HomeMy WebLinkAbout2013-01-07 - Agendas - FinalParks & Recreation Staff
Connie Edmonston, Director
Chase Gipson, Recreation Superintendent
Byron Humphry, Maintenance Superintendent
Alison Jumper, Park Planning Superintendent
Melanie Thomas, Senior Secretary
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Parks & Recreation Advisory Board
Steve Meldrum - Chair
Terry Lawson
Jonathan Leonard
Chuck Maxwell
Phillip McKnight
Phillip Watson -Vice Chair
John M. Paul
David Proffitt
Angie Sass
Parks and Recreation Advisory Board Meeting
January 7, 2013 at 5:30 p.m.
City Hall, Room 111
113 West Mountain Street
Fayetteville, AR
**Please bring your calendars to schedule an orientation meeting.**
AGENDA:
1. Introduction of new and current PRAB Members: Connie Edmonston, Director of
Parks and Recreation
2. Election of 2013 Officers - Chairman and Vice Chairman:
PRAB Motion:
3. Approval of December 3, 2012 PRAB Meeting Minutes:
PRAB Motion:
4. PRAB member appointment on City Committees:
5. Botanical Garden Society of the Ozarks Report: Phillip Watson, PRAB
6. Park Land Dedication:
Development Name:
Engineer:
Owner:
Location:
Park Quadrant
Units:
Total Acres:
Land Dedication Requirement:
Money in Lieu Requirement
Alison Jumper, Park Planning Superintendent
Park Hill
Jorgensen and Associates
Centennial Bank
West of I-540, south of Persimmon (part of
the Mountain Ranch Development)
SW
13 Single Family
Approx. 1.69 acres
0.192
$7,160
** Fees for 5 single family lots have already been paid with the final plat of Mountain Ranch
Phase I. *Final fees to be determined at Planning Commission approval*
Existing Parks: Dale Clark Park, Shiloh Trail, Village at
January 7, 2013 PRAB Agenda
1
Developer's Request:
Staff Recommendation:
Estimated Annual Maintenance:
Justification:
PRAB Motion:
Shiloh Park Land, Bryce Davis Park
Money in lieu
Money in lieu
N/A
The existing parks and trail in the area will
meet the recreational needs of this
development.
7. Kessler Mountain Presentation: Frank Sharp
See attached Kessler Mountain Information.
8. Selection of PRAB Orientation Date:
Please bring your calendar so we can select a date for the annual PRAB Orientation on
January 7`h. We need to allow a time frame of approximately 2 hours prior to our
February 4th PRAB monthly meeting or select another day in January. PRAB is required
to have a member serve on the following committees:
Active Transportation Advisory Committee: Meets quarterly on the second
Wednesday at 5:30 pm, City Hall Room 326
Botanical Gardens of the Ozarks Board of Directors: Meets third Tuesday of every
month at 6 pm at Lake Fayetteville Botanical Garden of the Ozarks.
9. Other Business:
10. Adjournment
Upcoming Events and City Council Items:
Jan 21 Holiday — City offices closed
Attachments: Agenda Items listed below:
1. December 3, 2012 PRAB Meeting Minutes
2. Park Hill Project Information
Reports:
HMR Monthly Report
January 7, 2013 PRAB Agenda 2
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FAYETTEVILLE PARKS AND RECREATION
ADVISORY BOARD
Minutes for December 3, 2012
Opening:
The regular meeting of the Parks and Recreation Advisory Board was called to order by
Billy Waite at 5:40 p.m. in Room 111 at the City Administration Building at 113 West
Mountain Street in Fayetteville, Arkansas.
Present:
Parks and Recreation Advisory Board members Sass, Waite, Paul, Lawson, Watson, and
Proffitt were present. Leonard arrived later. Meldrum and McKnight were absent. Staff
members Edmonston, Humphry, Jumper, Gipson and Thomas were in attendance.
AGENDA:
1. Approval of November 5, 2012 PRAB Meeting Minutes:
PRAB Motion: Lawson motioned to approve the minutes as written, and Watson
seconded it. Motion passed 6-0-0 by voice vote.
2. Botanical Garden Society of the Ozarks Report: Phillip Watson, PRAB
Watson had no report.
Addition to the Agenda:
Edmonston said that Phillip Reed, a candidate to be an Eagle Scout, was at the
meeting, but not on the agenda. She said she would like him to go ahead and do
his presentation.
Reed said he was with Boy Scout Troop 116, and he was working on his Eagle
Scout badge. He said he would like to clear out the invasives and undergrowth at
Lake Sequoyah by the trailheads and kiosk. He plans to construct two 10 x 10
beds with mulch, landscaping timbers, and rebar. He said he will install picnic
tables. He said the total cost of the materials would be $258.49.
Watson asked if Parks had blessed this project.
Humphry said yes. He said that he and Jumper had been working with Reed.
1
Paul wanted to know if maintenance would be required once the project was done.
Reed said possibly. He said it should stay pretty clear.
Waite commented that there has been a long line of Scout projects with Parks and
Recreation.
PRAB Motion: Watson motioned to approve the project, and Paul seconded it.
Motion passed 6-0-0 by voice vote.
3. Naming of Lake Fayetteville Nature Trails
Lake Fayetteville Environmental Study Center has proposed to name the nature
trails used by their program to teach children at their center in order to expedite
emergency notification of Fire/Police/Ambulance in the event of an emergency.
They have proposed names of five nature trails as designated on the attached map.
This item was tabled at the November 5 meeting per the Park Naming Facilities
Policy.
Park Staff Recommendation: Staff approves the proposed names of the nature
trails. PRAB's approved proposed names of the trails will be forwarded to City
Council for final approval.
Jumper said that the naming of the trails was tabled for one month.
Waite asked if she had gotten any feedback and Jumper said no.
Waite then asked if anyone else had received any comments. No one had.
Edmonston said naming the trails are a great idea, so if there is an emergency on a
trail, the emergency responders can find them more quickly.
Lawson noted that signs for the named trails were discussed last month. He
wanted to know if that was still going to happen.
Edmonston said yes. She said Parks will work with the Environmental Center.
Paul asked if there had ever been any discussion for naming rights to trails.
Edmonston said no, not to her knowledge. She said that was something Parks
could look into. She said she thought the idea would relate to donations.
PRAB Motion: Proffitt motioned to accept the trail naming proposal, and
Lawson seconded it. Motion passed 7-0-0 by voice vote.
2
4. Park Land Dedication:
Development Name:
Engineer/Surveyor:
Owner:
Location:
Park Quadrant
Units:
Total Acres:
Land Dedication Requirement:
Money in Lieu Requirement:
Existing Parks:
Developer's Request:
Staff Recommendation:
Developer's Comments:
Justification:
Alison Jumper, Park Planning
Superintendent
Eco New
Jorgensen and Associates
Specialized Real Estate
Southwest corner of Duncan and Center St.,
south of Oak Ridge Trail
SW
94 Multi -family
2.16 acres
1.316 acres
$52,640
Wilson Park, Walker Park, Frisco Trail, Oak
Ridge Trail, Hill Place Park Land, Hotz
Park, Square Gardens, YRCC
Money in lieu
Money in lieu
Several parks exist within a one mile radius
of this development. The development is
adjacent to Oak Ridge Trail which provides
pedestrian access to Frisco Trail and many
of the adjacent parks.
Seth Mims, with Specialized Real Estate, said he was there ready to answer any
questions. He said this development would be a "walkable" community. The
residents would be close to the university, shopping, trails, and other places.
Waite said this was a great project.
Proffitt wanted to know if this development was similar to Eco Modern Flats.
Mims said it will have an urban format. It will be a huge asset to the
neighborhood. He said the sidewalks are really outdated, and that would be
corrected.
Edmonston said this project goes to the Council tomorrow night.
Paul asked about the possible start date.
Mims said he hoped it would be April or May.
PRAB Motion: Lawson motioned to accept the money in lieu. Paul seconded it.
Motion passed 7-0-0 by voice vote.
3
5. Park Land Dedication:
Development Name:
Engineer/Surveyor:
Owner:
Location:
Park Quadrant:
Units:
Total Acres:
Land Dedication Requirement:
Money in Lieu Requirement:
Existing Parks:
Developer's Request:
Staff Recommendation:
Developer's Comments:
Justification:
Alison Jumper, Park Planning
Superintendent
Penny Lane
Bates and Associates, Inc.
Penny Lane Construction LLC
Northwest corner of Winwood Drive and
Mission Boulevard
NE
5 Single Family
2.35 acres
0.115 acres
$4,600
Gulley Park, Craft Park, Brooks -Hummel
Nature Preserve, Ridgeway View Park
Money in lieu
Money in lieu
Several parks exist within a one mile radius
of this development. Additionally, the land
dedication requirement is less than two acres
and does not provide adequate land for a
neighborhood park.
Jumper said that a house is already constructed on the property. She said Staff is
recommending money in lieu.
Waite commented that money in lieu is good for a small piece of land.
Paul said that there is already construction on the land. He asked if it was
supposed to come before PRAB before beginning the project.
Jumper said it is supposed to, but this project had a lot split which kicked it into a
new development review. So this project had a different process.
PRAB Motion: Watson motioned to accept the staff recommendation of money
in lieu, and Paul seconded it. Motion passed 7-0-0 by voice vote.
At this point, Boy Scout Troop 46 came into the meeting, and Edmonston
introduced them.
6. NWA Disc Golf Association 2012 Report and Walker Park Course
Presentation: Ray Moore, President
Staff has met with members of the Northwest Arkansas Disc Golf Association and
the University of Arkansas Disc Golf Club to discuss the possibility of a disc golf
course at Walker Park in the wooded areas to the north and south of the Walker
4
Senior Activity and Wellness Center. The course would be constructed largely by
volunteers, working in coordination with Parks and Recreation Staff.
Park Staff Recommendation: Staff recommends the construction of the course
with members of NWA Disc Golf and other volunteers following a staff -approved
plan with relation to course design and layout.
Ray Moore, Robert Davis, and Ryan Black, members of the NWA Disc Golf
Association came to discuss the proposed golf course.
Moore said that the club wants to put in a disc golf course at Walker Park in the
Senior Center area.
Black said that he helped found the U of A Disc Golf Club.
Davis said that he was the current president of the disc golf club at the U of A.
Black said that in 2008 there were approximately ten disc golf teams across the
country. There are now around 100 teams. A course at Walker Park would be
great, and it would be easy to get to.
Davis said Holcomb and Owl Creek Schools just got a youth disc golf course
installed. He said it's an educational disc golf experience for schools. He added
Lake Fayetteville has a challenging course, but an easier course needs to be
available for beginners, so they won't be scared off. It would help them to
develop their skills.
Black said that having a diverse course would be a bigger pull to have
tournaments.
Moore commented that Alma had over ninety golfers at the PDGA tournament.
Edmonston wanted to know how the course would be developed.
Moore said they are working with the U of A. Some of the sponsors that will
donate baskets are Ella's, Pack Rat, Lewis & Clark, and Play It Again Sports.
Paul asked how much the baskets cost.
Moore said anywhere from three to five hundred dollars.
Paul asked how much maintenance would be required.
Moore said they would keep it up.
Paul asked about liability issues on the course, such as snakes.
5
Moore said that the amount of traffic on the course would minimize that hazard.
Proffitt said the course would be a great use of the space.
Moore said there are a lot of downed trees and debris, and honeysuckle at Lake
Fayetteville. He said the parking lot is small, and the program is getting a lot more
members.
Edmonston said that this is a very active club, and they will be working with
Parks and Recreation.
Moore added that he made sure the lines didn't cross any part of the trail.
Waite asked if the final layout is ready to be approved.
Gipson said that it is still being developed.
Moore commented that there was still a lot of cleanup to be done.
Watson said that this project is a great idea. He commented that a couple of areas
were close to the trail.
Black said signage would be put up.
Leonard asked if the baskets could be moved.
Moore said yes. He said they already do that so people would continue to be
challenged.
Paul asked what the cost would be.
Moore said they would be meeting with the U of A about that. He said he thought
it would be around $5,000.
Lawson wanted to make sure Moore knew that baseball was played there March
through June.
Moore said he knew. He added that disc golf could always adjust their dates.
Aubrey Shepherd, a guest, asked how wide the tracks would be.
Moore said they would be from 40 to 60 feet wide.
Black said that the tracks in places at Walker would be as small as 10 feet. The
playing area would be more compact.
6
Moore said each hole would have concrete and pads that would measure
approximately 6 x 6 feet or so.
Shepherd said from a public viewpoint, this; was one of the most shocking things
he's heard in awhile. He said it's a wildlife habitat with a lot of trees, deer raising
young, and birds nesting. He said that Fayetteville is a national wildlife certified
city. He said that part of Walker Park is natural. He said that many species of
butterflies and birds live there. He asked if the tracks would be concrete, blacktop,
or exactly what. He added that the homeless people offends some people there,
but if you tear out the woods, it would push these people further and further out of
the city, and they would have to travel further for services. He said there are no
real shelters in Fayetteville.
Edmonston said that the problem with the homeless is the safety on our trails, and
the fact that there's an ordinance that says there is no overnight camping in our
parks except at Lake Sequoyah for the boy scouts that requires special permission.
One of the boy scouts, a small boy, said that the area is natural, but it would be
fun to go to the course.
Watson said the course would have very tight trails. There would be three to five
trails going through the trees. He said he didn't see much ramification on wildlife.
Moore agreed, and added that people enjoy being around nature. He said that
hopefully no trees will need to come down.
Waite said he was a big disc golf fan, because it has a low impact on nature.
PRAB Motion: Watson motioned to approve the construction of a disc golf
course at Walker Park, and Paul seconded it. Motion passed 7-0-0 by voice vote.
7. Other Business:
Waite read the upcoming events.
8. Adjournment
Meeting adjourned at 6:39 pm.
Minutes taken by Melanie Thomas
7
JORGENSEN & ASSOCIATES
CIVIL ENGINEERS • SURVEYORS
124 WEST SUNBRIDGE, SUITE 5 FAYETTEVILLE, ARKANSAS 72703 • (479) 442-9127 • FAX (479) 582-4807
DAVID L. JORGENSEN, P.E., P.L.S.
JUSTIN L. JORGENSEN, P.E.
BLAKE E. JORGENSEN, P.E.
City of Fayetteville
113 W. Mountain Street
Fayetteville, AR 72701
Attn: Parks Department
Re: Parkhill @ Mountain Ranch PZD
Dear Staff;
Included herewith please find two copies of the Park Hill @ Mountain Ranch PZD located at the
SW corner of Persimmon Street and Mountain Ranch Blvd. This PZD was previously approved by the
Parks Department back in May of 2009 but no construction began on it due to the poor economy so it is
now going back through the city approval process. The Parks Department previously approved money
in lieu and the fees for 5 units have already been paid in 2009. With this current submittal the developer
is still requesting to pay money in lieu for the necessary parks fees. There have been no changes made
to the layout of the previously submitted PZD including the 0.44 acre POA Park within the
development.
Please review this submittal and feel free to contact us with any questions.
Thanks for your time.
Sincerely;
Justin L. Jorgensen, P.E.
Owner:
Centennial Bank
8201 Cantrell Rd., Suite 104
Little Rock, AR. 7227
• PUBLIC WORKS • LAND DEVELOPMENT • WATER SYSTEMS • WASTEWATER SYSTEMS • LAND SURVEYING •
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PARK HILL AT MOUNTAIN RANCH
765-13744-000
OZARKS ELECTRIC COOPERATIVE CORP.
P.O. BOX 848
FAYETTEVILLE, AR. 72702-0848
(R -A)
THIS SITE CONSISTS OF ONE PLANNING AREA.
VICINITY MAP
765-13728-000
FOREST HILLS PARTNERS, LLC.
P. O. BOX 10210
FORT SMITH, AR. 72917-0210
(RPZD)
N
PERSIMMON STREET
W
E
EX. 8" WTR.
S
P.O.B.
NW CORNER
LOT #87
15' BLDG.
Sal
S87°34'55"E 377.13'
SEX. SIDEWALK
47.00'
1
PROPOSED
HOUSE
10,453 SQ. FT.
FAYETTEVILLE, ARKANSAS
6,293 SO. FT.
765-26865-000
ROUSE -WALKER PROPERTIES, INC.
P. O. BOX 180328
FORT SMITH, AR. 72718
(RSF-4)
ZONING MAP
87
765-26866-000
COCO MOUNTAIN RANCH, LLC.
8201 CANTRELL ROAD #315
LITTLE ROCK, AR. 72227
(RSF-4)
N37°58'59"E
17.25'
/4/•
6'
PROPOSED
HOUSE
6
5,006 SO. FT.
88
765-26867-000
ROUSE -WALKER PROPERTIES, INC.
P.O. BOX 180328
FORT SMITH, AR. 72918
(RSF-4)
PROPOSED
HOUSE
7
4,838 SQ. FT.
RSF 2
/J Ne
89
765-26868-000
ROUSE -WALKER PROPERTIES, INC.
P.O. BOX 180328
FORT SMITH, AR. 72918
(RSF-4)
765-14611-001
MOUNTAIN RANCH APARTMENTS
6010 W. 62ND STREET
INDIANAPOLIS, IN. 46278
(RMF -24)
RSF-2R-A
R -A
PROPOSED
8 HOUSE
4,235 SQ. FT.
FAYETTEVILLE, ARKANSAS
5' BLDG.
SETBACK
51
765-26830-000
COCO MOUNTAIN RANCH, LLC.
8201 CANTRELL ROAD #315
LITTLE ROCK, AR. 72227
(RSF-4)
EX. 8" WTR.
EX. 8" SWR. \\
90
765-26869-000
ROUSE -WALKER PROPERTIES, INC.
P.O. BOX 180328
FORT SMITH, AR. 72918
(RSF-4)
PROPOSED
HOUSE
3,8499 SO. FT.
PLAT PAGE: #478
52
765-26831-000
COCO MOUNTAIN RANCH, LLC.
8201 CANTRELL ROAD #315
LITTLE ROCK, AR. 72227
(RSF-4)
PROPOSED
HOUSE
10
4,865 SQ. FT.
LANE) USE TABLE
SYMBOL
USED
UNITS
ACRES
UNITS/ACRE
% OF TOTAL LAND
SF
SINGLE
FAMILY
13
2.27
6.00
75.33
GS
GREEN
SPACE
0.56
24.67
TOTAL UNITS = 13 (5 73 UNITS/ACRE)
ROADS / DRIVEWAYS = 0.35 ACRES
ENGINEER:
JORGENSEN & ASSOCIATES
CONSULTING ENGINEERS, INC.
124 WEST SUNBRIDGE SUITE 5
FAYETTEVILLE, AR. 72703
(479) 442-9127
OWNER:
COCO MOUNTAIN RANCH, LLC.
8201 CANTRELL ROAD #315
LITTLE ROCK, AR. 72227
LEGAL DESCRIPTION:
I-ECEN13
• FOUND IRON PIN
0 SET IRON PIN
01 FIRE HYDRANT
O SEWER MANHOLE
UTILITY EASEMENT
FRONT BUILDING SETBACK 8 U.E.
STREET CENTERLINE
8" WATERLINE
8" SEWER LINE
EXISTING SIDEWALK
91
765-26870-000
VICTOR & SAUNDRA PARKERSON
3566 MOUNTAIN VIEW
FAYETTEVILLE, AR. 72704
(RSF-4)
PROPOSED
HOUSE
11
3,983 SO. FT.
53
765-26832-000
COCO MOUNTAIN RANCH, LLC.
8201 CANTRELL ROAD #315
LITTLE ROCK, AR. 72227
(RSF-4)
92
765-26871-000
ROUSE -WALKER PROPERTIES, INC.
P.O. BOX 180328
FORT SMITH, AR. 72718
(RSF-4)
EX. 8" WTR.
12
4,718 SO. FT.
PROPOSED
HOUSE
X. SIDEWALK
L = 31.42'
R=20.00'
13
5,038 SQ. FT.
PROPOSED
HOUSE
10' BLDG.
SETBACK
93
765-26872-000
COCO MOUNTAIN RANCH, LLC.
8201 CANTRELL ROAD #315
LITTLE ROCK, AR. 72227
(RSF-4)
X. 8" SWR.
EW 6'S6EWALK
76544611-000
COCO MOUNTAIN RANCH, LLC.
8201 CANTRELL ROAD #315
LITTLE ROCK, AR. 72227
(RSF-4)
50' R/W
GRAPHIC SCALE
ALL OF LOTS 94, 95, 96, 97 AND 118 AND A PART OF LOTS 87, 88, 89 AND 90 OF MOUNTAIN RANCH SUBDIVISION PHASE I AS PER PLAT ON FILE IN THE
OFFICE OF THE CIRCUIT CLERK AND EX -OFFICIO RECORDER OF WASHINGTON COUNTY, ARKANSAS AND BEING DESCRIBED AS FOLLOWS: BEGINNING AT THE NW
CORNER OF SAID LOT 87 THENCE S87°34'55"E 377.13 FEET, THENCE ALONG A CURVE TO THE RIGHT 59.18 FEET, SAID CURVE HAVING A RADIUS OF 40.00
FEET AND A CHORD BEARING OF S45°11'51"E 53.93 FEET, THENCE ALONG A CURVE TO THE LEFT 148.16 FEET, SAID CURVE HAVING A RADIUS OF 327.50
FEET AND A CHORD BEARING OF S15°46'23"E /46.90 FEET, THENCE S28°43'59"E 230.79 FEET, THENCE ALONG A CURVE TO THE RIGHT 31.42 FEET, SAID
CURVE HAVING A RADIUS OF 20.00 FEET AND A CHORD BEARING OF S16°16'OI"W 28.28 FEET, THENCE S61°16'01"W 129.91 FEET, THENCE N28°43'59"W
269.34 FEET TO THE NE CORNER OF LOT 91, THENCE N52°21'16"W 108.74 FEET, THENCE N44°14'55"W 95.50 FEET, THENCE N54°19'02"W 199.30 FEET
TO THE P.O.B.; CONTAINING 2.27 ACRES MORE OR LESS SUBJECT TO EASEMENTS AND RIGHT OF WAY OF RECORD.
00
765-26878-000
KAYLA MILLER & JAMES DICKSON
3503 W. PROVIDENCE DRIVE
FAYETTEVILLE, AR. 72704
(RSF-4)
765-26877-000
COCO MOUNTAIN RANCH, LLC.
8201 CANTRELL ROAD #315
LITTLE ROCK, AR. 72227
(RSF-4)
30
0
15
30
60
( IN FEET )
1 inch = 30 ft.
120
NOTE: THIS PROPERTY IS NOT AFFECTED BY THE 100 YEAR FLOOD
PLAIN AS PER FIRM #05143CO205F DATED MAY 16, 2008.
Park Hill
Project Site
Village at Shiloh
Park Land
0 500 1,000
2,
I Feet
000
N
INTRODUCTION
In 2004, a group of investors planned a 900 acre mixed-use development in southwestern
Fayetteville, called Southpass. It was to contain over 4,000 residential units (both individual
homes and apartments) and 3,000 square feet of offices and retail shops. In conformity with the
City of Fayetteville's 2025 plan, the developers planned to donate 200 acres to the City for a
regional park, reserve an additional 250 acres for green space and make a million dollar
donation to help with the park's infrastructure expenses.
Due to the collapse in the real estate market, the investors were forced to return the land to
Chambers Bank, which had loaned over $22,000,000 on the property. In 2010, the bank very
generously agreed to honor the Southpass pledge and donate the promised 200 acres to the City
and to pay the million dollars in installments, as the property was developed. The City of
Fayetteville has $3.9 million in its Park Development Fund and is scheduled to begin
construction in 2014.
About half the 900 acres is on Mt. Kessler and consists of steep bluffs and wild, rock -covered
woodlands - perfect for mountain biking Chambers Bank (as well as adjacent property owners
on Mt. Kessler) allowed the Ozark Off Road Cyclists, a mountain biking club, to build nature
trails on the property. The group built and maintained over 8 'h miles of trails, which then
became popular with other mountain bikers, hikers, trail runners, educational groups and nature
lovers. Since the property was privately held, the owners asked users to sign a Waiver and
release of liability and invited them to become "Advocates": individuals dedicated to seeking
preservation of the mountain in its natural state. This group now has about 250 members.
In 2012, the University of Arkansas- as its intramural program had outgrown its sports fields on
campus - began looking at locations off campus upon which to expand its intramural programs.
They narrowed the off -campus sites to four locations, one of which was a hundred acre site
adjacent to the City's regional park off Cato Springs Road on Southpass.
As news of the University's interest in the property spread, the Advocates, seeing this as a
possible means of preserving Mt. Kessler, became energized and began sending letters to
Chancellor G. David Gearhart, urging him to choose the Southpass site and to preserve its 387
acres of woodlands and the trails.
In reply to one such letter the Chancellor wrote:
" ...I have been inundated with notes, letters, phone calls, and e-mails in support of Mt.
Kessler's selection as the site of the new university's outdoor sports/recreation complex.
It's really been amazing. I have heard from conservancy groups across NWA, cyclists
and cycling organizations, and spirited individuals who care passionately for the
environment and truly want what they believe is the obvious best choice for the
community as well as the land itself. In a time of such bitter national divisiveness, it's
been heartening to know so many people are concerned about the collective, public
good."
Support came from University faculty, alumnus and students, groups such Fayetteville Natural
Heritage Association (FNHA), the Ozark Society, Ozark Highland Trail Association (OHTA),
Northwest Arkansas Hiking Group, Friends at Slaughter Pen Trails (FAST), The Nature
Conservancy (TNC), Ozark Off Road Cyclists (OORC), adjacent property owners, the State
Urban Forestry Coordinator, Beaver Water District, League of Women Voters, as well as
scores of people who simply enjoyed use of this mountain treasure.
In October 2012, Dr. Steven J. Beaupre, Chair of the Department of Biological Sciences, wrote
a letter to the Chancellor pointing out the need to purchase the property because of the
"large potential benefit to teaching and research in ecology that would accrue to
students in multiple programs across the UA (not just Biological Sciences). Unlike many
of the top schools in the country, the UA has no holdings that can be dedicated for use as
outdoor laboratories. At other institutions, these outdoor laboratories become famous,
and include icons such as The Duke Forest, Harvard Forest and the University of
Tennessee Arboretum.. "
Dr. Beaupre goes on to mention outdoor laboratories at six of the UA's "Aspirant Peer
Locations" for the Biological Sciences : Clemson University, University of Alabama
(Tuscaloosa), University of Nebraska (Lincoln), University of South Carolina (Columbia),
Louisiana State University (Baton Rouge) and University of Oklahoma (Norman).
He then says the university "...should be vigilant and carefully consider opportunities to create
outdoor laboratories. The Kessler Mountain purchase is one such opportunity."
The benefit of an outdoor classroom/laboratory for the UofA was seconded by Dr. Mary C.
Savin, Professor of Soil Biology and Microbial Ecology. She had taken her Ecosystems
Assessment class on a field trip to Mt. Kessler, after which she wrote the Chancellor,
"It is a very convenient location to campus and would make an amazing addition to the
University's property, providing us with land for research sites, undergraduate and
graduate projects, and outdoor laboratories for multiple courses ".
In addition to an outdoor classroom, this area could be used by the University to expand its
outdoor recreation program to include hiking, mountain biking and trail running.
It was decided to call the 387 acre mountainous, rocky, wooded site the MT. KESSLER
RESERVE and stress its utility as Outdoor Classroom, Outdoor Recreation, Watershed
Protection and Protection of Natural Resources.
The City of Fayetteville's Parks and Recreation Advisory Board, Urban Forestry Advisory
Board, Mayor Lioneld Jordan and Parks and Recreation Department Staff have all hiked the
MT. KESSLER RESERVE, and urge its preservation.
At present, a group of Mt. Kessler Advocates is looking at possible ways to fund purchase of
the property and insure its preservation. The best such method appears to be for the reserve
(under a conservation easement) to be owned jointly by the University and City, with a board
consisting of members appointed by each, plus regional "at large" board members, appointed
by advocacy groups (such as FHNA, TNC, Ozark Society, etc.) outdoor recreation groups (such
as OORC, FAST, OHTA, NWA Hiking Group, etc.) and the business community (outdoor
centers, bike shops, etc.) The jointly -owned Walton Arts Center - with an interlocal agreement -
has operated very successfully for the past twenty years under such a governing structure.
Revised 11/17/12 rfs
,5QA Feet
mF ['Urban Forestry Advisory Board
To: ChancellorG. David Gearhart
From: City of Fayetteville Dxhan Forestay Advisory Board
Date: December 12, 2012
Subject Letter ofSupportto Preserve MountKessler
Mount Kessler Greenways is an advocacy group in Fayetteville, Alt seeking to
preserve the natural woodlands of Mount Kessler. It includes about 1,590 acres,
a thousand of which lie within the limits of the City of Fayetteville. The land is
mainly privately -owned but about 200 acres are owned by the City of
Fayetteville and are dedicated as a regional city park. Currently, most of the
1,500 acres is urban forest.
It is the purpose and intent of the Urban Forestry Advisory Board to advise the
City Council on urban forestry and arboricultural related issues as an integral
part of the City's green infrastructure. The Board also promotes urban forestry
growth and outreachthroughout the Fayetteville community. Preservation of
the proposed Mount Kessler Reserve -387 acres of privately -owned natural
woodlands situated south of highway 62 and west of Interstate 540—is
supported by the Urban Forestry Advisory Board.
Mount Kessler has much to offer the community of Fayetteville. Itis important
to maintain the natural character of the mountains, woods, trails. wildlife, and
other naturalfeatures. Located approximately time [3) miles from the
University of Arkansas, M cunt Kessler offers aplace to serve as an outdoor
classroom. The landscape and wildlife provide a learning environment for
students in the biological sciences and the earth sciences. It is an ideal location
for outdoor recreation. There are over eight [8) miles of trails that are currently
used for mountain biking and hiking. A preserved Mount Kessler landscape is
also essential in protecting the watershed and natural resources found in the
area for generations to come.
The Urban Forestry Advisory Board supports the preservation of Mount Kessler
for use by the public as a natural wildlife habitat, outdoor classroom, and
outdoor recreation area.
Thank you for your consideration
City of Fayetteville Urban Forestry Advisory Board
Henry Gaston, Kathy Launder, Malcolm LeVois, Betty Martin Lacy Nelson Donald
Steinkraes, Nancy Yorvif
Good Afternoon Mr. Chancellor!
The Save Mt. Kessler Ride
On Sunday, October 28th, 2012 the Ozark Off Road Cyclists (OORC),
Friends at Slaughter Pen Trails (FAST) and Mt. Kessler Greenways sponsored a ride
to "create more community awareness and knowledge about Mt. Kessler in the hopes
this special place can be preserved as a green space for all to share."
At noon the Lewis and Clark store, on the University of Arkansas campus, resembled
the tour de france. About eighty helmeted, brightly clad mountain bikers assembled -
ready to prove their skills on the treacherous trails of Mt. Kessler.
The cyclists, led by a police escort, stopped briefly by the Chancellor's house,
then biked down Cato Springs Road to the location of the City of Fayetteville's
proposed regional park - the easy part of the ride!
The intrepid pack then biked up the rocky east slope of Mt. Kessler, past the water
towers, along the historic Trent Trail (built by Phillip Kessler in 1869) and stopped to rest
and to visit the remains of the old Kessler wine cellar. The ride back passed through
"Rock City" on the west slope of Mt. Kessler and ended at the Sharpridge Pub.
They were welcomed with lemonade and beer, followed by build -your -own pizzas and
nachos - baked in a wood -fired brick oven.
NWA Media did its part to raise public awareness by printing a photo and mention
of the ride in the next day's Democrat -Gazette. Public awareness was thus duly raised -
along with a few cans of Bud!
Steve
Schneider's
SAVE
MT.
KESSLER
SHIRT
Outdoor CIa3"shooth,'"
Outdoor Recreation
Watershed Protection
Protection of Natural Resources
Outdoor Classroom for U of A Students
Mountain Bikers on Mt. Kessler
MT. KESSLER RESERVE...
Watershed Protection...Protection of Natural Resources
Year to Date 2008 2009
Total
Comparison $ 2,171,452 I $ 2,165,809 I $ 2,181,585 I $ 2,298,187 $ 2,517,497
2010
2011
2012
H:\Rnanciel Services HMR Repods42012 HMR Reporttl6]SheeLi
YTD 2011-2012
9.5%
YTD 2011-2012
$219,310
Fayetteville Parks and Recreation HMR Comparison
2008-2012
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Comparison $ 2,171,452 I $ 2,165,809 I $ 2,181,585 I $ 2,298,187 $ 2,517,497
2010
2011
2012
H:\Rnanciel Services HMR Repods42012 HMR Reporttl6]SheeLi
YTD 2011-2012
9.5%
YTD 2011-2012
$219,310
