2018-088 Parks and Recreation Sustainability PracticesDate: July 13, 2018 Report No. 2018-088
INFORMAL STAFF REPORT
TO MAYOR AND CITY COUNCIL
SUBJECT:
Parks and Recreation Department’s (PARD) current procedures and long-term plan related to
natural areas and environmental sustainability.
BACKGROUND:
A request for information was made by Council regarding mowing practices, preservation areas,
and environmental sustainability practices in the City’s park system. PARD’s mission is to unite
and grow lives by preserving parks and encouraging play. In preserving parks, PARD is committed
to practices that promote environmental sustainability and create safe and healthy environments.
Current procedures in place that help to ensure a clean and green environment include:
Participation in the “Litter-Free Event” program – special events held in parks must
comply with the litter-free event guidelines established by Keep Denton Beautiful.
(Exhibit 2) The guidelines and agreement are part of the special event process overseen
by PARD. Additionally, event organizers who request PARD sponsorship are required
to comply with the litter-free program. The requirement is reinforced in the sponsorship
agreement with PARD.
Recycling – Recycling bins are available throughout the park system along with trash
receptacles. This promotes and offers the opportunity to recycle by park users.
Athletic field trash maintenance – Associations and organizations using the athletic fields
for practices, games, and tournaments are required to collect all litter on the athletic fields
including playing areas, fences, bleachers, concession stands, and adjacent grounds. They
must ensure trash bins are emptied and bags replaced as needed during their event. Non-
compliance can result in additional fees for clean-up and loss off privileges for the use of
fields and concession stands. This policy is enforced through field use agreements.
Environmental sustainability practices are also incorporated into PARD’s ground maintenance
program. The current Integrated Pest Management (IPM) program was adopted in 2001and
outlines the following:
Cultural methods – outlines cultural and organic practices used to promote a healthy turf,
reduce / control pests (plant and insect), and minimize the use of chemical products.
Product use – guidelines for the selection and usage of pesticide products with an emphasis
on minimizing use and exposure. Includes public notification procedures for broadcast and
spot application treatments.
Park classifications / maintenance standards – defines park classifications that sets the
standards for maintenance including mowing and irrigation of park and city property.
Classification is determined by factors such as use, location, and visibility. This creates a
tiered system of maintenance appropriate for each area and increases efficiency and
effectiveness in the allocation of resources. (Exhibit 3)
Design and maintenance standards - promotes natural areas with the establishment of “no
mow” and natural preserve areas. PARD currently has 11 areas encompassing
approximately 440 acres identified as natural preserve parks or natural preserve areas
Date: July 13, 2018 Report No. 2018-088
within a park. These areas sustain sensitive plant and animal environments and help to
reduce environmental footprints. (Exhibit 4) Future design, planning, and plant selection
for new parks must be consistent with IPM philosophy and methods.
PARD partnered with Watershed Protection to develop new signage identifying environmentally
sensitive areas to educate park visitors and provide notice of the maintenance level. (Exhibit 5)
The signs have been installed in sections of North Lakes Park, one of the most highly visible parks
with natural areas. PARD staff will continue to evaluate park areas for additional sign placement.
As reported during the April 2, 2018, Council meeting, the IPM program is going through a process
of review by a focus group comprised of City residents, field specialists, and identified
stakeholders. The program will be updated and revised to include addressing environmental
concerns, new technology, and best practices. The group began meeting in May and has been
reviewing and providing feedback on sample programs.
Finally, PARD has begun the process of performing an internal assessment in preparation for
seeking accreditation through the Commission for Accreditation of Park and Recreation Agencies
(CAPRA). PARD must meet the standards and guidelines set in 10 areas of evaluation. One area
is “Facility and Land Use Management”. As part of the exercise, PARD will establish policies and
procedures to comply with the following sections:
7.8 - Environmental Sustainability Policy and Program
Standard: The agency shall have an established policy on environmental sustainability that
states the agency position on energy and resource conservation. The policy should address
sustainable product purchasing; reduction and handling of waste; wise use and protection
of land, air, water and wildlife; and sustainable design/construction of buildings and
facilities.
Suggested Evidence of Compliance: Provide the agency’s environmental sustainability policy and
examples of projects and initiatives that demonstrate the agency’s commitment to implementation.
Examples include ecosystem and green infrastructure plans/programs, capital improvements
utilizing green/sustainable designs, carbon footprint analysis and reduction goals, internal/external
communication and outreach programs.
7.9 - Natural Resource Management Plans and Procedures
Standard: There shall be natural resource management plans for environmentally unique or
sensitive areas such as valuable wetlands, riverbanks and woodlands and there shall be
environmental protection procedures, such as for erosion control, conduct of nature studies,
wildlife and habitat preservation, and protection of water supply reservoirs and water
recharge areas. Even if the agency does not own or control the natural resource, there shall
be procedures to encourage and ensure environmental stewardship through volunteer
steward programs and/or interpretive education and other learning opportunities. The
agency should work with other agencies to meet and promote environmentally sound
maintenance and land management standards.
Suggested Evidence of Compliance: Provide the natural resource management plan(s) and
procedures and examples of outreach and education.
Date: July 13, 2018 Report No. 2018-088
7.9.1 - Recycling and/or Zero Waste Plan
Standard: There shall be a recycling and/or zero waste plan for park and recreation facilities
and administrative offices that is systematically monitored and periodically reviewed. The
plan shall also include an educational component for both users and employees. The
recycling and/or zero waste plan should include all major products suitable for recycling in
the given region with an emphasis on making the recycling process easy and convenient for
park and recreation users.
Suggested Evidence of Compliance: Provide a description of the recycling and/or zero waste plan
for facilities and administrative offices and provide the last review with statistics on the amounts
of materials recycled or the percent of total waste recycled for the most recent reporting period.
CONCLUSION:
PARD will present a draft of the updated IPM program to Council in early Fall with adoption
planned before the end of the year. Achieving the CAPRA accreditation is a Department work plan
initiative included in the City’s FY 18-19 Strategic Plan. The updated IPM program and the
CAPRA process will reinforce and strengthen PARD’s commitment to a safe, healthy, and
sustainable environment.
ATTACHMENT(S):
Exhibit 1 Informal Staff Report
Exhibit 2 Litter-Free Event Guide
Exhibit 3 Property Classifications
Exhibit 4 Natural and Preserve Areas
Exhibit 5 Grow Zone Sign
STAFF CONTACT:
Laura Behrens
Assistant Director of Parks and Recreation
Laura.Behrens@cityofdenton.com
Park Maintenance
MAINTENANCE CLASSIFICATIONS
Class AA Turf and Landscape
Turf Mowed 2 times per week in growing season, 1 time during the off season (Ryegrass)
Landscape maintenance 52 cycles per year
Irrigated turf and landscape
Includes sports fields and landscape
Responsible for 69.48 Class AA acres
Class A Turf
Mowing and landscape maintenance a minimum of 32 cycles annually
Irrigated turf
Includes public buildings, fire stations, and parks
Responsible for 277.67 Class A acres
Class B Turf
Mowed a minimum of 20 cycles annually
Non-irrigated turf
Includes parks and medians
Responsible for 517.79 Class B acres
Class C Turf
Mowed a minimum of 5 times annually
Non-irrigated turf
Includes parks and rights-of-ways
Responsible for 486.84 Class C acres
Class D Turf
Natural and undeveloped areas
Non-irrigated turf
Includes open space, nature preserves, and trail areas
Responsible for 860.49 Class D acres
Location Class AA Class A Class B Class C Class D Total
DEVELOPED PARKS
Avondale 17.85 17.85
Bowling Green 13.10 2.00 2.90 18.00
Briercliff 0.01 10.59 10.60
Carl Young 5.53 5.53
Carter Park 0.02 0.33 0.35
Cross Timbers 19.54 51.02 70.56
Denia 7.05 6.95 9.00 23.00
Ernest Dallas Memorial Park 5.01 5.01
Evers 8.83 8.88 12.00 29.71
Fred Moore 0.03 10.47 10.50
Joe Skiles 0.07 6.41 6.48
Lake Forest 0.1 3.00 13.00 53.32 69.42
Loon Lake 4.91 4.91
Mack 8.44 12.00 16.64 37.08
McKenna 0.9 17.10 18.00
Milam 1.93 1.93
MLK 0.03 4.97 5.00
Nette Shultz 0.07 9.93 10.00
North Lakes 37.1 44.90 108.00 111.00 97.33 398.33
North Point 10.33 10.33
Owsley 0.05 0.47 0.52
Preserve at Pecan Creek 15.38 15.38
Quakertown 1.75 42.32 44.07
Sequoia 5.50 5.50
South Lakes 0.03 20.97 57.00 3.00 106.29 187.29
Water Works Park 0.75 16.61 17.36
Wheeler Ridge 7.91 7.91
Woodrow 11.38 11.38
Developed Park Subtotal 65.23 271.92 381.06 199.84 438.56 1,356.61
Airport Road (open space)41.63 41.63
Bent Creek 21.47 21.47
Vintage 40.36 40.36
Pebble Brook 24.00 24.00
Robson Ranch 16.88 16.88
Southwest Park 196.50 196.50
Villages of Carmel 6.39 6.39
108 Industrial 0.110 0.11
Undeveloped Park Total 0.110 347.23 347.34
TRAILS AND LINKAGES
Cooper Creek/Monterey Trail 16.61 15.00 31.61
Evers North Trail 7.85 7.85
Rail Trail 17.26 59.70 76.96
Trails and Linkages Total 41.72 74.70 116.42
NON PARK PUBLIC BLDG
City Hall West 0.05 0.05 0.10
City Hall East 0.05 0.45 0.50
Service Center 0.37 0.13 0.50
Linda McNatt Animal Adopt Ctr 0.01 0.99 1.00Non Park Public Bldgs. Total 0.48 1.62 2.10
UNDEVELOPED PARKS
Classification of Property Inventory
LIBRARIES
North Branch 0.16 0.34 0.500
South Branch 0.07 0.43 0.500
Library Total 0.23 0.77 1.000
FIRE STATIONS
Station #1 0.07 0.38 0.450
Station #2 - McKinney/Mockingbird 0.08 0.37 0.450
Station #3 0.45 0.450
Station # 4 0.45 0.450
Station #5 - Windsor 0.45 0.450
Station #6 0.45 0.450
Station #7 - Vintage 0.09 0.36 0.450
Old Fire Central 0.45 0.450Fire Station Total 0.24 3.36 3.600
CEMETERIES
IOOF 0.01 24.99 25.00
Oakwood 0.01 12.99 13.00
Cemeteries Total 0.02 37.98 38.00
MEDIANS/ROW
Street medians 3.28 56.92 60.20
ROW 287.00 287.00
Median/ROW Totals 3.28 56.92 287.00 347.20
Grand Total of Acres
Maintained by Parks 2017-
18 69.48 277.67 517.79 486.84 860.49 2,212.27
PARKS AND
RECREATION
Natural and Preserve Areas
Natural and Preserve Areas
Airport Rd –38 acres Bent Creek –22 acres
Natural and Preserve Areas
Bowling Green Natural Area –3
acres Cross Timbers –51 acres
Natural and Preserve Areas
Lake Forest –53 acres North Lakes Natural Area –98
acres
Natural and Preserve Areas
Pebblebrook –24 acres Southlakes –106 acres
Natural and Preserve Areas
Township II Natural Area –9 acres Villages of Carmel –6.5 acres
Natural and Preserve Areas
Vintage –30 acres City Owned Preserve Areas
•Clear Creek –3,000 acres
•Davis Trail –237 acres
**Tracts are not in PARD’s inventory
and are maintained separately.
Environmental Management Area
Grow Zone
OUR WATER
KEEP IT CLEAN
(Limited Management)
Environmental zones, such as these,
with tall grasses and plants:
• Improve water quality and quantity
• Stabilize streambanks from erosion
• Provide wildlife habitat and food
• Shade streams and lower temperatures
Zona Ribereña Delicada
¡No corte las hierbas!
Zona ribereña de pastos altos y plantas silvestras:
• Mejoran la calidad y cantidad del agua
• Estabilizan los causes de erosión
• Proporcionan un entorno de vida silvestre y de alimentos
• Hay mucha sombra para el suelo y para moderar las
temperaturas del agua
Learn more at www.dentonwatersheds.com
The City of Denton has a specific management strategy for these areas to
optimize their environmental services.