply applying decoration to a light pole or bench. Depending upon funding, it is recommended to use tasteful site systems and furniture rather than draw attention to poorly integrated or applied art concepts. Transitions and entries between zones and pathways within the garden also offer opportunities to integrate art as portals or thresholds. Temporary installations will also create desirability for repeat visits, and seasonal art and lighting installations will further increase interest throughout the year and into the nighttime hours. Additionally, to reduce light pollution and its effects on urban ecosystems, outdoor site lighting systems should be International Dark-Sky Association “dark-sky friendly.� This will also allow the botanic gardens to be a new location for currently held Bell County Star Parties.
Throughout the Garden Botanic Programming
In addition to the plant collections typical of a botanic garden, many activities have been considered for the site to continue its function as a social gathering place and center for learning for the community while creating a regionally prominent botanic garden. Historically the site has been used for community and private events which have been facilitated by its large flat expanse, easy access from I-35, and picturesque landscape setting. The master plan continues this type of use of the Bend of the River site and integrates the botanic garden with a larger goal of offering cultural and educational programming- especially for children, and utilizing regional assets for research and scientific exploration.
Community Gathering
Education and Research
Wellness
Nature and Gardens
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Throughout the Garden Botanic Programming Community Gathering
The Event Lawn and stage pavilion is ringed by a path that can accommodate food trucks for providing events with food service. The adjacent main plaza can serve to host large events with the main building being rentable conditioned space. A restaurant is not recommended in the early phases of the garden due to operating costs, regulatory requirements and needing a high number of visitors; therefore the main building should be designed such with a graband-go food service with limited operating hours and pre-made food is delivered to the site for purchase during these operating hours for picnics within the gardens or for events in the Event Lawn. Events and fundraisers could be catered by an offsite catering company or food trucks. If the need arises over the life of the garden for a restaurant, then the main building could either be expanded to accommodate a restaurant or a new building constructed at the main plaza. A gift shop and ticketing area are also included in the main plaza buildings. The performing arts have been integrated into the site through the inclusion of an Event Lawn that includes a stage and lawn for seating. The stage should be sized to accommodate symphony performances and concerts for both local as well as visiting performers. The entry mound should help to reduce noise from the freeway, but the garden will need to coordinate with industrial operations across the river to limit noise from disturbing events. Additional smaller events can be hosted in a series of small cottages that have been located by the preserved Woodland. These cottages are not intended for overnight use. A second large building is proposed in the garden collections immediately west of the Woodland. This building would add to the total rentable space for events and weddings so that multiple events can happen simultaneously. As the plan gets built out there should be an assessment of demand and if more rentable, conditioned space is needed, then these buildings might be located within specific collections so that interior events are complemented with exterior space, and they should have easy access to the primary path that will facilitate vehicles making deliveries and drop-offs.
Programming examples for Community Gathering Places 1) Activities: concerts, performing arts (symphony, dance, civic theater), Farmer’s Market, outdoor dining, weddings, fundraising events, tea parties, receptions, classes, nature walks 2) Arts: art festivals, permanent art installations, temporary art exhibits 3) Kids and Families: outdoor movies, food festivals, nature festivals, holiday events, student art exhibitions 4) Plant Collections: nature backdrop, grassy lawns, community garden area, beer or wine gardens
This is the power of gathering: it inspires us, delightfully, to be more hopeful, more joyful, more thoughtful: in a word, more alive.
~Alice Waters
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Throughout the Garden Botanic Programming Wellness
In addition to social, cultural, and art programs, health has been identified as a major desirable factor governing the programming of the site. Multiple pathways provide opportunity for walking, and the wide primary path creates an internal loop 1.25 kilometers long that can be looped for 5k events. The botanic garden should also promote programs to educate and facilitate general health and well-being to capitalize on Temple’s medical community, such as a Walk with a Doc program. Signage marking walking distances should be implemented showing different trail routes and lengths. Healthy cooking and eating could be promoted through classes, and a food/cooking garden adjacent to the main building is proposed for the first phase to implement this idea. Local chefs could be brought in to teach classes or prepare special meals. A medicinal garden could further connect the medical community to the public with talking points integrated through signage.
Wellness is the complete integration of body, mind, and spirit - the realization that everything we do, think, feel, and believe has an effect on our state of well-being.
~Greg Anderson
Programming examples for Wellness 1) Activities: 5K runs, Walk With A Doc, yoga/tai chi classes, meditation walks, nutrition classes, healthy cooking classes with local chefs 2) Arts: meditation areas, art therapy 3) Kids and Families: play area, walking trails with signage for different length walks, kayak access to the river 4) Plant Collections: gardening classes, horticultural therapy, natural home and beauty products, sensory garden, kitchen garden near the classrooms
One must let the play happen to one; one must let the mind loose to respond as it will, to receive impressions, to sense rather than know, to gather rather than immediately understand.
~Edward Albee
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Throughout the Garden Botanic Programming Education and Research
Educational components of the programming should include both structured and unstructured opportunities. The main building should have indoor classrooms that open to outdoor covered patios for demonstrations, activities and lectures. The building interior could also have movable partitions so that separate classrooms can quickly be transformed into a larger space. Classrooms should be furnished with sufficient technology to access and display multimedia presentations. Walking tours of the gardens will educate visitors about plants and what will grow in the region, especially heat and drought-resistant vegetation. Other educational opportunities include instructing homeowners about native and non-native planting, managing water and soil resources, and planting design to contribute to native and migratory fauna, especially birds and pollinators. Research interests will leverage local resources at Texas A&M AgriLife Research, Texas A&M – Central Texas (Killeen), University of Mary Hardin Baylor, Temple College, Baylor University and Central Texas College. Lab space will be allotted for on-site work and the Trial Gardens will provide an outdoor laboratory for plant testing in local conditions. Programming examples for Education and Research: a. Activities: cooking classes, beekeeping demonstrations, butterfly counts, scout programs, photography classes, bird walks, educator programs, Homeschool Days, vermiculture workshop b. Arts: heritage/cultural events, art classes (indoors and outdoors), music classes, botanical arts (fiber art, paper-making, botanical drawing, weaving) c. Kids and Families: hands-on labs/classrooms/lecture hall, nature nights, vegetable gardening, sustainable food practices, science projects d. Plant Collections: trial gardens, conservation practices, conservatory, stormwater management using plants, garden design classes, guided plant walks, seed collections, professional certifications, garden lecture series, plant identification classes, pollinator habitats, TPWD Wildscape certification, composting master class
If there's one thing I'm good at, it's gathering people together to do something fun.
~Dave Grohl
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Throughout the Garden Botanic Programming Nature and Gardens
Visitors will come to the garden to socialize, exercise, relax and learn in a beautiful setting. As such, the site is structured so that background and framework planting are natives with garden collections providing the opportunity for rotating color and texture to provide continual visual interest throughout the year.
Birding is a major activity desired for the site, and its location within a major migratory flyway is a great opportunity for bird watchers. A canopy walk within the Woodland is proposed to give visitors an elevated experience of the area, and bird blinds should be located within the Woodland and its perimeter to provide opportunities for observation. A family nature playground is proposed adjacent to the main building and plaza. This will allow children to engage with natural elements of sand, water, and sticks for imagination and delight. Plants used in this area should be free from thorns or spines and not be poisonous. Additional art opportunities include drawing, painting, and photography within the garden. These could either be self-directed or led by an instructor. Professional photographers will need an agreement with the botanic garden if they intend to use the garden setting for their own profit through the use of their photography. Capitalizing on the city’s railroad heritage, a model train could be a further opportunity for artistic expression that exists within the confines of one or multiple collections.
Look deep into nature, and then you will understand everything better. ~Albert Einstein
Programming examples for Nature and Gardens a. Activities: bird watching, photography, garden shop, weddings, owl prowls, Volun-teen opportunities b. Arts: plein air painting, water features, sculpture, painting with plants c. Kids and Families: seasonal themed garden, summer camps, birthday parties, kayaking/canoeing, nature arts & crafts, Model Railroad garden d. Plant Collections: native garden, seasonal color garden, Canopy Walk, aquatic garden, formal garden, pollinator garden, flower shows, plant sales, tours
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Throughout the Garden Reflection and Solitude
We need society, and we need solitude also, as we need summer and winter, day and night, exercise and rest.
~Philip Gilbert Hamerton
There are few public places in the world that offer quiet moments for privacy and internal contemplation. It isn’t often that one can wander in an open area, and still be alone with their thoughts. Gardens allow for calm and the ensuing introspection, reflection and contemplation required in our busy lives. Nature, in a cultivated garden is that bit of respite that both recharges and soothes the soul.
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Around the Garden Recreation and Leisure
Kayaking, canoeing and kayak fishing are popular sports for water enthusiasts of Central Texas, but opportunities for paddling is somewhat limited to boat ramps or beaches at area lakes as river access is often on private property. To provide a new venue and potentially connect to area Texas Parks and Wildlife Inland Paddling Trails, a kayak launch has been integrated into the main entry zone adjacent to the freeway. This area exists outside of the entry and fenced botanic garden to allow the general public access to the launch even when the Garden is closed. As a community amenity, a separate entry and parking for the kayak launch will help ensure there are no conflicts with non-members gaining access to the gardens and boaters will not need to use Botanic Garden parking spaces. The kayak launch parking lot can also serve as parking for access to the citywide hike and bike trail as it also exists outside the secured perimeter fence of the garden. The Kayak Launch area will be landscaped to complement the Arrival Garden.
Men do not quit playing because they grow old; they grow old because they quit playing. ~Oliver Wendell Holmes, Sr.
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In the Garden Arrival Gardens
The experience of the Garden begins before guests have entered the gate. With frontage along I-35, drivers will be intrigued by the gardens cascading down the grand hill that hints at the magic hidden behind. The site will beckon travelers and reward guests with views, artwork and signage that assures them they’re in for a sensory treat.
Nature is forever arriving and forever departing, forever approaching, forever vanishing; but in her vanishings there seems to be ever the waving of a hand, in all her partings a promise of meetings farther along the road. ~Richard Le Gallienne
In the Garden Parking Garden
The Parking Garden serves not only as a beautiful start to walking through the gardens, it will also demonstrate a commitment to sustainability. Innovative approaches to mitigating negative impacts of parking lots can conserve natural resources, protect water quality coming from the site, simplify stormwater management infrastructure while introducing visitors to the desired botanic garden experience. The Parking Garden will include a variety of stormwater management practices such as bioswales, permeable pavers, vegetated buffer strips, bioretention areas, and capturing, filtering and infiltrating or storing stormwater for other uses. These conservation actions can save money on construction and maintenance costs and provide public demonstration areas for these practices. Various native trees will provide shade to parked cars and plants will provide cooling air as they absorb water and transpire. Use of decorative signage and light fixtures, artful bike racks, along with plantings and natural materials, rather than traditional infrastructure, will make this garden area a delightful approach to the visitor entrance.
Why hurry over beautiful things? Why not linger and enjoy them? ~Clara Schumann
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In the Garden
Every exit is an entry somewhere else.
Entry Garden
The Garden entry should be a beautiful and inviting doorway to a seamless visitor experience that delights the spirit from the highway, through the gate, to the back of the property. There will be elements of surprise as you pass through the gates and begin to see the concert lawn and Plaza as you approach the parking area. Visitors will arrive by automobile, school and private buses, bicycle and possibly public transportation. An area will be designated for bus parking and staging. The Citywide trail Master Plan has long anticipated access from Temple to Belton along the Leon River and a wide paved trail outside the gardens will connect Temple to Belton at the Gardens. Secure bike parking will be provided for visitors and employees.
~Tom Stoppard
In the Garden Trial Garden
Don’t be afraid to scrape the paint off and try again. ~Bob Ross
Bend of the River Botanic Garden plans to partner with other institutions in Central Texas to provide a managed site with uniform growing conditions for conducting scientific evaluations of various plants suitable for the soil and climate in this area. The Temple location is well-suited for collaborations with Texas A&M AgriLife Research and Temple College in Temple, University of Mary Hardin Baylor nearby in Belton, Baylor University in Waco and Texas A&M University School of Life Sciences just 90 miles away. The studies conducted in the Trial Garden will rate plants provided by plant breeder companies on hardiness, disease and pest resistance, ornamental value and other criteria important to plant breeders and homeowners alike. The study results can be published in professional horticulture journals and provided to the gardening public.
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In the Garden Event Lawn and Event Pavilion
Just play. Have fun. Enjoy the game. ~Michael Jordan The site will continue a long tradition of hosting large community events. The Event Lawn will be part of the first vista visitors will see as they enter the Plaza area from the Parking Garden. A large pavilion uniquely designed for this highly utilized space will attract attention before visitors even arrive in the garden. It will be sized to accommodate symphony concerts and other performing arts for both local and visiting artists. To seat large crowds, the Event Lawn contains the largest area of turf in the botanic garden which will be sustainably designed and maintained. The lawn and stage will be ringed by a landscaped path that will accommodate food trucks to supply food at events. The landscaping will define the event space for paid events, add beauty to the experience and help reduce off-site noise during events. Outdoor concerts, festivals, family movie nights, corporate events, fundraisers, community picnics, and holiday activities can all be accommodated for community-wide turnout.
In the Garden Plaza and Plaza Pavilion
Once arriving at the Plaza, the visitor will sense they are moving further into the calming space of the Gardens. This will be a gathering place where families, school groups and tours can meet and prepare for their walk through the Garden.
Gardens are not made by singing ‘Oh, how beautiful,’ and sitting in the shade.
~Rudyard Kipling
The Plaza Pavilion is the commercial hub of the garden and will include the ticket booth, educational space with indoor classrooms, a gift shop, research lab, library with archive facilities and restrooms.
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In the Garden River Deck
You cannot step into the same river twice.
~Heraticlus
To capitalize on the beautiful Leon River that borders the Botanic Garden, a River Deck will be located at the river’s edge as an extension of the Plaza area. This will allow events to be held on the River Deck during the day or under soft lights in the evening or to provide significant additional gathering space for large events at the Plaza. The River Deck will also allow guests to safely enjoy the Leon River and its plant and animal life up close.
In the Garden Named Garden Rooms
The following pages provide inspiration for the types of garden spaces that may be included at the Bend of the River Botanic Garden. An entire area of the Garden is dedicated to offering spaces for individual gardens that will take guests from room to room with secluded spaces, magical views, and specific purposes. Each garden will be built according to available funding and provide naming opportunities for donors. The scope and size of each room will be determined based on gifts to the Garden, though there are opportunities for all donors. Transitional allĂŠes, stunning borders, and hidden alcoves are smaller scale opportunities while entire rooms with artwork, grand plantings, water features, lighting, furniture and signage allow donors to participate in creating the magical experiences at the Bend of the River.
Be strong, be fearless, be beautiful. And believe that anything is possible when you have the right people there to support you. ~Misty Copeland
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In the Garden Family Kitchen Garden
Family Adventure Garden
As more people are becoming interested in understanding where their food comes from or growing some of their own food, the Family Kitchen Garden will showcase the best healthy vegetables, fruits, berries, shiny peppers, aromatic herbs and edible flowers for Central Texas to plant near your kitchen door or in containers for apartment dwellers. Classes for both adults and children will teach not only how to grow delicious and nutritious foods for the table, but local chefs and nutritionists will also demonstrate how to prepare fresh, seasonal meals for families and guests. Educational areas will provide hands-on learning opportunities about healthy soil, the important role played by worms, and planting techniques. In addition to ingredients for classes, harvests from the Family Kitchen Garden can be presented in “Field to Fork” dining events at the Garden, used in preparing food served in the Garden picnic supply kiosk or café, and contributed to local food pantries.
The family is one of nature’s masterpieces.
~George Santayana
The Family Adventure Garden will be filled with opportunities for families to engage with nature by stimulating curiosity, wonder and play in ways that are whimsical and fun. Educational signage and activities as well as natural areas and structures for play and exploration will help children develop social skills, enhance school curricula, bring families together outdoors, and create an awareness of the link between nature and our food, clothing and shelter. This garden might include a native plant maze, a shallow walk-through rocky stream, boulders and tree stumps to climb, a waterfall for splashing, and a picnic lawn for the family
In the Garden Wellness Garden
Garden for the Senses
Many cultures have understood that gardens with their beauty, fragrances and art, provide a healing environment far beyond a collection of medicinal plants. The Wellness Garden will be a place for exercise, including outdoor space for groups and individuals, walking paths and exercise kiosks. The area can be a meeting location for Walk With A Doc programs, healthy living lectures and demonstrations. It will also be a garden where medicinal plants will be on display to showcase the historical and current uses of plants for treating disease and plants for promoting health. And tucked among the active spaces are areas for quiet meditation that will soothe the senses with calming sounds, scents, and the beauty of nature.
I go to nature to be soothed and healed, and to have my senses put in order. ~John Burroughs
Gardens delight all the senses, not just the eyes that widen at the colors, vistas and arrangements. Fragrance from herbs, flowers, mosses and vines linger on the nose while edibles tease the palate and beg for tasting. The sounds of the garden encompass the birds and the breeze, but may be complimented by a xylophone made from reeds or sculptural wind chimes that seek passing musicians. A masterfully designed sensory garden is an interactive work of art that includes texture, taste, scent, color, and sound.
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In the Garden Native Gardens
Botanic gardens generally showcase a wide variety of plants for both display and scientific study. The Native Garden will demonstrate use of native plants – those which occur naturally in our ecoregion without human intervention - and provide information and learning opportunities about plants and their historical and current uses from the blackland prairie, post oak savannah and Edwards plateau ecoregions in Central Texas. Native plant species will include all kinds of flora from mosses and ferns to wildflowers, shrubs and trees. As natural landscapes are lost to development, this garden will provide a look at how native plants can be used in built landscapes to provide a biologically diverse setting for healthy ecosystems that attract pollinators and other insects, amphibians, birds and mammals and show how humans, flora and fauna are ecologically interdependent and provide a historical sense of place.
The Meadow
Bend of the River Botanic Garden lies in the expansive Blackland Prairie ecoregion which once stretched from near the Texas coast to Canada and was known for its wildflowers and head-high tall grasses. The rich soils attracted agriculture and now with less than 1% of the tallgrass prairie remaining, it is the most endangered ecosystem in North America. The Meadow at Bend of the River will provide a glimpse of that former beauty and natural resource by establishing the native grasses and wildflowers that once covered this area. School children and researchers alike will benefit from the availability of this plant community and the wildlife it will attract.
The Grove
South of the Woodland and Bird Preserve is an arboretum called the Grove Garden. This zone is an extension of the woodlands but will showcase specimen trees, as opposed to the woodlands which will emphasize ecological restoration and local plant communities and wildlife. The Grove Garden could contain a Texas Oak Tree collection striving to acquire the 50+ oak species native to Texas, including Red Oaks, Live Oaks, Bur Oak, Chinquapin Oak, Post Oak, and Water Oak.
In the Garden Formal Garden
This is the garden where form reigns. Geometric shapes and patterns are created with manicured lawns, topiaries, statuary and floral arrangements. Symmetry creates an eye pleasing view, allowing the gaze to appreciate small details. It is the view from above the garden that beckons guests to explore, because seeing the aerial view has a completely different feel from strolling along the walkways amidst the pageantry of nature.
A garden must combine the poetic and the mysterious with a feeling of serenity and joy. ~Luis Barragan
Gallery Garden
This garden will feature a variety of ways to display art. The winners of a plein air competition may be displayed behind glass on standing wall panels, or children’s art may fill the rotating frames of a metal gallery wall. Wide paths with showy borders are a perfect location for vendors to display their work at weekend art fairs, Carefully placed sculpted art acts as frames for senior pictures, baby photos, and family holiday pictures. Every bride will want an iconic photo framed by columns or reflected in a pool.
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In the Garden Color Garden
People enjoy the blast of color that explodes through the seasons. While not all specimens are meant for Texas gardens, they will provide inspiration and draw visitors to the garden over and over.
The earth laughs in flowers.
~Ralph Waldo Emerson
Cutting Garden
Cutting beds allow the garden experience to become portable. Flowers that can follow guests from their yard into their home are showcased and provide lovely color and changing designs throughout the growing seasons. Offering educational experiences, glorious views as well as inspiration for what to either take or grow at home, the cutting garden is a bouquet of nature’s bounty.
In the Garden Art Garden
I don’t divide architecture, landscape and gardening; to me they are one.
Balance, shape, proportion, emphasis, repetition and movement are principles of art that apply to garden design as well. And while the botanic garden as a whole is artfully designed, a special garden featuring artful installations and experiences will be enjoyed by visitors. The strong art community in Central Texas provides the ultimate backdrop for fine art in the garden. There will be seating areas and open spaces for viewing and could be a formal or casual space to provide a variety of experiences through the art and plant exhibits.
~Luis Barragon
Sculpture Garden
The sculpture gardens provide opportunities for natural and manmade materials to meld, creating interactive experiences for those who wander through them. Sculptural themes as well as iconic pieces can be explored. The art garden will be a space where plants and art – figural and abstract sculpture of stone, metal, wood and glass- complement each other for an environment of contemplation, study and enjoyment.
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In the Garden Hidden Garden
Since childhood, people have longed for the treasures of a secret garden. Hidden alcoves, quiet nooks, keyhole views and arched entries tempt the wanderer to peek around the next corner and then offer magical vignettes and surprising vistas. Trellises, doorways, gates and walls to scale, vines, climbing flowers, statuary, and maybe even a quiet water feature delight the senses and charm the guest. The Hidden Garden can be a small space with huge impact, often cited as “my favorite secret in the garden”
Romantic Garden A Romantic Garden offers the obvious venue for garden weddings, bridal photography, and engagement or anniversary parties, but it also becomes the focal point for bringing together supper clubs for intimate dinners, thanking an elite group of associates with a chef-inspired meal at small tables tucked away in the garden under twinkle lights, or a girls book club night cozied up on pillows in the cottage. Climbing roses, wisteria, and other flowers bow to the bride as she arranges her veil before stepping down the stairs or out of the cottage. Couples will remember this garden as the place where she said “yes”, they said “I do”, and they walked out of the garden and into their future.
In the Garden Moonlight Garden Night blooming moonflower, silver ferns, and a moonlit path welcome guests to the garden for a different kind of experience. This is the one garden where it makes sense to invest in maintaining twinkle lights and lanterns for wine tasting parties and chamber music.
Moonlight is sculpture.
~Nathaniel Hawthorne
Conservatory
The conservatory, a classical element to a botanic garden, offers guests an indoor space with an outside view. But even more exciting is what happens inside. Exotic plants, orchids, butterflies, and all those species that aren’t native to Central Texas and wouldn’t be appropriate for display in a permanent garden can live in a protected environment and provide seasonal and themed exhibits. The building can be used for classes, parties, and other events, ensuring that there is a Plan B in case of inclement weather. Such options make the Bend of the River Botanic Garden the first choice for an indoor or outdoor event.
I think this is what hooks one to gardening: it is the closest one can come to being present at creation.
~Phyllis Theroux
BEND OF THE RIVER 61
In the Garden Japanese Garden
As a beginning of the International Garden, the Bend of the River Botanic Garden will have a Japanese Garden. Known for its architecture, bridges, sculpted plantings, rocks, lanterns, bamboo, calming walkways, and picturesque views, the Japanese Garden offers solace and beauty in every manicured detail. This garden will be the jumping off point for other International Gardens in the future.
If it weren't for the rocks in its bed, the stream would have no song. ~Carl Perkins
Rock Garden
Indigenous rocks which may be unearthed during the building of the garden or be brought in to supplement provide a natural architecture and a unique means of showcasing plants and wildlife. The rock garden may be a transition into the Japanese Garden, or provide a space of its own with a rock cottage, waterfalls, and or stepping stones.
In the Garden Urban Garden
For those with small spaces like rooftops, porticos, patios and courtyards, the urban garden offers high volume garden impact. Growing vegetables in containers, and using contemporary art to showcase plants allows urban dwellers to maintain their connection with nature. Innovations like a rotating hydroponic wheel showcase cutting edge gardening techniques and ideas. The Urban Garden is the hippest garden with all the gadgets that make millenial living cool.
The garden suggests there might be a place where we can meet nature halfway.
~Michael Pollan
Community Garden
A complement to the community gardens thriving in Central Texas, the Bend Of The River Botanic Garden will offer space for groups like Temple College students or the Salvation Army to grow fresh vegetables for the Leopard Pantry or Feed My Sheep. Apartment residents may band together to share container garden space, and women who used to meet for book clubs may now meet for garden time. The Community Garden is an opportunity for locals who love the garden to find a home for their green thumb.
BEND OF THE RIVER 63
In the Garden Ladies’ Border
Allées
It’s no secret that when a group, or groups of women come together, they are invincible. The Ladies’ Border will be a wide swath that is designed to guide guests through one area of the garden to another. Like the women it is named for, it promises to help the visitor find their way by following a gracious and beautiful friend.
In my dreams and visions, I seemed to see a line, and on the other side of that line were green fields, and lovely flowers, and beautiful white ladies, who stretched out their arms to me over the line.
~Harriet Tubman
Broad walkways canopied by trees, shaded by vines, or covered in foliage, Allées are magical transitional spaces. But they do more than just get the visitor from one area to another; they can be rooms themselves, set for dinner, arranged for weddings, decorated for the holidays, and made for parades. Perhaps arriving at the garden would mean getting to drive through a tunnel of foliage, or walking under wisteriadraped arches.
In the Garden Pollinator Garden
The Pollinator Garden will be much more than a beautiful gathering of brightly colored flowering plants and small water features that will delight children and adults alike to admire the variety of butterflies and moths that dance among the blooms. The Pollinator Partnership, whose mission is to promote the health of pollinators, states that many pollinator populations are in decline and the decline is mostly attributed to a loss of feeding and nesting habitats. In addition to pollinating plants that provide our food and fiber, pollinators support healthy ecosystems that clean the air, stabilize soils and support other wildlife. Bend of the River Botanic Garden will provide pollinators such as birds, bats, butterflies, moths, small mammals, and bees the food, shelter and water they need with a Pollinator Garden that uses plants that are easy to grow, including plants native to Central Texas. In Texas, most plant pollination is carried out by bees representing several hundred species. Do-It-Yourself Bee Hotels could be placed in the pollinator garden to provide habitat for carpenter bees, leafcutter bees, and mason bees while also providing appropriate plants for food nearby. This garden will be a demonstration area for home and business owners who want to do the same.
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In the Garden Woodland and Bird Preserve
The Woodlands on the easternmost portion of the property will form a contemplative environment for reflection and experience of the natural world, including a Canopy Walk that raises visitors higher into the trees to enjoy an unexpected view of nature and wildlife. Many mature native canopy trees, understory trees and shrubs make up the woodlands and a riparian area near the wet weather waterway. As much as possible of this natural growth will be preserved in this area which will also help preserve habitat for the wildlife, including the mammals, birds, amphibians and insects that make their home there. Visitors can experience nature in a river bottom ecosystem on the Blackland Prairie with the help of interpretive signs and their own observation of frogs along a stream bank, butterflies amongst wildflowers, small mammals scavenging under the leaf litter and the many kinds of birds that fill the tree tops.
In the Garden Canopy Walk
The Canopy Walk will take guests into natural spaces usually not experienced: treetops. Located in the Woodlands and Bird Preserve, the Canopy Walk will rise into the treetops where mature trees can serve as host to the hundreds of migratory bird species in the Central Texas flyway. In the quiet of the canopy and with bird blinds available, birdwatching will include the sights and sounds of resident Titmouse and Nuthatch, owls and raptors as well as goldfinches and cedar waxwing which are just passing through. Butterflies also take refuge from wind and rain in the trees and their caterpillars feed there as well. Opposum, squirrels, raccoons and other mammals also make their home in the trees. The design and materials used for the Canopy Walk will be ADA accessible and a continuum of style and form seen throughout the garden.
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In the Garden Cottages
A lot of women joke about taking to the sea or living alone in a cottage as this kind of fun freedom. ~Mallory Orteberg
Smaller events can be hosted in a series of small cottages of varying styles that are located near the Woodland and Bird Preserve. These cottages would be used for rental space for small birthday parties or a children’s tea party, but their presence would provide a pleasing addition to the gardens around them. They could also serve as demonstration gathering sites for garden staff or visiting instructors. Cottage themes could be whimsical (shaped like a teapot or brightly colored), historical (a log cabin or thatched roof English cottage) or something unexpected like a human-sized bird house. Each would be carefully landscaped to complement its style.
In my garden there is a large place for sentiment. My garden of flowers is also my garden of thoughts and dreams.
The thoughts grow as freely as the flowers, and the dreams are as beautiful.
~Abram L. Urban
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Participation, I think, is one of the best methods of educating. ~Tom Glazer
Public Engagement Process BEND OF THE RIVER 71
Garden Visits and Community Outreach
The first task in understanding botanic gardens was to identify the ones in Texas and across the country which seem to be getting it right. The first of several trips to Dallas Arboretum provided a garden and future operations model for Temple as well as considerable insight into the challenges and opportunities facing public gardens as a whole. A list was developed and over several years that followed the donation of Bend of the River to the City, many gardens have been visited to learn about operations, programming, staffing, financial structure, fundraising efforts, traffic and noise issues, design principles, volunteer programs, gift shops, food services, and other activities that pubic gardens do each day other than landscaping. Not being a competitive industry, each garden offered high level staff and board members to spend entire days teaching Temple how to grow a botanic garden. After the announcement of the land donation, civic, social and special interest organizations had great interest in this large undertaking and there has been a steady flow of requests for presentations and updates on the project – with a number of the organizations donating money to the Botanic Garden, even before the name had been decided, as a show of support for such an important project. All of the groups were told about the future Master Plan process and when the Steering Committee was formed in 2016, about 20 different community organizations were represented at the table. The public meetings then brought in more citizens who were curious, had questions or were a fan of botanic gardens providing feedback from many segments of the community.
We learn from each other. We learn from others’ mistakes, from their experience, their wisdom. It makes it easier for us to come to better decisions in our own lives.
~Adrian Greiner
Community Involvement
Every successful individual knows that his or her achievement depends on a community of persons working together. ~Paul Ryan
The City intended to have a community Advisory Group serve as a sounding board and source of ideas during the development of the Master Plan and included that as part of the RFP requirements. When interviewing design firms, experience and skill in engaging with an advisory group to align the Master Plan with community needs, input and desired outcomes through public meetings were important criteria. An Advisory Group representing many segments of the community was formed and this group met with City staff and the design firm prior to the public meetings to provide input, raise questions and concerns as well as serve as a liaison for the organization they were representing.
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ENVIRONMENTAL ENVIRONMENTAL ENVIRONMENTAL ENVIRONMENTAL ENVIRONMENTAL ENVIRONMENTAL ENVIRONMENTAL ENVIRONMENTAL INVENTORY INVENTORY INVENTORY INVENTORY INVENTORY INVENTORY INVENTORY INVENTORY AND ANALYSIS AND INVENTORY AND AND ANALYSIS AND AND AND AND ANALYSIS ANALYSIS ANALYSIS ANALYSIS ANALYSIS ANALYSIS AND ANALYSIS REMEDIATION REMEDIATION REMEDIATION REMEDIATION REMEDIATION REMEDIATION REMEDIATION REMEDIATION PLAN REMEDIATION PLAN PLAN PLAN PLAN PLAN PLAN PLAN PLAN
PRESENTATION PRESENTATION PRESENTATION PRESENTATION PRESENTATION PRESENTATION PRESENTATION PRESENTATION TO PRESENTATION CLIENT TO TO CLIENT TO TO TO TO &TO CLIENT CLIENT ADVISORY CLIENT CLIENT CLIENT CLIENT & TO ADVISORY &&CLIENT ADVISORY & ADVISORY &&&ADVISORY ADVISORY GROUP ADVISORY ADVISORY &GROUP ADVISORY GROUP GROUP GROUP GROUP GROUP GROUP GROUP FINALFINAL MASTER FINAL FINAL FINAL FINAL FINAL FINAL MASTER MASTER MASTER PLAN MASTER MASTER MASTER MASTER FINAL PLAN AND PLAN PLAN MASTER PLAN PLAN REPORT PLAN AND PLAN AND AND REPORT AND AND AND AND PLAN REPORT REPORT REPORT REPORT REPORT REPORT AND REPORT
PRESENTATION PRESENTATION PRESENTATION PRESENTATION PRESENTATION PRESENTATION PRESENTATION PRESENTATION TO PRESENTATION CLIENT TO TO CLIENT TO TO TO TO &TO CLIENT CLIENT ADVISORY CLIENT CLIENT CLIENT CLIENT & TO ADVISORY &&CLIENT ADVISORY & ADVISORY &&&ADVISORY ADVISORY GROUP ADVISORY ADVISORY &GROUP ADVISORY GROUP GROUP GROUP GROUP GROUP GROUP GROUP
IMPLEMENTATION IMPLEMENTATION IMPLEMENTATION IMPLEMENTATION IMPLEMENTATION IMPLEMENTATION IMPLEMENTATION IMPLEMENTATION STRATEGY STRATEGY STRATEGY STRATEGY STRATEGY STRATEGY STRATEGY STRATEGY
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PRESENTATION PRESENTATION PRESENTATION PRESENTATION PRESENTATION PRESENTATION PRESENTATION PRESENTATION TO PRESENTATION CLIENT TO TO CLIENT TO TO TO TO ADVISORY TO CLIENT CLIENT CLIENT CLIENT CLIENT CLIENT ADVISORY TO ADVISORY ADVISORY CLIENT ADVISORY ADVISORY GROUP ADVISORY ADVISORY GROUP ADVISORY GROUP GROUP GROUP GROUP GROUP GROUP GROUP
PUBLIC PUBLIC PUBLIC PUBLIC ENGAGEMENT PUBLIC PUBLIC PUBLIC ENGAGEMENT PUBLIC ENGAGEMENT ENGAGEMENT ENGAGEMENT ENGAGEMENT ENGAGEMENT ENGAGEMENT
DEVELOP DEVELOP DEVELOP DEVELOP PUBLIC DEVELOP DEVELOP DEVELOP DEVELOP PUBLIC DEVELOP ENGAGEMENT PUBLIC PUBLIC PUBLIC PUBLIC PUBLIC PUBLIC ENGAGEMENT ENGAGEMENT ENGAGEMENT PUBLIC ENGAGEMENT ENGAGEMENT ENGAGEMENT ENGAGEMENT STRATEGY ENGAGEMENT STRATEGY STRATEGY STRATEGY STRATEGY STRATEGY STRATEGY STRATEGY STRATEGY ON-GOING ON-GOING ON-GOING ON-GOING ON-GOING ON-GOING ON-GOING PUBLIC ON-GOING PUBLIC ON-GOING ENGAGEMENT PUBLIC PUBLIC PUBLIC PUBLIC PUBLIC PUBLIC ENGAGEMENT ENGAGEMENT ENGAGEMENT PUBLIC ENGAGEMENT ENGAGEMENT ENGAGEMENT ENGAGEMENT ENGAGEMENT
CLIENT CLIENT MEETING MEETING & & PUBLIC PUBLIC WORKSHOP WORKSHOP #2 #4
PREPARE PREPARE PREPARE PREPARE FINAL PREPARE PREPARE PREPARE PREPARE FINAL DRAFT PREPARE FINAL FINAL FINAL FINAL FINAL FINAL DRAFT MASTER DRAFT DRAFT DRAFT DRAFT DRAFT DRAFT FINAL MASTER MASTER MASTER PLAN MASTER DRAFT MASTER MASTER MASTER PLAN PLAN PLAN MASTER PLAN PLAN PLAN PLAN PLAN
CLIENT MEETING & PUBLIC WORKSHOP #2 CLIENT CLIENT MEETING MEETING & & PUBLIC PUBLIC WORKSHOP WORKSHOP #4 #2 CLIENT CLIENT MEETING MEETING & & PUBLIC PUBLIC WORKSHOP WORKSHOP #2 #2
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CLIENT MEETING & PUBLIC WORKSHOP #2
CLIENT KICK OFF MEETING
PREPARE PREPARE PREPARE PREPARE TECHNICAL PREPARE PREPARE PREPARE PREPARE TECHNICAL PREPARE TECHNICAL TECHNICAL TECHNICAL TECHNICAL TECHNICAL TECHNICAL STUDIES STUDIES TECHNICAL STUDIES STUDIES STUDIES STUDIES STUDIES STUDIES STUDIES
CLIENT CLIENT MEETING MEETING & & PUBLIC PUBLIC WORKSHOP WORKSHOP #1 #3
PRESENTATION PRESENTATION PRESENTATION PRESENTATION PRESENTATION PRESENTATION PRESENTATION PRESENTATION TO PRESENTATION CLIENT TO TO CLIENT TO TO TO TO &TO CLIENT CLIENT ADVISORY CLIENT CLIENT CLIENT CLIENT & TO ADVISORY &&CLIENT ADVISORY & ADVISORY &&&ADVISORY ADVISORY GROUP ADVISORY ADVISORY &GROUP ADVISORY GROUP GROUP GROUP GROUP GROUP GROUP GROUP
CLIENT MEETING & PUBLIC WORKSHOP #1 CLIENT REVIEW MEETING CLIENT MEETING & PUBLIC WORKSHOP #1 CLIENT CLIENT MEETING MEETING & & PUBLIC PUBLIC WORKSHOP WORKSHOP #3 #1 CLIENT CLIENT MEETING MEETING & & PUBLIC PUBLIC WORKSHOP WORKSHOP #1 #1
PREPARE PREPARE PREPARE PREPARE FINAL PREPARE PREPARE PREPARE PREPARE FINAL FRAMEWORK PREPARE FINAL FINAL FINAL FINAL FINAL FINAL FRAMEWORK FRAMEWORK FRAMEWORK FRAMEWORK FRAMEWORK FRAMEWORK FRAMEWORK FINAL PLAN FRAMEWORK PLAN PLAN PLAN PLAN PLAN PLAN PLAN PLAN
CLIENT REVIEW MEETING
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CLIENT KICK OFF MEETING CLIENT MEETING & PUBLIC WORKSHOP #2 CLIENT KICK OFF MEETING CLIENT KICK OFF MEETING CLIENT CLIENT KICK KICK OFF OFF MEETING MEETING
SYNTHESIS: SYNTHESIS: SYNTHESIS: SYNTHESIS: SYNTHESIS: SYNTHESIS: SYNTHESIS: SYNTHESIS: IDEASSYNTHESIS: IDEAS AND IDEAS IDEAS IDEAS IDEAS IDEAS IDEAS FINDINGS AND AND AND FINDINGS AND AND AND IDEAS AND FINDINGS FINDINGS FINDINGS FINDINGS FINDINGS FINDINGS AND FINDINGS
CLIENT MEETING & PUBLIC WORKSHOP #2
CLIENT MEETING & PUBLIC WORKSHOP #1
CLIENT MEETING & PUBLIC WORKSHOP #1
MASTER MASTER MASTER MASTER MASTER MASTER MASTER PLANNING PLANNING MASTER PLANNING PLANNING PLANNING PLANNING PLANNING PLANNING
CONDUCT CONDUCT CONDUCT CONDUCT CONDUCT CONDUCT PUBLIC CONDUCT CONDUCT PUBLIC CONDUCT MEETING PUBLIC PUBLIC PUBLIC PUBLIC PUBLIC PUBLIC MEETING MEETING MEETING PUBLIC MEETING MEETING MEETING MEETING MEETING
EDUCATE EDUCATE
BUILD
BUILD
EDUCATE EDUCATE EDUCATE EDUCATE LISTEN EDUCATE EDUCATE EDUCATE EDUCATE LISTEN
BUILD BUILD UNVEIL BUILD BUILD BUILD BUILD BUILD BUILD UNVEIL
COMMUNITYCOMMUNITY MEETING MEETING
BUILD YOURBUILD OWN YOUR PARK OWN PARK
COMMUNITY COMMUNITY DRAFT COMMUNITY COMMUNITY COMMUNITY COMMUNITY COMMUNITY COMMUNITY MEETING PLAN COMMUNITY MEETING DRAFT COMMENTS MEETING MEETING MEETING MEETING MEETING MEETING PLANMEETING COMMENTS
BUILDBUILD YOUR MASTER BUILD BUILD BUILD BUILD BUILD BUILD YOUR OWN YOUR YOUR PLAN YOUR YOUR YOUR BUILD YOUR OWN PARK MASTER OWN OWN UNVEILING OWN OWN PARK OWN YOUR OWN PARK PARK PLAN PARK PARK PARK PARK OWN UNVEILING PARK
ENVIRONMENT ENVIRONMENT EDUCATIONEDUCATION
COMMUNITYCOMMUNITY MEETING MEETING
ENVIRONMENT ENVIRONMENT COMMUNITY ENVIRONMENT ENVIRONMENT ENVIRONMENT ENVIRONMENT ENVIRONMENT ENVIRONMENT EDUCATION ENVIRONMENT COMMUNITY MEETING EDUCATION EDUCATION EDUCATION EDUCATION EDUCATION EDUCATION EDUCATION MEETING EDUCATION
COMMUNITY COMMUNITY COMMUNITY COMMUNITY COMMUNITY COMMUNITY COMMUNITY COMMUNITY MEETING COMMUNITY MEETING MEETING MEETING MEETING MEETING MEETING MEETING MEETING
COMMUNITYCOMMUNITY POLLING POLLING
COMMUNITYCOMMUNITY POLLING POLLING
COMMUNITY COMMUNITY COMMUNITY COMMUNITY COMMUNITY COMMUNITY COMMUNITY COMMUNITY COMMUNITY POLLING COMMUNITY POLLING COMMUNITY POLLING POLLING POLLING POLLING POLLING POLLING POLLING POLLING POLLING
COMMUNITY COMMUNITY COMMUNITY COMMUNITY COMMUNITY COMMUNITY COMMUNITY COMMUNITY POLLING COMMUNITY POLLING POLLING POLLING POLLING POLLING POLLING POLLING POLLING
WORK PLAN TIMELINE
UILD
LISTEN LISTEN LISTEN LISTEN LISTEN LISTEN LISTEN LISTEN
CLIENT MEETING & PUBLIC WORKSHOP #4
CLIENT MEETING & PUBLIC WORKSHOP #4
CLIENT MEETING & PUBLIC WORKSHOP #4
CLIENT MEETING & PUBLIC WORKSHOP #4 CLIENT MEETING & PUBLIC WORKSHOP #4 CLIENT CLIENT MEETING MEETING & & PUBLIC PUBLIC WORKSHOP WORKSHOP #4 #4
CLIENT MEETING & PUBLIC WORKSHOP #3
CLIENT MEETING & PUBLIC WORKSHOP #3
CLIENT CLIENT REVIEW MEETINGMEETING & PUBLIC WORKSHOP #3
CLIENT REVIEW MEETING CLIENT MEETING & PUBLIC WORKSHOP #3 CLIENT MEETING & PUBLIC WORKSHOP #3 REVIEW MEETING CLIENT CLIENT MEETING MEETING & & PUBLIC PUBLIC WORKSHOP WORKSHOP #3 #3
CLIENT REVIEW MEETING CLIENT REVIEW MEETING CLIENT CLIENT REVIEW REVIEW MEETING MEETING
CLIENT MEETING & PUBLIC WORKSHOP #2
CLIENT MEETING & PUBLIC WORKSHOP #2
45 15 13 12 14 15 15 16 16 14 13 15 16 16 17 17 15 14 16 17 17 18 18 16 15 17 18 18 19 19 17 16 18 19 19 20 20 18 17 19 20 20 21 21 19 18 20 21 21 22 22 20 19 21 22 22 23 23 21 20 22 23 23 24 24 22 21 23 24 24 25 25 23 22 24 25 25 26 26 24 23 25 26 26 25 24 26 26 25 26
UNVEIL UNVEIL UNVEIL UNVEIL UNVEIL UNVEIL UNVEIL UNVEIL
UR GPARK OWN PARK
DRAFT DRAFT DRAFT DRAFT DRAFT DRAFT PLAN PLAN PLAN DRAFT PLAN PLAN COMMENTS PLAN COMMENTS COMMENTS COMMENTS COMMENTS COMMENTS PLAN DRAFTCOMMENTS PLAN DRAFT COMMENTS PLAN COMMENTS MASTER MASTER MASTER MASTER MASTER MASTER PLAN PLAN MASTER PLAN PLAN PLAN UNVEILING PLAN UNVEILING MASTER UNVEILING UNVEILING UNVEILING UNVEILING PLAN UNVEILING MASTER PLAN UNVEILING PLAN UNVEILING
TING ITY MEETING
COMMUNITY COMMUNITY COMMUNITY COMMUNITY COMMUNITY COMMUNITY COMMUNITY MEETING MEETING MEETING MEETING MEETING MEETING COMMUNITY MEETING COMMUNITY MEETINGMEETING
LING ITY POLLING
COMMUNITY COMMUNITY COMMUNITY COMMUNITY COMMUNITY COMMUNITY COMMUNITY POLLING POLLING POLLING POLLING POLLING POLLING COMMUNITY POLLING COMMUNITY POLLINGPOLLING
Public engagement consisted of four workshops in which citizens were educated on the site opportunities and able to provide feedback.
PEOPLE INPUTS EXPERT ADVISORS:
+Native Plant Societies +Master Gardeners +Master Naturalists +Community Stakeholders
ADVISORY GROUP INPUT
MASTER PLAN
ELEMENTS (Physical Design):
+Entry & Movement Vehicular: Entry Drive Experience Pedestrian: Trails and Colonnades +Events Indoor (Building) Outdoor, Covered (Pavilion) Outdoor, Open Air (Lawn) +Education Administration Classrooms (Indoor and Outdoor) +Collections Indoor (Conservatory) Outdoor (Gardens)
• • • •
BOTANICAL GARDEN DESIGN
DESIGN INPUTS
PLANNING PROCESS WORKSHOP 1: EDUCATE +Program Possibilities +Garden Possibilities +Site Opportunities +Contamination Issues
COMMUNITY INPUT
WORKSHOP 2: BUILD
+Passive Programs +Active Programs +Garden Type Preferences +Site Organization
WORKSHOP 3: LISTEN
+Framework and Plan Options
SITE OPPORTUNITIES AND CONSTRAINTS
OPPORTUNITIES:
+Site Topography +Water +Vegetation +Views +Existing Structures
CONSTRAINTS:
+Floodplain +Noise +Contamination +Existing Structures
The planning process for the Botanic Garden synthesized the community’s and Advisory Group’s input with the opportunities and constraints of the site in relation to best practices of botanic garden design and management. A series of four public meetings gathered input and feedback on garden programming and site layout, and meetings with the Advisory Group provided focused discussion among local experts and stakeholders for further refinement. During the first public meeting, the community was educated on possible programming and garden types and then voted on desired activities and programs for the site. These votes were tallied and the results presented at the second public meeting, where attendees formed groups and created site layouts with the programming and garden options. The layouts were analyzed for trends across all the proposals and then a draft plan was presented at the third public meeting. Comments from this meeting informed revisions and the final plan was unveiled at the fourth public meeting with potential phasing. This diagram illustrates how the people inputs, from both the community at large as well as local experts and stakeholders, and the design inputs, including the site opportunities and botanic garden design principles, all inform one another to create a botanic garden that will act as a regional destination while reflecting and enhancing local culture.
. BEND OF THE RIVER 77
BUILD YOUR OWN BOTANIC GARDEN The community worked together to design their version of a desired botanic garden for Temple.
Whatever good things we build end up building us.
~Jim Rohn
Which nature and bio-diversity features would you most like to see? A. B. C. D.
Bird Blinds Habitat Gardens Wildlife Sanctuary Arboretum
6% 56% 21% 18%
Which cultural activities would you most like to see included in the master plan? A. B. C. D.
31% Outdoor Concerts Lectures and Classes 6% Food and Beverage 11% Outdoor Education 51% Center
Which theme are you most interested in seeing at Bend O’ The River? A. B. C. D.
Cultural Activities Nature and Bio-diversity Active Recreation Café or Restaurant Pavilion
17% 57% 20% 6%
FEEDBACK Community workshops provided ample tools for receiving and documenting public input, from polling, direct comments on boards, to hands-on workshops, that began to inform the master plan.
What is your second biggest concern about Bend O’ The River? A. Environmental Issues B. Noise Pollution C. Under Use of an Important Resource D. Over Use of an Important Resource
47% 24% 21% 9%
EDUCATIONAL TRIP The Public Steering Committee and design team toured a premier regional botanical garden and held an open discussion session with the Vice President of the Gardens to understand maintenance and operations of running a Botanical Garden.
Many a trip continues long after movement in time and space have ceased.
~John Steinbeck
BEND OF THE RIVER 79
At times our own light goes out and is rekindled by a spark from another person. Each of us has cause to think with deep gratitude of those who have lighted the flame within us.
~Albert Schweitzer
Acknowledgements BEND OF THE RIVER 81
Grateful
The Talasek Family Reuben and Bernice Talasek Tobi Bigelow Karl and Terice Talasek Schneider Elliot and Carrie Ahr Carol Ann Sandlin
City of Temple Steering Committee Traci Barnard, Director of Finance Kevin Beavers, Director of Parks and Recreation Nancy Glover, Convention and Visitor Bureau Manager Jonathan Graham, City Manager Kayla Landeros, City Attorney Jonathan Logue, Parks and Recreation Marketing Coordinator Belinda Mattke, Director of Purchasing Brynn Myers, Assistant City Manager Melissa Przybylski, Assistant Director of Finance Chuck Ramm, Assistant Director of Parks and Recreation Ashley Williams, Director of General Services
Temple Parks Foundation Allan Einboden*, President Scott Allen* Gail Avots* Russell Belson Justice Bigbie Barbara Cardinal-Sorge Mark Clardy* Heidi Couchman* Jason Culp Cindy Fowler Kelly Garcia* Jennifer Graham Linda Knight Mary Kylberg* Rebekah Little* Karen Mayo Matthew Monroe Ben Moreno Pat Mullins David Perez-Guerra* Doug Smith* Travis Smith Joe Stewart Charles Stout
Parks Advisory Board Lacy Adams* Scott Allen* John Bailey* Justice Bigbie Roney Castor* Mona Fullmer Fabian Gomez* Gil Hollie Scott Kiella* Chuck Lucko Albert Nebgen* David Perez-Guerra David Rapp Doug Smith Dr. Mark Smith* James Stafford*
Current Member *
Current Member *
“Imagine If…” Committee Ken Cicora, Chair Debbie Allen Gail Avots Kevin Beavers Heidi Couchman Cyndie Davis Mary Ann Everett Belinda Garcia Jennifer Graham Jonathan Graham Nancy Glover Carol Hajda Mary Kylberg Maria Posey Lisa Potts Zoe Rascoe Roxanne Spradlin Randy Stumberg Chris Whorley
Garden Mentors Tary Arterburn, Studio Outside Mary Brinegar, Dallas Arboretum Bob Brackman, San Antonio Botanical Gardens Steven Chamblee, Chandor Garden Suzzanne Chapman, Mercer Arboretum Carol Clark Montgomery, Clark Gardens Max Clark, Clark Gardens Dr. Dave Creech, SFA Gardens Rick Daley, emdconsulting Darrin Duling, Mercer Arboretum Jim Farley, Leichtag Foundation Dave Forehand, Dallas Arboretum Kris Jarantoski Chicago Botanic Garden Joseph Johnson, TAMU Gardens & Greenway Carl E. Lewis, Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden Mark Meyer, TBG Partners Thomas Nissly, Chicago Botanic Garden Phil Normandy, Brookside Botanical Garden Henry Painter, Ft. Worth Botanical Garden Jeff Ross, Houston Botanic Garden Dr. Doug Welsh, TAMU Gardens & Greenway
Public Steering Committee Lacy Adams Scott Allen Robert Atmar Charley Ayres Rene Berkhoudt Dr. Todd Bohannon Kent Boyd Mickey Burleson Diane Calderwood Roney Castor Allan Einboden Janice Gibbs Jennifer Graham Reid Lewis Zoe Rascoe Carol Sandlin Terice Talasek Schneider Bryant Ward
Public Meeting Attendees Lacy Adams Katherine Atkins Charley Ayres Kevin Beavers JoAnn Beffam Rene Berkhoudt WT Bohannon Suzanne Boyer Randy Brown Kathy Brown Betty Burkett Mickey Burleson Diane Calderwood Roney Castor Tom Christian Gail Christian Tom Christian James Cowan Cindy Cowan Cody Crittenden Joe Dorn Yvonne Eele Allan Einboden Jodie Folsom Janice Gibbs
Marjorie Gillmeister Jimmy Glover Nancy Glover Kara Godineaux Jennifer Graham Jonathan Graham Terri Hahn Carla Harmon Carol Harmon Rose Harris Gordon Harris Henry Holtman Jeanette Holtman Martin Kent Kathy Kinsey Al Knight Gail Koont Dan Ladd Bill Lawrance Reid Lewis Jonathan Logue Sylvia Maedgen Wade Matthews Belinda Mattke Betty McMillioan
We regret any accidental omission or misspelling of names.
Brynn Myers Bahia Nightengale Dwight Peake Chuck Ramm Linda Rapp Gary Rapp Stella Rapp Zoe Rascoe Jeane Richard Carol Ronyan Cas Salys Carol Sandlin Terice Schneider Karl Schneider Karen Schuldies Mary Sharp Bruce Slack Donna Slack Gary Slanga Janet Stein Jenelle VanNatre Robert Vasquez Bennie Walsh Bryant Ward Ashley Williams BEND OF THE RIVER 83
It takes the same effort to think small than to think big. But to think big frees you from the insignificant details. ~Jorge Paulo Lemann
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Site History
The City of Temple is in the heart of Central Texas on Interstate Highway 35, strategically located between Dallas‐ Fort Worth and Austin, TX. In addition, Fort Hood, the largest active duty military installation in the nation, is located twenty‐five miles west of Temple. The City is in one of the fastest growing areas in the nation, the Texas Triangle. This area connects Dallas‐Fort Worth, San Antonio and Houston and is home to 80% of the population of Texas, who are all located within 180 miles of Temple. Temple was established in 1882 as a railroad town and continues to be prevalent in the railroad industry, but has become a major stakeholder in the healthcare/bioscience and related technology sectors. Also, given the City’s location to both the railroad and interstate, Temple serves as a major manufacturing, logistics and distribution market. These fields attract a variety of businesses and populations, requiring a variety of local attractions to support a vibrant and healthy lifestyle. One property in Temple that many consider a “gem” is the southernmost gateway of 30 acres of land along the east side of Interstate 35. The property belonged to Reuben and Bernice Talasek and was used to host many community events and famous dignitaries and celebrities. It is a magnificent piece of property due to the Leon River frontage views it offers, large pecan trees scattered throughout the property, adjacent interstate access, and iconic memories of the Budweiser Clydesdale that was also kept there. In 2011, the Talaseks donated the 30 acres to the City of Temple to be used as a park or park- like facility. Quickly, when the idea of a possible botanic garden surfaced and in 2012, a non-profit organization was formed—Bend of the River Botanic Garden Foundation. This group was formed to promote the potential fundraising and construction of a garden on the property. Since this time, the Parks Department has been maintaining the property and renting it for events such as weddings, dinners, concerts, and other special events. Soon after the donation, a neighboring property owner expressed an interest in donating additional property to the City. The property consisted of approximately 58 acres and adjoins the original 30 acres with additional river frontage. The two pieces of property together gives the City almost 90 acres to develop a botanic garden. This is more than adequate to begin a garden with room to grow over time. The next step in this process was to conduct a feasibility study.
In 2015, the City contracted with Rick Daley of EMD Consulting Group, LLC out of North Carolina. Mr. Daley is one of the top experts in conducting botanic garden feasibility studies. His final report provided the following recommendations: • • • • • • • •
A botanic garden is feasible and the City should proceed forward Set aside a significant land area for the garden Proceed expeditiously with site environmental cleanup Establish the garden as a municipal garden Develop a private support group with a membership and fundraising program Coordinate with outside private groups Determine what can be done to reduce noise pollution Continue and expand events
Upon receiving this report, the City of Temple set money aside to do a botanic garden master plan of the approximately 90 acres. Upon extensive interviews of several companies that do these types of master plans, SWA out of Houston, Texas was selected. After approximately 6 months of planning and design and four public meetings, the final master plan was unveiled in August 2016. The master plan document lays out a road map of the master plan and how the Bend of the River Botanic Garden should proceed. As garden directors across the country have told us, one of the most important things to remember when beginning from scratch is, “do not let your property dictate your master plan but design your property to the master plan”. Bend of the River Botanic Garden will provide Central Texas with a natural space for learning, research, cultural enrichment, and leisure activities. The Garden will offer venues for public and private events, opportunities to improve health and wellness in a natural setting, cultural and educational programming and research, and serve as a destination for the enjoyment of nature and outdoor recreation.
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Event Lawn and Pavilion
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Entry Plaza, Pavilion, and River Deck at Night
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In the Gardens
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Woodlands, Wet Weather Waterway, and Canopy Walk
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Master Plan, Volume 2: Fundraising by: Bend of the River Botanic Garden Foundation and City of Temple
Bend of the River Botanic Garden Š City of Temple March 2017
Master Plan Design by: 1245 West 18th St. Houston, TX 77008