Rockwall City Council Discusses Phase 1 of Harbor Urban Beach Park

A rendering of the concept plan for the proposed Harbor Urban Beach Park. Photo from MHS Planning and Design.

(ROCKWALL, TX – February 5, 2019) During its work session and regular meeting on Monday, Feb. 4, the Rockwall city council held a discussion on the proposed Harbor Urban Beach Park.

In the work session prior to the regular meeting, Rockwall Parks and Recreation Director Andrew Hesser presented three options for what would be included in Phase 1 of the project.

Option one, which would cost an estimated $482,972 and encompass the south loop of the property, included a beach area; sand volleyball; drinking fountain; ornamental fencing to separate the adjacent properties; security lighting; two picnic stations; and a restroom, pad and grinder pump for an additional $115,000.

Option two at an estimated $484,010 included a trail loop around the whole property; a restroom (included in the cost but with less amenities); one seating area; ornamental fencing to separate the adjacent properties; railing along the lake shoreline; two park bench stations; and limited permanent game amenities such as Bocce ball or game tables.

Option three would cost an estimated $484,755 and encompass the north side of the property to include a playground; a space for games such as Bocce ball, game tables, etc.; a food truck area; limited seating and picnic space; and a restroom, pad and utilities for an additional $115,000.

Funding for the first phase of the project would come from developer fees from developments being built out in the surrounding park districts, including Harbor Urban Townhomes, Harbor Heights and Marina Village.

The final concept plan of the proposed park from the developer, MHS Planning and Design, includes a fitness course, a sand beach area with a volleyball court, a playground, and a restroom facility.

Hesser said the plan for the park’s amenities will target those who will reside in the 1,161 new dwelling units in PD-32 near The Harbor, as well as those who live in the city and those coming in from out of town to visit the area.

“I think we have a unique situation at The Harbor that has both functions – there’s a neighborhood function with a bunch of folks living within walking distance, and we have a restaurant and entertainment district that is a draw,” Hesser said. “So it’s not a cookie-cutter type of situation where we can play what we’ve done in the 17 other neighborhood parks that we have, and all within this two-and-half acres.”

In the work session, Mayor Pro Tem Kevin Fowler leaned towards the second option.

“I like option two because I think it gives us some flexibility to wait and see what our demographics will look like,” Fowler said. “I think we can fill that out with something, whether it’s a Pickleball court or sand volleyball court or whatever it is. Once we know the demographics it will give us flexibility to know how to fill that area out, rather than guessing.”

During discussion in the city council meeting, councilmember Patrick Trowbridge also liked the second option, but wasn’t at the point to vote on any amenities just yet.

“This is a unique and important park for the area that it’s going to be. I do want to be mindful that I want it to be delivered at the same time that we’re starting to add some new products, i.e. the multifamily development that’s being constructed as we speak,” Trowbridge said. “I’m not willing to say Pickleball yet or volleyball yet, but I am sure that I like option two where I definitely know that we’re going to need sidewalks, piping for a restroom, and things like that. I’m good with the base idea of what we’re going to do. I still would not be willing to pull the trigger on Pickleball or volleyball just yet.”

Mayor Jim Pruitt expressed his concern about the importance of having the infrastructure put in place before construction starts.

“To me, my main concern is more with putting in the major infrastructure, like the sand and that kind of thing, so we don’t have to go back across the trails and tear up stuff,” Pruitt said. “I would hate to have to go in and dig that out, where we have to go in across the trails where we’re going to build the restroom, without an idea of what area we’re going to put the sand.”

The council agreed to table the item for further discussion at the council meeting on March 4, as Hesser will be out of town at a Parks and Recreation conference during the council’s next meeting on Feb. 18.

By Austin Wells, Blue Ribbon News.

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